Footage of environment ministry officials inspecting a Kampong Speu mango processing factory. Allegations have been made that the men demanded a bribe from the factory owner. Supplied
The Ministry of Environment has announced that it is conducting an investigation into claims that two provincial environmental officials attempted to extort $1,500 from a mango processing factory in Kampong Speu province.
Ministry spokesperson Khvay Atitya said on April 4 that environment minister Eang Sophalleth has ordered an investigation. If it is determined that the officials committed the alleged actions, a case will be prepared and sent to court or the Anti-Corruption Unit.
“At the same time, attention will also be paid to officials who perform their duties well. If the case is unfounded, we must ensure justice for those who diligently carry out their work for the environment and the people,” he added.
The Kampong Speu Provincial Department of Environment issued an April 4 statement rejecting the allegations, which were reported by online news outlet Sokia UN on April 3. The outlet claimed that the head of the provincial environmental protection office and another official inspected the mango processing factory and demanded $1,500, later negotiating it down to $600, but that they lacked authorisation from the provincial administration to conduct an inspection.
The statement said the provincial department had assigned officials to address pollution affecting the public, environment and society caused by the factory, following concerns raised during a public forum in late March.
It added that images circulated in the media showed officials taking notes and providing guidance to the factory owner. The officials were carrying out their duties in accordance with existing laws and environmental and natural resource regulations, it explained.
On March 9, Sophalleth issued a formal warning to Din Bunthoeun, deputy director of the Mondulkiri Provincial environment department, for “lack of responsibility, professional mistakes and irregularities in carrying out duties” related to natural resource offenses under his jurisdiction.