Phnom Penh: In a recent address, the Prime Minister Hun Manet, highlighted the alarming trend of individuals showcasing weapons on social media, referencing a specific incident involving a samurai sword from Svay Rieng province. He stated, “The story of the braggart on Facebook this morning raises serious concerns. It is not enough to merely educate the administration; we must take decisive action. Pulling out swords to brag is unacceptable, especially when it leads to violence—this poses a real threat to life."

The Prime Minister underscored the need for a serious examination of current laws surrounding weapons and gang violence. “If the law is too lenient, we must amend it to ensure it is more stringent,” he asserted.

His remarks come in light of alarming statistics regarding gang-related activities in the country. Over the past seven months, from May to December, nearly 700 gang-related cases have been addressed by the courts, involving a total of 3,834 offenders. Notably, there were also 2,093 gangs comprised of individuals under the age of 18, highlighting a pressing issue that requires immediate attention.

The Prime Minister’s call to action serves as a reminder of the urgent need to protect citizens from potential violence and ensure that laws governing weapon display and gang activities are robust and effective.