Cambodia News(Kampong Chhnang): 10 July 2023 - Despite efforts by authorities to prevent criminal activities, opportunists in Kampong Chhnang Province continue to seize and encroach on flooded forest land belonging to the state. On 6 July 2023, after receiving reports from the public, a working group led by Mr. Tat Sihak, Director of Fisheries Administration of Kampong Chhnang, inspected the flooded state forest land in Yeay Pheach, Chronok commune, Kampong Leng district and found that over 50 hectares of state floodplain had been cleared by machinery.
Mr. Tat Sihak confirmed that the cleared land was flooded state forest land (area 3) located in Yeay Pheach point in Ae Lech village, Chronok commune, Kampong Leng district, which was cleared of 52.96 hectares. During the operation, three machines were seen in action, but the suspects fled, leaving the machines and three motorcycles at the scene.


However, Ngin Hun, director of the Kampong Chhnang Provincial Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, stated on 10 July 2023, that he had only heard about the case through social media, and had yet to receive an official report from his department. He plans to wait for the report from his officials, and if the information is true, then he will request the provincial governor to set up a joint commission to go to inspect the site. He said that any encroachment will be investigated and the legal procedures will be followed.


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