Phnom Penh (FN), Jan. 23 – Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet issued a directive to General Sar Thet, Commissioner General of the National Police, urging a reinforcement of alcohol control for drivers.

The premier spoke on Tuesday (Jan. 23) during the closing of annual meeting of the Ministry of Information at Sokha Phnom Penh Hotel.

Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet's directive comes in response to the recent surge in traffic accidents, with a majority of cases attributed to drunk driving, resulting in numerous fatalities and injuries.

"I would like to request Sar Thet, Commissioner General of the National Police to thoroughly review and enhance alcohol control for drivers. No one should be driving under the influence of alcohol, but unfortunately, it still happens. We need to prevent such incidents by strengthening the law and implementing tight controls."

In order to effectively reduce traffic accidents, public participation is crucial, as neither drivers nor victims wish to go through such tragic incidents. Losing a family member in a road accident is a calamity that every family hopes to avoid.

On the occasion, Samdech Thipadei underscored that the most significant danger in today's society is traffic accidents, surpassing even the perils of war and landmines. Therefore, the matter cannot be neglected, and controls on drivers under the influence of alcohol must be tightened.

At the same time, Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet advised that measures to control alcohol should be implemented in a way that does not adversely affect the public, considering potential unintended consequences. Additionally, the premier underlined the crucial role of journalists in raising public awareness about the consequences of alcohol and drug consumption.

Recent traffic accidents have shown alarming trends, with a high number of victims killed and injured. One incident involved a national badminton player who was struck by a luxury car and passed away instantly in Toul Kork district. Despite the court's decision to detain the responsible party, the victim's family has yet to receive compensation.

The most recent incident occurred on 20 January 2024, when a drunk driver driving a Ford Ranger car hit several vehicles and motorcycles at the Russey Keo suspension bridge along National Road 5, resulting in four immediate fatalities and four injuries. The driver was arrested and taken to court.
=FRESH NEWS