Azlan Othman
Several unauthorised workshops were discovered during a joint inspection by government agencies yesterday.
Other offences were also uncovered, such as unapproved building extensions, abandoning of cars, using land sites without prior approval, installing signboards without permission, the absence of safety equipment, unskilled car body work, selling used cars, and carrying out work using self-modified welding and electrical equipment.
The inspection was conducted on eight workshops by enforcement personnel from the Land Transport Department (JPD), the Fire and Rescue Department (FRD), the Authority for Building Control and Construction Industry (ABCi) and the Department of Town and Country Planning.
The Weights and Measurement Unit of the Ministry of Finance and Economy (MoFE), the Brunei-Muara District Office, and the Safety, Health and Environment National Authority (SHENA) were also involved.
The joint inspection intended to ensure that vehicle workshop operations are carried out properly and authorised by the relevant agencies.
According to JPD, workshops across the country fall into three categories – those carrying out repairs, servicing, and mechanical and electrical works.
Fifty-six workshops are registered with JPD under the Workshop Certification Scheme, with 50 in the Brunei-Muara District, one in the Tutong District and five in Belait.
It was also found that many workshops are operating with the approval of agencies aside from JPD, or without approval.
Workshop owners are advised to obtain proper registration, adhere to the rules and regulations, and to repair and make improvements to their premises.
“Workshops registered with JPD are those that have undergone a certification process,” said JPD in a statement. “Depending on the type of machinery, capacity, efficiency and expertise, JPD is issuing workshop certificates in classifications of A, B and C.
“Class A workshops are capable of doing modification work, and able to repair engine parts and the body.
“It is important for workshops to ensure that vehicles on the road are safe for use. Efforts are being made to ensure road safety by ensuring that workshops abide by standards, and carrying out quality and proper work by acquiring certification and approval from JPD as an authorised agency in this country.
“The public, especially car owners, is also urged to be cautious in selecting workshops.
“Workshop owners are advised to register and report at JPD immediately.
“JPD will work with other agencies in conducting spotchecks, and will take stern action againstworkshop owners who fail to adhere to the rules and regulations.”
The public can contact JPD at 2451979/80/87 ext 111 during office hours or email info_ltd@jpd.gov.bn or awvis@jpd.gov.bn, contact the Darussalam hotline at 123 or WhatsApp at 8333123 or visit www.123.gov.bn.