Contributions in kind

Yesterday evening, we explored the idea of sending cheap goods from Singapore to Yangon, to be distributed over there. One item being considered was rubber slippers. We found a shop selling rubber slippers at about 5 cents per pair.

But after weighing them, we realised that each pair was rather heavy (about 0.2 to 0.3kg), and freight charges (at SGD 5.00-8.00 per kg) will increase the cost of each pair to about SGD 1.50. There are cheaper alternatives in Burma.

Also, we have news that Airport Customs was examining everyone carrying items in bulk. As we need to stretch whatever funds we can collect, we cannot risk getting the items confiscated. Even if we manage to retrieve them, the red tape will take forever to clear, and valuable time will be lost.

If anyone prefers to make contributions in kind, we would like to direct you to Peninsula Plaza. As traders, they have contacts to clear the customs with relative ease. We could possibly pull a few strings as well if we tried hard enough, but as we have earlier said, we're neutral, and do not want to be seen as siding with one side or another.

We ask for your understanding.

P.s. We will 'force' our way through customs if it were items which cannot be purchased in Burma.