A Disappearing World: Singapore Is Harvesting Land from Cambodia

As Singapore dredges sand out from beneath Cambodia’s mangrove forests, an ecosystem, a communal way of life, and one woman’s relationship to her home face erasure. Read more: www.theatlanti...
"Lost World" was directed by Kalyanee Mam and produced by Emergence Magazine and Go Project Films (goprojectfilms.... It is part of The Atlantic Selects, an online showcase of short documentaries from independent creators, curated by The Atlantic.
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[@appl2597]

This is an OLD video guys... 2 years ago, Cambodia has already banned sales of sand to Singapore and Singapore has also officially stopped importing sand from Cambodia.... IT'S OFFICIAL. Anyone who does not believe please google. This is old news

[@jjandrooney]

they probably ran out.. and decimated these families and ecosystem before they left..

[@yggdrssil00]

Doesnt matter if its old video.

[@YOU-GET-WHAT-YOU-HAVE]

🤔

[@Malaysian-kc8ue]

No acknowledgement from Singapore to date. Please show some gratitude. Display a plaque to show where and who you’re greatful to at Gardens by the bay (or shld I say Gardens by the Cambodian bay)

[@IceBloodKing]

@@Malaysian-kc8ue gratitude? it's sand that was bought and paid for legally and this is public knowledge. in any case, gardens by the bay was made using malaysian sand. you're malaysian and don't even know this? this just goes to show your level of stupidity and ignorance. typical 3rd world malaysian mentality.

[@kuyaocstriviaeverything9860]

In the Philippines, it was a different story. SG had bought sands here that were spewed out by the very destructive Mt. Pinatubo eruptions. There was no environmental destructions in selling them. In fact it was even a great help in declogging our rivers and prevent further damages. It was a win-win situation.

[@Bigjoe99]

Sand from Cambodia does not go to Marina - Marina was build long time ago with Malaysian sand. Cambodian sand goes to Tekong and new Jurong Port - but its not sexy to show that..

[@xander7358]

Singapore stop importing sand from Cambodia 2 years ago.

[@monkeydog8681]

@@xander7358 That's because Cambodia banned it. Not because Singapore stopped.

[@IceBloodKing]

@@monkeydog8681 does it matter? it's a shame that the unsold sand will just lie idle in a 3rd world country..

[@markcoolio1231]

@@IceBloodKing It's not really sitting idle as it is a source of livelihood for these villagers, providing a place for animals to congregate, which they harvest.

[@monkeydog8681]

@@IceBloodKing Yeah. Those goddamn peasants and their sand.

[@sokhuorchiv1298]

2019🙄💁🏼‍♂️ I’m a Cambodian myself. I don’t want to say anything but you all should understand by this. And of course Singapore isn’t the one to be blamed.

[@samirabdulsamad8311]

It looks a legitimate buying and selling. If Cambodia govt chose to sell it, the revenue received should be then used to help the locals. That's the exploitation these people should be looking into

[@user-gz2pc2jk3t]

looks like pocket money to the Govnt

[@mrbrightside3771]

No, most of the money goes to individuals. Your country choose to side with the corrupt, don't use that if there's willing buyers, there will be will sellers concept. That's how slave trade work.

[@aikonoklas]

Mr BrightSide singaporean pragmatism at work. Capitalistic endeavours void of moral considerations.. if it aint illegal, it aint wrong.

[@yinchhayim4683]

A lot of Cambodia government are corrupted they only keep the money for themself so the civilian have to protest but they threaten

[@dannielson]

If you knowingly do a business with a robber what does that make you?

[@mayagogo]

"If this was real, imagine how beautiful it would be."

[@user-gz2pc2jk3t]

it is real, Singapore has become wider and bigger by taking advantage of harvesting these poor Cambodian land and sand

[@hazy929]

@ars it's not like they went to Cambodia with an army and took by force.

[@hawkhea7527]

ars got to blame on their government for selling sand. Sg is buying n giving money to their gov. If their gov is old n kind enough they shld use the money to help the poor n

[@goldbrodidoggo]

@@hazy929 Because cambodian is peaceful people. Wonder if they have 2nd amendment or guns within their homes..

[@karepanman2770]

@@hawkhea7527 The Cambodian government is to blame, obviously. But if Singapore wants to be a responsible consumer, they should boycott Cambodian sand.

[@martinpganev]

This video does nothing to show how sand dredging effects the land or ecology. It’s a very basic representation to a complicated issue and it was disappointing to watch this for 16 minutes and not understand the problem any better than before

[@AlecMuller]

It's good to know that sand-dredging has a bad impact on the ecology and peoples' livelihoods, but the video doesn't tell anything about who owned those waterways (i.e. did corrupt Cambodian officials steal it from the fishermen & resell it, or take money in exchange for turning a blind eye to illegal dredging?), or that the 2017 sand export ban even existed, let alone whether it was effective or still exists. If this is a locally-produced publicity-piece that The Atlantic chose to promote to shine a light on the issue, fine, but don't give us 10% of the story and expect us to view you as a source of legitimate news.

[@diegosuazo2111]

I think that's what's great about this video it shows you how simple people from a basic understanding know this is bad .

[@dereklkzlee4120]

@@diegosuazo2111 they needed advertisements to survived...

[@vonjuez654]

martinpganev that is not your problem

[@faanengaaw7357]

ur dumb! im from a tiny island nation in the Pacific. u have no clue how it effects the land! ofcourse it does & wen it does its going to lead to affecting the people! if u dont knw it causes shoreline errosion!

[@kinglee8320]

Huh? 2019? I tot Cambodia has banned all sand exports on environmental grounds years ago?

[@appl2597]

They did... This is old news, Singapore stopped importing sand from Cambodia 2 years ago due to numerous complaints from greenies.

[@mrbrightside3771]

@@appl2597 no, it's because they got caught red handed and the media attention on it. Otherwise its business as usual.

[@burtonl7239]

@@mrbrightside3771 What is there to catch red handed? Nothing was illegal. Someone wants to buy sand, and someone wants to sell sand. Nothing was secret. But of course crybabies are really annoying, so the deal was off. Did the project stop? Nope. Singapore will still get sand somewhere else. And Cambodia lost a buyer. But at least crybabies feel better now...

[@o.o1858]

Burton L yeah, The buyer has paid full/fair price for the sand, but the seller has benefitted from it immensely as it is not a cost to them. Idiots be like, THEY STOLE THE SAND! instead of first questioning who sold it at the first place who probably profited from it at the cost of their own people. Some people are blind nowadays and just jump straight into conclusions. Oh wait they don’t, they just cry.

[@mrbrightside3771]

@@burtonl7239 funny how the people live on fake Island calling other people cry babies. Go to yr mall and enjoy it yr blood sand, at least we have real sand.

[@Adenlqy]

For those who don't know, Cambodia banned exporting of sand years ago, even before they published this video, and for that part where she visits Singapore, that part of the land is from Malaysia back in 1980, Cambodia land that was reclaimed is a became an industrial area in Singapore and the Army bases of Singapore, of course, that isn't nice to show in this video full of misleading information Singapore took the land in a legal way following all local and international law For this, you cant blame Singapore, you have to blame the cmabodia government, since corruption is still there, affecting the livelihoods of their own people

[@firstcommenter202]

Maybe you are misleading?

[@manoffocusindeed7613]

i dont understand who the producer/director is to be misleading us and, i bet they told this lady misleading facts too.

[@L3v3F4l4stin4]

@@firstcommenter202 It’s you actually. Are you Cambodian?. We’re you there when all the false accusations were made?

[@2557carla]

@@firstcommenter202 Yeah in Singapore your Freedom of Speech and Freedom of Expression are control by Governing Supermajority Party of Parliament. They are the one who hold your rights! Be careful they will use their race card and religion card!

[@firstcommenter202]

@@L3v3F4l4stin4 false? haha. u can always make your own video if you are not happy lmao

[@IceBloodKing]

The video should make clear that the sand was bought and paid for legally. Totally ethical and above board. The video makes it look like it was some sneak operation.

[@user-gz2pc2jk3t]

Singapore has been harvesting sand all over since decades, these only benefited the corrupted Govnt

[@IceBloodKing]

@@user-gz2pc2jk3t then thats a problem with the corrupt govts.. not with singapore.. this video should make that absolutely clear.. sand harvesting is no different from any other resource..

[@safimz2518]

The video is meant to show how the people are the ones suffering from the governments ill-advised descions. Please THINK and USE your BRAIN before talking. Thanks.

[@pie_rre_teo]

Legality doesn't affect how ethical it is. An operation can be totally legal, yet unethical at the same time.

[@pie_rre_teo]

@@IceBloodKing Why shouldn't Singapore be held accountable for land she bought? If you essentially funded the destruction of an ecosystem, do you not think you should be at fault? Intrinsically, sand harvesting is not an issue. But that all can change depending on the circumstances surrounding the operation.

[@Rixynator]

literally took back nothing from this video. she said "this is our land" then what about Singapore's money? didn't the Cambodian government take it? Also what evidence or statistics suggest that the biodiversity/ecosystem is greatly affected or destroyed by this process? Since Singapore started importing since 2007 which is about 12 years ago, shouldn't biodiversity and or its ecosystem would have been completely destroyed by now? No where did it say the sand has affected mangroves or food chain reproduction. I don't know why the comment section is filled with so much angst and hostility towards one nation but not the other. It takes two hands to clap.

[@thatkoalabear]

Tech Chindian agreed. I can’t seem to find anything else except “we suffered this we suffered that” . Should have stated clearly it is the Cambodian government that threatened jail not a random buyer of sand

[@andromedamessier3176]

Example: a drug seller sell a drug to an addicted person. Both the buyer and the seller are at fault. It is bad from an environmental standpoint, so let me ask you is it ok to just buy the things from a country that has a corrupt government. Cambodian are angry because those money didn’t go to the citizen but to the individual that sell it. Buying them is not bad, but what they did is just feeding the richests?

[@Rixynator]

@@andromedamessier3176 does the citizen own the land/sand? No. your analogy of a drug user here has no correlation to what is depicted in this video. we all know drugs (or hard substance for that matter causes harm to the user) in the video the purchase of sand helps build land and structures. so your argument is invalid. a buyer and seller comes to an agreement. if you are saying that its both parties fault then why did they agree in the first place? can you explain?

[@yunindra7697]

The EU has been threatening Indonesia to stop importing Indonesian Palm Oil to protest major deforestation in Indonesia to grow oil palm. Singapore need to have same sense and morality as EU, No ?

[@Rixynator]

@@yunindra7697 "threatening Indonesia to stop importing Indonesian Palm Oil" what are you even saying?

[@buckydragon]

This is the government of Cambodia that is selling their sand. Where there is a buyer, there is a seller. Petition your government

[@operatorlink]

yea not only singapore is buying sand, China is also another huge importer of sand where they are only using it to build barren islands to extend their shoreline and marine jurisdiction

[@RRKH9]

So, I’m a Cambodian and Cambodia is a so claimed “ democratic country “ but we don’t really have the right to express our feelings and our concerns. The protesters will eventually get push over, framed or imprisoned

[@crysed7897]

So it's okay to feed this obviously corrupt government as long as SG's hand is clean and not touching the "shovel". Nice logic..

[@buckydragon]

@@crysed7897 at what point did you see me writing Singapore isn't at fault? I'd love to know how you came upon that logic. Lord Geezus there's always someone on the internet that takes a simple comment and spins it into something else to fit their narrative. Cambodia is like Vietnam 40 years ago yet Vietnam is still a communist country. Some organization is running the country and so there has to be somewhere citizens can rise up and take back their power. It's not an impossible feat...

[@buckydragon]

@@RRKH9 Cambodia is very much like Vietnam about 40 years ago, I'm Vietnamese. I know what happens to civilians in countries like Cambodia but it's possible to believe with enough pressure, things can change. The people of Cambodia need a leader brave enough to stand up and lead its people. Fight to take back your country.

[@Kelberi]

"Singapore is harvesting land from cambodia" sounds so wrong. Willing buyer willing seller.....

[@mrbrightside3771]

That's also how slave trade work.

[@Ucuz_]

lets say african country make elephant's tusk trade as a legal business and the chinese buy it like a hot cake, are you ok with that?

[@dickiewongtk]

@@Ucuz_ Who is it to say it is not ok? Willing buyer, willing seller.

[@ozymandias7271]

buy island with moving..

[@NatureShy]

​@@dickiewongtk If it is bad for the environment, it isn't ok.

[@moizesbrando]

Beautifully shot video with zero journalistic value.

[@thatkoalabear]

jlpmoose well said

[@osdoge6656]

@@thatkoalabear agreed

[@adoatero5129]

" Beautifully shot video with zero journalistic value. " You forgot to explain your argument. Making people aware how actions of some people destroy nature and make other peoples lives hard obviously has a lot of journalistic value. I think the value of your own comment is negative.

[@siddharthkhandelwal3161]

@@adoatero5129 This video is beautifully made it achieved VERY LITTLE. Neither was a it a beautiful short movie which gave me a detailed insight on a community nor did it tell me anything about the problem at hand. This was 4mins worth of content. Either make this a beautiful piece of art or an informative video, it is achiving nothing by being left in the middle.

[@skychaos87]

​@@adoatero5129 "Making people aware how actions of some people destroy nature and make other peoples lives hard" There's nothing in the video that explains how and why those actions are bad, instead its just repeating that particular point with a local narrative. That is not good journalism, its a play at emotions designed to sell a narrative/story. In fact, some of the information given in the videos were outright wrong and misleading.

[@JVlapleSlain]

The video makes it sound like this is an issue caused by Singapore, but where there is demand there is supply. If anything, the issue lies with the Cambodian Government over-selling, nobody is forcing them to export excessively

[@thatkoalabear]

Lukiose 100% agree with you mate

[@yunindra7697]

The EU has been threatening Indonesia to stop importing Indonesian Palm Oil to protest major deforestation in Indonesia to grow oil palm. Singapore need to have same sense and morality as EU, No ?

[@mrbrightside3771]

Nobody force the girls that are in the sex trade too. But buyer will get what the seller is selling. Right?

[@Lu5ck]

@@mrbrightside3771 Oh why? I think prostitution is completely fine as long it is by one own free will. Are you against prostitution?

[@MrPoornakumar]

@@Lu5ck! If it is free will it can't be called prostitution. Don't confuse issues & get confused.

[@thankyou8806]

Harvesting doesn't sound like the right word. It's more of buying sand from Cambodia. Don't make it look as if Singapore is the bad guy! If the Cambodian government do not allow the sales of sand, we wouldn't buy it from them!

[@mrbrightside3771]

They go straight to the certain corrupt top and make deals when the innocent that lives on the land suffers. There won't be supply if there isn't a demand.

[@kaffeekaffee1818]

This is an amusing video that completely ignores the fact that imported raw materials are paid with good price by the city state. Pretty soon the foreign cement and steel makers are gonna claim the city's infrastructural because hey buying does not equal ownership. If it is about environmental issues.... shouldn't the video focus on the exporter and why they are doing something that does not bore well with the local inhabitants and the negative ecological impact. An aimless video that couldn't decide what it wants to say and milks sensation to make up for the lack of substance.

[@meis]

The West tells all the subhumans with low IQ and poor countries not to develop and not to progress. And then try hard to sell its "human rights" and "environmental issues" industries to fool the subhumans. kzbin.info/www/bejne/fKGxpIuZrK2bqLc

[@tanyouliang]

Total agree, this is a free market economy. On the other hand, Singapore is making effort on building sustainability, while housing more people with less carbon footprint. The ban on sand is inclined towards being nationalistic.

[@titanworld1401]

Take money now complain of selling piece of Cambodia. Very deceitful video. No different from timber, coal, mining and oil.

[@dereklkzlee4120]

It's because of jealousy!!

[@burtonl7239]

@Steven Kong Weigh this. That is probably government land. If the government sells it, the money goes to the government. Just because you build a hut on government land and hunt fish in the swamp, doesn't make that land yours.

[@zurzakne-etra7069]

plenty of butthurt singaporeans here... Have you been brainwashed into thinking Singapore can be as great as it is without violating a few human rights?

[@kujuakusg]

True this was a old video Cambodia government has banned Singapore from buying sand , please don't create hate between the two country

[@SoulSeeker770]

Banned? Not what I heard!

[@wtIUpITp1E0wMsydV19c0FUmIXvCU]

Singapore has been importing sand legally from other countries for years. Why blame it on Singapore? If other countries like Cambodia government corrupted their own process to sell the sand, blame it on the respective government. Instead, it is a video about a whining girl who says the Marina Bay area was built using Cambodia sand. That is not even true, the Marina Bay area came up in the 1990s when the land was left barren to allow the stablisation of the sand. Stupid and deceitful video just to make Singapore a scapegoat Typical fake news media as said by Donald Trump

[@terraresearch1465]

Agree, Cambodia is a poor country and Singapore has tons of it. Singapore buys sand from Cambodia for our own economic development and Singapore gives Cambodia money too.

[@goldbrodidoggo]

Cambodia also govern by communist party like China. Business also controlled by them

[@Ucuz_]

cambodia is not democratic, hun sen will jail you if you raise this problem, how about you raise this issue to your democratic representative in singapore goverment?

[@terraresearch1465]

ucuz12 Hey there! I understand the government in Cambodia is not Democratic. But the import of sand has stopped two years ago. Singapore is in a way assisting Cambodia by giving the Cambodian government money to provide Cambodian better life. By the way, this is not depicting a real life situation. The import of sand is from unused lands in Cambodia. So in the end of the day, it’s a win-win situation for both.

[@exs1803]

Yes that's true. In fact the reclamation in that area was started in the 1970s and the land was left to settle for a long long time before construction of MBS and Gardens By The Bay began..

[@shamzambada]

The video made it look like Singapore conducted a sneaky operation in Cambodia collecting sand. What's the point of the video? To sympathize with the girl who don't understand how business between nations work or to make SG look the scapegoat, operating an illegal activity in Cambodia?

[@laceupxx7238]

@last of the mohawks ehhh

[@terrydavis6368]

Its a stupid subversive video to cause trouble, there are lots of videos like this that pretend development is destroying someone's mother earth cult.

[@shanmugaretnam9868]

There are restrictions imposed on the export of sands by most ASEAN nations. Companies have to seek formal license from thier respective governments to carry out such activities. Singapore continues to come under the limelight in recent months and it is likely such activities has gone underground to avoid detection

[@sunlightdavid]

As terrible as we feel about this idea of 'the rich nation taking and taking from the poor nation', let's take a step back and realize that nobody could just take sand away without the agreement of the local government. So when we talk about greed (apparently of Singapore), we should also think about reasons as to why Cambodia agreed to it. The local government should have taken steps to help the ppl relocate with the money they make from selling the sand. But where did this money go?

[@PajamaPantsMan]

The Cambodian government doesn't care about what happens to their people. All he cares about is turning a quick buck.

[@Ucuz_]

singaporean should questioning their government for turning their eyes blind on this issue

[@goosty17]

Or how about rich countries not take advantage of poor countries? They are abe to do that with money. that is the issue. dont be obtuse.

[@fironfiron8843]

​@@PajamaPantsMan and what are you gonna do about foreign companies that can bribe local governments? if this was happening in singapore, then there would be an outrage

[@PajamaPantsMan]

@@fironfiron8843 which government are you talking about singapore, cambordia, or in general?

[@doraemonlim2366]

The problem of Sand dredging and its sales is not only a problem btw Sg & Cambodia but also India, China, USA, rich oil middle East countries and many many more countries. As long as countries develop, they construct buildings and that requires tons of sands. As a Singaporean teenager, I want to express my thoughts on this issue. Firstly It's undeniable that we import sand and millions of tons of them but it's not like we don't pay for them. We pay millions to the suppliers. The $ they receive should go back to the community where they took the sand from but this is not happening. Why? Failure in the corrupted Cambodia government to enforce laws and protect the livelihoods seems to be the more prevalent problem. If the money obtained from selling sand could be channeled back to the community for them to establish a tourism business there, it will be a win-win situation. Yes Sg is at fault for demanding so much sand and its our responsibility to ensure that the supply is sustainable. But the supplier country has to think of what to do with the money instead of it all going to the elites.

[@RUHappyATM]

How about not trying to reclaim more land from the sea. Are you listening, Singapore?

[@ihikethereforiLike]

@@RUHappyATM we are the 3rd highest density country state in the world, you suggesting us not to reclaim lands and have a battle royale?

[@trajicishere]

As a fellow Singaporean, I can only agree with you (with much regret) that the least our governing agencies could do is to ensure that the sources in which they are getting the sand from is legitimate and have pledged to provided the communities in which harm is being done adequate compensation. These agencies could also be pressured to commit to initiating environmental rehab programs in these communities (eg farming programs so that they are able to still harvest seafood despite the environmental destruction). Then again, its easier said than done.

[@xfirefox_x]

@@RUHappyATM Malaysia has a lot of land, yet they still reclaim it. See Forest City.

[@doraemonlim2366]

Even USA with a much much much more bigger landmass than Sg buys sand to replenish it's constantly eroding Miami & new jersey beach. Even if SG stop reclaiming land, we still need sand to process into the concrete for our never ending construction

[@Myeonnigot7]

Okay Miss we heard you, its translated. So Cambodia sold the soil to Singapore. Sounds like your country betrayed you?

[@user-gz2pc2jk3t]

Slimy Singapore, the real robbers

[@unogal5906]

@@user-gz2pc2jk3t Singapore bought the sand from the corrupt government though

[@wtIUpITp1E0wMsydV19c0FUmIXvCU]

Singapore has been importing sand legally from other countries for years. Why blame it on Singapore? If other countries like Cambodia government corrupted their own process to sell the sand, blame it on the respective government. Instead, it is a video about a whining girl who says the Marina Bay area was built using Cambodia sand. That is not even true, the Marina Bay area came up in the 1990s when the land was left barren to allow the stablisation of the sand. Stupid and deceitful video just to make Singapore a scapegoat Typical fake news media as said by Donald Trump

[@yunindra7697]

@@wtIUpITp1E0wMsydV19c0FUmIXvCU The EU has been threatening Indonesia to stop importing Indonesian Palm Oil to protest major deforestation in Indonesia to grow oil palm. Singapore need to have same sense and morality as EU, No ?

[@johnwig285]

@@yunindra7697 the premise for stopping the import of palm oil due to "deforestation" isnt even valid. Kindly educate yourself and brush up ur general knowledge on the agenda behind protests and measures against palm oil, which is simply a competitor for the crude oil exported by EU, hence why EU is working hard to bring down the pal oil industry.

[@bernardorodillo302]

Whether new or old story, it really hurts to lose one nation's land ( soil and sand) to other nations which have money and power. The Philippines has lost almost 2 mountains in Zambales presumably on the pretext of mining but some people believe that the land taken away was used by the Chinese to build additional island(s) in Scarborough.

[@Aydee2020]

I like the fact that they brought her to Singapore while still wearing the same clothes. Giving the impression she sailed there from Cambodia on the same day.

[@ktkska8886]

The Western media just cannot tolerate any Asian country like China or Singapore being rich, prosperous and not having to depend on America. Americans have loads of shit on their bodies but they scream at people accusing them of stepping on bird droppings. They won't smear Japan, South Korea or Taiwan because these countries are obedient lackeys of the West being made used of to confront China. However, little Singapore has always chosen to remain neutral and that's what have been irking them.

[@MistressOP]

@@ktkska8886 frankly, little Singapore could buy the sand from a different country. leave these folks alone to buy it from a nation more stable who is dredging. this isn't normal dredging it's looting. Singapore's problem is solved and without drama. it isn't smeared job if the smear they did. just like when the USA shits all over it's native Americans.

[@coinrotator]

I suspect these are her favorite clothes and she's presenting herself at her best as a sign of respect for her guests. Average Cambodians are quite honorable and endearing.

[@xander7358]

@@MistressOP , If they're not selling to Singapore, they would be selling to other countries. Anyway, this is old news, Singapore stop importing sand from Cambodia 2 years ago.

[@MistressOP]

@@xander7358 Then problem solved and your right they would be. Hence why they stop doing it. They are probably selling sand to the saudis now. If you want to be on the world stage or "netural" on the world stage though.. this sotry isn't all that shocking. It's good they did something about it

[@tocrob]

it's called exporting "natural resources" . In America, they are gas/oil from frackings and GMO/chemicals stuff ( soil/ground pollution).

[@josephkoncur6403]

YOU ARE RIGHT, AMERICA IS THE BIGGEST CULPRIT. THE REASON THEY ARE IN IRAQ KILLING PEOPLE IS BECAUSE THEY WENT THERE FOR THE OIL. AND THE REASON THEY ARE STILL KILLING IN AFGHANISTAN, IS BECAUSE OF THE POPPY FIELDS THAT BRING HEROIN TO THE SHORES OF THE USA. US invaded Afghanistan to restore heroin industry - now pretending to fight it kzbin.info/www/bejne/iIbXp5htpJxrZ9E

[@mugennam1]

tbh this is quite sad and how can you not get angry at the greed in this world. This region will change dramatically in the next 50 years. They are building dams along the rivers. Sea water is rising and creating land that will no longer be fertile yet population keeps rising...

[@Liam_xxii]

According to charts, the world population is suppose to go down sometime between 2050-2100 this is kind of upsetting as they ruin this ecosystem to build something which we will not need in 300 years

[@LooNciFeRx]

Its a trade. Singapore provided job and money in exchange for sand. Win win. You dont like it you can choose not to sell.

[@SuccessforLifester]

Singapore is just a very small red dot and I think they need very little of the sand. Maybe only a small area of Cambodia is affected but some Cambodians will be very rich and many more will be employed because of this. The Cambodians themselves filled up a very important lake in Phnom Penh and developed it into condominiums. They are at a stage where the people want to get rich as fast as possible and will not care about the environment.

[@trutru6882]

Bruh singapore needs the sand, it is very densely populated... they wont just spend tons of money on sand for fun u know?

[@TimGraceAndFaith]

I'm a Singaproean, and watching this emotive video made me sad. However there are a few questions that warrant asking, and answers. 1) Is Singapore doing this illegally? 2) Is it in a contractual relationship with the Cambodian government. 3) Is it the prerogative of the Singaporean or Cambodian government to protect it's peoples livelihoods. 4) Is Singapore "Harvesting land" or "Buying sand" - language is powerful. It's important that we take a rational approach to framing the issue.

[@JacksonBrody]

Your four questions seem to indicate a primary concern with whether or not Singapore's destructively extractive actions have been framed within a self-justifying framework of international law. While diplomacy is important, it doesn't in my mind exonerate an immoral but legal policy from condemnation. See: the 2001 Patriot Act, digital surveillance, etc. Moreover, while I agree that the usage of precise language is of paramount importance, I don't believe that its inaccurate to describe the gathering of sand as "harvesting". The world "harvest" doesn't denote whether or not an object has been bought. If you feel that's an important to mention for sure make an argument; I'm curious how you feel this situation should be assessed rationally?

[@JacksonBrody]

Also the scheme appears to run afoul of Cambodian law www.globalwitness.org/en/archive/shifting-sand-how-singapores-demand-cambodian-sand-threatens-ecosystems-and-undermines-good/

[@JasonFeng]

Oh, I'm sorry would you prefer the more politically correct, self-aggrandising term of "land reclamation" which you were indoctrinated in school? Land "reclamation" assumes that you are re-claiming something you already own, when in fact you are creating land which has never existed before. So let's call it what it really is: Harvesting; gathering or collecting something from somewhere and transplanting it to another place. The issue of legality of this act has no bearing on the morality of Singapore's actions. Simply saying that it is lawful to own slaves in 18th Century U.S. does not exonerate oneself of of racism or the immorality practicing it at all. The whole issue of your argument is that it does not touch one bit on the morality of harvesting land, lawful or otherwise. Rather, you should be questioning the basis of the narrative which has been taught to you in Singapore. Have you ever considered why you are defensive against anything negative being shown of Singapore? Is it because you have been fed this narrative that Singapore is "small and vulnerable", a "rags-to-riches" model country since young that you must uphold this facade or suffer humiliation and exploitation? I mean come on. Grow up. This video sheds light on an issue far beyond your insecurities. It is about giving a voice to the powerless and hapless victims of a seemingly "harmless" or even beneficial act of land harvesting. We should be asking real questions of the true impact of land harvesting, and holding the people who are responsible to a higher moral standard and not whether this is lawful or not.

[@JasonFeng]

​@@hokhyt Yes, I agree with you. I mean, the fact is that this is a 1st world country trying to take advantage of the political condition of your country, and that sickens me. Singapore in its current state is far from a weak country. Its leaders, economy and political status gives it a very strong position to exploit other countries. And that for these leaders choose to turn a blind eye to atrocities being committed using the "if its not my country, I shouldn't interfere" line is one thing, but it is another thing altogether when they blatantly ignore the fact that they are impacting the livelihoods of the locals and knowingly enter into environmentally destructive and unsustainable agreements with corrupt officials.

[@reqckvvvjrf42]

@@hokhyt then blame it on yourselves for having a corrupt government. Don't blame Singapore for your own issues. Cambodia can just outright ban the sale. They haven't, do you want Singaporeans to babysit your citizens?

[@thankyou8806]

The worst thing is, she doesn't feel like this problem had got to do with her own country!

[@kageyamareijikun]

zulfaqar zul always easier to blame the foreign country instead of looking at the local government

[@bradebronson8835]

I just went to Cambodia, they said nothing about Singapore. However, they said Vietnam is using it's military to forcefully take Cambodian lands right now. Multiple people in Cambodia told me this.

[@skychaos87]

Because selling sand to Singapore is a trade, its win win. Why would they complain when they get the money they negotiated for? Its nothing like land occupation, its a whole different thing.

[@jakeabe502]

@@skychaos87 Pay the Common Man with Gold buddie !!!

[@skychaos87]

@@jakeabe502 The burden is with the Cambodian government to pay its people, they are the one who sold the sand and got the money.

[@blockmaster7777]

Fake news i. Cambodian the chinese has take over cambodian mind with giant debt that they can't pay vietnam saved cambodian from genocide and instead of thank vietnam they said we invaded them a lie by the chinese to regconised terretory and free money little did they know the china debt trap

[@user-qwertyuiopasdfghj]

@@blockmaster7777 every Cambodian I met hates Vietnam with a passion. They want their lost land back. Chinese investment are very welcomed there

[@SyazwanHanif]

it's great that you're pointing out these issues; how the Cambodian ecology suffers as a result of sand dredging and how Cambodians feel about it. I do feel that its an incredibly missed opportunity to emphasise the stature of this issue beyond an over romanticising of the destruction it causes to the Cambodian people's livelihood. Don't get me wrong, I hate what's happening to the Cambodian people, which is why I hoped that this video would both raise awareness about issue and also present the Cambodian people as legitimate protestors against sand dredging. I understand that probably the filmmaker is representing what the Cambodian lady is saying verbatim. However, I feel the manner in which she is presented though striking an emotional chord, downplays the socio-political and ethical issues behind sand dredging. Maybe it's a creative thing, artistic direction of some form. There is so much more to unpack; is Singapore buying sand from Cambodia knowing very well the effects it would have on Cambodia's ecology? Cambodian sand dredgers taking advantage of a national resource to benefit privately at a larger than life social cost. Where should regulation stand in the whole scheme of things? Who is to greater evil, the one that buys at the expense of others or the one who sells? Nonetheless, it is a start. Many Singaporeans would never question where all the sand that is going into our reclaimed land is coming from? I never did. So thank you Emergence Magazine and Go Project Films for pointing this out. This will definitely raise awareness. Thank you

[@burtonl7239]

That's true. Because we all know Cambodians love the swamp. They go play in the mud every day. That's how important it is to them.

[@meifongloke3821]

Idiot

[@boariggy]

This is a great piece of filmmaking with a powerful narrative, strong character building and a beautiful score to match. However, it's unfortunate how the entire narrative has been deceitfully presented as Cambodian native versus Singapore Inc. Unjust capitalism that destroys the environment must be stopped, and in this case, the policing of such activities would fall within Cambodia's own jurisdiction. Should the buyer of resources perform their own due diligence? Yes, of course. But short of running their own sand dredging operations in Cambodia, how is a buyer (Singapore in this case) supposed to police their vendors short of being there 24/7? This problem calls for greater governance within Cambodia itself. To have proper restrictions and regulations of sand dredging operations that should not affect the livelihood of locals. Dredging only in remote areas etc. Juxtaposing random tourists (I hope you have their permission) and tourist destinations against the picture of sombre Cambodians digging up snails for survival is absolutely disingenuous. As if the happiness of these tourists had anything to do with unscrupulous business practices? Why are you emotionally manipulating the viewer with such a below the belt tactic... As an award winning documentary filmmaker, Kalyanee should know better than to utterly distort the true scenario on the ground in favour of a David vs Goliath, Poor Farmer vs State. Why weren't the local companies even mentioned at all? Who ran these operations? Who approved them? Utterly disappointing... You should at least change the title of this video.

[@kanderson5555]

lol It's not the rapist who is wrong, it's "Unjust capitalism" that sold short skirts The murder victim should of "perform their own due diligence" The slave empires of Europe aren't wrong, this problem calls for "greater governance" within [African country] itself Victim blaming is wong. Theft and destruction is wrong no matter what civilisation or species you are. Singapore should of known better to control its growth, did its part for the environment, showed discipline and social justice on its part.

[@thegoonist]

hear hear

[@thegoonist]

cheap sensationalist clickbait tactic. disappointing for an supposed 'award winning' filmmaker. perhaps the nationalistic sentiment has clouded her judgement. but i doubt it.

[@npon]

Clearly a comment from a Singaporean! Hahahah

[@NickyDusse]

u mad?

[@Shaklore]

I have read articles about this before, but to watch a video about it is so heartbreaking especially after seeing the locals' livelihoods being ruined

[@burtonl7239]

What about the livelihoods of those workers mining the sand? They are locals too. What about their livelihoods? Now their livelihoods are ruined because a bunch of backwards people want to catch mudfish in the swamp.

[@SoulSeeker770]

@@burtonl7239 what you call backward, is all that they have to live. As you snub your selfish snobbish nose of people who are less fortunate!

[@jinweiyo]

Lol Cambodia sold their sand to Singapore and after that they are complaining about it. Should reflect on themselves first.

[@kahhoeng88]

Hmm... Probably, after watching this short movie, I think the producer should produce another short movie, describing how the textile factories in Cambodia have been treating the workers with low wages and take another trip to Europe and US claiming that those clothes with made in Cambodia stickers were supposed to be theirs...

[@thankyou8806]

Ikr, why would the producer upload a video that has been resolved! there is something fishy ..

[@tobyihli9470]

I’m aware that this is no longer going on. I believe I read where this article is two years old, and that Singapore is no longer taking sand. Why didn’t the Singapore government and Cambodian government work together and plot where to dredge the sand to manage the resources. Rivers must be dredged, or the sand dunes make navigation impossible. If Cambodia would plot out what to take, Singapore could save Cambodia sooooo much money! Also, some of the outlets need to silt (sand) up and close to move the outlet to build more delta, but some need dredged out so the water speed washes them clear and keep shipping open. You want to manipulate the rivers to flood how, where, and when. Some places need constant cleaning for commercial shipping. Here in the states billions of dollar are spent every year dredging rivers and ship channels. These two knuckle head countries could do this so differently and everyone would benefit, and that includes.the hunter gatherers, too.

[@trutru6882]

I think its mainly cambodian gov... singapore is just buying sand, it is up to cambodia to decide where they can take it from...

[@hazy929]

Singapore buys sands from all neighbouring countries, not only Cambodia. So No, Marina sands is not Cambodia's land. The lady should take the issue to their own government, if it's affecting their ecology system and their livelihood. I think this video is being unfair painting Singapore in bad light, focusing on laments towards Singapore instead of Cambodia itself. You can't claim it your land after you (the companies and government of Cambodia) SOLD it.

[@lachpiethe2nd163]

Marina Bay is technically’s Malaysia’s land, not Cambodia. If they want, she can go and claim that Tekong island is her land

[@thatkoalabear]

Good scenic shots BUT BAD and false narrative. Who threatened the villagers with jail? Cambodian government? Or Cambodian tycoons? Don’t blame Singapore for helping Cambodian government with their national debt via purchase of sand, raw materials and import of tertiary students on scholarships. What has the Cambodian government done to educate these rightfully indignant villagers of the country’s issues and pay to relocate them to better more accommodated areas designated for living? Isn’t this the job of the Cambodian government? Even a dumb Singaporean citizen like me can think of this so why has no Burmese government assisted these poor villages? What happened to all the money earned from selling the sand?

[@jnrmaddix]

As you well know, the poorest ppl in soceity are always hit 1st. Poor people in poor countries dont have any property right, its very simple to just blame the Cambodian government. There is probably a reason they arnt digging anywhere else as the locals in a economically developed countries have rights and laws protecting them.

[@v4nnyz]

This video legitimately makes me feel sad. A bit more aware/knowledgeable, but also a tinge of sadness.

[@burtonl7239]

Cheer up. I'm sure the sand is in a better place now. Literally.

[@HeavyArmsJin]

Singapore is approximately 719 sq km, while Cambodia is approximately 181,035 sq km. Meanwhile, the population of Singapore is ~5.9 million people (10.3 million more people live in Cambodia) Fix your own country instead of shifting the blame on others

[@meis]

Correction: The population in Cambodia is 16,245,729 (in 2018).

[@shoulders-of-giants]

Until this day, there are no international rules every country has to follow. That includes rules against the destruction of the Earth's ecosystems, and proper hard taxes for rich people.

[@paulfu6475]

巨人の肩 and tell me how anyone is destroying the ecosystem?? The sand mined are mostly from the rivers which renew itself every rainy season. A lot of these mining can be found in Phnom Penh, the capital but each season, they renew itself. The BS you virtue signaling snowflakes are fabricating.

[@PajamaPantsMan]

@@paulfu6475 look at the amount of sand in that video. It's enough sand to expand Singapore do you think that's going to be replenished in a few years?

[@paulfu6475]

PajamaPantsMan oh please. I live in that country. It replenished every season, much faster than they could drill. Anything from Atlantis is overly exaggerated

[@JamieCYW]

Lol. Many high class get taxed from 45% to 60% in Europe & America. Plus another 20 to 30% is taxed as corporate tax before the money is distributed. And u said the tax is not enough for them. Pls get educated before u comment.

[@troorl]

There are also no rules against insane socialists who always ruin everything with their ignorance and sentimentality.

[@jerrymiao7605]

This is a supply and demand issue, local merchants should either stop selling their sand or spread the wealth around. In the end it's a sign of a week government, you don't see anyone cutting lumber in central park.

[@lilhellasmoke]

weak* and we're not much better off, natural disasters are brutalizing the US, and our government is pretty trash someone from the administration is being put in jail every week

[@jerrymiao7605]

@@lilhellasmoke top officials being indicated is a sign of strong institutions, a good sign if you ask me

[@johnl.7754]

I think Cambodia government is not weak but rather corrupt

[@Ucuz_]

it also a sign that singapore don't dont really care buying resource from shady and questionable people that damaging environtment

[@lulloa47]

There most be more profitable commodities to be [being] exploited rather than lumber in Central Park (NYC). If not then USA is is doing it somewhere else in the world in the name of freedom...

[@2-worlds-on-earth]

End of the day, sand dredging must be regulated at government to government level. It is the corrupt practices of regional government and private organizations that resulted in this mess. Cambodia central government must strictly regular the concessions and not at regional level.

[@diosundoro5019]

Before Singapore digged soil from Indonesian islands in Riau Islands province by bribing, which caused those islands destroyed and sunk. But after President Joko Widodo, Indonesia bans soil taking to Singapore. Cambodia also should do the same thing.

[@MacBachan]

One day, I sold my pants. And now I blame the guy who bought my shirt that I have no shirt to wear. This is the kind of logic (or lack thereof) I am getting from this video. This seems like a propaganda film from Cambodia to shift blame to other countries on the mismanagement of their own resources. If you like your pants, just don't fucking sell it!!

[@hori166]

Or to say it another way, "For every buyer, there is a seller." What's happening is indeed sad, but follow the money...it won't set you free, but it may reveal some interesting things.

[@gj677]

Look at these experts comments. This is a business between two countries. Singapore buys sands, Cambodia earns. How Cambodia wants to use the money to create economy and how Singapore uses the sands are two separate issues. If Cambodia uses the money to create more jobs for people like her and she has a better life. Would she still say this otherwise? This is food for thought.

[@aave865]

Maybe countries should stop exporting their agriculture produces, coal, iron ore, gold, diamond, granite. It's ridiculous.

[@jklow3415]

So after stopping these activities then what? Btw what are you using to comment on KZbin. What is used to make it? Over harvesting is bad but not harvesting isn't the solution. Unless all earthlings start recycling 100% of whatever is used so far. Are you consciously doing that?

[@terrydavis6368]

I agree, This video is stupid and anti free markets.

[@zurzakne-etra7069]

but it's not other countries that are doing it... it a corrupt government that doesn't care about it's people...

[@品味历史品味人生]

Singapore used to buy sand from Indonesia and Malaysia. Later they banned the trade, then Singapore has to buy the sand from Vietnam and Cambodia...

[@fbr35]

Not just Cambodian only, Johor and Batam aslo sell the sand to Singapore for reclamation

[@sherlyholmes7870]

If the conclusion from watching this video is that we shouldn't be harvesting sand, because taking sand damages the environment, then forget about it. We use sand not just for reclamation but also for concrete. By not using sand, we are abandoning concrete. Now that we agree that sand will inevitably be harvested, let's think about how we can do it sustainably. Dredging from the sea is bad because it destroys reefs and ecosystems for marine life. Dredging from up river is bad because it destroys the river ecosystem. So the only method left is to dredge from the river mouths where there is minimal destruction, since the river mouth is where there's most renewal of sand and silt and less permanent marine ecosystems. What can be done is to ensure that the governments selling the sand need to enforce these sustainable practices. It's difficult to ask that enforcement of the buyers of sand. We should be scrutinising the sellers. This video seems to point out the oppression of rural folk through the harvesting of sand and the destruction of their backyards(and loss of food sources). Let's remember that the government is receiving lots of money in exchange for the sand. It is the local government's job to ensure a good(or fair) portion of the money goes back to the community whence that sand came. Let us not watch a well made video and be emotionally influenced without critical thinking.

[@jakeabe502]

Guess what soon they will be dredging plastic ! As now there are tons of plastic on the riverbeds and ocean floors which us humans have ended up dumping in the estuaries! Look up how Hawaiiean islands and Indonesian Islands like Fiji and Bali beaches are covered with plastic waste! Just imagine what heavier plastic items are at the bottom of ocean and river beds !!

[@burggerbig102]

It's so ironic that we destroy a world to build another world.

[@daninthelionsden]

For even destruction is but a form of creation...

[@stonew1927]

Yes, we destroy the natural one to create an artificial one. Those who live in the natural world suffer. Those who live in the artificial one prosper. The result is the end of life on Earth as we know it.....

[@mfk5533]

Moving things is ironic. Change my mind.

[@irispoh2370]

Reminds me of the thirteenth amendment back in the 1865.

[@dtawantawng5131]

Destroying the world of the poor to expand the world of the rich.

[@kejiang5629]

Beautiful video, breathtaking images backed up by a evocative soundtrack, featuring a very expressive local young woman. I want to point out those who feel threatened by the video, that the intention was not to criticize Singapore. This is a byproduct of modern global capitalism, and this is a story of those suffer from the unintended actions of the powerful. It doesn't matter if it was Singaporeans or Cambodians who took her land, but they clearly are destroying something that is important to her, important to the local economy, and likely an important part of the local ecology. The growth of cities and civilization necessitates resources, and these resources must come from somewhere. Yet the price of growth is not only measured in dollars, but loss of places with ecological, cultural and personal value to real people. This is the unfortunate reality of the modern world. The filmmaker never intended to smear any sides, but paints a very clear pictures of the situation, and why the destruction of these places matters.

[@SavedbyGraceCT]

Ke Jiang Such a well articulated and accurate comment. I agree with all. Loads of negative comments here, but many are missing the point entirely of the subjective context of this video. It is moving and touching and leaves one feeling a sense of overwhelming helplessness in the context of not only Cambodia, but for our whole planet. Where does the destruction end?

[@tayyikai5470]

Stop being such a commie. Long live the free world. It let's nations like singapore which is smart to rise. Long live singapore 🇸🇬!!!

[@axwg5828]

An exaggerating video meant to sensationalize and stir controversy to generate view hits, and no regards for facts. Poor effort by The Atlantic.

[@heywatchme101]

Singapore must stop encroachment into Malaysia

[@mrbrightside3771]

It also bring light to the corrupt world we live in and the blind eye rich country willing to turn to when taking advantage of the weak, using money.

[@edenassos]

Silly woman, Cambodia is 252 times larger than Singapore with only 3x the population. You're not lacking land, you're lacking what's up there between the ears. Stick to whatever you're doing with the crabs and let the adults do their thing.

[@carrioncharles]

Just look at the whole treatment of the video... done to tug at the heartstrings, while deliberately leaving out important details or fundamental facts that would seek to inform the viewer in a rational way. If you are trying to talk about how sand dredging is affecting the environment, then state it, and not just talk about “identities being lost”. What does that really mean? It’s because you don’t have a real case! This video has some other nefarious intentions... I wonder how she suddenly had the means to be transported to Gardens By the Bay? And the script... “these flowers are really beautiful, except they don’t have seeds” - a literary convention or suggestion to suggest heartlessness and emptiness. And what about “if this was real, imagine how beautiful it would be”... the entire script is designed and edited to sway one’s emotions. Such blatant exploitative techniques to sow discord amongst us... ASEAN! The whole world is in chaos, with discord being down because of the amount of disinformation and fake news trying to deepen fault lines between friends and allies. We really need to use our heads more rather than to be led solely by the heart. Where does this The Atlantic originate from? And who’s behind this group of so called independent documentary film makers is what I’d like to know. Highly suspicious... I am not surprised that the meddlesome West has something to do with this... think, guys, think, don’t just feel!

[@ryantay867]

This video is 5 years old. Cambodia banned selling of sand to Singapore years ago

[@snp5508]

technically its not your land, your government sold it to another government.

[@user-gz2pc2jk3t]

Singapore loves corrupted govnt..

[@kakekshugyono7080]

yeahh..spore love to have bussines with neighboring corrupt govt..

[@TheKimcheeRamen]

Technically, it IS the land of the people. The sand originated from Cambodia, so there is no arguing that fact. I understand that the sand sale was legal etc and it doesn't happen now. But the fact remains, the land/country belongs to the people.

[@snp5508]

@@TheKimcheeRamen what kind of logic is that? if you sell me a piece of wood you found then it is not yours anymore after the transaction. no difference here.

[@TheKimcheeRamen]

@@snp5508 read what I said again.

[@natep6729]

Not only Cambodia but they buy sand from Indonesia and Malaysia as well. They don't care about the environmental impacts. They just care for themselves. No one is to blame on this but the corrupted officials in all these countries they easily buy sand from. It's the dollar bill that matters at the end of the day.

[@tforfrome1999]

To all the enraging Singaporeans in the comment section, from a Cambodian. If you’re interpreting the documentary (straightforward as it is) as the documentarian’s ploy to villainize your country, it is not. I am teetering in a belief that you are either sucking up to ecologically destructive corporations or you’re merely reacting as a Singaporean looking out for Singapore’s reputation. You ignore the blatant images and meaning of poverty perennially worsened by these corporations, you don’t see the people, you instead wear nationalist-colored lens, so disparaging lives are overlooked. You are worse than these corporations by those metrics.

[@chickensoup9869]

ASEAN nations have the responsibility of understanding what was done to Cambodia and what is being done to her. It will never be enough but I'm sorry.

[@yin1964]

Singapore is not the only ones buying sand. Just do a google search and you can see how many countries are doing the same. Btw, even concrete is made out of sand. But since buying sand is counted as "destroying" mother nature how about we stop building with concrete?

[@KplusU]

What a beautiful song. You should sale it and give proceeds to her.

[@YKT9603]

Who cares? Money can buy anything. The poor is marginalised and can't do anything about it. I'm surprised the director and writer of this "documentary" or rather, docudrama, does not know that. It is what it is. If there's a buyer, there's always a seller. And the seller went into the agreement with eyes open, singapore did not put a gun to Cambodia's head and force them to harvest sand from indigenous regions. This short film has an agenda, and hence should not be considered a documentary.

[@blaxerx]

The word harvest implies that Singapore gather's sand at her own expense, effort, labor. The correct word is "BUYS". And Cambodia "SELLS". So Cambodians, please get this clear. Singapore is not buying, destroying, taking, or whatever word you associate negatively to. We are buying just as countries import and export with the exchange of money. Please educate yourself and not chase the wrong dragon; corruption and income disparity in your country should be your enemy.

[@kageyamareijikun]

tianm1m1 criticising is hardly the same as scapegoating, is it?

[@scorpioninpink]

Ask the Cambodian Government why they are selling it in the first place.

[@Nomad-bi6su]

cos they're poor and don't know any better. Ask why one of the most educated and developed is taking advantage of a poor country. but we all know why. Singapores one of the most corrupted and money hungry country and a safe haven for all the rich tycoons

[@crysed7897]

Feeding an obviously corrupt and oppressive Cambodian gov is okay?

[@Nomad-bi6su]

crys ed what?

[@goldbrodidoggo]

Cambodian gov are cruel. They even killed their own people and race. The communist don't have any affection or feelings towards poor, uneducated and rural people..

[@lachpiethe2nd163]

Nomad take a look at the world corruption index, my friend

[@bruno66yc]

sand is used in many ways for construction all over the world. The issue is whether it is done in an environmentally sustained way, and secondly, whether the benefits (money) from the selling of sand in some ways benefit those whose livelihoods are affected by the dredging of sands. In many cases, like other commodities, big companies make money while poor people and mother earth are made to pay the price ....

[@daan3039]

Propaganda to disrupt the relationship between cambodia and singapore? Don't blame singapore for taking the sand, blame ur own govt for selling it.

[@ericn7975]

It's not just Cambodia, but also Vietnam and Indonesia

[@eancavalry9740]

Supply and demand.. Shouldnt the focus be to the seller?Its not like Singapore took it from the Cambodians..It was on the market and Singapore bought it.

[@mrweisu]

Do the Arabs complain that Americans used up all their oil? Just curious

[@frankwilson726]

@Wei Su I would think not considering the wealth it supplied to them.

[@thankyou8806]

@@frankwilson726 lol look at your comment.That is the exact thing singapore is doing for cambodia except that the government is corrupted!

[@frankwilson726]

@@thankyou8806 Not really, I would go so far as to say there are no simalaritys what so ever.

[@thankyou8806]

@@frankwilson726 elaborate

[@user-fl9fp5vi7d]

Wei Su more like the world, not a specific nation only.

[@weelianchuan8101]

It is the Cambodian people who is doing it. They can sell the sand to any country they want.

[@liang2492]

"i have hope this ísland remains forever" global warming cough cough

[@andyheng9194]

How about including the perspectives of the Cambodian government and Singapore?

[@rgarlinyc]

Heartbreaking, yet the lady's steadfast love in and hope for Cambodia is heartwarming.

[@bytewolfychu_1461]

Just to let everyone know, this video had ignored the fact that Singapore legally bought the sand from the Cambodian Government... But I’m not gonna point fingers on who’s at fault here... This video’s misleading, make it look like Singapore is illegally dredging the sand... Also a couple years back, if I’m not mistaken, the Cambodian Government has banned the Sales of Sand to Singapore and Singapore has stopped importing sand from Cambodia in compliance of the Ban...

[@lisaishere0919]

Minecrafter inventer used to be legal to own slaves

[@francisleesc]

Some of our neighbours are jealous on our progress. Some can't keep up with the moving world while others take a step forward and 2 steps backward. These are due to their internal problem/policies. Only those forward looking country Vietnam is moving ahead steadily. So its usless to put the blame on others. The children in the video should spent their best time of their life in school to ensure better future.

[@frauchen9864]

Singapore should focus on building higher buildings because you have no land

[@joesr31]

Frau Chen our living flats regularly reach 30 storeys already. Hotels reach up to 40 storeys

[@therealjjj7777]

Everything has consequences, both good and bad. For instance, removing dirt and sand from a biosphere - the Tonle Sap Lake - that has record low water levels right now, allows the nearly extinct Irrawaddy dolphins to have more area to hunt and thrive. If we want to get at the real atrocity here, it is the fact that these lands and rivers in Cambodia cannot be freely owned and traded. For that, I fault the Cambodian government. Through private ownership, proper protections can ensue - as opposed to military and govt officials being paid a bribe to "look the other way" while Cambodia's forests are hacked and cleared. Put it back in the hands of the people and they will care for it and protect it.

[@mrbrightside3771]

I didn't know we have a marine biologist over here guys. Let's sell sand so the dolphin can hunt 🙄

[@zulrasdibakar662]

Cambodia didn't have the Irrawaddy river, the Irrawaddy is in Myanmar

[@mrbrightside3771]

@@zulrasdibakar662 actually we do. There's few left. Google it. And it's endangered.

[@therealjjj7777]

@@zulrasdibakar662 The Irrawaddy Dolphin is in Cambodia: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Irrawaddy_dolphin not to be confused with the Irrawaddy River in Myanmar, although Myanmar also has the same kind of dolphin.

[@terraresearch1465]

Why so deceitful and make Singapore seem so bad? 😢 Singapore imports Cambodian Sand in the past, no longer now. But still, Singapore pays Cambodia for the sand. It’s not like they are getting the sand for free, either a problem with corrupt governments or simply a misunderstanding.

[@gailhowes9398]

So sorry for what they are doing to your land, the rich do not care about personal lives anymore unless it benefits them! I hope something will come along to help you and your families❣️

[@funguslame]

Ridiculous! Cambodia government agreed to export it because it needed money. End of story.

[@DragonBall-rd5me]

let's face it, countries like Cambodia should feel lucky they can sell their sand to make a living, otherwise can't imagine how countries like this will feed their people. Environmentalism and political correctness cannot eliminate poverty.

[@TheMolabola]

they already banned it 2 years ago.

[@DragonBall-rd5me]

@@TheMolabola good.

[@pohleon9941]

Singapore has ongoing plans to expand its land area. I am sure Singapore government is responsible enough to have considered wide concerns and the impacts to its people. Surely the agreement can have mutual benefits to all parties involved if ethically and economically well managed…

[@davidkentonho4992]

This girl is young, Simple mind, simple heart, simple view, simple thinking, Very limited N narrow sights....... blame her. ..?? NO. But the World is NOT that simple.

[@mrbrightside3771]

So we should take advantage of her yea?

[@haiqing4405]

The money that was obtained from sales of the sand, is then being used to improve the economy and maybe even create roads and other infrastructure in Cambodia

[@Shamrockz33]

I don't think Singapore is "stealing", it's a fair business trade after all. The reason is because Cambodia do get paid in exchange, that's why it is called an "Import". Harvesting is simply a loose term and it does not immediately implies stealing. As long as economic exchange in fair amount of benefits is transacted, it should still be defined as a trade. To the lady in this video, I'd say the best I can do is sympathize with your concerns. If anything, I feel the key issue is to decide what is meant by fair amount of benefits in trade. That would be something your government decides, and they must have their own reasons. But at last, this was banned and is now officially a thing of the past..

[@SaretGnasoh]

Cambodia government is the one to blame in this matter, not singapore

[@boroqouqouc]

Singapore Government once bought sands from Indonesia until they decided to stop doing that. Maybe they found another cheaper source for their land reclamation

[@vorlon81]

You can't , Saudi Sand is too Fine, When they Build al burj, they even had to import sand from sri lanka and india , imagine that Dubai importing Sand to build.

[@kuyaocstriviaeverything9860]

Correction. You showed Gardens By The Bay but Gardens By The Bay did not use any Cambodian sand. It was reclaimed using the earth extracted from the hills of Singapore. Today, there are no more hills there available for reclamation because they are preserving the remaining ones, but Singapore has a lot of construction diggings ang those extracted from MRT tunnels and stations plus other underground constructions. They can still use them for reclamations to reduce reliance on sand. They had already used those earth extracted from the past constructions in their past reclamations.

[@qasim6355]

I am from Australia and I know that this is from 2 years ago

[@calvinthoeng]

It is true that Singapore bought sand from Cambodia. But who to blame is the Cambodia government. We, the Cambodia citizen, could only feel disappointed to our lost land.

[@thanos6635]

This news is so old... plus, Singapore is basically a dot on Google Earth. How do you expect the Government to expand the land? Pray that God would expand their land?

[@markshippo]

This land is from my land is wrong. It should be “the sand here was sold legally by our govt to your govt because we need your money more than our land”.

[@AA-xd9fg]

This is Indonesia a decade ago until the Government banned the activities

[@IceBloodKing]

Thats a shame..

[@NatureShy]

@@IceBloodKing Why? If it was bad for the environment, then it wasn't ok. Don't call yourself a 1st world nation until you learn to respect the environment and nature.

[@eugenechan6048]

@@NatureShy just ignore the troll. The usual self entitle and self righteous Singaporean. Not all of us are like that.

[@burtonl7239]

@@NatureShy Why not? All the first world nations did terrible things to the environment to get to where they are. They wouldn't be first world otherwise. Now that they are at the top, they start to respect their own environment. The Native Americans are one of those "One with nature" type. Look at them now. They so powerful. Haha.

[@just_in_key]

Dont tell the people in singapore thats your land, tell your own goverment who sell "your land" to singapore

[@ayrtonfry3094]

So sad to see all these negative comments about the video. Maybe the explanation/meaning was turbid, but I just want to say how stunning the cinematography was. Great video.

[@DoggieDoggo]

I personaly witnessed loading sand from vietnam to singapore, i know because i was one of the crew of the vessel who delivered it.

[@meifongloke3821]

Good job , carry on digging their sand