38 factories have closed down and nearly 10,000 workers have become unemployed in Hlaing Tharyar Industrial Zone since February

38 factories have closed down and nearly 10,000 workers have become unemployed in Hlaing Tharyar Industrial Zone since February
Published 24 September 2021
Myo Tun

38 factories in Hlaing Tharyar and Shwe Thanlwin industrial zones in Hlaing Tharyar Township were shut down and nearly 10,000 workers have become unemployed since February to September 22 according to industrial committees.

In Hlaing Tharyar industrial zone, 29 factories were closed temporarily or permanently and as a result, about 7000 workers were out of jobs according to an official from the Hlaing Tharyar industrial zone committee.

“We’ve got letters from 29 factories submitted for temporary shutting down of their factories. If they are to close permanently, the factory owners have to pay compensation to their workers. About 7000 workers were employed due to the shutdown of the factories,” said an official from the committee.

In Shwe Thanlwin industrial zone, 9 factories were closed temporarily or permanently and as a result, nearly 3000 workers were unemployed according to an official from the committee.

“Previously, there are 12 factories closed but now 3 factories reopened. Nearly 3000 workers were employed,” said an official from the committee.

.Myanmar Unique garment factory in Hlaing Tharyar industrial closed on September 21 due to lack of orders. The factory temporarily shut down their factory as they get no more garment orders, COVID-19 crisis and current political situation in Myanmar according to an in-charge from the factory.

In time of COVID-19 crisis, the factory reduced the numbers of workers and in time of shutdown, the factory paid compensation to their workers. The factory has opened for five years, it said.

At present, the numbers of factories shutting down are increasing and the numbers of unemployed workers also increased according to labour representatives.