monday, may 31, 2021 Intelligent . In-depth . Independent Issue Number 3674 / 4000 RIEL WHO VOWS LASTING BUSINESS ARBITER VIETNAM DISCOVERS SUPPORT FOR COVID UPDATES RULES FOR HYBRID VARIANT OF BATTLE IN KINGDOM ‘NEW NORMAL’ ERA COVID CORONAVIRUS national – page 2 business – page 8 world – page 10 4.5M vaccines to arrive in June, shots on target Mom Kunthear planned, an additional 4.5 mil- cinated be patient while wait- that vaccines could not be other areas in order of priority, state Or Vandine, who is also lion doses of Covid-19 vaccines ing for the vaccines to arrive. distributed to the provinces with vaccines being adminis- head of the national commission CAMBODIA’S next shipment of will arrive in June along with He noted that it remains yet as they are not the prior- tered first in the most popu- for Covid-19 vaccination pro- Covid-19 vaccines will arrive in another batch a month later. important for everyone to ity now as vaccine distribu- lated areas. gramme, on how to prioritise June, accelerating the vaccina- We can give jabs to at least five maintain health guidelines tion in the Kingdom would “So from now, I suggest that distribution in the provinces. tion drive and enabling it to to six million of the target including the “three protec- adhere to the government’s all ministers, municipal and According to the health min- reach five to six million people number of 10 million people by tions and three don’ts” and “blossoming strategy”. provincial governors stop ask- istry’s report on May 29, Cam- this year, Prime Minister Hun the end of this year," Hun Sen that these measures also This strategy begins in the ing me to provide vaccines bodia had vaccinated 2,514,790 Sen announced on May 29. said in an audio message. applied to people who have capital and neighbouring Kan- here or there first,” he said. people – or 25.15 per cent – of "We will have enough vac- He also requested that peo- already been vaccinated. dal province before expanding He said he will discuss with the nation’s target number of cines for our people. As ple who have not been vac- The prime minister added outward in all directions to Ministry of Health secretary of 10 million people. Gov’t lends a hand for local durian cultivation

Thou Vireak "Nowadays, some people cultivate durian in accordance HE Cambodian gov- with the agriculture ministry's ernment is developing guidelines, especially small- a policy to expand the and medium-scale farmers, cultivation of durian, because they have the ability asT the fruit garners increasing and budget for investment as support on the domestic mar- real commercial businesses," ket, and mapping out a long- he said, adding that other term export strategy to pursue farmers merely grow durian in due time. for family consumption or for Minister of Agriculture, For- leisure, without consideration estry and Fisheries Veng Sakhon for the proper techniques. Up in smoke on May 29 said durian cultiva- Sakhon said the government Smoke billows from the Singapore-registered container ship MV X-Press Pearl on Saturday, which has been burning for tion is booming in Cambodia, will also encourage the private the tenth consecutive day in the sea off Sri Lanka's Colombo Harbour, in Colombo. Authorities said last week they believed sTORY > 9 the fire was caused by a nitric acid leak that the crew had been aware of since May 11. SRI LANKA AIR FORCE/AFP buoyed by an increasing recog- sector to increase investment nition for the pungent fruit's to boost production chains quality and safe production and increase supply to the practices and operations. domestic market and for The ministry is also preparing export, and set up the Cambo- ASEAN opposes Myanmar arms embargo plans and a set of objectives to dian Agro-Industrial Federa- expand the cultivation of durian tion to support, encourage and NINE out of the 10 members tenstein, reportedly with the its current form, especially in Myanmar is to be helpful to and other fruit with commer- promote agricultural develop- of ASEAN want a draft UN support of close to 50 other from all countries directly countries in ASEAN, then it cially viable domestic and inter- ment, agro-industry and agri- resolution to drop a call for an countries, nine members of affected in the region". needs to be adopted by con- national markets, he said. business in Cambodia. embargo on arms supplies to ASEAN, excluding Myanmar, Further negotiations are sensus," the letter said. He added that the govern- The federation will, among the Myanmar military in the asked for the removal of a sen- needed "to make the text The military's crackdown on ment will develop the neces- other things, set up breeding wake of its February 1 coup tence calling for "an immedi- acceptable, especially to the protests against its seizure of sary infrastructure to facilitate and production stations for d'etat and the ensuing brutal ate suspension" of sales or countries most directly affect- power has, according to mul- processes at all stages of pro- seeds of durian and other crackdown. transfers of weapons and ed and who are now engaged tiple reports, left more than duction for durian and other popular fruits that provide A key reason for this is ASEAN's munitions to Myanmar. in efforts to resolve the situa- 800 civilian protesters dead. fruits, and organise farmers' farmers with easy access to need to keep open channels for Reuters reported that the let- tion", it said. Many hundreds more, includ- cooperatives to boost produc- domestic and foreign markets, dialogue with the military. ter, dated May 19, said the draft "It is also our firm convic- ing journalists, have been tion in line with market stand- In a letter in response to a resolution "cannot command tion that if a General Assem- thrown in jail. THE STRAITS TIMES ards and requirements. Continued – page 6 resolution drafted by Liech- the widest possible support in bly resolution on the situation (SINGAPORE)/ASIA NEWS NETWORK

THE PHNOM PENH POST Tax hike suggested to National help trim tobacco use Inside page 3 2 THE PHNOM PENH POST may 31, 2021 www.phnompenhpost.com National Ratanakkiri to contain WHO set to assist Kingdom spread of chikungunya

Mom Kunthear Aedes, mainly Aedes aegypti. in Covid vaccination efforts Chik was first identified THE Ratanakkiri Provincial in Cambodia in 1961. Since Mom Kunthear Department of Health is 2000, blood samples have planning to launch a cam- been collected from sentinel ORLD Health paign to eradicate mosquito hospitals that are part of the Organisation larvae and prevent aedes Dengue Surveillance System (WHO) Rep- aegypti mosquitoes from such as Battambang, Siem resentative to breeding after dozens of Reap, Kampong Cham and WCambodia Li Ailan said chikungunya cases were re- Takeo provinces, and then WHO will continue to sup- ported in the province. sent to the Institut Pasteur port the Cambodian people As of May 25, a total of 230 du Cambodge in Phnom in carrying out the nation’s suspected cases of chikungu- Penh for testing. vaccination campaign as nya, or chik, were reported in Eng Kunvuth, chief of the the Kingdom remains at a 11 provinces across Cambo- Rattanakiri provincial health critical stage in its Covid-19 dia, according to information department’s communica- response. from the National Dengue ble disease bureau, told The “The world remains in a very Surveillance System at the Na- Post that the Chik situation dangerous situation... Cam- tional Centre for Parasitology, was not overly-concerning bodia remains at a very criti- Entomology and Malaria Con- and that he was monitoring cal stage of [its] Covid-19 re- trol. More than 90 per cent of its development. sponse. There is no shortcut. the cases were found in Ra- “This week, I will also Only effective interventions tanakkiri, Kampong Chhnang launch a campaign to ad- today with the combined and Prey Veng provinces. minister the anti-dengue measures will determine [the] A report from the parasi- larvicide Abate in 500 vil- Covid-19 situation in the near tology centre seen by The lages in 52 communes in future,” she tweeted. Post on May 30 said that in nine districts of Ratanakkiri During an online cer- Ratanakkiri the number of province. We have 10 tonnes emony to hand over oxygen cases had increased sharply of Abate to eradicate mos- concentration measurement from 14 cases in April to 76 quito larvae and prevent ae- devices to vaccination teams WHO Representative to Cambodia Li Ailan speaks in a press conference last year. hong menea cases as of May 10. des aegypti mosquitoes from from three provinces on May According to the report, as breeding,” he said. 29, Ailan said: “I will con- WHO in Cambodia re- current Covid-19 situation The report said Cambodia of May 25 a total of 175 sus- The last Chik outbreak oc- tinue to help the Cambodian leased a report on May 24 and discussed strategic ap- had used many detection pected cases had been re- curred in 2020 and affected people, especially by sup- saying that Phnom Penh and proaches for prevention, re- strategies, including a system ported from eight villages in 22 provinces with a total of porting the Covid-19 vacci- Preah Sihanouk province search and control of Covid- to track the disease through O’Chum and Bakeo districts. 7,200 cases. Provinces locat- nation campaign. have reached the second 19 including vaccinations. community participation that The local authorities have ed in the west of the country “I firmly believe that Cam- stage of transmissions – one It said the transmission was being established and claimed that around 40-70 accounted for more than 80 bodia will get past this seri- in which the transmission stage assessments were made put into trial at health centres per cent of those villages’ per cent of the total reported ous outbreak [because] the of the virus branched out to using multi-source surveil- and in the community. families were experiencing cases during that outbreak. Cambodian government has different locations – while 23 lance techniques and they As of May 30, Cambodia has similar symptoms. It affected all age groups – already experienced success other provinces are experi- showed that Phnom Penh and recorded a total of 29,404 cas- Chik is transmitted to hu- ranging from one-years-old [previously] in preventing and encing the first stage. Preah Sihanouk were in the es of Covid-19 with 22,188 re- mans through the bite of fe- to 80 years of age, according combating Covid-19,” she said. The report highlighted the second transmission stage. coveries and 209 fatalities. male mosquitoes of the genus to the centre. Youth campaign spreads word on plastic recycling Ry Sochan

AN ENVIRONMENTAL group has launched a 20-day cam- paign to promote the public’s participation in reducing the use of plastic to keep the envi- ronment clean and litter-free. Phok Sreypich, project of- ficer of the Youth Resources Development Programme (YRDP), told The Post on May 30 that the campaign – which runs from May 17 to June 6 – aims to raise public aware- Children learn coding at a school in Phnom Penh, Chbal Ampov district on 2017. hong menea ness, particularly among the nation’s youth, about the principle of the 4Rs: Reduce, Youth advised to wise-up on tech Reuse, Refuse and Recycle. She said the first phase of Long Kimmarita standing of technology to im- used technology to meet the the campaign was conducted prove skills and keep up with needs of the country. online, with videos posted A woman carries plastic bags in Orussey commune in Phnom Penh’s CAMBODIAN youths need to developments in the country Socheat said the government on the 4Rs through their Fa- Prampi Makara district. heng chivoan strengthen their knowledge of as well as the region. It ad- also has not used technology to cebook page and focused on technology if they are to com- vised Cambodian students fully develop some sectors such encouraging youth to spread The offline campaign will campaign,” she said. pete in the labour market and to work hard to improve their as agriculture and tourism. the word about the reuse of transition online via a virtual Community Sanitation and participate in national develop- knowledge of technology. He said promotion and old plastics. workshop scheduled for June Recycling Organisation exec- ment in the digital era, said the “Cambodian youth should training of human resources “The third activity will be 6, which will be attended by of- utive director Heng Yon Kora Ministry of Interior’s Department continue to study hard to to study and research tech- the short video competition. ficials from the Ministry of En- told The Post on May 30 that of Information Technology. strengthen their knowledge nology to develop the coun- Those who are interested in vironment, the private sector less consumption, importa- The department said Cam- of foreign languages and to try is necessary. the campaign can post their and the youths who are help- tion and production of plas- bodia needs to involve gov- continue to participate in “In this era, at the same time own short videos related to this ing to organise this campaign. tics was required. ernment agencies, the private community development by as Covid-19, the use of e-gov- topic. They can tag videos to us “At the online workshop, He said that if the use of plas- sector and all Cambodians sharing knowledge and expe- ernment technology should or send them to our Facebook we want to learn about the tics was reduced, it could ben- through training to achieve a rience,” the department said. be official and become the page named 4Rs Campaign environment ministry’s man- efit the national economy and digital society. Advocacy and Policy Insti- mainstream of people’s edu- Cambodia,” Sreypich said. agement of plastics and we reduce the amount of waste On its Facebook page on May tute director Lam Socheat told cation,” Socheat said. She said the second phase want to know what approach being dumped, which dam- 29, the department wrote that The Post on May 30 that today’s He said young Cambodians of the campaign was intend- or method the private sector aged the aesthetics of the city. training should focus on hu- technology is very important in are vital to the country’s econ- ed to be done in person, but uses to apply the 4Rs in their “During the Covid-19 era, man resources to achieve the solving future problems, espe- omy because two-thirds of the amid the ongoing Covid-19 businesses. the use of plastics has been goals set out in its action plan. cially national development. nation’s youth are under the pandemic, a planned gather- “And we want to know the reduced, but not much and it The department said youth He said in this context, young age of 30, adding that this is ing of 200 people was no lon- youth’s views or experiences is now increasing due to food should increase their under- Cambodians have not yet fully the Kingdom’s potential. ger possible. with participating in this packaging,” he said. THE PHNOM PENH POST may 31, 2021 www.phnompenhpost.com 3 National WHO calls for action on tobacco

Long Kimmarita Ministry of Economy and Finance spokesman Meas HE World Health Soksensan previously told The Organisation (WHO) Post that the decision to raise in Cambodia called tariffs on tobacco products for more action to would depend on the results of combatT the spread of tobacco a more detailed study and that use in order to protect the next the government had already generation. carefully studied the tariffs on To mark “World No Tobac- the products in the past. co Day” on May 31 this year, He said the finance ministry WHO used “smoking cessa- had paid close attention to the tion” as its theme because control of tobacco products smoking has been linked to in the country as stakehold- an increase in disease sever- ers have made these issues a ity and deaths among hospi- priority for discussion. talised Covid-19 patients. “We have met many times WHO said the use of tobac- to do a comprehensive assess- co causes deaths, economic ment, because [devising and losses and contributes to envi- implementing] tax policy is not ronmental degradation – all of easy. [Raising taxes] has its pros which poses a serious threat and cons,” Soksensan said. to sustainable development. Mom Kong, executive di- It said approximately 2.4 rector of the NGO Cambodia million Cambodians – or 22 Movement for Health, said if per cent of the population Cambodia would raise taxes on aged 15 and older – use some tobacco products it would help form of tobacco and are at a support people to successfully substantially increased risk of quit smoking, as raising tobac- disease, early death and im- co taxes can lead smokers to poverishment. reduce their consumption or A WHO report said that each quit smoking completely. year tobacco causes 15,000 “They will smoke less or deaths, a third of which were quit completely, leading to a among the poorest people in A billboard discouraging smoking displayed on Monivong Boulevard in 2015. Post Staff reduction in the number of Cambodia. deaths, disabilities and ill- As a result, Cambodia suf- retail price, with periodic in- farmers and workers to switch of tobacco and the dangers it role in supporting universal nesses from tobacco use. fers annual economic loss of creases to outpace inflation to alternative livelihoods, poses, especially among low- health coverage and social “In addition, the increase in 2.7 trillion riel ($663 million), and income growth. and other social protection income populations. protections. tobacco taxes gives the gov- which is equivalent to three “Allocate part of the tobacco schemes,” the report said. “Smoking is associated with “Stronger tobacco control ernment additional tax rev- per cent of the country’s GDP tax revenues to tobacco control WHO also called on stake- increased severity of disease can help reduce Cambodia’s enues to be used for disease – all due to tobacco use. and poverty relief measures, holders to raise awareness and death in hospitalised vulnerability and enhance prevention, especially the “Scale up tobacco taxes such as universal health cov- among the public and poli- Covid-19 patients and to- its resilience in future health prevention and treatment of to at least 75 per cent of the erage and supporting tobacco cymakers about the true cost bacco taxation plays a critical emergencies,” WHO said. Covid-19,” he said. Senior official asks UN to Industrial acid causes fish-kill build more flood shelters in Battambang’s Sangke River Orm Buthoeurn Mom Kunthear rity and nutrition through built in accordance with recog- cash contributions and in- nised international standards, THE MINISTRY of Environ- A SENIOR disaster-manage- kind support, such as rice each with a large hall, a kitchen, ment is considering disciplin- ment official has asked the and canned fish, as well as to a laundry room, a storage room, ary measures to impose on UN World Food Programme support the development of bathrooms, a handwashing companies that have leaked (WFP) and Japanese govern- emergency preparedness and station, a livestock shelter and acid into the Sangke River in ment to build safe evacuation response, according to a May a large open field. Battambang province, caus- centres (SEC) near the Tonle 21 joint press release. Each site was equipped with ing a mass fish die-off in the Sap Lake and along the Six SECs were recently hand- water supply components such area of the Thvak Natural Mekong River, areas highly ed over to local communities as tube wells, water storage and Resort in Thvak village in Ra- vulnerable to flooding during in Kampong Chhnang, Kam- containers, a solar electric sys- tanak Mondol district’s An- the yearly rainy season, the pong Thom and Pursat prov- tem with a generator, as well as doeuk Heb commune. Ministry of National Defence inces, in a ceremony conduct- a lightning protection system, Ministry spokesman Neth reported on May 28. ed by the Japanese embassy according to the release. Pheaktra told The Post on May The centres are meant to in Phnom Penh, the WFP and The centres were funded 30 that a technical working provide appropriate temporary NCDM, the release said. by the Japanese government group would review the mea- emergency shelter to commu- Able to accommodate 2,000- and WFP to the tune of $1 sures on May 31 after receiving Ratanak Mondol district officials inspect the location where a frim released nities at potential risk of floods 3,000 people, the SECs were million. the complete information and wastewater into the Sangke River, on May 27. Provincial administration and other natural disasters. the results from the laboratory National Committee for Di- that will show if there were department had already pre- company is to prevent further saster Management (NCDM) other substances involved. vented further leakage. leaks. The company needs to first vice-president Kun Kim According to Pheaktra, the Boran noted that the level of guarantee that, and secondly, said: “The provinces surround- ministry’s experts worked in acidity in the water has now to speed up the preparation of ing Tonle Sap Lake and along collaboration with officials also been neutralised and the station for the wastewater the Mekong River are vulner- from the provincial adminis- there was no serious long- treatment from the factory as able to floods. The SECs will tration to inspect the area im- term impact on the river’s en- soon as possible,” he said. help people escape the floods. mediately after receiving in- vironment or biodiversity. Kuy Vanno, acting gover- “People are normally evac- formation that there was water “We will renovate the factory nor of the Rattanak Mondul uated to safety during floods, pollution in part of the river. and there will be a fine imposed district, said authorities had but the dilemma is that when “According to our laboratory by the environment ministry. approached the company to they’d arrive, there’d be no test of the Sangke River sam- The weather was mainly the have them sign a contract to shelter, toilets or clean wa- ples, there is acid in the water cause of the leak, with heavy prevent further leaks. ter,” he said. that we suspect leaked from the rains causing water to escape “There are four cement tanks WFP county director Claire Phoenix Industrial company, the temporary holding pool of that are made for use in their Conan said building the cen- which produces preservatives the Chinese company,” he said. operations along with the in- tres would be vital for flood and other products,” he said. Provincial administration stallation of pipes, but the work response preparations. Provincial environment de- spokesman Soeum Bunrith hasn’t been completed yet. The Japanese government partment director Kort Boran confirmed on May 30 that the They have two temporary hold- has been a “significant part- said on May 30 that the leak authorities require that the ing pools – one of which is full ner” to WFP’s work in the was caused by the heavy rains company takes steps to en- of water and the other is empty. Kingdom since 1998, provid- that occurred several days in sure that such chemical spills Thus, when they drained one ing $22 million in the last 10 a row and flooded the area. do not happen again. pool into the other, that caused years to improve food secu- A safe evacuation centre in Kampong Thom province. Suppli He said that by May 30 his “This action against the the leak,” he said. 4 THE PHNOM PENH POST may 31, 2021 www.phnompenhpost.com National Vandine: Covid still UN urges Covid inmate info a cause for concern Voun Dara Mom Kunthear of May 29 – is higher than the HE UN in Cambodia urged the whole of April, when 11,313 General Department of Prisons MINISTRY of Health spokes- infections and 82 fatalities (GDP) to provide information woman Or Vandine on May were recorded. on the spread of Covid-19 in the 29 warned that the Covid-19 In March, 1,658 infections nation’sT prisons in a transparent man- situation in Cambodia re- and 14 deaths were record- ner – a decision relevant officials said mained serious, if not critical, ed. The ministry logged the rests with the Ministry of Health and with no definite end in sight country’s first Covid-19 fatal- local authorities. despite the recent lifting of ity on March 11. According to their press release, the UN the lockdown in Phnom Penh “This proves that the spread in Cambodia works with prison authori- and curfew. of the virus is still severe and ties to ensure that the rights of inmates “The Covid-19 situation in actually shows no sign of sub- and people working with them are pro- our country remains at a stage siding. The situation is worry- tected in accordance with Cambodia’s where we all have to take the ing so we all have to continue international human rights obligations. utmost care and precaution. adhering to preventive mea- “The United Nations in Cambodia The novel coronavirus is still sures,” she said. does not have specific information on circulating every day [espe- The government first im- the number of positive cases in prisons cially] in Phnom Penh, al- posed a lockdown in Phnom and requests greater transparency to though the situation has gen- Penh and adjacent Takhmao ensure that information concerning the erally improved leading to the town in Kandal province on outbreak in prisons is made available,” UN in Cambodia officials visit Prey Sar Prison.Un in Cambodia lifting of lockdown,” she said. April 15 before eventually lift- the press release said. Vandine noted that the to- ing it on May 6 after the com- The UN in Cambodia stated that they Covid-19 in prisons was not being han- He said detainees have no outside tal number of infections and munity outbreak eased. The continue to offer assistance in imple- dled transparently, which was causing contact and therefore it was up to the deaths so far this month – at nighttime curfew ended on menting alternatives to detention dur- concerns among detainees’ families – GDP whether to reveal the identities of 15,040 and 107 respectively as May 22. ing the Covid-19 pandemic, urging the including for their own wellbeing when infected detainees or not. government to use detention as a last visiting the prison. Malin took issue with the request to re- resort with alternatives to imprison- “I support the UN’ recommendation veal the identities of the detainees, say- ment considered a priority. and request that the GDP and prisons ing it was in contrast to what UN special The GDP has been provided with a provide transparent information about rapporteurs said last year. great deal of assistance from the UN Covid-19 in prisons, because our prisons “I don’t know what the UN, civil soci- in matters such as procuring PPE – in- are overcrowded nationwide,” he said. eties and some opposition groups really cluding face shields, test kits and vita- Ministry of Justice spokesman Chin Ma- want,” Malin said. min supplements. lin said the GDP’s decision not to reveal the In December of last year, UN Special GDP spokesman Nuth Savna could not identities of inmates with Covid-19 was to Rapporteur in Cambodia Rhona Smith, be reached for comment on May 30, but prevent the spread of Covid-19 in prisons. Special Rapporteur Tlaleng Mofokeng he told The Post on May 27 that he had “[For cases] outside the prisons, au- and Special Rapporteur Joseph Can- not received any notice instructing him thorities do reveal the identities of natac were alarmed at the decision by to disclose data on Covid-19 infections Covid-19 positive people because it as- the government to publish information among inmates, and that this was the sists them in contact tracing. This is also about individuals who had contracted responsibility of the Ministry of Health necessary to encourage people who had Covid-19. and the capital-provincial authorities. direct and indirect contact with them to They stated at the time that it was un- Am Sam Ath, deputy director of rights voluntarily be tested in order to prevent necessary under any circumstances and group Licadho, said information on the further spread of Covid-19,” he said. a deplorable breach of privacy. Ministry of Health spokeswoman Or Vandine. Heng Chivoan THE PHNOM PENH POST may 31, 2021 www.phnompenhpost.com 5 National Tourism infrastructure near complete in Preah Sihanouk Voun Dara ration for a surge in national Preah Sihanouk is consid- and international tourists ered by the government to be THE Preah Sihanouk Provin- and investors when the Cov- one of three main economic cial Administration has fin- id-19 epidemic subsides. poles along with Phnom Penh ished construction on 34 According to the provincial and Siem Reap. It is desig- roads totalling 84km while administration, as of May 28 nated as a multi-purpose also planning to build a third the concrete on all 34 roads in Special Economic Zone to wastewater treatment plant. the province was complete as help it gain economic growth, On May 28, Minister of Land well as the asphalt. investment and tourism. Management, Urban Planning Installation of roads signs, The 34 roads under con- and Construction Chea traffic lights or street lights struction span 84 km and are Sophara led a working group and the planting of trees have being constructed at a cost of including Minister of Tourism now been completed. $294 million. Thong Khon, Minister of Envi- Construction of public toilets The groundbreaking ceremo- ronment Say Sam Al and Preah was at 93 per cent while 60 per ny for the infrastructure project Sihanouk provincial governor cent of security cameras had was held on November 16, Kuoch Chamroeun to inspect been installed and the con- 2019, in cooperation with six the progress of infrastructure struction of Ochheuteal beach companies and two road con- Ministry of Culture officials survey an archaeological site in Kandal province.K andal provincial Culture Department construction in the province. road was nearly finished. struction engineering units. During the inspection, Sophara said the first plant, which has a water treatment Dig for ancient artifacts capacity of 5,200 cubic metres per day – was now 100 per cent finished. The second one, which uses the latest technology and halts road construction has a treatment capacity of 7,200 cubic metres per day, was Lay Samean 28 that the dig was to find arti- ects often stumbled upon now 84 per cent completed. facts before construction starts. ancient sites as Cambodia “The National Committee N ARCHAELOGICAL “The Tuol Oslok excavation has many such places. Exca- for Coastal Management and archaeological site is in accordance with the culture vation of sites is important as Development is examining has broken ground ministry’s development for con- archaeologists discover arti- the possibility of construct- on the southern servation principle”, he said. facts for further analysis. ing a third wastewater treat- reachesA of the capital’s under- Excavation at the site would “We find items such as uten- ment plant to address the construction third ring road. take three weeks from May 19 sils, pots and pans and other discharge of wastewater into Named “Tuol Oslok” and to June 5, he said. items,” he said, adding that the sea,” he said. located in Preah Puth com- He said that in the past, the once artifacts are unearthed, The provincial administra- mune of Kandal province’s ministry had worked on projects they are analysed to determine tion confirmed that construc- Kandal Stung district, the where national infrastructure the age of items and the site. tion such as the wastewater excavation is a collaborative and archaeological sites were “For example, we once found treatment plants and the effort between the ministries affected. In 2012, for instance, an ancient burial site in Ban- building of public toilets Preah Sihanouk Provincial Administration officials inspect a wastewater of Culture and Fine Arts, and the ministry excavated a site in teay Meanchey province. Arti- along the coast was in prepa- treatment facility. preah sihanouk provincial administration Public Works and Transport. Banteay Meanchey province facts were removed and exhib- Prak Sunnara, the culture followed by Prek Kdam Bridge ited in the provincial museum. ministry’s secretary of state in in Kandal province which was It’s for researchers as well as the charge of archaeology and ex- also on the ring road. public to learn about Khmer cavation, told The Post on May He said that big road proj- history,” he said.

CCF officers confiscate104.3 litres of fake hand sanitiser in Banteay Meanchey province. ccf CCF seizes more than 100 litres of fake sanitiser in Banteay Meanchey Voun Dara rectorate of Consumer Pro- counterfeit products revealed tection, Competition and high levels of methanol. AFTER the discovery of more Fraud Repression (CCF), Methanol was not only inef- than 100 litres of counterfeit said CCF officials in Banteay fective at killing the virus but alcohol-based sanitiser in Meanchey carried out the in- it also affected people’s health Banteay Meanchey prov- spection in cooperation with causing skin rashes, memory ince on May 28, the Ministry commercial department offi- loss and nausea. If mixed with of Commerce has increased cials and local authorities. ethanol, it can lead to death. efforts to inspect the qual- “We found and seized 104.5 CCF said that during the ity of products at outlets litres of fake disinfectant. Busi- Covid-19 outbreak, offi- nationwide. ness owners selling fake items cials had seized more than Phan Oun, director-general will be prosecuted,” he said. 40 tonnes of fake sanitisers of the ministry’s General Di- The directorate said the throughout the country. 6 THE PHNOM PENH POST may 31, 2021 www.phnompenhpost.com Business

USD / KHR USD / CAD USD / CNY USD / JPY USD / MYR USD / SGD USD / THB AUD / USD EUR / USD GBP / USD 4,093 1.2111 6.3774 109.20 4.1395 1.3235 31.30 0.7739 1.2195 1.4122

Trading Information on Cambodia Securities Exchange Date: May 28, 2021 Auction Trading Method (ATM) No Stock Closing Price Opening Price High Low 1 ABC 16,440 16,380 16,440 16,380 2 GTI 4,340 4,340 4,340 4,300 3 PAS 14,460 14,480 14,500 14,420 4 PEPC 3,370 3,380 3,380 3,350 5 PPAP 14,580 14,520 14,580 14,500 6 PPSP 2,300 2,320 2,340 2,280 7 PWSA 7,200 7,180 7,280 7,120 Two business bodies liaise to Items to explore in ASEAN-Canada bolster Cambodia-Thai trade FTA talks mulled May Kunmakara Hin Pisei bicycles, as well as apparel and ANGKOK-BASED other finished textile products. Cambodia Business CAMBODIA is gathering input “Canada is an important Council (CBC) and from all stakeholders on a wide market for Cambodia. A free the Thai Business spectrum of issues, including trade agreement [FTA], even CouncilB in Cambodia (TBCC) environmental concerns, to be at a regional level, will help have pledged to work together incorporated in a draft frame- improve Cambodia’s exports,” to attract investors from either work document for negotia- he said, noting a rising global country and boost economic di- tions on the ASEAN-Canada trend of countries and trade plomacy, with a strong focus on Free Trade Agreement. blocs in the market for FTAs, expanding bilateral goods trade Ministry of Commerce to promote trade growth and and achieving the two national secretary of state Pich Rithy bring about mutual benefits. leaders’ long-standing plan to said the trade deal would Even with the Covid-19 cri- top the $15 billion mark. be crucial to boosting trade sis driving large international The two trade bodies made the between Canada and mem- trade declines across the globe, vow at a first meeting, in Phnom bers of the 10-nation bloc, of Canada managed to rank Penh on May 28, just eight days which Cambodia is a mem- eighth last year on Cambodia’s after the CBC opened. ber, highlighting the size and largest trading partner list. The newly-formed partner- prosperity of the North Amer- Trade between the two ship will serve as a bridge, ican country. countries was worth a total providing encouragement and Rithy told this to a May 27 of $800.40 million last year, support to Thai and Cambodi- inter-ministerial meeting down by 16.44 per cent com- an investors and businessmen Cambodia Business Council (CBC) president Sambath Sothea (third right) and his counterpart at the Thai Business held to obtain feedback for pared to 2019, the commerce looking to strike up new rela- Council in Cambodia (TBCC), Jiranun Wongmongkol (centre), at the two trade bodies’ first meeting on Friday.CBC sections in the draft frame- ministry reported. tionships and ventures, and as work document that touch on The Kingdom exported a tool in Cambodia’s pursuit of and Thailand are neighbours, cooperation between the two both economies. environmental concerns. $745.04 million worth of mer- economic diplomacy on the with the same culture and way institutions, which will be an Trade volume between Cambodia Chamber of chandise in 2020, declining by international stage. of life, so the role of the CBC is additional impetus for Cam- Cambodia and Thailand Commerce vice-president Lim 10.95 per cent, and imported Speaking at the meeting, CBC not only to increase and attract bodian and Thai business- reached $7.236 billion in Heng told The Post that Canada $55.36 million, down by 54.31 president Sothear Sambath investment, but we also want to men and investors to unlock 2020, down 23.17 per cent is a major buyer of Cambodian per cent. credited the establishment of the increase cultural, tourism and next-level confidence in in- from 2019, due to disruption council as an initiative of Cam- people-to-people contacts.” vesting in each other’s busi- of the Covid-19 pandemic. bodian ambassador to Thailand TBCC president Jiranan nesses,” she said. Cambodia exported $1.148 Ouk Sorphorn, to promote and Wongmongkol also said she According to Sambath and billion worth of goods to Thai- enhance Cambodia’s economic would work with the CBC to Jiranan, CBC and TBCC will land in 2020, down 49.49 per Ministry’s durian tactics diplomacy in the international attract Thai investors and sign a memorandum of un- cent from the previous year, arena, with particular emphasis businesspeople, and mobilise derstanding in the future to and imported $6.089 billion, may sweeten cultivation on luring more investors to the more Cambodian investors outline, regulate and speed up down 14.80 per cent from 2019, Kingdom of Wonder. and businessmen. the work, despite the spread according to statistics from the Continued from page 1 “In the future, I hope our Sambath said: “Cambodia “I am very pleased with the of Covid-19 disease plaguing Thai Ministry of Commerce. durian will be exported and train growers in modern abroad,” Bunleng said. pre- and post-harvest cultiva- The minister noted that if tion techniques in accordance grown at a large scale by fami- with safety standards to meet lies as part of a cooperative, Corn exports pop up 276% in five months the requirements for export, durians will be able to gener- according to the minister. ate more revenue for the Hin Pisei Thailand, he said. Khim Bunleng, founder of the national economy. While the “Prices and corn yields from “King of Durian” shops in spiky fruit could potentially CAMBODIA exported 134,079 last harvest were better than Phnom Penh and durian farm- bring in large amounts of rev- tonnes of corn in the first five in 2020,” Sok claimed. er in Kampot province, wel- enue, it requires a lot of invest- months of this year, represent- Corn is typically harvested comed the ministry’s approach ment, the right techniques and ing an increase of 276.23 per cent twice a year, between late June to the cultivation and marketing close care to be successful. over the 35,637 tonnes recorded and August and then again of Cambodian durian, saying its “The price of domestic durian in the year-ago period, accord- between late October and Feb- plans will likely bring in more is higher than imported ones ing to the Ministry of Agricul- ruary, he said. investment in the future. and there are no market obsta- ture, Forestry and Fisheries. According to Battambang “This is some great news … cles due to high demand, so Chan Sok, a red corn trader in provincial Department of I’ve been waiting for this for a farmers could earn a lot of northwestern Battambang Commerce director Kim Hout, long time,” he told The Post on income, at about $10,000 to province’s Phnom Proek district, about 80 per cent of the prov- May 30: “This plan will make $20,000 per hectare [each year] told The Post that farmers in the ince’s red corn output is us durian growers feel cosy in by cultivating durian and follow- area had sold all their stock, but exported by traders to Thai- our efforts to maintain the ing the correct technical stand- that the new harvest season land, while the remainder is right technique. I will work ards to get good yields,” he said. would start next month. supplied to local animal feed with the agriculture ministry Durian is grown on 5,289ha, The corn he buys from local company CP Cambodia Co on this work. of which 3,403ha (64 per cent) growers each year, in all its Ltd, a subsidiary of Thai con- Cambodian durian currently are mature, yielding 36,656 A farmer plucks ripe corn cobs in his house in Tbong Khmum forms – fresh, dried and seeds glomerate Charoen Pokphand retails for 26,000-28,000 riel tonnes per year, according to province in 2020. Yousos Apdoulrashim – is then sold to traders in Group (CP Group). ($6.50-7) per kilogramme, he said. Sakhon. THE PHNOM PENH POST may 31, 2021 www.phnompenhpost.com 7 Business CGTI upskills garment workers amid Covid

supported by the SDF (Skills Currently our training Development Fund). courses are divided into the BUSINESS following areas – techni- And how goes the institute’s cal, ISO programme, safety INSIDER mission of improving skills in and environment execu- the industry? tive, “Lean” manufacturing Established in September In January, the Ministry of and soft skills, with 90 short 2017, Cambodia Garment Labour and Vocational Train- courses on offer. Training Center Institute ing upgraded our diploma (CGTI), an initiative of the programme to an advanced How does the government’s Garment Manufacturers Asso- diploma programme, equal to Draft Development Strategy ciation in Cambodia (GMAC), an associate degree. Training for the Garment, Footwear has been making an active periods have been extended and Bag Sectors in Cambodia effort to provide training in from four to six months, in- play into CGTI’s plans? a bid to improve skills and creasing the number of mod- Before the government productivity in the Kingdom’s ules required to complete the launched this strategy, GMAC garment and textile industry. programme from 14 to 23. and CGTI had worked out the The Covid-19 pandemic, how- We have seven additional skills required and improve- ever, has caused extreme inter- courses that are due to be ac- ments for our sector. That’s ruptions in regional and global credited by the ministry by the reason we’ve developed supply chains and production, early June – this is another the “sewing operator upskill- and upended people’s lives in milestone in the improve- ing” and “certified sewing op- countless ways across the world. ment of the quality of our erator” skills level and “sew- The government is finalising courses and achieving the ing supervisor upskilling” a Draft Development Strategy national standards. programme. It’d be great if for the Garment, Footwear and These courses are – sewing the government could adopt Bag Sectors in Cambodia for operator, sewing supervisor this training programme to 2020-2025, according to GMAC. enhance training, certified national standards, and set This is the latest in a slew of safety executive, certified a skills competency level for other measures put in place Cambodia Garment Training Center Institute (CGTI) centre director Andrew Tey. Supplied environment executive, ad- our sector. by the government to protect vanced certificate in mer- To continue support and the domestic garment industry crisis? of our training programme to improvement” concept on chandiser, advanced certifi- improve our skills level in during the health crisis. The most critical period areas and factories not affect- our workflow and the digital cate in industrial engineering, this sector, CGTI has signed CGTI centre director Andrew hit our strategic plans and ed by the restrictive measures. processes involved in our job, and advanced certificate in a public-private partner- Tey discussed Covid’s impli- business hard. But since We adopted WFH (work from using Google Classroom and quality and production. ship memorandum of un- cations for the CGTI’s train- 2020, we’ve adopted an on- home) practices, using Cloud Microsoft Teams. Ensuring that our courses derstanding (MoU) with the ing initiatives and its role in line training scheme, using services to store our training During this period, we’ve are competent and meet in- ministry’s Directorate Gener- boosting the skills and pro- Google Classroom, Microsoft materials and allow our train- taken the opportunity to de- ternational standards, CGTI al of Technical and Vocational ductivity of Cambodian work- Teams and Zoom to continue ers to conduct training during velop new courses and en- has been accredited by ISO Education and Training to ers in the industry, in a virtual providing virtual training to the trying times. hance our trainers’ skills. Our 17024:2015 since 2021. We collaborate on designing the interview with The Post’s May GMAC members and our di- It is difficult to make ends programme team will con- also invite relevant public Standard Training Package Kunmakara. ploma students. meet during this current situ- tinue reaching out to GMAC and private companies to join (STD), among other things. During the lockdown, we ation, and we proceeded to members and promoting our ISO Advisory Board, com- What has the CGTI been up were still using the online plat- adopt a “Lean” methodol- online training even during prised of the ministry, facto- This interview has been ed- to during the ongoing health forms to continue the outreach ogy and apply its “continuous lockdown periods, partially ries, buyers and NGOs. ited for length and clarity. ADB signs first financing to wind farms in Vietnam THE Asian Development Bank (ADB) has signed a $116 mil- lion green loan for three wind farms in the central Vietnam- ese province of Quang Tri, aiming to increase the South- east Asian country’s wind power capacity by 30 per cent. The bank said it was their first financing of a wind pow- The project will generate an average er project in Vietnam, add- of 422,000MWh of electricity and ing to the three farms in Lien avoid an average of 162,430 tonnes of Lap, Phong Huy and Phong carbon dioxide emissions annually. PCC1/VIET NAM NEWS Nguyen, owned by Power Construction JSC No 1 (PCC1) “This is a milestone project will provide women from the and RENOVA Inc. They will which demonstrates how pri- local community with access each have 48MW in capacity. vate financing can be effec- to training on wind power op- With a total of144 MW, they tively mobilised to develop erations and management. will help the country meet the wind power projects in Asia With nearly 60 years of expe- rapidly growing demand for and the Pacific,” he said. rience in local power infrastruc- energy, according to the bank. PCC1 chairman and direc- ture sector, PCC1 specialises in The loan forms part of tor-general Trinh Van Tuan constructing power transmis- a $173 million green loan added: “This transaction is sion networks and substations project financing package our first wind power project while RENOVA is a Japanese arranged and syndicated by and the first time that we en- renewable energy developer ADB as mandated lead ar- gaged with a group of inter- and operator of renewable en- ranger and book runner and national finance institutions ergy power generation facilities is certified by the Climate and commercial banks. including solar, wind, biomass Bonds Initiative, which ad- “ADB’s leadership in deal struc- and geothermal power plants. ministers the international turing, due diligence, and loan Earlier, the Joint Stock Com- Climate Bond Standard and syndications is very crucial for mercial Bank for Investment Certification Scheme. the success of this transaction.” and Development of Vietnam ADB Private Sector Opera- RENOVA founding CEO Yo- (BIDV) and the French Devel- tions Department Infrastruc- suke Kiminami said: “We are opment Agency (AFD) signed a ture Finance Division Direc- delighted to partner with PCC1 SUNREF green credit line agree- tor for East Asia, Southeast on our first overseas renew- ment to support businesses to Asia, and the Pacific Jackie B able project and to work with invest in the security sector, en- Surtani said: “Lien Lap, Phong ADB to support the renewable vironment, response to climate Huy, and Phong Nguyen will power sector in Vietnam.” change and green growth. add to ADB’s extensive experi- The project will generate AFD will provide BIDV with ence in large-scale renewable an average of 422,000MWh of a long-term loan of $100 mil- energy projects in Vietnam, electricity and avoid an aver- lion and technical support of and underlines our commit- age of 162,430 tonnes of CO2 €300,000 ($365,000) for BIDV ment to helping the country emissions annually. A gender and its customers. VIET NAM map a clean energy future. action plan under the project NEWS/ASIA NEWS NETWORK 8 THE PHNOM PENH POST may 31, 2021 www.phnompenhpost.com Business Local business arbiter updates rules for ‘new normal’ world

Post Staff if all parties agree and if the sum is not more than the equivalent of $3 OMMERCIAL arbitration in million, or in case of properly-estab- Cambodia has seen a con- lished urgency. tinuing surge of interest over “Under this Expedited Procedure, the past decade, swiftly be- the final award will be made within 270 comingC a viable alternative to litiga- calendar days from the date the tribu- tion due to its affordability, flexibility nal is constituted,” the NCAC said. and lack of complex procedures. Its president Bun Youdy claimed that And as the Kingdom transitions to 270 days is “reasonable and imple- the culture of the “new normal”, the mentable” at this time, noting that this trend of parties seeking to resolve is three months longer that the time- commercial disputes out of court frame allotted by the Singapore Inter- is expected to grow substantially national Arbitration Centre (SIAC). over the coming years, according “The reason that we did not include to Phnom Penh-based non-profit this feature in our 2014 arbitration commercial dispute resolution in- rule is because NCAC was a new cen- stitution National Commercial Arbi- tre at that time,” Youdy told The Post. tration Centre (NCAC). “We now have more experience in The pioneering business arbiter case management and our arbitrators said in a statement that it recently [have] also gain[ed] more experience.” adjusted its 2014 NCAC Arbitration The NCAC added: “Prior to the Rules to “stay up-to-date with the constitution of the tribunal, any regional and global developments party may apply for an interim mea- in commercial arbitration as well sure from an emergency arbitrator, as to better serve its users”, offering whose decision on the application is them “a more flexible, efficient and made within 15 calendar days from transparent process in resolving the appointment date.” their disputes at the NCAC”. The new arbitration rules also “set Adopted on March 28 and due to a new way of determining the com- be effective from June 28, the new mencement date of arbitration pro- rules are “a result of many months of ceedings, in which it will come in hard work in research, analysis and handy, especially with regard to dis- revisions”, through “multiple con- putes having multiple respondents. sultations with legal practitioners as “In addition, in responding to well as both highly experienced lo- the growing demands of electron- disputes. Time is money and thus have been filed this year, 2020’s nine formation technology infrastructure cal and foreign arbitrators”, it said. ic-communication-means uses in efficiency is important. In term of cases broke 2018’s record of seven, and tools remains high on the list of “Some of the major amendments this ‘new normal’ environment, the the quality, the rules offer the same up from just three in 2019. NCAC’s priorities, and is guided by include the changes that allow the new rules officialised the use of vid- safeguard – including the scrutiny of “In 2020 alone, the total sum in dis- constant experience-sharing with NCAC to administer cases and to eoconference or similar means of the award by the General Secretariat pute of all cases received was almost the leading regional commercial ar- provide other services under arbi- communication technology in all – comparing to regular procedure.” $29 million, representing around 35 bitration bodies. tration rules other than the NCAC arbitration proceedings. Technology has seen tremendous per cent of the total amount in dispute “The beauty of commercial arbi- Arbitration Rules. “The new rules further set the time advancements over the past de- of all cases since the NCAC received tration under our rules is that par- “A provision has been included to limit for the tribunal in declaring ar- cades, leading to an explosion in its first case in 2015,” according to the ties can agree on the manner the further address the independence bitration proceedings closed so that the options available for remote ser- commercial arbitration body, which proceeding to be conducted, … [in- and impartiality of arbitrators by the parties can have better expecta- vices, he said, calling for everyone was established by the 2006 Law on cluding] an electronic submission,” empowering the tribunal to take tion in term of timeline toward to involved in future proceedings to be Commercial Arbitration. he said, adding that a first online any measure necessary to avoid a the award issuance,” it added. understanding, in the interest of ef- Cambodia topped the list of geo- hearing conducted in December. conflict of interest of an arbitrator Youdy emphasised that shorten- ficiency and predictability. graphical origin of the parties con- “Witness are crossed examined on- arising from a change in party rep- ing the time limit would not com- As of March, the NCAC has received cerned, at 71 per cent, followed by line as well. There are few more on-go- resentation,” the NCAC said. promise the quality of justice, saying and administered 25 cases, includ- mainland China (13 per cent), Ma- ing cases that parties are likely to opt The 2021 rules will purportedly “justice delayed is justice denied”. ing international disputes, under the laysia (nine per cent), Hong Kong for an online hearing,” Youdy said. introduce “Expedited Procedure “It is even more relevant for com- 2014 arbitration rules with the ag- (three per cent), Bermuda (two per HBS Law managing partner Ly Tay- and the Emergency Arbitrator” fea- mercial disputes. Businessmen gregate sums in dispute topping $72 cent) and Singapore (two per cent), seng emphasised that the success of tures, which any party may request need a prompt resolution to their million, it said. While no new cases NCAC data show. commercial arbitration “relies on Real estate and construction ac- good arbitration law and rules to counted for the most cases, followed ensure the transparency and effi- by banking and finance, and inter- ciency of process, and impartiality national trade, Youdy highlighted. and professionalism of arbitrators. The NCAC chief has said that foreign “Hopefully, Cambodian courts investment is a powerful force for eco- and other relevant government au- nomic growth and cross-border trade. thorities will provide necessary sup- According to Youdy: “NCAC was port to create a conducive condition born out of the desire to enhance for commercial arbitration to grow the use of alternative dispute resolu- quickly as it is needed by business tion in Cambodia and to handle the community,” he said. increasing number of international Youdy called for all-round com- and domestic commercial disputes mitment and support to ensure the which is correlated with the unprec- success of commercial arbitration edented economy growth.” in the Kingdom as a dispute settle- However, he told The Post, much ment tool, and facilitate its integra- work remain to be done. “NCAC is tion into civil justice systems. working hard to ensure the quality “In order for a commercial arbitra- of case management and the con- tion to be fully functional as an al- tinuous improvement of arbitrators’ ternative dispute resolution mecha- capacity as well as to stay up-to-date nism, other stakeholders need to do with the development in that space their part as well. [in the] international scene. “Since lawyers advise business “We aim to consistently improve our and perform the advocacy role, their service and enhance our infrastruc- knowledge in the arbitration is vital. ture,” he said. “Independence and im- In addition, if we look into every ju- partiality are … deeply inscribed in our risdiction where commercial arbi- core commitment[s] and value[s]. tration develops very well, we see an The NCAC is a non-profit institution established by the 2006 Law on Commercial Arbitration.POST STAFF He stressed that investment in in- arbitration-friendly judiciary.” THE PHNOM PENH POST may 31, 2021 www.phnompenhpost.com 9 World Sri Lanka facing marine Cali militarised after 13 dead crisis from burning ship Sri Lanka faces an unprecedent- The pellets and waste were ed pollution crisis as waves of packed into green and white in Colombia anti-gov’t rallies plastic waste from a burning polythene sacks and taken away container ship hit the coast and by trucks. he Colombian army threaten to devastate the local An officer leading another on May 29 tightened its environment, a top environment team said that in certain parts of control over Cali, the official warned on May 29. the beach the microplastics and country’s third largest Thousands of navy ratings charred debris was 60cm deep. city,T after the latest anti-gov- using mechanical diggers Roman Catholic priest Sujee- ernment protests left at least 13 scooped tonnes of tiny plastic wa Athukorale said most of his people dead. granules on the beaches that had parishioners were fishermen The city’s streets were largely come from the Singapore-regis- who risked becoming destitute. deserted after clashes late on tered MV X-Press Pearl that has “Their immediate need is to be May 28 pitted police against been smouldering on the hori- allowed to go back to the sea,” he armed civilians. The country zon for 10 days. said. “There are 4,500 fishing is in the second month of pro- Sri Lanka’s Marine Protection families in my parish alone.” tests against the government of Authority (MEPA) said the Fisherman Lakshan Fernando, President Ivan Duque. microplastic pollution could 30, said people feared the plastic In Cali, a city of 2.2 million, cause years of ecological dam- waste could destroy mangroves the smoking remains of bar- age to the Indian Ocean island. as well as the corals where fish ricades and rubble heaps The tiny polyethylene pellets breed in the shallow water. testified to the chaotic night. threaten tourism beaches and “No one is able to say how long There, as across the country, fish-breeding in shallow we will have the adverse effects poverty and the pandemic have waters. of this pollution,” Fernando told sparked widespread anger and Fishing has been banned AFP. “It could take a few years or resentment. along an 80km stretch of coast a few decades, but in the mean- The month of protests has left near the ship that has been burn- time what about our liveli- at least 59 people dead, officials ing for 10 days despite an inter- hoods?” say, including the 13 who died Rescue workers in the city of Cali on Friday carry a corpse on a stretcher as protests against the Colombian national firefighting operation. An oil leak from the vessel, said in Cali. More than 2,300 civil- government entered a second month. AFP Orange-coloured plastic to be carrying 278 tonnes of bun- ians and uniformed personnel booms were set up in case oil ker oil and 50 tonnes of gasoil, have been injured, according “shots rang out”. under the command of the 42 per cent of the country’s 50 leaks from the crippled ship would increase the risk of devas- to the Ministry of National De- “They started massacring military. million people live in poverty, reaches the Negombo lagoon tation. fence. people,” the 22-year-old said. People in Cali’s poorer neigh- and the pandemic has plunged that is famed for its crabs and Much of the ship’s cargo, The NGO Human Rights He said the shots came from bourhoods told AFP the mili- many of the vulnerable into jumbo prawns. including 25 tonnes of nitric Watch cited “credible reports” “five guys in civilian clothes be- tary deployment makes them penury. Thousands of small boats were acid, sodium hydroxide, lubri- of at least 63 deaths nation- hind the trees.” more fearful, not less. Analysts link the govern- beached at Negombo on May 29 cants and other chemicals, wide. It called the situation in Videos that went viral sup- “We feel threatened, we feel ment’s militarised history to its because of the fishing ban. appeared to have been destroyed Cali “very serious”. ported his account. more in danger,” said Lina Gal- response to the protests. Naval rating Manjula Dulan- in the fire, officials said. The dead in Cali included an Police said in a statement they legas, a 31-year-old social lead- For more than 50 years, Co- jala said his team had almost The X-Press Pearl caught fire off-duty employee of the pros- were investigating. er. “If something happens we lombia’s war against leftist cleared the beach on May 28 as it waited to enter Colombo ecutor’s office who had fired his Cali’s security secretary Car- cannot call the police because Revolutionary Armed Forces evening, but were shocked to harbour and remains anchored gun at two protesters blocking a los Rojas said: “In the south of they are the ones who are kill- of Colombia (Farc) guerrillas find it covered again the follow- just outside the port. street, killing one of them. Video the city we had a real scene of ing.” eclipsed all other government ing morning. “This is like the An international salvage oper- on social media shows a crowd confrontation and almost an Luis Felipe Vega, a political priorities, leaving a militar- coronavirus. No end in sight. We ation is led by the Dutch com- then pouncing on the shooter urban war where many people scientist at Javeriana University, ily strong government but one removed all the plastic yester- pany SMIT, which has sent spe- and lynching him. not only lost their lives, but we likened the deployment to “put- weak on social redress. day, only to see more of it cialist fire-fighting tugs. India Duque, who has been in Cali also had a significant number ting out a fire with gasoline”. In 2019, the year after Duque dumped by the waves over- has sent coastguard vessels to since May 28, said he was de- of injuries.” Government mediation at- took power, students took to night,” he said. help Sri Lanka’s navy. AFP ploying military troops to sup- Duque, who on May 28 tempts have been largely futile, the streets demanding free and port the police there and else- chaired a security meeting in unable to contain the fury of more accessible public educa- where as rallies have morphed the city, afterward announced increasingly politicised youth tion and better jobs. into a broad anti-establishment “the maximum deployment of battered by the pandemic and On April 28, fury at a proposed mobilisation. military assistance to the na- angered about the country’s tax increase led people onto the The president ordered 7,000 tional police” would begin im- deep inequalities. An esti- streets again. troops to help clear and patrol mediately. mated one-third of those aged The proposal was quickly blockaded roads in 10 depart- Jose Miguel Vivanco, the Hu- 14 to 28 are jobless and not in withdrawn, but it had triggered ments, while a total of 1,141 sol- man Rights Watch executive school. a broad mobilisation that only diers were deployed in Cali. director for the Americas, urged Duque’s attempts at nego- grew amid a heavy-handed re- One witness, who asked not Duque to take “urgent mea- tiation have been further frus- sponse by security forces. to be named for fear of reprisal, sures to de-escalate, including trated by forces in his rightist Protesters have kept bar- told AFP that a group of protest- a specific order prohibiting Democratic Center party, who ricades burning countrywide ers in Cali were celebrating the agents of the state from using prefer an iron-fist approach and blocked dozens of key Navy personnel remove debris washed ashore from the one-month anniversary of the firearms”. with elections a year away. roads, causing shortages of Singapore-registered container ship MV X-Press Pearl, which is on fire anti-government rallies when The police in Colombia are Economists say more than many products. AFP off the coast of Sri Lanka. AFP China cargo craft docks with space station module

A CHINESE cargo spacecraft carrying equip- the space station – named Tiangong, mean- then our crew,” Xinhua quoted CMSA direc- ment and supplies successfully docked with ing “heavenly palace” – in orbit. tor Hao Chun as saying. the core module of the country’s future space The station is expected to become fully Beijing has pumped billions into its space station on May 30, state media said. operational in 2022. Once completed, it is programme in a bid to make up ground on A Long March 7 rocket carrying the expected to remain in low Earth orbit for up pioneers Russia and the US, with ambitious Tianzhou-2 cargo craft – loaded with essen- to 15 years. projects in Earth orbit and the landing of tials such as food, equipment and fuel – With the possible retirement of the Inter- uncrewed craft on the Moon and Mars. blasted off late on May 29 from the Wen- national Space Station after 2028, Tiangong Although Chinese authorities have said chang launch site on the tropical southern could become the only human outpost in they are open to foreign collaboration on island of Hainan, Xinhua News Agency Earth’s orbit. their space station, the scope of that coop- reported. Now that the cargo craft has docked, Chi- eration is as yet unclear. The docking with the space station’s Tian- na plans to begin preparations to send three But the European Space Agency has he core module was completed at 5:01am astronauts up to unpack the goods, which already sent astronauts to China to train for Beijing time (2101 GMT on May 29), the include meals such as shredded pork with work inside Tiangong when it is ready. agency said, citing the China Manned Space garlic sauce and Kung Pao chicken, the The launch of the Tianzhou-2 was to have Agency (CMSA). taken place just days after the Mars rover A Long March 7 rocket carrying China’s Tianzhou-2 cargo craft lifts off agency said. from the Wenchang Space Launch Center in southern China’s Hainan China will need to carry out around 10 “We will transport support materials, nec- landing, but was postponed for technical province. AFP missions in total to complete assembly of essary spare parts and equipment first, and reasons. AFP 10 THE PHNOM PENH POST may 31, 2021 www.phnompenhpost.com ASEAN Myanmar shadow gov’t Vietnam discovers Indo-UK says allying with rebels hybrid coronavirus variant to ‘demolish’ junta rule A shadow government in In recent years its fighters ietnam has discovered a new Myanmar seeking to reverse have dwindled. Covid-19 variant which spreads the February 1 coup has joined “The CNF has no real military quickly by air and is a combi- forces with a rebel group to strength, so this move is sym- nation of the Indian and Brit- “demolish” junta rule, it said on bolic,” Richard Horsey, senior ishV strains, health officials confirmed on May 29. adviser on Myanmar to the May 29. Myanmar has been in tur- International Crisis Group, told The country is struggling to deal with moil since the military over- AFP. fresh outbreaks across more than half of threw Aung San Suu Kyi and her “But [it is] nevertheless sig- its territory, including industrial zones National League for Democ- nificant as CNF has been quite and big cities such as Hanoi and Ho Chi racy government and launched prominent in the peace proc- Minh City. a brutal crackdown on dis- ess, due to its well respected More than 6,800 cases including 47 deaths sent. political leaders in exile.” have been reported in Vietnam, with the A group of ousted lawmak- Several of Myanmar’s rebel lion’s share occurring since last month. ers later set up a shadow armed groups have condemned “We have discovered a new hybrid vari- “National Unity Government” the military coup and the use ant from the Indian and the UK strains,” (NUG) which has sought to of violence against unarmed health minister Nguyen Thanh Long told bring anti-coup dissidents civilians. a national meeting on the pandemic on People in the Vietnamese capital Hanoi wait to be tested for Covid-19 at a makeshift testing together with Myanmar’s Some are also providing shel- May 29, according to state media. centre near Bach Mai Hospital. AFP myriad ethnic rebel fighters ter and even training to dissi- “The characteristic of this strain is that to form a federal army to chal- dents who flee into their terri- it spreads quickly in the air. The concen- low. ported. lenge the junta. tories. tration of virus in the throat fluid increas- The new round of infections has made The country presently has close to two On May 29, the rebel Chin But the more than 20 outfits es rapidly and spreads very strongly to the public and government fearful and au- million doses of AstraZeneca’s vaccine re- National Front (CNF) signed an have long distrusted the ethnic the surrounding environment.” thorities have quickly moved to place strict maining, but said it is buying more than agreement to “demolish the Bamar majority – including He did not specify the number of cases limits on movement and business activity. 30 million doses of the Pfizer shot. dictatorship and to implement lawmakers affiliated with Suu recorded with this new variant but said Cafes, restaurants, hair salons and mas- It is also in talks with Russia to produce a federal democratic system” in Kyi’s government. Vietnam will soon announce the discov- sage parlours as well as tourism and reli- Sputnik V, according to state media, and Myanmar, the NUG said in a On May 28, the NUG released ery in the world’s map of genetic strains. gious spots have been ordered to close in is working on a home-grown vaccine. statement. a video it said showed the first Vietnam’s Central Institute of Hygiene various areas of the country. In nearby Thailand, the government on They pledged “mutual recog- batch of fighters from its “Peo- and Epidemiology said in a statement on Vietnam – a country of 97 million peo- May 29 took exception to media reports nition” and to “partner equally” ple’s Defence Force”, formed to May 29 that its scientists had detected ple – has vaccinated a little over a million in Britain that labelled a new strain caus- the statement added, without protect civilians, completing gene mutations in four out of 32 patient citizens. ing concern there as the “Thai variant”. giving further details. A CNF their training. samples through gene sequencing. It is now ramping up its jab rollout and The strain was first detected in Thai- spokesperson could not imme- Around a hundred recruits There were seven known coronavirus vari- hopes to achieve herd immunity by the land in a 33-year-old Egyptian traveller, diately be reached for com- were shown marching across ants in Vietnam before Long’s announce- end of the year, according to the health UK health authorities said, but 109 cases ment. flat ground surrounded by jun- ment, according to the Ministry of Health. minister. have since been found in Britain. The group – which represents gle. None appeared to be car- The communist country has previously Authorities have called on people and Opas Kankawinpong, head of Thailand’s the mainly Christian Chin rying weapons. received widespread applause for its ag- businesses to donate money to help disease control department, said: “Princi- minority in western Myanmar “Let all Burmese people be gressive pandemic response, with mass procure vaccines, while embassies and pally speaking, it should not be called the – signed a ceasefire with the freed from military slavery,” the quarantines and strict contact tracing international organisations have been Thai variant because the infected person country’s military, also known recruits were heard shouting helping keep infection rates relatively contacted for assistance, state media re- is from overseas.” AFP as Tatmadaw, in 2015. together. AFP ‘Less room than in coffin’: Virus sweeps Thai prisons A coronavirus surge sweeping through Thai- Thailand’s prison outbreak has skyrocketed land’s prisons has thrown the spotlight on the from just 10 publicly announced cases a month kingdom’s overcrowded penal system, where ago and sparked growing public concern after some inmates have less space to sleep than the a handful of prominent activists contracted the inside of a coffin. illness. As of May 29, almost 25,000 people have test- Among them was student leader Panusaya ed positive inside jails, where inmates living “Rung” Sithijirawattanakul, who helped lead a cheek by jowl have been encouraged to keep series of rallies last year demanding political wearing their masks even while they sleep. reforms in the kingdom, and who tested positive Authorities have floated plans to give early after she was released on bail. releases to prisoners with underlying medical The Thai prison population stood at around conditions and have announced funding for 311,000 earlier this year, the International Fed- more testing and medical care in recent days. eration for Human Rights said – more than two But former inmates say those behind bars and a half times the system’s official capacity. have been kept in the dark about the seriousness Four inmates in every five are serving time for of the outbreak. drug charges because of harsh anti-narcotics laws “Prisoners don’t have the knowledge to protect that can see offenders jailed for a decade for pos- themselves,” said Somyot Prueksakasemsuk, a sessing just a few methamphetamine pills. high-profile activist facing charges under Thai- Many cells are so packed with bodies that land’s harsh royal defamation law. some inmates only have half a metre of space. Somyot was bailed last month and told AFP “That is less room for a body than the inside that he had not been tested for Covid-19 once of a coffin,” justice minister Somsak Thepsutin during his 10-week stint in custody. told local media in February. He was not worried about contracting the dis- Officials have tested more than 36,000 inmates ease while in jail because he had no idea about in recent weeks and begun delivering Covid vac- the level of risk. cines to inmates and prison staff. “But after this I’m so scared [for everyone still Somsak said he was examining ways to give inside] … if you are inside the prison you are at early releases to prisoners with underlying med- risk, it’s unavoidable,” he said. ical conditions, possibly through a royal par- don. Even if the plan goes ahead, prisoners will still have to complete a quarantine before returning home. “For us to bail anyone or do anything, it has to be done properly,” Somsak told reporters on May 24. “We can’t allow them to spread infec- tions.” Rights groups say the plan should go further and urged authorities to also free non-violent offenders in order to reduce overcrowding. Human Rights Watch’s Brad Adams said: “Authorities should reduce the detainee popula- Almost 25,000 people have tested positive for Covid-19 tion … of those held on politically motivated in overcrowded Thai jails. AFP charges or for minor offences.” AFP THE PHNOM PENH POST may 31, 2021 www.phnompenhpost.com 11 Opinion Covid-19 and children in Cambodia: www.phnompenhpost.com

EDITORIAL PERSONNEL Publisher & Chief Executive Offi cer Time to give them back their childhood Ly Tayseng Managing Editor Sam Rith Opinion Deputy Managing Editor Phuon Chansereivuth Joining Forces Chief of Staff Phak Seangly LMOST a year and a half after Business Editor the first case of Covid-19 was May Kunmakara identified in Cambodia, sev- Deputy Business Editor eral recent studies show that Sangeetha Amarthalingam theA pandemic, step by step, has Deputy Head of Lifestyle Desk deprived children from their most Pan Simala essential rights and put their child- Senior Reporters hood on hold. Over the last 15 months, Meas Sokchea, Niem Chheng, Mom Kunthear children first have been required to Reporters stay home by school closure and other Khouth Sophak Chakrya, Kim Sarom, restrictions, losing their daily routine Long Kimmarita, Hin Pisei, Hong Raksmey, and becoming isolated from their Pann Rethea, Voun Dara, Roth Sochieata, friends, teachers and relatives. Orm Bunthoeurn, Ry Sochan, Beyond the loneliness, they have had to battle growing fears and stress. Lay Samean, Thou Vireak, Nov Sivutha Fear for their health and the health of Photographers their family as the country was going Heng Chivoan, Hong Menea, Hean Rangsey through several episodes of commu- Web Editor nity transmission. Fear for their future Leang Phannara career as schools were intermittently Digital Team closed from March 2020 until today. Sous Chanthy, Pang Vichea, Suy Sovandy Fear of falling behind as many have Desktop Publishing had to face multiple challenges to Suon Savatdy, Chum Sokunthy, Danh Borath, study remotely. Stress as they saw Than Veasna their parents and relatives losing their A boy studies at his home in Phnom Penh. Over the last 15 months, children first have been required to stay home by school closure and SIEM REAP BUREAU income and struggling to cover their other restrictions, losing their daily routine and becoming isolated from their friends, teachers and relatives. HENG CHIVOAN Offi ce Manager living expenses. Several surveys also Sophearith Blondeel show that domestic violence has give them back their childhood. tained until the economy has fully studies and that my family could be PRODUCTION & PRINTING increased during the pandemic and The first priority is to reopen recovered, as the economic hardship infected with Covid-19,” said Kunthea, Nhim Sokphyrak Commercial and Graphic Designer children have had a reduced access to schools, with the aim to provide the that many families are facing will con- a 12-year-old girl from Kampong Tep Thoeun Thyda, Tim Borith social services to find support. best education to as many children tinue to put children at risk of drop- Chhnang province. Significant invest- It may be difficult for many parents as possible, while also mitigating out, child labour and child marriage. ment in social inclusion and broader and caregivers to talk to their children local Covid-19 risk levels. Despite the The second priority is to ensure protection services, as well as tailored and to reassure them in the middle of efforts of all relevant stakeholders, that the most vulnerable families are programmes will be needed to ensure a difficult third wave and as economic several surveys found that around supported financially. Too many peo- that mental health services are availa- HEAD OFFICE difficulties are piling up for many. one third of children are not continu- ple have lost their job or seen their ble for the most vulnerable children Post Media Co., Ltd. However, as dark as the current days ing to learn during school closure. income reduced over the last 15 and their families. Prolonged isolation The Elements Condominium Level 7, may seem to be, some signs should The ones that continue learning only months. “My family has no income, and stress have taken their toll and Hun Sen Boulevard, Phum Prek Talong, give us hope that the pandemic could study for a few hours a week and in only expenses and we now owe a lot could lead to long-term reduced confi- Sangkat Chak Angre Krom,12353, Phnom be defeated in the near future. very difficult conditions. “Online of money” said Sophal, a 17-year-old dence, insecurity and social withdraw- Penh, Cambodia With around 23 per cent of the adult learning is not easy. I cannot catch boy from Mondulkiri province. al, even after restrictions are lifted and Tel: 023 888 161, 023 888 162 population vaccinated at least once, up with the lesson when the teacher According to a recent survey con- the pandemic has been defeated. Cellcard: 078 555 166, 078 555 133 Cambodia has the second-most suc- explains and after class no one can ducted by World Vision, only 50 per Through these priorities, Cambodia Smart: 086 822 999, 086 277 999 cessful vaccination campaign in the explain to me more” said Ravy, a cent of the respondents reported can put the development and learning SIEM REAP region. Data from countries that have 14-year-old girl from Mondulkiri. being able to fully cover their food of children at the center of the recov- No 629, Street 6, Dangkum Commune achieved a high level of vaccination is The Cambodian government is cur- expenses. To cope, they have had to ery plan and should be able to defeat Tel: 063 966 290, Fax: 063 966 590 also very encouraging. In these coun- rently working on a plan for the pro- take on new debts or to sell their pro- not only the pandemic but its poten- COMMERCIAL DEPARTMENT tries, transmission and the number of gressive safe reopening of schools. It is ductive assets and there is a risk that tial long term impact on children. Chief Operating Offi cer deaths are falling, showing that vac- critical to finalise this plan and imple- this increased economic precarity will James Ong Soon Teck cines work. In this context, we believe ment it as soon as it is safe to do so, continue to generate food insecurity Joining Forces is a global coalition of the lead- Advertising Department it is time to think about the other bat- especially as more than 85 per cent of beyond the pandemic. To address this, ing independent child-focused NGOs, united to Chap Narith, 017 996 241 advocate for renewed commitment to achieving tle that lays ahead. Hun Channet, 017 578 768 the educational staff and teachers it will be important to continue the the rights of all children. We advocate for all For many children in Cambodia, have been vaccinated. Beyond this, all social assistance programmes that governments to demonstrate their support for Prach Monnyreak, 015 239 293 “back to normal” will require more stakeholders will need to come were started during the pandemic internationally agreed standards for children’s Keo Puthy, 012 966 605 than defeating Covid-19. It will together by the beginning of the next until the economy has fully recovered. rights, and in particular to back the UN Con- Paing Patrya, 081 872 202 vention on the Rights of the Child (CRC). require to also defeat its potentially school year to implement a strong Beyond this, it is likely that the most Jessa Piastro, 092 445 983 durable impact on learning, poverty enrolment campaign to bring back marginalised families would need to This article was jointly written by Prashant CIRCULATION & DISTRIBUTION and mental health. Our organisations children to schools. It will require a be targeted with additional nutrition, Verma, country director of ChildFund Cambo- Acting Distribution Manager have regularly conducted a series of mix of new measures, such as scholar- food security and livelihood pro- dia; Gwynneth Wong; country director of Plan Thenh Rithy, 087 888 854 International Cambodia; Elizabeth Pearce, surveys and dialogues with children ship programmes to support students grammes to mitigate the effects of the Circulation Supervisor country director of Save the Children Inter- Nou Chanthy, 096 999 2828 to ask them about the impact of Cov- at risk of dropping out, remedial class- large loss of jobs in the country. national Cambodia; Sour Chankosom, deputy Yim Veasna, 015 814 499 id-19 on their lives and their hopes es to support students who had The third priority is to address the national director of SOS Children’s Village; ADMINISTRATION for the recovery of the country. From stopped learning during school clo- consequences of the pandemic on the Zoe De Melo, project manager of Terre des Hommes Netherlands; and Daniel Selva- Admin & HR Manager those, three priorities identified by sure, et cetera. This effort to contain mental health state of the children. “I nayagam, national director of World Vision Pich Socheat International Cambodia. children look critical if we want to school dropout will have to be sus- am worried about falling behind in my Assistants Admin & HR Manager Nhel Soaphea Financial Director Heang Tangmeng Chief Accountant Sren Vicheka Treasurers Sok Sophorn, Yon Sovannara, Cheam Sopheak, Huy Hamsovannary IT & Networking Vong Oun

TO CONTACT US [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] www.phnompenhpost.com © Post Media Co., Ltd The Phnom Penh Post is wholly owned and printed by Post Media Co., Ltd. The title The Phnom Penh Post in either English or Khmer languages, its associ- ated logos or devices and the contents of this publication may not be reproduced in whole or in part without the written consent of Post Media Co., Ltd. www.phnompenhpost.com 12 THE PHNOM PENH POST may 31, 2021 www.phnompenhpost.com Lifestyle Oz-educated Khmer teacher spreads word about special needs education Hong Raksmey cial needs children in Cambodia. “Chan Sarin, director of HHC, has EY was born different from been working with national and in- other children. Her strange ternational organizations to create behaviour had her parents educational policy for special needs and family convinced that children based in the Cambodian sheP was under the spell of a spirit and context,” Sophaneth says. needed to be cured by herbalists or She said that according to Sarin, spiritual healers. who is also president of the Cam- Even after she was diagnosed as bodia Autism Network, there were autistic at the age of three, these 1,158 children with autism-related beliefs on the part of her family disorders according to the latest persisted and they continued to try data collected in April of 2019. and cure her with magic spells and However, that number was based herbal medicines. on just six provinces and it is assumed These traditional beliefs can often that there may be up to 20,000 or more delay the time it takes for special people with autism in Cambodia. needs children to be diagnosed and Sophaneth said no evidence has receive assistance and overcoming been shown as to what directly such beliefs and attitudes is central causes autism. However, there are a to the mission of Special Education few factors that are linked to autism. Cambodia (SEC) – a website that is “There are certain genetic factors focused on helping special needs that are strongly correlated to au- children in the Kingdom by provid- tism, as well as other factors such as ing information to parents, educa- pre, peri and post-natal variables.” tors and others on this topic. Children with autism are often dif- The SEC website is aimed at raising ferent from other kids, but they are awareness and sharing information also different from each other – which with Cambodians about special needs is why autism is properly referred to children and children with disabilities. Autistic children study at a special needs school prior to the nationwide Covid-related school closures. SUPPLIED as autism spectrum disorder, because Heng Sophaneth, the founder of there is a wide spectrum of ways in SEC, says that “I was inspired to start straightforward,” Sophaneth says. “There are interventions that can in this society,” Sophaneth says. which autism can manifest itself. this page because of the confusion She says she is focused on raising be used to help support them so Sophaneth is helping to raise While they often share some com- and misleading information that some awareness by training teachers and that they can learn how to live and awareness about other issues that mon characteristics – mainly with people have about children with spe- parents free of charge who are will- function in society. This includes special needs children may have social, behavioural and communi- cial needs and their conditions.” ing to learn about special needs ed- daily activities, social and behav- such as learning disabilities, intel- cation aspects – it is important to She says that people believe that ucation and provide advice online ioural aspects that can strengthen lectual disabilities and other neuro- keep in mind that no two autistic special needs children – especially and via telephone to parents. one’s ability in interacting and living logical disorders beyond just autism children are the same. those with autism – can be cured Autism can’t be cured through in the society,” Sophaneth explains. on her website and social media. “Each of them is on the spectrum or improved with traditional medi- spiritual or any other means. But it Starting with simple things like “It is crucial to be aware of differ- and, thus, the condition varies from cines, magic rituals, milk powder can be understood and managed in playing games to strengthen their ent types of disabilities, especially for one to another. I mention this be- or even by something as simple as a way that reduces stress for the par- hands and improve their fine motor teachers and parents because by know- cause I want to emphasise how eliminating gadgets from their life. ents and gives the most encourage- skills to helping plan out routine ac- ing the type of disabilities the children important it is to take this into ac- “I have also seen and heard the ment and assistance to the child. tivities to answering parent’s ques- have we are able to understand and count,” says Sophaneth. struggles of parents who have spent However, Sophaneth says that one tions, Sophaneth tries to provide learn how we can support them ac- In order to assist their children in thousands of dollars on the wrong of the most asked questions from practical steps that parents can take cording to their needs,” she says. learning at home, parents have to be interventions, holding onto false parents remains something along at home with their children. Though Pey was not in special edu- patient, accepting and trust in the hopes that someday their children the lines of “will my child ever be Sophaneth says she focuses on being cation through SEC, she received suit- process. Most importantly, the kids are going to be the same as every- normal or like other kids.” transparent and straightforward when able therapy from one of a very few should be sent to special schools for body else, instead of looking for the “There is no cure or shortcut for communicating with parents because special needs facilities in Cambodia. early interventions as soon as they right support and accepting them this. I do not know what might be that’s the best way to help her clients. Today Pey, 9, is a regular student at can attend. the way they are,” says Sophaneth. possible in the future, but for the “Being transparent and straight- the Growing Special Education School Sophaneth quoted Sarin as saying Sophaneth has a master’s degree in moment autism is a permanent dis- forward means telling them to ac- (GSES), a charity school supported by that “parents should send their chil- special education from Flinders Uni- ability,” she says. cept their children, to stop hiding the Catholic Church and the parents dren with autism to school before versity in Australia along with eight She explains that by disability she from their problems, and to look for of the students attending. the age of four or as early as the age years of experience working with means a condition that can limit a the right support rather than being Unfortunately, the same as every of three.” special needs children. person’s ability to do certain things, scared of their children’s conditions. other school in the country, GSES She said what parents should do “I think it is important for me to such as blindness. “Bear in mind that at the end of was ordered to shut down to curb is put their children in special needs put myself out there as a source And just like there are alternative the day, it is not about us. It is about the Covid-19 pandemic. schools starting at the age of three. of information where parents and ways for blind people to learn to the children and how we are going to Hands of Hope Community (HHC) The schools should be equipped guardians of the children can access live and carry on with their lives, the support them in a way that they will is an example of an NGO that has with special education special- information that is transparent and same is true for autism. be able to function independently been tackling issues related to spe- ists and curriculum that promotes physical education, music, arts, lan- guage and communication. They should also allow their chil- dren to join in different activities with other non-autistic children to learn about their surrounding en- vironment. They should also work closely with schools because paren- tal involvement is very important for special education. Like any other job, Sophaneth says, being a special education teacher can be demanding. “The most challenging part is to keep up with their unlimited energy. It can be exhausting sometimes after a full day at work,” says Sophaneth. Visit the SEC Facebook page @Spe- cialEducationCambodia or their web- site www.specialeducationcambodia. com for more information about spe- Lesson book for special needs children, particularly those with autism. SUPPLIED Heng Sophaneth – the founder of Special Education Cambodia (SEC). SUPPLIED cial needs education in Cambodia. THE PHNOM PENH POST MAy 31, 2021 www.phnompenhpost.com Email: [email protected] Socialite 13

Acteus Smile donates 10,000 face masks to PSE for Cambodian vulnerable children

Acteus Group on Saturday donated 10,000 During these difficult times, some charitable Founded in 1996 by Marie-France and 1,500 healthcare consultations per week and 20 N95 face masks to the NGO Pour Un Sourire organisations teamed up with the international Christian des Pallières, PSE is a Phnom Penh- excellent vocational training courses.” D’Enfant (PSE) – “For a Child’s Smile” in business community in Cambodia to donate based NGO that helps improve the welfare PSE’s mission is encapsulated in its “From English – as part of a charity campaign to items such as face masks to ensure an adequate of Cambodian children so they can grow up destitution...to dignity!” motto, which drives assist vulnerable children during the Covid-19 supply during such a critical period. to achieve their full potential and contribute their 600-plus employees to provide various outbreak in Cambodia. Acteus general manager Pierre positively to society in the future. services to destitute, mistreated, abused and Acteus Smile is a charity programme Combedimanche said the cooperation between Marie-France des Pallières said: “Our goal unschooled children so they can escape from undertaken by Acteus Group, leaders in supply Acteus Smile and PSE was to help protect is taking care of and educating kids so they extreme poverty. chain management solutions. children in the Kingdom. are adequately trained with the skills for The charity organisation takes in 6,500-plus Since the Covid outbreak, businesses and “This donation is Acteus Smile’s way of well-paying and quality jobs, with around children every year, providing food, shelter, schools across the world have suffered due to doing its part to help enhance the safety of 4,500 former students are currently employed healthcare, education, vocational training and

temporary shutdowns, while some children have children of Cambodia during the Covid-19 in such. family support, with Acteus Smile’s donation S U PP LIED not had access to proper protective supplies. pandemic,” he said. “We provide some 6,000 meals per day, funds part of this charitable work. photos photos 14 THE PHNOM PENH POST may 31, 2021 www.phnompenhpost.com Lifestyle Thinking caps

Steve Wasterval estimates that in the last three years he has painted and hidden about 80 tiny landscape drawings of Greenpoint. AFP NYC artist gives away pics via treasure hunt

ilmmaker Zack wall to on a fire escape. In a park, among children Obid trembles with Sometimes, Wasterval is playing hide and seek, he excitement: he has close by, sometimes not. hides the small painting un- just found a miniature If asked for help, he sends der a flower pot. workF of art during a treasure the treasure hunters clues A couple of minutes later, hunt that an American artist through direct messages on Obid, a 27-year-old documen- “MAKE A SPLASH” organizes every week in his Instagram. tary filmmaker who lives a Brooklyn neighbourhood. The paintings are about 5cm block away, arrives. ACROSS 54 Walks with attitude 24 The supreme Supreme Steve Wasterval estimates by 3.8cm. He finishes them in He frantically searches ev- 1 Bubbly stuff 58 Untanned hide 26 Start of many words? that in the last three years he around an hour and says he erywhere as other people start 5 Occupies completely 60 Relative of 14-Across 28 They may be fine or graphic has painted and hidden about will never sell them. to turn up, some on bicycles. 10 White hat wearer 62 TNT component 30 Reactor part 80 tiny landscape drawings “Every week people message Every few seconds they stop 14 First murder victim 63 Jai ___ 31 Beasts of burden of Greenpoint, an area with a me that they want to buy one, to check their phones for new 64 Where some cabins may be found 15 “Let’s Make ___!” 32 It may be in the road large Polish community seen commission them. No, never, clues from Wasterval. 66 Munro’s pen name 16 Bait, sometimes 33 Goya’s “The Duchess of ___” as increasingly hip in recent never,” insists Wasterval. After about 10 minutes, 67 Current conductors 17 “The Voice of Firestone” host 34 Talk show host and actress times with young creatives “You have to find them. Obid shouts and laughs as he 19 Scandinavian god 68 A whale of a menace 36 Electrical measure moving in. They’re like little trophies peo- finds the painting – his fifth in 20 Bar, by law 69 “Dedicated to the ___ Love” 37 Repast “I really wanted to give my ple show off.” three years. 21 “The Morning Watch” author 70 Apple trees, once 38 “___ of God” (1985 movie) 22 Shows curiosity 71 Wedding cake feature art away. I wanted to put it up Wasterval wants to docu- “It’s a piece of art that means 23 Brought up DOWN 41 Brutish boss on walls and out in the street,” ment his neighborhood as it a lot to you,” he says, noting 25 Caruso or Fermi 1 Not as mad? 45 Brandy flavor says Wasterval, 40, at his stu- transforms, socialise with his that not only is it original but 27 Opera solo 2 More than pudgy 47 End of some plays dio inside a former Faber Cas- neighbors and have fun. it is also of “home.” 29 Drew, the girl detective 3 Mouth that doesn’t talk 49 “___ added expense” tell pencil factory. It’s also a way for him to Lisa Llanes, a 38-year-old 32 Farm structure 4 Runner-up 51 Cat chorus “I remember thinking they disseminate his larger art- graphic designer, recently 35 They hang around in coffee shops 5 Geisha’s accessory 52 Musical of “Tomorrow” should be tiny paintings so I works, typically 60cm by 90cm won two hunts but was too 39 Anaconda 6 Brainchild 53 Dame’s introduction can hide them and people can and 75cm by 100cm, which late this time. 40 Yale alum 7 Mountaineer’s rest stop 55 Places humans evolve? find them and I can find as sell for $2,000 and $3,000 “They are such cute little 41 Like busy folks 56 Slightest evidence many as I want,” he adds. respectively. pieces of art!” she says. 42 Noah’s charge 8 Weighed down 57 Sub standard? 43 Major network 9 Foxier? Typically, every weekend at “The idea is to keep doing Wasterval hopes to hold 58 El ___, Texas 44 Certain meter reader 10 Zoological cavity an unspecified time, Waster- it like forever,” he said of the an exhibition with all the 45 Tar’s assents 11 Canadian body of water 59 Vigorous spirit val publishes on his Instagram hunts. “minis,” as he calls them, on 46 Capital of Senegal 12 Estrada of TV 61 Tool repository account a photo of a land- “It’s a marketing thing but it loan from the winners of the 48 Look before you do this 13 Swampy grounds 65 Serpentine letter scape in front of the spot that is a fun one because it doesn’t hunts. 50 He cometh in a play 18 Abbr. on a phone inspired the work, always in feel like one. I want to keep it He also plans to expand the Greenpoint. like that.” project to the rest of the city. Friday’s solution Within minutes, a dozen This time, Wasterval had “People ask me to go to dif- people arrive at the scene chosen to paint the corner of ferent neighborhoods. I’m go- and start looking for the work the popular neighbourhood ing to extend the radius slow- everywhere, from behind a pizzeria Paulie Gee’s. ly,” he says. AFP

Friday’s solution

Artist Steve Wasterval takes a photo of a mini-painting before hiding it in the Greenpoint district of the New York borough of Brooklyn on May 25. AFP THE PHNOM PENH POST may 31, 2021 www.phnompenhpost.com 15 Sport Brentford finish 74-year wait Giannis delivers for move to Premier League triple double as rentford were promoted to NBA Bucks win the Premier League for the first time in 74 years on May 29 as they Giannis Antetokounmpo with 20 points and 14 rebounds beat Swansea 2-0 in a Champion- managed his first NBA playoff while Jimmy Butler had a triple shipB play-off final worth around £180 mil- triple double May 29 and the double in a losing cause with lion ($255 million) to the winners. Milwaukee Bucks defeated 12 points, 10 rebounds and 10 Thomas Frank’s side completed their Miami 120-103 to sweep the assists. fairytale rise thanks to first-half goals from Heat out of the post-season in Antetokounmpo said it was Ivan Toney and Emiliano Marcondes at the opening round. difficult to stay in a role and try Wembley. Greek star Antetokounmpo to help his team through ver- Swansea’s Jay Fulton was sent off midway had 20 points, 12 rebounds satility instead of just pushing through the second half to put the result and 15 assists to spark the for a big scoring night. beyond doubt in what is widely regarded Bucks, who were led by 25 “If you want to be great, it’s as football’s single most lucrative game, points from centre Brook going to hurt a little bit. It’s not mainly because of the broadcast revenues Lopez and 22 more off the going to be easy,” Antetok- that Premier League clubs receive. bench from Bryn Forbes. ounmpo said. “I’m blessed I After decades stuck in lower league ob- Khris Middleton added 20 as can do a lot of things to con- scurity, unfashionable Brentford will be the Bucks rallied from a tribute to our team. I can score. one of the smallest clubs ever to play in 12-point first-half deficit to I can pass the ball. I can the top tier. win the best-of-seven Eastern rebound.” In just their second season at the new Conference series 4-0. They It was the first game for the Brentford Community Stadium, the Bees await the Brooklyn-Boston Bucks without guard Donte will welcome the likes of Manchester Head coach Thomas Frank will lead Brentford to play in England’s top tier for the first time in series winner in the second DiVincenzo, who was knocked City, Manchester United and Liverpool 74 years after beating Swansea 2-0 in a Championship play-off final on May 29.AFP round. out for the remainder of the to west London. “We’ve got to focus on our- playoffs by a torn left ankle The riches earned from the victory will nation of neutrals after they spent 59 out the initiative in the 10th minute. selves, try to get better,” ligament suffered in Milwau- be transformative for Brentford, who of 60 seasons in the third or fourth tiers be- Bryan Mbeumo made a clever run behind Antetokounmpo said. “We kee’s game three victory at have finally erased the painful memories fore reaching the Championship in 2014. the Swansea defence to reach Sergi Canos’s want to get better defensively Miami on May 27. of their wretched play-off past. They have climbed well above their tra- superb pass into the penalty area, prompt- and whoever we get in the next DiVincenzo averaged 10.4 Beaten by Fulham in last season’s ditional status thanks to innovative owner ing Freddie Woodman to race off his line round, we’re going to be points, 5.8 rebounds, 3.1 assists Championship final, Brentford had failed Matthew Benham. and crash into the Brentford striker. ready.” and 1.1 steals a game for the to earn promotion in all nine of their play- Benham has introduced an analytics-in- Referee Chris Kavanagh pointed to the spot Antetokounmpo became Bucks this season. off appearances before this term. fluenced approach overseen by two direc- and Toney stepped up to slot the penalty past only the third Bucks player “He’s a big part of our game,” No team had lost more play-off finals tors of football, ensuring the club make the Woodman for his 33rd goal of the season. with a playoff triple double said Antetokounmpo. “It’s going than Brentford’s four, but Frank had in- most of their resources, which are meagre Brentford weren’t going to sit on their lead after Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in to be tough not having him sisted the bad omens would count for in comparison with the Championship’s and a blistering counter-attack produced 1970, when he was known as going forward but a lot of guys nothing. wealthier teams. their second goal in the 20th minute. Lew Alcindor, and Paul Pressey are going to step up for us.” The Bees boss was proved right as he be- Breaking from their own penalty area, in 1986. came the firstD anish coach to win a Foot- Prolific Toney Frank’s men caught Swansea out of posi- The Heat, who lost to the Portland routs Denver ball League promotion. Fittingly, it was Championship top scorer tion as Mbeumo picked out the over-lap- Los Angeles Lakers in last Portland’s Norman Powell “I don’t know if I can describe it. It’s been Toney who put Brentford on course for the ping Mads Roerslev. year’s NBA Finals, ousted matched a career playoff high such a long journey,” Frank said before top-flight for the first time since 1947. Roerslev’s cross was perfectly measured Milwaukee in five games in with 29 points, hitting 11-of-13 his players gate-crashed the interview to Toney, signed from third tier Peterbor- for Marcondes and he guided a clinical fin- the second round of last sea- from the floor to power the throw him into the air in celebration. ough last year, fired Brentford to a third- ish past Woodman from 12 yards. son’s playoffs. Trail Blazers over visiting Den- “This group of players is incredible. Ev- place finish despite the close-season sales Toney was inches away from his second “We just tried to focus a ver 115-95 to level their West- eryone has played a major part,” Frank of star forwards Ollie Watkins and Said goal moments later when his dipping volley game at a time,” Antetok- ern Conference series at two added, once he was back on his feet. Benrahma to Aston Villa and West Ham re- hit the bar and bounced clear off the line. ounmpo said. “We didn’t want wins each. “The feeling was calm and relaxed and spectively. Shell-shocked Swansea failed to manage to play with our food.” CJ McCollum scored 21 ready to be ruthless. Now the 25-year-old, rejected by New- a single shot on target in the entire game. Miami had not been swept points and Bosnian centre “Right now I want to get drunk and castle as a youngster, will get the chance to And when Fulton saw red in the 65th in a playoff series since falling Jusuf Nurkic added 17 for Port- then worry about the Premier League show he can thrive in the Premier League. minute for a crude foul on Mathias Jensen, to Chicago in the first round in land while Serbian centre tomorrow!” Six of Brentford’s team started last it was only a matter of time before Brentford 2007. Nikola Jokic led Denver with Brentford’s rise has captured the imagi- season’s final and they quickly seized could start their promotion party. AFP The Heat dominated early, 16 points. with Antetokounmpo missing “The plan was to put a com- his first six shots and Miami plete 48-minute effort out grabbing its biggest lead of the there,” Powell said. “The focus series at 58-46. was continue to compete But Milwaukee opened the hard.” Woods silent on future, talks ‘painful’ rehab third quarter on a 24-6 run and The Trail Blazers led 57-47 at the Heat could never match half-time and dominated the Tiger Woods described his The former world number more of the rehab processes had received from around the them after that. third quarter to pull away for rehabilitation from injuries sus- one and 15-time major winner because of my past injuries, world during his recovery. “They played us really good. tained in a February car crash is no stranger to rehab, having but this was more painful “It’s been incredible,” Woods tough,” said Antetokounmpo. Other playoff games later as the most “painful” experi- undergone multiple surgeries than anything I have ever said. “I have had so much sup- “We kept our composure, we May 29 find Philadelphia try- ence of his career and declined on his back and knee over the experienced.” port from people both inside kept moving the ball, we kept ing to take a 3-0 series lead at to comment on his possible years in order to extend his The report said it was unclear and outside of golf which defending and we were able to Washington and Utah visiting return to the sport, Golf Digest career. whether Woods would require means so much to me and has get a win.” Memphis with that series reported May 27. However the 45-year-old told additional procedures or helped tremendously.” Bam Adebayo led Miami deadlocked 1-1. AFP In a brief interview on the Golf Digest that his previous whether he would be able to Woods was in the process of magazine’s website, Woods said stints in recovery paled in com- regain full strength and mobil- recovering from a surgical pro- he is targeting being able to walk parison to his present situa- ity in his leg. cedure on his back at the time on his own as he recovers from tion. The magazine said Woods of his crash in February. multiple fractures in his right leg “This has been an entirely declined to comment when Police found Woods was driv- suffered in the crash in Califor- different animal,” Woods told asked about his hopes of ing nearly twice the legal speed nia three months ago. Golf Digest. “I understand playing golf again, respond- limit when his SUV went out of ing that his immediate pri- control and rolled several times ority focused on walking before stopping. unassisted. Woods was hospitalised for “My physical therapy has weeks before returning home been keeping me busy,” Woods to Florida in March. was quoted as saying. “I do my He underwent hours of sur- routines every day and am gery to repair a shattered low- focused on my No. 1 goal right er right leg and ankle, includ- now: walking on my own. Tak- ing the insertion of a rod into ing it one step at a time.” his tibia and screws and pins A photo of Woods posted on being used to stabilise his Instagram last week showed ankle. the golfer on crutches with a Woods had undergone a supportive stocking covering series of back operations his right leg, no longer wearing before making a fairytale a protective boot he had used comeback that saw him win US team captain Tiger Woods watches his shot to the green during Day 2 earlier this year. the 2019 Masters for his first of the Presidents Cup golf tournament in Melbourne on December 13, Woods meanwhile said he major title since the 2008 US Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo controls the ball 2019. AFP was grateful for the support he Open at Torrey Pines. AFP during the NBA basketball match on January 24 last year. AFP 16 THE PHNOM PENH POST may 31, 2021 www.phnompenhpost.com Sport Chelsea shatter dream of Guardiola’s Man City to win Champions League final match helsea won the football in empty grounds. Champions League for the second time Havertz’s marquee moment as a Kai Havertz goal City pressed high but securedC a tense 1-0 victory struggled to trouble Edouard over Manchester City in Por- Mendy in the Chelsea goal, to, shattering Pep Guardiola’s while at the other end Timo dream of lifting the trophy for Werner should have done bet- the third time. on May 29. ter than shoot straight at Eder- Havertz rounded Ederson son in the 14th minute. to score three minutes before Chelsea then suffered an in- half-time at the Estadio do jury blow as an emotional Thi- Dragao and the Chelsea play- ago Silva was forced off hurt, ers ran to celebrate with the Andreas Christensen taking German. the Brazilian’s place in central Coach Thomas Tuchel, full defence. of energy on the touchline Yet it was they who opened just like his opposite number, the scoring in the 42nd min- punched the air in celebra- ute, Mason Mount’s ball split- tion, and later jumped with ting the City defence, allowing joy on the pitch after Chel- Havertz – their marquee £71- sea held on for victory in the million ($100 million) signing second half after City lost last summer – to go around the distraught skipper Kevin De lunging Ederson and convert Bruyne to injury. into an empty net. The London club fin- City now needed to break ished fourth in the Premier down a Chelsea defence that League, a huge 19 points has been exceptional under behind champions City, but Tuchel. this, remarkably, was their But they lost De Bruyne just third win over Guardiola’s before the hour mark, the side in six weeks. Belgian taken out in a colli- They ended City’s hopes of a sion with Antonio Ruediger domestic treble when they tri- that appeared to leave him umphed in the FA Cup semi- Cesar Azpilicueta (centre) and Chelsea’s players celebrate after winning the UEFA Champions League final football match on May 29.AFP concussed. finals in April and delayed He came off in tears, and their title celebrations with moments and had a fantas- erpool in the last all-English 2012 and now they have has been outstanding for the Guardiola instead turned to victory in Manchester. tic attitude to defending.” final in 2019. their second European Cup Stamford Bridge side this Sergio Aguero for the latter Now, in a final watched by “It is the first time we’re here, to move level with Juventus, season. stages, but there was to be a limited crowd of just over Second European Cup we’ll learn, we’ll come back,” Benfica and Porto as well as Chelsea have been trans- no glorious send-off as a City 14,000 fans who created a rau- City had to wait 13 years Guardiola said. another English side, Not- formed since the appoint- player for the Argentine, as a cous atmosphere, they have after being taken over by “The players did everything, tingham Forest. ment as coach in January of Riyad Mahrez shot sailed just denied City the first Cham- Abu Dhabi’s Sheikh Mansour they wanted to do well, to win Their transformation into Tuchel, but City were still the over in the sixth minute of in- pions League crown they and just to get to the Champions this competition, sometimes one of Europe’s super clubs favourites after their third Pre- jury time. Guardiola so crave. League final. you perform well, sometimes has been down to the riches mier League title triumph in A decade on from his last “It was an incredibly They are now the eighth not.” of Roman Abramovich, their four seasons. European Cup triumph, there tough fight, what a fight. To- consecutive team to lose in Chelsea also lost when they Russian oligarch owner who Feeding off the energy of the was to be no third for Guar- day they were determined their first appearance at this first got to the final, on penal- was in attendance in Portugal. crowd in a stadium filled to a diola. He remains one adrift to win this. We wanted to stage. The same misfortune ties against Manchester Unit- “It’s such a special occasion. third of its capacity – all fans of the record for the coaches be the stone in their shoe,” befell Qatar-owned Paris ed in Moscow in 2008. At this moment in time, we’re required negative Covid-19 with most wins in the com- Tuchel said. Saint-Germain last year as They overcame the final the best team in the world. tests to gain entry – both teams petition, held jointly by Bob “The effort was huge. We well as Tottenham Hotspur hurdle by beating Bayern You can’t take that away from played with a level of intensity Paisley, Carlo Ancelotti and overcame some difficult when they were beaten by Liv- Munich in a shoot-out in us,” said Mason Mount, who rarely seen in the last year of Zinedine Zidane. AFP Quartararo dedicates ‘best lap ever’ to crash victim

Fabio Quartararo claimed his fourth with organisers reporting both were “I enjoyed that lap,” beamed Quar- successive pole after dominating Ital- “fine”. tararo, 22. ian MotoGP qualifying with what he Alcoba went to qualify sixth fastest “It’s a track where you really feel the hailed as “the best lap” of his career at for the race. Sasaki was 10th. adrenaline and I was on the limit eve- Mugello on May 29 which he dedi- After sealing his pole Quartararo rywhere. cated to Moto3 crash-victim Jason said: “I want to dedicate this one to “I think its the best lap I ever did in Dupasquier. Jason who had a really bad crash. I my life.” Dupasquier, 19, fell and was struck hope he’s OK. I’m praying for him and Jack Miller, winner of the last two by another bike, before sliding along I’m praying for his family.” races, qualified in fifth and will be the track, in Moto3 qualifying. Francesco Bagnaia had been fastest sandwiched between Aleix Espargaro Over half an hour after the inci- in all the first three practice sessions (Ducati) and Brad Binder (KTM) on dent he was still out on the circuit for local team Ducati, setting a new the second row. being attended to by medical lap record in FP3 in the morning on South African Binder had earlier officers. May 29. bettered the top speed ever in MotoGP, The stricken teenager was then Quartararo was top in final practice recorded by Johann Zarco in Qatar at helicoptered to hospital in Florence. and kept the home favourites at bay the start of the season, when hitting “He was transferred to hospital in a again in qualifying. 362.4km/h on his KTM in FP3. hemodynamically stable way,” the The French Yamaha rider took pole Honda’s multiple world champion sport’s medical officer Giancarlo di in style, lowering the record Bagnaia Marc Marquez is still finding his way Filippo later reported. set only hours earlier, with a new fast- back to top form after returning from He added: “We’ll wait for further est time at the circuit of 1min last season’s injury and starts in 11th updates from the hospital.” 45.187sec. in this sixth leg of the championship. Japanese rider Ayumu Sasaki and Bagnaia, was second at 0.230sec, Italian motorcycling legend Valen- Spaniard Jeremy Alcoba were the oth- with Johann Zarco on Ducati satellite tino Rossi’s inauspicious 2021 contin- Fabio Quartararo competes during a qualifying session ahead of the Italian Moto GP ers involved in the accident which Pramac bike completing the front row ued with ‘the doctor’ down in 19th on Grand Prix at the Mugello race track in Scarperia e San Piero on May 29. AFP delayed the MotoGP fourth practice of Sunday’s grid. Yamaha’s SRT satellite bike. AFP