More pandemic cargo truck disruptions in Arakan State

08 Sep 2020

Myo Thiri Kyaw | DMG
8 September, Sittwe

Cargo trucks plying routes from the Arakan State capital Sittwe to lowland areas will have to temporarily halt operations as of September 9 due to COVID-19, according to highway express drivers. 

Truck drivers from Sittwe Township are transporting cargo with the permission of the Arakan State government, but they will be put under 21-day quarantine when they arrive in Yangon.

U Maung Win Shwe, manager of the Kaythioo cargo transport gate, said: “I have to buy commodities via Ann Township. But I have to go there on my own. The drivers are put in quarantine for 21 days. There is a shortage of drivers due to the increase in the number of quarantined drivers. I want the government to relax this restriction.” 

At a video conference on August 28, State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi pledged that under her government, there would be food security in Arakan State amid the pandemic.

“There are no drivers. There are many inspections. We face delays,” said Ko Nga Lone Chay, an in-charge of Shwepyithit Passenger and Cargo Transport Service.  

“There is no movement of commodities although the authorities have promised to ensure the flow of commodities in Arakan State. There is a shortfall of commodities. The cargo trucks will be unable to operate as the drivers are in quarantine. Drivers need to be proficient in order to cross over the Arakan mountain range.” 

The COVID-19 era has also brought a shortage of job opportunities. The government needs to relax its restrictions as trucking operations find it difficult to change out drivers every day, Ko Nga Lone Chay added.

Meanwhile, grocery store owners in Sittwe are concerned about the commodities shortfall and higher prices caused by the disruption of cargo truck transportation. 

“The blockage of roads in such a period is not OK. Almost everyone is in trouble,” said U Maung Hla Tun, a grocery store owner in Sittwe: “The people will face starvation if the situation continues.”

U Win Myint, the Arakan State Municipal Affairs minister and a state government spokesperson, told DMG on August 28 that the state government is dealing with cargo transportation problems as best it can.