27 March 2026 — Local administration bodies in Chin State’s Lautu region, covering Thantlang and Matupi townships, are offering a 300,000 kyat reward for information leading to reports of illegal fishing.
The Lautu Regional Public Administration Team (LRPA) announced the incentive as part of an effort to protect the environment and conserve aquatic resources by stopping the use of banned fishing methods.
The LRPA confirmed that its first enforcement action of the year has already taken place. On 16 February, four individuals were caught using prohibited battery-powered fishing devices in the Boinu River.
The offenders—two individuals and two accomplices—were each fined 1 million kyats on 24 March, and their illegal equipment was confiscated.
Officials stated the action is intended to raise public awareness and warned that repeat offenders will face stricter penalties. The fines collected will be allocated to local road improvement projects.
The local leadership is urging residents to cooperate, emphasizing that public vigilance is crucial to protecting local natural resources. – Reporting by Ben
