Cambodia enhances security during traditional new year

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen (Photo: VNA)

Phnom Penh (VNA) - Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen on April 3 ordered Government agencies and the armed forces to beef up security during the celebration of the traditional New Year Bunpimay, or Buon Hotnam, which falls on April 14-16.

He said that safety for the people must be the most important factor. The Prime Minister also called on people to refrain from splashing water on each other, throwing bags of water on travellers, and using charcoal or powder to paint on others’ faces on the occasion.

He said throwing bags of water on each other is not Khmer tradition, adding that the practice is very dangerous and can cause traffic accidents if the bags of water are thrown on those riding motorcycles. Meanwhile, when painting on other faces, some take the chance to rip off others' earrings.

The Cambodian PM said the Phnom Penh City Bus Authority would offer free bus services to provinces during April 12-18 in order to facilitate people's travel to their hometowns.

The move was to prevent private bus companies and taxi drivers from raising fees during the holiday period that would see millions of Cambodians travelling from capital Phnom Penh to their hometowns.

He also urged all vehicle drivers to drive carefully in order to avoid traffic accidents on the occasion. - VNA