Interior minister Sar Sokha visited the Poipet International Border Checkpoint and instructed officials to improve their customer service on November 1. SAR SOKHA VIA FB
Minister of Interior Sar Sokha has urged police officers at the Poipet International Border Checkpoint to focus on ensuring that the port of entry is an attractive, secure, sanitary facility which provides effective services and enhances the national prestige.
He met with several officials and members of the National Police at the checkpoint in Banteay Meanchey province, bordering Thailand, on November 1.
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Sokha urged them to commit to their tasks, reminding them that the government is carrying out reforms to increase the attractiveness of Cambodia to domestic and international visitors, according to a ministry social media post.
“The Poipet checkpoint is one of the main economic poles, as it receives both domestic and international tourists. Many goods are also transported in and out, so officials need to provide services with care and friendly smiles. They should be efficient and confident, and ensure security and public order,” he was cited as saying.
He added that several priority areas need to be addressed, such as border issues, especially at the checkpoint itself.
“We must increase the efficiency of the services we provide at the One Window Service Office [OWSO]. We should examine the possibility of establishing a new building or dedicated facility for providing these services, to make it easier for the general public to access them,” he said.
“We also need to apply the same efficiency to the entry and exit lanes, whether for the transit of goods or visitors,” he added.
He also suggested that the processing of paperwork be expedited, to make it more convenient for visitors.
Yang Kim Eng, president of the People’s Centre for Development and Peace, said it was good news that the minister had called on officials to work more responsibly, but he believes that greater transparency is required to prevent the possibility of corruption at the checkpoint.
“If there are any corrupt practices at the checkpoint, tourists will not want to visit Cambodia, and Khmer crossing the checkpoint will also feel concerned. In my view, appropriate action should be taken to eliminate any corruption, and guarantee security,” he said.
“If any officials fail to follow the recommendations or instructions of the minister, they should be sacked, and replaced by competent staff,” he added.
With the progress of modern buildings and infrastructure, as well as advanced technology – such as the ability to check passports using a QR code – Sokha believes that service provision there would become swifter and more convenient for visitors.
“The Poipet International Border Checkpoint will become an efficient and secure facility which brings prestige to Cambodia. This will require the full commitment and participation of all officials,” he said.
