Khmer Circle: Regulations on sea ferrying need to be better and more strictly enforced upon these ferry companies and agents. With increasing numbers of international as well as domestic visitors to popular islands such as Koh Rong [islands], and more and more of them preferring to head direct to the islands from Kampong Som, ferry services are often in short supply, meaning that often slow wooden boats [shown in this image] take grave - and unwitting risks - with strong winds and sea disturbances that put human lives at serious risks. Just as ill-enforced road regulations can be seen to be the main cause of road fatalities on the mainland daily in the Kingdom, the same negligence at sea could lead to tragedies that maybe waiting to happen ...
Khouth Sophak Chakrya | Publication date 06 December 2017 | 09:12 ICT
Boats carrying tourists from a pier in Sihanoukville to Koh Rong islands. Photo supplied
Owners of a dozen large speedboat companies shuttling between mainland Preah Sihanouk province and its islands have agreed to pay a fee to provincial authorities for every passenger, but small boat owners are still trying to negotiate a lower cost.
Ol Va, owner of On The Rocks Tours, said his and the 11 other major speedboat companies that had not been paying the conservation fees agreed during negotiations yesterday to pay $2 for every round trip ticket to Koh Rong and Koh Rong Sanloem. The fee is supposed to go towards preservation and biodiversity conservation projects, according to Phai Bunvannak, Preah Sihanouk provincial deputy governor.
Bunvannak issued a statement in late November threatening to suspend speedboat services temporarily if the companies did not agree to pay by Monday. However, owners of small boat companies carrying up to 15 passengers are still seeking a lower fee, Va said.
Va said these boats generally travel to closer islands and, unlike the larger boats, negotiate prices with their customers. He added he would consider their request.
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