Phnom Penh (FN), Aug. 25 – Minister of Information Neth Pheaktra reported strengthened information security and positive assessments of media operations over the past year since the Ministry began its mission under the seventh-mandate Royal Government on 24 August 2023.

The minister spoke during an annual meeting of the Ministry of Information.

Neth Pheaktra underscored, "Over the past year, the Ministry of Information has consistently carried out its activities, focusing on information security by promoting accuracy and efficiency to ensure that the public's right to access quality and safe information is upheld."

On that occasion, Pheaktra highlighted that the Ministry of Information has updated Cambodia's media statistics, revealing over two thousand media units across all platforms, both traditional and modern. This includes nearly one thousand online outlets that continuously publish information freely and independently.

"The Ministry of Information has issued 8,000 journalist ID cards over the past year, each equipped with a QR code system for enhanced legitimacy and efficient management," the minister stated.

Neth Pheaktra stated that, as part of organising and strengthening press management, the Ministry of Information has prioritised establishing information systems and mechanisms to secure information space and combat misinformation.

During the meeting, Minister Neth Pheaktra also outlined guidelines for the media sector, stating that the Ministry of Information will continue to focus on ensuring a safe environment for journalism in Cambodia. This includes encouraging the improvement of journalists' quality, capacity, professionalism, and work ethic on the basis of equality, non-discrimination, non-threat, and non-politicisation, while continuing to reinforce media laws and regulations to ensure the protection of order, and the control of information quality and security.

Spokesman for the Ministry of Information, Tep Asnarith underlined that information security is vital for improving Cambodia's information sector. It helps prevent and address misinformation while upholding journalistic ethics. Modern media plays a crucial role in delivering public information.

The spokesman noted that under the leadership of Minister Neth Pheaktra, the Ministry has drafted and implemented a journalism code of ethics, consisting of four main chapters and 27 points. This code sets minimum standards for journalism ethics and provides a framework for journalists, media outlets, press associations, and information professionals to promote respect for ethics and build public trust.
=FRESH NEWS