The Phnom Penh Municipal Administration has announced a temporary halt of operations for the Chroy Changvar and Arey Ksat ferries.

The suspension is due to take effect on July 1 from 5am to 12 noon as the ruling Cambodian People's Party (CPP) celebrates the 72nd anniversary of its founding and kicks off its election campaign.

A statement from the City Hall explained that the CPP will commemorate the anniversary in front of Koh Pich Convention and Exhibition Centre – within a short distance from the ferry terminal – in Chamkarmon district's Tonle Bassac commune at 6am that day. The gathering, to be presided over by Prime Minister Hun Sen, expects an audience of over 70,000.

It added that the convention centre and its vicinity may see a high level of congestion due to the event. Hence, residents without pressing commitments are advised to make a detour.

The public is requested to comply with the temporary ferry service suspension. Following the hiatus, normal operations will resume, it said.