Prime Minister Hun Manet has advised relevant ministries and institutions to introduce effective measures to prevent and curb possible fire risks, particularly in factories, enterprises and tourist related facilities.
In a March 1 directive, Manet noted a worrying increase in fires over the past year, particularly in manufacturing enterprises and the tourism sector.
He said these fires have impacted lives, property, the environment, security, public order, social safety and business operations.
“The main causes of the fires included faulty electrical wiring and negligence in implementing necessary safety measures, particularly in inspecting electrical networks and electric devices,” the directive stated.
To maximise attention on fire prevention, especially with weather conditions expected to reach 41 degrees Celsius in April and early May, the government has introduced the initiative, emphasising the need for extra precautions.
“The Ministry of Labour must continue to spread and increase awareness in the workplace of fire prevention and safety measures, as well as worker’s health, to owners and directors of enterprises and establishments under labour law,” Manet said.
He added that the Ministry of Interior must enhance the efficiency of implementing laws on firefighting and prevention and that the Ministry of Tourism is to continue instructing tour operators about their obligations regarding safety to ensure the security and well-being of tourists.
For the Ministry of Land Management, Urban Planning and Construction, the prime minister stated it must improve the efficiency of inspecting construction techniques, and the Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology and Innovation should intensify publicity and inspections of factories and local processing shops to ensure they are equipped with fire extinguishers.
“The administrations in the capital and provinces and local authorities must cooperate to strengthen the implementation of fire prevention measures with relevant units and employers of enterprises and establishments under their jurisdiction and observe National Fire Prevention Day on February 22 annually,” he added.
Pav Sina, president of the Collective Union of Movement of Workers (CUMW), stated that the directive serves as a warning to pertinent institutions to fulfil their roles in protecting properties, business operations and particularly the lives of staff members.
“I have observed that all factories and enterprises have head trainers, such as firefighters. If a fire burns through a factory, it is due to negligence on the part of the factory manager,” he added.
However, he noted that for the implementation to be more effective, the fire prevention committee must closely inspect and monitor factories and enterprises.
Katta Orn, spokesperson for the labour ministry, stated on March 6 that the ministry would fulfil its role and duty to cooperate with relevant ministries, and local authorities, as well as owners of enterprises, to maximise fire prevention.
“Thus far, we have led inter-ministerial meetings to find solutions to the problem and key strategies to prevent fires. The ministry has also issued instructions and measures to employers to pay close attention to this issue,” he added.
The Fire Prevention, Extinguishing and Rescue department of the National Police reported that there were 761 fires in 2023, an increase of 143 compared to 2022. The incidents resulted in 54 deaths and 97 injuries, while 579 houses and 57 stalls were destroyed.
