Ministry of Health spokeswoman Or Vandine denied that some private entities and individuals have cooperated with the ministry to issue vaccination cards or may issue certificates to citizens for use abroad.

Vandine, who is also head of the national Covid-19 vaccination committee, made the remarks on May 12 in response to news that had been shared on social media about businesses or individuals claiming they could issue the cards and certificates.

“I totally reject the announcements of these businesses and individuals, and call for an immediate end to all this propaganda. I appeal to all citizens to stop believing these deceptive lies. Doing so contradicts the policy of the government and will cost you money and cause anarchy in society,” she said.

Vandine added that the vaccine committee did not recognise vaccination cards or certificates issued by any entities than the health ministry or the Ministry of National Defence.

According to the announcement, citizens can apply for vaccination certificates free of charge online via search.vaccirie.gov.kh.

Regarding the vaccination process in Cambodia, Prime Minister Hun Sen said on May 11 that the Covid-19 jab drive in Cambodia can be considered the most successful campaign, because it had no political agenda and was not divided by race or religion.

“We have not let personal pride influence the campaign. Yes, we are poor, poor in wealth but not in heart. I have dared to protect the lives of the people without partisanship, despite the unfortunate rumours from abroad that the jab could kill you. Now, almost 15 million have been inoculated,” he said.

The government is currently assessing whether it is possible to jab children aged 2, but the subject requires further study.

Vandine said that vaccination is still an important pandemic strategy of the government, and echoed the premier’s appeal for the public to continue updating their vaccinations to prevent further outbreaks of the coronavirus.

“Vaccines are important; people’s situations have improved because of them. Community immunity has meant there are fewer cases, and even those who succumb to infection are far less likely to require hospitalisation or face their mortality,” she said.

She added that the need for the vaccine remains and even if the number of infections reduces, the vaccine is still needed to ensure normal lives in the new normal environment.

According to the health ministry, as of May 11 more than 14.99 million people – or 93.69 per cent of the estimated population of 16 million – had been vaccinated.

More than 8.8 million have so far received their third dose while two million have gotten their fourth.