Prime Minister Hun Manet Orders Arrest of Illegal Fishing Instigators

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet has ordered authorities to identify and arrest "masterminds" who instigate illegal fishing activities, particularly those involving electrofishing, and expose citizens to legal repercussions. The directive was issued during his address at the "National Fish Day" ceremony held on July 1st at the Vai Ko River in Svay Rieng Province. Prime Minister Hun Manet recalled past instances of incitement for illegal land grabbing, stating that currently, hundreds of citizens are being encouraged to engage in electrofishing. He explicitly commanded, "Find and arrest the instigators," indicating a resolve to rectify the unfair situation where citizens face legal consequences while the instigators evade responsibility. Furthermore, the Prime Minister noted that while conservation efforts and the crackdown on illegal fishing over the past two years have led to an increase in fish stocks, this has also resulted in a decrease in fish prices in some areas. However, he asserted, "It is natural that when fish are abundant, prices fall. It is better to have abundant fish and lower prices, allowing everyone to live prosperously, than to have no fish and high prices." This statement underscores the government's priority on ensuring food security and citizen welfare, balancing resource management with economic impacts.