Inoperative land plots in industrial zones in Yangon Region have been warned to promptly start their businesses as the government has plans to seize them if no work progress is seen, U Than, joint secretary of Yangon City Development Committee, told a press conference on September 23. 

"Yangon Region has 29 industrial zones including Thilawa Special Economic Zone. Sixty percent of land plots in those industrials zones are operating. The remaining 40 percent are under construction. Some are setting up fences while some are building warehouses. In some plots, factories or warehouses have not been built. We have collected those data under the leadership of the region minister for electricity, industry and road transport. We have warned the owners of inoperative land plots to start their business there. If they cannot show their work progress, we will seize the plots," U Than said. 

He said the duty of land management had been assigned to the YCDC. 

The Lower House of Parliament approved the industrial bill on September 3. Under the law, if inoperative land plots in industrial zones fail to start running in the prescribed period, ten percent of land value must be yearly paid in fines. If there is failure to  pay fines, permit or land grant will be revoked.