Some 143 individuals and 58 companies were fined by Bandar Seri Begawan (BSB) Municipal Department’s Law Enforcement Unit for violating Section 12, Chapter 30 of the Miscellaneous Offences Act (Amendment) 2021, according to 2023 statistics. There was a decrease in violations but with higher fine amount compared to 2022.
In 2022, 165 individuals were fined BND17,900 while 68 companies were fined BND29,000.
In 2023, the fines issued to individuals amounted to BND27,000 and the fines for companies were BND30,300.
Fines for violations of Miscellaneous Offences Act (Amendment) 2021 are no more than BND1,000 for individuals and up to BND2,000 for companies. Failure to settle fines will lead to court case.
If guilty, the accused will be fined between BND1,000 and BND3,000 for the first offence, and between BND3,000 and BND9,000 and imprisonment of no more than six months, or both, for subsequent offences.
A company found guilty will face a fine between BND2,000 and BND10,000 for the first offence, and between BND10,000 and BND30,000, imprisonment of no more than 12 months, or both, for subsequent offences.
Meanwhile, 38 beauty and health establishments under the BSB Municipal Department’s jurisdiction were ordered to stop operations in 2023 for violating Beauty and Health Establishments (BHE) Order.
The statistics also showed 30 establishments ordered closed in 2022. Common violations include not having valid licences, locking massage and reflexology rooms, not providing booking details and not arranging health checks for employees. – James Kon
