Phnom Penh: Mr. Chheang Odom, the head of administration and representative of the Hongruechae Garment Cambodia Ek factory, has come out to clarify that his factory was not involved in the case of burning waste and black smoke, which affected public health in Bek Chan village, Bek Chan commune, Ang Snuol district, Kandal province.
It is also worth noting that residents of the above-mentioned villages and communes have expressed great concern and suffering due to the black smoke emitted from the burning of textile waste and factory waste in the area, which causes a foul odor and ash falls into houses, swimming pools, and clothes, etc.
Background
Residents in Bek Chan complain: Factory burns waste, emits black smoke, seriously affects health, but authorities seem silent
Kandal: Residents of Bek Chan village, Bek Chan commune, Ang Snoul district, Kandal province are expressing great concern and suffering from black smoke emitted from burning scraps of cloth and other waste in the factory, which causes a musty smell and ash falls into homes, swimming pools and clothes.
According to villagers, this problem has seriously affected the environment and health, especially young children and young women, who are vulnerable to the unclean air and toxic smell. Black debris fell into the water jugs and basins, making it impossible for them to use them normally.
Residents said that they had reported the matter to the Bek Chan commune authorities several times, but the factory continued to actively burn waste every day from Monday to Saturday, 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., without any warning.
Actually, on May 11, 2026, the Doum Ampil News Center agents went to the site and saw black smoke billowing into the sky, as reported. Despite continued notifications to the commune council members and the Ang Snoul district administration, no strict legal action has yet been taken by officials, especially Mr. Pov Somaenak, Director of the Kandal Provincial Department of Environment.
Currently, the public and affected residents are waiting for action and explanations from all relevant parties to save the environment and the well-being of the Bek Chan villagers.
