Environment official issued warning as minister calls for stricter enforcement of forestry crimes

Minister of Environment Eang Sophalleth has ordered stricter enforcement against natural resource crimes, as details emerged of a formal warning issued to the deputy director of the Mondulkiri Provincial Department of Environment for lack of responsibility.

Din Bunthoeun was issued a warning on March 9, following a February 3 “clarification” meeting report from the provincial department.

The order for firm enforcement was issued during March 24 workshop, attended by senior government officials, development partners, civil society organisations, community members, indigenous groups and other stakeholders.

The minister reiterated that strict legal action, with no exceptions, must be taken against natural resource crimes, including the figures behind them.

This included illegal clearing, logging and encroachment on forest land, according to the ministry.

“Provincial environment departments with protected areas must continue cooperating with relevant stakeholders to inspect and prevent all types of offenses in these areas. If machinery and materials used in committing crimes are confiscated, authorities must identify those behind the hiring or commission of such activities in order to bring them to justice under the law,” said Sophalleth.

“Officials must oversee the management of confiscated materials, such as logged timber and cleared by offenders, and arrange proper procedures for storage so they can serve the interests of communities and the nation. Strengthening strict law enforcement helps prevent natural resource crimes,” he explained. 

He emphasised that ministry officials must serve the people and the nation, and their involvement in illegal activities will not be tolerated.

According to the letter issued to the Mondulkiri deputy director, it concerned “negative conduct, lack of responsibility, professional errors and shortcomings in fulfilling his duties”.

“The Ministry of Environment warns Din Bunthoeun to cease all actions that affect the honour and dignity of civil servants, resulting from negligence, carelessness and violations of the law in the performance of his work,” it said.

The ministry expressed hopes that Bunthoeun would correct his professional mistakes in carrying out his duties, warning that “if he fails to comply with this warning and commits further misconduct, the ministry will take legal action in accordance with procedures”.

No specific details were provided as to his alleged misconduct.