The planting of saplings in the Phnom Tamao Mountain area is 96 per cent complete, with a team from the Forestry Administration (FA) and Prime Minister Hun Sen’s bodyguard unit (PMBU) carrying out the remaining work.

Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Veng Sakhon said on August 29 that he could not go into detail as to the progress of planting saplings and preparing water sources in the area as he is abroad, referring The Post to the FA team or other relevant authorities.

FA deputy director Sea Ra did not immediately respond to a request for comment on August 30.

PMBU chief Hing Bun Heang confirmed that the work of planting saplings in the area was nearly finished, while ponds were still being dug.

“We have nearly finished this work, but we have yet to finish digging the ponds,” he told The Post on August 29.

The PMBU Facebook page quoted Bun Heang as saying on August 26 that the public was not prohibited from entering the area while the saplings were being planted but must inform those on duty.

And on August 29, the page announced that Chrun Theravat, a representative of PMBU deputy commaner Lieutenant General Hun Manet, had brought saplings, along with food to give to the 1,200 PMBU members deployed to do the work, while more than 100 pieces of machinery were digging reservoirs for the saplings during dry season.

Sakhon also visited the area on August 26, bringing along food.

“This activity is being carried out under the leadership of Hing Bun Heang and in cooperation with the agriculture ministry,” he said.

Mong Reththy, chairman of Mong Reththy Group, said he had also collaborated with the ministry and the Cambodia Livestock Raisers Association, bringing 47,770 saplings.

“I’m very proud that Prime Minister Hun Sen allowed me to contribute to this most important work,” he said.