Background
On March 5, 2026, a major fire erupted at an illegal scrap storage site in Tang Robang village, Haong Samnam commune, Oral district, Kampong Speu province. The fire involved a large volume of improperly stored scrap materials, which continued burning into the night of March 6. The site was identified as belonging to Sok Han, who operated a scrap collection business without required environmental permits.
Scope of Application
The Ministry of Environment and local authorities are applying Cambodia’s Environmental and Natural Resources Code provisions related to the management and prohibition of hazardous waste storage and pollution. These legal provisions regulate activities that pose a risk to public health and the environment arising from improper handling of solid and hazardous waste.
Key Provisions or Decisions
Article 272 of the Environmental and Natural Resources Code prohibits actions including storing, releasing, burning, burying, or dumping hazardous waste that can harm public health, the environment, or property. Article 844 provides for penalties including imprisonment of one to five years and fines for offenders causing environmental damage by violating these prohibitions.
Implications for Investors, Businesses, or Compliance
Businesses engaged in recyclable materials collection or waste handling must obtain proper permits from relevant ministries, including environmental authorities. Illegal storage of waste increases risks of environmental pollution and fire hazards, leading to possible legal sanctions. Compliance with environmental regulations is required to prevent harm to public health and the environment.
Official Source
The Ministry of Environment official Facebook post, published March 7, 2026: https://www.facebook.com/MinistryOfEnvironmentCambodia/posts/pfbid02Mh5FDHK57zaWRUUeMUUyQHdWheGuwJd4MZU1t2nVUFx2x37u549VBa54PwvPRPpHl
