Some locals who have been engaging in brewing traditional liquor from Nipa palm juice (a kind of toddy juice) since the time of their ancestors in Kyaukpkyu Township, Arakan State want to operate their business properly despite the illegality of the practice.

The local government should allow them to brew alcohol from Nipa palm juice as it does not contain chemicals and have side-effects, said U Hla Zan, a local who runs Nipa palm juice brewing business from Kalantte Village said. The local government should furnish some locals with financial and technical assistance to be able to brew the liquor to meet international standard, he added.

He continued that, “We earn our living by brewing Nipa palm juice. We solely rely on this business for our livelihood including healthcare and education. Now we have some problems and would like to request the government to support us commercially to distill liquor from Nipa palm juice.”

Previously, some locals had demanded the local authorities to let them brew alcohol from Nipa palm juice but the business isn’t legal yet. If the business is legalized, the local government will benefit from taxing the beverage and from the privately-owned distilleries, said U Khin Win who also operates the Nipa palm juice brewing business from Kalardwin Village.

Local people from as many as 30 villages in Kyaukphyu Township make their livelihood by brewing liquor from Nipa palm juice. Some people in townships throughout Arakan State also operate the Nipa palm juice brewing business.