The Cambodia Independent Teachers’ Association sent a letter to the Ministry of Education yesterday requesting an investigation into the cause of a recent string of fainting incidents among students in Kampong Cham and Pursat provinces.

Last Thursday, 195 students fainted at a school in Pursat province, after two separate episodes on October 24 in which a total of 109 students fainted in Kampong Cham province.

Teachers and doctors have suggested the fainting was caused by students inhaling fumes from burning rubbish.

“We would like to request the Ministry of Education to investigate,” CITA president Rong Chhun said.

Pen Saroeun, director of the school health department at the Education Ministry, said that officials would send letters to schools instructing them not to burn garbage and to observe the school environment after floodwaters receded.