The Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training and the Ministry of Public Works and Transport have announced the launch of a pilot programme in Svay Rieng province to enhance the vehicles used for transporting factory workers, aiming to make them safer and more comfortable. The initiative marks an early step toward upgrading worker transport vehicles nationwide by 2027.
The announcement was made on Wednesday, December 10, by labour minister Heng Sour and transport minister Peng Ponea. The programme aims to promote the transition from using cargo trucks to passenger-type vehicles, or at least upgrading existing vehicles to include seating for transporting workers.
The project aligns with government instructions to prioritise the development of support mechanisms and incentives to ensure worker transportation becomes more comfortable by 2027. A key part of the plan is ensuring that drivers of worker transport vehicles undergo technical inspections of their vehicles. The initiative is intended to improve comfort and safety for the workers who commute in these vehicles.
“The goal of this meeting is to disseminate information and promote the shift from cargo trucks to passenger vehicles, or to improve them with proper seating,” said Sour.
Ponea highlighted that improving worker transportation is essential for reducing traffic accidents, easing road congestion and lowering transportation costs for workers, while providing them with safer and more comfortable travel options.
Sour also offered several recommendations focused on reducing traffic accidents by considering three important factors: Vehicle condition, driver responsibility and respect for traffic laws.
He emphasised that these factors play a crucial role in ensuring travel safety and protecting workers.
The ceremony saw the participation of Svay Rieng governor Peng Ponsa and senior officials from the ministries of labour, transport and commerce, as well as local authorities, partner organisations, employer associations and union representatives.
