Some government officials were allegedly trying to extort money from businesses wanting to export marine products in Tanintharyi Region, according to local people who have asked legislators for help. The business people said that if they do not pay bribes, the inspectors will delay their shipments, sometimes causing the products to spoil. “We told parliament that the government is losing tax revenue on fisheries, said U Zaw Hein, an Amyotha Hluttaw (Upper House) MP for Kyunsu township. A fish market is needed in Tanintharyi that can earn tax revenue for the country and benefit marine workers.” U Than Chaung, head of the region’s Fisheries Department, said they inspect all vessels suspected of smuggling marine products. Regional officials estimated that Tanintharyi losses K30 billion (US$20 million) annually due to marine product smuggling. In Kachin State, an Amyotha Hluttaw legislator called on the government to stop a pro-government militia group from extorting money from travellers. Zel Khaung, MP for Kachin’s constituency 3, said the Pangwah militia had a checkpoint where they collected money from all passing vehicles on a 50-mile stretch of the highway connecting Waingmaw and Chipwe townships. The militia asks drivers for K10,000 to K20,000 for meals, he said, and threatened to shoot those who do not give them any. Deputy Defence Minister Rear Admiral Myint Nwe said the Pangwah militia is comprised of local villagers and helps the government maintain security in the area. Our investigation on May 30 found no checkpoints on the road except for village security, he said, and they have been warned not to allow any extortion in their territories.