Nine companies and 23 individuals were slapped with compound fines amounting to BND9,800 by the Bandar Seri Begawan (BSB) Municipal Department between January 11 to February 7 for littering in public areas and walkways.
Among the 23 individual offenders, 10 were locals, according to the Municipal Department.
Offenders have been given seven days to settle their fines at the Finance Division on the third floor of the BSB Municipal Department.
Under the Miscellaneous Offences Act (Amendment) 2021, an individual can be fined up to BND1,000 while for a corporate body, it is up to BND2,000.
The failure to settle the compound fine will result in the case being brought to court, warned the Municipal Department.
If found guilty, an individual could face between BND1,000 and BND3,000 fine for the first offence, between BND3,000 and BND9,000, imprisonment of up to six months, or both, for subsequent offences.
Meanwhile, any company found guilty could face a fine between BND2,000 and BND10,000 for the first offence, and between BND10,000 and BND30,000, imprisonment of up to 12 months, or both, for subsequent offences.
The department also reminded the public and businesses to maintain the cleanliness of public areas to ensure safety and well-being of the populace. – James Kon
