The Ministry of Interior is to construct a drug rehabilitation centre on over 504ha of land in Ta Lou Senchey district of Pursat province to reduce overcrowding at correctional centres and prisons across the Kingdom. A planning meeting was held on the morning of November 4, according to the ministry.

The meeting was led by ministry secretary of state Sak Setha, and attended by various ministry officials.

Setha said that the meeting was held to collect ideas and inputs on matters such as expense, infrastructure mapping and design, the size of the centre, office locations for officials, and other important decisions. After the suggestions have been collated, a working team will submit a proposal for the recommendation and approval of leadership.

Chhem Savuth, director-general of prisons, said plans for the drug rehabilitation centre were initiated by Minister of Interior Sar Kheng, to reduce overcrowding in the prison system.

He said the centre would ensure that detainees have a clean, hygienic space for labour, rehabilitation and vocational training.