Chinese security guards allegedly brawled with Cambodian workers at the Kamchay dam, in Kampot province, at the weekend after accusing them of stealing electrical wire.

Mom Buth, chief of the Trapaing Klang commune in Chhouk district, said yesterday the fight between the workers and several security guards had erupted on Saturday after more than 30 metres of electrical wire was cut and stolen.

“The security guards forced the Cambodian workers to stop. But they did not, and they fought. No one got seriously wounded. Maybe they did not understand [each other’s language],” Mom Buth said.

The company gave in to demands from about 100 villagers for compensation of US$400 per victim, but turned over to the police a couple of workers suspected of stealing the wire, oil and batteries.

“The Chinese nationals agreed to compensate them US$400 each and the problem ended,” Mom Buth said.

Chouk district police chief Prom Veasn said no one had been arrested over the incident.

To contact the reporter on this story: Phak Seangly at [email protected]