Phnom penh: Deputy Prime Minister H.E. Santepundit Neth Savoeun, representing Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet, called for intensified public and private sector cooperation to combat soil, water, and air pollution during the closing ceremony of the Ministry of Environment's annual review meeting on Friday.

According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, the Deputy Prime Minister praised the progress made under the Royal Government's 2025 environmental roadmap. He noted the successful mobilisation of local administrations, communities, and the private sector in advancing conservation efforts and promoting "Clean and Green" sustainability initiatives. Emphasising the importance of managing natural resources effectively, he urged all stakeholders to strictly adhere to environmental regulations.

To support these efforts, Minister of Environment H.E. Dr. Eang Sophalleth announced plans to modernise pollution diagnostic systems in 2026, aiming for higher accuracy in environmental monitoring. The Minister stressed a "zero-tolerance" stance on regulatory violations, particularly targeting industrial entities discharging untreated wastewater into public water bodies. He stated that law enforcement is being strengthened to protect public health, with the Ministry collaborating with relevant inter-ministerial bodies and sub-national administrations to take decisive legal action against non-compliant companies, ensuring fair competition for law-abiding businesses.

The Ministry reported significant technical progress in 2025, including the installation of automated surveillance equipment across key industrial sites and the prevention of over 20 million cubic metres of untreated industrial wastewater from entering public water systems, thus safeguarding local communities and ecosystems. The strategic plan for 2026 aims to enhance technology integration into environmental oversight, ensuring that sustainable economic growth is balanced with ecological preservation.