The New Light of Myanmar (Sunday, 31 March, 2002)

[Ok Kar <okkar66126@xxxxxxxxx>]

The New Light of Myanmar (Sunday, 31 March, 2002)
--------------------------
1. Secretary-1 attends coord meeting on opening of MMU

2. - Secretary-1 inspects Htantabin region development

     tasks, Thanlyin-Kyauktan Region Development Zone
   - Secretary-1 attends prize presentation ceremony
     of SAM golf friendly
3. - Friendly golf tournament of SAM held
   - Abhidhaja Maha Rattha Guru title recipient
     Kyakhatwaing Sayadaw honoured
4. - Industry-1 Minister receives Chinese delegation
   - Minister inspects Special Vegetable and Poultry
     Farming Zone in Hmawby Township
   - Pyay, Minhla get new auto telephone exchanges
5. Bangladeshi cultural entertainment
6. - Mingaladon Station holds tree-planting ceremony
   - Work coord meeting on all-round development of
     Ngwe Hsaung beach held
   - Construction of Nyaungkhashei-Myitkyo-DaikU road
     launched
7. Armed Forces Day Exhibition continues
8. 145 fires broke out in February
9. - 72,000 stimulant tablets seized in Tachilek
   - Drug dealers sentenced

---------

( 1 ) Market forces need to compete with one another
fairly, and promote development of production and
services National economic goal today is to promote
living standard of citizens through national economic
development 11th Annual General Meeting of UMFCCI held

Yangon, 30 Marc- The 11th Annual General Meeting of
the Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of
Commerce and Industry was held at the National Theatre
on Myoma Kyaung Street this morning, with an address
by Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development
Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt.

Also present were Chairman of Yangon Division Peace
and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command
Brig-Gen Myint Swe, ministers, deputy ministers,
officials of the State Peace and Development Council
Office, departmental officials, the president and
vice-president of UMFCCI, CEC members, EC members,
UMFCCI members, entrepreneurs and guests.

---------

President of UMFCCI U Win Myint extended greetings.

The Secretary-1 said the State Peace and Development
Council has been making endeavours with momentum in
various sectors to develop the nation, strengthen the
national economy and to improve the living standard of
the people.

The strong national economy is a basic requirement for
achieving national development and uplifting the
living standard of the people, he said.

The difference of economy and wealth among the nations
of the world in the international facade further
widens the gap of development and technology between
poor and rich, he said.

At this time, he said, it is obvious that some wealthy
developed nations with strong economy are attempting
to wield their influence on developing nations and
dominate them economically.

The strong national economy is an important national
requirement not only for national development but also
for enabling the nation to stand tall among the
nations of the world and be free from foreign
domination, he said. Therefore, efforts are to be made
to fulfil this requirement, he added.

He said as the instances of wielding economic
influence are on the increase in the world, every
country is making efforts competitively to further
strengthen their national economy.

Even rich nations are making comprehensive
arrangements to protect their national interests in
the international economic and trade sectors, he said.

Now is the time to promote economic co-operation with
friendly nations and neighbouring nations that have
the same goal while the national economy is
strengthened.

It is the time for all national people to participate
in the task of furthern strengthening the national
economy under the leadership of the Government. In
other words, such task indicates the importance of the
private economic sector.

As is known to all, the Government has been striving
to strengthen the national economy relying on the
strength not only of State organizations and
departments but also of the national private economic
organizations.

The Government is giving encouragement so that the
national private economic enterprises can thrive and
can have the initiative to shape the national economy,
he said. Only then can development of the national
economy and trade be further promoted on the correct
national path which brings about national interest
most, he said.

Therefore, with the aim of ensuring the emergence of
efficient national forces, the Government has
mobilised such national forces as agricultural forces,
industrial forces, monetary and financial forces and
service forces in the respective sectors. UMFCCI is a
national-level organization that forms all economic
forces built in the country as a consolidated national
force.

The organization is a strong one formed with private
and cooperative societies, local and foreign
companies, state and division associations and border
trade merchant associations.

Moreover, it includes 17 associations such as the
mercantile entrepreneurs association, the computer
industry association, the fisheries federation, the
industrial producers' association, the edible oil
dealers association, the rice wholesalers association,
the bankers' association, the livestock breeding
federation and the timber entrepreneurs association.
Therefore, UMFCCI is an important organization that is
organizing and leading nearly all the economic forces
that play a pivotal role in the national economy.The
federations of chambers of commerce and industry came
into existence in accord with the market-oriented
economic system in the world. It is a practice of the
market-oriented economic system to protect the
interests of the merchants and industrialists.

UMFCCI is not an ordinary one. It aims not only at
protecting the interests of the merchants and
industrialists but also at cooperating with the
Government in contributing towards national economic
development in line with the national economic policy.
To achieve the noble aim, concerted efforts are to be
exerted.

The national economic goal today is to ensure national
economic development and promote the living standard
of the citizens through the national economic
development. Hence, UMFCCI is not only to do business
but also to elevate the national economic life in
accordance with the national economic objectives.
Today, efforts are being made to develop the national
economy, agriculture, agro-based industries and other
industries.

Efforts are being made to achieve domestic sufficiency
of food and develop export and import-substitute
production work.

Moreover, all are to make concerted efforts to
strengthen the national economy, to ensure a stable
and strong economic climate in the country and to
develop production work, trading activities and
services systematically and harmoniously.

Myanmar has pursued the market-oriented economic
system for over a decade. Market forces need to
compete with one another fairly, and promote the
development of production and services. It is
important that people can enjoy the fruits of
development of the market-oriented economic system.
Efforts are to be made to develop small- and
medium-size enterprises of the private sector into big
enterprise and mergers.

Today, agriculture, production, trade and services are
related. The condition of the domestic market and
policies, the foreign market and policies of foreign
nations, local and international agreements and
trading systems have influence on production, trading
and services. In addition, competition has increased
not only inside but also outside the country. The
importance of the market is more greater than that of
production. To dominate the market, all are to work in
unity instead of competing with one another in the
country.

A study of foreign trade and import volume of the
country over the last two years shows that the import
volume of the state-owned sector increased by 1.5%,
and that of the private sector decreased by 10%. The
import volume of the state-owned sector increased by
1.5% and that of the private sector decreased by 5%.

In view of the total volume of foreign trade, the
export volume increased by 30%; the import volume, by
24%. The performance of the private sector decreased
in comparison with its last year performance.
Therefore, more efforts are to be made for export
promotion.

In addition, in the light of the world economic trend,
competition was previously made on the basis of
productivity and efficiency. Later, it is found that
emphasis has been placed on business ethics.

As businesses are striving to be able to stand
successfully, more emphasis has been placed on
business ethics and reputation. As the business ethics
of the biggest companies and audit organizations in
the world have been rather lax, they have lost their
reputation.

Therefore, the enterprises of the Myanma business
world are to observe business ethics, to be united, to
maintain dignity and to be beneficial to the society.
In this regard, the federation is to organize and lead
them.

The businesses in the nation shouldn't be satisfied
with the present status in the domestic market, and
need to strive to reach the regional and international
standards. Only then will they be able to withstand
the pressure of penetration of foreign goods when the
programmes for the regional free trade area are
implemented.

The Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of
Commerce and Industry will have to accept the duty of
the chairman and the secretary of ASEAN-CCI from the
Philippines Federation of Chambers of Commerce and
Industry. At present, the federation is discharging
the duty of the chairman of Joint Economic Quandrangle
Committee made up of Myanmar, China and Laos. In 2003,
it will have to discharge the duty of the chairman and
the secretary of GMS Business Forum.

 The federation, representing Myanmar, is discharging
heavy duty in the regional economic and trade
cooperation. Therefore, given the dignity of the
nation and promotion and safeguarding of national
interests, preparatory measures are to be taken. In
this regard, assistance and cooperation of respective
ministries, departments and organizations are to be
obtained. Ministers concerned are to provide
assistance.

ASEAN is cooperating with other nations and 12
organizations in the economic field. Moreover, it is
cooperating with non-dialogue partners. ASEAN-CCI,
being part of ASEAN, needs to cooperate with other
business organizations. Therefore, efforts are to be
made to promote the efficiency of the federation and
all its members. All the members need to be prepared
to be able to grasp the opportunities which will arise
out of regional economic cooperation.

Today information and communication technology is
developing, and as a result, new methods such as
e-commerce and e-banking are being employed. In
Myanmar, the Internet Data Center and Teleport of
Bagan Cybertech is providing services. The
entrepreneurs in Myanmar are urged to obtain and use
business information through IDC and Teleport.

Therefore, the Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers
of Commerce and Industry is to study all the business
ethics and organize enterprises to observe them, to
provide assistance for small- and medium-sized
enterprise, to arrange for development of human
resources, to promote export through marketing and
innovation and to work for the economic stability and
development of the nation with the national outlook.

To ensure the perpetual existence of a stable and
strong economic climate and to enable the national
people to enjoy the fruits of economic development,
the federation need to organize and lead all its
members to strike a balance between self-interests and
common good.

All the members of the federation are to make efforts
to develop the production, trade and service sectors
proportionately, to promote import-substitute
production work, the production work where local raw
materials are used and export production work, to
secure a place in new markets, to put new items of
goods on the market and to export local-made goods.

Efforts are to be made to withstand the international
economic effect and economic domination, to promote
the national economy and to lay down the economic
foundations for the nation.

In conclusion, the Secretary-1 urged all the members
of the federation to strive from the trade sector for
the progress of the nation, development of the
national economy and improvement of living standard of
the people, to work in unity to enable the Union of
Myanmar to stand shoulder to shoulder with other
nations without having to rely on others, to cooperate
with international business organizations so that a
stable and strong economic climate can be created, to
make systematic plans so that the fruits of economic
development can be enjoyed by fellow entrepreneurs, to
strike a balance between self-interests and common
good and to take into consideration not only economic
benefits but also the food, cloth and shelter
condition of the people.

After the first session of the meeting, the
Secretary-1 and party and guests viewed local-made
products exhibited by member companies of the
federation.

At the second session of the meeting, President of
UMFCCI and Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Pyi Sone
spoke.

General Secretary U Zaw Min Win read the annual report
of the executive committee and the financial
statement, and sought the approval of the members. The
meeting ended with concluding remarks by the president
of the federation.

---------

Secretary-1 attends coord meeting on opening of MMU

Yangon, 30 March-A coordination meeting on the opening
of Myanmar Maritime University was held at the meeting
hall of the Institute of Marine Technology on
Bayintnaung Road here this afternoon with an address
by Chairman of Myanmar Education Committee Secretary-1
of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin
Nyunt. Also present on the occasion were Chairman of
Yangon Division Peace and Development Council
Commander Brig-Gen Myint Swe, ministers, the Chief of
Staff (Navy), deputy ministers, officialsof the State
Peace and Development Council Office, heads of
department and officials. First, Minster for Transport
Maj-Gen Hla Myint Swe reported on arrangements for the
opening of the university.

Then, officials of the respective sub-committees
reported on the set-up of the university, acceptance
of the students, construction of buildings,
appointment of faculty members, and fulfilment of
requirements of books and teaching aids. In response
to the reports of the officials, the Secretary-1 gave
instructions. Then, the meeting came to a close. After
the meeting, the Secretary-1 inspected construction of
the university.

___________________________

( 2 ) Secretary-1 inspects Htantabin region
development tasks, Thanlyin-Kyauktan Region
Development Zone

Yangon, 30 March - Secretary-1 of the State Peace and
Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt, accompanied by
Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development
Council Commander of Yangon Command Brig-Gen Myint
Swe, the ministers, the deputy ministers and officials
of the State Peace and Development Council Office,
arrived at Htantabin region, this morning.

The Secretary-1 first inspected arrangements for
construction of a roundabout at the junction of three
streets on Hlinethaya side of Shwepyitha Bridge. Then,
the Secretary-1 inspected the construction site for
upgrading Hlinethaya-Htantabin short cut and for
development of Htantabin region in Htantabin Township.
Departmental heads and officials reported on regional
development tasks for development of Htantabin region
including buildings under construction, ensuring
smooth transport, sufficiency of clean water and
proper drainage.

The Secretary-1 gave necessary instructions.
Afterwards, the Secretary-1 inspected construction of
buildings for regional development. In the afternoon,
the Secretary-1 proceeded to the project office of
Thanlyin-Kyauktan region development zone in Yangon
Division.

Director-General of the Department of Human Settlement
and Housing Development U Arnt Kyaw and officials
reported on the zone development tasks including
reclamation and area of the zone, allotment of plots
to local entrepreneurs, progress of construction of
roads and bridges in the zone and sites chosen for
construction of buildings. Then, the Secretary-1 gave
instructions and chose sites for construction of
buildings which will help the zone develop. The
Secretary-1 and party arrived back here in the
evening.

---------

Secretary-1 attends prize presentation ceremony of SAM
golf friendly

Yangon, 30 March -A prize presentation ceremony of
friendly golf tournament (2002) to mark the ninth
anniversary of Singapore Association in Myanmar was
held at the Traders Hotel this evening, attended by
Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council
Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt.

Also present were Chairman of Yangon Division Peace
and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command
Brig-Gen Myint Swe, ministers, deputy ministers,
ambassadors of foreign embassies in Myanmar,
Singaporean Ambassador to Myanmar Mr Simon Tensing de
Cruz and embassy staff, officials of the State Peace
and Development Council Office, departmental heads,
officials of the association, officials of the
companies who rendered assistance for the tournament,
golfers and guests. First, Chairman of the committee
for holding the tournament Mr Koh Tai Hong made an
introductory speech.

Ambassador Mr Simon Tensing de Cruz on behalf of the
association presented K 3 million for Myanmar
Education through Chairman of Myanmar Education
Committee Secretary-1 of the State Peace and
Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt who presented
the certificate of honour.

Then, officials presented Best Gross prize to U Thein
Dan with 72 strokes in the tournament, the first prize
to Mohd Shamsor Nodin Zain with 69 strokes and other
prizes in men's division and the first prize to
Christina Chan and other prizes in women's division.
Afterwards, a dinner was hosted to those present.
Singapore Pools, Tiger Beer, ACCEL International Co,
Myanmar Airways Int'l, Pan-West, London, Traders Hotel
and Singaporean companies in Myanmar sponsored the
tournament.

___________________________

( 3 ) Friendly golf tournament of SAM held

Yangon, 30 March - A friendly golf tournament to mark
the 9th anniversary of the Singapore Association in
Myanmar was opened at the Silver Golf Course of Yangon
City Development Committee this morning. It was
attended by Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Pyi Sone,
Chairman of Myanmar Olympic Committee Minister for
Sports Brig-Gen Thura Aye Myint, the deputy ministers,
Ambassador of the Republic of Singapore to Myanmar Mr
Simon de Cruz, the Singaporeans residing in Myanmar
and guests. The ministers, the ambassador, the deputy
ministers, the visiting Singaporeans and guests
participated in the tournament.

---------

Abhidhaja Maha Rattha Guru title recipient
Kyakhatwaing Sayadaw honoured

Yangon, 30 March - Abhidhaja Maha Rattha Guru title
recipient State Ovadacariya Presiding Sayadaw of Bago
Kyakhatwaing Monastery Bhaddanta Jotipala was honoured
by Bago Association (Yangon) at Wizaya Mangala Dhamma
Thabin Hall on Kaba Aye Hill this afternoon.

Present on the occasion were State Ovadacariya
Shwe-kyin Sasanabaing Nyaungshwe Sayadaw Abhidhaja
Maha Rattha Guru Abhidhaja Agga Maha Saddhamma Jotika
Bhaddanta Vimalabhivamsa and Sayadaws, Vice-Chairman
of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee Abhidhaja
Maha Rattha Guru Bhaddanta Sirindabhivamsa and
Sayadaws, Chancellor of Thidagu World Buddha
University Agga Maha Pandita Agga Maha Saddhamma
Jotikadhaja Maha Dhamma Kathika Vahujanahitadhara
Bhaddanta ?anissara and members of the Sangha,
Minister for Rail Transportation U Pan Aung, Minister
for Sports Brig-Gen Thura Aye Myint, Daw Khin Khin
Lay, wife of Minister for Information Maj-Gen Kyi
Aung, Deputy Minister for Religious Affairs Brig-Gen
Thura Aung Ko, Deputy Minister for Labour Brig-Gen Win
Sein, Adviser to the State Peace and Development
Council U Arnt Maung, Director-General of the
Religious Affairs Department Dr Myo Myint and
officials, guests, the chairman and executives of Bago
Association (Yangon), disciples, wellwishers and
members of the association.

Nyaungshwe Sayadaw administered the Five Precepts to
the congregation. Sayadaws and members of the Sangha
recited Metta Sutta.

Vice-Chairman of Bago Association (Yangon) Captain U
Aye Maung read out the biography of Kyakhatwaing
Sayadaw.

Chairman of Bago Association (Yangon) Lt-Col Nyunt Zaw
(Retd) supplicated on the purpose of the ceremony.

The ministers, the deputy ministers and the
wellwishers donated alms to the Sayadaws and members
of the Sangha.

Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Win Sein handed over K
600,000 donated by Bago Association (Yangon) for
Kyakhatwaing Sayadaw, to Deputy Minister Brig-Gen
Thura Aung Ko. Sayadaw Bhaddanta ?anissara delivered a
sermon, followed by sharing of merits gained.

__________________________


( 4 ) Industry-1 Minister receives Chinese delegation


Yangon, 30 March - Minister for Industry-1 U Aung
Thaung received President Mr Yanli Ma of China
Metalluragical Construction (Group) Corporation of the
People's Republic of China and party at his office
yesterday evening. Also present at the call were
Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Kyaw Win, directors-general
and managing directors of the departments and
enterprises under the ministry.

---------

Minister inspects Special Vegetable and Poultry
Farming Zone in Hmawby Township

Yangon, 30 March-Minister for Livestock and Fisheries
Brig-Gen Maung Maung Thein, accompanied by officials
concerned, inspected poultry farm of Myanmar War
Veterans Organization's Production Group in Special
Vegetable and Poultry Farming Zone-3 of Nyaunghnapin
Region in Hmawby Township this morning. First, the
minister and party inspected the chicken-runs.

At the briefing hall, Farm Manager Capt Tin Tun Oo
reported on work being carried out to the minister who
fulfilled the needs. Then, the minister and party
inspected the incubator in Pyinmabin, Mingaladon
Township where the respective farm managers reported
on work being carried out. The minister attended to
their requirements. Next, the minister inspected
housing for service personnel under construction, and
chicks at the test-breeding camp and attended to the
needs.

--------

Pyay, Minhla get new auto telephone exchanges

Yangon, 30 March- The opening of a new auto telephone
exchange was held in Pyay this morning. Present were
Minister for Communications, Posts and Telegraphs
Brig-Gen Thein Zaw, CEC member of the Union Solidarity
and Development Association Bago Division (West)
in-charge Deputy Minister for Industry-2 Brig-Gen Aung
Thein Lin, Chairman of Bago Division (West) Peace and
Development Council Col Soe Nwe, officials of Myanma
Posts and Telecommunications, departmental personnel
and guests. At 8 am, Chairman of Bago Division (West)
Peace and Development Council Col Soe Nwe and General
Manager of MPT U Tha Oo formally opened the auto
exchange.

The minister formally unveiled the signboard of the
exchange. The minister and party inspected
installation of equipment and functions. At 11 am,
Secretary of Thayawady District Peace and Development
Council Major Hla Maung and Bago Division (West)
in-charge of MPT U Khin Maung Win formally opened an
auto exchange in Minhla. The digital auto exchange in
Pyay consists of 2,500 lines and the one in Minhla
500. The minister and party went to Targalay Village.
Chairman of Village Peace and Development Council U
Than Win and Bago Division (West) in-charge U Khin
Maung Win formally launched rural telephone system and
the minister and party inspected the telephone
station.

__________________________


( 5 ) Bangladeshi cultural entertainment

Yangon, 30 March-The Bangladeshi cultural troupe
members, who arrived here under the culture exchange
programme between Myanmar and Bangladesh, started
their entertainment at the National Theatre on Myoma
Kyaung Street at 6.30 pm today. Among the spectators
were Deputy Minister for Culture U Soe Nyunt, heads of
department, ambassadors and officials of missions in
Yangon. The performing artists presented various items
of dance.
___________________________

( 6 ) Mingaladon Station holds tree-planting ceremony

Yangon, 30 March -Under the arrangement of Yangon
Command, Mingaladon Station held a tree-planting
ceremony at Central Supply and Transport Battalion in
Mingaladon Station this morning. Present were Chairman
of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council
Commander of Yangon Command Brig-Gen Myint Swe,
Commander of No 4 Military Region Commander of Yangon
Station Brig-Gen Myo Myint and station commanders,
Commander of No 1 Military Region Col Khin Maung Soe,
senior military officers, Commanding Officers of
battalions and units in Mingaladon Station and guests

The commander of Yangon Command spoke of the purpose
of the ceremony and tasks to be carried out by
respective battalions and units. Then, Staff Officer
of Insein Township Forest Department U Soe Aung
reported on advantage of planting trees. Commander of
Mingaladon Station Col Win Naung reported on gathering
seeds and saplings in respective battalions and units
in the Station.

Later, the commander and party inspected demonstration
on pepper growing presented by Mingaladon Township
Myanma Agriculture Service. The commander looked into
nurturing saplings of mango, neem tree, tamarind,
toddy palm and Thitseint (Terminalia Belerica) tree
and gave instructions. The commander and party planted
each sapling of toddy palm, neem tree, tamarind and
Thitseint tree. Mingaladon Station is making
arrangements to nurture 129,980 saplings Ñ 3,500
saplings of mango, 16,330 tamarind, 3,135 neem tree,
1,654 toddy palm, 15,870 Thitseint tree, 64,800
pepper, 2,295 valuable trees, 14,555 perennial trees,
5,321 shady trees and 2,520 flowering trees in this
tree-planting season.

---------

Work coord meeting on all-round development of Ngwe
Hsaung beach held

Yangon, 30 March - Work coordination meeting (3/2002)
of the Leading Committee for All-Round Development of
Ngwe Hsaung Beach was held at the meeting hall of
Ayeyawady Division Peace and Development Council in
Pathein on 29 March morning.

It was attended by Chairman of Ayeyawady Division
Peace and Development Council Commander of South-West
Command Brig-Gen Htay Oo, Deputy Commander Brig-Gen
Tint Swe, senior military officers, the secretary and
members of Ayeyawady Division Peace and Development
Council, Chairman of Pathein District Peace and
Development Council Lt-Col Maung Pyone, departmental
officials and members of the Leading Committee for
All-Round Development of Ngwe Hsaung Beach. Chairman
of Ayeyawady Division Peace and Development Council
Commander of South-West Command Brig-Gen Htay Oo made
an opening speech at the meeting.

Then, members of the Leading Committee for All-Round
Development of Ngwe Hsaung Beach reported on progress
of work in respective sectors in all-round development
tasks of Ngwe Hsaung Beach. After hearing the reports,
Commander Brig-Gen Htay Oo and responsible officials
fulfilled the requirements. The work coordination
meeting came to a close with the concluding remarks by
Commander Brig-Gen Htay Oo.

---------

Construction of Nyaungkhashei-Myitkyo-DaikU road
launched

Yangon, 30 March -A ceremony to launch
Nyaungkhashei-Myitkyo-DaikU road took place at
Hsatthwachon Village, Waw Township, Bago Division, on
28 March. Present were Bago Division Peace and
Development Council Chairman Southern Command
Commander Brig-Gen Aung Min, Secretary Lt-Col Aung Min
and members, local authorities of Bago District and
Waw Township, departmental officials, USDA members,
those of social organizations and local populace.

The commander formally opened the ceremony. Chairman
of Bago District Peace and Development Council Lt-Col
Myo Tint reported on finding of the 22-mile axis from
Yangon-Mawlamyine road near Hsatthwachon Village at
mile post No 81/4 in Waw Township to Yangon-Mandalay
mile post No 85 in DaikU Township through Layeinzu,
Phetkali and Mingalun villages, arrangements being
made for construction of 30 feet wide road and 26 feet
wide drain, arrival of heavy machinery and
requirements. The commander fulfilled the
requirements.

Afterwards, the commander met with departmental heads
and local people at the same venue. He called on local
people and departments concerned to make concerted
efforts for successful completion of the road. After
the ceremony, the commander had a cordial conversation
with local residents and inspected construction of the
road. On completion, vehicles bound to Mandalay form
Mawlamyine can directly move to DaikU and there is no
need to enter Phayagyi Tason. It can save 22 miles and
so the project will contribute to rural development.
___________________________

( 7 ) Armed Forces Day Exhibition continues

Yangon, 30 March- The 57th Anniversary Armed Forces
Day Exhibition continued at the Defence Services
Museum on Shwedagon Pagoda Road from 9 am to 6 pm
today. A total of 1724 monks and people including
foreigners visited the exhibition. Similarly, the 57th
Anniversary Armed Forces Day commemorative literary
and art competition and exhibition also continued at
the Tatmadaw Convention Hall on U Wisara Road today. A
total of 309 visitors viewed the exhibition. The two
exhibitions will continue from 9 am to 6 pm daily till
4 April.

___________________________

( 8 ) 145 fires broke out in February

Yangon, 30 March - Altogether 145 fires broke out all
over the nation in February 2002, causing the loss of
K 73.09 million worth of property. Of them, 120
occurred due to negligence; 13 broke out due to
electrical faults; there were one natural outbreak of
fire and two false fire alarms. At this time of the
open season, fires may break out at any time. The
personnel concerned are asked to make plans for
prevention of fire outbreaks.

___________________________

( 9 ) 72,000 stimulant tablets seized in Tachilek

Yangon, 30 March-A combined team comprising members of
local intelligence unit and Special Tachilek Anti-Drug
Squad, acting on information, searched the house of
Hsan Kywe, 33, son of U Aik Kyon, of Wanton Village in
Tachilek on 15 March 2002, and arrested him together
with 72,000 stimulant tablets concealed in a polythene
bag and one gun without number and four rounds of
ammunition in the kitchen. Action has been taken
against him under Section 15/19(A) of Narcotic Drugs
and Psychotropic Substances Law by Tachilek Police
Station.

---------

Drug dealers sentenced

Yangon, 30 March - A combined team comprising members
of local intelligence unit and Special Yangon
Anti-Drug Squad, acting on a tip-off, arrested Sai Nyo
and Ma Waing on Shinsawpu Road in Sangyoung Township
on 8 January 2001 evening together with 2,384
stimulant tablets weighing 324.22 grams. In connection
with the case, the Sangyoung Police Station filed Sai
Nyo, 27, son of U Phu of Room B-8, Mingalazay Street,
between 30th and 73rd Streets, Mandalay, and Ma Waing
(a) Ma San Kham, 28, daughter of U Win Tun of No 114,
27th Street, between 66th and 68th Streets,
Chanayethazan Township, Mandalay, under Section 15/19
(A)/21 of Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances
Law. Sai Nyo was sentenced to 15 years in prison under
Section 19(A)/ 21 and Ma Waing (a) Ma San Kham to 20
yearsÕ imprisonment under Section 19 (A) on 4 March
2002.

-----------------------------

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