Logo of Phnom Penh Post newspaper Phnom Penh Post - Public encouraged to use public services but avoid intermediaries

Public encouraged to use public services but avoid intermediaries

Content image - Phnom Penh Post
Public works minister Sun Chanthol speaks during a presentation at the ministry last month. Public Works Ministry

Public encouraged to use public services but avoid intermediaries

The Ministry of Public Works and Transport urged the public to use services, such as driver’s licence renewal, that are provided directly by units under its jurisdiction rather than relying on brokers in order to reduce costs.

While leading journalists on a visit to the ministry and the Techo Sen institute of Public Works and Transport late last month, minister Sun Chanthol also reminded his officials to provide services to the people more efficiently and avoid misbehaving themselves or overcharging.

He said citizens can call the ministry’s hotline to report abnormal cases immediately.

San Chey, executive director of the Affiliated Network for Social Accountability, welcomed the move. But for more effective implementation, he said the ministry must eliminate the presence of brokers at the service counters and instead deploy professional staff to provide information and assist the public.

“We must have information officers on standby to assist citizens in preparing related documents. If for example people go to a service counter and there is no one there to give them details when they need help filling in information, they will turn to others nearby.

“And if there are brokers nearby, they will be tempted to seek their help. So, [the ministry] must eliminate services provided by brokers and replace them with its professionals.

“Some people do not fill in documents frequently, so they might be afraid of being blamed by officials for making mistakes while filling in the forms and therefore rely on brokers by paying them $10 or $20 to get it done,” he said.

The ministry’s headquarters and Techo Sen Institute of Public Works and Transport also boasts a modern public service centre providing services ranging from vehicle registration, vehicle inspection, provision of driver’s licence, waterway, maritime and port transport licence and domestic transport business licence, among others.

Chanthol considers providing fast and transparent services to the people as the ministry’s main goal in accordance with the recommendation of Prime Minister Hun Sen to restore public trust in the government.

MOST VIEWED

  • Ministry orders all schools, public and private, to close for SEA Games

    From April 20 to May 18, all public and private educational institutions will be closed to maintain order and support Cambodia's hosting of the 32nd SEA Games and 12th ASEAN Para Games, said a directive from the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport. Cambodia will host the

  • Newest horror film showcases unique Khmer culture, identity

    At first glance, the trailer to new horror sensation The Ritual: Black Nun looks like a western-produced feature film. As the story reveals itself to the viewers, it becomes clearer that this is a Khmer film, with a strong Cambodian identity and close links to

  • Almost 9K tourists see equinox sunrise at Angkor Wat

    Nearly 9,000 visitors – including 2,226 international tourists – gathered at Angkor Wat on March 21 to view the spring equinox sunrise, according to a senior official of the Siem Reap provinical tourism department. Ngov Seng Kak, director of the department, said a total of 8,726 people visited Angkor Wat to

  • Angkor Beer strengthens national pride with golden new look and fresher taste

    Angkor Beer – the "Gold of Angkor" – has a new look, one that is more stylish and carries a premium appeal, as well as a fresher taste and smoother flavour, making it the perfect choice for any gathering. Angkor Beer recently launched its new design, one

  • Water supply authority assures public shortages over early ‘24

    The Phnom Penh Water Supply Authority (PPWSA) asked for understanding from Phnom Penh residents in some communes where water pressure is weak. They assured residents that all supply issues will be resolved by early 2024, but have suggested that residents use water sparingly in the meantime.

  • Khmer ballet documentary debuts April 1

    A new documentary, The Perfect Motion, or Tep Hattha in Khmer, will premiere to the public on April 1. The documentary film follows two intertwined storylines: the creation of a show called Metamorphosis by the late Princess Norodom Buppha Devi (her very last production) and the