Rakhine parliamentarians have criticised an investigative commission’s findings on the recent Aung Takon ferry disaster in Rakhine.
“They took action against low-level service personnel only and we cannot accept that, the responsibility must go to all levels; from the minister to the lowest ship crews,” Rakhine MP U Aung Mya Kyaw told Mizzima on 4 May.
Those who were seen as responsible for the disaster were either fired, demoted, or forcefully retired - some faced salary reductions.
According to a statement released by the state authorities, 72 people died and 169 survived but the investigative commission found that the death toll increased to 89 with 20 people missing.
“Family members of those missing contacted us to update us and from that we can say that 20 people are missing. The state government neglected these people,” said MP U Aung Win of Myepon Township.
Aung Takon sank on route for Sittwe on March 13.