The bullock cart is the most suitable type of vehicle for Myanmar’s traditional donation ceremony, especially the novitiate ceremony. The bullock was formerly called Hleyinkyawt (decorated cart) and Shwehle (golden cart). More than 70 per cent of the over 50 million people in Myanmar rely on agriculture for their livelihood.

In the dry season like Thadingyut, Tazaungmone and Nataw, the production rate of crops is in proper condition in rural areas. Meanwhile, the farmers reap proper incomes, donate Katina’s robe, and organize a novitiate ceremony for boys and an ear-piercing ceremony for girls, fulfilling an essential duty of parenthood.

For such traditional donation events, the elephant, horse and bullock carts and vehicles are beautifully decorated and go around the townships and monasteries. At the same time, the people with drums and Ohsi are entertaining. Although renting elephants, horses, and vehicles is easy for the procession, it is challenging to hire a bullock cart. Personal communication in rural areas plays a crucial role in renting bullock carts, and it is hard to hire even 14 or 15 carts. “It is tough to find bullock carts in up-country. If there are cart associations, it might be easy to hire carts for donation ceremonies. The rental fee is only K20,000 and K25,000 per cart. However, one village can get only one or two carts, so it is hard to get 10 or 15 carts. However, we have to arrange them properly as they represent tradition and culture,” said U Thet Tun, chairman of Chanthagyi Social Welfare Association in Minbu. On the eve of the novitiate ceremony, the vehicle carrying the Buddha statue goes around leading the line, followed by the elephant, horse and bullock carts carrying novices-to-be, fathers and mothers of novices-to-be and girls carrying robes and gifts for the monks. Moreover, the dance troupes carrying drums and Ohsi actively participate in the event. Therefore, the novitiate ceremony intends to conserve the caravan of bullock carts as part of Myanmar tradition and culture. — Zeyar Htet (Minbu)/KTZH

THE National Cancer Treatment Centre in Dagon Myothit (Seikkan) Township, Yangon Region, will soon be able to treat up to 200 patients per day following the installation of two new radiotherapy machines, according to the Ministry of Health.

In addition to these new radiotherapy machines, a CT Simulator is also being installed to assist in the treatment process. Once the installation is complete, hands-on treatment is expected to commence by the third week of October.

“We are preparing to treat

new patients. With the newly installed Linear Accelerator radiotherapy machine, we will be able to treat 50 to 100 cancer patients per day. After the installation of the two additional radiotherapy machines, we will be able to treat up to 200 patients daily starting from December,” said an official from the Ministry of Health.

Furthermore, once the construction of the new specialist hospital in Lanmadaw Township, Yangon, is complete, the facility will be equipped with international standard medical equipment. This hospital will focus on advanced treatments for cardiovascular and neurological care conditions, further enhancing the quality of healthcare services provided in the region. — ASH/KZL

HEALTH authorities in Australia’s most populous state have urged people at risk of contracting Mpox to get vaccinated amid a spike in cases.

New South Wales (NSW) Health on Thursday reported that there have been 433 confirmed cases of Mpox in the state since 1 June, the largest outbreak in NSW since its first case of the infectious disease was confirmed in May 2022.

Of those cases, 37 per cent were fully inoculated —having received two doses of a vaccine — 14 per cent had received one dose and 46 per cent were not vaccinated.

“The rapidly rising numbers of Mpox cases detected across the state are very concerning, with 26 people requiring hospitalization due to the severity of their symptoms,” Kerry Chant, NSW’s chief health officer, said in a statement.

“The majority of cases of hospitalization have been among people who are unvaccinated or have received only one dose of vaccine.

While cases of Mpox are occurring in vaccinated people, the cases tend to be milder and for a shorter period.”

She said that no cases of the fast-spreading clade 1b strain of Mpox that has been circulating in Central and West Africa have been detected in Australia. — Xinhua

LIONEL Messi grabbed the equalizer as a misfiring Inter Miami were held to a 1-1 draw at home against Charlotte FC in Major League Soccer on Saturday.

Elsewhere, the Seattle Sounders, Houston Dynamo, New York Red Bulls, New York City, LAFC and Orlando City all secured their places in the playoffs.

Despite the setback of a third straight draw, Miami — already assured of a place in the playoffs — remain top of the Eastern Conference and the Supporters Shield regular season standings.

Charlotte, coached by former Aston Villa boss Dean Smith, took the lead in the 57th minute when a low shot from Brandt Bronico deflected off Karol Swiderski and beat Miami keeper Drake Callender.

The goal added some needed urgency to Miami's approach and Jordi Alba found his former Barcelona team-mate Messi with a cross from the left, but the Argentine's header was straight at goalkeeper Kristijan Kahlina.

The Croatian keeper then did well to keep out a Messi drive from the edge of the box.

Moments later Messi, just outside the area, carved out just enough space for a shot and buried his left-foot drive into the bottom corner for his 15th goal in as many games this season.

Miami thought they had won a penalty in the 77th minute when Diego Gomez went down under challenge from Charlotte's French defender Adilson Malanda and referee Ramy Touchan pointed to the spot.

Malanda received a second yellow card but he and his team were saved by the VAR, who ruled he had played the ball.

Deep in stoppage time, Miami had a great chance to take all three points when Alba headed across goal, but Luis Suarez under pressure from Kahlina fired over the bar from a yard out. —AFP

THE Tokyo government has launched a new dating app for smartphones that uses artificial intelligence to match people who are serious about marriage based on their values.

Tokyo Enmusubi, meaning Tokyo matchmaking, is available for people over 18 who live in or commute to the Japanese capital. Users undergo an online interview upon registration, and they must also submit photo identification and documents proving their income and that they are legally single to ensure security on the platform.

The move is part of broader efforts to boost Japan’s declining birthrate, and the Tokyo metropolitan government aims to provide support to singles and families at various stages in their lives from the initial meeting to marriage, childbirth and child-rearing.

Users can download the app onto their smartphone or access the platform’s website via computer. Registration costs 11,000 yen ($77), and membership is valid for two years. —Kyodo