Cambodia's Ministry of Environment Orders Factory Suspension Over Environmental Pollution

The Ministry of Environment of Cambodia has ordered an immediate suspension of operations for ROYAL CERA CO., LTD., a factory producing tiles and sanitary ware, located in Tvear Thmey village, Prey Thnang commune, Teuk Chhou district, Kampot province. The order was issued after the discovery of the discharge of environmentally polluting liquid waste. The Ministry of Environment stated that an inspection team from the General Directorate of Environmental Protection, along with relevant officials, conducted an inspection on August 2-3, 2026. They found evidence of environmental pollution, including liquid waste pooling in nearby residents' cashew farms and flowing into streams and farmland. Several cashew trees belonging to residents were also found to be affected. Within the factory premises, the inspection team found that the company was operating without wastewater treatment facilities and was discharging liquid waste directly onto residents' farmland. Additionally, approximately 180 kg of ash per day was being improperly stored and used to fill water pits within the company's land. Liquid waste from the boiler and tile spraying area, estimated at 3 cubic meters per day and containing oil, was being discharged along a dirt channel into a reservoir and spread over approximately 2 hectares within the factory grounds. Furthermore, about 20 drums of chemical waste were found piled up in an open area. The company had not yet completed its initial environmental impact assessment report and lacked permits for waste discharge. It was also revealed that in the past, the company had hired an individual named Lim Norn to transport liquid waste without a permit from the Ministry of Environment, leading to illegal dumping in various locations, including the foothills. This dumping had caused public water sources to be contaminated, affecting water quality and aquatic life, and generating a strong odor. Preliminary tests showed a pH level of 4.46, which is not in compliance with established standards, and a liquid waste sample was sent for analysis at the Ministry of Environment's laboratory. Traces of liquid waste flow into a stream near the dumping site, approximately 500 meters away, were also observed. The Ministry of Environment has taken immediate legal action against the company, including: 1. Immediate suspension of all company operations. 2. Collection and temporary storage of the illegally dumped liquid waste in the company's reservoir by August 10, 2026. This task will be monitored by local authorities and relevant ministries. 3. Restoration of the canal, dug by the Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorology, to its original state. 4. Construction of a wastewater treatment facility in compliance with technical standards. 5. Preparation of an initial environmental impact assessment report. 6. Proper management and storage of solid waste and ash according to technical specifications. 7. Imposition of interim penalties in accordance with the Law on Environment and Natural Resources, articles 156, 161, 173, 287, and Sub-decree No. 27 on Water Pollution Control. 8. Provision of compensation for public health impacts and environmental damage as assessed by expert officials. Source: AKP Khmer