Prime Minister Hun Sen on Saturday warned that he would authorise the use of tanks to stop government officials from unlawfully using emergency sirens on their vehicles.

Speaking to hundreds of villagers during the ground-breaking ceremony for the Neak Loeung bridge, Hun Sen said high-ranking government officials blaring sirens and speeding in their cars pose a threat to public safety, and that their actions would not be tolerated.

“If you are not listening to my advice, I will order the tanks to stop you in the street,” Hun Sen said.

Additionally, he said sirens always annoy people who are napping after lunch, students at schools and patients in hospitals.

Hun Sen added that siren envoys are lawful only for King Norodom Sihamoni, King Father Norodom Sihanouk, the Prime Minister, and the President of the Senate and National Assembly.

Yim Sovann, lawmaker from the opposition Sam Rainsy Party, said on Sunday that individual high-ranking government officials have been abusing the privilege of using sirens, causing public disorder and traffic jams while using sirens for personal reasons such as getting to a golf game.