Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sar Sokha has called on the National Police forces to intensify efforts in preventing and suppressing local crimes, including human trafficking, cybercrime and gambling. 

The appeal comes after authorities clamped down on over 500 illegal gambling sites and detained more than 1,000 people in the past six months.

Sokha made the remarks during a March 26 meeting focused on security, public order and social safety, attended by National Police chief Sar Thet, municipal and provincial police chiefs, leaders and relevant joint forces.

During the gathering, the minister directed leaders and National Police forces, especially those on missions in border areas and at cross-border checkpoints, to further their vigilance in crime prevention within their localities and jurisdictions.

“Although Cambodia’s security situation is improving, the global security landscape remains complex and unpredictable. We must, therefore, remain vigilant against any phenomena that could impact security and public order. This includes improving border management efficiency, particularly monitoring the entry and exit of foreigners, drugs and illegal weapons,” he stated.

Sokha also advised continued attention to the safety of foreigners in Cambodia, especially tourists, and urged ongoing efforts against human trafficking and cybercrime. 

He emphasised the importance of efficient firefighting, effective control of explosive weapons, managing immigration and maintaining a high level of responsibility in leading officials and forces within unit frameworks.

Sokha observed that due to the joint efforts of coalition forces, the implementation of drink driving controls, especially in Phnom Penh, has led to a significant reduction in accidents, deaths and injuries.

Ministry spokesperson Touch Sokhak stated on March 27 that the government is committed to a stringent crackdown on lottery. 

He said that in the past six months of the seventh-mandate government, the ministry’s joint authority successfully tackled 541 cases of various illegal gambling activities, resulting in the arrest of 1,125 individuals.

Sokhak added that the ministry is considering amending or introducing new legislation to reflect advancements in technology, as online cybercrime continues to grow.

In line with this, the Commercial Gambling Management Commission of Cambodia (CGMC) collaborated with the Kandal and Kampong Speu provincial administrations on March 26 to hold consultative meetings on the management of gambling.

“These discussions aim to create a forum for dialogue, consultation and exchange of views between the CGMC general secretariat and relevant provincial authorities. The focus is on managing the gambling business in Cambodia and addressing the challenges and impacts of all types of illegal gambling that have occurred,” stated a press release from the commission.

The same announcement highlighted that after thorough discussions, there was a firm commitment from the two provincial governors, provincial police chiefs and commanders of the provincial Military Police to continue cracking down on all kinds of illegal gambling and prevent their recurrence in their jurisdictions.