Max Myanmar Company pays $806k in compensation for seized land

Published on Tuesday, 11 December 2012 20:11

Max Myanmar Company has paid 13 local land owners more than 700 million kyats (US$806,000) for the seizure of farmlands in Ngwehsaung Sub-township, Ayeyawady Region.

The company paid a total of 728.5 million kyats (US$838,400) for 106 acres of land.

“We are pleased with the amount we have received and are grateful. Like us, we want those from other regions to receive compensation they deserve,” said Thein Aung, one of the farmers who received compensation.

About 30 companies, including Max Myanmar, seized over 10,000 acres of farmlands in the region beginning 2001. But it is the first time such compensation has been paid to landowners and it is the largest amount paid ever, according to locals.

The compensation was paid at Pathein Hotel in the presence of Than Oo, an official from Max Myanmar Co, a five-member group led by Tun Myint Aung of the 88 Generation Students Group, an MP from Ayeyawady Region and a law expert.

“We started negotiations with the company three months ago. We did it thrice. We will also negotiate with other companies,” said Thein Aung, negotiator for the farmers.