Sar Kheng: Crime rate down in 2022 thanks to government policy

• Published date: 23 February 2023
• Publication title: The Phnom Penh Post

Minister of Interior Sar Kheng said that the implementation of the safe village-commune policy in 2022 had reduced the crime rate by nine per cent, while the nationwide rate of conviction for those arrested for criminal offences was at 92 per cent.

Sar Kheng spoke at the meeting to review the work outcomes for 2022 and the work direction for 2023 of his ministry on February 22, with more than 700 ministry staff in attendance from all over the country.

'The National Police and administrations at all levels continue to increase cooperation in maintaining order and safety in society through improving professional measures along with efforts to encourage participation from people in implementing the safe village-commune policy,' he said.

Sar Kheng also said that in 2022 the government implement a joint operations campaign to increase law enforcement activities against human trafficking, labour trafficking and sex trafficking, as well as illegal gambling.

Ha added that the government also conducted inspections of work places to check on foreign workers, anti-money laundering operations, anti-drug campaigns and crack downs on local gangs to achieve remarkable results.

Sar Kheng also urged his subordinates to continue to strengthen their respective activities to reduce the impacts on public health, especially to serve the interests of the people, although the good outcomes had achieved.

'Some challenges with the global political, economic, social and security situations have raised concerns about increasing terrorism and transnational crimes, the spread of technological crimes and an increase in criminal offenses that affect social psychology, drug offenses, human and sexual trafficking and also traffic accidents.

'This work requires the authorities and the competent forces to increase monitoring of the evolving regional and international situations, as well as to strengthen the management of the situation inside the country in order set out policies, strategies and measures more effectively. Those strategies and policies are for maintaining national security, public order, social safety and creating ease in developing...