The Ministry of Justice has rolled out the second phase of its digital criminal record bulletin service, initially launched in February.

The move aims to expedite public services, cut costs and contribute to the modernisation of state institutions.

“The aim is to minimise both the time and expense required to access the service,” a September 11 press release stated.

The ministry is also co-ordinating with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation to establish procedures for Cambodians living abroad to apply through their respective embassies.

“The justice ministry will soon announce the official launch date of the follow-up phase, as well as the necessary forms and procedures for citizens living abroad,” it said.

The move came after Prime Minister Hun Manet instructed the justice ministry to make the service more accessible to the public on September 9.

He stated that once the online service becomes available, applicants will only need to appear in person once to collect their documents, as the authorities will need to verify their identities.

Soeung Sen Karuna, spokesman for human rights group ADHOC, welcomed the ministry’s initiative.

“The online bulletin system is a cost-effective and time-saving approach,” Sen Karuna stated.

He pointed out that the traditional method often required multiple trips to Phnom Penh to complete paperwork. He urged further improvements.

“The ministry should continue to refine the service to make it even more efficient,” he added.