A working group from the Ministry of Environment is looking into the discovery of a large number of dead fish in the “O’ Russei” stream, in Tanay village, Chieb commune, Teuk Phos district, Kampong Chhnang province. Following the December 3 inspection, it was suspected that the deaths were caused by toxic substances in the water.
Ministry spokesperson Khvay Atitya said on Thursday morning that the ministry received a report from the Kampong Chhnang provincial administration on Wednesday evening regarding the fish deaths.
“Last night, the provincial administration reported the case to us. We have already dispatched a working group to the site to collect water samples for laboratory testing. We are assessing the conditions at the scene and surrounding areas to identify the source of this incident,” he said, adding that the ministry is waiting for the test results.
The Teuk Phos district administration has advised local residents to temporarily stop using water from O’ Russei stream to avoid potential health risks while authorities test the water for toxic substances.
“On December 3, 2025, there was an incident of fish deaths caused by toxic substances in the water at O’ Russei stream in Tanay village, Chieb commune, Teuk Phos district,” the district administration stated.
Residents living near or relying on the stream, including those in Tanay, Sre Robong, Prey Tang Thnong, and Boeng Storng villages of Chieb commune, as well as Kraoy Wat and Trapang Krabao villages of Khlong Popok commune, have been instructed to stop using the stream water and prevent livestock — such as cows, buffaloes, pigs, ducks and chickens — from entering the water until further notice.
