Junta’s seizure of unlicensed motorcycles angers many across Arakan State

By DMG 19 Sep 2022

DMG Newsroom
19 September 2022, Sittwe 

Locals in Arakan State have criticised Myanmar’s military regime for seizing unlicensed motorcycles in many parts of the state while the regime’s motor registration authority has suspended services to issue vehicle licences. 

Groups consisting of junta soldiers, police and departmental personnel have lately carried out checks on motor vehicles in multiple townships across Arakan State, said residents. 

Officials have seized vehicles and, in some cases, owners were fined, according to residents.  

“They asked us to show our driver’s licence and motorcycle licence. And they seized our motorcycles when we could not show our licences,” said a resident of Mingan Ward in Sittwe whose motorcycle was seized. “They said we would be allowed to take our motorbikes back after we applied for licences. This has created a lot of inconveniences for those of us who rely on motorcycles for transport.” 

A large number of junta officials also checked vehicle licences in Ponnagyun on September 16, said residents. 

Motorbike taxi driver Ko Khaing Tun Aung from Ponnagyun said: “I bought this auto trishaw with my lifetime’s savings. I don’t know about licences. I dare not go out on days when they check licences. And it is not OK for people like me who rely on daily wages.” 

Mrauk-U residents said the Road Transport Administration Department in the township has not issued licences for motor vehicles since 2018, though officials previously came down onto the streets and registered vehicles. 

“They have done nothing regarding motor licences since 2018. And it is unacceptable that they impose checks suddenly and fine us,” said a Mrauk-U resident. 

Sittwe resident Ko Min Thu questioned whether the regime would take responsibility for their vehicles if owners apply for licences and pay taxes. 

“They are forcing us to apply for licences so that they can get taxes. However, will they take responsibility for our vehicles; for example, in case of theft? If not, why should we pay taxes?” he said. 

The Arakan State Road Transport Administration Department in Sittwe is currently issuing driving licences, and will start issuing vehicle licences and renewing vehicle licences around the end of this month, said an official. 

In late July, the junta’s spokesman for Arakan State U Hla Thein wrote on his Facebook that the road transport authority would issue licences to unlicensed motorbikes from August 1 to October 31, and would take action against unlicensed motorcycles after that period.