Phnom Penh municipal police are ready to patrol the capital and maintain order during the coming Water Festival holiday. PHNOM PENH MUNICIPAL POLICE
With the three-day Water Festival public holiday starting November 18, Phnom Penh municipal governor Khuong Sreng has instructed authorities in the capital’s 14 districts and other relevant units to ensure it is safe, secure and orderly for people.
Sreng gave the instruction during a virtual meeting with the district governors and relevant authorities on November 15.
He also told the district governors to have medical personnel on standby in targeted areas and to closely monitor Covid-19 patients in quarantine at home.
Sreng said there was only a short time before the holiday, so the district authorities and all law enforcement agencies must maintain security and order for Phnom Penh residents as well as visitors travelling from the provinces.
In particular, district authorities need to have security forces and relevant units on standby, he said.
“The police must have a permanent force ready to receive complaints from people and respond to any requests,” he said.
Sreng also urged authorities to patrol regularly to monitor karaoke businesses, nightclubs and bars as these establishments have not been allowed to reopen.
“For permitted locations, such as restaurants and beer gardens, officers have to check whether they have complied with the Ministry of Health guidelines,” he said.
Separately, the Ministry of Tourism also urged businesses in the sector to continue to strictly implement the standard operating procedures (SOP) as people will travel to the provinces during the holiday.
“SOPs that we have implemented in the past still need to be further strengthened to enhance the efficiency and confidence of tourists because people will travel everywhere,” he said.
He also urged people to continue wearing masks, wash hands frequently and maintain social distancing for the safety of all.
Municipal police spokesman San Sok Seiha told The Post that in general, although no boat races are held as in the previous years, there are still kiosks in public places authorised by the municipal hall where people can buy products as well as participate in other types of entertainment.
“Therefore, the municipal police will deploy forces to protect security, public order and safety for local and foreign visitors,” he said.
He noted that more than 1,600 officers will be deployed for the three-day operation.
