7 Aug
Amyotha Hluttaw held its 9th-day meeting of 17th regular session yesterday, and a new representative of Tatmadaw took and signed an oath.
MP U Zal Khaung from Kachin State constituency 3 asked about removal of toll gates set up by people’s militia forces which were not allowed by the Road Management Department. Deputy Minister for Defence Rear-Admiral Myint Nwe replied that the local military command has instructed leaders and officials of these militia forces for the removal of their gates on Waingmaw-Mungwein-Chipwe motorway. MP U J Yaw Wu from Kachin State constituency 1 asked about construction of a border crossing near Myanmar-China boundary pole point No.31 in Zee Htan village-tract in Khaunglanphu Township of Putao District in his constituency and issuing border pass documents.
Deputy Minister for Labour, Immigration and Population U Myint Kyaing replied that the area has difficult access to transportation with poor commodity flow, and that the Ministry of Home Affairs could not dispatch its security forces for the border checkpoint. He added that although the border demarcation has been completed at the No. 31 boundary pole point, it is not included in the 8 official borders.
However, the deputy minister said that an official border crossing will be set up in that area with the bilateral agreement between the two countries, and then border pass document programme will be carried out under the immigration law.
MP U Hla Myint (a) U Hla Myint Than from Mon State constituency 11 asked for legal actions against illegal gold mines where the government has permitted for only plant cultivation near Thonegwa village-tract in Kyaikto Township. Deputy Minister for Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation Dr Ye Myint Swe replied that legal actions will be taken against illegal mining in the rubber plantation plot. MP U Saw Moe Myint (a) Samuel from Kayin State constituency 1 asked about phases and actions of processes for closure of former and existing major mines Sabai Taung, Kyay Sin Taung, Kyauk Pahto gold mine, Heinda tin mine, Maw Taung Hinlin Phwint coal mine and Kalaywa underground coal mine.
Deputy Minister Dr Ye Myint Swe replied the mine closure process is underway at Sabai Taung systematically, and the remaining mines are still running. These mines will be closed in accordance with the procedures.
MP Dr Zaw Lin Htut from Mon State constituency 9 asked about the updated situation of national mental health policy to provide effective protection and treatment. Deputy Minister Dr Mya Lay Sein replied that the ministry has asked recommendations of Ministry of Foreign Affairs for ensuring the policy meets international norms and state policy in cooperating with international organizations, the Ministry of International Cooperation and the Office of Attorney-General of the Union for policy issue and legal affairs. She also confirmed that there was no objection from these ministries and the legal body, and that the Mental Health Policy and Mental Health Strategic Plan 2020-2025 will be announced with the approval of government. MP U Min Swe Naing from Kachin State constituency 6 asked about construction of a new two-storey building for the 100-bedded hospital in Mohnyin District hospital in his constituency; MP Dr U Kywal Kywal from Mandalay Region constituency 6 about upgrade of station hospital in the west Tada village in Taungtha Township of his constituency.
The two questions were answered by Deputy Minister Dr Mya Lay Sein. The Hluttaw agreed to discuss the Medical Devices Bill submitted by Deputy Minister. The Amyotha Hluttaw agreed to discuss the report on cancer disease, reduction of its death rate and preventive plans, which was submitted by the Health, Sports and Cultural Affairs Committee. The 17th session of Amyotha Hluttaw will take a break from 8 to 18 August for the candidate scrutinizing processes of political parties to contest the third parliamentary elections.
Aung Ye Thwin (Translated by Aung Khin)
