The Prime Minister, Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet, has directed three key ministries – Information, Health, and Commerce – to collaborate on drafting a comprehensive code of conduct governing alcohol advertising.
This directive came during the Prime Minister’s leadership of the weekly cabinet plenary session at the Peace Palace in Phnom Penh earlier today.
In his address, the Prime Minister emphasized the importance of reviewing alcohol advertisements, particularly those displayed on billboards in public areas, to ensure they contribute positively to reducing traffic accidents stemming from drunk driving.
Addressing the conclusion of the Ministry of Information’s two-day annual meeting on January 23, Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet underscored the need for the General Commissariat of National Police to intensify efforts against drunk driving, a significant contributor to road fatalities and injuries in Cambodia.
Additionally, he called for a reevaluation of existing alcohol control measures to address this pressing issue. The Prime Minister specifically highlighted the need for television stations to cease broadcasting content that encourages the consumption of alcohol, such as inviting individuals to open beer cans onstage, which he deemed a serious oversight. He also urged journalists to play an active role in curbing alcohol promotion and enhancing public awareness of its adverse effects.
Earlier this year, the Ministry of Information reintroduced a ban on inappropriate alcohol promotions across various media platforms, particularly on television.
Echoing these concerns, H.E. Sar Sokha, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, expressed alarm over the rising number of traffic accidents attributed to drunk driving. He cited statistics from 2023, revealing that such accidents claimed the lives of 1,952 individuals.
According to current legislation, individuals found driving with a blood alcohol content ranging from 0.4 to 0.8 are subject to imprisonment for one to six months and fines of up to 4 million Riel (approximately US$1,000). Stricter penalties apply to those exceeding this limit.
Source: AKP
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