YANGON: Authorities in Myawaddy, a border town in Kayin State, are stepping up efforts to crack down on fish-game gambling halls as part of measures to eliminate drug-related offences, other criminal activities and gambling, according to reports.
Kayin State Minister for Security and Border Affairs Col. Soe Moe Win said authorities were intensifying efforts to identify and arrest operators of fish-game gambling halls and prevent such businesses from resuming operations in Myawaddy.
Speaking at the third regular session of the Kayin State Hluttaw, Col. Soe Moe Win said authorities were acting on information received from partner organisations and reliable informants to locate and take action against fish-game gambling venues and related gambling activities.
Colonel Soe Moe Win was responding to a question on the second day of the third regular session of the third Karen State Hluttaw on Aug 11. Deputy Speaker of the Karen State Hluttaw asked whether there is any plan to take action against gambling and gaming establishments in Myawaddy.
The Tatmadaw, Myanmar Police Force, relevant departments, partner organisations, and neighbourhood administrations have jointly conducted random inspections, patrols, and received advance information from reliable informants to arrest and take action against gambling and gambling establishments in Myawaddy.
As a result, as of Aug 4, 2026, the Myawaddy District Police Department has opened 13 cases of fish game gambling within the area of the Myawaddy District Police Department, and a total 164 suspects have been arrested and taken into custody, and 2,595,000 kyats and 79 gaming machines have been confiscated.
In addition, in Myawaddy, thieves are said to be hiding in the fish game gambling houses and often go out at night to commit thefts and house burglaries. - Eleven Media/ANN
