Phnom Penh (FN), Jan. 23 – Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet instructed authorities to intensify alcohol testing of drivers, particularly during the upcoming Chinese New Year celebration.

The premier spoke on Thursday (Jan. 23) during the closing ceremony of the annual meeting of the Ministry of Public Works and Transport.

"There has been a brief period of respite, but in the past few weeks, the problem has started to re-emerge. Please increase alcohol testing, especially during this time. It is commonly said that during Chinese New Year, Cambodian citizens tend to consume excessive alcohol, particularly at night,"the premier underscored.

The call for stricter enforcement follows the Prime Minister's observation of a rising number of traffic accidents attributed to drunk driving, resulting in numerous tragic consequences.

"The City Hall must now be prepared. I visited and inspected the site yesterday, and Governor Khuong Sreng has also agreed to install steel fences in the middle of the road. However, these fences will be ineffective if people continue to drive recklessly. Therefore, exercise caution and refrain from consuming alcohol while driving," Samdech Thipdei added.

Samdech Thipdei noted that although the rate of drunk driving has declined, traffic accidents remain a significant problem in Cambodia. Since the end of the war, traffic accidents have been the leading cause of death and injury in the country.

The 2024 annual report of the Ministry of Public Works and Transport, released on 8 January 2025, reported 2,844 road traffic accidents in 2024, resulting in 1,509 fatalities. This represents a 14 per cent decrease in road traffic accidents compared to 2023.
=FRESH NEWS