The Phnom Penh municipal administration has banned the wearing of clothing similar to security forces uniforms without permission during Water Festival. Post staff
The Phnom Penh municipal administration has banned the selling of goods, especially walkie-talkies, batons and similar equipment, and the wearing of clothing similar to security forces uniforms with the words “police”, “military police” or “army” without permission during the Water Festival.
In a notice, the municipal administration on Tuesday announced the ban, citing the purpose as ensuring security, safety and public order during Independence Day on November 9 and during the Water Festival from November 10-12.
In the meantime, the Phnom Penh Municipal administration requested relevant authorities to monitor the selling and use of such clothing and equipment.
“[The ban serves] to avoid confusing the public as the wearers of such uniforms can pose as [law enforcement] forces to commit crimes to cause social unrest,” the Phnom Penh Municipal administration said.
The Phnom Penh municipal administration also warned that if such misuse was not halted, measures would be taken to educate and stop them from selling and using such items.
In the case of flagrant offences, the culprits would be detained and sent to court for legal procedures.
Besides this ban, the Phnom Penh Municipal administration announced the suspension of taxi boat services for five days during the Water Festival as nearly 300 boats have registered for this year’s boat racing.
The notice of the Phnom Penh municipal administration dated November 4 said that to maintain peace, order and security in navigation on the Tonle Sap, Mekong and Bassac rivers, the transporting services of taxi boats would be suspended for five days from November 8-12.
“This suspension aims to congratulate the occasion of the Water Festival and rowers of traditional dragon boats will come from various provinces to attend the annual boat racing,” the administration said.
The Phnom Penh municipal administration said following the conclusion of the festival, it would put the service into operation as normal on November 13.
Along with the announcement, Phnom Penh municipal governor Khuong Sreng wrote on his Facebook page on Monday that the municipal administration held a meeting of its command unit to be ready to organise the Water Festival, the 66th Independence Day on November 9, and the birth of the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces this year.
In the post, he ordered administrators of 14 districts, the skilled units and all relevant authorities to maintain public order and protect public security and safety.
Following the meeting, he announced handing over tuk-tuks to four district administrations to help collect rubbish.
An official from the National Committee for Organising National and International Festivals Bun Veasna told The Post on Tuesday that this year, there will be 297 boats from 19 provinces and the capital and 19,214 rowers joining the boat races.
He said the suspension of powered boats and ferries during the Water Festival is the best measure to avert accidents for rowers and prevent other incidents.
The Ministry of Health said it had readied 66 ambulance stands and many mobile clinics. Some 1,000 health officials would be put on standby to rescue people who encounter medical problems.
