[SINGAPORE] Singaporean companies operating in Myanmar yesterday reported that business has not been affected by the deteriorating political situation in the country. Reports said that Myanmar security forces fired shots over the heads of a large crowd near the Sule Pagoda in central Yangon yesterday, sending people fleeing for cover.

Sule Pagoda, a downtown Buddhist temple, has been the focal point for a week of monk-led protests against decades of military rule in the country. But Singaporean companies operating in Myanmar, of which there are just a handful, mainly in the hospitality business, said that political unrest has not yet affected them.

"Right now, it is the low season for us, so it's difficult to see the difference," said a hospitality player. "Tourist arrivals usually start picking up from mid-October onwards, and we'll see if there's any impact then."

Singapore developer Keppel Land, which has two hotels in Myanmar - Sedona Hotel Yangon and Sedona Hotel Mandalay - similarly said that the protests have made no impact.

Travels agents BT spoke to said that tourist traffic to Myanmar from Singapore is so low that the unrest has had no impact on their business.

"Right now, we don't have anyone going there," said a travel agent. "So no one has cancelled on us."
Renu Nair, spokeswoman for SilkAir which has four flights a day between Singapore and Yangon, said that flights and loads are still 'normal'.

"But the situation remains dynamic and we are seeing an increase in outbound Yangon inquiries. I suppose embassies and businesses are thinking of sending out non-essential staff," she said.

Two other airlines, Bagan Air and Jetstar Asia, also operate flights between Singapore and Yangon.

Singapore's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) put out a statement yesterday to warn Singaporean travellers.

"MFA and our embassy in Yangon continue to monitor the situation in Myanmar very closely," said a spokesman.
The ministry advised Singaporeans who are already in Myanmar, as well as those who intend to travel to Myanmar, to closely monitor media reports on developments there.

Travellers to the country should register with MFA through its website at www.mfa.gov.sg, the ministry said.

"They should take the necessary precautions for their personal safety, including remaining in a safe location and avoiding areas where there may be trouble," the spokesman added.

The situation in Myanmar took a sinister turn yesterday as the authorities moved to confront protesters in Yangon, Myanmar's main city.

Photo: AP