The Irrawaddy Magazine

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• Lightning Strikes Have Killed 62 in Myanmar This Year
• Myanmar’s Military Returns to Facebook to Provide ‘Accurate’ News
• Two-Thirds of Myanmar Businesses Struggle to Survive Pandemic: Survey

• Former Myanmar State, Regional Govts Have Yet to Return More Than 3 Billion Kyats in Misspent Funds
• New York City Starts Phased Reopening but Many Remain Cautious
• Don’t Meddle in Hong Kong, Beijing Warns Britain
• The Site That’s Still Publishing Myanmar’s Official Documents After More Than a Century
• Irrawaddy Business Roundup

Lightning Strikes Have Killed 62 in Myanmar This Year Posted: 09 Jun 2020 05:05 AM PDT Lightning strikes are among the deadliest natural disasters in Myanmar, killing around a hundred people annually in recent years.

Myanmar’s Military Returns to Facebook to Provide ‘Accurate’ News Posted: 09 Jun 2020 03:10 AM PDT After withdrawing from Myanmar's most popular social media platform in 2018, the generals have set up two accounts to get their statements back on Facebook.

Two-Thirds of Myanmar Businesses Struggle to Survive Pandemic: Survey Posted: 09 Jun 2020 02:51 AM PDT The Asia Foundation found that Myanmar businesses need an additional stimulus of up to US$1.5 billion to stay afloat until September.

Former Myanmar State, Regional Govts Have Yet to Return More Than 3 Billion Kyats in Misspent Funds Posted: 09 Jun 2020 02:37 AM PDT Billions of kyats in development funds improperly spent by former state and regional governments have yet to be returned as ordered, the Auditor-General's Office said.

New York City Starts Phased Reopening but Many Remain Cautious Posted: 08 Jun 2020 09:54 PM PDT An attitude of wariness prevailed as some New York businesses began reopening under restrictions as the city's COVID-19 shutdown was eased Monday.

Don’t Meddle in Hong Kong, Beijing Warns Britain Posted: 08 Jun 2020 09:42 PM PDT Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi told his British counterpart to keep out of China's internal affairs amid condemnation of a planned new security law in Hong Kong.

The Site That’s Still Publishing Myanmar’s Official Documents After More Than a Century Posted: 08 Jun 2020 07:00 PM PDT Yangon's Government Press Building played a key role in the official life of British Burma, and has continued printing documents for Myanmar's governments ever since.

Irrawaddy Business Roundup Posted: 05 Jun 2020 08:30 PM PDT This week, Myanmar saw a major loan commitment from Japan, government loans for tourism businesses and new data on the drop in trade across the Chinese border.

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The Irrawaddy Magazine

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• Myanmar’s Health Minister Warns of COVID-19 Outbreak Threat Despite Infection Decline
• Yangon’s Watering Holes Are Back With New Normal Lifestyle
• Malaysia Seeks to Deport 3,000 Detained Illegal Immigrants to Myanmar
• Myanmar to Generate its First LNG Power ‘Very Soon’: Energy Ministry
• Myanmar to Distribute 20 Million Face Masks, Shields to School Students, Staff
• Lawmakers Move to Impeach Yangon Chief Minister

Myanmar’s Health Minister Warns of COVID-19 Outbreak Threat Despite Infection Decline Posted: 08 Jun 2020 06:29 AM PDT The minister has told the public to be wary of the potential for mass COVID-19 infections in different places at the same time as coronavirus is not yet 'eliminated'.

Yangon’s Watering Holes Are Back With New Normal Lifestyle Posted: 08 Jun 2020 06:07 AM PDT Bars in Yangon have begun to reopen as the government has lifted some restrictions after the country saw no new local transmissions of COVID-19 for two weeks.

Malaysia Seeks to Deport 3,000 Detained Illegal Immigrants to Myanmar Posted: 08 Jun 2020 05:53 AM PDT Malaysia wants to send home more than 3,000 people it says are illegal immigrants from Myanmar after finding more COVID-19 cases at its detention centers.

Myanmar to Generate its First LNG Power ‘Very Soon’: Energy Ministry Posted: 08 Jun 2020 04:36 AM PDT An LNG delivery to Yangon by Petronas will enable Chinese-built power plants to begin operating. They were due to open in April but were delayed by COVID-19.

Myanmar to Distribute 20 Million Face Masks, Shields to School Students, Staff Posted: 08 Jun 2020 02:13 AM PDT The Education Ministry is procuring face masks and shields for all students and teachers to curb the spread of COVID-19 as it prepares to reopen schools on July 13.

Lawmakers Move to Impeach Yangon Chief Minister Posted: 08 Jun 2020 02:13 AM PDT Lawmakers from the main opposition party, the military and other parties moved to impeach Chief Minister U Phyo Min Thein for violating a COVID-19 restriction and other issues.

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The Irrawaddy Magazine

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NLD Missteps and What They Would Hearld for 2020 Election Posted: 05 Jun 2020 07:30 PM PDT The Irrawaddy talks to National League for Democracy information secretary Monywa Aung Shin about the NLD's missteps since 2015 and how it can clean up its act before November.

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The Irrawaddy Magazine

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• Myanmar’s Ruling NLD Must Address Its Achilles’ Heel: Choosing the Wrong People
• COVID-19 Frontline Volunteers in Myanmar in Need of Protective Equipment and SafetyTraining
• Myanmar Artist Puts COVID-19 on the Canvas
• Kirin Launches Independent Probes for its Myanmar Military Partnership
• Two ARSA Fighters Killed on Myanmar-Bangladesh Border: Military
• Local Designers’ Cloth Masks Spark New Fashion Trend in Myanmar
• Myanmar Election Board to Register Voters in Barracks Amid Calls for Transparency
• Hong Kong Legislature Passes Chinese Anthem Bill Amid Protests
• China Tightens Security on 31st Anniversary of Tiananmen Protest
• The Day Yangon Central Railway Station Opened for Service for the Third Time

Myanmar’s Ruling NLD Must Address Its Achilles’ Heel: Choosing the Wrong People Posted: 05 Jun 2020 07:38 AM PDT As the National League for Democracy prepares for this year's election, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi remains popular, but voters see few other figures in the party to admire.

COVID-19 Frontline Volunteers in Myanmar in Need of Protective Equipment and SafetyTraining Posted: 05 Jun 2020 07:15 AM PDT A frontline coronavirus volunteer has told the State Counselor during a video conference that quarantine centers need more protective equipment, food and volunteers.

Myanmar Artist Puts COVID-19 on the Canvas Posted: 05 Jun 2020 05:43 AM PDT Renowned Myanmar artist MPP Ye Myint has spent the pandemic producing a series of paintings depicting the coronavirus over iconic Myanmar scenes.

Kirin Launches Independent Probes for its Myanmar Military Partnership Posted: 05 Jun 2020 04:31 AM PDT The Japanese beverage company has hired Deloitte to review the finances and governance of a Myanmar military-owned company with which it co-owns two beer companies.

Two ARSA Fighters Killed on Myanmar-Bangladesh Border: Military Posted: 05 Jun 2020 03:33 AM PDT Myanmar's military says two alleged Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army fighters were killed in a clash on Thursday.

Local Designers’ Cloth Masks Spark New Fashion Trend in Myanmar Posted: 05 Jun 2020 03:09 AM PDT Myanmar fashion labels are creating stylish cloth face masks from local fabrics, and using part of the proceeds to provide masks for those who can't afford them.

Myanmar Election Board to Register Voters in Barracks Amid Calls for Transparency Posted: 05 Jun 2020 02:27 AM PDT The Union Election Commission says it will soon register voters living in military barracks, prompting calls for it to release lists of military personnel and their families.

Hong Kong Legislature Passes Chinese Anthem Bill Amid Protests Posted: 04 Jun 2020 09:35 PM PDT Hong Kong lawmakers have passed a bill that makes it a crime to show disrespect to China's national anthem despite a wave of protests by pro-democracy activists.

China Tightens Security on 31st Anniversary of Tiananmen Protest Posted: 04 Jun 2020 09:28 PM PDT Central Beijing was shut down Thursday as Chinese authorities took steps to ensure all was quiet on the 31st anniversary of the PLA's massacre of student protesters.

The Day Yangon Central Railway Station Opened for Service for the Third Time Posted: 04 Jun 2020 06:30 PM PDT On this day in 1954, the current Yangon Central Railway Station opened after being rebuilt from the ashes of WWII.

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The Irrawaddy Magazine

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• Myanmar Election Will Happen on Schedule, Says Commission
• Myanmar Government Cuts 25% Off Yangon’s Budgetary Request
• Rohingya Man Tests Positive for COVID-19 After Returning to Myanmar Illegally From Bangladesh
• Soldiers and Civilian Die in Western Myanmar Booby Trap
• Mandalay Chief Minister in Quarantine in Myanmar After Cancer Treatment in Thailand
• US Defense Chief Defies Trump, Opposes Using Military During Unrest
• US to Block Chinese Passenger Airline Flights
• National Security Law Would Not Erode Freedoms in Hong Kong: Carrie Lam
• China Using Pandemic to Silence Hong Kong Protesters: Activist

Myanmar Election Will Happen on Schedule, Says Commission Posted: 04 Jun 2020 05:59 AM PDT Myanmar's election will happen in November as scheduled, says the Union Election Commission, assuaging worries that the poll was going to be delayed due to COVID-19.

Myanmar Government Cuts 25% Off Yangon’s Budgetary Request Posted: 04 Jun 2020 05:51 AM PDT Yangon asked for an extra 181.2 billion kyats from the government in Naypyitaw to fund major projects only to be told to make do with 131.8 billion kyats.

Rohingya Man Tests Positive for COVID-19 After Returning to Myanmar Illegally From Bangladesh Posted: 04 Jun 2020 05:12 AM PDT A Rohingya man who illegally returned to Rakhine State from Bangladesh last week has tested positive for the coronavirus and is being treated at Maungdaw Hospital.

Soldiers and Civilian Die in Western Myanmar Booby Trap Posted: 04 Jun 2020 04:21 AM PDT The Arakan Army is being blamed for two remotely detonated mines that killed an unknown number of government troops and a civilian in northern Rakhine State.

Mandalay Chief Minister in Quarantine in Myanmar After Cancer Treatment in Thailand Posted: 04 Jun 2020 12:52 AM PDT Mandalay Chief Minister Dr. Zaw Myint Maung is back from Thailand after receiving cancer treatment and will return to work after 21 days in isolation, an official said.

US Defense Chief Defies Trump, Opposes Using Military During Unrest Posted: 03 Jun 2020 10:05 PM PDT US Defense Secretary Mark Esper said he opposes President Donald Trump's threat to use troops to quell protests sparked by the killing of an African-American by police.

US to Block Chinese Passenger Airline Flights Posted: 03 Jun 2020 09:40 PM PDT Chinese airlines will be barred from flying into the US in response to what Washington calls unfair treatment of US carriers by Beijing amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

National Security Law Would Not Erode Freedoms in Hong Kong: Carrie Lam Posted: 03 Jun 2020 09:40 PM PDT Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam has repeated her claim that Beijing's proposed national security law will not erode freedom and rights in the region.

China Using Pandemic to Silence Hong Kong Protesters: Activist Posted: 03 Jun 2020 09:18 PM PDT Hong Kong democracy activist Joshua Wong has accused China of trying to turn the city into 'another Xinjiang' under cover of the COVID-19 pandemic.

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The Irrawaddy Magazine

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• Myanmar Medical Staffer at China Border Gate Tests COVID-19 Positive
• Myanmar Condemns Report on Illegal Teak Exports to EU
• Chinese-Backed Firm Granted Massive Copper and Gold Exploration Permit in Myanmar
• Court Frees Four Minors Accused of Terrorism by Military for Lack of Evidence
• Deputy Mayor of Myanmar’s Capital Appointed as Yangon Finance Minister
• Biden Raps Trump Over Racial Unrest in Heated Election Campaigning
• Myanmar Doctor Jailed for Online Criticism of Monks Who Oppose Sex Education
• Philippines Suspends Move to Scrap Visiting Forces Accord With US
• When the Daughter of Myanmar’s Last King Died

Myanmar Medical Staffer at China Border Gate Tests COVID-19 Positive Posted: 03 Jun 2020 05:35 AM PDT A nurse working with a team in Muse to check returning Myanmar nationals from China has tested positive for COVID-19, becoming the first local case in two weeks.

Myanmar Condemns Report on Illegal Teak Exports to EU Posted: 03 Jun 2020 04:00 AM PDT The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation has rejected an independent study claiming teak is being illegally exported through Croatia.

Chinese-Backed Firm Granted Massive Copper and Gold Exploration Permit in Myanmar Posted: 03 Jun 2020 02:35 AM PDT Australia-based PanAust was granted a permit for exploration in northern Myanmar, which has already seen devastating environmental and social impacts from mines.

Court Frees Four Minors Accused of Terrorism by Military for Lack of Evidence Posted: 03 Jun 2020 02:24 AM PDT A court in Rakhine State's Mrauk-U has released four minors sued by the Tatmadaw under the Counterterrorism Law, saying there is not enough evidence to try them.

Deputy Mayor of Myanmar’s Capital Appointed as Yangon Finance Minister Posted: 03 Jun 2020 01:05 AM PDT The Yangon regional government has appointed U Ye Min Oo, the deputy mayor of Naypyitaw and a veteran banker, as the commercial hub's next finance and planning minister.

Biden Raps Trump Over Racial Unrest in Heated Election Campaigning Posted: 02 Jun 2020 10:45 PM PDT Donald Trump's election rival Joe Biden has accused the US president of stoking the racial unrest currently gripping the country.

Myanmar Doctor Jailed for Online Criticism of Monks Who Oppose Sex Education Posted: 02 Jun 2020 10:33 PM PDT A doctor has been sentenced to a year and nine months in jail for his Facebook posts criticizing monks who oppose the teaching of sex education in Myanmar schools.

Philippines Suspends Move to Scrap Visiting Forces Accord With US Posted: 02 Jun 2020 09:58 PM PDT The Philippines has suspended its earlier plan to scrap a long-standing defense agreement with the United States.

When the Daughter of Myanmar’s Last King Died Posted: 02 Jun 2020 06:30 PM PDT Princess Hteik Su Myat Phaya Gyi was born into luxury in Mandalay but soon found herself exiled in India and forced to marry a servant.

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The Irrawaddy Magazine

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• Advocates Say Govt Too Light on Officers Who Botched Toddler Rape Investigation
• Myanmar Back at Work After No Local COVID-19 Transmissions for Two Weeks
• First Rohingya Death From COVID-19 Reported in Bangladesh Refugee Camp
• Opening of the First Airport in Myanmar’s Chin State Delayed Amid COVID-19
• Deputy Mayor of Myanmar’s Capital Nominated as Yangon Finance Minister
• Displaced Children in Western Myanmar Unable to Attend Reopening Schools
• South Korea’s SK Telecom to Help Myanmar Boost Cybersecurity
• Govt to Build Temporary Classrooms to Aid Social Distancing in Schools
• China Vows to Take Countermeasures Against US Over Hong Kong
• WHO Chief Urges Trump to Think Twice About US Withdrawal
• Trump Threatens to Use Troops to Quell Protests Over Police Killing of Black Detainee
• The Building That Exploited Myanmar’s Oil Wealth

Advocates Say Govt Too Light on Officers Who Botched Toddler Rape Investigation Posted: 02 Jun 2020 05:57 AM PDT Lawyers and campaigners in Myanmar slammed the government's "light punishment" of senior police officers who mishandled the investigation of a high-profile toddler rape case.

Myanmar Back at Work After No Local COVID-19 Transmissions for Two Weeks Posted: 02 Jun 2020 05:48 AM PDT Most shops, restaurants and workplaces in Myanmar's large cities are now open as the country has reported no new local transmissions of COVID-19 for two weeks.

First Rohingya Death From COVID-19 Reported in Bangladesh Refugee Camp Posted: 02 Jun 2020 05:39 AM PDT A 71-year-old resident of the Kutupalong camp in Cox's Bazar on Monday became the first Rohingya refugee confirmed to have died of COVID-19, Bangladeshi officials said.

Opening of the First Airport in Myanmar’s Chin State Delayed Amid COVID-19 Posted: 02 Jun 2020 05:14 AM PDT The opening of Surbung Airport in Falam is being delayed by coronavirus but the impoverished state hopes it will boost development and tourism.

Deputy Mayor of Myanmar’s Capital Nominated as Yangon Finance Minister Posted: 02 Jun 2020 03:38 AM PDT The Yangon regional government has nominated U Ye Min Oo, the deputy mayor of Naypyitaw and a veteran banker, as the commercial hub's next finance and planning minister.

Displaced Children in Western Myanmar Unable to Attend Reopening Schools Posted: 02 Jun 2020 03:15 AM PDT Families driven from their homes by fighting with the Arakan Army will struggle to send their children to schools when COVID-19 restrictions end.

South Korea’s SK Telecom to Help Myanmar Boost Cybersecurity Posted: 02 Jun 2020 02:56 AM PDT Cyber experts from Korea's biggest telecom firm will help Myanmar's NCSC set up a Security Operation Center to spot cybersecurity weaknesses and respond to threats.

Govt to Build Temporary Classrooms to Aid Social Distancing in Schools Posted: 02 Jun 2020 02:44 AM PDT The Education Ministry plans to build temporary classrooms to allow for social distancing at schools ahead of their gradual opening in July.

China Vows to Take Countermeasures Against US Over Hong Kong Posted: 01 Jun 2020 10:14 PM PDT Beijing has promised to take retaliatory measures in response to the United States' plan to end its special financial relationship with Hong Kong.

WHO Chief Urges Trump to Think Twice About US Withdrawal Posted: 01 Jun 2020 10:06 PM PDT The director general of the World Health Organization expressed hope that US President Trump will reconsider his decision to withdraw from the agency.

Trump Threatens to Use Troops to Quell Protests Over Police Killing of Black Detainee Posted: 01 Jun 2020 09:48 PM PDT US President Trump vowed to deploy military personnel to crack down on nationwide protests over Minnesota police's killing of George Floyd if local officials did not act.

The Building That Exploited Myanmar’s Oil Wealth Posted: 01 Jun 2020 06:30 PM PDT Burmah Oil Company's headquarters in Yangon enabled the British firm to generate huge profits while its employees lived in squalor on tiny wages.

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