Pursat (FN), Apr. 22 – Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet affirmed that the Royal Government will continue to enforce the strictest measures to protect the country’s natural resources, including forest land and the fish stocks of Tonle Sap Lake.

The premier spoke on Tuesday (Apr. 22) at the inauguration of new Ford production line and Ford sub-assembly plant of RMA (Cambodia) Plc. in Pursat Province.

Samdech Thipadei stated, “We must take firm action to prevent the illegal exploitation of natural resources. Those who damage these resources without regard for the law must be held accountable, as the state has a duty to protect the common good. I deeply appreciate the efforts of the armed forces, the army, the police, and the military police in this mission, and I urge them to clearly distinguish between lawful fishermen and those engaged in illegal activities.”

On the occasion, Prime Minister Hun Manet announced that once Parliament reconvenes, a new fisheries law will be passed, extending the legal net length from the current 50 meters to three to four times longer to better support local fishermen. He added that the armed forces must clearly distinguish between lawful and illegal fishing activities.

At the same time, Samdech Thipadei urged large fishing operators to comply with the law and clearly demarcate their areas to avoid impacting small-scale fishermen who depend on the river for their livelihoods. He also called on all fishermen to cooperate in preventing illegal activities, such as the use of fine-mesh nets, which threaten the nation's fish population.
=FRESH NEWS