The MoU was signed between the three ministries and the CCC on August 14. MOE
A pivotal agreement has been reached to elevate the standards of waste management, with an inter-ministerial memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed on August 14 to enhance the handling of transfer stations and landfills.
This collaboration aims to safely store confiscated health hazardous products.
Representatives from the Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Commerce, Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, and the Ministry of Interior’s Counter Counterfeit Committee (CCC) came together for the signing.
Say Samal, Minister of Environment, presided over the ceremony along with senior ministry officials. The purpose is to promote the safe disposal of counterfeit goods, expired food and other hazardous products.
These items, previously seized and retained pending further action, need secure handling in order to ensure public health and environmental cleanliness, they said.
Under this MoU, the environmental ministry will partner with various departments. They’ll work with the CCC in transporting counterfeit goods to solid waste landfills, and will join hands with the General Department of Animal Health and Production to move confiscated animal remains and meat products to these landfills.
Hong Vannak, an economics researcher from the Royal Academy of Cambodia’s International Relations Institute, backs the initiatives of the ministries involved and champions their collaborative approach.
“Storing these goods correctly is vital. If neglected, it can jeopardise public health, the environment, household finances, and even the nation as a whole,” he emphasised.
Vannak underscored the need for increased vigilance, urging border authorities and traders to enforce laws more rigorously, especially when monitoring dangerous imports into Cambodia. The aim is to avert future economic and environmental strains.
On a related note, the environment ministry revealed ongoing construction of a large landfill on National Road 51 in Kandal province’s Ang Snuol district. Designed to serve Phnom Penh and parts of Kampong Speu and Kandal provinces, this modern facility is part of the government’s commitment to responsible waste management. Existing landfills in provinces like Preah Sihanouk and Kampot are already testament to these efforts, it said.
