James Kon
Ten local companies and 16 locals were each issued compound fines by the Law Enforcement Division of Bandar Seri Begawan (BSB) Municipal Department for violations under Chapter 30 of the Miscellaneous Offences Act during three separate operations recently.
The companies were found to have committed violations such as leaving construction and commercial waste in public areas, disposing used vehicle spare parts in public areas and discarding liquid waste into the drainage in Gadong.
The individuals, who were levied with compound fines, each violated Section 12(1)(a), Chapter 30 of the Miscellaneous Offences Act.
They were found to have thrown food and drink containers as well as cigarette butts in commercial areas of Gadong and Beribi.
Under the act, individual violators face no more than BND1,000 and for corporate bodies, no more than BND2,000 fine.
The failure to settle the fines will lead to legal action where upon conviction, individuals may be liable to a fine of no less than BND1,000 and not exceeding BND3,000 for the first offence.
For the second and subsequent offences, the individual may be lia-ble to a fine of no less than BND3,000 and not exceeding BND9,000; imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months; or both.
Corporate bodies, if convicted, may be liable to a fine of not less than BND2,000 and not exceeding BND10,000.
For the second and subsequent offences, they may be liable to a fine of no less than BND10,000 and not exceeding BND30,000; imprisonment for a period not exceeding 12 months; or both.
The public can contact Darussalam Line 123, WhatsApp 8333123, or contact the Law Enforcement Division of BSB Municipal Department at 7291122 to lodge complaints.
The public is reminded to maintain the cleanliness of their surroundings for the nation’s well-being.