| James Kon |
WITHIN a short span of one-and-a-half months, Brunei witnessed an alarming rise in road deaths.
From January to February 22 this year, the Royal Brunei Police Force (RBPF) has recorded four cases of road accident fatalities including one case of alleged drunk driving which ended the life of a 13-year-old local girl.
In light of the concern, the RBPF hosted a press conference on Thursday night to provide details of the accidents and advise the public.
The press conference was chaired by Senior Superintendent of Police Radin Jofri bin Mas Radin Basiuni, Acting Director of the Traffic Control and Investigation Department (JSKLL). Also present were Superintendent of Police Pengiran Haji Abdul Salam bin Pengiran Haji Abdul Ghani, Acting Officer Commanding Police District (OCPD) of Brunei-Muara, Superintendent of Police Haji Muhammad Azrie bin Haji Talip, Acting Officer Commanding Police District of Belait and Superintendent of Police Suhairi bin Haji Sukri, Officer Commanding Police District of Tutong.
According to Senior Superintendent of Police Radin Jofri, “The four road fatalities comprised two cases in Brunei-Muara District, one case each in Belait and Tutong districts. The victims are a local man, two local females and one foreign woman.”
The first fatality took place on January 28, 2018 and was due to a self-accident involving a 24-year-old local motorcycle rider at KM68 on Muara-Tutong highway.
The second death occurred nearby Simpang 683, Tanjung Nangka, Jalan Tutong on January 30. The accident involved a foreign woman pedestrian who was hit by a car. The driver of the vehicle, 55-year-old Abdullah bin Haji Apong, is currently under investigation.
The third road facility took place on February 17 and involved two cars. The victim who passed away was a 13-year-old local girl. The tragic incident took place at Jalan Estate Gadong. One of the vehicles involved was heading to the opposite direction. The driver, Victor Chiuh Vui Ted, a 20-year-old permanent resident, is believed to be under the influence of alcohol.
The driver is being investigated under Section 26 (1) of driving under the influence of alcohol which carries the punishment of a B$10,000 fine and two years’ imprisonment, if found guilty. He is also investigated under Section 27 (1) of driving dangerously and causing death under Road Traffic Act Chapter 68. The punishment is a fine of B$20,000 and imprisonment of seven years.
The fourth death occurred on February 21 at Jalan Nakhoda Ragam, Kuala Belait, involving a vehicle and pedestrian. The victim who passed away a day later after succumbing to her injuries was a 61-year-old local senior citizen. The driver is Muhd Afiq Safwan bin Zalidin, a 27-year-old local man.
The RBPF advised road users and pedestrians to raise their alertness and comply with the road traffic regulations as well as be patient and tolerant.
When asked about the common causes of the accidents, the Acting Director of JSKLL said, “We are still investigating the cases and waiting for the reports.”
On steps being taken to reduce road accidents, he said, “The Royal Brunei Police Force will continue to build awareness on road safety among the young generation by carrying out talks at schools and we will also be conducting road blocks and checks regularly.”
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