A Moral Call to Address Cambodia's Escalating Alcohol Culture
A Moral Call to Address Cambodia's Escalating Alcohol Culture
This article delves into Cambodia's growing alcohol culture, urging moral reflection and regulations to prioritize public well-being over industry profits.
In Cambodia, while the term 'alcohol society' may not be explicitly used by ordinary people as in the UK, the nation is unmistakably characterized by unrestricted selling and consumption of alcohol. This culture persists despite the well-known health impacts and societal side effects, such as traffic accidents and domestic violence, which unfortunately seem to be overlooked by many.
The indifference towards the consequences of excessive alcohol consumption becomes more apparent when considering the statistics. According to a study conducted by Japanese firm Kirin Holding in 2021, each Cambodian was reported to be consuming 72.2 liters of beer annually, equivalent to 114 bottles with a 633-milliliter bottle size. The Cambodia Demographic and Health Survey 2021-2022, conducted by the National Institute of Statistics, further highlights the issue, revealing that 69% of men and 16% of women had consumed alcoholic beverages in the month leading up to the survey. Notably, men appear to be more frequent consumers, with 10% drinking daily and 60% drinking 1 to 5 days per month. Urban areas, on the other hand, show a higher proportion of women engaging in alcohol consumption.
This surge in alcohol consumption in Cambodia is not merely a personal choice; it is becoming a societal phenomenon. Nonetheless, it seems that the government isn't giving adequate consideration to its impact on public health, possibly due to its status as a lucrative business contributing substantially to national revenue. According to data from the Asia Foundation in 2017, the government can generate around $30-40 million annually from import and related taxes, and this revenue has consistently increased each year. Disturbingly, television, a powerful medium, dedicates half of its advertising space to alcohol, with estimated revenue on national television surpassing $100 million per year in 2018.
A recent study by a Cambodian scholar brings to light a troubling reality: 80% of the country's beer market is dominated by three major companies – Carlsberg Cambodia, Heineken Cambodia, and Khmer Beverages. These companies, closely aligned with powerful figures in government agencies, relentlessly promote alcohol consumption. Their influence permeates every aspect of daily life, from television broadcasts and magazines to social media, concerts, and omnipresent billboards lining the roads. The message is clear: drink more, get more rewards, drink for taste, improve sleep, and consider it a symbol of national pride. There’s even the chance that your beer can might win you a motorcycle, car, or cash.
As Cambodia grapples with the societal consequences of unrestrained alcohol consumption, regulatory measures become not only a necessity but a moral obligation. The absence of laws and regulations on alcohol use in Cambodia is a significant gap that needs to be addressed urgently. There's currently only a draft that hasn't passed for various reasons, leaving a void that contributes to the unchecked rise in alcohol-related issues.
From an economic standpoint, advocating for the regulation of alcohol consumption through pricing and availability is paramount. The government should consider raising taxes on alcohol and simultaneously imposing stringent regulations on advertising. Establishing a minimum legal drinking age at 21 years is essential, coupled with a robust campaign against drunk driving and random breath testing, to curb the escalating crisis.
As Cambodia grapples with the societal consequences of excessive alcohol consumption, regulatory measures become not only a necessity but a moral obligation. It is high time to prioritize the health and well-being of the nation over the profits of the alcohol industry.