PHNOM PENH: The Ministry of Social Affairs, Veterans and Youth Rehabilitation has requested all beneficiaries of the social assistance cash program to use the funds received properly and avoid using them for various mischievous purposes that affect the implementation of government policies.

In a notice issued on Sunday, 24 July, the Ministry of Social Affairs requested authorities to educate beneficiaries and investigate irregularities that may arise from the use of equity cards, such as mortgaging cards or using the fund for mischievous purposes.

In the event that a beneficiary is found to be misusing funds provided through the social assistance cash program, local authorities shall educate the beneficiary on misuse, and if this is not the case, then the Commune / Sangkat Chief shall hold a meeting with the council to make a decision on whether the beneficiary should be able to keep their social assistance card.

From 25 June 2020 to 24 July 2022, the government provided more than US $744 million to poor and vulnerable families during the Covid-19 pandemic, benefiting nearly 700,000 families and nearly 3 million people in total.