Cambodian Ministry Investigates Suspected Wastewater Discharge from Garment Factory

The Ministry of Environment has initiated an investigation into KICYN (CAMBODIA) CO., LTD., a garment manufacturing factory, following suspicions of discharging liquid waste into the Bati River. On July 27, 2026, an inspection team from the General Directorate of Environmental Protection, along with officials from the Kandal Provincial Department of Environment, visited the factory located in Koh Knar village, Prek Roka commune, Kandal Stung district, Kandal province. According to a report from the Ministry of Environment, the inspection team observed clear water with bubbles and an unpleasant odor flowing from the final liquid waste treatment pond of the factory into the Bati River. The team collected one water sample from the discharge point before it entered the Bati River for analysis at the Ministry of Environment's laboratory. It is noted that the company utilizes 38 washing machines, 41 dryers, and 7 spin dryers in its production process. Liquid waste from production is treated in a chemical treatment pond using PAC, NAOH, PAM, and soda ash, before being discharged into the Bati River via a drainage system. Furthermore, the company has prepared an IEIA report and possesses the relevant wastewater discharge permits. It has also installed an automatic water quality monitoring device. Preliminary tests conducted by experts at the discharge point indicated a pH level of 7.94, which complies with the standard range of 5.5