The State Peace and Development Council hereby enacts the following Law:-
Chapter I
Title and Definition
1.This Law shall be called the Blood and Blood Products Law.
2.The following expressions contained in this Law shall have the meanings given hereunder:-
(a) Blood means naturally occurring fluid in the human body consisting of red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, plasma and biochemical substances contained in the plasma.
(b) Blood product means element of blood such as red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, plasma and biochemical substances contained in the plasma which is obtained in any manner as a result of processing.
(c) Blood transfusion instruments mean needle, syringe, tube, bottle, bag and other materials used in extracting, injecting or collecting blood and blood products.
(d) Sharp instruments mean needle, knife, and any instrument which can cause bleeding in surgical operation or on contact with any part of the human body.
(e) Committee means of the National Blood and Blood Products Committee formed under section 4.
(f) National Blood Centre means the main centre established by the Ministry of Health for enabling the discharge of functions contained in section 7.
(g) Blood Bank means the establishment for enabling the discharge of functions contained in section 8.
(h) Small-Scale Blood Bank means the establishment for enabling the discharge of functions contained in section 9.
(i) Blood transfusion service means the functions assigned to be performed by the National Blood Centre, Blood Bank and Small-Scale Blood Bank.
(j) Disposing of waste means administering by any means to eliminate blood and blood products unsuitable for use, and used blood transfusion instruments and sharp instruments.
(k) Licence means the permit issued under section 11 to establish and operate private Small-Scale Blood Bank.
Chapter II
Aims
3. The aims of this Law are as follows:-
(a) to enable saving and looking after patients' life by transfusion utilizing quality-assured blood;
(b) to prevent transfusion transmissible infection through blood and other dangers, and to enable assuring both mental and physical safety;
(c) to enable systematic supervision of extracting, collecting, storing, issuing, distributing, transfusing and disposal of waste of blood and blood products;
(d) to carry out implementation of blood donor system on voluntary basis;
(e) to contribute towards health care of patients not taking into consideration of profit in performing blood transfusion service; (f) to enable promotion, dissemination and research in respect of blood and blood products and to nurture experts thereof.
CHAPTER III
Formation or National Blood and Blood Products
Committee and Duties and Functions There of
4. The Government
(a) shall form the National Blood and Blood Products Committee comprising not more than 2.1 members with the Minister for Ministry of Health as the Chairman Director-General of the Department of Health as the Secretary, heads of the relevant ministries, government departments and organizations and representatives of the non-governmental organizations as members;
(b) may, in forming under subsection (a), determine suitable persons from among the members as the Vice Chairman and the Joint Secretary ;
(c) may re-constitute, if necessary, the National Blood and Blood Products Committee formed under sub-section (a).
5. The functions and duties of the Committee are as follows;
(a) laying down policy to perform blood transfusion service successfully in accordance with the aims of this Law;
(b) giving guidance to carry out measures as may be necessary for the prevention of blood transfusion transmissible infections; (c) issuing licence to establish Small-Scale Blood Bank, refusing to issue licence thereof , suspending the licence subject to a time limit and canceling thereof;
(d) stipulating conditions in respect of extracting, collecting, storing, importing , exporting, issuing, distributing and disposal of waste of blood and blood products;
(e) stipulating the conditions that are to be abided by in performing blood transfusion services systematic, and supervising thereof;
(f) giving guidance to carry out exhorting and organizing work for increasing the number of voluntary blood donors;
(g) giving guidance to stipulate the requirements of voluntary blood donors;
(h) giving guidance for sufficiency of required skilled persons and facilities for blood transfusion service;
(i) giving guidance to determine conditions that are to be abided by in utilizing blood and blood products, in utilizing blood transfusion instruments and sharp instruments, and in carrying out other tasks that may possibly cause transmissible infectious through blood;
(j) giving guidance on holding seminars and meetings. and conduction of training courses for the promotion and development of knowledge on blood transfusion service. and prevention of transmissible infections through blood;
(k) giving guidance to conduct research in respect of transmissible infections through blood and blood products;
(l) issuing permit to the government departments and organizations and Red Cross Society desirous of establishing Blood Bank or Small-Scale Blood Bank;
(m) communicating and cooperating with the government departments and organizations, international organizations, and local and international non-governmental organizations for, effective and successful implementation 'of blood transfusion service;
(n) forming of required State Divisional District and Township Blood Bank Committees to supervise the Blood Bank and Small-Scale...Blood Banks .and stipulating functions and duties thereof;
(o) submitting recommendation to the Ministry of Health to proceed with the conferring of honour by the State to voluntary blood donors who conform to the stipulations including the number of times of blood donation.
(p) forming required Sub-Committees and stipulating functions and duties thereof to carry Ot1t the functions and duties of the , Committee effectively.
6. The Committee may delegate its functions and duties to any organization or department.
CHAPTER IV
Functions of the National Blood Centre
7. The functions or the National Blood Centre are as follows :
(a) carrying out the functions of extracting t calming, storing, distributing and disposing of waste of blood and blood products that conform to the standard and are free from micro-organism causing acquired immune deficiency syndrome {AIDS), viral hepatitis, venereal disease, malaria and other transmissible infections through blood :
(b) prescribing norms and standards on matters of skill and technology in respect of blood .transfusion service ;
( c ) carrying out exhorting and organizing work to increase the number of blood donors and to obtain safe blood ;
(d) safeguarding the reputation and interests of the voluntary blood donors;
(e) making necessary arrangements for re-vitalization of voluntary blood donor during the process of blood donation ;
(f) awarding blood donor badges and certificates of honour to the voluntary blood donors ;
(g) submitting to, the Committee for enabling conferring of honour by the State to the voluntary blood donors who conform to the stipulations including the number of trines of blood donation ;
(h) disseminating and promoting knowledge in respect of blood and blood products ;
(i) conducting training courses, holding meetings, conducting research and nurturing experts in respect of blood and blood products ;
(i) manufacturing and di5tributing required reagent to enable grouping and screening of blood and blood products ;
(k) performing functions and duties assigned by the Committee from time to time.
CHAPTER V
Functions of the Blood Bank and Small-Scale Blood Bank
8. The functions of the Blood Bank are as follows :
(a) Carrying out the functions of the extracting collecting, storing, issuing, distributing and disposal of waste of blood and blood products in conformity with the conditions as stipulated ;
(b) Carrying out exhorting and organizing work to increase the number of blood donors and to obtain safe blood;
(c) Carrying out the functions of collecting & storing, issuing, distributing and disposal of waste of blood that conform to the standard, and are free from micro-organism causing AIDS, viral hepatitis venereal disease, malaria and other transmissible infections through blood ;
(d) , Safeguarding the reputation and interests of the voluntary blood donors
(e) Making necessary arrangements for re-vitalization of voluntary blood donor during the process of blood donation ;
(I) Awarding blood donor badges and certificates of honour to voluntary blood donor ;
(g) Submitting to the Committee for enabling conferring of the relevant award of honour to the voluntary blood donors who conform to the. stipulations including the number of times of blood, donation;
9. The Small-Scale Blood Bank shall comply with the conditions stipulated in carrying out the works of storing, issuing and disposal of waste of blood and blood products received .from National "Blood Centre arid Blood Banks, or of blood products imported legally for treatment of the patient..
Chapter VI
Application and Issuance of Licence
10. A person desirous of establishing a private Small-Scale Blood Bank shall apply to the organization or department assigned duty by the Coma licence, in conformity with the stipulations.
11. The organization or department assigned duty by the Committee under section 10 may, after scrutiny of the application, issue or refuse to issue the licence.
12. The organization or department assigned duty by the Committee may, after scrutiny of the application for renewal of licence in conformity with the stipulations renew the licence.
I 3. The Ministry of Health shall determine the tenure of licence, licence fees and licence renewal fees.
Chapter VII
Administrative Action
14. I f the licence holder violates any of the conditions contained in the licence or fails to abide by any notification, order and directive issued under this Law, the organization or department assigned duty by the Committee may pass any of the following administrative orders:-
(a) warning;
(b) suspending the licence subject to a time limit;
(c) cancellation of licence.
Chapter VIII
Appeal
15. A person dissatisfied with the order or decision passed on him in respect of refusal to issue licence, or suspending the licence subject to a time ]i1nit, or cancellation of licence by the organization or department assigned duty by the Committee. may file an appeal to the Committee within 60 days from the date on which such order or decision had been passed.
16. The Committee may, in respect of the appeal under section 15, confirm. revise or cancel the order or decision passed by the organization or department assigned duty by the Committee.
17. The decision passed by the Committee under section 16 shall be final and conclusive.
Chapter IX
Offences and Penalties
18. Whoever, without permission , extracts. collects, stores, issues or distributes blood or blood products shall. on conviction, be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to seven years. and may also be liable to a fine.
19. Whoever without licence, establishes a private Sma1I-Scale Blood Bank shall, on conviction , be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to five years, and may also be liable to a fine.
20. Whoever. without consent of the person extracts blood from the said person shall on conviction, be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to five years, and may also be liable to a fine.
21. Whoever. without consent of the person or in the case of a person incapable of giving consent of the person who is capable of giving consent on his behalf transfuses blood or blood product shall, on conviction, be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to five years, and may also be liable to a fine.
22. Whoever commits any of the following acts shall on conviction, be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to three years, or with fine or with both:-
(a) transfusing into any person blood or blood products not obtained from the National BIood Centre, Blood Bank or SmalI-Scale Blood Bank, or of blood or blood products not imported legally.
(b) transfusing into any person blood or blood products without grouping and matching the blood and blood products of patient and of donor.
(c) transfusing of blood or blood products past the expiry date into any person:
(d) extracting from or transfusuig into any person blood or blood products by using blood transfusion instrument past the expiry date or which is not free from micro-organism or which has been utilized once;
(e) using sharp instrument not in conformity with the stipulations.
23. Whoever sells or buys blood with money or other consideration for business purpose shall, on conviction, be punished with imprisonment for a tern which may extend to three years, or with fine, or with both.
24. Whoever violates any prohibition or fails to abide by any duty contained in the notification, order and directive issued under this Law in order to prevent the transmissible infection through blood shall, on conviction be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to six months, or with fine, Or with both.
25. Whoever abets in the commission of any offence contained in this Law shall be liable to the penalty provided for such offence under this Law.
Chapter X
Miscellaneous
26. Prior sanction of the Ministry of Health shall be obtained in prosecuting under this Law .
27. No suit or prosecution shall lie against any medical practitioner or any person who performed under the instruction of the medical practitioner, or any person who is skilled, experienced and competent in transfusing blood and blood products for transfusing blood or blood products in good faith, to save the life of the patient in an emergency case.
28. The Central National Blood Bank and the Blood Banks established by the Ministry of Health prior to the enactment of this Law shall be deemed to be the National Blood Centre and Blood Bank and Small-Scale Blood Bank respectively according to the nature of blood transfusion service, and shall carry on the blood transfusion service as stipulated.
29. The government department or organization and Red Cross Society desirous of establishing the Blood Bank or Small-Scale Blood Bank shall seek the permission of the Committee.
30. On a dispute arising as to whether or not a substance is blood or blood products, the decision shall be made by the Committee. The decision of the Committee shall be final and conclusive.
31. The Ministry of Health-
(a) shall bear the expenditure of the Committee;
(b) shall make arrangements for enabling the discharge of the office work of the Committee;
(c) may grant suitable remuneration to non-goven1Jnental members of the Committee.
32. The notifications orders and directives issued by the Ministry of Health and Department of Health in respect of blood donation, extracting, collecting, storing, issuing, distributing, transfusing and disposal of waste of blood and blood products or utilization of sharp instruments prior to the enactment of this Law may continue to be applicable in so far as they are not inconsistent with this Law.
33. In implementing of the provisions of this Law:-
(a) the Ministry of Health may. with the approval of the Government, issue such rules and procedures as may be necessary ;
(b) the Committee, the Ministry of Health and the Department of Health may issue such notifications, orders and directives as may be necessary.
Collective endeavours will ensure greater speed and power to government’s management machinery
than individual effort
Secretary-1 inspects Thanlwin Bridge (Mawlamyine), attends opening of multimedia teaching centres at
three Basic Education High Schools in Mawlamyine
Yangon, 29 Jan — Chairman of Myanmar Education Committee Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council General Khin Nyunt, arrived at Mawlamyine by helicopter this morning.
First, multimedia teaching centres of No 3 BEHS were opened at 9.30 am at the school. Headmistress Daw Hla Hla Kyi and Chairman of School Board of Trustees Daw Tin Nwe Soe formally opened the teaching centres.
Next, General Khin Nyunt unveiled the signboard of the centres. The Secretary-1 and party viewed round the Conference Hall, Computer Aided Instruction Room, Computer Application and E-mail, Electronic Media (Video System) Language Lab, Printed Media Room and learning of the students.
Then, the Secretary-1 and party inspected domestic science booth, school health booth and arts booth at the school and viewed skill demonstration of the students.
The Secretary-1 and party posed for a documentary photo together with the members of School Board of Trustees, teachers and students. Later, multimedia teaching centres of No 10 BEHS were opened at the school and Headmaster U Aung Myint and Chairman of School Board of Trustees U Pho Aye formally opened the centres.
Next, Secretary-1 unveiled the signboard of the centres. Then, the Secretary-1 and party inspected learning of students in the rooms of Printed Media, Electronic Media (Audio System), Computer Application and E-mail, Computer Aided Instruction, Language Lab, Projected Media and Electronic Media (Video System).
Then, the Secretary-1 and party inspected domestic science booth and arts booth at the school and viewed the skill demonstrations presented by the students. Afterwards, the Secretary-1 and party posed for a documentary photo together with SBT members, teachers and students.
Similarly, the opening ceremony of multimedia teaching centres of No 5 BEHS, Mawlamyine, were held at the school. Headmaster U Min Tun Tin and Chairman of SBT U Chan Tun formally opened the centres and the Secretary-1 unveiled the signboard.
The Secretary-1 and party also saw over Language Lab, Printed Media, Reading Corner, Computer Application and E-mail, Multimedia Teaching Centre and viewed learning of the students. Later, the Secretary-1 and party viewed round the arts booth and domestic science booth and skill demonstrations presented by the students.
At the hall of No 5 BEHS, Mawlamyine Township Education Officer U Tin Nyunt reported on the purpose of the opening of multimedia teaching centres, installing equipment at No 3, No 5 and No 10 BEHSs and undertakings to open centres at other schools. Then, on behalf of the school board of trustees of the schools, U Chan Tun explained endeavours for opening of the centres.
Afterwards, Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt presented teaching aids, books and stationery for No 3, No 5 and No 10 BEHSs through the respective headmasters.
Then, the Secretry-1 delivered an address. In his address, he said the world today is changing and developing rapidly, and the science and technology are also advancing at a high pace. Thus, Myanmar will have to strive for achieving constant changes and developments.
All will have to strive to catch up with the advancing world. The first phase of the education promotion drive began in 1999. The second phase has also been launched. The four-year education special programme has been implemented for the nation to stand shoulder to shoulder with the Southeast Asian nations.
The 30-year education plan has also been implemented. As the public participation is needed in the education promotion drive, the multi-media class rooms have been opened in cooperation with the people under the leadership of the State.
The 30-year plan is being implemented with the aim “to create an education system that is able to face the future challenges”. The objectives of the education policy are to create an international level education system, development of education in conformity with the State’s political, economic and social systems, to promote and preserve traditions and culture, and to strengthen patriotism and Union Spirit of youth.
The IT has reached the front row, as science and technology are developing in the world. The computer science is playing a leading role in all the sectors in the IT age.
Thus, the IT-based computer science is being taught at the schools. Students should strive to become outstanding once using the multi-media classrooms as the springboard. Teachers are also required to effectively use the classrooms in nurturing their pupils to become qualified persons to be able to serve the State’s interests in the future.
The Secretary-1 and party went to Thanlwin Bridge (Mawlamyine) construction site. Deputy Superintending Engineers U Myo Chit and U Ohn Han of Public Works reported on construction of the approach bridge and the main piers on Mawlamyine and Mottama sides. Lt-Gen Maung Bo and Deputy Minister U Tin Shwe also gave supplementary report. The Secretary-1 then gave instructions and inspected the construction of piers. He inspected progress of work on construction of the approach bridge.
The Thanlwin Bridge (Mawlamyine) lies on Yangon-Mawlamyine-Myeik-Kawthoung Road. The bridge is 11,575 feet long and 28 feet wide— 7,699 feet of the main bridge, 1,624 feet of approach bridge and 2,252 feet of approach bridge on Mawlamyine and Mottama sides respectively. It has 14 feet wide railroad and six feet wide walkways on both sides. Construction of the approach bridge on Maw-lamyine side was 100% complete, installation of truss of the approach bridge 98%, concrete flooring 90% and the main bridge 70%. Construction of the approach bridge on Mottama side was 100% complete, installation of truss of the approach bridge 55%, installation of truss of the approach bridge 24%.
The Secretary-1 and party went to Thaton where they were welcomed by Brig-Gen Myint Soe of Thaton station and local authorities and USDA members.The Secretary-1 and party paid obeisance to Shwesaryan Pagoda and signed in the visitors’ book and donated cash.
The Secretary-1 and party presented offertories to Thaton Lewon Kyaungtaik Sayadaw Agga Maha Pandita Agga Maha Gandhavacaka Pandita Bhaddanta Sirieinda and members of the Sangha.
A ceremony to hand over new two-storey building of No 2 Basic Education High School was held at the school. Chairman of Thaton District Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Tin Aung and Chairman of Naung Ton Construction Co U Sai Tip Aung formally opened the building.
Next, the Secretary-1 formally unveiled the signboard of the new building. The Secretary-1 and party inspected the building. Township Education Officer U Min Kyaw Wai reported on construction of the building. Chairman of Thaton District Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Tin Aung handed over related documents to Mon State Education Officer U Than Myint. The Secretary-1 presented exercise books, stationery and teaching aids to Headmistress Daw Khin San Myint.
Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt said the building will help ensure convenience for the students studying at the school. As the State is playing a leading role in developing and modernizing the nation, the entire people are required to take part in the project in the respective sectors.
The people’s efforts to successfully run their businesses amount to serving the State’s interests. The service personnel are also required to dutifully operate the State’s administrative machinery at central, state/division, district and township levels. Collective endeavours will ensure greater speed and power to the government’s management machinery than individual effort. Thus, all should harmoniously take part in the committees which have been formed sector- wise. Departmental personnel from district and township offices will have to make field tours to the rural areas to see the objective conditions, and to seek way and means to improve the living standard of the people there. They should work with the conviction — the towns will develop only if there is a improvement in the rural living standard. As the State and the people are making cooperative efforts for infrastructure development of the education sector, the students will have to strive to become highly-educated and highly-qualified persons, which is the essence of the education sector.
The students will have to show their talent at the literary, poem, art, performing arts and intellectual skill competitions at different levels, and strive to become brilliant persons. Teachers should consider their pupils as their own children in nurturing them to become intellectuals and technicians to be able to serve the State’s interests in the future, while effectively using the modern teaching aids in the profession. If all discharge their duties with goodwill on all fronts, the nation will surely reach the goal — a modern and developed nation. The L-shape two-storey building is 408 feet long and 36 feet wide. It has 16 classrooms, Headmaster’s Office, one room for teachers and an assembly hall.
In meeting with members of District and Township Peace and Development Councils and departmental officials at Thuwunna Yeiktha, the Secretary-1 spoke on efforts for regional development through coordination, extended cultivation and livestock breeding for increasing population, use of modern techniques for boosting production and seeking ways and means for regional development making field trips to rural areas.
The Secretary-1 and party arrived back here in the evening.
Region
Dinner hosted to UDNR trainees
Yangon, 29 Jan — Member of the State Peace and Development Council member of the Panel of Patrons of the Union Solidarity and Development Association Lt-Gen Soe Win presented honorary gifts and hosted a dinner to the trainees of primary teachership course No 35 of University for Development of National Races at Mya Yeik Nyo Royal Hotel at 6.30 pm today.
Lt-Gen Soe Win extended greetings and presented gifts to UDNR Rector Col Zaw Min Thein, teachers and trainees.Next, one of the trainees presented a commemorative pennant to USDA Secretary-General U Than Aung. member of the Secretariat U Aung Thaung handed out cash awards to the trainees. Trainee Mon national Mi Yin Thwe Linn of Thanbyuzayat Township on trainees’ behalf spoke words of thanks and then dinner was hosted to those present.
Supervisory committee for use of electricity and fuel meets
Yangon, 29 Jan — A meeting of the supervisory committee for use of electricity and fuel was held at the meeting hall of Yangon Industrial Zone (Mingaladon) this afternoon. Chairman of the committee Chief of Armed Forces Training Lt-Gen Kyaw Win addressed the meeting.
Committee members Minister for Electric Power Maj-Gen Tin Htut, Minister for Energy Brig-Gen Lun Thi, Vice Mayor Col Maung Pa, Deputy Minister for Industry-2 Lt-Col Khin Maung Kyaw, Deputy Minister for Forestry Col Thaik Tun, Deputy Minister for Transport Brig-Gen Kyaw Myint reported on tasks being carried out in respective sectors. Lt-Gen Kyaw Win attended to the needs and he urged the committee members to make collective efforts for smooth functioning of the respective departments. Later, meeting of supervisory committee and executives of the supervisory committees of the industrial zones continued at the hall.
Lt-Gen Kyaw Win said that tasks are being carried out for efficient use of electricity and fuel and smooth running of the ministries concerned and he spoke of the need for industrialists to expedite their works and to report on the needs. Then, executives of the supervisory committees of the industrial zones in Yangon reported on their needs and tasks being undertaken. Maj-Gen Tin Htut, Brig-Gen Lun Thi and Col Maung Pa gave supplementary reports. Then, Lt-Gen Kyaw Win attended to the needs.
Construction of Kanbawzathadi Palace inspected in Bago
Yangon, 29 Jan — Minister for Culture Maj-Gen Kyi Aung, arrived at the construction site for King Bayintnaung’s Kanbawzathadi Palace in Bago this morning. They were welcomed there by Commander of No 77 LID Brig-Gen Than Htay and officials. The minister and party inspected excavation tasks around the site and gave necessary instructions to the officials. He also inspected paving of roads, building of pavements, growing of beautifying plants and digging of the royal lake. At the briefing hall, he met officials of the Archaeological Department and the Public Works and gave instructions.
43 outbreaks of fire in December
Yangon, 29 Jan — Altogether 43 fires broke out in the whole country in December, 2002, which claimed loss of about K 47.86 million.
UDNR trainees continue excursion
Yangon, 29 Jan — Led by Rector of University for Development of National Races Col Zaw Min Thein, Prorector Daw Khin Khin Si and teachers, 353 trainees and supervisor teachers of primary teacher ship course No 35 of UDNR continued their excursion today.
First, after viewing Thanlyin Bridge by car, the trainees went to No 1 Oil Refinery of Myanma Petrochemical Enterprise where they were conducted round by officials. They next studied the oil refinery and candle factory. They then visited Kyaikkauk Pagoda and donated cash to the funds of pagoda. On arriving at Union National Races Village in Thaketa Township, the trainees were welcomed by Progress of Border Areas and National Races Department Director-General Col Than Swe and officials. The director-general explained construction and history of the village. After that, the trainees together with Chairman of Civil Service Selection and Training Board Dr Than Nyun and members and Civil Service Selection and Training Department Director-General U Hla Kyi viewed round the village. They then visited Shukhintha view point where they were hosted lunch by Yangon City Development Committee.
The trainees proceeded to Myanma Radio and Television. MRTV Director-General U Khin Maung Htay welcomed them and conducted them round there.
Later, the trainees went to the exhibition of Myan-mar ICT Week-2003 being held at MICT Park where the officials explained the booths of exhibition, brief account of the emergence of Myanmar Information and Communication Development Corporation and e-Government project in cooperation with international organizations.
Market Boat to leave for Mandalay
Yangon, 29 Jan — Myadipa Yangon-Mandalay Market Boat of Inland Water Transport of Ministry of Transport will leave for Mandalay from Wharf No 6 of Botataung on 4 February. Those wishing to sell their goods on the ship may contact the Freight Transport Department on Botataung Market Street in personally or Tel 292199 or Tel 299901.
Yangon, 28 Jan —Meeting No 1/2003 of the Central Executive Committee of Myanmar Writers and Journalist Association was held at the meeting hall of MWJA here this afternoon. At the meeting, MWJA Chairman U Hla Myaing (Ko Hsaung) presided over the meeting and explained the future tasks. MWJA Secretary U Hla Tun (Hla Tun-Twantay) reported on implementations of 12/2002 resolutions and needs for the future. The meeting was also attended by Vice Chairmen U Tin Kha (Takkatho Tin Kha) and U Than Maung (Than Maung), U Myint Thein (Myint Thein Maung), joint secretaries and CEC members.
Insurgents group members exchange arms for peace
Yangon, 29 Jan — The State Peace and Development Council, with genuine goodwill as well as with might and main, is exerting every effort to establish a peaceful, modern and developed nation. Armed insurgent groups, realizing the goodwill of the State and Tatmadaw, have been exchanging arms for peace in groups or individually with the conviction that their regions lagged far behind development because of their age-long destructive acts, which in no way benefited the nation and the people.
From 1 to 31 December 2002, Sergeant Hpa Palo, wife Ma Tin Tin Win and son El Kanyaw, forest group leader Hpa Plate, wife Ma Aye Yi and sons Saw Kulu, Saw Darble and Darchipole, area in-charge Aung Myint, wife Ma Dar Oh, sons Ak Htoo and Mo El and daughters Ma Kaing, Aye Mon and El Mon, area in-charge Kyaw Oo and wife Naw Pi Ni and area in-charge Soe Myint of company 4, battalion 16 of KNU insurgent group, together with two .30 carbines, one AK 47 rifle, one RPG launcher, three assorted magazines and 30 rounds of ammunition, and one radio receiver, and Private Saw Kyepyaung of battalion 6, with one AK 47 rifle, one M 16 rifle, two magazines and 20 rounds of ammunition exchanged arms for peace at South-East Command.
Private Hpa Hpa of company 4, battalion 10 of KNU insurgent group, together with one grenade, Platoon Commander Hti Pho Kaw of company 3, battalion 11 of KNU insurgent group, with one home-made gun, exchanged arms for peace at Coastal Region Command.Private Maung Ta Ne of CNA insurgent group exchanged arms for peace at North-West Command.
Administrator Lwe Mu, area in-charge Ne Mu, and Privates Saw Paw Mu, Lwai Mu, Se Lathwai, Educator Phado Lawsha and Arkimo of KNPP insurgent group, together with three M 16 rifles, three magazines, and 73 rounds of ammunition exchanged arms for peace at Eastern Command. Altogether 30 persons who exchanged arms for peace during the period were warmly welcomed by respective military camps and were provided with necessary assistance. Likewise, there are still some more remnants of insurgent group to follow suit.
Yangon, 29 Jan — Myanmar ICT Week 2003 jointly launched by Union of Myanmar e-National Task Force and Myanmar ICT Development Corporation continued for the ninth day at MICT Park on Hline University Campus today. Trainees of the Primary Teacher ship Course No 35 of the University for Development of National Races, ICT enthusiasts and students visited the exhibition.
A total of 198 exhibition booths of 76 companies, including 12 foreign companies and 64 local companies, were shown at the exhibition. Branded PCs and Tablet PCs of Myanmar World Distribution Co, e-Learning Content Management Software, Branded Servers and Heavy Duty Printers were on display. Myanmar Mayflower Bank demonstrated its e-Banking services. At the booths of Soft Guide Computer Training Centre, Yoma Bank, AWB Bank, MMB, Forever Group, KMD, MCC and ACE Computer Centre, books and CDs on IT and computers and accessories were on sale. The exhibition will continue from 9 am to 5 pm till 5 February.
IT Caravan-2003 gives talks on ICT in Pyay
Yangon, 29 Jan — Under the arrangement of e-National Task Force and Myanmar Computer Federation, and with the assistance of Centre of International Co-operation & Computerization (CICC), Japan, IT Caravan-2003 comprising computer technicians gave talks on Internet and information and communication technologies at No 1 Basic Education High School in Pyay, Bago Division (West) yesterday afternoon.
Vice-President of MCF Rector of the University of Computer Science (Retd) Dr Kyaw Thein, Executive member of Myanmar Computer Scientist Association U Myo Nyein Aye, Member of Myanmar Computer Industry Association U Kyaw Thu Aung and Executive of MCIA U Aung Than Nyunt gave talks on ICT and Youth Today, How to Apply the Multimedia in Education, Internet for Next Generation and Language Lab respectively.
Later, MCF President U Thein Oo and Dr Kyaw Thein presented books on computer science worth K 6,6700, commemorative pennant and presentation CD to Bago Division (West) Education Officer U Thu Kha and Headmaster U Chit Hla. U Aung Than Nyunt of MCIA presented Multimedia CD Roms worth K 70,000 to U Thu Kha. Then, Headmaster U Chit Hla presented gifts to IT Caravan through Joint Secretary of MCF Daw Than Than. Afterwards, IT Caravan members demonstrated Internet and IT techniques and answered the queries raised by the students.
Drug
Yodayas using various media to portray Myanmar as big drug producer smuggling large hauls of narcotic drugs into their country
Yangon, 29 Jan — Chairman of Shan State (East) Work Committee for Drug Elimination Minister for Labour U Tin Winn and party attended a seminar on the elimination of poppy cultivation and narcotic drugs control at Thiri Yadana Hall at Monghsat District Peace and Development Council Office.
Speaking on the occasion, Minister U Tin Winn said he met the people of Monghsat last November and it was the second time. Last December, the four ministers, together with ambassadors visited Mongyun, Wang Hong region, Mongla region in Kengtung (East), Pangsang, Longhtan, Mongmaw, Laukkai and Namtip regions. Under the guidance of the Head of State, he and party made trips to the grassroots level and discussed eradication of narcotic drugs.
He said ambassadors from China, Japan, Russia and Italy were included in his trip. The Italian ambassador reported to his country on Myanmar’s endeavours for elimination of narcotic drugs. Italy then donated US $ 100,000. He said he and the Japanese ambassador discussed cultivation of opium substitute crops besides buckwheat, livestock breeding, providing technical assistance to small industries and conducting on-job training courses on 12 December. China presented crop seeds to Kokang and Wa regions and arrangements are being made for providing technical assistance.
He said there were over 700 acres of poppy last year. He hoped that cultivation acreage would fall this year. In his trip he met local people in Mong Twan region. Lahu national races pledged that they would make efforts for eradication of drugs. The world accepted the decline in poppy cultivation in the country. The region cannot be considered as drug free one simply because there is no cultivation of poppy and no production of heroin in that area. Production and trafficking of stimulant tablets continue to exist in the area. Poppy plantations are visible but it is not easy to expose the production of stimulant tablets because the tablets can be produced in 10x10-foot room. The case can be exposed with the help and information given by local people. He stressed the importance of cooperation of local people.
Yodaya accused Wa troops of manufacturing the stimulant tablets. If there was a fighting between drug traffickers and Yodaya troops, they reported that they had fought against Wa troops. In connection with such accusations, he met Wa leaders and told them to seize drug traffickers. He said the world has become smaller due to the advancement of communication technology and it has also become a global village. One from other part of the world immediately knows the event that took place in one place. On 11 September, the United States was attacked. The UN Security Council passed the resolution that a big nation could take military action against any country that was involved in terrorism.
On June 2002, Senator Mr Kareinsat Chunnawan of Yodaya made accusation that Wa troops in the region were a terrorist organization. The US also made such accusation. So clarifications on false accusations were made to diplomats and media persons in Mongyun. In South East Asia, it is Yodaya that consumes the stimulant tablets most. The stimulant tablets were not popular in the US and western nations. They use ecstasy tablets. Recently, without any evidence, Yodaya newspapers reported that Wa troop manufactured not only stimulant tablets but also ecstasy tablets. This aimed at putting pressure on Myanmar by the US and western nations.
The stimulant tablets can be produced with the combination of chemicals. Yodaya, India and China can produce the chemicals but our country cannot. Warnings about fabricated news on drugs may be a danger in the long run. The region that included in Golden Triangle was notorious for poppy and heroin. He called on local people to cooperate with officials for elimination of drugs.
Then, Col San Pwint of the Ministry of Defence said the region was infamous as the Golden Triangle Region after the arrival of the Kuomintang troops who introduced poppy cultivation and opium production in the area. The Kuomintang troops who were trafficking opium, a profitable illegal business, for their existence, acquired the heroin refining technology from the CIA. They refined heroin and distributed the drugs through Yodaya. Through the business the Kuomintang and the traffickers in Yodaya had become extremely rich. The multicolored insurgent groups which came into being after regaining the independence were also involved in the drug business. Since then, the region had become an opium and heroin trading place.
When the Kuomintang, which were operating the huge drug business, left Myanmar territory, the Kuomintang remnants and the MTA under the command of U Khun Sa took control of the drug business in the area. The MTA made the unconditional surrender in 1996. The drug problem would have ended if the Kuomintang and MTA were no more in the area. But the problem still exists. Yodayas are using various sources of media to portray Myanmar as a big drug producer smuggling large hauls of narcotic drugs into their country, while representing themselves as innocent victims of the drug problem. Nobody can put the blame on Myanmar concerning the drug issue, if the nation is totally free from the problem. Hence, all the departmental personnel and the people will have to take part in the anti-drug drive, that cannot be implemented by the government alone.
Police Brig-Gen Tin Win explained that the Ministry of Home Affairs gave instructions to police officers from northern, eastern and southern Shan State, Kachin State and Kayah State to carry out tasks for drug elimination; that punitive action is taken against drug traffickers; and that the cooperation of the people is necessary to achieve the goal. He then handed round pamphlets on the prevention of human trafficking.
Director of the Ministry for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs U Nyi Nyi reported on matters related to anti-drug tasks being implemented by the ministry. Next, General Manager of the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation U Pyay Nyein also reported on seeds, saplings and techniques being provided for the cultivation of poppy-substitute crops, the conducting of 117 agriculture camps with the appointment of 396 employees and assistance being given to agriculture and livestock breeding farms.
Dr Khin Maung Kyi of the Ministry of Health also reported on matters related to giving education on narcotic drugs, treatment and rehabilitation activities being undertaken by the ministry. He added that after 1988, momentum has been accelerated in giving treatment to drug addicts. As a result, there has been annual decrease in the number of the drug addicts. On behalf of the local people, Akha national U Arkar pledged that efforts would be exerted to make Monghsat Township the drug-free zone in 2003.
Lt-Col Myo Nyunt also made reports, saying that in spite of 1902.20 acres of poppy in 1999-2000 in Monghsat District, the poppy cultivation acreage decreased gradually — 904.07 acres in 2000-2001, 740.49 acres in 2001-2002 and 66.30 acres in 2002-2003. Of three townships in the district, Monshsat and Mongpyin townships get rid of the poppy cultivation in 2002-2003. It was only in Mongtong Township that 66.30 acres of poppy were grown, but all the poppy plantations were destroyed in October, November and December of the 2002. He also reported on requirements for the construction of Narkaungmu basic eduaction middle school (Branch) and the construction of Mongkhoak bridge. After the ceremony, Ministry U Tin Winn cordially greeted those present on occasion.
Afterwards, the minister and party arrived at Yaokha Village of Wa region, where they inspected the village school being constructed with the cooperation of Thailand and gave instructions. Later, they proceeded to Tachilek.
