The Ministry of Environment prevented more than 2.18 million cubic metres of wastewater from being discharged into natural water sources across Cambodia last year, officials said, marking a significant step forward in environmental protection and water quality management.
According to the ministry ‘statement, a total of 2,181,687 cubic metres of wastewater from factories, companies and enterprises nationwide was stopped from entering public water bodies, helping to reduce pollution risks to communities, ecosystems and public health.
Ministry spokesperson Khvay Atitya said the ministry closely monitored and inspected liquid waste discharges from industrial facilities in line with national environmental standards, with an average of about 200,000 cubic metres monitored each month.
He noted that the progress achieved reflects strong cooperation from relevant stakeholders, particularly factory owners, enterprises and companies, in complying with the law and implementing the Environmental and Natural Resources Code. “This cooperation demonstrates greater transparency and effectiveness in environmental management and helps promote fair competition within Cambodia’s industrial sector,” he said.
To further safeguard environmental cleanliness under Environmental Sector Chakra Strategy, Minister of Environment Eang Sophalleth has called for stronger law enforcement to prevent pollution. The minister has urged companies and factories with high pollution potential to comply strictly with Cambodian regulations, install automated monitoring equipment and use data management systems to track wastewater discharges in real time.
The minister stressed that protecting water quality remains a key priority in line with the government’s policies and strategies, as well as the leadership directives of Prime Minister Hun Manet. These efforts aim to prevent and reduce pollution in public water sources, ensure sustainable water quality management, conserve aquatic biodiversity and protect public health.
The ministry also expressed appreciation to businesses that have complied with regulations by installing automatic monitoring systems at their facilities. The ministry encouraged further cooperation, particularly from production sites with pollution risks, to ensure environmental cleanliness, workplace safety and the well-being of communities living near water sources and industrial zones.
Last year 54 factories, companies and enterprises installed automated monitoring equipment and data management systems to track wastewater discharges. Several additional facilities have signed agreements and are preparing to install similar systems this year.
Data collected from these automated monitoring systems are transmitted directly to the ministry’s central management platform. In cases of technical irregularities, the system immediately alerts the ministry, allowing inspection teams to intervene promptly, officials added.
