Logo of Phnom Penh Post newspaper Phnom Penh Post - Siem Reap officials shut down timber processing facility

Siem Reap officials shut down timber processing facility

Content image - Phnom Penh Post
The illegal sawmill in Siem Reap was raided and shuttered by police on Friday. GRK News

Siem Reap officials shut down timber processing facility

The Siem Reap provincial Forestry Administration on Monday identified the owner of an illegal wood processing facility in Siem Reap town’s Chreav commune after he escaped authorities when they raided it on Friday.

Administration chief Mong Bunlim confirmed on Monday that officials had identified the owner, who was operating his facility without the proper permits, but he couldn’t reveal the name because the investigation is ongoing.

During the raid, officials confiscated two large chainsaws and 36 first grade timber logs which were impounded at the provincial forestry administration office.

Bunlim said: “We want the owner of the facility to turn himself in and solve the issue under the law, or else we will send the case to the court.

“We questioned the workers and we know the owner’s identity, but we won’t disclose it while we wait for him to appear,” he said.

Provincial Military Police commander Por Vannit said on Monday that provincial and national Military Police cooperated with the provincial court to carry out the raid before handing the case to the Forestry Administration.

In a separate case, Kratie provincial Military Police confiscated 45 planks of first-grade timber in Snuol district on Friday after locals witnessed the crime and reported it to police.

Provincial Military Police commander San Bunthan said on Monday that the officials did not find any suspects and they’re still searching for the owner.

“We seized the wood and handed it over to the provincial Forestry Administration to take further action after the owner escaped. We are searching for the person,” he said.

Provincial Forestry Administration director Nuon Pov Ratana declined to comment.

MOST VIEWED

  • Ream base allegations must end, urges official

    A senior government official urges an end to the allegations and suspicions surrounding the development of Cambodia’s Ream Naval Base, now that Prime Minister Hun Manet has addressed the issue on the floor of the 78th UN General Assembly (UNGA 78). Jean-Francois Tain, a geopolitical

  • Cambodia set to celebrate Koh Ker UNESCO listing

    To celebrate the inscription of the Koh Ker archaeological site on UNESCO’s World Heritage List, the Ministry of Cults and Religion has appealed to pagodas and places of worship to celebrate the achievement by ringing bells, shaking rattles and banging gongs on September 20. Venerable

  • CP denied registration documents by ministry

    The Ministry of Interior will not reissue registration documents to the Candlelight Party (CP). Following a September 21 meeting between ministry secretary of state Bun Honn and CP representatives, the ministry cited the fact that there is no relevant law which would authorise it to do

  • PM to open new Siem Reap int’l airport December 1

    Prime Minister Hun Manet and Chinese leaders would jointly participate in the official opening of the new Chinese-invested Siem Reap-Angkor International Airport on December 1. The airport symbolises a new page in the history of Cambodian aviation, which will be able to welcome long-distance flights to

  • Cambodian diaspora laud Manet’s UN Assembly visit

    Members of the Cambodian diaspora are rallying in support of Prime Minister Hun Manet’s forthcoming visit to the 78th UN General Assembly (UNGA 78) in the US’ New York City this week. Their move is an apparent response to a recent call by self-exiled former

  • Minimum wage set at $204, after Sep 28 vote

    The minimum wage for factory workers in the garment, footwear and travel goods industries for 2024 has been decided at $204 per month, with the government contributing $2. Following several negotiation sessions, the tripartite talks reached an agreement during a September 28 vote, with 46 of 51 votes supporting the $202 figure.