Municipal hall has warned of legal action against those who put up stickers, banners and other advertising without permission. Hong Menea
Phnom Penh Municipal Hall has warned of legal action against individuals or groups who put up stickers, banners and other advertising mediums in public spaces without permission.
In a written statement issued on Tuesday, the municipal government instructed “commercial enterprises, educational and financial institutions and other private organisations, among others, that put up stickers, banners and other advertising mediums on the street lamp posts, traffic light poles, trees, walls of private buildings, et cetera . . . to promote their products or services” to remove their unauthorised ads within 14 days.
It also said the municipal hall had issued similar warning numerous times but to no avail.
“If they do not follow the order, the municipal authorities will remove and confiscate the advertising mediums as evidence for the court hearing,” the directive said, adding that the illicit posting of such materials could “significantly affect public order and the city’s hygiene, as well as the environment”.
The statement also prohibited the distribution of stickers or banners next to traffic lights.
Speaking to The Post on Wednesday, Municipal Hall spokesman Met Meas Pheakdey said most of the outdoor advertisements were not approved by the authority, and stressed that those responsible for them could face legal consequences.
“This is the last warning. If they don’t abide by the order, we will opt for other actions. We will use the courts as the last resort, but we don’t want people to go through such trouble. Therefore, we will take different measures first as a way to remind the violators."
“We don’t want our city to be flooded by advertising stickers offering sewage repair services, tutoring or selling ‘this and that’ products,” he said.
Thon Bun Thoeun, the owner of a traditional medicine shop, who posted advertising stickers on a street lamp post on Sothearos Boulevard over a year ago, told The Post on Wednesday that he was not aware of the municipal hall’s statement.
He said he no longer advertises on the streets anymore as he now focuses more on promotions through Facebook.
“Now that I know about [the directive], I’ll remove my stickers when I pass the area. I don’t have many of them, unlike those rich people. I have to adhere to the law,” he said.
Meas Seng, who posted a banner promoting his sewage services, echoed similar remarks. “Don’t worry, I will instruct my staff to remove it,” he said.
