S IEM REAP - The Cambodian navy has taken over the collecting of taxes from fishing lots on the Tonle Sap Lake, a navy commander says.

Lieutenant General Khieng Savorn said the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fishery stopped collecting taxes from the fishermen in December.

He said fisheries officers had problems doing the job in remote areas with Khmer Rouge rebels.

The navy's taking over of the task was in line with Second Prime Minister Hun Sen's recent statement that the KR's taxing of fishing lots should be eliminated.

Gen Savorn said the KR infantry around the lake were surviving off the proceeds of taxes of fishermen by KR guerrillas.

About 90 of the 247 fishing lots on the lake were under KR control. Fisheries officers were afraid to visit them for fear of being murdered.