Magistrate Abdul ‘Azim bin Othman on Tuesday sentenced two Bruneians for illegally entering a safety zone surrounding an offshore installation in Brunei waters.
Abdul Manap bin Haji Abu Bakar, 59, was fine BND5,500, with a default sentence of five months’ imprisonment, and a fine of BND3,000 was imposed on his son, Muhd Mahfz bin Abdul Manap, 32, after they pleaded guilty to the charges brought against them under Section 132(6) of the Merchant Shipping Order, 2002.
According to Prosecutor Aeny Zullizam, the incident occurred on May 14, 2023, when the defendants, aboard a registered fiberglass fishing boat, were detected by a surveillance drone within the 500-metre safety zone.
Upon noticing the authorities, the defendants attempted to flee but were intercepted approximately 5.8km from the installation. They were arrested and taken to the Marine Police Headquarters, where an inspection of their boat revealed fishing equipment and 83 kilogrammes of fish.
During the investigation, Abdul Manap admitted to directing his son to steer the boat towards the offshore installation and to tie it to one of the metal poles. While he rested, his son continued fishing in the restricted area.
The court took into account that both defendants were first-time offenders under the Merchant Shipping Order. – Fadley Faisal
