Amid a recent uptick in the number of Covid-19 infections in Arakan State — and with 75% of a recent sampling of positive cases identified as the virus’s highly contagious Omicron variant — the public is once again being urged to abide by pandemic-related preventive measures.

Arakan State has a suitable climate for growing rubber, but local rubber ventures remain relatively low as businesspeople opt for quicker returns on their investments, according to U Khaing Myint, secretary of the Myanmar Rubber Planters and Producers Association (MRPPA).

Internally displaced people (IDPs) from Mobye town and surrounding villages in Pekon Township, southern Shan State, are in need of food and accommodation after artillery shells hit their homes during recent fighting between the Myanmar military and a joint force of anti-regime armed groups including the Karenni Nationalities Defense Force (KNDF). 

Myolae Creek in Sittwe is full of rubbish and silt, with residents of the Arakan State capital calling for the waterway to be dredged and cleared of the detritus.  

The Myanmar military reportedly carried out live-fire drills using artillery weapons at two locations in Arakan State’s Rathedaung Township on February 19, with another two locations in Manaung Township slated to see similar exercises on February 22. 

The 2-year-old daughter of a local woman in southern Arakan State who was arrested on suspicion of financing the People’s Defence Force (PDF) and has been charged under the Counter-Terrorism Law died in Thandwe Prison on February 17. 

Heavy fighting between the Myanmar military and a joint force of anti-regime armed groups including the Karenni Nationalities Defense Force occurred at Mobye town, in southern Shan State’s Pekon Township, over three days beginning February 15.

Sixty-five Muslims destined for Malaysia were arrested near Aung Tine village in Sittwe Township, Arakan State, on Thursday evening, according to the state’s police force.

According to local residents, a power line spanning the Swun Ye River on the Pauktaw-Minbya road is hanging lower than the Sun Ye Bridge, posing a danger to passenger and fishing boats travelling through the area.

Internally displaced people (IDPs) in Arakan State are facing food and shelter shortages due to a lack of aid from local nongovernmental organisations (NGOs), civil society organisations and charity groups.

The Arakan National Council/Arakan Army and allied armed groups conducted a surprise offensive on February 16 and temporarily seized a Myanmar military artillery base in Kayin State, according to an ANC/AA official.

The Forest Department has reportedly submitted a proposal to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation to allocate 450 acres of land to people who have been relocated to make way for a hydropower project in Thandwe Township, Arakan State.

The long-running trial of five men from Ponnagyun Township, Arakan State, who have been accused of having illegal ties to the Arakan Army (AA), continued at the Sittwe District Court on February 17. 

Water resources experts visiting Mrauk-U have suggested that the unregulated dumping of waste in area creeks is a threat to the ancient city’s bid for UNESCO World Heritage status, suggesting that a better drainage system is also needed.

Police have reportedly detained a suspect over the murder of an employee from a recently opened hotel in Manaung Township, Arakan State.

Residents of three territories of the Karen National Union (KNU) have had to flee their homes again due to new clashes between the Myanmar military and joint forces of the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA), according to KNU sources.

More than 50 employees of Sittwe University in the Arakan State capital have tested positive for Covid-19, but the university has no plans to suspend classes again, according to its Academic Affairs Department. 

Arakanese traditional boat racing will be held in Ramree Township, Arakan State, from May 15 to 19, according to the organising committee for the traditional Rammarwadi rowing competition.

The Pauktaw Tagun speedboat ferry running between Sittwe and Pauktaw in Arakan State has suspended services this month as it is facing losses, owner U Shwe Phaw Thu told DMG.