Southeast Asia Information Port (www.dnyxxg.com) – On January 28, the Council for the Development of Cambodia (CDC) issued a press release formally clarifying recent rumors circulating on social media regarding the "government selling islands." The CDC explicitly stated that the Cambodian government has never sold any islands within its territorial waters to private companies.
Regarding the online claim that "an island in Sihanoukville Province and Koh Kye Island in Kampot Province have been sold to private companies," the release solemnly states that these islands are all private property of the Cambodian state, and the government has never relinquished ownership of them.
The release points out that the government's current actions are based on existing laws, authorizing private companies to invest in and develop island tourism through long-term leases. The core purpose is to rationally utilize national resources, promote sustainable tourism development, and ensure the state's absolute sovereignty and control over its territorial resources.
The CDC further emphasizes that the government adheres to three principles in promoting island development: all development projects must strictly comply with national laws and regulations, undergo multi-departmental joint assessments, and follow transparent procedures; development work must be based on the effective protection of the surrounding natural environment and cultural heritage; and the "secret sale" of islands is strictly prohibited. The council also reminded the public to obtain government information through officially authorized channels, improve their ability to identify false information, and refrain from believing or spreading unverified rumors to avoid misleading public opinion.
