Logo of Phnom Penh Post newspaper Phnom Penh Post - S’ville authorities ask public to report beach scams

S’ville authorities ask public to report beach scams

Content image - Phnom Penh Post
People enjoy street food along the coast in Sihanoukville on December 30. Hong Menea

S’ville authorities ask public to report beach scams

Preah Sihanouk provincial authorities are urging people to report unscrupulous attempts to charge for the use of beaches and other public spaces, as well as the misuse of the granite pavements for conducting business or parking.

The call comes after numerous complaints were received of opportunists attempting to charge between 50,000 and 80,000 riel ($12.50-$20) on New Year’s Eve for the renting of mats and chairs for use in public areas.

Provincial Hall stressed that the use of all public beaches and areas is free.

“The visiting and use of all public beaches and spaces is free of charge for everybody, with people welcome to bring mats or tents with which to enjoy the scenery and have food.

It also called on the people to stop using the city’s granite sidewalks for business, the storing of goods or parking, as this caused cracks in the surface, affecting order and damaging the aesthetics of the city.

“The granite pavements installed by the Coastal Management Committee to heighten the appearance of public streets are only for pedestrians, joggers, wheelchair users and cyclists.

“Please join us in protecting all public streets and beaches, and maintaining the cleanliness, appearance and environment of the city,” the provincial hall said.

Provincial Hall’s Planning and Investment Department director Kheang Phearum told The Post on January 4 that the private use of sidewalks, roads and beaches designated by the provincial administration as public spaces was not permitted.

He said the misuse of public spaces and infrastructure created a negative image, with authorities at all levels having an obligation to tackle the small number of traders using it for business or demanding money from tourists.

“These measures are needed because public spaces should be for the benefit of the public, with the granite sidewalks not there for the exhibition of goods for sale, while untidy tables, chairs and mats and discarded litter spoil the image of the city for everyone.

“Such activities are inappropriate and unethical, and the use of public spaces for personal gain is even more wrong,” Phearum said.

San Chey, executive director of the NGO Affiliated Network for Social Accountability, said the introduction of measures to ensure the upkeep of infrastructure for attracting greater numbers of tourists was positive.

However, he said he wanted to see appropriate solutions to the problems faced by those in the informal economy, with them given acceptable opportunities to conduct business.

“Small traders in the informal economy also have a hard time doing business. In Preah Sihanouk province, there has been a lot of discussion between policymakers and workers in the informal economy.

“It is therefore important to look at what measures are being put in place and how these affect them,” he said.

According to the Ministry of Tourism, more than two million tourists travelled over the two days of New Year, with Preah Sihanouk province the second most popular destination after Phnom Penh with more than 300,000 visitors.

MOST VIEWED

  • Ministry orders all schools, public and private, to close for SEA Games

    From April 20 to May 18, all public and private educational institutions will be closed to maintain order and support Cambodia's hosting of the 32nd SEA Games and 12th ASEAN Para Games, said a directive from the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport. Cambodia will host the

  • Almost 9K tourists see equinox sunrise at Angkor Wat

    Nearly 9,000 visitors – including 2,226 international tourists – gathered at Angkor Wat on March 21 to view the spring equinox sunrise, according to a senior official of the Siem Reap provinical tourism department. Ngov Seng Kak, director of the department, said a total of 8,726 people visited Angkor Wat to

  • Angkor Beer strengthens national pride with golden new look and fresher taste

    Angkor Beer – the "Gold of Angkor" – has a new look, one that is more stylish and carries a premium appeal, as well as a fresher taste and smoother flavour, making it the perfect choice for any gathering. Angkor Beer recently launched its new design, one

  • PM urges end to ‘baseless’ international Ream base accusations

    Prime Minister Hun Sen urges an end to “baseless” foreign accusations surrounding the development of the Kingdom’s Ream Naval Base, as the US has consistently suggested that the base is being expanded to accommodate a Chinese military presence. Hun Sen renewed his calls while

  • Khmer ballet documentary debuts April 1

    A new documentary, The Perfect Motion, or Tep Hattha in Khmer, will premiere to the public on April 1. The documentary film follows two intertwined storylines: the creation of a show called Metamorphosis by the late Princess Norodom Buppha Devi (her very last production) and the

  • Water supply authority assures public shortages over early ‘24

    The Phnom Penh Water Supply Authority (PPWSA) asked for understanding from Phnom Penh residents in some communes where water pressure is weak. They assured residents that all supply issues will be resolved by early 2024, but have suggested that residents use water sparingly in the meantime.