Cambodia passes tougher law for prevention of COVID-19 spread
The National Assembly of Cambodia on March 5 unanimously approved a draft Law on Measures to Prevent the Spread of COVID-19 and other Highly Contagious Diseases, which clearly stated financial penalties and prison sentences for violators.
Many areas in Cambodia's Sihanoukville city have been locked down to prevent the spread of the pandemic (Photo: VNA)As reported by China's Xinhua News Agency, all 83 lawmakers, who were present at the parliamentary session, passed the bill that consisted of six chapters and 18 articles.
Senior lawmaker Lork Kheng said under the law, quarantine escapees, who lead to the spread of COVID-19 to others, will be punishable by six months to three years in prison and a fine of 2,500 USD dollars.
A COVID-19 patient fleeing treatment or a Ministry of Health-designated treatment facility will be imprisoned from one to five years and a fine of 5,000 USD, Kheng said, adding that the jail term will be increased to 10 years if the act leads to the spread of COVID-19 to others.
A person intentionally spreads the COVID-19 to others will be punishable by imprisonment from five to 10 years, and the prison sentences will be raised from 10 to 20 years if the act is organised by a group or a syndicate, she said.
Health Minister Mam Bunheng said the draft law was designed to combat the pandemic and to help minimise its impact on social and economic sectors in Cambodia.
By March 5, the Southeast Asian nation had registered a total of 932 confirmed COVID-19 cases, with zero deaths and 489 recoveries./.
You should also see
Dien Bien soldiers, youth volunteers meet in Hanoi
Nearly 300 soldiers and youth volunteers directly engaging in the Dien Bien Phu campaign 70 years ago looked back on the 56-day battle, the victory of which led to the signing of the Geneva Accords on ending the war and restoring peace in Indochina, at a meeting in Hanoi on April 23.
See more
World
Malaysia, Philippines warn of severe heat in upcoming summer
Malaysia and the Philippines have warned of severe heat during the upcoming summer.
World
Thailand re-considers tourism tax
Thai tourism operators are urging the Thai government to seriously consider measures to tackle overtourism. One of the proposed measures is a tourism tax of 300 baht (8.11 USD).
World
Ten crew members killed after two Malaysian navy helicopters collide
Ten people have died after two navy helicopters collided in mid-air during a military rehearsal for a Royal Malaysian Navy parade.
World
Indonesian Constitutional Court rejects petitions against presidential election results
The Indonesian Constitutional Court on April 22 rejected all petitions regarding the country’s presidential election results filed by two presidential candidates - Anies Baswedan-Muhaimin Iskandar and Ganjar Prabowo-Mahfud M.D.
ASEAN
ASEAN youth empowered to unleash potential: ASEAN chief
ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn reaffirmed ASEAN leaders' commitment to empowering the youth to unleash their full potential when he had a dialogue with ASEAN youth in Hanoi on April 22 on the sidelines of the ASEAN Future Forum (AF 2024).
