Battambang: In a meeting with Battambang Provincial Governor Mr. Sok Lou, the National Working Group led by Secretary of State for the Ministry of Land Management, Urban Planning and Construction, Mr. Pen Sophal, found 12,221 hectares of flooded forest in Battambang province as encroachment.

The encroachment found in Tonle Sap Lake Forest ranges 4 districts: 2,214 hectares in Mong Russey district, 6,114 in Sangke district, 3,053 hectares in Ek Phnom district and 838 hectares in Thmor Koul district, while a total of 20,947 hectares were damaged by wildfires.

On Monday, the Battambang Provincial Armed Forces arrested seven people in connection with a case of clearing flooded forest land at O'Kambot point in Prek Chpeo village, Peam Ek commune, Ek Phnom district, Battambang province, and is building a case to be sent to court.

On Sunday, Prime Minister Hun Sen has ordered relevant authorities to investigate and crack down on the perpetrators of the encroachment on the Tonle Sap Lake, as well as carrying out their sentences while the Anti-Corruption Unit should open an investigation.

"We cannot tolerate when we are trying to fight Covid-19, but some of our officials are acting irresponsibly, without fear of the law and the nation," he said. “These people do not deserve to be officials anymore! Better to stay in Jail than in office. And please do not say that working for the party for the state for a long time, but the party does not understand. We have no sympathy for such a worst action of our officials."

Hun Sen's issuance of measures comes after he received a report from the President of the Royal Academy of Cambodia, Dr. Sok Touch, regarding the encroachment and clearing of the Tonle Sap Lake.

The National Task Force has four measures as part of the investigation: to identify the land, find the intruders and those behind the land crabbing, and to replant the trees at the target point or nearby the floodplain, for the benefit of natural resources, fish habitats and ecosystems.