More than 100 vendors from Prey Veng Market gathered in front of Provincial Hall in Prey Veng town yesterday to protest unreasonable demands placed on them by the market’s private administrators earlier this month, representatives said.

Vendor representative Srea Neang said market manager Sa Leang handed down 11 new guidelines, and some – such as the market abdicating its liability in the event of a fire if vendors hadn’t turned off the electricity – were unacceptable, especially given monthly fees for night watchmen had recently risen nearly 50 per cent to 10,000 riel (about $2.50). Neang suggested vendors and the market share liability based on time of day. Other demands included improving ventilation and sanitation.

Deputy Provincial Governor Mok Theary said that after he talked with vendors “both sides agreed” on some points, and added that he would instruct management to reconsider the security fee and present a new one to provincial authorities for approval.