Truck drivers and merchants face difficulties due to stepped up inspections at Ann Township checkpoint

By DMG 15 Dec 2021

DMG Newsroom
15 December 2021, Ann 

Truck drivers and merchants are facing difficulties due to stricter inspections at a security checkpoint on the Yangon-Sittwe highway in Ann Township, Arakan State. 

Drivers say that since February, when the military seized power in a coup, trucks carrying goods that are stopped at the checkpoint have not been allowed to pass without a permit from the Ministry of Security and Border Affairs. 

Vehicles without the permit must stop at the checkpoint to apply for the permit, said U Maung Win Shwe, an official from the Kay Thi Oo bus line plying the route between Yangon and Sittwe. 

“Traders should be informed that they will be allowed to carry goods only with a permit from the Ministry of Security and Border Affairs. Now that drivers have to park their trucks at the checkpoint and get a permit, it costs more time and freight charge,” he added. 

Applying for a permit at the checkpoint can take anywhere from one day to sometimes a week, U Maung Win Shwe explained. 

“Officials from the bus lines have to apply for permission from the security and border affairs minister in Sittwe. Trucks are allowed to pass through the gate only when the minister’s permit is issued, which delays the flow of goods,” he added. 

“As the authorities inspect goods at the checkpoint, the flow of trade is slow and sluggish,” echoed U Win Naing, an official at the Shwepyi Arakan bus line. 

Permits are valid for only one week and if the deadline is exceeded, another permit must be applied for. 

DMG contacted the Arakan State Ministry of Security and Border Affairs about the plight of truck drivers and traders, but no one at the ministry could be reached. 

Vehicles carrying rice and other food items were also subject to inspection in previous years amid clashes between the Myanmar military and the Arakan Army (AA), but drivers say the post-coup inspection of trucks has been stricter.