In Myanaung Township, Ayeyarwady Region, military supporters who received motorboat licenses at the Yaekinmingyi ferry terminal have been charging passengers double the municipal-approved rates, causing transportation difficulties for local residents. At the Yaekinmingyi ferry terminal in Ngapi Seik village, Ngapi Seik village tract of Myanaung Township, license holders have increased the fare from the previous rate of 1,500 kyats per person to 3,000 kyats. Additionally, motorcycle transportation fees have been raised from the original 2,000 kyats to 5,000 kyats per vehicle.
According to local residents, when municipal officials conduct inspections, the operators temporarily revert to the original approved rates. However, as soon as the officials leave, they resume charging the inflated fares. Among the four ferry terminals in Myanaung Township, three others – Nyaungpinkone, Htongyi Kone, and Shwegyin ferry terminals – continue to charge the municipal-approved rates. Only the Yaekinmingyi ferry terminal has implemented these excessive fare increases.
At the Yaekinmingyi ferry terminal, Ko Thiha Zaw, son of license holder Daw Umma Myint, was instructed by the municipal authorities to display a signboard showing the approved rates. However, locals report that the signboard is only displayed during official inspections, after which the operators continue charging inflated rates. Passengers are told that if they cannot afford the increased fares, they should not use the service. Local business sources have revealed that throughout Myanaung Township, the regional and township-level military councils are prioritizing the distribution of business licenses and operating permits to those with military connections and supporters of the military, demonstrating a pattern of preferential treatment in the allocation of business opportunities.
