James Kon
Brunei Darussalam has shown an improvement in reducing the number of road accidents and fatalities year-over-year, however the recent rising trend along with numerous recorded vehicle fires is a cause for concern.
Minister of Transport and Infocommunications Pengiran Dato Seri Setia Shamhary bin Pengiran Dato Paduka Haji Mustapha said this as the guest of honour at the launch of Brunei Shell Marketing Company Sdn Bhd (BSM) Fill Safe, Feel Safe 2022 campaign at the Brunei Malay Teachers Association (PGGMB) building, yesterday.
He said, “We must not to be complacent in implementing efforts toward making roads safer. The National Road Safety Council (MKKTR) and other agencies are expected to carry on with their efforts.”
He added, “The most ideal condition is when every road user is cultivated with a culture of safety, complies with regulations, adapts to road and weather conditions, and is always aware of other users.”
On the Fill Safe, Feel Safe campaign, Pengiran Dato Seri Setia Shamhary said, “We know although filling stations deal with dangerous fuels, it should be a safe place not only for filling station attendants but also the public.”
However, he noted, “I understand that staff at filling stations, or Service Champions, face challenges in carrying out their duties on a daily basis to guarantee safety for all at filling stations.”
In this regard, he said, “Guidelines and special regulations to protect the staff have been introduced.
“However, non-compliance to guidelines and regulations have put staff, customers and visitors to filling stations at risk of dangerous incidents.”
He added, “Service Champions who carry out their duties also face aggression and intimidation from customers. Therefore, I advise everyone to cooperate and comply with instructions and advice from Service Champions to maintain the safety and smooth operation of filling stations.”
Pengiran Dato Seri Setia Shamhary urged BSM and filling stations owners to continue to monitor the safety performance at their stations and take appropriate action against non-compliance.
He said the challenges at filling stations are not new.
“We must always be diligent, persevering and innovative in the search of new solutions for old problems.”
