Prime Minister Hun Manet has ordered the closure of all firing ranges in Preah Sihanouk province.

The move is aimed at strengthening public order in the province, he said, and will contribute to restoring the province’s excellent reputation.

He issued the instruction while announcing his government’s “special programme to boost investment in Preah Sihanouk province in 2024” to a large assembly of government officials and foreign diplomats.

Manet explained that the Kingdom has worked hard to build its reputation for the past two decades in order to attract both tourists and investors, but this reputation has been besmirched by a few foreign media outlets and sensationalised feature films.

The view of Sihanoukville in early January. Yousos Apdoulrashim

“The most important thing to do is eliminate any source of negative issues, as these could be used by others to place blame on us, as well as all Cambodians. So, what we have to do is prevent any disturbances to public order, especially in Preah Sihanouk province. We must wipe out any sources of these issues,” he said.

He told the authorities to shut down both of the province’s two shooting ranges, as a measure to prevent violent crimes.
“If you come to Preah Sihanouk province, come and enjoy the islands, but don’t come here to shoot guns,” he said, adding that he will shortly issue a circular ordering the closure.