The Burmese ruling junta is looking at earning thousands of million Kyat by issuing motorcycle licenses for unlicensed two wheelers in Kachin state, northern Burma, said sources close to local authorities.
The authorities have officially started to accept applications from unlicensed motorcycle owners in Myitkyina Township, the capital of Kachin state since July 2. But the license fee for a motorcycle is three times more than it used to be, Myitkyina residents told KNG today.
The Township Land Transportation Department takes duty for a motorcycle license and collects at least 130,000 Kyat (US $116) to over 170,000 Kyat (US $151) per motorcycle depending on the model and type of motorcycle without monthly oil-permits from the government, applicants said.
Earlier, a motorcycle license would cost about 50,000 Kyat (US $44) and all owners of licensed motorcycles were also issued monthly oil-permits by the government, locals said.
Applications for the motorcycle license are being received at a sports hall in the Township Football Stadium. Applications are being accepted quarter by quarter, said applicants.
In Myitkyina, most people own unlicensed and cheap Chinese motorcycles imported from Laiza, the Kachin Independence Organization (KIO) controlled area on the Sino-Burma border. A few people own motorcycles made in Japan and India, a local businessman told KNG.
Currently, there are between 30,000 and 50,000 unlicensed motorcycles in Myitkyina. If all unlicensed motorcycle owners apply for a license, the junta is set to earn at least 3,900 million Kyat (est. US $3.5 million), said unlicensed motorcycle owners in the township.
Motorcycles are essential for residents of Myitkyina for transporting the family and goods. The 'Super Cup' and 'Kenbo' brand Chinese motorcycles are the most popular in the township, said locals.
With the junta announcing that license would be issued for illegal motorcycles in northern Burma, Chinese motorcycle prices have shot up by more than 100,000 Kyat from its regular price. Now prices stand at 600,000 Kyat (US $533) from 430,000 Kyat (US $382) for a new motorcycle as of July 2, residents added.
Rumors are doing the rounds among residents of Myitkyina that the ruling junta is collecting funds for Cyclone Nargis by issuing motorcycle licenses, said residents.
