The Workers Information Center held a community forum to raise concerns about the living conditions of workers and basic social service, such as safety and security where they live, water and electricity tariffs in rented rooms, and access to social security services.
During the center’s forum on December 24, factory worker Chhay Tim spoke about her plight. She lives in a rented room for $40, spending between 70,000 riel to 110,000 riel for water and electricity per month. However, she said the cost of water at 2,500 riel per cubic meter and electricity at 1,500 riel per kilowatt were far more expensive than the amount fixed by the state because it is privately set by the landlord.
Tim asked the landlord to connect to state-provided water and electricity, but was told that the connection process was complicated. So, during the event, she asked the government to resolve her matter as their wages remain low.
“I urge the government and water and electricity companies to urge landlords to help connect us to the state water network so that we can live comfortably. We are workers with low salaries and have to pay for utilities, rent, bank debts and our children’s school fees,” said Tim.
Another worker, Yun Yi, who lives in a rented room in Phnom Penh, said although minimum wage will increase by $4 in 2025, the landlord has already increased the rent by $2. “The landlord told us that if we can afford it, we can stay, but if we can’t, we can move out,” she added.
Textile, garment, footwear and travel products industry continue to be a major contributor to national economic growth. There are currently 1,680 factories, which employ 918,718 workers, the WIC said in a statement.
In January, Cambodia exported $846 million worth of textile and garment products to the international market. This figure was up 30 percent compared to January 2023, and major brand manufacturers continue to generate significant profit from the sector.
In 2024, the minimum wage for workers in this sector was $204, with an attendance bonus of $10 and travel and accommodation allowance of $7. The National Social Security Fund (NSSF) continues to provide social protection, including healthcare, occupational safety and retirement benefits, and maternity benefits.
However, the WIC said the cost of water has been higher than the government’s rate, which was implemented in 2017.
Regarding health issues, some workers choose to use private medical services instead of government hospitals as they lacked trust in its quality, and the medical service was not fully covered by the NSSF.
“Workers’ out-of-pocket expenses for treatment and healthcare, especially urgent health issues, are a factor that has pushed workers into a cycle of worsening family debt,” the WIC mentioned.

In response to the workers’ concerns about the high water costs in rented apartments, Ma Norawin, Deputy Director-General in charge of production management at Phnom Penh Water Supply Authority (PPWSA), said they do not have the power or influence to resolve the water issues between landlords and tenants. He explained that high water costs for rented apartments “only occur in certain areas” and PPWSA has not connected pipes to those areas yet.
“In areas that are far away and where the state water supply does not reach, they use private water or water from other sources. I think that is expensive, but areas that have access to [our] water supply will definitely get it at a lower price,” Norawin said.
If consumers want a quicker connection, they can acquire it directly from the water supply authority. In cases where the water price is high, workers who rent houses “must know how to complain” to the landlord or local authorities, as PPWSA maintains the price per cubic meter at 800 riel.
“The water authority cannot force landlords to connect to their water supply. It is important to consider the landlord’s management because we are service providers. We just sit back and wait to provide the service,” Norawin said.
The reason why landlords charge higher water prices than the government rates is because they are business owners who rent out rooms. Therefore, when the demand by users is high, the water price will increase accordingly. The water authority has previously told business owners who rent out rooms and houses to not charge more than the standard rate. “It is a concession.”
In order to reduce the water bill in rented rooms or houses, relevant parties need to resolve it together. For example, the water authority alone cannot accomplish this task, but requires cooperation from other parties. He said although the water authority has received the instructions from the government to implement the task, there is another sub-committee which works on water rates, not just the water authority.
“The water authority works behind the scenes. So, what authority does PPWSA have to encourage landlords to sell water for 800 riel? I haven’t found it yet. If you do, please tell me,” Norawin told the workers at the event.
Yang Sophorn, president of the Cambodian Alliance of Trade Unions (CATU), said she has been working on labor rights and labor issues for many years, yet workers’ problems have not been resolved. They still face the same challenges.
“A truly democratic society must see citizens as equals because we are also human beings. Generally, water and electricity connections are effective when leaders talk, but when leaders stop talking, the problems still continue,” Sophorn said.
When workers’ problems continue and their needs are not addressed and taken care of, can it be guaranteed that workers in the garment sector will have a better life, she asked.
Sophorn asserted that many workers face pressure from landlords who charge high utility prices, so workers’ expenses rise and eat into their salaries, thereby affecting their living conditions.
(Additional by Pou Soreachny)