Cambodia's Education minister Hang Chuon Naron, has released new regulations concerning disciplinary actions for candidates sitting the high school diploma examination on November 6. The announcement, dated September 11, outlines penalties and fines for those found engaging in fraud or impersonating candidates.

“Anyone caught cheating or taking the exam on behalf of someone else will be fined between one million and five million riel,” Naron said, referring to existing laws.

According to the ministry, candidates caught cheating more than once will face double the fine and will either be banned from future examinations for two years or permanently struck off the examination list.

Hem Sinareth, director of the Phnom Penh municipal education department, stated that this marks the third set of reforms introduced by the minister to ensure a fair and accurate examination process.

“All stakeholders, especially the examination management committee, must strictly adhere to these new rules,” Sinareth said.

He also advised students to focus on their studies and refrain from bringing unauthorised materials into the examination hall.

“These measures will be stringently enforced at every examination centre,” he said.

Parents and guardians were also urged to support their children’s academic efforts, rather than expecting external interventions or possible corrupt practices.

Ouk Chhayavy, president of the Cambodian Independent Teachers Association (CITA), noted that cheating and impersonation are no longer prevalent issues in exams.

“Our young people today are not resorting to these tactics,” she said, although she raised concerns about the potential for rule-breaking among law makers.

Sinareth reinforced the importance of abiding by the new regulations.

“We all need to follow the ministry’s instructions, including teachers, students, guardians and relevant authorities,” he said.