Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet on Wednesday ordered the permanent closure of all private shooting ranges in the coastal province of Preah Sihanouk.

Speaking at the launching event of a special program to boost investment in the province, Hun Manet said the move was to enhance security, safety and public order for local people, tourists and investors in the province.

"I think that tourists to Preah Sihanouk province do not want to learn how to shoot a gun, but they want to see the beauty of our islands, so shut down all those private shooting ranges and don't allow them to be reopened," he said.

The prime minister also instructed local authorities not to allow tourists or civilians to shoot a gun at any shooting ranges owned by the army in the province.

He advised local authorities to enforce law against all forms of crimes, particularly drug trafficking and illegal use of weapons.

According to the prime minister, there are two private shooting ranges in Preah Sihanouk province.

Meanwhile, Hun Manet announced that Cambodia will no longer issue licenses to operate shooting ranges across the country.