National Police chief Neth Savoeun on April 6 called on police chiefs in the capital and provinces to step up vigilance and efforts to maintain security, public order and safety, especially during a series of major upcoming events.

Savoeun made the call while chairing a meeting with the police chiefs, their deputies and relevant officials at the Bodyguard Department, the National Police said in a statement.

The key events mentioned by Savoeun included the Khmer New Year holiday and accompanying Sangkran celebrations in mid-April, the 32nd Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in May, the 12th ASEAN Para Games in June, and parliamentary election on July 23.

All security force units must have personnel on standby round the clock during the Khmer New Year period, he said, adding that clear plans must be prepared to guarantee complete security and order at the 32nd SEA Games and 12th ASEAN Para Games.

Security personnel are obliged to safeguard electoral processes before, during and after the date of the vote, he added.