"Authorities Shut Down Two Factories in Preah Sihanouk for Continuing to Pollute Waterways", 26 June 2025

The Ministry of Environment has ordered the suspension of production activities at two factories in Preah Sihanouk Province - Kubon (Cambodia) Biotechnology Co., Ltd and Cambodian Noble Taste Food Co., Ltd - after they were found to be illegally discharging liquid waste into local water sources, causing environmental damage to communities in the province.

In an announcement …, the Ministry of Environment stated that … it found the two factories had "failed to comply with the law and continued discharging liquid waste, impacting Prek Kampong Smach and Prek Phao in Prey Nop District, Preah Sihanouk Province"…

The suspension followed the ministry’s findings that they had both violated several environmental regulations, including provisions in the Environment and Natural Resources Code and sub-decrees related to water pollution control.

In addition to the suspension, the companies are required to implement corrective technical measures, pay compensation for environmental damage and take part in restoration efforts. Interim penalties have also been imposed.

“The Ministry of Environment will not tolerate actions that threaten public health and environmental sustainability,” the announcement read. “Should the companies fail to comply with the legal requirements outlined in the decision, the ministry will proceed with legal actions to permanently shut down their operations.”

Kubon (Cambodia) Biotechnology Co., Ltd., a leather processing company, had previously received multiple warnings after it was found to have illegally discharged liquid waste into the natural water system, resulting in significant environmental damage and posing risks to local livelihoods.

The two companies did not respond immediately to Kiripost’s request for comment …

Sea Sophal, Founder of NGO2 BambooShoot Foundation in Siem Reap province, previously expressed concern over ongoing water pollution, emphasising the need to safeguard water resources as essential to both human well-being and the surrounding ecosystem.

Kubon (Cambodia) Biotechnology Co., Ltd has been found illegally discharging wastewater into the natural waterways, causing significant damage to the environment and local livelihoods in Preah Sihanouk province. Kiripost via the Ministry of Environment's Facebook page…