The Asia Injury Prevention (AIP) Foundation is working to change worker transport vans to safer ones with helmets provided for workers and motorcycle riders free of charge – an initiative supported by Minister of Information Khieu Kanarith who also asked journalists to promote road traffic safety.

Kanharith gave his support as the AIP working group met on June 22 to discuss road traffic safety, especially increasing safety for workers.

“The ministry supports AIP in organising a training course for journalists to raise their awareness of traffic safety to improve reportage and promote the issue to workers,” he said.

He added that the course would promote traffic safety and educational content. Journalists spreading traffic safety information will be entered into a competition to encourage this type of activity.

The ministry would also work with relevant government institutions and provincial administrations faced with traffic accidents workers had at factory entrances and exits.

He also urged AIP to examine providing traffic safety information to children so it can be understood from an early age. So when children grow up, they will be better drivers and respect the law.

“We have to push for dissemination of information in a way that is appealing such as animations and toys. In this way, children will learn it, especially initiating a contest programme between children and target groups so that they can show their ideas,” he said.

AIP Foundation director Kim Panha thanked the minister for supporting the initiative.

“I asked His Excellency the Minister for support and recommendations for activities that will help the effort to change worker transport vans to safer ones and provide free helmets to workers. The work needs the active participation of journalists,” he said.