How to prevent and take action against hundreds of millions of kyats in illegal trade and corruption behind Theebaw Bridge closure, MP asks

■ Deputy Minister responds: Strict action taken if corruption, illegal trade found An MP from Theebaw constituency, U Kyaw Thant San, asked in parliament how illegal trade and corruption worth hundreds of millions of kyats, occurring behind the closure of Theebaw Bridge, would be prevented and acted upon. During the 31st day of the 2nd regular session of the 3rd Pyidaungsu Hluttaw, held on July 28, U Kyaw Thant San, the People's Hluttaw representative for Theebaw constituency, posed a related question concerning the plan to allow local residents, regional vehicles, and regional goods to pass through Theebaw Bridge under a specific system. In his follow-up question, he included the aforementioned point. "As the minister mentioned earlier, I understand the security measures being taken. However, behind this bridge closure, there is the enrichment of a group of people and illegal trade. Illegal trade, which the President of the Republic always speaks about. As we presented earlier, there are incidents like 36 million kyats per day, and at the jetty, 1.8 million kyats per day. If the bridge is closed, other routes must also be closed. Instead, how will illegal trade, corruption, and criminal acts be prevented and acted upon?" U Kyaw Thant San asked. He continued, "After this bridge was closed, three major issues arose. First, corruption. Second, illegal smuggling entered through this illegal route. We knew about it but could not apprehend them. Third, illegal arms sales occurred in the region. Therefore, as a first question, how can corruption and criminal acts deeply involved in illegal trade be prevented and acted upon? Second, the conditions of the people's health, education, etc. When I visit the ministries, they say, 'We cannot do it for the other side. The bridge is closed. We absolutely cannot do it.' This impacts our legislative body and affects the Hluttaw representatives. How are we proceeding to ensure our continued operation? We wish to know what plans are in place to remove the causes of the emergency situation and to resume normal governance under the constitution, as the state administration was previously conducted," he respectfully asked through the Speaker of the Hluttaw. In response to the related question, Deputy Minister of Home Affairs, Brigadier General Min Thu, stated that strict action is being taken if corruption and illegal trade are found. "As the honorable Hluttaw representative mentioned, regarding items related to illegal trade and items related to corruption, we, along with security forces, conduct ground investigations in coordination with relevant government organizations based on the points submitted by the honorable Hluttaw representative and the public. If corruption and illegal trade are found, strict action is also being taken," the Deputy Minister replied. Regarding the needs related to public health and socio-economic development, the Deputy Minister further stated that security forces alone cannot implement measures for stability and peace, and that local residents also need to provide information about the activities of insurgent groups, including TNLA and MNDAA, and PDF groups in their respective areas to the security forces. "For the eradication of insurgents, success can only be achieved with the participation of the people. Therefore, if the people report insurgent activities to the relevant security organizations and actions are taken, the matters presented by the honorable Hluttaw representative can be addressed by the government instructing the relevant ministries step by step," the Deputy Minister responded through the Speaker of the Hluttaw.