Phnom Penh: A senior official from the Ministry of Mines and Energy has clarified the case of violence between fishermen and a sand dredging company in Prey Veng province, saying that the sand dredging company named Chattomuk has a valid license and does not dredge in the licensed area outside its own territory.
The statement by a senior official from the Ministry of Mines comes after fierce criticism from residents in the border areas of Prey Veng and Kandal provinces, especially on social media, that a sand dredging barge belonging to the Chattomuk company has been dredging sand, causing riverbank collapse and affecting people’s homes, leading to protests between residents and the sand dredging company, causing violence and injuring some workers.
At a press conference to explain to the public and show a video of more than 16 minutes of the argument that led to violence between fishermen and a sand dredging company in Kien Svay district, Kandal province, on the afternoon of July 5, 2026, Mr. Ung Dipola, Director General of the General Department of the Ministry of Mines and Energy, said that “Chattomuk Company, which owns the sand dredging barge, has a valid license according to the law and has been dredging sand within its license area.”
He added that before granting the license, experts from the Ministry of Mines had come to study and personally inspect it thoroughly. Mr. Ung Dipola also explained the concerns of the people regarding the riverbank collapse, stating that experts had actually inspected the riverbank collapse and found no problem due to sand dredging in Prey Veng province.
The Director-General also explained the purpose of the sand dredging, which is to pump sand in shallow water. To ensure that the river is evenly deep, avoiding shallow and deep places that can cause bank collapses in deep water. In addition, dredging also helps heavy cargo ships to travel smoothly along the Mekong River.
To address the impacts and respond to the requests of community representatives, commune and village heads, the Director-General of the General Department of Mines has put in place a number of mechanisms. This mechanism requires the owner of the dredging company to continue dredging within its licensed area, but must place mobile containers from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. and remove both containers and barges to the side to facilitate people fishing.
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