The government should strictly control illegal rice export to foreign countries, said Upper House MP Tun Tun Oo representing Mandalay Region No 2 Constituency.

Upper House MP Tun Tun Oo raised a question about “How to control illegal rice export to neighbouring countries through the border routes.”

Regarding the question, Deputy Minister Aung Htoo of the Ministry of Commerce, replied only surplus rice was allowed to be exported to foreign countries. Those who were exporting illegal rice to foreign countries were being arrested. The authorities seized illegal rice export for 14 times at 16-mile check point on Mandaly-Muse road and ten times at Yaypu Amyetan check point from 2017-2018 FY to 2018-2019 FY. It was difficult to stop illegal rice export due to the lack of prevalence of law and order.

The trucks carrying illegal rice are being seen passing through Mandalay. Rice is the raw for making snack and feedstuff. The government should control border routes as much as it can. It should effectively deal with illegal rice export through border routes, said MP Tun Tun Oo.   

Translated and Edited by Win Htut