An educational poster on preventing and reducing public air pollution in Pursat province. Provincial environment department
A senior Ministry of Environment official has warned that the air quality in three provinces – Pursat, Banteay Meanchey and Koh Kong – has deteriorated severely, with air quality index (AQI) readings sometimes dropping to “red” or “orange” levels in recent weeks. He claimed that the fall in quality was due to people burning waste and forest fires.
Sabo Ozano, secretary of state at the ministry, shared his comments as he addressed a February 5 event in Pursat province, which has seen its AQI readings drop into the red band, indicating a dangerous level of air pollution.
The event aimed to educate the public about the importance of adhering to “Government directive No. 01 regarding the prevention and reduction of public air pollution in Cambodia”.
“Pursat, Banteay Meanchey and Koh Kong are experiencing significant changes in air quality, with some days seeing air quality indicators drop to red, orange, and yellow levels,” he said.
The environment ministry noted that local authorities across Pursat province participated in the event. They expressed their joint commitment to strengthening public awareness about how to reduce sources of air pollutants, which adversely affect public health.
Ozano encourages local authorities to continue to educate their communities.
“Air quality is very important for public health. If we don’t work together to prevent it, the challenges to public health cannot be avoided. We must all participate in preserving and protecting the environment to ensure clean air,” he said.
Pursat authorities educate members of the public about the importance of correct waste management and protecting air quality. Provincial environment department
He explained that it is crucial for authorities at all levels to stop activities such as burning trash, burning rice stubble and forest fires, as these activities negatively impact air quality and ultimately harm the health of everyone.
A ministry report indicated that from 6pm on February 5 to 6am on February 6, the nationwide AQI was measured at 41.53 µg/m3, considered blue, or “good”, as it was below 50 µg/m3. Pursat province, however, was at the orange level, indicating “moderate” pollution, at 170 µg/m3.
In Banteay Meanchey, Koh Kong, and Preah Vihear provinces, the air quality was in the yellow range, indicating “mild” pollution, with ranges of from 101 to 150 µg/m3.
Pursat deputy governor Say Socheat, also advised commune and district authorities to take part in efforts to prevent citizens from burning trash and rice stubble or starting forest fires, which contribute to air pollution.
“Local officials must take part and stop all of these activities. Together, we can achieve success,” he said.
Khvay Atitya, undersecretary of state and spokesperson at the ministry, expanded on the warnings.
He noted that illegal logging, clearing land, starting fires and any other activities that contribute to forest fires damage public areas, government infrastructure and the environment.
“Each year, forest fires cause the loss of valuable forest resources, wetlands and other natural resources in protected areas, leading to economic and environmental damage,” he said.
