THE Pyithu Hluttaw convened on the 27th day of its second regular session in Nay Pyi Taw yesterday, with lawmakers submitting 12 questions covering a wide range of public concerns, including inflation, transport infrastructure, border trade, electricity development, land ownership, military conscription and security checkpoints. The questions were answered by deputy ministers from relevant ministries at the Hluttaw session chaired by Speaker U Khin Yi and Deputy Speaker U Maung Maung Ohn.
Responding to concerns over rising living costs, Deputy Minister for Finance and Revenue Daw Than Than Lin said authorities are continuing efforts to stabilize prices of essential commodities by ensuring sufficient domestic rice supplies, regulating exports, publishing reference prices for rice and paddy, and working with the Myanmar Rice Federation. She also said regional edible oil distribution committees are supervising sales at controlled prices, while measures are being taken to stabilize diesel prices and exempt fertilizer imports from taxes to help lower agricultural production costs. She added that greater cooperation from the private sector would be encouraged to support price stability.
Several lawmakers sought updates on infrastructure projects. Deputy Minister for Border Affairs Maj-Gen Kyaw Swa Oo said a proposed upgrade of the Namlan-Khamyon-Mwaydawholin Pagoda Road in Shan State could be implemented in phases in future fiscal years, depending on funding availability. On a separate question regarding the proposed Namonlon border gate with Thailand, Deputy Minister for Commerce U Min Min said the crossing could only be officially opened after both countries reached an agreement and outstanding border demarcation issues were resolved.
Deputy Minister for Electricity and Energy U Aye Kyaw said the ministry outlined plans to expand the country’s power sector through hydropower, renewable energy and transmission projects. He said several hydropower projects remain under development, while private investment is being sought for selected projects and renewable energy generation.
The ministry also detailed plans for new high-voltage transmission lines and substations across the country, although many projects will depend on future budget allocations. Separate responses addressed electricity expansion plans for villages in Shan State and the construction of a new substation in Ayeyawady Region.
Lawmakers also questioned the government on land ownership and administrative matters, including the issuance of land grants in Twantay and Dala townships and the recognition of villages and wards in several regions. Deputy Minister for Home Affairs Maj-Gen Min Thu said most requests would require legal procedures, land surveys, presidential approval or additional funding before they could proceed.
One of the session’s most closely watched exchanges concerned allegations of unlawful military conscription in Khamti Township. The Home Affairs Ministry rejected claims that local authorities had forcibly recruited civilians outside the provisions of the People’s Military Service Law. According to the ministry, four of the nine individuals cited were legally eligible for conscription and are currently attending training, while the remaining five, including students, a caregiver and an overage individual, were returned to their families because they qualified for exemptions under the law. The deputy minister said all recruitment procedures had been carried out in accordance with the law and denied that anyone had been forcibly detained.
The ministry also reported that several security checkpoints had been removed along major highways in Shan State, reducing the number of checkpoints on two key routes. Existing checkpoints have been equipped with narcotics detection devices where available, while authorities said additional X-ray equipment would be installed only when funding becomes available.
The 27th sitting concluded with the announcement that the next session will be held on 23 July. — MNA/ST
