A team from the environment ministry inspects a waterway which was polluted by a company. Environment ministry
In a move aimed at protecting Cambodia's environmental future, Minister of Environment Eang Sophalleth has committed to eliminating all companies that cause widespread environmental destruction.
Addressing pressing issues such as water pollution and industrial waste, the minister personally vowed to crack down on companies that violate environmental regulations, ensuring cleaner water sources and a healthier ecosystem for the nation.
Sophalleth reiterated the government’s determination to protect Cambodia's rivers, creeks and seas from industrial waste, which is causing severe damage to the country’s water sources.
He highlighted a concerning rise in companies caught discharging harmful waste into clean water bodies, with 23 companies recently discovered to be polluting the environment.
“The rivers, the creeks and the seas that the people rely on should not be contaminated by industrial waste. These resources are vital for communities, and we cannot allow companies to destroy them,” he said.
“We have identified 23 companies that have been poisoning our water sources, and I’ve made it clear: they will face the harshest penalties to prevent others from following in their footsteps,” he added.
His comments came as he addressed the April 25 dialogue on Gender Equality in the Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) 3.0, held at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Phnom Penh.
While Cambodia does not have large chemical factories that typically discharge toxic waste, other industries have been implicated in contaminating the country's natural water bodies.
The minister expressed frustration over the relatively small fines, such as 20 million riel (about $2,500), which are currently imposed on violators.
Environment minister Eang Sophalleth delivers his remarks at a dialogue on Gender Equality in the Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) 3.0, held on April 25. Hong Raksmey
The impact on clean water from chemical dyeing wastewater, which requires filtration before discharge, costs more than $5,000 per day.
“What is he afraid of — paying 10 million riel a month or a year? Sometimes he gets caught, sometimes he doesn't,” he said.
“No! I insist! We must fine them according to the Environmental Code, and even more if necessary, so they will not continue such practices and we can keep our water sources clean,” he stressed.
He added that by the end of 2025, all companies that destroy the environment and endanger people's lives must be shut down.
He pointed out that the costs of cleaning up industrial waste, particularly the water contaminated by chemical dyes, far exceed the fines, which encourages companies to continue their harmful practices.
“The environmental code fines are simply not enough to deter companies from polluting,” Sophalleth said.
“What’s more important is sending a strong message: companies that harm the environment must be held accountable, and the fines must reflect the true cost of pollution. We will enforce stronger punishments so that no company feels it’s worth destroying our resources,” he continued.
The minister noted that his firm stance on environmental protection extends beyond industrial pollution. Cambodia’s ambitious environmental strategy, as part of the NDC programme, aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, increase renewable energy use and protect critical ecosystems such as forests.
In particular, the forestry sector is being restructured through measures focusing on prevention, expansion and development, ensuring long-term sustainability for both the environment and local communities.
The NDC 2.0 programme, which runs from 2020 to 2025, has already seen significant progress in addressing climate change and environmental challenges.
With 190 actions designed to reduce Cambodia's vulnerability to climate change, the government has successfully completed 87 per cent of the targeted actions, a major milestone in the nation’s climate strategy.
With the NDC 3.0, set to be implemented from 2025 onward, the country’s focus will shift towards even more ambitious climate goals, including sustainable industrial practices, enhanced renewable energy integration and stronger measures to protect the environment from further degradation.
While Cambodia is working to meet its global climate commitments and reduce the impacts of climate change, the immediate focus remains on ridding the nation’s waters of pollutants.
“By eliminating companies that destroy our environment, we take a critical step in ensuring a cleaner, safer and more sustainable Cambodia in the future,” Sophalleth concluded.
