The Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training is considering liaising with bus manufacturers and microfinance companies to provide low-interest loans to truck drivers so they can purchase a bus to transport workers.
Katta Orn, a spokesman for the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training (MLVT), said yesterday that the ministry is considering engaging with bus manufacturers to provide buses which are safe for worker transportation to replace the current high-risk trucks.
“The ministry is also considering cooperation with banks or microfinance companies to provide loans to truck drivers so they can switch to buses,” he said.
He encourages truck drivers to switch to buses to ensure safety and comfort for workers. There are 3,114 truck drivers across the country, most of whom are still using trucks where workers have to stand during rides, he said.
From January to November this year, 7,192 workers were involved in traffic accidents while commuting, of whom 4,071 were women.
Kim Panha, Country Director of Asia Injury Prevention (AIP), said yesterday that he supports the Ministry’s plan to cooperate with bus manufacturers for the provision of buses with good technical standards and safety for workers’ daily commute.
“I also want the Ministry to think about the safety of workers by installing seatbelts for added protection,” he said.
The Ministry should stop drivers using trucks for worker transportation, as their vehicles are typically in poor condition, making them risky to transport workers safely, he added.
The Ministry must assist the drivers to change from trucks to buses, because around 60% of trucks are in poor condition and unsafe to transport workers, he said.
“Most truck drivers had taken out loans to buy their trucks, therefore, the Ministry must assist them somehow to change from trucks to buses,” Panha said.
He noted that the government’s desire is for the change to buses. He suggested that the Ministry should cooperate with finance companies to provide a low interest loan. Also, the drivers can increase their income by finding ‘sponsors’ to advertise on their buses.
He was also concerned that drivers could lose income by changing to buses, as a truck carries 50-60 workers, whereas, buses can carry only 20-30 workers, Panha said.
“I think the government and ministry must consider how the change will affect the driver’s livelihoods to ensure they do not face greater financial difficulties,” he said.
Tep Chakriya, a truck driver in Phnom Sruoch district, Kampong Speu province, said yesterday that he has worked as a truck driver for around three years, he would like to change to a bus but he cannot financially afford it.
“If the government can help with a low interest loan, I will sell my old truck and buy a new bus in just one day,” Chakriya said.
