PHNOM PENH: Prime Minister Hun Sen ordered the Ministry of Environment, the Ministry of Agriculture and all provincial governors with state forests to take immediate action against those who encroach on protected land.

In a special audio message on the night of June 5, the PM noted that crooks often encroach on state land when the country is busy with election season.

He ordered the relevant ministries and all relevant provincial governors to take immediate action against those who violate state-owned forested land. "We cannot waive or pardon these people just to receive a few votes," he said.

The Prime Minister said he will not tolerate those behind the encroachment of state land, no matter how high-status they are.