Cambodia's textile industry has struggled for years to maintain working conditions and the health of factory employees. Just in the first half of this year, there were 557 fainting episodes at factories in Cambodia; last year, there was a total of almost 900.

Since last Monday, June 29, nearly 200 female garment workers have fainted at two factories in Phnom Penh and Kandal province.

One reporter on site stated that the mass fainting was caused by factories failing to comply with health code violations and poor working conditions. "They fainted because the workers were fearful, on top of their existing weak health conditions: fevers, dizziness, difficulty breathing, and little strength to stand," said Cheav Bunrith, spokesman for the Labor Ministry's National Social Security Fund (NSSF).

However, a representative of the Coalition of Cambodian Apparel Workers Democratic Union stated differently. "There were fumes on Monday that were bad," Mr Sokun said. The types of fumes have yet to be identified considering officials inspecting the factory failed to bring the proper equipment to identify hazardous fumes.

In the past, Human Rights Watch has criticized the working conditions in Cambodia. Yet again, the textile industry (more specifically the labor intensive factories) have failed to maintain standards. One reporter found that workers, mostly women, were routinely forced to work past the clock and in unhealthy conditions.

The government has also failed to fine these factories during regulated inspections, leaving these labor abuses not only in the hands of the industry but also with Cambodian government and law officials.

Considering Cambodia's textile industry brings in nearly $5 billion a year, the government should start taking stricter measures in order to rebuild their reputation. Otherwise, brands and manufacturers will become aware of these abuses and will refuse any type of business in Cambodia.