Cambodia-Korea Inaugurate Malai Health Center and Integrated Rural Development Achievements Worth Millions of Dollars

Cambodia and South Korea on Thursday, August 6, 2026, jointly inaugurated the 'Malai Health Center and Integrated Rural Development Achievements' in Wal Hat Village, Malai Commune, Malai District, Banteay Meanchey Province. This inauguration ceremony, held in a festive atmosphere, marks a significant step in transforming former battlefield areas into 'Villages with Sustainable Development.' The ceremony was presided over by H.E. Chhay Rithisen, Minister of Rural Development, and H.E. Kim Chang Yong, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to the Kingdom of Cambodia. The event, held in Wal Hat Village, Malai Commune, Malai District, Banteay Meanchey Province, was attended by approximately 616 participants, including leaders from relevant ministries, provincial governors, representatives from KOICA (Korea International Cooperation Agency), development partners, armed forces, and local residents. H.E. Chhay Rithisen, Minister of Rural Development, strongly emphasized that the achievements inaugurated today are clear evidence of the fruitful international cooperation between the Royal Government of Cambodia and the Republic of Korea through KOICA. He stated that the Malai Health Center and integrated rural community infrastructure not only alleviate the hardships and improve healthcare for the people but also actively contribute to transforming former battlefield areas into vibrant communities with strong economies, aligning with the 'Pentagon Strategy Phase 1' of the Royal Government under the wise and intellectual leadership of Samdech Moha Bovor Thipadei Hun Manet, Prime Minister of Cambodia. In response, H.E. Kim Chang Yong, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea, expressed his immense pleasure and pride in the progress and work accomplished over the past five years of implementing the 'Peace Village' project in the targeted provinces. The Korean government and people, through KOICA, are extremely proud to have contributed grant aid to build the economic and social foundations and improve the quality of life for the Cambodian people in rural areas. He expressed confidence that these achievements will endure and provide long-term benefits for future generations, further strengthening the Cambodia-Korea friendship. It is noteworthy that the 'Peace Village' project is a grant aid from the Republic of Korea through KOICA, directly coordinated and implemented by the Ministry of Rural Development. The project is being diligently implemented in 30 target villages located in Banteay Meanchey, Battambang, and Pailin provinces. The primary goal is to transform former battlefield areas into inclusively developed regions, encompassing economic, social, and cultural aspects. The achievements officially inaugurated in Malai Commune today include: a 15m x 15m health center building, a 3-room accessible toilet facility, a handwashing station, a medical waste incinerator, a water purification system with a 10,000-liter water tank, and a water pump. Additionally, a community learning center, community pond, library, office, reinforced concrete roads, and a BIDONG water dispenser station have been established. This inauguration is not merely an administrative development affair but serves as a testament to hope, solidarity, and a resolute step towards achieving the nation's shared vision of 'Cambodia becoming a high-income country by 2050.' Source: AKP Khmer