To bridge the gap between incomes and expenditures at a time when prices are high and jobs are scarce, many people turn to gambling in hopes of acquiring large sums by investing little.

Ko Sai Zaw Thaike was arrested in Sittwe, Arakan State, on May 23 on his way to Rathedaung to report on the aftermath of Cyclone Mocha.

Many of the detainees are the breadwinners in their families, which are now suffering from financial hardships.

The issuance of licences to those who stockpile rice will begin in the third week of September in order to stabilise domestic rice prices and to facilitate people’s livelihoods, according to the Myanmar Rice Federation (MRF).

“They said we can’t apply for passports because we are Kaman Islam. They said the order came from Naypyitaw. But they couldn’t show the order when I asked,” said U Min Che from Thakkelpyin (Kaman) Village in Sittwe Township.

“If locals are sick at night, it is very difficult to go to the other side of the creek by boat. Previously, if the locals were sick, they could go anytime without difficulty,” said Daw Oo Sein Than, a local woman from Mawhtet Village.

Locals are worried as both unarmed and unarmed ARSA members have been reported in Maungdaw District — comprising the two aforementioned townships — in recent days.

Min Aung Hlaing told his ministers to continue to work to conduct the census, saying “only correct voter lists will ensure a fair election,” according to the junta’s propaganda newspapers.

The market is slated to open on September 9 on a vacant land plot near Thanpayarthee junction, with some vendors also to be placed along the main road.

Some organisers of the memorial were arrested in 2022, prompting concerns that the regime might do the same this year.

“People are short of food supplies in Arakan State due to Cyclone Mocha. We discussed that,” said ALP chairperson Saw Mra Razar Min.

Charities operate with donations and other private contributions, including monthly membership fees, to cover emergency and health-related issues.

A member of the Thakkelpyin camp management committee, U Hla Shwe, said: “They said they would work for us to return to our original homes, and gain citizenship.”

The Myanmar Edible Oil Dealers Association will sell over 2,783 tonnes of palm oil in Yangon at the junta’s reference price of 4,400 kyats per viss.

Five signatories to the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA) and the junta’s National Solidarity and Peace Negotiation Committee (NSPNC) signed a nine-point agreement after holding talks for three days.

The junta’s commerce ministry said it would take measures to significantly bring down palm oil prices in the next few days for the sake of members of the public.

Junta boss Min Aung Hlaing has ordered the ministers of his regime to systematically regulate local and international nongovernmental organisations (NGOs and INGOs).

Farmers are using technologically produced seeds that can be easily bought and grown, including vegetables such as eggplant, pepper, cucumber, beans, gourds, and ferns.

The Arakan Army (AA) has been providing military training for resistance groups that emerged following the military coup in February 2021.