National Police Chief Sar Thet has instructed the Preah Sihanoukville provincial police to be vigilant in addressing security issues in the province.

He emphasised the need for swift investigations and strict legal action whenever crimes occur.

He issued the order during the December 11 closing ceremony of the provincial police annual meeting, which reviewed the outcomes of the force’s work in 2024 and outlined future directions.

Thet identified Preah Sihanouk as a province rich in tourism and commercial potential, and underlined the critical importance of maintaining security, public order, and safety in the area.

According to a post by the Ministry of Interior, he advised police officers to enhance their cooperation with all relevant institutions to safeguard security and public order more effectively.

“The success of ensuring security, safety and public order cannot be achieved without close collaboration with relevant institutions, including local authorities at all levels, the military police and judicial bodies,” he said.

The ministry also highlighted that crimes such as drug-related offenses and online gambling must be more rigorously addressed, as these crimes negatively affect Cambodia’s reputation, especially that of Sihanoukville town, the provincial capital.

“Police forces must not become involved in these crimes. As law enforcement representatives, you must serve as role models for the public and maintain high ethical standards,” Thet warned.

No specific figures or details regarding criminal cases in the province were disclosed in the report.