On February 6–7, 2026, residents reported foul odours from five coagulated-rubber purchasing businesses in Memot district, Tbong Khmum. The smells came from rubber-storage areas and wastewater pits containing, among other effluent, water used to clean the storage sites.
An inspection team from the General Directorate of Environmental Protection, led by deputy department head Chap Yuthy and joined by the provincial Environment Department, Memot district administration and Memot commune authorities, subsequently inspected the five sites and found pollution and numerous shortcomings.
The ministry’s team found that all five managed wastewater inadequately under technical and applicable legal requirements. None had wastewater-treatment ponds; each had only earth pits for storage. The businesses also operated without environmental-protection contracts.
To prevent continued pollution, the ministry took legal measures requiring temporary suspension until a further ministry decision. The businesses were also required to face transactional fines under Article 826 of the Environment and Natural Resources Code, concerning foul odours and disturbance to residents under Article 161, and improper wastewater discharge under Articles 156 and 287 and the standards annex to Sub-Decree No. 103.
The businesses’ operation without environmental-protection contracts was also described as violating Article 668 of the Code and government Sub-Decree No. 72.
The ministry required each owner to construct technically appropriate wastewater-treatment ponds under the Code within three months, reducing odours and preventing pollution of public waters. Each must also prepare an environmental-protection contract and submit it for ministry review and approval under relevant requirements within three months.
The five sites were: site 1 in Sangkum Meanchey village, Memot commune; sites 2 and 3 at separate premises in Choam Mao village, Memot commune; site 4 at another location in Sangkum Meanchey village, Memot commune; and site 5 in Dak Por village, Triek commune. All were in Memot district, Tbong Khmum. By: Pai Sokhim.
