PHNOM Penh Governor Kep Chuktema said this week that he would request that the Ministry of Interior prohibit girls under 16 years of age from going out alone at night.

The governor said young girls should not be allowed to go out in the evening because they are likely to go to clubs, karaoke bars and other entertainment spots that should be reserved for adults.

"I will request that the Ministry of Interior consider issuing a directive banning children under 16, especially girls, from going out alone after 9pm," he said. "If they want to go out after 9pm, they must be accompanied by their parents. We want to promote the morals of girls in our society."

Khieu Sopheak, spokesman for the Ministry of Interior, said he agreed, but was not sure the plan would be feasible.

"This is a good idea, but I'm afraid it violates the human right to mobility," he said.