H.E Mr.Lim Kean Hor: We ready to Act……
Phnom Penh: H.E Minister of Ministry of Water resource and Meteorology said in the press conference May 25, 2011 that he will lead the mission to implement government order to destroy all illegal fishing equipment and structures in the rivers, canals, streams, lakes in 8 provinces around Tonle Sap Lake.
He also said that, we do not hesitate to crackdown by using excavators and heavy equipment, but we’re waiting due to the two-week government ultimatum of removing illegal fishing equipment and structures. So, be ready! The authority will take action immediately not temporary but permanently. He added that after the crackdown, he will request a flight by helicopter above Tonle Sap to inspect if there are any remaining illegal fishing equipment and structures. Whoever commits this again will be heavily punished.
According to H.E Lim Kean Hor, 143 cases of illegal fishing equipment and structures have been found in 5 provinces: Kampong Chnang, Pursat, Battambang, Banteay Meanchey, Siem Reap, and Kampong Thom. By laws, whoever commits this will be fined from 5 to 10 million riel, and imprisoned from 1 to 5 years. He continued that, only the rich and powerful people commit this. Therefore, it makes the rivers become shallow and the other areas become flooded, especially it decreases fish yield and soon become extinct. He expects that after illegal fishing equipment and structures are confiscated, fishermen will have enough fish yield, and the price of fish will be reasonable.
According to Government Order May 22, 2011, Ministry of Water resource and Meteorology, Tonle Sap Authority and 8 Provincial Authorities around Tonle Sap Lake must confiscate all illegal fishing equipment and structures in Tonle Sap Lake in 2 weeks.
