PHNOM PENH – Arey Ksat City in Kandal province is enforcing strict smoking bans on ferries, boats and around the port in response to increased smoking in public areas. 

The clampdown began on February 2. Violators will be fined 20,000 riel ($5). The ban and fines are in line with Ministry of Health regulations on smoking in public.  

City Governor Chan Tara said the administration has worked with ferry and boat companies operating between Arey Ksat and Phnom Penh to spread the message via social media and by microphones throughout the area, including at entry and exit points of the port.

“No Smoking” signs displaying the fines have been placed on all 18 ferries, and staff have been told to help inspect and forbid passengers from smoking.

The measure was taken to prevent the harmful effects of secondhand smoke on the public, especially children and pregnant women. This decision was also in response to calls from people who experienced secondhand smoke on ferries and boats to and from Arey Ksat city. 

“I have personally received images from other passengers showing someone smoking as they crossed the port,” Tara said.

“They sent the photos to me and I will immediately forward them to the boat staff at the port for further action.”

This was a cooperative effort between the authorities, the public and the company.

He said the smoking ban had resulted in positive outcomes, with a significant reduction in smoking, though not yet 100 percent. 

“It is much better, and the public is satisfied,” he said, encouraging everyone to join the effort to reduce and stop smoking in public places to help keep the community healthy.

Cambodia enacted a sub-decree banning smoking in workplaces and public spaces, which took effect in March 2016 as part of its efforts to protect public health and reduce tobacco consumption following its adoption of the Law on Tobacco Control in 2015. 

Penalties from 20,000 riel (about $5) to 50,000 riel (around $12.50) are imposed on anyone caught smoking in an office or public area. 

However, enforcement has not been strict enough to deter violators. 

According to the World Health Organization, tobacco use results in approximately 15,000 deaths each year in Cambodia, impacting families and communities while imposing an economic burden of about 2.7 trillion riel (around $663 million) annually.