Eradicate illegal trade for interest of consumers

I LLEGAL trade primarily aims to evade deserved tax on exported and imported goods and is considered selfishness to secure all profits from trading. As such, the State misses the chance to obtain taxes while consumers face high prices for products. The aim is to completely eradicate illegal trade, which does not benefit the nation or its people, by working together to eradicate it.

From December 2024 to January 2025, the Customs Department recorded the highest number of illegal trade arrests. Among the regions, Sagaing Region had the most arrests, followed by Mandalay Region and Yangon Region. In terms of goods, the most confiscated items were unlicensed vehicles and illegal cargo trucks, followed by industrial raw materials and investment-related goods.

State and regional chief ministers have been instructed to take strict action. This includes not only arresting those caught with unlicensed vehicles but also investigating and holding accountable any administrative or security officials involved. The illegal import and export of goods significantly harm the nation, so authorities must effectively identify and seize such activities.

Illegal trade fosters corruption, which must be carefully monitored. Due to the country’s long borders, controlling unauthorized entry and exit points is challenging. Moreover, illegal trade routes continue to be used. However, those responsible for border control must act with integrity, honesty, and national economic interest in mind. By doing so, authorities can increase arrests and prevent unauthorized trade more effectively.

Accurate intelligence, security of information, and the protection of informants are crucial in combatting illegal trade. The gathered intelligence must be systematically organized and securely handled for collective action. Informants and law enforcement personnel involved in seizing illegal goods have already received financial rewards. To encourage more whistleblowing, the public should be made aware of this initiative through stateowned and private media. Additionally, measures should be taken to prevent traffic congestion at security checkpoints.

The government is intensifying efforts to crack down on illegal goods to promote exports and ensure the long-term stability of micro-, small- and medium-sized enterprise-MSMEs. Illegal imports not only reduce state tax revenue but also introduce low-quality consumer goods, medicines, and food products that pose risks to public health. Therefore, consumer safety must be ensured.

To ensure the sustainability of MSMEs, protect consumers, and safeguard national revenue, efforts must be strengthened to apprehend illegal traders. The ultimate goal is to eliminate illegal trade, benefiting both the nation and its people through collaborative action.

#TheGlobalNewLightOfMyanmar