Phnom Penh police and military police are on 24-hour standby for the Khmer New Year, with extra presence at the city’s holiday gathering places, officials said.
“All municipal, district and commune police officials have the obligation to keep high security for our residents 24 hours,” said Phnom Penh Municipal police Commissioner Heng Pov.
“We have deployed our police officials at famous places where people often assemble to play traditional games. Traffic police officials have to stand along the street to keep good order as well,” he said Wednesday.
“We received an order from National Police Chief Hok Lundy and Phnom Penh Governor Kep Chuktema to work with Phnom Penh military police officials to strengthen security,” Heng Pov said.
Yim Socheat, deputy police chief for the Daun Penh district, said more than 300 district police officers will be on standby in his district.
He said he has ordered patrols to keep homes safe from thieves who might take advantage of the mass exodus of the city. The extra hours that police work away from their families during the holiday, however, doesn’t translate into extra pay, one police officer said.
“I never see my children during the holiday. So I beg government leaders to release more money for police officials,” said the officer, who identified himself only as Lay. He said he receives $1 a day to work during the holiday.
Heng Pov said police officials working during the holiday get proper compensation from the government and municipality.
