Ministry of Environment Orders Closure of Landfill After Waste Spill Kills Fish

PHNOM PENH, July 7, 2026 – The Ministry of Environment has ordered the immediate closure of a landfill site in Stung Hav district, Preah Sihanouk province, after industrial waste liquid leaked into a natural stream, killing fish owned by local residents.

The closure was carried out on July 5 by an inspection team from the Ministry of Environment, with participation from the Preah Sihanouk Provincial Department of Environment, Stung Hav district authorities, and Kampenh commune officials.

រូបភាព៖ ទំព័រហ្វេសប៊ុក ក្រសួងបរិស្ថាន
According to the inspection, industrial solid waste dumped by Mi Ner Va Investment Co., Ltd. at the landfill site was not managed in accordance with environmental technical standards. Liquid waste from the site flowed into a natural stream, causing the fish deaths reported by local residents.

The inspection team collected water samples for further analysis at the ministry's laboratory to monitor pollution parameters.

Authorities have ordered an immediate halt to all waste dumping at the site, with waste to be redirected to a properly licensed facility. The company has been issued a fine and required to provide compensation for direct and indirect damages, as well as to undertake environmental restoration.

Reported by The Khmer Daily Network