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Licence No: 157 MONDAY, APRIL 19, 2021 VOLUME 07 EDITION 239 facebook.com/khmertimes twitter.com/KhmerTimes 3,000 Riels VACCINATED st nd COVID19 (Feb 10- Apr 18) Civilians: NA Military: 1 dose 290,125 2 138,137

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Major banking houses deny relationship with GFX as ‘embezzled’ LOCKDOWN CHAOS funds reach $27M Husain Haider Panic buying and confrontations at barricades [email protected] ALLEGATIONS that Ben Sokhean GoldFX Co Ltd (GFX) board [email protected] members embezzled what is Tith Kongnov now understood to be $27 [email protected] million took a twist as finan- hile lock- cial houses said they had no downs in relationship with the deriva- Phnom Penh tives company. and the GFX claimed that Bank Wnearby city of Takhmao of America, JP Morgan enter the sixth day today amid Chase, Morgan Stanley, the large-scale COVID-19 Deutsche Bank, Credit community transmission, the Suisse, UBS, Merrill Lynch, capital became chaotic with SEB, Goldman Sachs, BNP residents panic-buying food Paribas, SMBC, HSBC and and supplies and confronting Nomura were providers of law enforcement officers liquidity, according to liter- who have declared “no ature presented to potential mercy” for the violators. investors. Due to the increasing However, as enquiries number of COVID-19 cases, continue, no banks have been The Health Ministry able to confirm that they have yesterday also began using any affiliation with GFX. the “Panbio COVID-19 Ag “We have no relationship Rapid Test Device” which with this company,” Morgan provides results in 15 minutes. Stanley said. Three other The government firms also denied having any announced on Wednesday dealings with the brokerage. night that Phnom Penh and GFX previously released Takhmao City are to be a statement alleging that three placed under temporary executives were responsible lockdown for 14 days starting for the theft but retracted the 00:00 am on April 15 till allegations days later. On April 28. Wednesday, the firm threat

More on page 3 Military police block Preah Monivong Blvd (63) as motorists try to be allowed through. KT/Pann Rachana More on page 11 2 NATION MONDAY, APRIL 19, 2021 | www.khmertimeskh.com Seven More ex-CNRP officials politically rehabilitated

Chea Vanyuth The amended Article 45 politicians have been rehabil- [email protected] of law on political parties itated, comprising former top allowed the banned individual advisor Kong Korm and even more former to request for pardon from the lawmaker Kong Bora, Sim senior officials of the King through the Prime Vanny; Real Khemarin; Ou court-dissolved Minister or Minister of Chanrath, Kang Kimhak, Chiv Cambodia National Interior. Kata, Tep Sothy, Chan Seila, SRescue Party (CNRP) who According to a recent Son Chhay, Tav Kim Chhorn, were banned from partici- letter signed by Minister of Var Samon, Sun Sopheak, Ly pating in political activities Interior Sar Kheng and sent Srey Vyna, Thach Setha, Yem for five years have been given to Prime Minister Hun Sen, Ponhearith, Muth Chantha, royal pardon. the seven who previously Chum Chandarin, Touch The royal pardon was were members of the party’s Khoeuth, Lath Litey, Long given by His Majesty King Permanent Committee and Kimkhorn, and Yong Norodom Sihamoni on April Standing Committee have Phanneth. 17 after the seven officials had requested for the reinstate- With more ex-CNRP offi- requested for political reha- ment of their political activ- cials granted rehabilitations in bilitation. ities. political activities, Mr Hun The seven are among 118 Kheng said despite the Sen said he needed support former ex-CNRP officials political ban, only Ponhearith for the government’s fight who were banned from continues to conduct “diplo- against the current COVID-19 engaging in political activities matic activities” abroad while situation in the country, espe- for five years when the the others have followed the cially in getting people to Supreme Court dissolved the court decision and have not vaccinate against the corona- CNRP on November 16, done any activities that affect virus. 2017, for “attempting to over- national security or social He made this remark throw the government through order. during the televised special a colour revolution”. Their requests were made message held on April 10. Among the seven are Yem after a senior official at “An [ex-CNRP] official Ponhearith, a former CNRP ex-CNPR was given rehabil- will ask for political rehabili- lawmaker and party itation. tation and I have learnt that spokesman; and former oppo- Before the seven, Thach those abroad have received sition leader Kem Sokha’s Setha, a former lawmaker of the information,” he said, cabinet chief Muth Chantha. the court-dissolved (CNRP), referring to former opposition To strengthen democracy was given a royal pardon by party leader Sam Rainsy. and political space in the His Majesty Norodom “Your group is running Kingdom, the government Sihamoni, according to the out of money and your group amended the law on political Royal Decree dated on April does not have the capacity and parties to pave way for former 12. ability,” he said, referring to opposition to re-engage in As of yesterday, at least the plan of ex-CNRP officials’ File picture of Yem Ponhearith, a former CNRP lawmaker and spokesman. KT/Chor politics. 22 of the banned CNRP returns to Cambodia. Sokunthea Man who cut lockdown barricade goes to prison

Buth Reaksmey Kongkea [email protected]

PHNOM Penh Municipal Court yesterday charged a man accused of violating the government’s curfew by taking a knife to cut the wire barricade that authorities had set up on a street in Tuol Kork district and sent him to prison for detention. Major Suon Sothea, Tuol Kork district police officer, identified the man as Dararoath Sokun, 27, living in Phnom Penh’s Prampi Barriers set up by authorities to prevent people from driving in Tuol Korea district to Makara district, in Mittapheap prevent the spread of COVID-19. Police commune. He said that the accused COVID-19 Law and faces up in Tuol Kork district’s Phsar that authorities set up on the was charged with “against the to five years in prison if Depo I commune. street in order to prevent authorities’ implementation convicted. He added that the accused people from travelling in Tuol Kork district police arrest Dararoath Sokun and take of public measures” under Sothea said that Sokun was was arrested after he took a accordance with the lockdown. him to the Phnom Penh Municipal Court yesterday, for Articles 3, 4 and 11 of the arrested on Friday at 10.30am knife to cut the protective wire Police seized the knife. violating the government’s curfew. Police Doeum Kor Market shut over C-19 cases

From page 3 According to Health Ministry spokeswoman Youk Sambath, the During the lockdown, all citizens ministry yesterday began imple- are not allowed to travel outside the menting rapid testing for the home area except for emergency COVID-19 virus in Phnom Penh and purposes. other high-risk provinces and cities. Khmer Times journalists had She said during the meeting that attempted to observe the situation in Health Minister Mam Bun Heng some part of the capital yesterday decided to use the rapid test kit to but were blocked by standby police test for COVID-19 in all suspected and military police, who asked the areas and that in each district, there journalist to return, without recog- will be a health centre to administer nising the press cards or company’s the tests. documents. The ministry implemented the At Chenla traffic stop alone near rapid test kit yesterday at Doeum the temporary closure of Doeum Kor market, saying among 940 Kor Market in Tuol Kork district suspected cases, up to 91 were found yesterday dozens of military police to be positive. When the results were were deployed to catch lockdown verified with a larger machine, they violators and barricaded the roads. were the same. A police officer at a blocked Prime Minister Hun Sen has street in Tuol Kork district’s Boeng Chbar Ampov district police allow vegetable carriers through during the lockdown in the capital. KT/Pann warned of extending the lockdowns Salang commune said none of the Rachana in Phnom Penh and Kandal province’s residents were allowed to travel due Takhmao City after the current 14 to concerns of the serious community members of traders as well as those instructed the owners of companies, trouble performing their jobs as they days expire at the end of this month. outbreak unless for “emergencies”. who had entered the market from factories and enterprises seeking to are stopped by the police and military In a recent voice message Mr Hun While some residents support the April 5 to have their samples taken operate during the lockdown to on the way to work. Sen said he will consider extending government measure, others expressed at the Chenla Technology Center. submit a list of employees required City Hall spokesman Meth Meas the lockdowns in the capital and in anger over the travel restrictions as The City Hall decided to close for work for permission to travel Pheakdey said yesterday that due to Takhmao City if the people not follow food prices have doubled or tripled temporarily Doeum Kor Market after during the lockdown. such complaints the City Hall had the measures put in place. due to panic buying. finding nearly 100 positive Sreng also requested owners of asked the police to permit health “I want to clarify that if during A resident who gave his name as COVID-19 cases. companies to prepare a list of workers to pass any lockdown border the 14 days lockdown, our people only “Duong” expressed dissatisfac- Phnom Penh Governor Khuong employees with their business loca- when they show their Identification still violate the ban and the situation tion due to the food price increase, Sreng told Khmer Times yesterday tions and said only 2 percent of their card and work letters. The border is not relieved, I will extend the saying the City Hall seems to not to that the decision to temporarily close staff should be present in the office entrance permission also applies to lockdown in Phnom Penh and have had a clear plan before the the market and surrounding areas while the rest could work at home. food delivery services. Takhmao City, as well as put more lockdown. was done after more vendors and During the past few days after Meanwhile, The Ministry of provinces in lockdown,” he said. “Banning people from leaving security guards tested positive for the lockdown, those who work in the Health yesterday announced the “If there is no cooperation from home without a long term plan is like COVID-19 and health officials are health sector and food and grocery deaths of two more COVID-19 the people, we will find it difficult leaving people starving,” he said. still swab testing others being traced delivery services, also have had patients in the Kingdom. to succeed in our goals,” he added. “For the rich people it is no big deal over contact with the patients. The government has reported 618 for them, but the poor like us find it “The February 20 Community new community cases linked to the difficult to live.” Event was a bad situation which has February 20 incident, including 493 Phnom Penh City Hall yesterday caused the spread of the coronavirus in Phnom Penh, bringing the total set up a COVID-19 testing station near rapidly, so we need to alert the people community outbreak cases to 5,845. the new Chenla Technology Center living in Phnom Penh and must The total number cases in the for thousands of vendors and people implement urgent health measures Kingdom has now risen to 6,389. who shopped at Doeum Kor Market to stop transmission of COVID-19,” There were also 60 recoveries in Tuol Kork district. Sreng said. yesterday and three more deaths, The decision were made after the He added that that in order to bringing the number of COVID-19 biggest fruit and vegetable supplying facilitate the daily life of the people, fatalities to 44. market and surrounding areas was he discussed with the Ministry of The latest deaths are a male aged temporarily closed for 14 days from Economy and Finance to change the 82 from the capital’s Daun Penh April 18 to May 1 after about 100 location of the vegetable market to district, a woman aged 41 from Sen vendors and security guards had a temporary place in Kandal province Sok district and a Deputy Director tested positive for COVID-19. bordering Phnom Penh along of Land Transport, Ministry of The City Hall also appealed to National Road 2. Public Works and Transport Uy vendors, security guards, staff, At the same time, the Phnom A motorcyclist tries to convince a military police officer to let him through Sovannarith, 55. workers in the market, and family Penh Capital Administration has a barricade in the capital. KT/Pann Rachana 4 NATION MONDAY, APRIL 19, 2021 | www.khmertimeskh.com Two detained for impersonating doctors in bid to cross provinces

Buth Reaksmey Kongkea Qing and Wang You Shi, both government provincial travel [email protected] foreign tourists. ban and curfew,” he added. Maj Gen Chanmakthurith Maj Gen Chanmakthurith ampot police sent said they were arrested on said they are accused with two Chinese men Wednesday in Kampot three counts of “imperson- to the provincial province after being found ating a doctor, using an ambu- court for ques- driving an ambulance imper- lance without permission Ktioning yesterday, accused of sonating medical doctors from the Ministry of Health impersonating doctors and without permission towards or the provincial Health driving an ambulance, Preah Sihanouk province. Department and violating the attempting to flee to Preah He said police seized the government’s provincial Sihanouk province, violating ambulance from them and sent travel ban,” and face up to the government’s provincial them to a quarantine centre. five years in prison each if travel ban. “They were arrested after convicted. Kampot provincial police they impersonated medical Kampot Provincial Court chief Major General Mao doctors and drove an ambu- spokesman Khan Sophal Chanmakthurith identified lance crossing from one could not be reached for Two Chinese nationals are arrested for driving an ambulance attempting to cross Kampot the two accused as Li Chang province to another during the comment yesterday. province to Preah Sihanouk province. Fresh News Monks defrocked, charged Innovative ‘tubes’ to help dogs for impersonating police sniff C-19 arrive in Cambodia officers, violating curfew Buth Reaksmey Kongkea Sar Socheath [email protected] public documents and using [email protected] forged documents”. KAMPONG Speu If convicted they face GETXENT, a science and Provincial Court charged between five and seven innovation company for detec- two defrocked monks years in prison each, he said. tion dogs, has donated “Getxent yesterday, accused of He added that they were tubes” to Cambodia to help violating the government’s arrested at 1.30am on with the training of COVID-19 curfew and forging public Saturday after they both detection dogs, according to documents pretending to be tried to drive through the the director-general of police officials. district police’s barricade in Cambodian Mine Action Lieutenant Colonel Keo Mreal commune. Centre (CMAC) Heng Ratana. Saveth, Borseth district Lt Col Saveth said that “The materials for deputy police chief, identi- after inspecting their cars, COVID-19 detection dogs, fied the two defrocked police seized many fake donated by this Swiss-based monks as Noun Chenda, 39, police uniforms items that company, have arrived in the former chief of Mony said they were ranked as Cambodia safely. Thank you Sorphoan Pagoda, and Major police officials, many to Getxent’s detection dog Ching Mengheak, 35, the cans of beer and the two team who donated the mate- former chief of Sen Oudom cars. rials to support the research Pogoda, both located in the He said that after their and development of the province’s Borseth district, arrests, they were later COVID-19 detection dog in Por Mreal commune. defrocked and expelled working group in Cambodia,” Lt Col Saveth told Khmer from their respective Ratana said on Wednesday. Times yesterday that they Pagodas on Saturday. According to its website, were both charged with three They were sent to court Getxent has developed a counts of “violating the for questioning yesterday, unique technology for detec- government’s curfew, forging he added. tion dogs. The Getxent tube allows dogs to detect all kinds of odours through its ability to capture all scent molecules and release them continu- ously. Its product is used A COVID-19 detection dog in training in Cambodia. CMAC throughout the world in the areas of health, environment bedbug detection and wildlife the virus, Ratana said. animal protection. There are and defence in order to detection, it added. CMAC has been training currently more than 200 diagnose diseases, search for Currently, a working group mine and unexploded ordnance deminer dogs in Cambodia, endangered species, detect from CMAC and the University detection dogs since 2002. This however, the COVID-19 sniffer explosives and more. of Health Sciences, Phnom year, CMAC’s National Dog dog programme is very new. Getxent tubes use unique Penh, are working together on Centre programme plans to The COVID-19 pandemic patented technology with a wide the research and training devel- breed more than 100 detection in Cambodia is now in a range of possibilities, including opment programme for dogs in different skills, from serious position, as outbreaks COVID-19 detection, cancer COVID-19 sniffer dogs, in explosive detection, environ- have been detected in markets, Two former monks in Kampong Speu province were detection, rare species detection, order to speed up the detection mental protection, security as factories and different commu- defrocked for violating the provincial authority’s curfew invasive species detection, process and slow the spread of well as patrolling and wild nities. and forging documents. Facebook MONDAY, APRIL 19, 2021 | www.khmertimeskh.com NATION 5 China boosts banana growing in Lancang-Mekong region Academy based in Hainan province aims to help lift people out of poverty

ZHAO YIMENG company since 2008, and is now a project contractor. hina plans to help countries “As a contractor, my salary is in the Lancang-Mekong not stable, so I work hard to earn region tap their banana- more,” he said. “I can get an average growing potential, the monthly salary of $800.” CChinese Academy of Tropical His wife works at the company’s Agricultural Sciences said. canteen and their daughter, who Academy vice-president Xie grew up in the company’s dormi- Jianghui said the banana industry tory, now packs bananas at the base. has played a bigger role in recent Many colleagues also started years in countries along the river, their families at the base, he said. which is known as the Lancang in The company said it has invested China and the Mekong outside its $500,000 constructing roads and borders, and China has begun bridges, and has donated $253,000 seeking cooperation in the area and to the education and religious sector helping to lift local people out of in the province. poverty through related businesses. The banana industry that China China is the world’s second-big- developed in northern Myanmar has gest producer and consumer of helped farmers in the region switch bananas and was estimated to have from growing opium poppies and has produced 9.9 million metric tons contributed to China’s anti-drug efforts last year and to have imported 3 in the border area, said An Guojun, an million tons from countries official with the Ministry of Public including the Philippines and Security’s Narcotics Control Bureau. Ecuador, Xie, also chief scientist of Shwe Thein was one of a the National Banana Industry thousand opium poppy growers Technology Systems, said. relocated in 2010 to grow nonnar- Countries in the Lancang- A worker wraps bananas at the Green Island Agricultural Development (Cambodia) Ltd. in Kratie province, cotic alternatives at the base of Mekong area such as Cambodia, Cambodia, July 17, 2020. Xinhua Yunnan Jinxin General Agriculture Laos and Myanmar have advantages in Kachin state. in growing bananas such as lower improve the technological ability in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, in 2019 area to display new banana varieties “I earn an annual income of labour costs and better weather of Chinese banana companies. It is when he studied at the Haikou and encourage local farmers to join 4,500 yuan ($687) by working on conditions, Wang Anbang, head of funded by Lancang-Mekong Experimental Station with his the industry and shake off poverty. the banana base, much higher than the cooperation project for the Cooperation, a framework proposed adviser for two weeks. He also Hainan Dingyi Green Island growing opium poppies with a region’s banana industry, said. by Premier Li Keqiang in 2014. attended a training course held by Ecological Agriculture has built a yearly income of 800 yuan,” Shwe “Emerging countries like The team, which includes the station in Cambodia last year. 6.7-hectare banana demonstration Thein said in a transcript of an inter- Cambodia still have plentiful experts in variety selection, culti- “I was interested in the entire base and a 200-hectare banana plan- view released by the academy. farmland without blight and have vation, pest prevention, product banana industry, especially the tation in Cambodia. The company said it grows less pesticide pollution,” he said. preservation, and other banana tissue culture technology of bananas, The company employs more bananas on 6,900 hectares of land “Meanwhile, more sunlight and industry processes, provides scien- which is a novel technique that can than 250 Cambodian workers in the in Myanmar and employs more than fewer typhoons can shorten the tific and technological guidance to be applied to the cultivation and banana industry and produces 10,000 workers from the country. growth cycle, and are more suitable company employees at the acade- development of other special fruits 10,000 tonnes of bananas a year. It It has also invested 40 million yuan for large-scale and high-quality my’s Haikou Experimental Station, in our country,” he said in a tran- plans to expand the planting area to in improving local infrastructure. banana growing.” CATAS said. script of an interview released by 2,000 hectares by the end of this By 2019, Chinese companies CATAS, a scientific and It has also built a laboratory in the academy. year. were growing bananas on 63,300 research institution under the Cambodia with local scientific and More than 100 people have Heng Sokra, a company hectares of land in countries Ministry of Agricultural and Rural research institutions to jointly tackle participated in three training employee, said in a video interview including Myanmar, Laos, Affairs, is located in South China’s key problems, and invited sessions organized by the academy with the academy that he plans to Cambodia, Thailand and Vietnam, Hainan province. researchers to study in China for since 2019. buy a piece of land near the base in the academy said, adding they had The academy has established a technology exchanges. High-standard demonstration Kratie province in northeastern built an entire industrial chain from national expert team in Haikou, Ren Rithy was a student at Prek planting bases have been built in Cambodia and build a house there. variety selection to processing. Hainan’s provincial capital, to Leap National College of Agriculture countries in the Lancang-Mekong He has been working for the China Daily Trio charged in court for drinking party during lockdown Sen David [email protected] Saturday by royal decree. by running back to their rooms. Long Cheab charged the three indi- to $2,500 on one charge and from Kuch Kimlong, Phnom Penh Prime Minister Hun Sen is said viduals with “obstruction of the imple- two to five years imprisonment with FORMER Major General Ung Municipal Court spokesman, said to have sent a letter requesting the mentation of Article 11” of the Law a fine from $1,250 to $5,000 if their Chanthouk, 45, National Police that Judge Ouk Sovannarith ordered King to remove his rank as a two-star on the Prevention of COVID-19 and actions caused the transmission of deputy chief of staff, and two others the trio’s detention at Prey Sar general and called on the court to the Prevention of Infectious Diseases COVID-19 to others or have a were charged in court yesterday for Prison yesterday. pass the maximum sentence possible. and Article 47 of the Criminal Code. serious impact on public health. hosting a party during the lockdown Chanthouk hosted a drinking Kimlong confirmed that the If found guilty, the accused trio The two guests were identified and are now awaiting trial. party on Friday and when police judge’s decision to detain Chanthouk faces imprisonment from six months as Lay Phearun, 28, and Kok Khi, He was stripped of his rank on arrived, all but two guests escaped was made after deputy prosecutor to three years with a fine from $500 35, both domestic workers. 6 NATION MONDAY, APRIL 19, 2021 | www.khmertimeskh.com Recovered C-19 twice-quarantined patient still in payment fix Rhea Mae Soco [email protected] “I was tested on March 24 and However, according to him, the March 26 and both the tests showed police arrived in the afternoon only espite the dilemma positive for COVID-19. The third to threaten him that he will be raised by the Norwegian test on March 30 was also positive deported if he does not follow the national questioning his and the fourth test on April 3 finally rules. quarantine plight, the showed negative. Then on April 7, Engeland fears that he will need Drecovered COVID-19 patient my fifth test, it was another negative to stay for up to 17 days. He is sched- continues to be in quarantine in a result,” he added. uled to have another test on April 21 hotel in Sihanoukville worrying Following his two negative tests, and it could take up to three days to about his $90 stay per night. he was moved from Sakana Hotel to wait for the results. Odd Edvin Engeland, 56, who Queenco Hotel & Casino. He added that he already got his has been living in Cambodia for 14 “Being quarantined in a room discharge form from the physician years, has told Khmer Times last with bars in front of the window, I that says: “Self quarantine 14 days week about his situation that after was happy to leave expecting I didn’t from April 9. Stay at home.” his quarantine, he was supposed to have to pay anything,” he said. “Who would ever want to go and stay at home as what was stated in According to him, no medication get tested if it cost you $1,530? And his physician recommendation. was given to him during his quaran- I don’t know if they will come with However, he ended up in an tine period as he did not have any other charges. What can I do?” expensive hotel and until now is symptoms and was never sick. He exclaimed Engeland. hoping he will get an answer from was only given multivitamins. Khmer Times contacted two health authorities on why he was On April 10, he said, he went to spokespersons in the Ministry of quarantined twice and even more the reception counter and enquired if Health Youk Sambath and Ly why he has to pay the $90 per night the government was footing his bill Sovann on April 13 to shed some when he had already tested negative for his stay in the new hotel he was light on the situation but there was twice. transferred to and was informed that no response from both parties. “I am still at Queenco Hotel. I he would be told the following day. Provincial Hall spokesperson of got to talk to a government official On April 12, Engeland got a Sihanoukville Kheang Phearum was but I was only told that I have to stay shock when he was informed that he also contacted on April 13 but and see what happens,” he said. had to foot the bill for his 14 days referred Khmer Times to the head of Engeland said he was taken to stay with $90 per day. the Provincial Hall’s public relations Sakana Hotel by the health authori- “This will cost me $1,260 in total and cooperation bureau in the ties on March 27 and was quarantined (14 days). I have a big apartment I can province, Prak Visal. in a small room with no information stay in. I also told them I will leave so However, still no answer was given The discharge form given to Odd Edvin Engeland after two swab tests given to him. they should call the police,” he said. though the message was seen. showed negative for COVID-19. Supplied Cambodia celebrates World Heritage Day Kunvuth Monykanchna [email protected] UNESCO said on its website. According to a Khmer Times YESTERDAY marked the article posted in July last year, International Day of Monuments Sambor Prei Kuk Temple was listed and Sites, also known as World as a World Heritage site on July 8, Heritage Day, under this year’s 2017, during the 41st session of the theme of “Complex Pasts: Diverse World Heritage Committee held in Futures”. Krakow, Poland in 2017. World Heritage Day was first Professional officer for culture celebrated in 1982, and established at UNESCO Cambodia Niran Nou by UNESCO’s General Conference. said yesterday that measures have A report released by UNESCO been taken in order to ensure the on Friday said: “Together with regular and rigorous monitoring of ICOMOS (the International Council all current and future projects in on Monuments and Sites), the World Heritage Sites amidst the UNESCO World Heritage Center COVID-19 pandemic. supports inclusive and diverse “It is important to note that points of view in heritage identifi- despite the restrictive situation of cation, conservation and transmis- social distancing linked to COVID- sion to future generations.” 19, the APSARA (Authority for the ICOMOS is an international Protection of the Site and non-governmental organisation that Management of the Region of Angkor Wat Temple, Siem Reap province, was made a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1992. conserves and protects cultural KT/Khem Angkor), Sambor Prei Kuk and Sovannara heritage places around the world. Preah Vihear authorities in close According to UNESCO’s King Norodom Sihanouk sought 1991, Angkor was listed as a World Preah Vihear Temple was collaboration with UNESCO Phnom website, three sites in Cambodia help from the former director-gen- Heritage site on December 14, 1992. inscribed on UNESCO’s World Penh office are continuing their have been declared World Heritage eral of UNESCO Federico Mayor, Angkor Archaeological Site is now Heritage List on July 7, 2008. The restoration, conservation and Sites – Angkor Wat Temple in 1992, in safeguarding the Angkor being preserved by both UNESCO site is being preserved collabora- sustainable development works in Preah Vihear Temple in 2008 and Archaeological Site as it was under and the International Coordinating tively by UNESCO and the order to protect the values of the Sambor Prei Kuk Temple in 2017. threat from theft and degradation Committee for the Safeguarding and Cambodian government “following World Heritage Sites in line with According to an article on due to old age. Development of the Historic Site of the model of management of the the recommendations of the last UNESCO’s website, the former After an appeal was made in Angkor (ICC-Angkor). Angkor World Heritage Site,” ICC,” Nou said. MONDAY, APRIL 19, 2021 | www.khmertimeskh.com NATION 7 Storm wreaks havoc in Pursat village

Chhun Sunly [email protected] Sopheap said the authorities urge people to be vigilant in prepa- storm in Pursat prov- ration for natural disasters, espe- ince’s Kralanh village cially in the dry season, instructing damaged numerous them to store plenty of water near houses and injured 13 their homes. Apeople on Saturday, according to During the rainy season, she Krakor District Police Inspectorate said, people should plant trees officer Colonel Em Run. around their houses to prevent and The storm saw strong winds withstand strong winds. Houses with damage 32 houses in the village, in no trees around are often damaged Krakor district’s Kbal Trach by strong winds, she added, while commune, Run said. houses with surrounding trees are Thunder, lightning and strong rarely damaged by strong winds. winds hit Kralanh village at 5.30pm “The national team to strengthen on Saturday, he said, mildly injuring Pursat province did not come to 12 and seriously injuring Mao inspect the damage due to the Ramon, 32. Seven houses were lockdown to prevent the spread of severely damaged and another 25 COVID-19, but Keo Rattanak, were moderately damaged. director of the team, sent money to help repair the damaged houses,” “Local authorities have prepared Sopheap said. a file to send to the provincial branch National Committee for Disaster of the Red Cross to support residents Management of Cambodia affected by house damage and spokesman Khun Sokha told Khmer injury,” Run said. Times yesterday that generally, from Mith Sopheap, Krakor district’s the beginning of the year until deputy governor and director of the October, there are always strong district disaster commission, said gusts of wind. “Let people be yesterday that so far, there has been A damaged house in Pursat province’s Kralanh village after a storm hit on Saturday. Police prepared and increase their vigilance no help from any other non-govern- to natural disasters such as strong mental organisations. been bringing food to those whose Cambodian Red Cross also brought added, as they united to quickly winds and also take preventive However, she said, monks have houses were damaged. The food and money to the people, she build temporary housing. measures to prevent COVID-19.” 8 NATION MONDAY, APRIL 19, 2021 | www.khmertimeskh.com Former Khmer Rouge soldiers recall events of April 17, 1975 [email protected]

orty-six years ago on April 17, 1975, Khmer Rouge soldiers occupied Phnom Penh City. After arriving Fin the city for around three or four hours, the Khmer Rouge senior leaders ordered the soldiers to begin evacuating people from Phnom Penh to remote areas of Cambodia for forced labour in the rice field. The Khmer Rouge soldiers falsely informed the city residents that the United States were planning to drop bombs on Phnom Penh so it was necessary for them to evacuate the area for a few days before returning. As planned however, the Khmer Rouge did not allow the residents to return home and enforced that rule throughout the Democratic Kampuchea regime (1975-1979). After the fall of the Khmer Rouge on January 7, 1979, large numbers of evacuees were found to have died due to killing, overwork, and starvation. Three former Khmer Rouge soldiers who arrived in Phnom Penh on April 17, 1975 recalled what happened in Nhim Soeun, a former soldier of Division 2nd of North Zone during Phnom Penh on that day as follows: Chen Boeun, a former soldier of Division 14th of Special Zone during Democratic Kampuchea (1975-1979). Documentation Center of Democratic Kampuchea (1975-1979). Documentation Center of Nhim Soeum, a former soldier Cambodia / Long Dany Cambodia / Long Dany of Division 2nd of the North Zone, described that they arrived in that they left their homes. During and I was assigned by the commander and a majority of their belonging. Som port.” Phnom Penh via Prek Kdam to the evacuation, Long Boreth, the to stay in the unit and help to clean Many of them had little of their The Extraordinary Chambers in Chraing Chamres and continued to former Prime Minister of the Khmer up the people’s houses.” belongings and only packed a little the Courts of Cambodia (ECCC) stand around the Chroy Changvar Republic regime, flew back by “I saw people leaving their bit of their clothes to travel. found that the Khmer Rouge Bridge near the French Embassy. helicopter to the Old Stadium near homes and walking on the streets When I arrived at the unit near forcibly evacuated at least two “At that time, I was involved in the French Embassy. Khmer Rouge in large numbers for about 10 days. Calmette Hospital, the Khmer million people from Phnom Penh, evacuating people out of Phnom soldiers surrounded the helicopter I saw soldiers, government officials, Rouge began calling for former including men, women, the elderly, Penh. I noticed that most of the and arrested Long Boreth upon and people traveling along government officials and soldiers the young, monks, doctors, nurses, people were sad, others were arrival. During a consequent Kampuchea Krom Blvd towards of the Khmer Republic regime patients, the injured and women regretful that they had to leave their meeting, the chief of the Division Pochentong, with their clothes and ranked captain and above to register who had just given birth during the houses and properties, while some 2nd, Suong, said that Long Boreth small belongings wrapped around to return to work again. In fact, the events of April 17, 1975. These others were scared. During the had returned to plan a retaliation them, fearful of what was to come. Khmer Rouge actually only wanted people were not provided with evacuation, a large number of against the Khmer Rouge.” After that, the Division chief, So to recruit them and kill them.” adequate shelter and food by the people were travelling on the streets Long Boreth, along with other Saroeun, ordered me and other “After the Khmer Rouge Khmer Rouge, which resulted in a and some died on the way. Everyone leaders of the Khmer Republic, soldiers to go around their homes evacuated the population from great deal of misery and death. An had to be rapidly evacuated out were eventaully killed by Khmer to collect items such as refrigerators, Phnom Penh, the Khmer Rouge estimated 2,000 to Phnom Penh along national road 5, Rouge soldiers on the way from sewing machines, and fans. Later, assigned special unit 808 of the 20,000 people died during the with most people having little time Wat Samrong to Phnom Basit. my unit was moved to do farming Division 1st to execute all registered forced evictions from Phnom Penh to pack their clothes and eat. The Chen Boeun was a former at Khmuonh, Since then, I had come government officials and soldiers and on the way to the countryside. Khmer Rouge soldiers also soldier of Division 14th Special to Phnom Penh only occasionally near the Tuol Kork TV tower. At Senior Khmer Rouge leaders confiscated motorcycles and Zone and the chief and deputy chief to obtain medicine.” that time, the Khmer Rouge Nuon Chea and Khieu Samphan vehicles from the people and of Division 14th were So Sarouen Sen Yen was a former soldier assigned me to dig a pit, and the had been found guilty of crimes prevented the population from and Meach San. at special unit 808 of Division 1st other soldiers took the government against humanity by ECCC, packing more than light items. The Boeun said: “On 17 April 1975, of the North Zone. He described officials and soldiers and threw including murder, politically Khmer Republic’s soldiers, artists the Khmer Rouge soldiers defeated the day he arrived in Phnom Penh them into the pit with barbed wire motivated persecution and other and singers would have also been the Khmer Republic. At that time, one day after the Khmer Rouge the size of a foot. inhumane acts because of evacuation arrested if the Khmer Rouge had I came to Phnom Penh through victory. The assassination of government people from Phnom Penh on April identified them. While evacuating Pochentong to Kampuchea Krom “I recovered from a leg injury officials and soldiers of the Khmer 17, 1975. On November 23, 2016, the people, the Khmer Rouge blvd, following the monks and and drove from the hospital in Republic lasted about 10 days. The Nuon Chea and Khieu Samphan soldiers also checked the inside of settled at Santhor Mok School. Chamkar Andong, Chamkar Leu hundreds of bodies were buried in were sentenced to life imprisonment houses. If there were people inside Upon arrival in Phnom Penh, the district to Phnom Penh via Prek the vicinity of the Tuol Kork TV by the Supreme Court Chamber. who refused to leave, they would division chief and deputy chief went Pnov. At that time, I saw people tower near the palm trees and at be shot dead.” to a meeting with their superiors. walking out Phnom Penh along wells in Wat Nhean Rainsy. The This article is from Long Dany: “Some people, after initially After returning from the meeting, National road 5 in large numbers. special unit 808 of the Division 1st Director of Veal Veng Reconciliation refusing and were then shot by the there were plans to evacuate people They were affected by loss, some was then sent by the Khmer Rouge Center of Documentation Center Khmer Rouge, were so frightened from Phnom Penh. I was a medic losing their children, their spouse, to work as laborers at Kampong of Cambodia Insight into Cambodia Publisher Mohan Bandam Senior Editor Van Roeun National Editor Ben Sokhean OPINION Associate Editor - Features Moeun Chhean Nariddh Group Business Editor Mark Hughes Deputy Business Editor William Andrew Nygren COVID-19: CAMBODIA Sub-Editors Priyadev Aravind Emily Allman Mariam Ann Arthur Annie Freeda Vareed Cruez Associate Editor Lucky Zhang Chief Reporter UNFAIRLY SINGLED OUT! Taing Rinith Business Journalists Jose Rodriguez T. Senase Chhan Paul Chea Vanyuth Syed Husain Haider Sok Samnang he February 20, commu- Brian Badzmierowski Journalists nity transmission inci- Buth Reaksmey Kongkea dence has led to spikes in Sen David Tith Kongnov confirmed Covid-19 Sar Socheath Rhea Mae Soco Tcases and an increasing number of Kong Arey Mao Chanvireak deaths due to the virus, forcing the Chhun Sunly Kunvuth Monykanchana Government of Cambodia to adopt Translator/Journalist laws and regulations and necessary Phun Chan Ousaphea Ouk Sophat measures to curb the spread and get Translator/Intern Journalist it back under control. KaWai Tam Deputy Sports Editor Cambodia implements health Jose Rodriguez T. Senase measures just like any other govern- Web Manager Richard Lhoyd-Owen ment around the world, struggling Web Master/Designer to control the coronavirus raging in Uong Ratana Assistant Web Designer their countries. Well, there are a few Horng Pengly outliers whose leaders don’t believe Web Editor Ayman Khalil in science and let millions of their Photographers people be infected and hundreds of Chor Sokunthea Yeun Punleau thousands of people die unneces- Siv Channa Videographer sarily of Covid-19. Tep Sony What I don’t understand is that Pry Nehru Pann Rachana why the UN rapporteurs criticised Photo credit: Khmer Times Columnists Soun Nimeth the Government of Cambodia for Chan Sophal Nim Sothea “the necessary measures” to protect to 10 years, and a fine of between examples here. Many countries a concern over the public disclosure Heng Pheakdey the lives of its people? $7,000 and $14,000. including the US and those in the of personal data of those infected Leap Chanthavy Chan Kunthiny Well, to be fair, they said they In South Korea, the fine for EU like Italy, UK, France, Germany, citing possible discrimination and

General Manager expressed “serious concerns” over breaking the quarantine rules is etc. have imposed lockdowns, stigma. In my opinion, the concern Raquel Bacay the measures adopted by Cambodia, $8273; in Saudi Arabia, it is $53,300. banned gatherings or any events is blown out of proportion. Assistant Finance/Admin Manager Rin Nita which to many people is not far from The list goes on. The rationale of considered to be super spreader Covid-19 is a disease caused by Finance Assistant Hem Chhun “criticism” considering how they the measures is simple: deter people events. In the UK, you will be fined coronavirus, with symptoms being Accounts & Admin Assistants did it. from risky behaviors which could if you organise a gathering of about similar to cold. It is not a sexually Phal Meta Ly Phythongvotey What is disturbing to me is that get themselves and others infected. 15 people. transmitted disease that deeply stig- Assistant Sales and Marketing Manager they criticised without mentioning Considering the fact that one of the Do the countries mentioned matises those infected. In the last Oun Chamroeun Marketing Consultant other similar measures adopted by four UN rapporteurs is from the UK, above breach the rights and freedom few days, authorities are struggling Robin Tay other governments around the it is interesting that they did not guaranteed by international human to bring in for treatments those who Marketing, Sales and Content Executive Scarlett Green world, which made it sound like bring up such information. rights law? What are the rights guar- tested positive. Marketing & Communications Executive only Cambodia took such measures. According to the Cambodia law, anteed? Freedom of movement? Cambodia may not possess Francis Savari Chief, Desk Top Publishing/Designer I would not know this either if I did those who break the quarantine rule Freedom of assembly? How about advanced technological capacity to Prak Chanry not do the research. are fined between Riel 1 million the right to life which Cambodia is conduct its contact tracing quick Creative Designer Aim Valinda This means Cambodia is “being ($250) and Riel 5 million (1,250). trying to protect? Did the UN enough, so the disclosure may help Graphic Artist, DTP and Digital singled out for criticism”. Harsher penalties and heavy fines rapporteurs raise any serious inform the public and those infected Designing Executive Khiev Chanthara So, what did the UN rapporteurs are reserved only for those acting concerns over measures adopted by to come forward and receive treat- Assistant DTP say about the measures adopted by with more serious consequences to countries in the EU? Cambodia has ments. Speed is crucial in the fight Vok Vanny IT Support Cambodia? They said that the Law the society, such as escaping from just banned traditional wedding against Covid-19. Om Chetna on Preventive Measures Against the treatment centers or hospitals, receptions, and business activities Supposed the government loses © All stories, photos and content are copyright of Khmer Spread of COVID-19 and other infecting others intentionally and considered to be high risks, imposed its control, the confirmed cases Times and may not be reproduced without permission. Advertising, call: Severe and Dangerous Contagious under a clearly organised criminal curfews and lockdowns on some surge, the number of deaths rises, (+855) 23 881 591 Diseases allows 20-year prison enterprise. quarters and villages and banned the economic impacts on the people E-mail: [email protected] terms and fines of up to 20 million Compared with penalties and inter-province travels as the cases get more serious, and the ordeal [email protected] Relay (Phnom Penh International riels ($5,000) for those convicted fines in other countries, penalties and has spiked since the February 20 drags on, what would the same UN Airport) International Terminal of violations, implying that the fines prescribed in the Cambodian community transmission incidence. rapporteurs say? Lucky Supermarket punishment is harsh; and that the law are not any harsher and should Are the measure dispropor- Would you be willing to (+855) 81 222 028 Circle K law grants the government power not be a cause for any serious tionate? Considering how contagious overlook and give up the right to (+855) 78 777 954 to ban or restrict gatherings or concerns. Accordingly, Cambodia the virus is, the number of people life in exchange for short-term PBC - Peace Book Center demonstrations. They are of the should not be unfairly singled out. who may die from the virus as can freedom of movement, and freedom Bayon Market opinion that restrictions on such The Law on Preventive Measures be seen in other countries, the fact of assembly during the pandemic? Distribution Officer Long Sour Osoth: (+855) 98 915 666 public health ground should not Against the Spread of COVID-19 that Cambodia is still a developing Cambodia needs to keep up its [email protected] breach rights and freedoms guaran- and other Severe and Dangerous country struggling to find necessary good fight. Strict measures, quickly Distributor (Newsstand) teed by international human rights Contagious Diseases says during resources to fight the virus, and the getting the spread under control, Nuon Phirum Printed by: law, must be proportionate, non-dis- the Covid-19 pandemic the govern- huge tasks before the government to and quick recovery are crucial for TSTP Solutions Co., Ltd. criminatory, time-bound and ment “may” impose restrictions on help those affected economically, the fight against Covid-19 to avoid Published by: purpose limited. travel, gatherings or business activ- the measures, are not as harsh as prolonged hardships. VIRTUS MEDIA PTE., LTD. Does only Cambodia have these ities considered high risks or sources those in other countries, and are No. 1381, National Road 2, Sangkat Chak kinds of penalties and fines for rule of the spread of Covid-19, and lock- aimed to curb the spread, and protect The views and opinions Angre Krom, Khan Meanchey, Phnom Penh breakers? UK residents travelling downs on areas or zones where the the lives of Cambodian people as a expressed in this article are those Tel : (+855) 23 881 591 | (+855) 23 881 691 E-mail: [email protected] from countries which UK considers virus is spreading. Do such measures whole and should not be considered of the authors and do not necessarily www.khmertimeskh.com are high risks and breaking the rule exist in other countries? It is clear to be disproportionate. reflect the official policy or position it set, face an imprisonment of up here and I don’t have to give The UN rapporteurs also raised of the author’s workplace. 10 OPINION MONDAY, APRIL 19, 2021 | www.khmertimeskh.com After unveiling sanctions, does Biden hope for a deal with Putin? Konstantin Eggert Donbass. He may also announce that Moscow will send in its “peace- S President Joe Biden keepers” to protect the population has dealt a hard blow to there from an attack by Ukrainian the Putin regime. Or did forces. he? At first glance, Of course, in this case, some everythingU looks as if the White indignation in the West is unavoid- House sanctions escalated to a new able and new, not terribly harsh level the confrontation with sanctions may follow. Reaction in Moscow. In addition to the expul- Kyiv will be predictably harsh and sion of Russian diplomats as well indignant, but this will relieve the as measures against individuals and Ukrainian leadership from the companies associated with the necessity to perform a diplomatic Kremlin, Washington introduced dance around the Minsk Agreements, new restrictions targeting Russia’s which it rightly considers to have sovereign debt. been signed under duress and has no intention to implement. Biden couldn’t wait But if the US administration Not even a day passed between indeed wants to work out a kind of Biden’s phone call to Russian “stability pact” with the Putin President Vladimir Putin, which regime, hedged by a threat of new included an offer to meet, and the Photo credit: AFP hard sanctions if the red lines are unveiling of the sanctions. At first crossed, such an “understanding” glance, imposing sanctions imme- the sanctions in advance serves as Putin — five times larger and five House to these moves as of yet. between the two sides may well be diately after the conversation ruins an indirect confirmation. If you are times sharper than the previous one.” on the cards. The upside for Biden hopes for the summit. Preparations planning a surprise strike, you do These sanctions imply not so Will Putin respect the ‘red is that he can then hope to turn to for such meetings presuppose a not tell your favourite newspaper much immediate damage as it does lines’? his more pressing foreign policy certain restraint on both sides. about it in advance. drawing the red lines for the future. Putin will also expel US diplo- issues, like China, as well as his vast Biden had been repeatedly crit- The only really unpleasant thing Now it is Putin’s turn to respond. mats in a tit-for-tat move and maybe domestic agenda. The two leaders icised for not holding the Kremlin for the Kremlin is that, according to In his universe, Biden’s call to close the already semi-shut Moscow will then hold the summit that Biden to account for the 2020 US presi- the text of the executive order, from Moscow shows the US leader bureau of US Russian language proposed to Putin, and discuss other dential election interference and now on, Biden and his successors in blinked first. Putin also couldn’t broadcaster Radio Svoboda (Radio issues, like the new START treaty massive cyberattacks. He could not the White House can impose sanc- help noticing that the US recalled Liberty). But the Russian strongman and renewing the Iran nuclear deal. have held out without doing some- tions for any Kremlin action they its two destroyers that were sent to will reserve the main response until This is only one version of thing for much longer, especially in consider hostile, and against any sail in the Black Sea to show support his scheduled annual address to both possible developments. The problem the context of growing tensions over company or individuals deemed for Ukraine. So he ordered closing houses of parliament on April 21. is that such agreements with the Ukraine. So he chose relatively complicit in it, including the spouses off significant areas of the Sea of Anti-Ukrainian militaristic Kremlin are notoriously fragile and lenient measures for now and maybe and adult children of members of the Azov until October under the pretext hysteria in Russian state media depend on Putin’s assessment of the even told Putin about them. Russian ruling elite. All this can be of “naval exercises” a move clearly shows no sign of subsiding. Next strengths and weaknesses of his The fact that The New York done without consulting Congress. intended to threaten Ukraine with week Putin may recognise the adversaries. DW Times, one of the main channels the One Western financial analyst a potential blockade of its ports of self-proclaimed Donetsk and Democratic administration uses for described it to me as “the new Berdyansk and Mariupol. There was Luhansk “People’s Republics,” the leaks, wrote in some detail about American Damocles sword over no strong response from the White Kremlin’s puppet entities in the The real preventative healthcare is poverty alleviation Erna Mahyuni wages. That meant no money for What would be a better idea bloated Cabinet and our prime If we can put so much effort into me to eat at work, relying on just would be for the insurance scheme minister claiming we’re “out of making an app to register citizens for AS I write this column, I’m waiting one cheese bun I would nibble on to be compulsory for all, allowing money” while at the same time, our the vaccine, we should create apps to for my new oven. I thought I’d given in-between tasks — a bun I made for a lower rate. Private insurance welfare departments are overworked help welfare workers create a central up on pandemic baking but my sour- last for days. would then be a supplement instead and understaffed. database for the less privileged. dough starter is healthy and well- For me it was a temporary situ- of a total replacement. This would There needs to be a better system The onus shouldn’t be on the fed; the cookies made on a weekend ation but for a lot of people, insuf- be a way to ensure coverage for all in place to be able to record and poor to fill multiple forms or make were gifted before I ate them all ficient and barely nutritious food is citizens. keep track of the poor in each state trips to government offices they myself. just their everyday reality. In truth, poverty alleviation is — I see no reason why people need might not be able to afford — aid There’s still a bit of guilt about Consider healthcare in general. the true preventative healthcare to keep falling through the cracks, must come to them and the govern- giving up my old, cheap oven for a To wait for people to get sick and measure. If poor people are able to and instead become the subject of ment must seek them out. still cheap but slightly larger oven. then treat them is in the long-term afford better food and adequate poverty porn. One thing the pandemic should The reality is that as inexpensive as inefficient. The pandemic has put a shelter, they would be far less likely The recent case of the Penang have taught us is that the health of my old one was, it’s not energy-ef- spotlight on just how burdened our to get sick. rep who blogged about aiding a all citizens, and not just the rich, is ficient and won’t reach the healthcare system is and that private Wearing masks and discouraging woman and her family, posting her imperative for all our sakes. Letting 250-degrees I need for better bread. healthcare is often not an affordable the sick from coming to the office, pictures and story without getting some of us die without aid and care My cheap oven is perhaps an option for the poor. as well as mandating work from her explicit consent, is but a sign of shouldn’t be an option and the best analogy for what the poor must The current government limiting home measures, has actually resulted how little regard we have for the investment the government can endure, always having to settle for the eligibility of the mySalam insur- in a drop in flu cases worldwide. It’s dignity of the poor. make is making sure citizens don’t what they can have right now and ance scheme to only the B40 was a an indication that for most people, I am tired of so-called philan- get sick in the first place. not what is better in the long run. myopic decision, considering coun- getting sick does not happen in isola- thropists making showy gestures If health is wealth, we all deserve It reminds me of when I started tries such as South Korea have tion but because of many factors, and taking photos of aid recipients to be rich. my new job but my previous national insurance schemes that are one being exposure to sick people. without, in many cases, asking This the personal opinion of the employers were late paying my compulsory for all citizens. It is untenable that we have a permission. columnist. THURSDAY, MAY 07, 2020 | www.khmertimeskh.com CGCC executive clarifies 11 Business Recovery NATION Guarantee Scheme process PAGE 12 IndicativeBUSINESS Exchange Rates as of 13/04/2021. Please contact: ACLEDA Bank Plc. 023 994 444 USD/KHR THB/KHR EUR/KHR AUD/KHR VND/KHR CAD/KHR LAK/KHR JPY/KHR GBP/KHR USD/JPY USD/VND EUR/USD AUD/USD CAD/USD USD/LAK USD/THB 4,068 127.90 4,435.75 2,691.39 0.1660 2,828.48 0.2639 34.0390 5,102.49 108.71 23,000 1.0904 0.6616 0.6953 9,290 31.4302 New business activity ongoing despite Coronavirus challenges

Brian Badzmierowski [email protected]

espite the pandemic and now the imposition of curfews and lockdowns, new business activity Dcontinues to be approved and under- taken. It is providing a reason for optimism for when the nation moves past its latest set of challenges and into the post pandemic period. Five new factories worth $20.5 million have been approved to be established this month, according to the Council for the Development of Cambodia (CDC). The CDC’s investment committee issued a registration certificate to the companies oper- ating the factories on April 13. About 3,700 jobs are expected to result from the projects. Vanzel Printing & Packaging (Cambodia) Co Ltd will establish a The CDC approved $20.5 million in new projects in April. They are expected to create more than 3,700 jobs. KT/Chor Sokunthea garment and accessories factory in Kandal province’s Kandal Steung Sparkbags (Cambodia) Co Ltd $3.5 million and create 818 jobs. Ministry of Economy and Finance, 7.8 percent next year, on the back district. The $2.1 million project is will produce travel bags at its factory Finally, Cambodian Qi Ming Cambodia approved $7.7 billion in of foreign investment and a expected to create 300 jobs. in the capital’s Kampoul district. Xing Jia Ju Yong Pin Co Ltd will construction projects in 2020. The post-pandemic economic recovery. Windmill-FY (Cambodia) The new factory will cost $3.3 establish a shoe and accessory projects span 17 million square The Ministry of Commerce Garments Co Ltd will set up a million and create 718 jobs. factory in Preah Sihanouk prov- metres of land. reported that $1 billion of construc- garment factory in Kampong Speu McBag Co Ltd will also be ince’s Prey Nob district. It will The ministry shared optimism tion materials were imported in province’s Kong Pisey district at a producing bags at its factory in invest $9.1 million in the project for the construction sector over the 2020, augmented by steel imports cost of $2.5 million, a project that Kandal province’s Ang Snoul and create 1,022 jobs. next two years and forecast sector of $403 million and cement imports is predicted to create 848 jobs. district. The company will invest Additionally, according to the growth of 9 percent this year and of $66 million.

Major banking houses deny relationship with GFX as ‘embezzled’ funds reach $27M

From page 1 privileges to execute trades on documents to lodge a formal high-volume trades has investors’ behalf – were complaint against GFX. dropped significantly since ened legal action against the siphoned on the evening of The SERC was not avail- news of the GFX scandal parties involved in a statement but March 26. able to provide a comment. broke. Clients who would neglected to mention the Their plight has garnered The GFX scandal is a normally invest up to $2 target of the lawsuit. the attention of Prime Minister defining moment for million are only investing to a The International Criminal Hun Sen who dispatched his Cambodia’s fledgling deriva- maximum of $20,000, she said. Police Organization has not aide Duong Dara to listen to tives market. The Cambodia “Since the GFX news came publicly shown interest in the grievances last week. Derivatives Exchange is only out, clients say that they not matter, according to its website. Dara is said to have five years old. dare invest in Cambodia. They “[GFX] believes that both instructed the investors to make A former GFX broker speaking say that they cannot trust the the company and its customers a list of victims, collect evidence under the condition of anonymity law. People in the investment [are] the victims, [and] will get of investments and submit the said that the scandal has already banking industry are extremely proper solutions under the paperwork to the Securities and shaken Cambodia’s derivatives angry. I can say that they hate law,” the statement read. Exchange Regulator of market. She said that she did not GFX now,” she said. However, this is of little Cambodia (SERC) so that the want to be identified because she The broker said that scandal solace to investors who trusted matter can be investigated. did not want to be blackballed by harkens back to six years ago the firm. They allege their copy As a result, more than 1,000 the financial industry. when the unregulated deriva- trading accounts – which grant investors spent their Khmer She said that she has tives industry regularly saw GFX investors sort through collected evidence against GFX power of attorney New Y ear holiday preparing noticed that the number of people “cheated”. the derivatives trading company. Supplied 12 BUSINESS MONDAY, APRIL 19, 2021 | www.khmertimeskh.com In-stream adverts disappear from YouTube in Kingdom Brian Badzmierowski government’s recent sub-de- practice for Cambodians to [email protected] cree on value-added tax host their channels in other (VAT) for digital goods and countries in response to not he once omni- services sold by foreign being legally allowed to present advertise- companies, he said: “VAT on monetise their channels.But ments peppered digital goods and services is it appears that practice may throughout a global issue and certainly no longer be viable from a TYouTube videos have disap- of interest to tax-starved profiting standpoint. peared for viewers in nations who watch Big Tech It’s unclear why the ads Cambodia, allowing domestic turn huge profits in their terri- have stopped at the moment, viewers to watch any video tories.” but McCarthy said it raises hosted on the site ad-free, He said the Royal red flags. regardless of its length or its Government of Cambodia is “Not sure what happened country of origin. always willing to discuss and with YouTube yet, but the Pich Bunlee, a YouTuber meet with companies over shutdown is an indication of with close to 200,000 issues such as this and would the power these companies subscribers who covers tech- be surprised if the removal of have over business revenue, nology for a mainly ads was any sort of retaliation and that’s something govern- Cambodian audience from to a government policy. ments should be alarmed Thailand, said he was scared But companies like about,” he said. when his fans in Cambodia Google wield a large amount While Cambodia-based told him about the disappear- of power, he said, and it YouTube videos are not ance of the ads. He first In-stream advertisements have ceased on YouTube in Cambodia. AFP wouldn’t be unlike them to eligible for monetisation at all, noticed it last weekend. take a stand against an entire it’s worth noting that Google The content creator said monetise their videos on its on the platform or how they 2014.“For Google or country, as they recently did Ads does not collect VAT in 90 percent of his viewers are channels. were shown there previously Facebook or any other Big against Australia in court other countries in the region, in Cambodia and the loss of The policy reads: in contravention of YouTube Tech company to withhold regarding user data and including Thailand where ad revenue would severely “Advertisers can only target policy. services from Cambodia is having to pay for news monetisation is permitted. Its slash his earnings. their ads to countries where Chris McCarthy, the chief not appropriate. Especially distributed on its platforms. policy for Thailand reads: No advertisements YouTube has launched a executive officer of given the amount of revenue “Google has gone to war “Because your Google Ads “means if you have no ads monetised site.” MangoTango Asia, a local they’ve made from with bigger countries than business contract is registered you have no money at all”. But it happened in digital marketing firm, said advertising in Cambodia, Cambodia over these issues,” with Google Asia Pacific Pte When asked about the Cambodia anyway. Until services like YouTube adver- regardless of whether it was he said. Ltd., local taxes aren’t applied disappearance of the adver- recently, it was next to impos- tisements were essential to their policy or not to allow McCarthy added that he to your Google Ads activity. tisements, a YouTube repre- sible to watch a video not business activity in Cambodia it and whether or not now expects to start seeing fallout These taxes won’t be shown sentative for the Southeast prefaced by a five-second or and the country should not be they’re choosing to enforce from clients as early as next on your invoices.” Asia region said under the longer in-stream ad. denied using them. it,” he said. week. McCarthy did note that company’s monetisation The YouTube represen- He said he’s been using When asked if he thought Bunlee, the YouTuber Google Ads was still working policy, Cambodian content tative was not able to deter- these types of ads in the the removal of the ads could from Thailand, said it has within search engines and on creators are not allowed to mine why all ads had ceased country since he arrived in be connected to the historically been common web pages in Cambodia. CGCC executive clarifies Business Recovery Guarantee Scheme process Brian Badzmierowski Financial Institutions (PFIs) CGCC being proportionally and the country. [email protected] they will be secured in lending reimbursed from any recov- “Our motive when we SMALL businesses raising to the SMEs. The guarantee acts eries made, Wong added. started this scheme was to questions about the process of as part of the collateral or The interest rates for the create more loans so that busi- applying for a loan through the security for the loan. The loans are determined by the PFIs. nesses can use the money for newly formed Credit Guarantee scheme, however, will not let Wong added that any direct reasons and grow their Corporation of Cambodia SMEs off the hook if they find business interested in the loan business. This indirectly helps Wong Keet Long, CEO of the Credit Guarantee Corporation (CGCC)’s Business Recovery themselves in default. should have the capacity to the country to grow,” he said. of Cambodia. Supplied Guarantee Scheme (BRGS), Wong said: “The SMEs repay it. It’s intended to help He added that the CGCC has prompted CGCC’s chief are ultimately responsible to companies continue operating, – the first of its kind in industrial sector, the limit details yet. We have executive officer Mr Wong repay the loans. [The] CGCC as opposed to serving as an Cambodia -- will be here for allowed in the programme. continuously supported Keet Long to provide an guarantee will assist in initial investment for a startup the long haul and similar insti- It appears the first list of businesses through many overview of how the scheme enabling the SMEs to borrow company. tutions exist in other regional PFIs participating in the different activities as much as works. from the PFIs. As such, in Each PFI has to individu- countries, including his home scheme have yet to start we can. In April last year we He noted first that the the event that the SMEs are ally assess each loan applicant country of Malaysia. advertising the product on rolled out a co-financing loan BRGS scheme was launched unable to repay the loan due and ensure they are able to In light of the recent their websites. The current campaign to support SMEs late last month to help support to failure of business, the meet the institution’s require- lockdown he said all busi- list includes: ACLEDA Bank, that was advertised throughout SMEs which have difficulty CGCC guarantee will be the ments to borrow. While the nesses are encouraged to apply AMK MFI, APD Bank, our branch networks and on taking out loans due to a lack last resort for PFI to claim for BRGS scheme allows for once business operations Cambodia Post Bank, social media as well. Taking of securable assets. the losses.” loans to be extended to clients, resume as normal. CANADIA Bank, Phillip part in such programmes is Under the BRGS scheme, In the case of a default and it doesn’t guarantee approval While the scheme has yet Bank, and Prince Bank. our commitment to support the CGCC provides a guarantee the CGCC guarantee being for an applicant who otherwise to take off due to the pandemic, Mr. Huot Sokha, AMK’s sustainable SMEs in of 70 to 80 percent of the value paid out, the PFIs would would be denied. the CGCC has received an chief business officer, said: Cambodia, especially during of the loan depending on the continue to seek repayment Wong said the scheme application for a $1 million loan “The BRGS is still in progress, the pandemic, which is a very sector, assuring Participating from the SMEs with the helps businesses, the banks from a company in the therefore we cannot share its tough time for them.” MONDAY, APRIL 19, 2021 | www.khmertimeskh.com BUSINESS 13 Delivery services rules Sponsored by: eased after issues raised MARKET WATCH APRIL 13, 2021, TUESDAY Current Index 639.18 Change 0.37 %Change 0.06 Opening 632.89 High 642.02 Low 632.89

Trading Volume (shr) 29,402

Trading Value (KHR) 213,314,790 CSX rolled quietly into KNY holiday A driver accepts a delivery in Toul Tom Poung district at the onset of the pandemic last year. KT/Husain Haider ON its final day of trading to close at 3,050 riels per before closing for the share. PPSP was also up 10 Husain Haider company operating in the food deliveries with confi- “Our main challenge is Khmer New year break, the riels, finishing at 1,900 riels [email protected] capital. Some drivers had dence that they will arrive. how to sustain our business CSX index closed up 0.37 per share. s the capital enters been turned back at check- Prior to the regulations and comply with guidelines points, closing at 639.18 on PPAP held steady at its fifth day of points and forced to find being updated, Sokim Heng, in combating the pandemic. a trade value of 213,314,790 13,020 riels per share as did lockdown, alternative routes. co-founder of upscale bistro This whole situation is riels. its virtual twin for the day Phnom Penh “The online delivery Bite Lab said he was forced occurring after people GTI gained 60 riels to PAS, which also held AMunicipal Hall has agreed to community submitted a joint to face closing until condi- ignored the rules, ignored finish at 4,120 riels per steady, closing at 13,020 work with online food and letter to city hall asking for tions eased. quarantine and travelled in share. PWSA closed at riels per share. ABC also delivery organisations to help and on Saturday Heng said that even with the first place,” Heng 6,560 riels per share, up 20 held steady, closing at ensure services continue evening, new adjusted regu- four delivery personnel and stressed. riels. PEPC was up 10 riels 16,640 riels per share. during lockdowns. lations were introduced to his partnering with popular Singapore-based Grab Nham24 founder Chann ensure that people can delivery apps including has also had to accommo- Borima confirmed that the continue using our services,” FoodPanda, Bloc and date the new restrictions. focus on deliveries. of the user. Even then, the first two days of lockdowns Borima told Khmer Times. Nham24, operating his The firm announced after Grab has also restricted company is only promising had affected business oper- He said that with the new business under conditions lockdowns were imple- its services to central Phnom delivery times of between ations and delivery services regulations, users will be prior to the regulations mented that it would suspend Penh and is only delivering two and four hours after for every online delivery able to order groceries and update was impossible. its ride-hailing service to within a 10-kilometre radius orders are placed. Gov’t updates Tax procedures updated due to mobility and operations limitations lockdown Brian Badzmierowski [email protected]

ALL taxpayers in the capital restrictions have been directed to file their monthly tax returns Husain Haider staff. Relevant authorities and pay their taxes on the [email protected] will inspect these busi- General Department of The government has nesses to ensure they are Taxation’s (GDT) website, modified Article 3 of its providing an essential according to a GDT notice lockdown measures, clar- service. posted on April 16. ifying the limitations on Telecom, post, banks Businesses that have been businesses under the and financial services are permitted to continue opera- restrictions. to operate with a skeleton tions during lockdown have Slaughterhouses, facto- staff. Food and grocery been offered an extension and ries and food production deliveries will continue to have until April 27 to file facilities may continue service lockdown areas; their March tax returns and operations as normal to however, the transportation payments. ensure food security. Firms of individuals is prohibited. Businesses not permitted manufacturing medical Electricite du to operate during lockdown Taxpayers have been urged to pay taxes online or through the GDT Tax Prefiling App equipment, hand sanitiser, Cambodge, Phnom Penh have until May 15 to file their (pictured) during lockdown. Ministry of Commerce alcohol and ventilators are Autonomous Port and March taxes. also exempt. Phnom Penh Water Supply “Large and medium the App Store or Google Play tax returns can also be filled collecting documents from Wholesalers, grocery Authority and waste taxpayers” can file their Store to file their monthly out physically, scanned and taxpayers. stores, supermarkets, gas collection services are to monthly returns at www.tax. return. sent electronically via www. The GDT also set up an stations and restaurants continue working. gov.kh/km/e-service. The notice stipulated that tax.gov.kh/hm/e-service. e-Tax Service task force to with take-away services Businesses are required Small taxpayers should in the event a taxpayer is Tax agents have been answer any questions are also allowed to continue to provide their employees download the GDT Tax unable to use either of the asked by the GDT to perform taxpayers may have. They can operating with limited with lunch on premises. Prefiling App available on above procedures, monthly all duties electronically when be reached by dialing 1277. 14 BUSINESS MONDAY, APRIL 19, 2021 | www.khmertimeskh.com Conducting business the modern way E-commerce is becoming more relevant in the Kingdom every day. With Phnom Penh under lockdown, the value of having goods delivered to your door has never been more apparent. The digital marketplace is still in its infancy in Cambodia, and Khmum eShop’s founder Chea Ratha is one of its pioneers. Last year, she spoke with Khmer Times about her work in the sector and yesterday she provided an update about what the future holds for online business in Cambodia.

KT: How is e-commerce changing the way business is conducted in Cambodia?

CR: Covid19 has affected the world economy, and Cambodia is no exception. The country was expected to fully implement Industry 4.0 in the next two to three years, according to the National Strategic Development Plan (NSDP) 2019- 2023. It aimed for economic diversi- fication by leveraging technologies to promote capacity-building for domestic small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to help them join regional and global value chains. COVID-19 has forced the industry to mature quickly to respond to the needs of the market. Because of the virus, e-commerce represents a new way of life and currently there are more than 40 e-commerce platforms in Cambodia.

KT: Can you tell me about the process of starting Khmum eShop?

CR: We were the first e-com- Chea Ratha (centre) with former Cambodian Women Entrepreneurs Association president Dr Eng Lykoung. Supplied merce multi-vendor marketplace founded by females in the tech app-based, end-to-end marketplace was bringing on board local Entrepreneurs Association (CWEA) KT: Has business increased industry that focused on women-led that connects micro, small and medi- women entrepreneurs. The idea on September 9, 2020, which during the lockdown? businesses and promoting local um-sized enterprises (MSMEs), to was new and there was a lot of helped. CWEA expressed their CR: Our business has been products. When I came back from consumers in Cambodia and beyond. resistance because we were a new support to Khmum and we supported increasing dramatically during the Australia in 2018, I didn’t see any company. We needed to build trust CWEA members by providing free lockdown. But the problem that formal e-commerce platform KT: What were some of the and educate our vendors both in access to the Khmum eShop. we are facing now is delivery. Our focusing on local products such as stumbling blocks you encountered terms of technology and digital team can’t cross some of the Prohok (fermented fish paste) or along the way? marketing. KT: What efforts are being checkpoints even though they Trey Neak (dragonfish). Khmum eShop signed a memo- made to improve e-commerce in have a verified company letter. Khmum eShop is an CR: The biggest challenge in randum of understanding (MoU) Cambodia? We hope the government can help e-commerce platform with an 2019, when I founded the eShop, with the Cambodia Women to make this part of the process CR: During the pandemic, smoother. Properly registered we’ve seen government initiatives delivery and e-commerce compa- such as the passing of the e-com- nies should be able to cross the merce law and the Consumer checkpoints. Protection Law. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) KT: What do you envision the partnered with the Ministry of e-commerce marketplace will look Commerce to pilot the Go4eCAM like in five years in Cambodia? project, which plans to provide the necessary conditions for SMEs to CR: Maybe in five to 10 years grow digitally and to gain access to we will see one of our local e-com- much-needed finance. merce platforms represent Cambodia The government is committed in the international market, like to fostering digital economic growth Rakuten represents Japan, Lazada by encouraging and calling for represents Singapore and AliExpress investment in this sector. We would represents China. like more support with logistics and I envision that UNDP, Enhanced physical address systems. Integrated Framework, the Ministry The recent UNDP project to of Commerce and non-profit organ- help onboard SMEs is a great initia- isations and private companies can tive. We need to help SMEs sell join to help Cambodia’s e-com- more. We would like to see more merce marketplace compete globally marketing support to help the in the international market. When sellers promote their products. we all work as a unity and do not Furthermore, we need support think about individual benefit is in providing training for e-com- when we can create synergy. We Chea Ratha founded Khmum eShop in 2019. Supplied merce-related skills. are stronger together! 16 THURSDAY,MAY 07, 2020 | www.khmertimeskh.com FEATUREBUSINESS Climate risk management critical for Cambodia’s food security This blog is part of the Benefits of Climate Risk Management blog series that aims to provide evidence-based deep dives into USAID case studies.

Jamie Carson and catches in September showed a 39 Elizabeth Hutchison percent decrease from 2019 to 2020 in surveyed rice fields within the USAID-funded Cambodia zone of impact due to climate fisheries project outper- stressors.” formed productivity goals CRM supports drought after incorporating response to protect critical fish Aclimate-sensitive design, including habitat Rice field fisheries are a vital source of income and nutrition for Cambodia’s poor farmers. WorldFish planning for increased risk of drought Communities involved in the and extreme heat events. The Feed the RFF II project applied CRM strat- fish refuges led to a 71 percent schedule community fish refuge are continuing to design and reha- Future Cambodia Rice Field Fisheries egies to safeguard fish habitats when increase in fish catch by the poorest construction and maintenance activ- bilitate ponds to better withstand I (RFF II) project boosts fishery the droughts in 2018, 2019 and 2020 households during the project’s first ities around extreme and seasonal climate impacts because they are productivity in the Tonle Sap flood- reduced rice field flooding and phase, strengthening food and nutri- weather events. For example, during seeing the impact of these interven- plain. Project implementers employed households’ fish catch. Seasonal tion security for community rainy season floods, project imple- tions,” Seng said. systemic climate risk management rice field flooding is a beneficial members, according to Seng. menters pause construction to help Project stakeholders – including (CRM) actions to improve biophysical occurrence that helps sustain water RFF II project implementers reduce runoff and water quality community fish refuge committee conditions across 481 hectares, levels for fish survival. Local resi- analysed climate stressors, including impacts. members, village chiefs and exceeding their target by six hectares. dents adapted action plans in shortened rainy seasons and • Completion of revegeta- commune councils – have witnessed These improvements build the area’s response to climate stressors, prolonged drought, that contribute tion activities, including tree how CRM fortifies rice field fish- climate resilience by helping to protect applying practises learned to harmfully-low water levels in planting along banks, to protect eries ecosystems to ensure accessi- fish habitats and diversity, maintain throughout the project to manage community fish refuges and hinder community fish refuges from flood bility of critical food and water fish biomass, and secure water for drought impacts on community fish fish productivity and migration to damage and provide shade to reduce resources. These community drinking and irrigation. As climate refuges – locally-protected bodies rice field fisheries. Furthermore, evaporation and keep water tempera- members help guide community fish change poses real threats to agricultural of water that prohibit fishing. These extreme heat during the dry season, tures cooler for fish production. refuge management and monitoring, systems, CRM plays a crucial role in included implementing drought when community fish refuge water • Development of specific evaluation and learning (MEL). creating the sustainable and resilient abatement plans, organising earthen levels are naturally lower, can lead rules for community fish refuge They also participate in assessing practises necessary to achieve food dams to increase community fish to water temperature increases and communities related to water and adjusting community fish refuge and nutrition security goal. The project refuge water storage capacity and additional water loss through evap- sharing and using and installing management strategies in response has helped build the capacity of improve connectivity of rice field oration, all of which threaten fish water level gauges. to changes in climate risk. communities to raise nearly $270,000 fishery ecosystems, and digging 47 survival and some species’ fertility. • Promotion of sustainable, Increased CRM capacity and for rice field fisheries management and rice field ponds around 13 commu- RFF II developed strategies to climate-smart agriculture practices community coordination strengthen conservation, according to USAID nity fish refuges to increase seasonal address these climate stressors, and water and soil conservation community fish refuge resilience in Cambodia. fish habitats. reducing their negative impact on measures to avoid over-intensifica- severe dry periods. Community fish Nearly 150,000 Cambodians Climate risk analysis informs community fish refuge habitats and tion of these natural resources. refuge committees participate in produced and consumed more fish strategies to secure nutritious fish fish populations in the connected CRM actions like these help CRM strategies to address and adap- at home in 2020 than in the previous for households rice field fisheries. manage community fish refuge tively manage risks, including: year due to climate-resilient Fish is an important dietary Building climate-resilient water levels, flow and temperature, • Implementing water use measures undertaken by the project, source for poor rural people in community fish refuges ultimately increasing the produc- policies and practises. which succeeded in increasing fish Cambodia, accounting for 61 From the start, the RFF II project tivity of connected rice field fish- • Facilitating usage reduc- production in spite of prolonged percent of all households’ animal team took steps to proactively eries. The project contributed to tion negotiations with high-volume droughts in 2018, 2019 and 2020. protein intake. Furthermore, 98 manage climate risks, including nearly 150,000 Cambodians water users at community fish From 2018 to 2020, farming house- percent of floodplain residents negative impacts of prolonged consuming more fish at home in refuges. holds directly involved in RFF II participate in fishing activities. To drought and heat on rice field fishery 2020 than in the previous year. • Organising earthworks to (22,800 households) produced improve inland fish production in systems. In conjunction with the Empowered communities deepen 29 community fish refuges nearly 10 percent more fish per four provinces, the RFF II project project’s second year WASH (water, carry climate risk management and expand five community fish household in the 140 community depends on effective management sanitation and hygiene) activities, forward refuges in 2020. fish refuges compared to 2017. And of community fish refuges in collab- they began using climate risk Project implementers educate • Raising $267,533 for even in the broader zone of impact oration with local non-governmental screening tools to better understand communities about the risks climate ongoing community fish refuge (123,000 households), fish produc- organisations, community leaders, how climate stressors threaten stressors create for environmental management, including conserva- tion increased by a similar amount and implementing partner community fish refuges. and fish health while increasing tion efforts. per household. Overall, this resulted WorldFish. Fish migrate from rice Accordingly, the team developed local capacity for CRM through Project implementers express in an additional $1.2 million in field fisheries to community fish strategies, such as expanding and trainings and coaching. RFF II confidence in the community’s incomes in the 140 community fish refuges during the dry season when deepening community fish refuges, delivered community fish refuge ability to lead community fish refuges and almost $5 million in water levels recede. At the start of to protect these critical water management and governance refuge management strategies after increased incomes in the zone of the rainy season, fish migrate back resources. Other examples include: training to 3,841 community fish RFF II concludes in 2021. impact over the baseline incomes. to rice field fisheries and other • Assessment of historical refuge committee members, local “When we meet with commune “This result is even more connected bodies of water, such as drought data and local water use authorities and other community councils, they are interested in the remarkable considering the drought canals and streams, where fishing practises before selecting construc- members from October 2019 project and commit to continuing conditions that were repeatedly is permitted. Wild fish from these tion projects’ locations and clearing through September 2020. As a the activities. This is a priority for experienced during that same rice field systems are free to catch, or widening canals that connect result, 2,067 people applied the fisheries administration,” said period,” said Sothira Seng, USAID/ making them a particularly valuable community fish refuges to natural improved technologies and prac- Sam Oeurn Ke, USAID Cambodia Cambodia project management protein source for impoverished, water bodies and rice field fisheries. tises. project management specialist. specialist.” For example, fish landless households. Well-managed • Use of climate forecasts to “I think the local communities SOURCE(S): CLIMATELINKS 16 BUSINESS THURSDAY,MAY 07, 2020 | www.khmertimeskh.com REGION COVID-19 drugs, facilities depleting in Delhi at fast pace NEW DELHI (Xinhua) – The 24 hours, which is the highest were all closed. stocks of oxygen and drugs are single-day surge in the national “Don’t panic. All essential depleting at a fast pace in India’s capital to date. services will be available capital Delhi, as the COVID-19 Meanwhile, the AFP through the weekend,” situation is worsening there, reported that Prime Minister Kejriwal said. confirmed Chief Minister Narendra Modi ordered new Maharashtra, which Arvind Kejriwal on Saturday. measures to find beds and includes Mumbai, Gujarat and The number of oxygen speed up the delivery of oxygen IT hub Bangalore’s home state beds available for COVID-19 and drugs such as the anti-viral Karnataka have also imposed patients in Delhi is going down Remdesivir. restrictions on movement. at a very fast pace. After a national lockdown Uttar Pradesh state, home Every system has a limita- last year led to an economic to some 240 million people, tion, Kejriwal said. slump, the Indian government has ordered a one-day “We are trying every is desperate to avoid a second lockdown on Sunday. possible effort in providing stoppage. But Delhi joined Hospitals across India have stocks of essential drugs and Mumbai in ordering all but reported growing shortages of medical facilities,” he said. essential services to close. oxygen and widely prescribed He added that the pandemic Landmarks such as the medicines, prompting Patients are treated for COVID-19 in India, where oxygen supplies are running out. AFP situation had become “very historic Red Fort where tens desperate people to pay exor- worrisome”, with a depleting of thousands of people would bitant black-market rates. He was not admitted after a stroke. shots administered so far and this terrible pandemic,” said stock of oxygen and the normally gather were deserted. Social media is full of Tried 4 hospitals,” read one stocks running low, according Udaya Regmi from the Remdesivir drug for patients. Police checked many of the horror stories of desperate calls message on a Delhi neighbour- to some local authorities. International Federation of Red At a press conference on few cars that strayed onto the to help a loved one needing hood WhatsApp group this week. “This is a wake-up call to Cross and Red Crescent April 17, he also stated that streets of the city of more than hospital treatment for India’s drive to vaccinate its the world. Vaccines must be Societies (IFRC), describing the around 24,000 fresh COVID-19 20 million people where COVID-19 or other complaints. 1.3 billion people has also hit available to everyone, every- surge across South Asia as “truly cases were reported in the past restaurants, malls and gyms “I lost a cousin on Saturday. obstacles, with just 117 million where, rich and poor to overcome frightening”.

Bangkok virus spike sparks alcohol ban, venue closures Giant clam shells BANGKOK (AFP) – Hundreds probably due to a highly infec- waited in grim silence at a tious variant of the virus origi- seized in Philippines Bangkok stadium to get free nally found in Britain. COVID-19 tests Saturday as a “Nearly 10,000 new cases MANILA (AFP) – Philippine authorities said spiralling infection rate gripped were found within this week,” Saturday they have seized some 200 tonnes of Thailand, on a fourth consecutive said Taweesin Visanuyothin, illegally harvested giant clam shells worth nearly day of more than 1,000 new cases. spokesman for Thailand’s $25 million in one of the biggest known oper- New restrictions began COVID-19 task force. ations of its kind in the country. yesterday, including an alcohol He added that nearly 12,000 Conservationists have expressed alarm over ban in restaurants and bars, while patients were still receiving treat- the surging illicit trade in the endangered crea- entertainment venues will be ment in hospitals, including tures, which are used as a substitute for ivory shuttered across the country for temporary field sites. following a global crackdown in the trade of two weeks. People queue up to take a COVID-19 test as two royally- The site – one of many testing elephant tusks. The capital appears to be the sponsored mobile unit vehicles provide the service at Khao San centres across the city – has the The Philippines is home to most of the epicentre of the kingdom’s third Road on Wednesday following reports that an infected person capacity to screen up to 3,000 world’s giant tropical clam species, and Friday’s visited entertainment venues in the area. wave after infections were traced Bangkok Post people per day, for free under the raid took place in the western province of back to a nightlife district earlier In the past 10 days, the jumped from 29,900 to more than kingdom’s social security Palawan, considered a poaching hotbed. this month. national infection total has 40,500 – the sharp increase programme.

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098 915 666 MONDAY, APRIL 19, 2021 | www.khmertimeskh.com WORLD 17 US, China commit to climate cooperation ahead of key summit WASHINGTON (AFP) – Longer-term actions that The United States and China need to be taken to keep the are “committed to cooper- temperature goals of the Paris ating” on the pressing issue accord “within reach” include of climate change, the two reducing emissions from sides said Saturday, issuing industry and power genera- the pledge days ahead of a tion while stepping up renew- key summit hosted by able energy, clean President Joe Biden. transportation and climate-re- The joint statement came sistant agriculture. after a trip to Shanghai by US The United States and climate envoy John Kerry, China’s pledge to cooperate the first official from Biden’s on climate follows recent administration to visit China, acrimony over accusations signalling hopes the two sides about China’s policies in could work together on the Hong Kong and its treatment global challenge despite of Uyghurs in its north- sky-high tensions on multiple western Xinjiang region – other fronts. criticisms Beijing rejects as But to achieve the global interference in its domestic climate goal, Kerry said affairs. words must be put into action If the United States and urged China to reduce its refuses to work with China use of coal. on climate because of other “The United States and disagreements, “you’re just China are committed to coop- killing yourself,” Kerry told erating with each other and CNN before his trip to with other countries to tackle Shanghai. the climate crisis, which must US Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry (L) posing with South Korean Foreign Minister Chung Eui-yong (R) Li Shuo, a policy advisor be addressed with the seri- before their dinner meeting at Chung’s official residence in Seoul on April 17, 2021. AFP/US Embassy in South Korea at Greenpeace East Asia, said ousness and urgency that it the joint statement showed demands,” said the statement and the Paris Agreement.” half of the world’s coal fuel industry. According to their state- the “unequivocal commit- from Kerry and China’s Both countries also “look power, Kerry said, adding The US president has ment, both Washington and ment” of the United States special envoy for climate forward” to a virtual climate that he “talked a lot” about it rejoined the 2015 Paris Beijing “intend to develop” and China in tackling climate change Xie Zhenhua. summit of world leaders that with officials in Shanghai. Agreement, which Kerry their respective long-term change and should “put It listed multiple avenues Biden will host next week, “I am not pointing negotiated when he was strategies to achieve carbon global climate momentum of climate cooperation though the statement did not fingers,” said Kerry. “We’ve secretary of state, and neutrality by the Glasgow back on high gear”. between the world’s top two say if Chinese President Xi had too much coal, other committed nations to take meeting. “The difficult meetings in economies which together Jinping would attend. countries have too much coal, action to keep the temperature Other moves in the near Shanghai bore fruit. Let that account for nearly half of the “We very much hope he but China is the biggest, from rising no more than two term include boosting “inter- move the politics closer to greenhouse gas emissions will take part,” Kerry, who is biggest coal user in the world. degrees Celsius above pre-in- national investment and where science requires us to responsible for climate now in South Korea, said And because it’s such a big dustrial levels. finance” to support the tran- be,” he said. change. yesterday. and powerful economy and With the world badly off sition to green energy in China has announced an It stressed: “enhancing “Of course, every country country, it needs to move.” track to meeting the goal, developing countries, as well ambitious target to be their respective actions and will make its own decisions,” Biden has made climate Biden hopes his summit will as phasing out production and carbon-neutral by 2060, but cooperating in multilateral he said, adding: “We’re not a top priority, turning the result in stronger pledges in consumption of hydrofluoro- analysts have warned high processes, including the United seeking to force anybody. page from his predecessor advance of UN-led climate carbons, gases used in refrig- reliance on coal and modest Nations Framework We’re seeking cooperation.” Donald Trump, who was talks in Glasgow at the end eration, air conditioners and short-term targets could Convention on Climate Change China currently has about closely aligned with the fossil of the year. aerosols. scupper the ambition. Prince Philip’s funeral held in Windsor LONDON (Xinhua) – The allowed to attend the funeral shown live on television. funeral of the Duke of inside St George’s Chapel, Some members of the Edinburgh was held Saturday including Queen Elizabeth II public have been in Windsor in Windsor in line with the and other members of the to pay tribute to the late duke, British government’s coro- royal family. but the area has largely been navirus restrictions. The 30 guests at the quiet due to restrictions, Britain fell silent for a funeral wore morning coats according to the BBC. minute of reflection ahead of with medals, or day dress, but Prince Philip died at the Prince Philip’s funeral which not military uniform. age of 99 on April 9. He was began at 3pm local time at St. The event was a “ceremo- born on the Greek island of George’s Chapel, in the nial royal funeral”, rather Corfu on June 10, 1921. He grounds of Windsor Castle, than a state funeral, which married Princess Elizabeth in which is about 35 kilometres “very much reflects the 1947, five years before she away from central London. duke’s wishes”, according to became Queen, and was the More than 730 members Buckingham Palace. longest-serving royal consort of the armed forces took part Members of the public in British history. in the event, but given the were not allowed to attend the The couple had four The coffin is carried by a modified Land Rover hearse during the ceremonial funeral current pandemic restrictions, event due to the COVID-19 children, eight grandchildren procession of Britain’s Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh to St George’s Chapel in Windsor only 30 mourners were pandemic. The funeral was and 10 great-grandchildren. Castle in Windsor, west of London, on April 17, 2021. AFP 18 SPORTS MONDAY, APRIL 19, 2021 | www.khmertimeskh.com Norwich City promoted to the Premier League London, United Kingdom (AFP) their man advantage to consolidate of the table Wycombe, while – Norwich City were promoted to their place in the playoff places. fourth-placed Brentford drew 0-0 the Premier League despite a 3-1 Second-half goals from Sam with Millwall. defeat to Bournemouth on Saturday Surridge, Arnaut Danjuma and Farke’s men are 14 points clear as draws for Swansea and Brentford Lloyd Kelly moved the fifth-placed of Swansea, who have four games sent the Championship leaders back Cherries to within eight points of left, and 16 ahead of Brentford, into the top-flight. Watford in the second automatic who have five matches left. Daniel Farke’s side have domi- promotion place. They are also eight points clear nated the second tier with 27 wins “It’s massive. It’s not an easy of Watford, who lost 1-0 at local from their 42 games so far, earning task when you get relegated to rivals Luton on Saturday. an immediate return to the Premier bounce straight back and today Swansea were forced to claw League following last season’s rele- we’ve managed to do that,” their way back from two goals Coach Daniel Farke’s side will return to the English Premier League gation. Norwich midfielder Todd Cantwell down against bottom-of-the-table after last year’s relegation to the EFL Championship. AFP The Canaries suffered just a said. Wycombe to keep alive their slim sixth defeat of the season after “It’s disappointing this evening. hopes of challenging Watford for half at the Liberty Stadium when But Jason McCarthy conceded Dimitrios Giannoulis’s red card A controversial decision and some automatic promotion. he lashed a lay-off from Uche a penalty for handball in the 80th after just 17 minutes at Carrow controversial goals but we can go Steve Cooper’s side were able Ikpeazu past Freddie Woodman minute and Jamal Lowe scored his Road. home smiling knowing we’re going to cut the gap between second and from the edge of the area. fourth goal in three games. Emi Buendia had already up.” third to six points thanks to their Five minutes later they doubled Swansea substitute Liam opened the scoring for the hosts Norwich’s promotion was guar- dramatic draw. their lead, Garath McCleary fired Cullen headed home a Connor before the sending-off, but anteed after third-placed Swansea Admiral Muskwe put Wycombe into the bottom corner to double Roberts cross with eight minutes Bournemouth made the most of were held to a 2-2 draw by bottom ahead 19 seconds into the second Wycombe’s lead. remaining. Djokovic to host British sport halts play, changes Serbia tournament a year after Covid schedule to honour Prince Philip fiasco London, United Kingdom Belgrade, Serbia (AFP)- World number (AFP)–​ British sport stopped to one Novak Djokovic will relaunch the pay tribute to Prince Philip on Serbia Open tournament in Belgrade on Saturday with kick-offs Monday, less than a year after a charity rescheduled to ensure they did event he organised in the city ended in not clash with the Duke of fiasco. Edinburgh’s funeral at Windsor Djokovic was among several players Castle. to test positive after last year’s event, Two minutes’ silence were which was held in front of thousands of held before Chelsea’s FA Cup fans with no social distancing. semi-final win over Manchester Organisers insist that the forthcoming City, as well as Premier League ATP clay court event scheduled for April fixtures. 19-25 will be very different -- no fans The Duke died aged 99 on will be allowed and Covid protocols will April 9. apply. Several sporting events were The Novak Tennis Centre in Belgrade moved to avoid a clash with the will also stage a second clay court event funeral at 1400 GMT. from May 24 on the eve of Roland Wolves’ Premier League Garros. meeting with Sheffield United Apart from Djokovic, other top was moved to a 1915 GMT start, players in Belgrade this week event will as were matches in the English include Italy’s Matteo Berrettini as well Championship and Scottish Cup. as Russian sensation Aslan Karatsev who An Old Firm Scottish Cup made the Australian Open semi-finals clash between Rangers and earlier this year. Celtic, initially scheduled for The tournament is organised by the 1500GMT, has been moved to West Ham United’s team players and Newcastle United’s team players have a minute of silence as 33-year-old’s family with his younger Sunday. a tribute to late Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh during the English Premier League football match brother Djordje acting as director, and Fixures in the Rugby between Newcastle United and West Ham United at Newcastle on April 17, 2021. AFP will be played in his “Novak” facility Premiership and County where he regularly trains. Championship were also Scottish Grand National, have Thirsk, Brighton and Nottingham scoreboard at Wembley before The Serbian capital stepped in, rearranged to avoid a clash with also been moved to Sunday. went ahead but with different Chelsea’s 1-0 victory over City. relaunching the Serbia Open after a nine- the funeral. No racing took place in start times. Players across sports also year hiatus, after Budapest withdrew High-profile race meetings at Britain between 1345 and 1515 An image of Prince Philip paid their respects by wearing from organising a tournament. Ayr and Newbury, including the GMT. Meetings at Bangor, was shown on the stadium black armbands. MONDAY, APRIL 19, 2021 | www.khmertimeskh.com SPORTS 19 UEFA set to announce Champions League reforms and decide on Euro 2020 hosts Lausanne, Switzerland (AFP) – enjoyed success in the past but who UEFA is expected to formalise failed to qualify via their league radical reforms to the format of the position -- think clubs like Arsenal and Champions League at a key meeting Liverpool, currently underperforming of its executive committee on in the Premier League, or Borussia Monday which could also see some Dortmund in Germany, who as it cities removed as hosts of the stands may all miss out on next delayed Euro 2020. season’s Champions League. Plans to reform Europe’s elite club The ultimate goal of the reforms competition from 2024 onwards were is to increase broadcast rights for initially set to be approved last month the competition to satisfy cash- before being put on hold after the hungry leading European clubs and powerful European Club Association end the threat of a breakaway Super (ECA) said it was “not yet in a position League. to formally endorse key changes”. The European Championship is According to sources close to set to start in Rome on June 11 and the negotiations, certain leading is supposed to be played at 12 clubs wanted greater control of different venues spread across the UEFA Club Competitions (UCC), continent. the subsidiary company which The Italian capital was only advises UEFA itself on commercial confirmed as a host city last matters. Wednesday when local authorities UEFA confirmed on Friday that confirmed spectators would be the reforms were at the top of the allowed in up to 25 percent of the agenda for the meeting in the Swiss capacity of the 68,000-seat Stadio town of Montreux, on the eastern Olimpico. shore of Lake Geneva. Liverpool’s Dutch midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum (R) misses a chance at goal during the UEFA Champions It joins eight other cities -- Saint- League quarter final second leg football match between Liverpool and Real Madrid. AFP The Champions League group Petersburg, Baku, Budapest, stage is set to be completely over- games instead of the current six, all ongoing about several details, guaranteed spot in the group phase, Amsterdam, Bucharest, Copenhagen, hauled, with an increase from 32 to against different opponents. including who the four extra places while more places could be given on Glasgow and London -- in being 36 participants and the introduction While the broader outline of the would go to. the back of historical performances confirmed, although the number of of a so-called ‘Swiss system’ inspired reforms has been an open secret for France, as Europe’s fifth-ranked -- using UEFA’s club coefficient. fans allowed into stadiums will vary by chess, with clubs playing 10 group some time, discussions have been nation, is expected to get a third That would benefit clubs who have from one venue to the other. Hamilton earns 99th With Mitchell sidelined, Jazz fall career pole at Emilia Romagna GP to rival Lakers in overtime Los Angeles, United States showed no structural damage, would not be out for long, US when they dropped a 127-115 Imola, Italy (AFP) – one-tenth of a second. (AFP) – An MRI on Donovan giving the Utah Jazz some media reported on Saturday. overtime decision to the Los Lewis Hamilton claimed “The day’s been great Mitchell’s injured ankle hope that their leading scorer Mitchell suffered the right Angeles Lakers at Staples his 99th career pole obviously,” said ankle injury in the third Center on Saturday. position in qualifying Hamilton. “I definitely quarter of Friday’s 119-111 Starters Rudy Gobert and Saturday for the Emilia didn’t expect us to be NBA victory over the Indiana Mike Conley Jr and Derrick Romagna Grand Prix, with ahead of the two Red Pacers. Favors sat out to get some Red Bull’s Sergio Perez Bulls. They’ve been so Mitchell jumped to thwart added rest after the short starting alongside the quick this weekend.” a Pacers pass and twisted his turnaround from Friday’s seven-time world champi- Ferrari’s Charles ankle as he tried to dodge the contest. on’s Mercedes at Imola. Leclerc qualified in fourth leg of Indiana guard Edmond Andre Drummond scored ahead of Pierre Gasly, Sumner. a team-high 27 points as the Hamilton’s Daniel Ricciardo and He grabbed his ankle, Lakers got back into the win Mercedes Lando Norris, who was grimaced in pain and raised column with the victory over team-mate Valtteri heading for second but had his hand for the trainer. the Jazz in front of a crowd his lap time deleted for “We hope there’s nothing of 1,700. Bottas could only exceeding track limits. serious, but they’re in the It was just the second manage eighth, Hamilton’s Mercedes process of doing everything game the Lakers have played with Esteban Ocon team-mate Valtteri Bottas they can to assess that,” Jazz at Staples Center since could only manage eighth, coach Quinn Snyder said in California relaxed its rules on and Lance Stroll with Esteban Ocon and his Friday post-game spectators attending sporting rounding out the Lance Stroll rounding out comments. events. top 10 the top 10. Mitchell scored 22 points Dennis Schroder tallied Carlos Sainz failed to in 21 minutes of playing time 25 points, eight assists and Max Verstappen, make it to Q3 and will start before heading to the trainer six rebounds. Kentavious runner-up to Hamilton at in 11th position in the room. He has been the Jazz’s Caldwell-Pope finished with the season-opening race second Ferrari. leading scorer this season, 25 points, draining five in Bahrain last month, Two-time former averaging a career-best 26.5 threes. will begin third on the world champion Fernando points per game. Jordan Clarkson led the grid in the other Red Bull Alonso was a disappointing The Jazz, who have the Jazz with 27 points. Ersan as the top three were sepa- 15th, six places behind league’s best record at 42-15, Ilyasova finished with 20 rated by less than Alpine team-mate Ocon. LeBron James of the LA Lakers and Donovan Mitchell of were without Mitchell and points, shooting six of eight the Utah Jazz missed the game due to injuries. AFP several of their other starters from the three-point line. THURSDAY, MAY 07, 2020 | www.khmertimeskh.com Norwich City promoted 20 to the Premier League SPORTS SPORTS PAGE 18 Cambodian-American fighter withdraws from MMA bout Jose Rodriguez T. Senase a few days ago. In a previous interview, [email protected] “Words can’t capture how Sovannahry expressed her excite- devastated I am about getting ment at the prospect of facing he much-awaited block- injured so close to the fight, and Northcutt, who is widely considered buster mixed martial arts being forced out. I have trained like as one of the best female martial (MMA) bout between Em a dog for this, dedicating endless artists in the world. Sovannahry and Colbey hours to being prepared. And yet “Colbey has been in my radar TNorthcutt will not push through here we are,” she said. for quite some time. I’ve always after the Cambodian-American Sovannahry apologised for admired the karate style that she fighter sustained an injury during ‘letting everybody down’.. has. I’m very much looking forward a pre-bout training session. “I want to apologise to my to sharing the cage with her and Sovannahry, 28, was supposed coach, Justen Hamilton, who self- seeing how I can deal with her to face Northcutt, 27, in a women’s lessly dedicated so much of his time unique striking power,” she said. flyweight bout on April 28 at the to helping me. I’m sure she (Colby Sovannahry, who carries a 4-1-0 Singapore Indoor Stadium. The Northcutt) prepared just as hard as professional MMA record, is upcoming slugfest is part of ONE I did, and spent just as many hours coming off a TKO win over South Championship’s “ONE on TNT 4” training to be ready for this. I was Korean star Choi Jeong Yun. Her event. very much looking to sharing the mother is originally from Cambodia. The event will also feature cage with you,” she stressed. Northcutt, who has many world Jonathan Haggerty of the United “I also want to apologise to ONE titles to her name, signed with ONE Kingdom, Elias Mahmoudi of Championship and to everyone who Championship two years ago. She France, Pieter Buist of the has been supporting me, particularly currently holds a 1-1-0 professional Netherlands, Lowen Tynanes of the the people of Cambodia, who have MMA record. United States and other big names been nothing but nice to me. I know According to MMA Fighting, in MMA. this is not a ‘choice’ on my part, Northcutt will continue with the Sovannahry dislocated her but I still feel like I’m letting every- bout against another opponent, Em Sovannahry dislocated her shoulder while training in California. Supplied shoulder while training in California body down,” Sovannahry added. Courtney Martin. Cambodian League: Angkor Tiger off to a fast start

Jose Rodriguez T. Senase [email protected]

SIMILAR to last season, Angkor Tiger football club is off to a fast start in the Cambodian League (Metfone Cambodian League). The Siem Reap-based club is currently on top of the standings, with 10 points to show after six weeks. 2019 titlist Preah Khan Reach Svay Rieng FC occupies the second spot with nine points, followed by perennial title contender Phnom Penh Crown FC (nine points), Tiffy Army FC (seven), NagaWorld FC (six) and Kirivong Sok Sen Chey FC (six). Reigning titlist Boeung Ket FC is off to a bad start, with zero points to show after two matches. Boeung Ket FC lost to NagaWorld FC, 1-0, and Phnom Penh Crown FC, 2-1. National Police Commissary FC and Soltilo Angkor FC are also winless so far. Angkor Tiger football club has won three of its first four matches and leads the Cambodian League with 10 points. Facebook After coming up short in the last six seasons, expectations are high against powerhouse Tiffy Army FC Last year, Angkor Tiger FC was in the Angkor Tiger FC schedule. ‘disarray’ by the pandemic. that Phnom Penh Crown FC will and two other less powerful clubs. the top five of the standings, before NagaWorld FC and Visakha FC Cambodian authorities locked finally return to the top of Cambodia’s Against Tiffy Army FC, Angkor a late collapse sent it to the relega- are next on the list, together with down Phnom Penh for two weeks premier football tournament. The Tiger FC almost lost the game after tion phase. Electricite du Cambodge FC. The after the number of COVID-19 cases club won the Cambodian League leading, 3-0, in the first half. The club, Angkor Tiger FC placed seventh exact schedules have yet to be skyrocketed. So far, Cambodia’s crown six times (2002, 2008, 2010, however, easily dispatched National among the 13 clubs that played in confirmed owing to the current capital city has recorded 4,435 2011, 2014 and 2015). Police Commissary FC (1-0) and the 2020 MCL. The club made it to health situation. cases. Overall, Cambodia has 5,845 After newcomer Prey Veng FC Kirivong Sok Sen Chey FC (2-0). the championship round and placed The MCL had a short break for cases with 43 fatalities. held it to a 1-1 draw, Angkor Tiger It remains to be seen if the club fifth overall in 2019. the Khmer New Year. But the The MCL is scheduled to resume FC reeled of three straight wins can sustain its current momentum. Powerhouse teams are next on schedule was later thrown into on April 28.