Proprietor of a long-standing family goldsmith business Lau Shiew Choi woke up to a shocking discovery after finding his storefront fell victim to an act of vandalism perpetrated by an unknown group. The incident occurred in the early hours of August 21, marking an unfortunate turn in the business’ nearly five decades of operation in the Belait District.
“Never in the 50 years of running our humble shop have we encountered such an incident,” Lau shared during an interview with the Bulletin.
Lau recounted the distressing moment he learned of the incident, describing how a barrage of messages from friends alerted him to the presence of red paint splattered across the front barriers of his store and his vehicles. Both acts were captured by the store’s CCTV system, providing vital evidence for the investigation.
“At around 8am, my friends messaged me about the paint. Upon reviewing the CCTV footage, we determined that the incident had occurred around 3am. The masked and hooded perpetrators were clearly visible,” Lau recounted.
Lau reported the incident to the local police station the same morning. Authorities have since investigated the matter to identify and apprehend those responsible. While the physical damage to the storefront was not extensive, Lau pointed out the unexpected repercussions. The incident garnered significant attention on social media platforms, often accompanied by inaccurate information. This online frenzy generated discomfort for Lau, his family, and concerned well-wishers.
“Numerous social media posts went viral, spreading misinformation. Unfortunately, this has caused friends and family to worry. Regrettably, I haven’t been able to address all the concerns personally. I extend my heartfelt appreciation and apologies to those concerned for me and my family’s well-being,” Lau expressed.
When questioned about the possible motives behind the vandalism and the identity of the perpetrators, Lau responded, “To the best of my knowledge, we haven’t been involved in any disputes or conflicts that could explain this. Nonetheless, we can’t entirely discount the possibility of individuals with short tempers being involved. Judging people solely based on appearances is challenging.”
Lau voiced his hope for a resolution to the incident through established channels. “I have faith in Brunei’s peaceful nature. I trust that the legal system and authorities will bring those responsible to justice. This would bring a sense of closure to this unsettling event.” – Daniel Lim
