The Ministry of Public Works and Transport is working with the National Police to investigate a scam where people claim to be ministry officials and issue driver’s licences. The investigation was launched after a Facebook user with the account name “Pheaktra Public Works and Transport” claimed to be able to issue licences without sitting the ministry’s driving exam for a fee of $500. The person also provided contact details – 096 642 0252 or 081 336 609 – for people who wanted licences. The number could not be reached on August 1. The ministry announced that it has no arrangement for the issuance of driver’s licences through this individual. “The ministry is cooperating with the Ministry of Interior’s National Police to take action. The government has noted such cases on Facebook where fake accounts are set up and claim to provide such services. “This makes it easier for people who do not have access to the extensive driver’s licence information to be deceived,” ministry spokesman Heang Sotheayuth said on August 1. Sotheayuth added that the ministry does not allow any agent to issue licences. People wanting a licence must sit the ministry’s examination. “Driver’s licences are not available through any agency or broker. The ministry has no such arrangement. Issuing driver’s licences is important and is related to road safety. If we are at all negligent, it not only harms the driver but also other people,” he said. Minister Sun Chanthol has recently proposed a series of solutions to eliminate corruption and simplify the process of obtaining a driver’s licence. He said no licence can be obtained without the examination and warned of legal action against any officials who try to issue it illegally.