Unnamed companies were last month granted more than 26,000 hectares of land in two wildlife sanctuaries for agro-industry projects, the latest Royal Book reveals.

According to the publication, which lists all sub-decrees issued by the government, Prime Minister Hun Sen last month signed over 25,729 hectares of land in the Kulen Prumtep Wildlife Sanctuary protection area in Preah Vihear, Siem Reap and Oddar Meanchey, and 760 hectares of land in the Boeung Per Wildlife Sanctuary in Preah Vihear and Kampong Thom.

Von Theoun, director of the Boeung Per Wildlife Sanctuary, said 14 companies were already developing about 150,000 hectares in the area.

The government had provided the latest land as economic land concession, but had not allowed the conservation area to be developed, he said.