Government issues new drone regulations following Hun Sen attack plot

Government issues new drone regulations following Hun Sen attack plot

Shortly after Senate President Hun Sen revealed a recording of a planned attack on his residence, inter-ministerial guidelines were issued on Friday regarding the regulation of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), commonly known as drones.

The statement was jointly issued by the Ministry of Interior, the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, and the Secretariat of State for Civil Aviation.

Article 1 of this inter-ministerial declaration delineates the framework for data management, outlines prohibited areas, and establishes guidelines for the utilisation of UAVs.

Additionally, it stipulates security measures pertaining to drone operations aimed at ensuring security, maintaining public order, and promoting social safety within the Cambodia.

This inter-ministerial declaration pertains to drones capable of carrying a payload of two kilogrammes or more. However, it specifically excludes drones utilised for national defence and security purposes, which are addressed in a separate legal framework.

It also outlined the conditions for operating the UAVs, requiring operators to be at least 18 years old and to fly only between 6 am and 6 pm, with special permission required outside these hours.

Operators must be aware of local weather, avoid flying over private property or crowds without consent, and refrain from photography that identifies individuals.

Flights are prohibited over emergency sites and law enforcement operations, as well as in restricted areas and near watercraft without permission. No more than four UAVs may operate simultaneously without authorisation, and operators are accountable for their actions, it added.

Source :Khmer Times