(Kandal): Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet called on the public to remain vigilant and adopt preventive measures against fire hazards, which can occur unexpectedly. He also urged the strengthening of the capabilities of relevant authorities to enhance the speed and effectiveness of emergency responses to fire-related incidents.
The premier spoke on Friday (May 16) on the occasion of the 80th founding anniversary of the Cambodian National Police.
Samdech Thipadei emphasised that police officers must consider the current context in maintaining public order and managing traffic, particularly in light of rapid national development, economic growth, the construction of high-rise buildings, the expansion of residential complexes, and the increasing number of vehicles. He called for heightened attention to fire prevention and firefighting efforts, including the readiness of personnel, equipment, and resources to assist citizens affected by natural disasters.
“Time is of utmost importance. Just ten minutes can mean the difference between saving or losing a home, or preventing a fire from spreading to neighbouring properties. It could also be the difference between saving lives. I urge all citizens to be cautious when using electrical appliances to avoid accidents that could have been prevented. Everyone must remain vigilant—prevention is better than cure. We must all be mindful in the management, storage, and use of electronic, electrical devices, fuels, and flammable materials,” the premier underscored.
“Especially on weekends, many residents of Phnom Penh travel to other provinces—such as Preah Sihanouk, Kampot, or Siem Reap—leaving their homes unattended overnight or for extended periods. Just last weekend, many people flocked to Koh Kong following the completion of National Road 48. The farther people travel, the longer their homes remain vacant, increasing the risk of fire. Therefore, preventive measures are essential. Construction planning—particularly for high-rise buildings—must incorporate proper emergency exits and adhere to fire safety standards,” Samdech Thipadei continued.
Samdech Thipadei added, “When structures are built according to safety standards, fires are less likely to spread quickly. This provides valuable time—time to respond, time for fire trucks to arrive, and time to access water sources. However, when buildings are constructed without access routes, it becomes difficult to mount an effective response. Therefore, all construction and urban planning must take these aspects into account—from emergency response strategies to resource preparedness. Most importantly, we must improve the capacity and responsiveness of our emergency services. How can we enhance the speed, capability, and effectiveness of response? This requires continuous training for rescue teams and ensuring the safety of our citizens.”
At the same time, the prime minister reiterated the importance of pursuing comprehensive reforms within the National Police, with a focus on strengthening capacities in legal knowledge, professional skills, languages, and information technology. These reforms are vital to enable the police force to function professionally, ethically, and with integrity in the digital age—thereby earning public trust and confidence.
=FRESH NEWS
