Municipal authorities want to take guns out of the hands of residents—at least the plastic ones.
A directive from Phnom Penh Governor Chea Sophara seeks to prevent the sale of plastics guns, knives, lighters or any other toys that look like weapons and are convincing enough to be used in robbery attempts.
Notice was posted on market walls and delivered to vendors throughout the city. “If [they] don’t carry out this instruction, we will seize the goods and file a case with the court,” wrote Deputy Governor Than Sina.
“Why is it so serious?” complained one Olympic market vendor. “It is only plastic, and we only make 500 riel from one piece.” But she said she would stop selling the toys rather than risk an expensive day in court.
