Pyithu Hluttaw regular session continued for 17th day at Pyithu Hluttaw Hall in Hluttaw Complex here today, attended by Pyithu Hluttaw Speaker Thura U Shwe Mann and 403 Pyithu Hluttaw representatives.
At today’s session, three questions were answered, one proposal discussed and one submitted.
Regarding the question raised by U Thein Nyunt of Thingangyun Constituency asking “whether Super Custom (Multi Purpose Vehicles) are really manufactured by domestic industrial zones and how the buyers’ remorse over fines will be eased”, Deputy Minister for Industry U Myo Aung answered that automakers were fined as parts of the vehicles designated to be produced at home are import and do not meet set standards in agreement with the manufacturers. As there were complaints lodged by manufacturers, automobile manufacturing development subcommittee subpoenaed seven entrepreneurs and urged them to seek customer satisfaction.
Fines for illegally imported vehicles were collected till 31 March, 2012 and designated fines for patents and spare parts are being collected. The subcommittee focused on addressing difficulties of the people who had bought the vehicles mistakenly and levying reasonable tax on vehicles which were imported in any ways.
Deputy Minister for Rail Transportation Thura U Thaung Lwin answered questions raised by two Hluttaw representatives regarding railway and vehicle.
Regarding the question raised by U Khin Maung Nyo of Loikaw Constituency on “upgrading coaches, railways, and locomotives of Loikaw-Nay Pyi Taw route”, the deputy minister answered that 140 tons of load were allowed as there is a steepest slope between Pinlaung and Moebye despite the trains being the most powerful ones Myanmar Railways have with 2000 horse power. For more safety, the load was reduced to 110 tons as of July, 2011.
As the coaches have 124 seats in total, there are 16 passengers without seat between Phaya station and Aungpan station with largest number of commuters touching about 140. With less number of passengers between Aungpan and Loikaw, the number of seats is enough. So, there is no plan to extend coaches.
Sleepers play a key role in betterment of railroads. A concrete sleeper factory is being built in Shwenyaung to replace wooden sleepers with concrete ones. The factory will produce 16000 sleepers monthly as of August, 2012. The concrete sleepers will be fixed in Thazi-Shwenyaung and Aungpan-Loikaw railroad sections.
Regarding the question raised by U Aung San of Pabedan Constituency on “consequences of colour of wing mirrors of imported cars and fines on these cars”, the deputy minister answered that the colour of the imported cars were measured with tint meter when it was registered. The mirrors with 60 and above percent transparency were allowed. These mirrors were restricted because of unclear views contributing to higher potential of traffic accidents and crimes under the cover of the dark mirror.
There are provisions in various countries preventing from manufacturing the windbreakers and door mirrors with the under-60-percent transparency undermining road safety. Foreign owners decorated stickers and ordered mirrors at their own wishes. There is no fine for the mirrors of the vehicles.
U Kyi Tha of Gwa Constituency, U Nyunt Hlaing of Pyu Constituency and U Aye Mauk of Mahlaing Constituency discussed the proposal “urging the Union government to coordinate, supervise and manage Myanmar’s energy sector” submitted by U Thein Lwin of Chauk Constituency on 6 July. They seconded the proposal, saying that the profits of natural gas extracted from a particular region should benefit the region to some extent. The selling of natural gas should be considered only when there are surpluses after satisfying local demands for vehicle and kitchen purposes. Sustainability of natural resources should be taken into consideration in establishing joint ventures. A comprehensive plan needs to be drafted.
Union Minister for Energy U Than Htay said the incumbent government adopted policies focusing local sufficiency of oil and gas since taking office. He quoted the President saying “National Energy Management Committee must be formed for addressing various aspects of the energy sector of the State and national electricity project must be adopted in line with the national energy policy for short-term and long-term plans. Energy projects of oil, natural gas, coal and so forth needed to be implemented after the national energy project is drafted.” The new government changed the policy to focus on local sufficiency for newly explored oil and gas deposits. Priority for local industrial use of natural gas is included in every contract signed by the new government.
The formation of national level National Energy Management Committee with ministry officials as well as appropriate stakeholders is under way. The committee will be responsible for drawing National Energy Safety Strategy that could affect the future generations of the country and will coordinate, supervise and manage the energy sector more effectively.
As the Hluttaw agreed, U Thein Lwin’s proposal was approved.
U Thein Nyunt of Thingangyun Constituency submitted the proposal “urging the government to enact a law for registration of Non Governmental Organizations as the President had called for participation of civil societies in Myanmar’s democratic reforms”. Union Minister for Home Affairs Lt-Gen Ko Ko said he had no reason to object the proposal.
The date for discussion of the proposal will be announced later and MPs willing to discuss it are to submit their name lists not later than 1 pm on 31 July.
Today’s session concluded at 3.35 pm and the Hluttaw regular session continue for 18th day at 10 am on 31 July.