James Kon
Life jackets are a critical life-saving measure and is more important than comfort or convenience said Minister of Transport and Infocommunications Yang Berhormat Pengiran Dato Seri Setia Shamhary bin Pengiran Dato Paduka Haji Mustapha.
The minister was responding to a query from Legislative Council (LegCo) member Yang Berhormat Lawi bin Haji Lamat during the 19th Legislative Council (LegCo) session on Saturday on public feedback regarding the use of life jacket for boat operators and if there are plans to extend it to the public.
Yang Berhormat Pengiran Dato Seri Setia Shamhary said according to public feedback, life jackets are useful, but are uncomfortable to wear while being an added cost for boat operators.
The minister added, “The Maritime and Port Authority of Brunei Darussalam (MPABD) pays close attention to boat safety in Kampong Ayer.”
The minister said efforts have been made to raise awareness on the importance of wearing a life jacket through social media, posters, boat safety videos aired on television, radio broadcasts and newspapers.
He said, “The Enforcement Division of the MPABD also conducts enforcement and inspection operations either by themselves or jointly with other agencies to ensure all rules are followed.”
