MAWLAMYAING-Mon State Parliament sent a letter to the Mon State Government calling for the suspension of any pilgrimages to Kyaikhtiyo Pagoda.

Mon State government issued the announcement as an announcement from the President Office.

The letter reported that Mon State Government had no plan to cancel the pilgrimage programs but will carry out health screening measures to the pilgrims.

The letter also stated that the Mon State Parliament worried about the current COVID-19 outbreak because they heard that religious festival would be held in some townships in Mon State.

“Powerful countries such as the U.S and Italy can’t control the deadly COVID-19 outbreak. We would like to ask the regional government what to do preventative measures against the COVID. Myanmar already needs health expenses and healthcare services. As there is no plan to carry out preventive measures against the COVID-19, Kyikhtiyo pagoda is very crowded with the pilgrims. So, it offers the virus,” said MP Aung Kyaw Thu from No.2 Constituency in Thahtone Township, Mon State.

He also said that plans were underway to buy the respirator at People’s Hospital in Thahtone Township. So, the pagoda festival shouldn’t be allowed during the situation.

About 5,000 people from home and abroad daily arrive in Kyaikhtiyo Pagoda.