PHNOM PENH: Minister of Environment Eang Sophalleth has instructed authorities to conduct an investigation into an alleged illegal logging kingpin identified as Yeng, a resident of Sre Veal village, Thmea commune, Choam Ksan district, Preah Vihear province.
Wednesday, June 10, environment ministry spokesperson Khvay Atitya confirmed that the investigation is underway.
“We have requested that authorities take action. They are currently conducting a thorough investigation, in accordance with standard legal procedures,” he said.
On Tuesday, Sophalleth called for the investigation of Yeng, who has been accused of masterminding illegal logging activities within the Prey Lang Wildlife Sanctuary in Preah Vihear province.
He made the request after receiving a report from a civil society organisation working group that alleged illegal logging had taken place within the sanctuary in Sre Krom village, Thmea commune, Choam Ksan district, on June 7.
The minister expressed his appreciation to the authorities, journalists, members of the public and civil society organisations for their cooperation in reporting natural resource crimes.
He said such cooperation plays a crucial role in enabling law enforcement officials to crack down on and apprehend illegal loggers operating in protected areas and bring them to justice.
Sophalleth noted that cooperation between stakeholders and the ministry makes a significant contribution to the implementation of the ministry’s environmental strategy, particularly efforts to strengthen law enforcement in protected natural areas and ensure effective environmental management and conservation.
These efforts, he said, are essential to preserving and expanding Cambodia’s green cover for future generations.
The minister encouraged local community members, journalists, partner organisations, civil society groups and the wider public to continue sharing information and reporting natural resource crimes occurring in protected areas.
He stressed that such cooperation serves as an important catalyst in preventing environmental and natural resource offences and helps specialised officials and law enforcement authorities respond and conduct crackdowns in a timely manner. - The Phnom Penh Post/ANN
