Cambodian Journalists Alliance Association

National

A campsite at Khnong Phsar, June 27, 2020. Luy Veasna

As ecotourism grows in popularity, so does a garbage problem

Khnong Phsar, Kampong Speu Province — After a lengthy trek from the nearest village, Lim Sengleang finally reached the peak of Khnong Phsar on a clear day in June. The fresh air and striking views of the surrounding Cardamom Mountains made the hike well worth the effort, said the 26-year-old Phnom Penh resident. But the trail, beautiful as it was, left something to be desired. As Sengleang made his way up the mountain path he passed litter—abandoned bottles, plastic bags, and snack wrappers—and smelly bags full of trash.
Motorists drive past a gasoline station in Phnom Penh, July 19, 2021. CamboJA/ Pring Samrang

Rising gasoline price adds burden for those already struggling from pandemic fallout

Ministry of Commerce figures show the current retail price is 4,100 riel per liter of regular gasoline and​ 3,650 riel for diesel. The ministry does not include premium, or super, fuel prices but at petrol stations it is averaging about 4,600 riel per liter. For the first two weeks of June, by comparison, gasoline sold at 3,800 riel, and diesel sold at 3,450 riel.
Officials prepare confiscated drugs for burning during a ceremony to mark the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking in Phnom Penh, July 19, 2021. CamboJA/ Pring Samrang

Amount of illicit drugs seized more than doubles compared with 2020

More than seven tonnes of seized drugs were burned or otherwise destroyed at a ceremony in Phnom Penh today as anti-drug trafficking officials announced that the number of illicit drugs seized by police had more than doubled compared to the same period last year. The drugs were confiscated over the course of 2020 as well as the first half of 2021.