“A total of 65,707 workers lost their jobs when factories closed or suspended operations and laid off workers amid COVID-19. Most of the affected factories were involved in contract manufacturing,” said an official of the regional ministry of Immigration and Human Resources.

Between January 1 and mid-December, 70 factories closed, 29 factories suspended operations and 170 factories laid-off workers making up to this massive number.

The World Bank warned last week that poverty rate in Myanmar may rise to 27% of the population within this year.