A youth group plans to march in support of World Environment Day today, despite being told not to by municipal authorities.

Tim Malay, director of the Cambodia Youth Network (CYN), said yesterday that he met with Phnom Penh Deputy Governor Khoung Sreng and asked permission to march from the Ministry of Environment to the Ministry of Agriculture today.

“I do not know what measures City Hall will take, but I will wait and see if the authorities will crack down on our rally or protect us,” Malay, who expects 500 participants, said.

City spokesman Long Dimanche said officials want to avoid public disorder and potential clashes.

“It is not just this group that loves the environment . . . many people do. So, if we allow them to rally then the other associations or people will want to do so,” he said.

The authorities “will take action against them if they abuse our ban”, he said.