Battambang: Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, Sar Kheng, said that Cambodia will prepare a new regulation that will require those who want to take the civil servant exam (including village, commune, and district chiefs) or private company staff, as well as students, to undergo a drug test before they are eligible.

In the inauguration ceremony of achievements in some schools in Bavel district, Battambang province, on the morning of December 14, 2022, DPM Sar Kheng reiterated the obligation for all individuals to take a drug test before being able to work in both the public and private sectors; he added that even students are required to do the drug test.

DPM Sar Kheng said: "Citizens who wish to become a police officer, candidate for the Commune Council, village chief, or a civil servant, work in the private sector such as factories, enterprises, companies, etc. even those who wish to join the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces, must undergo a drug test. If the result is positive, you will lose the eligibility to become a teacher, educational staff member, and also a student (if involved in drug use)."

The DPM stated that the new drug control will be implemented and stipulated that it is a requirement to undergo drug tests, including Students who are from the age of 13 years; unfortunately there is no age limit on taking drugs.

"This is an obligation, not a request that one can choose whether to do or not; the obligation is to do [the drug test]," he said.

According to DPM Sar Kheng, the obligation to test for drugs is to ensure social security and public health, and this test will be clearly stated in the regulation on drug control.