An aerial view of Sihanoukville shows a mix of completed and unfinished buildings in January. Yousos Apdoulrashim
In a bid to tighten gun control, Prime Minister Hun Manet has ordered an end to the issuance of firing range business permits across Cambodia, while also ordering the immediate closure of all existing ranges in coastal Preah Sihanouk province.
He added that safety standards at existing range operations in the rest of the country will be thoroughly evaluated, and that licences will be revoked if standards are not meet.
Manet’s instructions came as he addressed the official launch of the “Special Investment Promotion Programme in Preah Sihanouk Province 2024”, on January 31.
“If a business has a licence but is not operating, the licence should be cancelled. Why would they need one if they are not using it? All existing ranges, including military ones that are open to the public, must be thoroughly inspected,” he explained.
He told the authorities to shut down both of Preah Sihanouk’s two shooting ranges, as a measure to prevent violent crimes.
“If you come to visit, come and enjoy the islands, but don’t come here to shoot guns. Private shooting clubs have the right to buy guns and ammunition, and we cannot guarantee where that ammunition might end up. Better to not have this type of business,” he said.
“When it comes to the army’s shooting ranges, it is better that they are used by military personnel to train, rather than run as businesses which serve civilians,” he added.
Preah Sihanouk provincial deputy governor Long Dimanche said on January 31 that the provincial administration would immediately put his instructions into effect.
“The strict regulations ordered by the prime minister make perfect sense. Preah Sihanouk is a place of natural attractions like forests, beaches and islands. We do not need shooting ranges to attract tourists,” he explained.
He said the closures would also contribute to public order in the province, which would in turn attract tourists and increase the confidence of investors. He was also confident that it would reduce the availability and use of illegal weapons, and their trafficking.
Cambodian Institute for Democracy president Pa Chanroeun applauded Manet’s decision to tighten the regulation of firing ranges. He agreed that they are unnecessary in society, while also noting that the province has had more than its share of gun crime in the past.
“It is an excellent move to reduce access to firearms and explosives, and I believe that this will reduce shootings. It will also contribute to the safety of the public who live near the ranges,” he said.
Chanroeun added that the unregulated supply of ammunition could easily lead to tragedy, and pointed out that most of the ranges were originally opened to train the police and armed forces anyway.
Ho Vandy, an adviser to the Cambodia Association of Travel Agents (CATA), also expressed his support for the strengthening of security and public order, especially in Preah Sihanouk.
“The more the state can reduce the use of firearms, the better it is. It will provide comfort to the people of the province, especially those living near firing ranges. It will also increase the confidence of domestic and international tourists visiting the province, as well as the wider Kingdom,” he said.
He suggested that the owners and investors of private shooting clubs consider offering a different form of entertainment service.
