The Phnom Penh Municipal Hall said on Monday that it wants advertisers and other businesses to turn down the volume and withdraw unauthorised advertisements in public places to make the city more livable.

The announcement targets all entities and businesses that advertise or use tools such as speakers and microphones to make loud announcements in public, particularly those repeated frequently.

It is also targeting small businesses that post unauthorised advertisements on street corners, fences and trees. The goal is to enhance the beauty of the city, it said.

The administration has called on municipal authorities at all levels to be more attentive and cooperate to take serious action to stop excessive noise and pollution.

Businesses and individuals found violating the rules will have to sign a contract to stop their activities. The authorities are allowed to retrieve the unauthorised advertisements such as signs that clutter the city.

“Businesses will be fined or even stopped from doing business if they fail to comply. They would be sent to court if the case is serious,” the announcement said.

Phnom Penh Municipal Hall spokesman Met Meas Pheakdey could not be reached for comment.

Nang Koeun, the owner of a 24-hour plumbing service, said on Tuesday that his staff shares advertisements at traffic light areas and uses clip advertisements on electricity poles, trees, buildings and public fences.

He said he was not aware of the new rules but will tell his staff to stop doing so if there is a ban. His company, he said, clipped and shared 200 advertisement flyers per day, but will follow the announcement.

“The ban will affect small companies like mine. We don’t have money to advertise on TV or radio like other big ones. We depend on public advertising like clipping advertisements on trees or fences.

“When citizens need my service, they can call to my company following the phone number in the advertisement. I will still follow the advice though because it is respecting the law,” he said.

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