AKP Phnom Penh, January 30, 2026 —

Deputy Prime Minister H.E. Santepundit Neth Savoeun, representing Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet, called for intensified public and private sector cooperation to combat soil, water, and air pollution during the closing ceremony of the Ministry of Environment’s annual review meeting on Friday.

Addressing the gathering at the Ministry’s headquarters, the Deputy Prime Minister lauded the progress made under the Royal Government’s 2025 environmental roadmap.

He highlighted the successful mobilisation of local administrations, communities, and the private sector in advancing conservation efforts and promoting "Clean and Green" sustainability initiatives.

"The collective commitment to managing our natural resources effectively is vital for Cambodia’s present and future," he said, urging all stakeholders to strictly adhere to environmental regulations.

To bolster these efforts, Minister of Environment H.E. Dr. Eang Sophalleth announced that the ministry will modernise its pollution diagnostic systems in 2026 to ensure higher accuracy in environmental monitoring.

The Minister emphasised a "zero-tolerance" approach toward regulatory violations, specifically targeting industrial entities that discharge untreated wastewater into public water bodies.

"We are strengthening law enforcement to protect public health," H.E. Minister stated. "The Ministry is collaborating with relevant inter-ministerial bodies and sub-national administrations to take decisive legal action against non-compliant companies, ensuring a level playing field for businesses that respect the law."

The Ministry reported significant technical progress in 2025, including: The successful installation of automated surveillance equipment across key industrial sites; The prevention of over 20 million cubic metres of untreated industrial wastewater from entering public water systems, safeguarding local communities and ecosystems.

The 2026 strategic plan aims to further integrate technology into environmental oversight to ensure sustainable economic growth remains balanced with ecological preservation.

By K. Rithy Reak