Ministry to monitor oil transport with drones

 

Meanwhile, locals plan to protest if a spill occurs.

“We just asked Zayyar Aung, the energy minister, whether oil spill rules and regulations in line with international norms have been set up for the protection and conservation of the environment. He said the ministry will be using drone for monitoring and taking action against spills,” said Rakhine Ethnic Affiars Minister Zaw Aye Maung on Janurary 20 at Maday Island.

He added that in Singapore, a fines for oil spills cost companies millions of dollars.

“As Myanmar’s rules and regulations are weak, it is likely that oil will be carelessly spilled by a company into the ocean, and the company will pay [a meager] US$ 4,000 and 5,000 for the spill. This could lead to environmental damage around Kyaukphyu area,” Zaw Aye Maung continued.

An oil tanker operated by the China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) is set to dock 24 miles from Kyaukphyu, Rakhine State, on January 24 to transport oil to China through the pipelines of the Shwe Gas Project. The tanker is carrying a total of 150,000 tonnes of oil from Middle Eastern countries. 

This operation is the pilot project for oil transportation using through the Shwe Gas Project pipelines, said local resident Tun Tun Naing.

The authorities have not explained the details and impact of the project on locals yet, said Tun Kyi, a leader of the local pipeline watch. 

He also said the authorities have not fulfilled the requests of the locals.