Prime Minister Hun Sen yesterday singled out Cambodia’s bus companies for the increasing number of road accidents of late, saying that such incidents were “disastrous” for the national economy.

Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony for national road 56, which stretches from Banteay Meanchey to Oddar Meanchey provinces, the premier said that the issue is “my highest concern at this time”.

“This is very disastrous for Cambodia’s economy, particularly our tourism sector,” he said.

He urged transport companies “to pay more attention to this matter, otherwise our ability to attract foreign visitors to Cambodia will be seriously affected”.

The premier also called upon the ministries of Tourism and Public Works and Transport to collaborate to develop a plan to reduce traffic accidents.

Hun Sen’s statements come less than a week after eight people were killed and 18 injured when a Capital Tour bus collided with an overturned police truck in Kampong Thom.

To contact the reporter on this story: Khoun Leakhana at [email protected]