Friday, July 22, 2016

The Irrawaddy Magazine

The Irrawaddy Magazine


Cholera Outbreak in Pyay District

Posted: 22 Jul 2016 05:48 AM PDT

The Pyay General Hospital, where 96 mostly elderly people are being treated for cholera. (Photo: Kaung Myat Min/The Irrawaddy)

The Pyay General Hospital, where 96 mostly elderly people are being treated for cholera. (Photo: Kaung Myat Min/The Irrawaddy)

PYAY, Pegu Division — A cholera outbreak in Pyay District of Pegu Division has hospitalized almost 100 people, according to the Pyay General Hospital, which is caring for those affected, half of whom are in a severe state.

The 500-bed hospital in the town of Pyay, the district capital, first received 15 patients suffering from diarrhea and low blood pressure on July 11. The hospital staff was not used to treating this particular mix of symptoms, said Dr. Tin Shun, the medical superintendent.

"I conducted a lab test together with a pathologist and the results aroused suspicion. So, we sent the test results to the national health laboratory [in Rangoon] and received an answer on Thursday confirming that it was cholera," said Dr Tin Shun.

He said that 96 cholera sufferers were currently receiving care at the Pyay hospital, with half being in a severe state—although no deaths had so far been recorded.

The patients, most of whom are elderly, are from Pyay, Paungde, Pauk Khaung, Pandaung, Thegon and Shwedaung townships of Pyay District in Pegu Division, as well as Aunglan Township in neighboring Magwe Division. Two urban wards in Pyay Township have been hit the hardest, according to the medical superintendent.

Following the outbreak, Pegu Division public health officers and an anti-epidemic team from Naypyidaw have been monitoring the situation across the district, conducting educational talks and chlorinating sources of drinking water.

"A public health team chlorinated a lake and artesian wells in our ward," confirmed a housewife in Ywabe Ward of Pyay Township.

Cholera can be contracted through contact with contaminated food and water in unhygienic surroundings. The medical superintendent has urged locals to exercise rigor in their personal hygiene, and has requested local authorities ensure appropriate standards of cleanliness in local food outlets.

The post Cholera Outbreak in Pyay District appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

‘Patriotic Monks Union’ Interrogates Shwedagon Vendor Over Origin of Goods

Posted: 22 Jul 2016 05:44 AM PDT

Devotees throng to Rangoon's Shwedagon Pagoda on the full moon day of Tabaung on March 4, 2015. (Photo: The Irrawaddy)

Devotees throng to Rangoon's Shwedagon Pagoda on the full moon day of Tabaung on March 4, 2015. (Photo: The Irrawaddy)

RANGOON — The Board of Trustees for Rangoon's Shwedagon Pagoda told The Irrawaddy on Friday that they received a complaint from a group of Buddhist monks claiming that an on-site vendor was selling religious goods supplied by a non-Buddhist wholesaler, an act which does not violate any existing regulations.

The complaint was filed following an incident on Wednesday, in which eight monks—identifying themselves as belonging to the Patriotic Buddhist Monks Union—interrogated the shop owner, named Sandar, and inspected her stall to see whether she was selling religious goods purchased from a non-Buddhist distributor, according to a report by local newspaper The Voice.

Htun Aung Ngwe, chief of the office for the Board of Trustees, told The Irrawaddy that Shwedagon Pagoda has no restrictions regarding from whom vendors can purchase their wholesale religious goods to sell on-site.

Central Ma Ba Tha Online Media, which claims to be a mouthpiece of the ultranationalist Association for the Protection of Race and Religion—better known by its Burmese acronym Ma Ba Tha—published a statement on Thursday saying that Ma Ba Tha had no connection to the incident.

Last April, monks from the Patriotic Buddhist Monks Union threatened Muslim vendors, ordering them not to sell items near the Shwedagon Pagoda. The monks seized their goods and demanded they send letters to the police and local authorities stating that they would close their shops around the pagoda in the future.

Shwedagon Pagoda is one of the most famous tourist attractions in Burma. It has received nearly 30,000 foreign visitors in June alone, according to figures on the pagoda's official website.

The post 'Patriotic Monks Union' Interrogates Shwedagon Vendor Over Origin of Goods appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Securities Commission Issued Warning Against Illegal Share Sales

Posted: 22 Jul 2016 05:35 AM PDT

Military linked UMHEL recently transitioned into a public company earlier this year. (Photo: The Irrawaddy)

Military linked UMHEL recently transitioned into a public company earlier this year. (Photo: The Irrawaddy)

RANGOON—The Securities and Exchange Commission of Myanmar (SECM) warned public companies this week that it would take action against those that sell shares without the SECM's approval, according to a commission member.

To protect investors, the SECM said it will ensure that companies are in compliance with the Securities Exchange Law and will take action against those that are not.

"Recently, some companies have announced that they have shares available to sell. But if they do not have approval from the SECM, they can be punished under the law," said commission member Tin May Oo.

According to the law, public companies—which are jointly owned by numerous private shareholders—are required to submit a prospectus to the SECM before selling shares. After submission, the approval process takes about 60 days, according to the commission.

According to Article 66 of the Securities Exchange Law, public companies that violate the law can be imprisoned for up to a year or fined. The law was approved by Parliament in 2013, but some companies still lack information regarding the details.

"That is why we are announcing the rules again and our intention to take action," said Tin May Oo. "Some companies have advertised shares in the state-owned newspaper. We've asked them to stop. If they continue, they will be charged," she added.

No public company has been sued yet under the law.

"This is the second time we've issued a warning regarding this. We will also announce it on DICA's [Directorate of Investment and Companies Administration] website soon," Tin May Oo said.

According to DICA, more than 200 businesses in Burma are registered as public companies. Only six are expected to list their shares this year on the country's stock exchange, which opened in March.

Thet Tun Oo, a senior official from the Yangon Stock Exchange (YSX), said many companies do not have a proper understanding of the Securities Exchange Law.

"Businesses need to gain knowledge and follow the rules. The YSX will check that any companies listed in the future are compliant with the law," he said.

The state-owned Global New Light of Myanmar cautioned that action would be taken by the SECM against those selling stocks through illegal or "non-transparent" means, including over social media sites.

The post Securities Commission Issued Warning Against Illegal Share Sales appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Rangoon’s Best Buffet Hot Pot and BBQ

Posted: 22 Jul 2016 04:34 AM PDT

Foodie Myanmar rounds up their top seven picks for all-you-can-eat hotpot and barbecue for less than 15,000 kyats.

Foodie Myanmar rounds up their top seven picks for all-you-can-eat hotpot and barbecue for less than 15,000 kyats.

This week, Foodie Myanmar rounds up their top seven picks for all-you-can-eat hotpot and barbecue for less than 15,000 kyats.

Hot Pot City

hotpotcity Hot Pot City has made a local name for itself in recent months. More than 80 dishes featuring pork, prawn, chicken, crab, beef and vegetables are available. The daytime buffet price is 11,000 kyats per person until 4 p.m., after which the 12,800 kyats dinner price kicks in until 11 p.m. The standard prices include a two-hour table time, and increases if guests choose to stay for three hours. The restaurant gets crowded during dinner but there are private rooms available for parties of at least 10 people.

Address: No. 33, Kyaik Waing Pagoda Street, Mayangone Tsp.


Jo Jo Hot Pot

In addition to their hot pot options, Jo Jo Hot Pot offers specialty side dishes like Yunnan pork, dumplings, BBQ chicken wings, prawn tempura and their signature homemade meatballs. Five types of broth are available, with spicy and not-so-spicy options. Seating times are not limited and the price is 12,000 kyats for adults and 6,000 kyats for children between ages three and 10.

Address: No. 23 (A), Nawady Street, Dagon Tsp.


Gangnam Buffet

For fans of Korean food, Gangnam Buffet near Inya Lake is a great choice. This hot pot restaurant offers 50 dishes including meatballs, sliced meats, seafood, vegetables and Korean side dishes. Dessert options include a chocolate fountain, fruit, biscuits and cookies. The price is 11,900 kyats per person and half price for children under four feet tall. The seating time is an hour and a half and the restaurant charges 1,000 kyats per person for each additional 10 minutes.

Address: Maha Land Center, Kabar Aye Pagoda Road, Yankin Tsp.


Mu Ka Hta Thai BBQ

This BBQ spot in South Okkalapa Township offers over 100 options for hot pot or to grill on your own, which are sold in packages. Package A costs 12,800 kyats and lasts one and a half hours, Package B is 14,000 kyats for just over two hours and Package C costs 16,000 kyats and lasts just over three hours. Children eat for half price.

Address: No. 51, Thitsar Road, Ponnami Bus Stop, South Okkalapa Tsp.


His.tori

Foodie Myanmar rounds up their top seven picks for all-you-can-eat hotpot and barbecue for less than 15,000 kyats.

Based in Singapore, this Korean chain offers 70 dishes featuring meats, kimchi, fried rice, tteokbokki and more. The BBQ buffet price starts at 12,500 kyats plus a 10 percent service charge. The children's price is 7,500 kyats and the seating times are not limited.

Address: No. 10, Yadanar Street, Rainbow Food Center, Thingangyun Tsp.


Manpuku

ManpukuManpuku Buffet is a Japanese-style BBQ in Yankin. To ensure freshness, it only prepares meat to order, which can mean a long wait for customers. Prices start at 12,800 kyats plus a 10 percent charge for service and tax. The price is 7,000 kyats for children under 4 feet tall and seating times are limited to an hour and a half.

Address: No. 26 (B), Aung Zeya Street, Yankin Tsp.


Shwe Pan Sai Swanton

Unlike other options, this South Okkalapa Township grill and hot pot restaurant offers sweet and sour broths on top of spicy and non-spicy options. The price is 10,800 kyats for adults and 5,000 kyats for children aged four to six.

Address: No. 5, Yadanar Street, Thingangyun Tsp.


This article was written by Foodie Myanmar. Available for download in the Google Play Store, the Foodie Myanmar app will help you discover great places to eat and ways to share your foodie moments. Available at: http://bit.ly/InstallFoodieMyanmarOnAndroid

The post Rangoon's Best Buffet Hot Pot and BBQ appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

National Ethnic Youth Conference to be Held in Panglong

Posted: 22 Jul 2016 04:21 AM PDT

A Union monument at Panglong commemorates the signing of the historic agreement on Feb. 2, 1947. (Photo: Kyaw Zwa Moe / The Irrawaddy)

A Union monument at Panglong commemorates the signing of the historic agreement on Feb. 2, 1947. (Photo: Kyaw Zwa Moe / The Irrawaddy)

RANGOON – A national youth conference will be held in southern Shan State's Panglong in late July, aiming to build unity among young people representing ethnic groups from across Burma.

Over 600 representatives from 26 ethnicities—including Kachin, Karen, Karenni, Chin, Mon, Arakanese, Shan, Dawei, Naga, Palaung (Ta'ang), Lahu, Intha, Pa'O, Danu, Burman, Taung Yoe, Akha, Wa, Kokang, Myaung Zee, Kadu, Kanan and Yaw—will gather in the town from July 27-31.

Youth from the country's ethnic areas started the Coordination Committee for National Ethnic Youth Conference (CCNEYC) four years ago in June 2012. Before implementing the national level summit, they held an ethnic youth conference in northern Shan State in 2014.

Sai Aung Myint Oo, one of the 40 organizers with CCNEYC, told The Irrawaddy that the conference's purpose is to form "a collective youth voice," which could support policy development that would address pressing issues in the ethnic areas.

Participating ethnic youth organizations expect that their five-day-long gathering will yield more unified support in building a federal union in Burma.

Sai Aung Myint Oo explained that Panglong was selected as the venue because the town once hosted the historic 1947 Panglong Agreement, signed between Gen Aung San—a Burman independence leader against British colonialism—and leaders from ethnic nationalities. The Panglong pact promised equal rights across ethnic lines and greater self-determination for ethnic groups in an independent Burma.

Mai Myo Aung, another organizer who is an ethnic Ta'ang (Palaung), representing the Ta'ang Student and Youth Organization, said that building unity and better relationships between ethnic youth—through the building of a network—is key to the conference's success.

Representatives who will be attending the conference have experience working for youth and regional development, added Mai Mai, an ethnic Kachin woman also helping to organize the event.

The conference will host panel discussions on federalism and peacebuilding with input from stakeholders and experts. Representatives from each ethnic group present will prepare and deliver papers highlighting regional issues including drug abuse, human rights violations and social concerns.

The post National Ethnic Youth Conference to be Held in Panglong appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Burma Army Defends Soldier Against Myitkyina Murder Accusation

Posted: 22 Jul 2016 01:05 AM PDT

Kachin youth in Myitkyina protest on June 21 against the fatal shooting of the ethnic Kachin student by the Burma Army soldier. (Photo: Kachin Waves)

Kachin youth in Myitkyina protest on June 21 against the fatal shooting of the ethnic Kachin student by the Burma Army soldier. (Photo: Kachin Waves)

RANGOON — At a press conference in Rangoon on Wednesday, the Burma Army re-stated their defense of a low-ranking soldier accused by locals of murdering an unarmed ethnic Kachin student, aged 19 years old, in the Kachin State capital Myitkyina on June 20.

At the same press conference, the Burma Army accepted responsibility for the murder of five civilians in a rural area of Lashio Township in northern Shan State at the end of June, and promised to take unspecified "action" against the soldiers involved.

Lt Gen Mya Tun Oo repeated the army's earlier claim of self-defense regarding the Myitkyina incident: that the shot that killed the university student Gum Seng Awng was a "misfire" from the soldier who, along with one other soldier on duty, was trying to fend off a physical assault from the student and seven other youths, and protect his gun from being seized.

The student was punching the soldier in the face and going after his gun, said Lt Gen Mya Tun Oo. The two soldiers were guarding the Bala Min Thin Bridge in the city.

"We have strong evidence," Lt Gen Mya Tun Oo said, adding that, "We have suspicions that those eight youths were using illegal drugs, because normally people are afraid of guns but they weren't." He said the army would be investigating the incident further.

Hkawn Nawng, the lawyer hired by the family of the victim, is currently gathering evidence in preparation to file a case against the accused soldier, Private Maung Maung. He told The Irrawaddy that "only four" youth were involved in the fracas with the two soldiers, rather than eight as claimed by the Burma Army.

The lawyer denied that any of the youth were attempting to seize the gun from the soldier, and said the four were stopped while trying to cross the bridge on motorbikes, before being shot by the soldier. He said he had three witnesses prepared to confirm this.

Although a case has yet to be filed against the soldier, the lawyer said that Lt Gen Mya Tun Oo's comments at the Rangoon press conference show "disrespect" to the judicial system, and betray an attempt by the Burma Army to position themselves above the law, since "only a court has the right to decide whether or not the soldier is innocent [of murder]."

Meanwhile, police in Myitkyina have charged three local youths who survived the incident—named Joseph Brang Nan, Htwal San Awng and Sut Jat—for allegedly attempting to seize the gun from the soldier who committed the fatal shooting. All three are currently released on bail.

The post Burma Army Defends Soldier Against Myitkyina Murder Accusation appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

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