President Thein Sein visited the site of Mingalar market which caught fire on 9 January and assured shopkeepers that the market would be rebuilt and financial assistance given to those whose shops were burnt down.
The President also said that affected shopkeepers would be given temporary shops at Shwepyesone market and Shwe Mingalar parking lot and each of them would also be given from 500,000 to 1,000,000 kyat to cover the costs of moving. He also said they would be given a loan for capital.
Apart from these assurances, he urged the Yangon Mayor and market officials to rebuild the market with safety features,especially in regards to electrical fixtures, in consultation with the ministries concerned and the Engineering Association.
The fire left over 1,600 shops damaged at a cost estimated to be 360.602 million, Mingalartaungnyunt Police Station said.
A police officer on duty told Mizzima on January 11 that the fire was caused by a spark from welding the shutter of Shop No. 451 on the 3rd floor and that an investigation was underway and once the culprits found action would be taken.