ACU chief slapped with fine for seatbelt violation

Om Yentieng speaks at an Anti-Corruption Unit event on phnom Penhs Koh Pich late last year Hong Menea

Anti-Corruption Unit president Om Yentieng got an early Christmas present in the shape of a 25,000 riel ($6.50) fine for failing to wear a seatbelt while driving through Sen Sok district on December 24.

Yentieng did not respond to requests for comment, but a district police official confirmed the fine.

Fines for not wearing a seatbelt are rarely issued due to difficulties in determining whether or not passengers are wearing their belts, said Road Safety Institute director Ear Chariya, who added that public figures have a duty to “set a good model for citizens” when it comes to road safety.

Accountability NGO ANSA executive director San Chey said he was pleased to see the police enforcing the traffic law properly but that it was still far more common for officers to demand informal payments rather than issue tickets.

“A driver will be given two options by the police, if you pay [on the spot] it will be less than in the law,” Chey said. “But I think in the case of Om Yentieng, I’m sure the police cannot force him to pay at the checkpoint.”

Contact authors: Jack Davies and Mech Dara

MOST VIEWED

Joy as Koh Ker Temple registered by UNESCO
Cambodia's Koh Ker Temple archaeological site has been officially added to UNESCO’s World Heritage List, during the 45th session of the World Heritage Committee held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on September 17. The ancient temple, also known as Lingapura or Chok Gargyar, is located in
Ream base allegations must end, urges official
A senior government official urges an end to the allegations and suspicions surrounding the development of Cambodia’s Ream Naval Base, now that Prime Minister Hun Manet has addressed the issue on the floor of the 78th UN General Assembly (UNGA 78). Jean-Francois Tain, a geopolitical
Cambodia set to celebrate Koh Ker UNESCO listing
To celebrate the inscription of the Koh Ker archaeological site on UNESCO’s World Heritage List, the Ministry of Cults and Religion has appealed to pagodas and places of worship to celebrate the achievement by ringing bells, shaking rattles and banging gongs on September 20. Venerable
CP denied registration documents by ministry
The Ministry of Interior will not reissue registration documents to the Candlelight Party (CP). Following a September 21 meeting between ministry secretary of state Bun Honn and CP representatives, the ministry cited the fact that there is no relevant law which would authorise it to do
Manet touches down in Beijing for high-level meetings
Prime Minister Hun Manet arrived in Beijing on September 14 for his first official visit to China, where he is slated to attend the 20th China-ASEAN Expo and meet other leaders including Chinese President Xi Jinping. Upon his arrival, Manet laid a wreath at the Monument
Cambodian diaspora laud Manet’s UN Assembly visit
Members of the Cambodian diaspora are rallying in support of Prime Minister Hun Manet’s forthcoming visit to the 78th UN General Assembly (UNGA 78) in the US’ New York City this week. Their move is an apparent response to a recent call by self-exiled former