Chinese company PHOENIX Industrial CO,. LTD has been suspended for two weeks after leaking liquid waste into Battambang’s Sangker River, polluting the water.

On August 4, the Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology and Innovation (MISTI) issued a statement claiming that PHOENIX Industrial Co,. LTD had leaked sewage into Sangkae River causing the water to turn black and creating pollution that killed many fish.

“It is the third time this has caused a serious environmental impact. In this case, MISTI requires the company to temporarily suspend all product activities for two weeks, but keeping workers’ salaries normal from August 4 until August 18 to revise every mistake.

"The company will face further suspension in case of non-compliance with construction,” the statement said.

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Heng Kimhong, Program Manager at the Cambodian Youth Network (CYN), said that the suspension is a primary prevention of river pollution while he requests an investigation into claims that the company drained waste water into the river without supervision.

He added that if the investigation finds that the company intentionally polluted the river, the suspension will be extended.

“I hope the government officials work to solve the problem by punishing them when they commit an illegal act. Practicing strict rules is the way to prevent any environmental issues from happening, especially to people of the public,” Kimhong said.

On August 4, a provincial administration statement said that after receiving information, provincial officials have carried out an inspection. During that time, they took action against the company.

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As a result, a contract has been signed to not discharge liquid or solid waste, toxic substances and chemicals from the plant site into the Sangkae River. If the case persists, the company shall be fully responsible under the law.

The statement added that the provincial administration has requested that MISTI take measures to temporarily shut down that factory. It has also requested that the Ministry of Environment and relevant ministries evaluate the environmental impact on public health.

Battambang Provincial Environment Department spokesman, Kort Boran, did not respond to Kiripost’s request for comments.

PHOENIX Industrial Co,. LTD, a company located in Traeng commune, Rotanak Mondol district, Battambang province, was not available for comment on Tuesday.

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