The inferno, in Phnom Penh’s Dangkor district, required more than 50 fire trucks to extinguish. Fire brigade
The Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training has assured the more than 400 workers of a garment factory which was destroyed in a fire last night that they will receive their salaries and benefits.
The Foremart Cambodia factory was completely gutted in a blaze which erupted at 6.30pm on February 11.
The ministry also urged all factories and businesses to ensure their fire prevention and suppression measures are up to code.
Labour minister Heng Sour visited the site and met with the affected workers in person, the morning after the fire.
“All workers will be able to receive their salaries – along with any remaining benefits – by February 20. The ministry will provide further updates as more information becomes available,” he told the workers.
He also reassured them that their Social Security Fund benefits, including healthcare, maternity benefits and pregnancy check-ups, would continue to be provided and that they could still use their National Social Security Fund (NSSF) cards.
He also noted that officials from the NSSF branch in Dangkor district had visited the site and were prepared to assist any members who were injured in the fire.
Fortunately, no casualties were reported.
Labour minister Heng Sour visits the site and meets with the affected workers in person, the morning after the fire. Labour ministry
The minister appealed to the workers to remain calm, to understand the situation, and to spread this information to their colleagues at the factory.
He expressed his deepest condolences over the fire and thanked the authorities, firefighters and leadership for their prompt and effective intervention to extinguish and control the fire, preventing it from spreading to other locations.
The labour ministry is closely monitoring the welfare of the affected workers and acknowledges that they may face some challenges.
They suggested that while the factory is being rebuilt over the next four months, employees may seek new opportunities through the National Employment Agency (NEA), which will have officers available for immediate job registration at the factory location.
After the factory is rebuilt, workers may consider returning to their previous positions.
Labour ministry spokesman Katta Orn noted that fires occurred in several large factories recently. To prevent such incidents, he urged employers to ensure compliance with established fire safety standards.
He recommended the installation of fire alarm and sprinkler systems, along with accessible fire extinguishers and other fire suppression measures, to extinguish fires before they escalate.
Additionally, he called on employers to train staff in fire prevention measures. They should know how to use firefighting equipment, prepare safe storage for flammable materials, ensure clear emergency exits throughout the factory and install audible fire alarms, as well as notify workers of evacuation procedures.
He appealed to both employers and workers to take all necessary precautions to prevent fires from occurring.
The Foremart Cambodia factory, located in Prey Sar commune, Dangkor district, Phnom Penh, was destroyed by fire on the evening of Tuesday, February 11.
More than 50 fire appliances were required to extinguish the blaze. Fortunately, no workers were reportedly injured or killed in the incident. The authorities are still investigating the cause of the fire.
