Regulatory Enforcement and Public Safety
Environment Ministry orders immediate halt to open-air gold refining linked to air pollution
The Ministry of Environment directed a jewelry business in Preah Sihanouk province to immediately stop open-air gold refining after reports indicated air-quality degradation and public health impacts. The business reportedly committed to measures to prevent air pollution. The Ministry also reiterated calls for all relevant businesses to cease open burning (including grass, agricultural residues, waste, plastics) and urged sub-national authorities to instruct factories and workshops to stop burning industrial waste in furnaces/boilers/brick kilns lacking proper air-pollution control systems. (MoE · link)
Immigration authorities deport 1,420 foreigners for immigration violations and online scam links
The General Department of Immigration reported deportations of 1,420 foreign nationals (23 nationalities) between 11–15 March 2026 for illegal entry/stay, lack of passports, use of forged visas (including forged QR codes), illegal work, and online scam-related offenses. The report notes that 335 Chinese nationals were linked to online scam cases and were deported via special flights. (GDI · link)
500 Chinese nationals deported in online scam-related operation
Immigration authorities reported the deportation of 500 Chinese nationals (including 13 women) during the night of 15–16 March 2026, citing links to online scams and other immigration/employment violations. Deportations were carried out via special flights through Techo International Airport and Sihanouk province’s Kang Keng international air border checkpoint, in cooperation with the Chinese embassy. (GDI · link)
Legislative and Regulatory Developments
Justice Ministry continues work on amendments to the Criminal Procedure Code
The Ministry of Justice convened a meeting to continue reviewing and discussing preparations for amending the Criminal Procedure Code, with participation from relevant ministry leadership and technical officials, as well as judges and prosecutors from selected courts and prosecution offices. (MOJ · link)
Institutional Governance and Appointments
Phnom Penh Water Supply Authority appoints new Director General
The Royal Government of Cambodia appointed H.E. In Sakan as Director General of the Phnom Penh Water Supply Authority (PPWSA), succeeding the outgoing Director General, H.E. Long Naro, who retired. The Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology & Innovation stated the handover followed established legal procedures and was intended to support good governance, institutional continuity, and effective management of the public enterprise. (MISTI · link)
Trade Facilitation and Digitalization
Customs promotes expanded use of electronic payment for duties and taxes; e-Payment reaches 92% of collections
The General Department of Customs and Excise held a forum to promote and share implementation experience on its e-Payment function for customs duties, taxes, and fees, with participation from business associations, customs brokers, and partner banks. Customs reported that by Q1 2026, e-Payment accounted for 92% of customs revenue collections. It also noted that 13 commercial banks have MoUs with the Ministry of Economy and Finance for revenue collection services, of which 10 have implemented e-Payment integration with ASYCUDA/e-Customs and 3 are preparing to implement. (General Department of Customs and Excise · link)
Infrastructure and Connectivity
Mekong Kratie Cambodia–China Friendship Bridge nears opening for traffic on 1 April 2026
The Ministry of Public Works and Transport reported that the Cambodia–China Friendship Bridge over the Mekong in Kratie reached 99.8% completion for the bridge structure (97% overall project progress including access roads). Authorities indicated the bridge is planned to open for public crossing on 1 April 2026, with overall project completion estimated for end-June 2026; officials also instructed contractors to complete traffic signage and bridge lighting before opening. (MPWT · link)
Land Administration and State Asset Management
Land Ministry to conduct identity verification of occupants at two Phnom Penh sites
The Ministry of Land Management, Urban Planning and Construction announced upcoming identity verification (data collection) of residents/users and businesses at (i) a former education office building on Russian Federation Boulevard (110), Kakab I, Por Sen Chey district (scheduled 18 March 2026, 09:00–16:30), and (ii) House No. 271 on Preah Ang Duong Street (110), Wat Phnom commune, Daun Penh district (scheduled 19 March 2026, 09:00–16:30). The Ministry requested affected persons to participate and provide relevant documentation as specified in the notices. (MLMUPC · link)
Subscribe Telegram Channel: t.me/daguancam
