In a bid to bring public services closer to the people, the Ministry of Interior has stepped up the issuance of National ID Cards to the public, with some provinces even introducing a mobile service.

Nearly 20,000 identity cards were distributed free of charge nationwide in late April, with some schools even being visited by a specially equipped bus.

Officials in charge of identification services at the ministry issued a total of 11, 067 cards across the country from April 22 to 28, said ministry spokesman Touch Sokhak.

Immediately after the Khmer New Year break, from April 17 to 21, a total of 8,872 cards were distributed.

“National ID Cards are important, as they allow people to fill in legal documents,” said Sokhak, adding that all Cambodians aged 15 or older could apply for the cards at district or commune police stations, but should check to see if a mobile service was available in their area.

Minister of Interior Sar Sokha has urged the General Department of Identification to study the One Window Service Offices at the sub-national level, to learn more about the efficient provision of services.

In response to calls from the leadership to provide timely services to the public, the Kampot provincial police recently introduced a mobile service which operates a bus that travels to high schools throughout the province.

Kampot provincial police chief Mao Chanmathurith said more than 10 police officers are working in shifts to issue ID cars free of charge through the mobile station.

Kampot police officers are working in shifts to issue ID cars free of charge through the mobile station. Kampot provincial police

“Across the province, some 12,771 youth aged 15 years old and up need ID cards. If they are required to visit commune or district police stations to apply for them it could take up some of their valuable study time. Therefore, the mobile service is providing the service to them on their school campuses,” he explained.

“We are providing this service free of charge at various high schools around the province. In addition to students, other members of the public are welcome to visit the school and apply for cards,” he added, noting that once the eligible students have received their cards, the bus will be available to travel to commune police stations, at people’s request.  

Currently, his officers are issuing between 70 and more than 100 ID cards per day, he said.