FIRST FOCUS ON REDUCING IMPACT OF DROUGHT, AND LATER ON RELIEF PAGE-8 (OPINION)

Vol. VII, No. 29, 9th Waning of Kasone 1382 ME www.globalnewlightofmyanmar.com Friday, 15 May 2020

Republic of the Union of Myanmar Public announcement of State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, Chairperson of the National-Level Central Committee for Prevention, Control and Treatment of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) 8th Waning of Kasone, 1382 ME 14 May 2020

1. The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) was of the President made a public announcement, directives and announcements respectively to declared as a global pandemic by the World Health while the Union ministries, Nay Pyi Taw Council prevent and control the spread of this disease in Organization (WHO) on 11 March 2020. The Office and Region/State governments issued orders, Myanmar. SEE PAGE-3

Republic of the Union of Myanmar Announcement of National-Level Central Committee for Prevention, Control and Treatment of COVID-19 8th Waning of Kasone, 1382 ME 14 May 2020

It is announced that the statements to public , 15 May 2020 for prevention, control and treatment tinue containment of Coronavirus Disease 2019 orders, notifications, and directives of Union-level of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) will be (COVID-19) . organizations and Union ministries effective until extended to 31 May 2020 as it is required to con-

Govt COVID-19 committee holds meeting with PNLO

HE national coordination com- mittee for negotiating COVID-19 Tmeasures with ethnic armed organizations (EAOs) held an online video conference with the Pa-O Na- tional Liberation Organization (PNLO) yesterday. The committee held the meeting at the National Reconciliation and Peace Centre (NRPC) office on Shweli Road, Yangon, and focused on preparations and cooperation regarding COVID-19. Joining the meeting on the govern- ment’s side were committee Chairman Dr Tin Myo Win, Vice-Chairman Lt-Gen (retd) Khin Zaw Oo and committee members and they were joined by in- vited guests, PNLO Vice-Chairman Khun Myint Tun and his group of rep- resentatives. Dr Tin Myo Win delivered the open- ing speech and discussions with PNLO commenced based on the 7 agreements discussed with the 10 NCA-S EAOs. National Coordination Committee for negotiating COVID-19 measures with ethnic armed organizations (EAOs) holds an online video SEE PAGE-3 conference with the Pa-O National Liberation Organization (PNLO) yesterday. PHOTO: POE HTAUNG

INSIDE TODAY

NATIONAL LOCAL NEWS BUSINESS ROK ambassador Over 300 entrepreneurs 80,000 rice bags hands over 2,000 sets granted loans in exported to China of PPE to MoHS pandemic period every week PAGE-2 PAGE-6 PAGE-5 15 MAY 2020 2 NATIONAL THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR ASEAN labour ministers discuss response to impacts on employment sector amid COVID-19

LABOUR ministers of ASEAN countries held a meeting yes- terday through video confer- encing to discuss responses to impacts of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) on employees and employments in the member countries. The meeting was organ- ized by the Ministry of Human Resources in Malaysia. Myan- mar’s Union Minister U Thein Swe and senior officers joined the meeting, together with the la- bour ministers and high-ranking officials from Brunei, Cambodia, Labour Ministers from ASEAN countries hold the meeting yesterday through video conferencing to discuss responses to impacts of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) on employees and employments in the member countries. PHOTO: MNA Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand of member countries, ILO’s re- bill in April and food supplies vices for employees and finding them from the impacts of pan- and Vietnam. sponse survey on the pandemic to the families without regular solutions in adopting effective demic, adopting effective and re- Secretary-General of ASE- and the post pandemic recovery incomes. policies. sponsive policy for labour market AN Mr Dato Lim Jock Hoi and plan of International Labour Or- After the discussions of The meeting also agreed on at national and regional levels ILO Director-General Mr Guy ganization. ASEAN members, the ILO’s di- ensuring livelihood, health and and sharing the results from re- Ryder also discussed at the Union Minister U Thein rector-general explained plans of other rights for the labourers searches for post pandemic and meeting. Swe discussed Myanmar gov- his organization to help with the in high risky jobs, healthcare recovery plan among employ- The Secretary-General ernment’s assistance to the la- recovery plans in the prioritized services for the disease infect- ers, state social organizations, talked about impacts of COV- bour and private sectors, aware- areas of economic and financial ed workers without discrimina- international organizations and ID-19 on public health, econo- ness programmes, quarantine sectors, supports for recovery of tion, healthcare for workers from relevant stakeholders.—MNA my, trade and tourism sectors centres, discount of electricity regular incomes, healthcare ser- their host countries, protection (Translated by Aung Khin)

ROK ambassador hands over Republic of the Union of Myanmar Ministry of Health and Sports 2,000 sets of PPE to MoHS Order No.50/2020 8th Waning of Kasone, 1382 ME 14 May 2020

The Ministry of Health and Sports is issuing this order in line with provisions stated under Article 21-(b) of the Prevention and Control of Communicable Dis- eases Law. 1. The Ministry of Health and Sports is implementing preparatory meas- ures against Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in a timely manner and has announced 10 townships in Yangon Region and 1 township in Sagaing Region are inclusive in the “Stay at Home” programme. 2. The following observations have been made at the aforementioned town- ships during the “Stay at Home” programme: (a) There has been no additional COVID-19 cases in the last 21 days. (b) There have been no incident of mass transmission of the virus from persons with positive cases. (c) Relevant departments, organizations and the public have closely adhered to awareness raising programmes during the “Stay at Home” programme. (d) Lab specimens of all possible persons to have been in close proximity to confirmed cases have been tested and tested negative in the last 21 days. (e) Active participation observed on part of township administrative bodies, health department officials, affiliated departments and organizations, volunteer Director-General Dr Zaw Than Tun receives the donation of PPE sets for the Ministry of Health and Sports from the Ambassador of the Republic of Korea. PHOTO: MNA groups, and the public in virus prevention and containment processes. 3. Upon reviewing the virus transmission rates and epidemiological data, THE Ambassador of the of Health and Sports yes- ceived the items donated the following townships in Yangon Region and Sagaing Region are found to have Republic of Korea to My- terday. by the Hyundai Motor complied with all facts outlined in the section (2). Thus, these townships have been anmar presented 2,000 Director-General Pro- and the Shwe Daehan removed from the “Stay at Home” programme effective at 4:00 am on 15-5-2020: sets of personal protective fessor Dr Zaw Than Tun Motors.—MNA (a) Shwepyitha Township equipment worth about from the Department of (b) Hlinethaya Township US$44,000 to the Ministry Medical Research re- (Translated by Aung Khin) (c) Mingaladon Township (d) Botahtaung Township (e) Kalay Township Dr Myint Htwe Union Minister (Translated by Zaw Htet Oo) 15 MAY 2020 THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR NATIONAL 3 “People are the key”

Public announcement of State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, Chairperson of the National-Level Central Committee for Prevention, Control and Treatment of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)

FROM PAGE-1 extent, therefore the orders and directives are are requested and advised to strictly follow the being relaxed step by step including the relaxa- directives of the Ministry of Health and Sports in 2. Due to the collaborative efforts and effective tion of the “stay at home” restrictions in the five relation to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COV- coordination of the Union Government, Union townships in States/Regions and the Nay Pyi Taw ID-19) prevention, containment, and control, with ministries, Nay Pyi Taw Council, Region/State Area. full health awareness and alertness to health governments and the people in protection, con- dangers. trol and prevention of Coronavirus Disease 2019 3. However, as we cannot assume that the spread (COVID-19), it has been observed at this time of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Aung San Suu Kyi that the disease has been contained to a certain has been brought fully under control, the people State Counsellor

Govt COVID-19 committee holds meeting with PNLO

FROM PAGE-1 ment coordination committee’s processes and are prepared for The PNLO vice-chairman cooperation on COVID-19 and said the meeting discussed re- future endeavours. gional cooperation for protecting PNLO will cooperate with against and containing COV- Shan State Health Department ID-19. He said they discussed in handling locals returning from technical assistance, forming abroad. quarantine centres, and coop- Vice-Chairman Khun My- erating on investigating for sus- int Tun said they have arranged pected COVID-19 cases. for suspected COVID-19 cases The PNLO held a meeting to be put under quarantine in with the Shan State Depart- the closest townships possible ment of Health on 11 May for and to cooperate with the Shan detailed discussions regarding State Health Department, with COVID-19. detailed discussions underway. Peace Commission adviso- He thanked the government for ry board member U Hla Maung forming a committee to coordi- Shwe said the meeting discussed nate COVID-19 measures with the lack of a designated testing EAOs. He said this form of coop- facility in the PNLO region and National Coordination Committee for negotiating COVID-19 measures with ethnic armed organizations eration will support the overall work was divided among three (EAOs) holds an online video conference with the Pa-O National Liberation Organization (PNLO) peace process.The COVID-19 zones. He said they also discov- yesterday. PHOTO: POE HTAUNG coordination committee will hold ered there were no armed or Department and other state de- also discussed the basic neces- U Hla Maung Shwe said a similar online video conference uniformed personnel and the partments. sities of residents and rehabilita- trust was increased on both with Chin National Front on 15 PNLO said they have talked co- The EAOs COVID-19 coor- tion plans for after the pandemic sides during the meeting. He May. — Ye Gaung Nyunt operation with Shan State Health dination committee and PNLO period. said they discussed the govern- (Translated by Zaw Htet Oo)

Republic of the Union of Myanmar Myanmar air travel ban Nay Pyi Taw Council extended to end of May Order No. 51/2020 8th Waning of Kasone, 1382 ME 14 May 2020 THE period for Temporary Measures to Prevent Importation of COVID-19 to Myanmar through Air Travel has been extended to Public Announcement for Prevention of Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) 31-5-2020, 11:59 pm Myanmar Standard Time, with permission 1. The Nay Pyi Taw Council has issued Order No. 40/2020 dated on 26 April 2020 to suspend all from the National-Level Central Committee for Prevention, the events and entertainments of public and private organizations with a large number of Control and Treatment of COVID-19. audiences, as well as cinemas, private dormitories and nursery schools, in Union Territory The temporary measures, issued by the Ministry of Health Nay Pyi Taw till 15 May 2020 to prevent Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19). and Sports, were first imposed on 29-3-2020 and extended once 2. This order will be extended to 31 May 2020. to 15-5-2020 before. Sd/ Dr Myo Aung Ministry of Transport and Communications Chairman (Translated by Zaw Htet Oo) Nay Pyi Taw Council 15 MAY 2020 4 NATIONAL THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR

MoSWRR continues distribution of No new case of COVID-19 COVID-19 prevention supplies at 8 pm on 14 May: Total THE Ministry of Social Wel- soap and 2 medical thermom- to 12 IDP camps and 20 tem- fare, Relief and Resettlement eters were distributed to 2 IDP porary conflict relief centres in figure remains at 181 distributed 1,054 bottles of camps in Hlaingbwe Township, Sittway and Buthidaung town- hand gels, 4,217 bars of soap Kayin State. ships, Rakhine State. and 2 medical thermometers The ministry also distribut- The ministry continues to Laboratory tests of the Department of Medical Research on 151 for 5 IDP camps and 2 tempo- ed 22,932 cloth masks, 118 sur- raise awareness on COVID-19 samples for COVID-19 showed NO new positive case on 14 May. rary conflict relief centres in gical masks, 59 bottles of hand and provide support across the There are a total of 181 confirmed cases in Myanmar up to 8:00 Myitkyina Township, Kachin gel, 9 vinyl posters, a medical nation.—MNA p.m. on 14 May. State thermometer, 2 wash basins, FIVE old cases (Case 44, 55, 92, 95 and 127) were tested negative Similarly, 5,281 bars of and 320 bags of unslaked lime (Translated by Zaw Htet Oo) two consecutive times, and that a total of 84 persons have recovered up to 14 May. Among them, 71 persons have been discharged from the hospital and they will be kept isolation at the designated places. 6 positive patients have died until now. There are a total of 82 new persons under investigation in the past 24 hours from 12 noon of 14 May.

COVID-19 Laboratory results at 8: 00 pm, 14 May 2020 Samples tested at Medical Research 151 Department on 14 May

COVID-19(SARS-CoV-2) 0

COVID-19 Situation Report at 8 pm 14 May New Total Confirmed Cases 0 181 Recovered Cases 5 84 Death 0 6

Staff from Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement offers medical aids for COVID-19 prevention in Ministry of Health and Sports Kyitkyina. PHOTO : MNA (Translated by Zaw Htet Oo) Low pressure area warning issued for Officials inspect GNLM preparatory measures for COVID-19 preventive

THE Department of Meteorolo- under strong winds, heavy rain, lage, town and contact person. measures gy and Hydrology has observed flash floods, landslides and tidal (5) Those who are living, at 4:30 pm yesterday that the floods in some coastal areas. working or doing fishing busi- A joint team of the Ministry of The team checked the work- low pressure area over South- The Ministry of Social Wel- nesses near the coastal areas Health and Sports and the Min- places of the GNLM in line with east Bay of Bengal might fur- fare, Relief and Resettlement must be alert to the storm and istry of Labour, Immigration and the guidelines and directives of ther intensify into a depression has also advised to the local tidal wave. Population inspected the office both ministries concerning the over South Bay of Bengal in 24 people in both coastal and in- (6) Inland areas may suffer and workplace of the Global New prevention, control and treat- hours and a Cyclonic Storm land areas to make the follow- indirect impacts of storms, with Light of Myanmar (GNLM) yes- ment measures against corona- during next 48 hours. ing preventive measures: strong winds, heavy rain and terday afternoon. virus pandemic.—GNLM The low pressure was (1) Safe shelters are re- thunderbolts. expected to move Northwest quired during the storm. How- (7) People living near wards initially and then turned ever, it is better to make hous- mountain steams need to be to North-Northeast wards to- es and buildings resist strong aware of flash floods, and move wards North Bay of Bengal af- wind and heavy rain as people to safer place, if necessary. ter 17 May, and then moved to need to stay only at home amid (8) Temporarily move to the Bay of Bengal. COVID-19 outbreak. safer place to avoid soil erosion If the low pressure turned (2) Emergency items, near rivers and creeks. to North-Northeast after 17 foods, water and important (9) Follow guidelines for May, it is forecasted to cross documents should be ready COVID-19 either in nearby Bangladesh, middle area and for urgent evacuation. Soaps, cyclone shelters or in specific northern part of Rakhine coast- hand sanitizers and face masks place. al areas. are kept ready for COVID-19 People need to closely According to the recent prevention during evacuation. monitor the situation of possi- observation on the possible (3) Torch, candles and ble storm and follow the disas- direction of storm to north and lighters must be in hand, ter management of authorities northeast wards after 17 May, along with fully charged mo- in emergency period. Joint team inspects newsroom of the Global New Light of Myanmar it is expected to land middle bile phones. Information and assistance newspaper yesterday. PHOTO : KYAW ZEYA and northern areas of Rakh- (4) Gathering point must are available at the Ministry of ine coastal areas and south- be set among the family mem- Social Welfare, Relief and Re- ern parts of Chin State on 19 bers for possible separations settlement through the hotline May with the maximum wind in the disaster. Each family numbers: 067 3404666 and 067 speed of 100 mph and maxi- member must keep the contact 3404777.—MNA mum inches of rain from 3 to 7, phone number, name, ward/vil- (Translated by Aung Khin) 15 MAY 2020 THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR LOCAL BUSINESS 5 80,000 rice bags exported to China every week

By Nyein Nyein tificate issued by the Agricul- ture Department. As a result ABOUT 80,000 rice bags are of this, about 50,000 sacks are exported to China every week, stranded in Muse warehouses, with the certificates from Chi- while about 100,000 rice bags are na’s food safety inspection remained struck in Kyalgaung mechanism — the General area, for the lack of AQSIQ cer- Administration of Quality Su- tificates. pervision, Inspection, and Quar- The Agriculture Depart- antine (AQSIQ), Vice-Chair U ment has been testing about Min Thein of Muse Rice Depot 50,000 rice sacks from warehous- told the Global New Light of es in Muse, and they are soon to Myanmar on 14 May. be certified, according to Muse At present, the traders ex- rice depot. port the rice to China through However, rice stuck in Kyal- borders, with the new AQSIQ gaung need to go back to Muse certificates from the Agriculture to seek a pest-free certificate for Department. A 50-kilogramme export, he stated. rice bag is priced 135-140 Yuan, “The inspection in Muse is he continued. undergoing. The officials can- “Rice trade is steadily go- not go and inspect the rice in ing with the new certificates. Kyalgaung, so they have to re- About 80,000 rice bags are week- turn to Muse for inspection. The Workers loading the truck with sacks of rice. PHOTO: PHOE KHWAR ly supplied to Muse crossing. Agriculture Department cannot They have been inspected and pass them without inspection”, by the Agriculture Department, MoU. pandemic, the Ministry of received Phytosanitary certifi- he added. according to Muse depot. The rice sacks which are Commerce set to export 100,000 cate before entering the border”, Earlier, China accepted the China must follow 10 facts currently exported to China is tonnes of rice through sea trade he said. pest-free certificate issued at embodied in Protocol on Plant a portion of the export quota and 50,000 tonnes through bor- Starting from 3 April, My- the Muse border as of 31 May. Inspection and Quarantine Re- for May (50,000 tonnes of rice der trade to external markets. anmar’s rice could not be sent Now, they will allow the rice bags quirements for Exporting Rice through border trade) to China without an AQSIQ cer- with the certificates issued only from Myanmar to China, as per During the coronavirus (Translated by Ei Myat Mon) Exports cross $10.7 bln as of 1 May YRIC clears $8 mln worth three foreign projects, MYANMAR’S exports between 1 crease in exports. Meanwhile, relies more on the agriculture October and 1 May in the 2019- exports of livestock, forest and manufacturing sectors. creates over 1,800 jobs 2020 financial year shot up to products and finished industrial While export earnings from the US$10.7 billion from $10.018 goods declined. CMP (cut, make, and pack) gar- billion registered in the corre- Export values were regis- ment businesses are rising, the THE Yangon Region Invest- Republic of Korea, Viet Nam, sponding period of the previous tered at $2.4 billion for agro prod- country’s reliance on natural ment Committee, at a video India, China (Taipei), Malaysia, fiscal, according to the Ministry ucts, $60 million for livestock, resources, such as natural gas conference held on 13 May, has the British Virgin Islands and of Commerce data. $570.28 million for fishery prod- and jade, is dwindling. approved three foreign pro- Seychelles are arriving in the The figure reflects an in- ucts, $1.16 billion for minerals, The CMP garment sector jects from Thailand and China, region. crease of $691.7 million com- $95.6 million for forest products, which contributes to 30 per cent with an estimated capital of According to the statistics pared with the year-ago period. $5.6 billion for manufactured of Myanmar’s export sector is US$8.28 million. released by the Directorate Of the seven export groups, goods, and $778 million for oth- struggling because of the cancel- The projects will create of Investment and Company agriculture, fisheries, minerals er goods. lation of order from the Europe- over 1,800 jobs. They will invest Administration, Yangon Re- and other goods showed an in- The country’s export sector an countries and suspension of in the manufacturing sector gion absorbs 60 per cent of the trade by western countries. on the CMP basis, according all investments in Myanmar, It can harm the export sector to a to the committee. and Mandalay attracts 30 per certain extent, the businessper- The manufacturing sector cent, while the other regions sons pointed out. has attracted the most foreign and states receive only a small The Ministry of Commerce investments in Yangon Region, share of investments. is focusing on export promotion with enterprises engaging in To simplify the verifica- in order to reduce the trade defi- the production of pharmaceuti- tion of investment projects, cit. Since 2011, the Ministry of cals, vehicles, container boxes, the Myanmar Investment Commerce has adhered to its re- and garments on a Cutting, Law allows the region and form policy. A series of moves to Making, and Packing (CMP) state Investment Committees liberalize and open the economy basis. to grant permissions for local have been introduced through The investments in the re- and foreign proposals, where policy development to improve gions are also flowing into the the initial investment does not the trade environment. — Ko hotel services and other ser- exceed K6 billion, or $5 million. Khant vices sectors. To date, foreign —GNLM investments from China, Sin- Workers work at a fish factory in Yangon. PHOTO: PHOE KHWAR (Translated by Ei Myat Mon ) gapore, Japan, Hong Kong, the (Translated by Ei Myat Mon)

Call Thin Thin May, 09251022355,09974424848 15 MAY 2020 6 LOCAL NEWS THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR Over 300 entrepreneurs granted loans in pandemic period www.globalnewlightofmyanmar.com complete the scrutinizing of the CHIEF EDITOR Aungthu Ya application forms at the end of [email protected] May and provide the loans to the remaining businesses. DEPUTY CHIEF EDITOR “We provide the loans with Aye Min Soe an aim for the businesses to carry [email protected] out their operations as usual. We SENIOR EDITORIAL CONSULTANT don’t mean for them to extend or Kyaw Myaing make more investment. Because of providing the loans, they can EXECUTIVE EDITOR Aung Khin give the employee’s salary and continue their businesses. At SENIOR TRANSLATOR least, the employees can receive Zaw Htet Oo a three-month salary,” he noted. The loan applying business- INTERNATIONAL NEWS EDITOR Ye Htut Tin, es are mostly from the SME sec- [email protected] tor, the garment factories and Aung Htein, the hotel businesses. Moreover, Staff giving service to the businessperson in applying for loans amid COVID-19. PHOTO: MYINT MAUNG SOE UMFCCI is still accepting the LOCAL NEWS EDITORS Tun Tun Naing (Editor), MORE than 300 entrepreneurs CI coordinated with the relevant associations from states and re- applications. [email protected] have been granted the business departments, the experts and gions accepted the applications During the coronavirus pe- loans in coronavirus period, said Myanmar labour organizations through online from 30 March riod, some factories are faced TRANSLATORS UMFCCI general-secretary U to mitigate the coronavirus im- to April to provide the loans. with challenges to suspend their Hay Mar Tin Win, Ei Myat Mon, Aye Win. Kyaw Zin Lin, Kyaw Zin Tun pact upon the economic sector. Now, the federation received a factories' operations for lack of The government has provid- This being so, the government total of 4,258 application forms. raw materials. However, the REPORTER ed K100 billion coronavirus funds granted permission to provide Among them, the loans were government is encouraging the Nyein Nyein Ei, to the businesses affected by the K100 billion loans to the busi- provided to 85 businesses in the businesses to continue to operate [email protected] pandemic. nesspersons. As of today, K13 first batch, 113 businesses in the their businesses in cooperation

PHOTOGRAPHER “The World Health Organ- billion loans have been provided second batch and 111 businesses with the economic experts. — Kyaw Zeya Win @ Phoe Khwar ization (WHO) has declared to 300 businesses already,” he in the third batch. The remaining Myint Maung Soe Kyaw Zeya new coronavirus disease as a added. application forms are still being pandemic on 3 March. UMFC- UMFCCI and its affiliated scrutinized. The federation will (Translated by Hay Mar) COMPUTER TEAM Thein Ngwe, Zaw Zaw Aung, Hnin Pwint, Kay Khaing Win, Sanda Hnin, Thein Htwe, Nyi Lin Thu People donate elephant feeds during pandemic period to worry about the food, the el- EDITORIAL SECTION (+95) (01)8604529, ephant camps opened near the Fax — (+95) (01) 8604305 tourism town need the food. So, the elephants are eating the food CIRCULATION & DISTRIBUTION donated by the elephant lovers. San Lwin, (+95) (01) 8604532, Hotline - 09 974424114 The elephant lover from My- ingyan donated over 1,600 sugar ADVERTISING & MARKETING canes worth K500,000 to the Palin ( +95) (01) 8604530, Kanthayar elephant camp on 14 Hotline - 09 974424848 May while the elephant lovers [email protected] [email protected] from Yangon region donated the elephant buffet worth K50,000 on Printed and published at the Global New 10 May. Moreover, the elephant Light of Myanmar Printing Factory at foods were also donated by the No.150, Nga Htat Kyee Pagoda Road, Bahan Township, Yangon, by the Global New Light people from Kyaukpadaung town of Myanmar Daily under Printing Permit No. on 6 May, those from Tamu town 00510 and Publishing Permit No. 00629. on 6 May, Nyaung U on 4 May People feeding elephants. The feeds were donated by well-wishers across Myanmar during the pandemic and Monywa town on 16 April, [email protected] period. PHOTO: KO HTEIN (NGATHAYOUK) said Assistant Manager U Myo www.globalnewlightofmyanmar.com www.facebook.com/TheGNLM PEOPLE from across the coun- Kanthayar elephant camp was Natural Resources and Envi- Min Ko from Palin Kanthayar try donated the elephant feeds for opened beside Ayeyawady Riv- ronment Conservation were sus- elephant camp. Palin Kanthayar elephant camp, er near Ah Nyunt Palin village, pended starting from 25 March During the coronavirus pe- which was closed temporarily Nyaung U township, in Mandalay in order to prevent and control riod, the elephant lovers donated during the coronavirus pandemic region. coronavirus. So, the elephants the elephant feeds for 22 elephant period, said Daw Tin Lay Nwe, A total of 22 elephant camps from the camps need the food. camps belonging to the MTE. — Forest Department head of Palin of Myanma Timber Enterprise Although the elephant camps Ko Htein (Ngathayouk) Kanthayar elephant camp. Palin (MTE) under the Ministry of opened in the forest do not need (Translated by Hay Mar) Write for us We appreciate your feedback and Fire engulfs cargo vessel in Homalin contributions. If you have any comments or would like to submit editorials, analyses or reports please email A fire destroyed a cargo vessel Homalin township received the minutes. The fire started when a K4.3 million. [email protected] named Shwe Sin Aung at 6:30 information by phone and sent crew member of the motor ves- Legal action has been taken with your name and title. Due to limitation of space we are only pm on 13 May at Chindwin river the firefighters to the scene. Ar- sel filled up the fuel oil on board against U Kyaw Myo Win and able to publish “Letter to the Editor” jetty in Homalin town, Sagaing riving at the scene of the fire, the the vessel. The fire destroyed 13 the crew of MV Shwe Sin Aung that do not exceed 500 words. Should you submit a text longer than 500 words region. 12 firefighters put out the fire fuel oil containers, egg boxes, under Section 285 of the Penal please be aware that your letter will be U Win Min Tun, head of with the use of a fire engine and one Honda machine and engine Code. —Lin edited. Fire Services Department from the fire was controlled within 20 oil with damages amounting to (Translated by Hay Mar) 15 MAY 2020 THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR NATIONAL 7 More Myanmar nationals return from Thailand

MYANMAR began accepting This is the second batch of Myanmar migrant workers re- Myanmar nationals returning turning from Thailand on 1 May from Thailand that had penalties and accepted 38 Myanmar na- imposed on them. tionals, who received penalties The number of Myanmar from the Thai government, at nationals who returned from Myawady Friendship Bridge (2) Thailand was 60 on 1 May, 54 on yesterday. 2 May, 1 on 3 May, 44 on 4 May, The returning Myanmar 23 on 5 May, 100 on 8 May, 44 on nationals were give health ex- 10 May, 13 on 11 May, 41 on 12 aminations and other necessary May, 16 on 13 May and 48 on 14 procedures with the assistance May with no returnees on 6, 7 of Kayin State Hluttaw repre- and 9 May. sentative U Thant Zin Aung, Of the returnees from yes- District Administrator U Tayzar terday, 1 is from Kachin State, 23 Aung, District Police Command- are from Kayin State, 7 are from er Police Lt-Col Thet Lin Oo, Mon State, 4 from Bago Region, Myawady District Immigration 2 from Yangon Region and 1 from and Population Department Ayeyawady Region. — Htein Lin Head U Aung Khine Swe and Aung (IPRD) Staff testing the body temperature of the Myanmar Nationals returned from Thailand through Myawady relevant officials. (Translated by Zaw Htet Oo) Friendship Bridge (2) yesterday. PHOTO: HTEIN LIN AUNG (IPRD) Two suspects arrested Myanmar’s foreign trade hit $ 22 bln in 6 months EXPORT value of Myanmar reached US$ 10,700 million and its import was $11,906 million, totalling for Hlinethaya $22,606 million from both sectors from October to April in 2019-2020 financial year. During the corresponding period of last FY, export valued $ 9,750 million, and the import was $10,314 million. and thus total foreign trade reached to $ 20,064 million, exceeding by $950 million in murder case export sector and $1,592 million in export sector, with a total of increase by $2,542 million in comparing with the previous fiscal. POLICE arrested two sus- 6 notes of 100 US dollar and pects in the murder case of 230,000 Myanmar kyat, and he Comparison of export items for different categories in the value of US dollar in million Chinese man in Hlinethayar pleaded guilty. No Items 2019-2020 (April) 2018-2019 (April) Comparison Township (western) in Yangon His accomplice, the 26- (Temporary) Region. year old man named Han Win 1 Agricultural Product 23.88.445 2017.253 371.192 The Chinese victim, iden- Tun (a) Nga Pwe, was also 2 Animal Product 60.149 281.907 (-) 221.785 tified as the 63-year-old Mr Yan arrested at Kyaiksagaing Bang Chao, was stabbed to village of Taikkyi Township 3 Fishery Product 569.648 496.048 73.600 death on a private car at the in the same evening, with a 4 Mineral 1160.009 878.027 281.982 scene on 11 May afternoon. motorcycle and clothes used 5 Forestry Product 95.500 103.566 8.066 After collecting informa- in the crime, some amount of 6 Finished Goods 5649.005 5409.593 239.412 tion from CCTV records and Chinese yuan and 870,000 My- 7 Other 777.942 563.936 214.006 witnesses near the Alae vil- anmar kyat. Total 10700.698 9750.330 950.368 lage, the figures of two sus- The two suspects used to pects were sent to the police hunt for possible victims who Comparison of import items for different categories in the value of US dollar in million stations in Yangon and Bago drive their cars without com- regions. panion on board and then pre- No Items 2019-2020 (April) 2018-2019 (April) Comparison Police found Ye Ko Ko, tended the car hit their motor- (Temporary) 30-year-old man, one of the bike to claim compensations. 1 Goods for Investment 4683.502 3203.101 1480.401 suspects in the murder case, In some cases, while the driver 2 Raw Materials 4335.213 4343.929 1.284 who lives in Nyaung village of focused on the accidents, they Hlinethaya Township (east) stole precious items and mon- 3 Utensils 2877.249 2767.230 110.019 was arrested at 3:30 pm on 13 ey on the car.—MNA Total 11905.964 10314.260 1591.704 May, with weapons and clothes used in committing the crime, (Translated by Aung Khin) (Translated by Kyaw Zin Lin)

COVID-19 Call Centre opens daily

In efforts to speed up the prevention, Department from 8 am to 8 pm daily at the containment and treatment of the COVID-19 Medical Research Department in Yangon. disease, the call centre is established by four Over 43 staff from the Medical Research communications operators and the Blue Ocean Department and 17 volunteers from the My- Company with the coordination of the Medical anmar Medical Association totally 60 work- Research Department of the Health and Sports ers have been working at the centre since 8th Ministry and Post and Telecommunications April.­—MNA Ye Ko Ko and Han Win Tun (a) Nga Pwe seen. PHOTO: MNA 15 MAY 2020 15 MAY 2020 8 OPINION THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR ARTICLE 9 First focus on Fourth-Year Performances of Magway Region Government The “Reach Out reducing impact of By Shin Min Strategy” in Combatting Photo: Kay Kay of Region Government the Covid-19 Pandemic drought, and later Endeavouring to ensure the public fully enjoys the benefits of By Lokethar on relief development projects: Magway Region Government YANMAR, like all other countries of the world is facing level. The production of renewa- AFD from France, and implement Mthe Covid-19 pandemic. Like in most other developing ANTICIPATED, drought has arrived in our country, ble energy in Minhla, Mindon and the Kyauk Sauk Dam Rehabilita- country, Myanmar’s Public Health Facilities, at the beginning mostly affecting sections of the nation’s rural areas. Chauk townships will contribute tion of Concrete Lining and Direct of the Pandemic, lacked testing equipment, the appropriate AS The record temperature of 47.5C recorded in to the national development,” the Outlet project and Nagabwet irri- Personal Protective Equipment and most of all shortage of Chauk township in Magwe on May 8, the highest in the country in Chief Minister said. gation project in cooperation with Doctors, Nurses, Health Care Workers. The Ministry of Health 52 years, and the above normal temperatures across the country, the Western States Agribusiness and Sports (MOHS) and under it the Public Health Facilities, has put us on alert to prepare for combating drought, rather than Electricity supply Project (WSAP). including the Public Hospitals and Clinics have had to face dealing with its aftermath. During the four years, the the Pandemic as best as they can. Reports include vivid pictures of rural people receiving donat- region government electrified Agriculture In Myanmar however, there has been a strong Political ed water from philanthropic associations, as well as authorities 1,172 villages. At this year end Magway Region is apply- will, even in the early stage, of the Corona Virus crisis, to do warning us that our country is one of the most vulnerable countries 50% of households had electricity, ing modern methods and tech- the best it can to prevent it and to treat the people who inad- at risk from the climate crisis. up from only 17 per cent in fiscal niques for increasing the crop vertently are affected by it. It therefore set up a committee Last year, the number of Magway Region Chief Minister year 2016-2017. production in the interest of the for the purpose even when the news of the “Corona Virus” Dr Aung Moe Nyo. villages facing water short- farmers. It set up a soil testing epidemic was circulating around. Later however, with the age rose from the expected Rural electrification laboratory in 2018 in Magway, and World Health Organization’s Announcement of March 11, 2020; According to the number, to reach nearly 400 INBU solar power Magway Region is now sup- one more lab in Pakokku on 17 that the Corona Virus 19 crisis was a Pandemic, Myanmar Myanmar Cli- nationwide. plant, one of the ac- plying power to 63,34% of villages January this year for develop- upgraded the initial Prevention and Treatment Committee According to the Global Mcomplishments of Mag- – 24.3% through the grid and 38.97 ing the agriculture sector. The to a National Level Central Committee headed by the State mate Change Al- Climate Risk Index 2020, My- way Region in the fourth year, through other means. region put 16145.12 acres under Counsellor. Subsidiary Committees at the Regional, Township anmar has had the highest is now supplying power to about The 66/6.6KV (5)MV trans- various crops in accord with the and even Wards and Village levels were formed. liance, which is a weather-related losses in the 210,000 household through the former in Aunglan is replaced good agriculture practice (GAP) First and foremost the Central Committee launched, past two decades, alongside national grid. with a 66/611KV (10)MV, and the in fiscal year 2018-2019, and sold through it’s various subsidiary committees, an extensive body that strad- The five-storey building of the Magway General Hospital. Puerto Rico and Haiti. 33/6.6KV (1.25)MV transformer in 88 tones of monsoon sesame. In Covid-19 education campaign through the media to inform the dles the United The drought has deliv- National grid Minhla is replaced with a 33/11KV fiscal year 219-2020, it cultivated people about the Covid-19 pandemic and how best to confront ered a threat to crop produc- As regards the accomplish- (3.3)MV facility. six private companies that are village is Ks 10 million. Now the 25% of the work in repairing the over 70,520 acres of crops under it using the Guidelines of the World Health Organization and Nations, the tion and the needs of those ment, Chief Minister of Magway undertaking 454 miles under the people of the region are enjoying Kyion-kyiwa dam and the No 2 GAP. Magway Region provid- the detailed Directives and Instructions issued by the MOHS. government and living in rural areas, where Region Dr Aung Moe Nyo said, Road transport BOT system. The three special the fruits of road transport de- spillway of the Mann creek dam. ed over Ks 2,786 million for the Many INGOs as well as NGOs pitched in for helping in the over 70 per cent of the coun- “This is the first solar power Magway Region government road construction groups imple- velopment. Magway Region implemented 184 agriculture sector in fiscal year process as did the Volunteers (Saydanar Wundhans) including civil society, the try’s population resides. plant that distributes electrici- is also striving for the improve- mented 3,223 works including lake, dam and water supply sys- 2018-2019. Doctors, Nurses, Caregivers and ordinary citizens particularly The dry zone in Myanmar ty through the national grid in ment of transport, apart from de- new road projects, road exten- Irrigation facilities tems repair projects under a mini It also provided 300 motorcy- the country’s youths. total monsoon lies within the central portion the region. Its present capacity veloping the power supply sector. sion programmes, paving works, Magway Region is building budget of Ks 4,217.489 million. It cles, 30 sets of moisture measur- Simultaneously priority has been given to detecting those period has al- of the country, home to nearly is 40-megawatts. The four-stage “We will upgrade 63% of ru- gravelling works, bridge projects, multipurpose dams to harness the also built or repaired 225 dams, ing equipment for 25 townships showing the early symptoms of infection by alerting all the one-third of Myanmar’s to- power plant projects will have 170 ral roads at the end of fiscal year culverts and concrete pipes and waters of Ayeyawady and Myittha reservoirs and water supply sys- and the region branch office, and health facilities under the MOH, to set up preliminary health ready decreased tal population. According to megawatts in total. The first three 2020-2021. We have already built retaining walls at a cost of over rivers, and Mone, Mann, Salin, tems in fiscal year 2019-2020 with over 40,000 bags of compound fer- surveillance units, for weeding out people with fever and media reports, temperatures stages will generate 120 mega- 657 miles of 10-foot wide tarred 268,686 million. The Rural Devel- Yaw and Pin creeks of the area, the funds of over Ks 81.99 million. tilizers for 24 townships under showing other initial symptoms of the disease. This proce- from 144 days there are projected to rise by watts, and the fourth stage 50 roads, 7.5 miles of 24-foot tarred opment Department also built especially for irrigation. Irrigation Of the 17 works the region gov- the Immediate Response Mech- dure is also being undertaken at every port of entry as it is per year in 1998 up to three degrees Celsius megawatts. When completed, the roads. We have completed nine nine miles of concrete roads, 224 and Water Utlization Manage- ernment is implementing with a anism (IRM) of the World Bank. most likely that the virus will be “imported” through them. (3° C) after 2040. entire project will generate 350 miles of concrete roads, 224 miles miles of tarred roads, 657 miles ment Department has complet- budget of over Ks 4,121 million, The region government provided The various committees at every level are being directed to to 125 days. According to the Myan- million kilowatt hours of renewal of tarred roads, 657 miles of gravel of gravel roads, 2,239 miles of ed 75% of the work in renovating two have been completed, and the over 22 baskets of sesame seeds supervise the measures to detect the symptoms of the disease mar Climate Change Alliance, energy. The region government roads, 2,239 miles of granite roads granite roads and 2,768 miles of the spillway of the Mone creek five tasks are being implement- for the fire victims of Kyobinin and to report to the MOHS health facilities, including the which is a body that straddles is also working hard to produce and 2,768 miles of earth roads at earth roads at the end of fiscal dam, building a reserve spillway ed with a budget of over Ks 218 village in Magway Township, and clinics and hospitals within nearest reach. the United Nations, the gov- renewable energy through wind the end of fiscal year 2019-2020”, year 2019-2020. The department is and repairing the U/S Apron Por- million. The region office of the 28 baskets of sesame seeds for the Sometime later the Central Committee was able to ac- ernment and civil society, the total monsoon period has already turbines at Minhla, Mindon and said the Chief Minister. providing technical assistance for tion and the Crest Portion at a Irrigation and Water Utilization volunteer farmers in Magway and quire, with the help and assistance of friendly countries, decreased from 144 days per year in 1998 to 125 days. Chauk townships.” The road department is im- the approved rural development budget allotment of Ks 500 mil- Management Department will re- Minbu townships. testing as well as other needed equipment and could perform The number of extremely hot days is projected to increase “The project will come true plementing the 2,187-mile road projects which cover 326 villages. lion for fiscal year 2019-2020. The pair the Natmauk dam irrigation the tests at the National Health Laboratory and later at the from one day a month to between four and 17 by 2041. This will after the negotiations at the Union project with the involvement of The budget allotment for each department has also completed system with the cooperation of SEE PAGE-10 Medical Research Institute both under the MOHS. The tests cause serious health problems to local residents, and damage were made on those who showed signs of Covid-19 infection. ecosystems, crops and infrastructure. Those who tested positive to the Covid-19 virus were sent to Weather experts have warned that the central dry zone of the public hospitals designated by MOHS to treat Covid-19 Myanmar suffers a significant climate change impact due to patients. Thus far only about (144) persons showing symptoms, droughts and floods, resulting in the destruction of crops and have tested positive among whom (5) persons have succumbed increased vulnerability for farm households. to the disease. However, with the migrant Myanmar workers The Myanmar Climate Change Strategy 2018-2030 was drafted returning from the countries concerned it is anybody’s guess by the country’s Ministry of Natural Resources and Environ- as to how many would test Covid-19 positive in the not too mental Conservation (MONREC), with assistance from other distant future. organizations. The long-term goal of this strategy is to achieve What I would like to highlight here is the “Reach Out climate-resilience and a low-carbon growth pathway to support Strategy” adopted by the Central Committee. By that Strategy inclusive and sustainable development by 2030. the State Counsellor herself, undertook to reach out to those Whether we will achieve that long-term goal depends sig- Township/ Wards/Village Committees and persons actively nificantly on field operators, because disaster mitigation always engaged, at the “on ground level” in the fight against the requires changes in people’s habits and mindsets to properly work. Covid-19 pandemic. And bear in mind, if we fail to preserve our water, it might someday kills us. Elephant camp near Mann Shwe Settaw Pagoda in Minbu becomes SEE PAGE-11 Water gushes out from a tube-well inYayzagyo Township, Magway Region. War Yar Thazi Water pumping seen in Magway Region. popular for holiday makers. 15 MAY 2020 10 NATIONAL THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR Fourth-Year Performances of Magway Region Government

FROM PAGE-9 at a cost of over Ks 156 million, a new district fire station in Thayet Education at a cost of over Ks 338 million, Apart from its endeavours a new area fire station in Htilin for socio-economic development, Township at a cost of over Ks the region government is also 117 million. The region govern- striving for the improvement of ment provided six fire engines, the education level. It upgrad- 18 command vehicles, six water ed 33 affiliated high schools into tankers,two support vehicles, high schools, 333 middle schools four fire fighting vehicles, three into affiliated high schools, 106 ambulances and two search and post-primary schools into affil- rescue vehicles during the four iated middle schools, 133 pri- years. mary schools into post-primary schools, 45 affiliated primary International cooperation schools into primary schools and As for achieving regional 136 self-reliant schools into affil- development the local govern- iated primary schools, totalling ment conducted the Key Issues 939 schools. in Economic Reporting Training As for ensuring the peaceful in cooperation with USAID, voca- pursuit of education for local boys tional education training in coop- The Magway Region Hluttaw Meeting being convened. and girls, the region government eration with Actionaid Myanmar, built 268 new school offices and implemented S4RLD and S4E buildings, made 4,029 desks of Department is holding reading course for Government Personal of the eye ward under the budget Project projects in cooperation various sizes, and constructed sessions, talks, courses, fairs and Management System (GPMS), allotment of Ks 1.8 million, an with HELVETAS MYANMAR, 768 schools and officers. It will lay competitions at the community Software and website courses. eight-unit four-storey building at and conducted agriculture cours- earth roads for 121 schools and centres. It held the children’s Magway teaching hospital under es in cooperation with Canadian build toilets and concrete roads literature festivals in Thayet Dis- Mann Shwesettawya the budget allotment of Ks 300 Executive Service Organization for 3009 schools. trict in 2019 and Gangaw District The region government ren- million in fiscal year 2016-2017. (CESO) during the four years in in 2020, apart from organizing ovated the Koekhangyi Hall of the It is building a two-storey staff office. Ethnic culture and literature public talks for promoting de- Mann Shwesettawya in Minbu quarters at a cost of over Ks 157 As for the progress of the mocracy practices. The local Township this year. “We renovat- million. Parliament literature and culture of Chin government also held the youth ed the hall at a cost of over Ks 500 The Region Hulttaw was nationals living in Magway Re- all-round development festival million. The roof and floors are Community based tourism completed in July 2019. The gion, the region government (Magway) fof three days from 14 repaired in the Myanmar archi- Magway Region government Second Magway Region Hluttaw conducted eight summer litera- to 16 December 2019 for the phys- tectural designs. We hoisted a could generate job opportunities enacted 21 laws and 10 bylaws ture and culture courses in fiscal ical and intellectual development new sacred umbrella atop the for locals and increase their in- till now. The parliament is the year 2017-2018, with 550 teachers, of youth. President U Win Myint pagoda built on the original foot- come by setting up community most basic need for the legislative and 2,617 students completed graced the festival. The region print of Buddha,” said the Chief based tourism (CBT) at Inyaung pillar in the national democrati- the courses. It opened ten such government provided books, pe- Minister. village, Myaing Township, and zation process. courses with the involvement of riodicals and furniture for 14 rural Magyeegan village in Chauk 874 teachers in fiscal year 2018- libraries in 2019. Health Township. It is now implementing Benefits 2019, and 1,453 completed them. Magway Region has an area CBT at Hteinbingon village, Htilin Magway Region carried out The local government held talks e-Government of 17,305.62 square-miles and a Township and Kyungalay village many development undertakings on ethnic rights and collected Magway Region government population of 4,176,441. It has five in Pakoppu Township. in the interest of the public in- data in Magway, Ngaphge, Taung- has been opening courses for the districts, 30 townships, 1,535 vil- cluding road transport, health, dwingyi and Hsaw in fiscal year progress in implementing the lage-tracts and 4,803 villages. The Disaster response education, agriculture, farming, 2018-2019. e-Government since 2018. The mission of the government is to Fire Services Department electricity projects and various course included basic e-Gov- provide health cover for the entire of Magway Region built the new rural projects. It will continue its Public relations ernment course, Web-content population. The region office of Magway District fire station at a endeavours for the people to fully The region office of the In- course, Electronic Document the Public Health Department cost of over Ks 338 million, a new enjoy the benefits of the projects. formation and Public Relations Management System (EDMS) built a building for the generator township fire station in Yesagyo (Translated by TMT)

The gas-fired power plant in Magway Region. Engineers and workers repairing the Minbu-An Road in Magway Region. 15 MAY 2020 THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR COVID-19 & ENVIRONMENT 11 Typhoon forces risky evacuations in virus-hit Philippines

MANILA — A powerful typhoon the storm and the virus, evacua- rains that could cause flooding hit the central Philippines Thurs- tion centres in the central Philip- and landslides, the national day, forcing a complicated and pines will only accept half their weather agency said. risky evacuation for tens of thou- capacity and evacuees will have Areas in the typhoon’s path sands already hunkered down to wear facemasks. are under varying levels of virus at home during the coronavirus The surge of people and quarantine, yet many people are pandemic. limited space mean authorities staying at home to avoid infec- At least 200,000 people live have asked 47 big churches in tion. in coastal areas or flimsy homes the area to accept people fleeing The Philippines has report- in the province near where the the typhoon, which is the first of ed 772 deaths and 11,618 cases storm, called Typhoon Vongfong, the season. of the virus, though the number made landfall with fierce winds “We will be overwhelmed so is believed to be higher due to and heavy rain. we’re expanding our evacuation limited testing. Tens of millions more live to include churches,” said Cedric Typhoons are a danger- along the typhoon’s path, which Daep, disaster chief in central ous and disruptive part of life is expected to take it near the Albay province. in the Philippine archipelago, densely populated capital Ma- Vongfong is packing gusts which gets hit by an average of nila. up to 190 kilometres (120 miles) 20 storms and typhoons each Tens of thousands have been forced to evacuate in the Philippines Because of the twin threat of an hour as well as drenching year.—AFP because of a powerful typhoon. PHOTO: AFP

Amazon could be next virus hot zone: scientist Researchers go ‘cuckoo’ over Antarctic penguin poop SAO PAULO — The next soaring there because of rampant navirus, which scientists believe pandemic could come from the deforestation. Researchers say originated in bats before passing COPENHAGEN — Antarcti- guin poop”, he said. Amazon rainforest, warns Brazil- the urbanization of once-wild ar- to humans in China’s rapidly ur- ca’s king penguins emit such Besides being a strain on ian ecologist David Lapola, who eas contributes to the emergence banizing Hubei province, proba- copious amounts of nitrous ox- the climate, nitrous oxide has says human encroachment on of zoonotic diseases -- those that bly via a third species. ide, or laughing gas, via their an effect very similar to the sed- animals’ habitats -- a likely culprit pass from animals to humans. Lapola, 38, who studies how faeces that researchers went a ative laughing gas used at the in the coronavirus outbreak -- is That includes the new coro- human activity will reshape the little “cuckoo” studying them, dentist’s. future ecosystems of tropical for- according to a Danish scientific “After nosing about in gua- ests, says the same processes study published Thursday. no for several hours, one goes are in play in the Amazon. “The “Penguin guano produces completely cuckoo. One begins Amazon is a huge reservoir significantly high levels of ni- to feel ill and get a headache,” of viruses,” he told AFP in an trous oxide around their colo- Elberling said. interview. “We’d better not try nies,” said the head of the study, Nitrous oxide is 300 times our luck.” The world’s biggest Professor Bo Elberling, of the more polluting to the environ- rainforest is disappearing at an University of Copenhagen’s De- ment than carbon dioxide. The alarming rate. Last year, in far- partment of Geosciences and nitrous oxide is explained by right President Jair Bolsonaro’s Natural Resource Management. the penguin diet of krill and fish, first year in office, deforestation While studying colonies of which contains high levels of in the Brazilian Amazon surged king penguins on the Atlantic nitrogen. Nitrogen is released 85 percent, to more than 10,000 island of South Georgia between from the penguins’ faeces into Researchers say the urbanization of once-wild areas like the Amazon square kilometers (3,900 square South America and Antarctica, the ground and soil bacteria contributes to the emergence of diseases that pass from animals to miles) -- an area nearly the size “the researchers went ‘cuckoo’ then convert it into nitrous ox- humans. PHOTO: AFP of Lebanon.—AFP from being surrounded by pen- ide, a greenhouse gas.—AFP

The “Reach Out Strategy” in Combatting the Covid-19 Pandemic

FROM PAGE-9 It is indeed a unique process in of the three local participants present- style encourages the three participants line with democratic principles. It is ing what they have been doing concern- to lose their inhibitions and to frankly She has been holding, video con- a strategy to inform the “people” and ing the control measures set by the express their opinions and forward their ferencing sessions, televised over the make them aware of what the Govern- MOHS and what further help they need. “ideas” to help combat the Covid-19 Myanmar Radio &Television Broadcast- ment is doing to control the epidemic. After each presentation there would be pandemic to the best of their ability. ing Network, with small groups of three In some way it is also a “monitoring” a dialogue between the participant and The talk ends with the State Counsellor persons comprising a township/ village process to evaluate what is being done the State Counsellor to further clarify wrapping up the discussion and giving level official, a member of the voluntary by the responsible people in the country the presentation and at the same time valuable advice and encouragement organization in the area, and a health to combat a dreaded infection using the address the difficulties encountered to the participants as how to better worker (doctor/ nurse/ caregiver/ at- resources available. It also enables the by the presenter in performing his/her perform their work. tendant etc.) in a casual conversation Central Committee and the MOHS to duties. The State Counsellor discusses The “Teleconferencing” with the session lasting for about an hour or “fill in” some of the needs of the town- with each participant as to what can be responsible persons at the basic level is so, as to how they were performing, ship/ward/ village level organizations done immediately and what can be done a novel and a very modern idea indeed. their difficulties, their needs, and most to help them do their work more ef- after consultation with the departments Perhaps a team of researchers could be of all the help they needed to do their fectively. concerned including the MOHS. The formed to “document” the proceedings jobs effectively. This “Teleconferencing” The best part of the “teleconferenc- “talk” can be interrupted at any time and publish it for posterity. is being carried out thus far even to ing” is the very “informal” way it has by the presenter or by the State Coun- With charity to all and malice to include remote states and regions of been conducted by the State Counsellor sellor who would smilingly introduce none. the country. herself. The talk commences with each anecdotes to make the talk lively. Her 15 MAY 2020 12 BIZ THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR

Hope for return to NEWS normal as Japan partially In BRIEF Nissan to cut lifts virus emergency production capacity by 20% amid TOKYO — Residents on Thurs- outbreak, but it is set to see the day expressed relief and hope order lifted, along with 38 other coronavirus outbreak that their lives will soon return prefectures. to normal after a national state "I just hope many custom- TOKYO — Nissan Motor Co. of emergency declared over the ers will visit my shop," said Arai, plans to cut its global production novel coronavirus pandemic was whose store is in Omicho Ichiba capacity by 20 percent from the lifted for 39 of Japan's 47 prefec- in Kanazawa, a famous market current level by fiscal 2022, as tures. that draws local customers and the coronavirus outbreak has led But people living in areas tourists from other parts of Japan to slumping sales in the United remaining under the state of as well as abroad. States, sources close to the matter emergency voiced concern that Akane Sakamoto, 25, a com- said Thursday. Nissan is currently what policymakers and experts pany employee, said that like capable of producing 7 million perceive as a protracted battle others, she has become tired of vehicles worldwide annually. against the pneumonia-causing complying with Prime Minister The capacity cut, taken up by virus will continue to negatively Shinzo Abe's request for people to board members at a meeting on impact their lives and businesses. refrain from making nonessential Thursday, is set to be announced "I believe the flow of people outings during the emergency May 28 as part of the company’s will gradually return to normal," period. Sakamoto said she hopes fresh medium-term management said Yuta Arai, 34, who works the number of infections will fall plan, the sources said. Together at a fruit and vegetable shop in to zero in Ishikawa and elsewhere with the overhaul plan, Nissan Kanazawa, the capital of Ishikawa in Japan as soon as possible. will release its earnings results Prefecture on the Sea of Japan In the city of Akita, northeast- in the 2019 business year that coast. ern Japan, Aya Osada, 41, who ended in March.—Kyodo Ishikawa is among 13 pre- was playing with her 1-year-old People wearing face masks walk at Fukuoka Station in southwestern fectures that have been desig- son, said, "I am relieved because I Japan on May 14, 2020. The government is set to decide later in the nated as areas requiring "spe- have been feeling tension among day on partial lifting of a state of emergency as the spread of the novel China’s foreign trade cial caution" regarding the virus people around me.—Kyodo coronavirus seems to have subsided. PHOTO : KYODO powerhouse registers positive growth in Singapore Airlines reports nearly $150 million virus loss April NANJING — East China’s Jiangsu SINGAPORE — Singapore Air- almost $150 million Thursday, travel caused by the corona- controls, led to a collapse in the Province, China’s major ex- lines reported an annual loss of driven by the collapse in air virus pandemic, and the latest demand for air travel during the port-oriented economic power- sign of the outbreak’s devas- quarter,” the airline said in its house, reported a year-on-year tating impact on the aviation financial report. increase of 11 per cent in foreign sector. The recent collapse in oil trade in April, which represents The airline group -- which prices also led to Sg$710 mil- the first positive monthly growth includes subsidiaries SilkAir lion of fuel hedging losses in the this year. The total value of im- and Scoo -- suffered a net loss of fourth quarter. ports and exports in the province Sg$212 million (US$148 million) Singapore Airlines cut reached 366.28 billion yuan for the financial year that end- passenger capacity by 96 per (about 51.6 billion U.S. dollars) ed on March 31, compared to a cent from April to June and in April, up 7.6 percent month profit of Sg$683 million last year. grounded most of its fleet as on month, according to figures The city-state’s flag carrier people stopped flying due to the released by the Nanjing Customs lost Sg$732 million in the fourth pandemic. Thursday. quarter, mainly due to a reduc- The airline’s majority Due to the impact of the tion in passenger revenue as the shareholder, state investment novel coronavirus, Jiangsu’s virus crisis exploded. fund Temasek, has thrown its foreign trade value fell by 4.4 per Singapore Airlines reported an annual loss of almost $150 million, “Fears about the spread weight behind a rescue package cent year on year to 1.27 trillion driven by the collapse in air travel caused by the coronavirus of the virus, as well as global to help the carrier weather the yuan in the first four months. pandemic. PHOTO : AFP/FILE travel restrictions and border pandemic.—AFP In April, Jiangsu’s exports rebounded by 19.1 percent year on year and 10.4 percent month California authorities say Tesla plant could reopen next week on month to reach 226.79 billion yuan. Meanwhile, its imports LOS ANGELES -- Authorities the city of Fremont, home to the this week in preparation for Musk’s move comes amid totaled 139.49 billion yuan, down in California say Tesla’s only plant, said they had met with possible reopening as soon as rising disputes over the pace of 0.1 percent year on year and up assembly plant in the United Tesla representatives, reviewed next week,” the county health easing the lockdowns imposed 3.4 percent month on month. States could open as early as the electric carmaker’s safety agency said. by states to contain the deadly Zhou Changqing, deputy next week, albeit with enhanced plans for the factory and made Musk said Monday the com- coronavirus outbreak. director of the Jiangsu Provincial safety measures because of the some extra recommendations. pany was resuming production, The new statement from Department of Commerce, said pandemic, after a very public “If Tesla’s Prevention and defying authorities and esca- the county said police in Fre- the epidemic has decreased anti-lockdown tirade by Elon Control Plan includes these lating a feud over the Pacific mont would be on hand to ver- the overseas demand. Jiangsu’s Musk with support from Presi- updates, and the public health state’s pandemic shutdown. ify that Tesla is observing so- government and enterprises have dent Donald Trump. indicators remain stable or im- “I will be on the line with cial distancing and that other worked together to explore mar- In a series of tweets over- prove, we have agreed that Te- everyone else,” Musk tweeted. agreed upon safety measures kets and ensure supply in order night Wednesday, authorities in sla can begin to augment their “If anyone is arrested, I ask that for workers are being upheld. to tide over the difficulties. Alameda County, which includes Minimum Business Operations it only be me.” —AFP —Xinhua 15 MAY 2020 THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR ECON /AD 13 Nearly 600,000 Australians lose jobs as virus lockdown bites SYDNEY — Almost said 100,000 people filed for and underemployment — ed fall” in the workforce 600,000 Australians lost unemployment benefits, reached a record high of participation rate to 63.5 their jobs as the virus while a further 500,000 left 19.9 per cent in April. per cent. The drop in the shutdown took hold in the workforce altogether. The ABS said 2.7 mil- participation rate meant April, the steepest monthly Prime Minister Scott lion people — or one in five unemployment rose one drop since records began Morrison called the figures Australian workers — ei- percentage point to 6.1 more than 40 years ago, “terribly shocking”, with ther left the workforce or percent, well short of fore- data showed Thursday. the ABS reporting the un- had their work hours re- casts of more than eight The Australian Bu- derutilization rate — which duced as the country re- per cent. reau of Statistics (ABS) combines unemployment corded an “unprecedent- Just 12.4 million Aus- New Zealand has got the virus under control but Prime tralians now have jobs af- Minister Jacinda Ardern warned of pain ahead, with ter the steepest monthly unemployment rising and the economy contracting. fall in employment since PHOTO : POOL/AFP the ABS began recording monthly data in 1978. New Zealand boosts Morrison warned Aus- tralians to brace for more budget spending amid difficult economic news in the months ahead, adding: virus downturn “A very tough day. Terribly shocking, although not un- anticipated. WELLINGTON — New are dire. Unemployment “We knew there would Zealand announced a will rise, and growth will be hard news as the pan- NZ$50 billion (US$30 slow dramatically,” she demic wreaks an impact on billion) war chest Thurs- said. “We know as a trad- Australia as it is on coun- day to help cushion the ing nation that will have tries all around the world.” impact of the coronavi- an impact, and it will be The Treasury has rus pandemic that has significant and it will be forecast the unemploy- stalled the economy and painful.” Prime Minister Scott Morrison has warned of further pain to come for Australia’s economy. ment rate will reach 10 already cost thousands About NZ$30 bil- PHOTO : AFP percent in the June quar- of jobs. lion from the fund has The COVID-19 Re- already been allocated, sponse and Recovery with NZ$20 billion kept Nigeria oil industry scrambles as price fall slams economy Fund is the centrepiece in reserve for projects of Prime Minister Ja- over the next four years. LAGOS — The collapse the continent’s largest market is very slow and try insiders told AFP that cinda Ardern’s annual Even with the stimulus, in oil prices linked to the producer, which relies on we are not able to sell as Nigerian oil is currently budget, aiming to stimu- the Treasury predicts coronavirus crisis has the commodity for some much crude as we used to selling for around $10 less late recovery with spend- unemployment will seen Nigeria’s revenues 90 per cent of its foreign do before.” than Brent crude, the ing on infrastructure and reach at least 8.3 per- from crude dry up and left exchange earnings. The challenge may benchmark to which it is business support. cent next year and the Africa’s largest economy “Nigeria is facing the be even bigger for Nigeria usually aligned. The South Pacific economy will contract 4.6 more threatened than twin challenge of the COV- than for other producers Bloomberg in April nation has contained per cent. ever by its dependence ID-19 pandemic as well as scrambling to cope with reported that the price of the virus by closing its But the recession, on black gold. the crash of the crude oil the plummet in prices Nigerian crude scraped as borders and imposing which Ardern said would The crude market price. For Nigeria, it’s a unleashed by the pan- low as around $12, a far cry a seven-week lockdown be “sudden and deep” is may have rebounded in double whammy,” finance demic and a price war from the $57 target figure that ended Thursday, but expected to ease by 2022, recent days to more than minister Zainab Ahmed between Saudi Arabia and the government had based Ardern said there were when growth is forecast $30 a barrel, but the fu- said last week. Russia. its budget on before the still tough times ahead. to bounce back to 8.6 per- ture remains bleak for “Globally the crude oil Experts and indus- crisis.—AFP “Global predictions cent.—AFP

China OKs barley imports from CLAIMS DAY NOTICE CLAIMS DAY NOTICE U.S. amid dispute with Australia M.V PACITA VOY. NO. (074 N/S) M.V KUO TAI VOY.NO. (210 N/S) Consignees of cargo carried on M.V PACITA VOY. Consignees of cargo carried on M.V KUO TAI VOY. BEIJING — China has rus, first detected in the NO. (074 N/S) are hereby notified that the vessel will be NO. (210 N/S) are hereby notified that the vessel will be decided to allow imports central Chinese city of arriving on 15-5-2020 and cargo will be discharged into the arriving on 15-5-2020 and cargo will be discharged into of barley from the United Wuhan late last year. premises of AWPT where it will lie at the consignee’s risk the premises of MIP where it will lie at the consignee’s risk States under strict quar- The Chinese Com- and expenses and subject to the byelaws and conditions of and expenses and subject to the byelaws and conditions of antine, the government merce Ministry in recent the Port of Yangon. the Port of Yangon. Damaged cargo will be surveyed daily from 8 am said Thursday, as Beijing days reportedly told Can- Damaged cargo will be surveyed daily from 8 am to 11:20 am and 12 noon to 4 pm to Claim’s Day now threatens tariffs on Aus- berra that, following an to 11:20 am and 12 noon to 4 pm to Claim’s Day now declared as the third day after final discharge of cargo tralian barley. 18-month-investigation, it declared as the third day after final discharge of cargo Some analysts inter- is considering imposing from the Vessel. from the Vessel. preted the green-light- anti-dumping tariffs on No claims against this vessel will be admitted after No claims against this vessel will be admitted after ing of the U.S. grain as a Australian barley. the Claims Day. the Claims Day. veiled threat against Aus- The punitive meas- SHIPPING AGENCY DEPARTMENT SHIPPING AGENCY DEPARTMENT tralia, which has recently ure would deal a stunning MYANMA PORT AUTHORITY MYANMA PORT AUTHORITY called for an independent blow to Australia’s agri- AGENT FOR: M/S CONTINENTAL SHIPPING AGENT FOR: M/S NEW GOLDEN SEA LINES investigation into the ori- cultural sector, pundits LINE Phone No: 2301185 Phone No: 2301185 gins of the new coronavi- say.—Kyodo 15 MAY 2020 14 WORLD THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR WHO warns virus may be here to stay as toll nears 300,000

There were also gloomy total to 84,059. tries and economies to fully re- forecasts from the US Federal The president has increas- open from lockdowns and poten- Reserve, which said prolonged ingly looked to pin the blame tially earn millions of dollars for shutdowns to stem the spread on China, where the virus first its creators. of the virus could cause lasting emerged late last year. But the WHO said the virus economic damage in America. Two US security agencies may never be wiped out entirely. Washington ratcheted up piled further pressure on Beijing “This virus may become tensions over the pandemic by Wednesday by saying Chinese just another endemic virus in accusing China of trying to steal hackers were attempting to steal our communities and this virus research into a vaccine, while US intellectual property related to may never go away,” said Mi- President Donald Trump upped treatments. chael Ryan, the global health the rhetoric with a colourful “China’s efforts to target body’s emergencies director in phrase that could anger Beijing. these sectors pose a significant Geneva. “We just made a great Trade threat to our nation’s response “HIV has not gone away — Deal, the ink was barely dry, and to COVID-19,” the FBI and the but we have come to terms with the World was hit by the Plague Cybersecurity and Infrastruc- the virus.” Russian National Guard (Rosgvardia) officers detain a man in front of a supermarket in Moscow after city authorities made it mandatory to from China. 100 Trade Deals ture Security Agency (CISA) The prospect of the disease wear gloves and a mask in pubic places. PHOTO : AFP wouldn’t make up the difference said. hanging around leaves govern- — and all those innocent lives Neither agency offered evi- ments across the world facing a WASHINGTON — The corona- HIV, the World Health Organi- lost!” Trump tweeted. dence to support the allegation. delicate balancing act between virus may never go away and zation has warned, as the global The United States logged suppressing the pathogen and populations will have to learn death toll from the disease nears more than 1,800 deaths on ‘May never go away’ getting economies up and run- to live with it just as they have 300,000. Wednesday, bringing the nation’s A vaccine could allow coun- ning.—AFP

Wisconsin high court overturns state’s stay-at-home orders

MILWAUKEE — Wisconsin’s nor Tony Evers’s administration. Supreme Court overturned the Evers warned on Twitter state’s stay-at-home orders on that the decision risked undoing Wednesday, as regions across the “all the work we have done and US grapple with the increasingly all the sacrifices Wisconsinites partisan decision of whether or have made over these past few not to reopen amid the corona- months.” “It’s a mess,” he later virus pandemic. told CNN. “I mean, I can’t put it Americans across the coun- any other way.” While the state is try have staged anti-lockdown not one of the hardest hit, it has demonstrations and President still recorded more than 10,900 Donald Trump has pressed for cases and more than 400 deaths. rapid steps to rekindle the dev- The legal challenge was filed astated US economy before his against Wisconsin Department tough re-election battle in No- of Health Services chief Andrea vember. But public health ex- Palm and other officials, who had perts, including the president’s extended stay-at-home orders to top medical advisor Anthony Fau- May 26 even as the state relaxed Nicaragua has reported only 16 coronavirus cases and five deaths, but civil society groups claim the number is ci, have warned that loosening some restrictions on business. much higher. PHOTO : AFP/FILE restrictions on public gatherings The state’s Republican too early could trigger fresh COV- House Speaker Robin Vos and Nicaragua releases 2,800 prisoners to house ID-19 outbreaks. The Midwestern Senate Majority Leader Scott state’s high court sided with law- Fitzgerald said the ruling allowed arrest to contain virus makers from Trump’s Republi- “people to once again gather with can Party, who had challenged their loved ones or visit their plac- MANAGUA — Nicaragua re- der the government of Daniel But none of them were an extension of the quarantine es of worship without the fear of leased more than 2,800 prison- Ortega — a former rebel hero among the 2,815 prisoners the imposed by Democratic Gover- violating a state order.”—AFP ers to house arrest on Wednes- who has been in power since interior ministry said had been day to contain the spread of 2007 and is now accused of run- released from Nicaragua’s pris- the coronavirus pandemic, but ning a repressive dictatorship. ons, defence lawyer Yonarki advocates said there were no Many of those prisoners Martinez told AFP. “It’s obvi- political prisoners among them. were arrested during 2018 ous that there’s no respect for Authorities have jailed at protests against Ortega that human rights and the health of least 86 opposition figures and rights groups said left 300 peo- those denied their freedom,” supporters of rights groups un- ple dead. Martinez said.—AFP

Fear of virus grows in Yemen’s squalid camps

SANAA — In a desolate camp country. The five-year-old con- health threat. “We are not ready for Yemenis displaced by war, flict between the government for the coronavirus because we Nasima Ahmed wonders how and the Iran-backed Huthi have nothing,” Ahmed told AFP she and her four children can rebels has pushed millions to at her tent, which is practically Americans across the country have staged anti-lockdown possibly protect themselves as the brink of famine in a coun- empty except for two ragged demonstrations. PHOTO : AFP/FILE the novel coronavirus stalks the try ill-prepared to face the new foam mattresses.—AFP 15 MAY 2020 THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR COVID-19 CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC UPDATE 15

PSYCHOSOCIAL SUPPORT DURING COVID-19 Substantial investment needed to avert mental health crisis

HE COVID-19 pandemic private clinics to ensure conti- is highlighting the need nuity of care. Local policy-mak- Tto urgently increase in- ers identified emergency psy- vestment in services for men- chiatry as an essential service tal health or risk a massive to enable mental health-care increase in mental health con- workers to continue outpatient ditions in the coming months, services over the phone. Home according to a policy brief on visits were organized for the COVID-19 and mental health most serious cases. Teams from issued by the United Nations Egypt, Kenya, Nepal, Malaysia on 14 May, 2020. and New Zealand, among oth- “The impact of the pandem- ers, have reported creating in- ic on people’s mental health is creased capacity of emergen- already extremely concerning,” cy telephone lines for mental said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghe- health to reach people in need. breyesus, Director-General of Support for community the World Health Organization. actions that strengthen social “Social isolation, fear of conta- cohesion and reduce loneliness, gion, and loss of family mem- particularly for the most vul- bers is compounded by the dis- nerable, such as older people, tress caused by loss of income must continue. Such support is and often employment.” required from government, local authorities, the private sector A yoga instructor concludes a live streamed yoga class via the Zoom online video conferencing platform in the Depression and anxiety midst of coronavirus. PHOTO: ANTHONY WALLACE/AFP and members of the general are increasing public, with initiatives such as Reports already indicate an culties concentrating, as well Statistics from Canada report response to and recovery from provision of food parcels, regu- increase in symptoms of depres- as irritability, restlessness and that 20% of 15-49 year-olds have the COVID-19 pandemic,” said lar phone check-ins with people sion and anxiety in a number of nervousness. Stay-at-home increased their alcohol con- Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreye- living alone, and organization of countries. A study in Ethiopia, measures have come with a sumption during the pandemic. sus. “This is a collective respon- online activities for intellective in April 2020, reported a 3-fold heightened risk of children wit- sibility of governments and civil and cognitive stimulation. increase in the prevalence of nessing or suffering violence Mental health services society, with the support of the symptoms of depression com- and abuse. Children with dis- interrupted whole United Nations System. An opportunity to build pared to estimates from Ethio- abilities, children in crowded The increase in people in A failure to take people’s emo- back better pia before the epidemic. settings and those who live and need of mental health or psy- tional well-being seriously will The scaling-up and reor- Specific population groups work on the streets are particu- chosocial support has been com- lead to long-term social and eco- ganization of mental health are at particular risk of COV- larly vulnerable. pounded by the interruption to nomic costs to society.” services that is now needed on ID-related psychological dis- Other groups that are at physical and mental health ser- a global scale is an opportunity tress. Frontline health-care particular risk are women, par- vices in many countries. In addi- Finding ways to provide to build a mental health sys- workers, faced with heavy ticularly those who are juggling tion to the conversion of mental services tem that is fit for the future,” workloads, life-or-death deci- home-schooling, working from health facilities into care facili- In concrete terms, it is said Dévora Kestel, Director sions, and risk of infection, are home and household tasks, ties for people with COVID-19, critical that people living with of the Department of Mental particularly affected. During the older persons and people with care systems have been affect- mental health conditions have Health and Substance Use at pandemic, in China, health-care pre-existing mental health con- ed by mental health staff being continued access to treat- WHO. “This means developing workers have reported high ditions. A study carried out with infected with the virus and the ment. Changes in approaches and funding national plans that rates of depression (50%), anx- young people with a history of closing of face-to-face services. to provision of mental health shift care away from institutions iety (45%), and insomnia (34%) mental health needs living in Community services, such as care and psychosocial support to community services, ensur- and in Canada, 47% of health- the UK reports that 32% of them self-help groups for alcohol and are showing signs of success ing coverage for mental health care workers have reported a agreed that the pandemic had drug dependence, have, in many in some countries. In Madrid, conditions in health insurance need for psychological support. made their mental health much countries, been unable to meet when more than 60% of mental packages and building the hu- Children and adolescents worse. for several months. health beds were converted to man resource capacity to de- are also at risk. Parents in Italy An increase in alcohol con- “It is now crystal clear that care for people with COVID-19, liver quality mental health and and Spain have reported that sumption is another area of con- mental health needs must be where possible, people with se- social care in the community.” their children have had diffi- cern for mental health experts. treated as a core element of our vere conditions were moved to SOURCE: WHO

Asia-Pacific virus latest: NZ lockdown ends; Japan seeks to lift emergency ERE are the latest de- constant threat of coronavirus. most of the country, though not velopments from Asia A long-awaited haircut was yet the capital Tokyo and other Hrelated to the novel the top priority for many Kiwis urban centres. coronavirus pandemic: after almost two months in isola- Prime Minister Shinzo Abe tion, with queues of tangle-head- earlier this month extended a Crewcuts and catch-ups ed customers forming at barbers nationwide state of emergency as New Zealand lockdown before dawn. until the end of May. ends But with infections sharply New Zealanders mingled Japan seeks to lift virus down, his government is now with friends and hit the shopping emergency in most re- hoping to lift the measure early malls for the first time in seven gions in up to 39 of the country’s 47 weeks as a national lockdown Japan’s government said it prefectures. ended and businesses faced a wants to lift a state of emergency Masked man in New Zealand waits for bus. PHOTO : AFP “new normal” minimizing the declared over the coronavirus in SOURCE: AFP 15 MAY 2020 16 SPORT THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR Phone Myint Kyaw to play former Mawyawadi FC delivers 8 Ball Pool world champion today aids to players’ homes TEAM authorities from the player is the ease of self-train- MYANMAR’S pool star Phone Mawyawadi FC provided nec- ing for them during their stay Myint Kyaw (a) Ko Ar Ti will play essary foodstuffs including at home period, said officials against his decisive fifth match sacks of rice to the homes of from the football club. against former Chinese 8 Ball the team players, according Mawyawadi FC is a My- World Champion Yang Fan, at to yesterday’s statement with anmar National League II the 8 Battle Chinese Pool Super the Mawyawadi FC. club and the team is current- Match 2020 Tournament, in Chao The team officials have ly standing at the fifth place Yang, China today. sent the necessary stuff plus of the standing table after The former world champion salaries for all the players playing seven matches of Yang Fan had already played from the Senior team, U-21 three wins and four loss- four matches in the tourney, won and U-19 teams of Mawyawadi es according to the March two matches and lost another FC, said the team statement. statement with the Myanmar two. The aim of door-to-door National League.—Lynn Thit Yang Fan had defeated Chi- making assistance for each of (Tgi) nese famous players Yu Hai Tai and Li Bo and lost to Zheng Yu Bo and Chu Bing Jie. Myanmar’s pool star Phone Myint Kyaw (L) receiving his jersey labelled Ronaldinho closing in on 70 On the other side, Myan- with Myanmar Flag, which will be worn on today’s match with former mar’s Phone Myint Kyaw had Chinese 8 Ball World Champion Yang Fan. PHOTO: KO AR TI’S days detention in Paraguay won all four matches including FACEBOOK PAGE world-class Chinese players in- cisive one for surer of advancing and Yan Fang is at the fourth cluding former world champion to next stage. place with 18,000 points. ASUNCION — Brazilian great centre of the Paraguayan capi- Yu Hai Tao and former China Myanmar’s Phone Myint To honour the Myanmar Ronaldinho’s lawyers are hop- tal Asuncion since April 7. Open Champion Li Bo. Kyaw is still leading the Chinese player and his fans, tourney ing the former world player The public prosecutor has For the four consecutive 8 Ball tourney with full 24,500 organizers have already al- of the year will be allowed to six months to investigate the wins, Phone Myint Kyaw is cur- points and Yu Hai Tao is fol- lowed Phone Myint Kyaw to go home after more than two case, and has ordered the arrest rently in a good shape to surpass lowing Phone Myint Kyaw with wear the jersey with Myanmar months of detention in Para- of 18 in connection with it. to the next stage of the tourney 22,000 points and Chu Bing Jie is flag starting from today match. guay over a forged passport. “There is not one single se- and today’s match is also a de- at third place with 21,600 points — Lynn Thit (Tgi) “We’re hoping to convince rious proof that incriminates the prosecution to allow Ronald- him,” Rogelio Delgado, presi- inho and his brother to return to dent of Paraguay’s footballers their country. We can do nothing union told AFP. Hearn questions integrity of but wait for the investigation to “Although he has a luxu- end,” a defence source told AFP. ry prison, it’s very unfair that Former Barcelona, AC Mi- he’s still being detained,” added allowing Tyson comeback lan and Paris Saint-Germain Delgado, a former Paraguay in- star Ronaldinho and his brother, ternational. it but I feel is it a bit irrespon- Robert de Assis Moreira, are The 40-year-old Ronaldinho sible to let a 53-year-old legend facing up to five years in jail if has been keeping a low profile back in the ring?” Hearn told convicted. since being released from be- British Boxing Television. The brothers spent more hind bars, not least because of “What’s compelling is could than a month behind bars after coronavirus lockdown meas- he actually go back in at 53 and they were accused of entering ures. do some damage. But should Paraguay in possession of false “I was completely caught we be encouraging that from passports. off guard when I found out that an all-time great? The 2005 Ballon d’Or win- these passports were not valid,” “There’s a fine line - and ner and his brother posted bail Ronaldinho told Paraguayan I’ve crossed it a couple of times of $1.6 million and have been newspaper ABC last month in - between integrity of the sport under house arrest at the plush his only public statement since and entertainment delivering Palmaroga Hotel in the historic his release.—AFP numbers. Our job is to deliver numbers for broadcasters but we have to keep it as close to the right mark as we can.” Another former heavy- Former heavyweight boxing champions Evander Holyfield (left) and weight champion Evander Mike Tyson (right) are looking to fight charity exhibition bouts in their Holyfield has announced he 50s. PHOTO: AFP will make a ring comeback for LONDON—Boxing promoter said he could make a comeback charity at 57, hoping to help first Eddie Hearn has questioned for charity exhibition bouts. responders and children combat whether a return to the ring Hearn admitted he had the coronavirus pandemic. for Mike Tyson at 53 would be been approached about pro- Hearn believes former box- ethical. moting a fight for Tyson, but is ers are seeing the chance for A video posted on Tyson’s concerned about the respon- a final pay day with Holyfield Instagram this week showed sibility of making money from and Tyson not the only retired the former world heavyweight ageing fighters. fighters considering a come- Ronaldinho (in t-shirt) arrives at Asuncion’s Justice Palace to testify champion in training and he has “I would probably like to see back.—AFP about his irregular entry in Paraguay on March 6, 2020. PHOTO:AFP