| James Kon |
THE Royal Brunei Police Force (RBPF) held a press conference at its Gadong headquarters yesterday, to remind the public about the ban on fireworks and firecrackers under Brunei law.
The reminder is related to a number of reports lodged against several people for setting off firecrackers, or offering them up for sale through social media platforms.
Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Haji Mohd Hassan bin Pehin Penyurat Haji Ahmad, the Acting Director of Criminal Investigation, warned the public that it is an offence to manufacture, sale, possess or import fireworks and firecrackers which contain explosive materials.
The offence comes under Chapter 58 of the Firearms and Explosive Materials Act of Brunei Darussalam, Section 15, which provides an imprisonment term of five to 15 years, with a maximum of 12 strokes of the cane.
Offenders also face a stiff fine of BND3,000 under Regulation 17 (2) of the Firearms and Explosive Materials Act.
Meanwhile, those found setting off fireworks, fire balloons or rockets which pose a danger to others will be fined BND250 under Section 6 of the Firearms and Explosive Materials Act, and Chapter 30 of the Minor Offences Act.
“The purpose of banning fireworks is to prevent any unforeseeable circumstances, since fireworks and firecrackers are made from combustible materials which can pose harm to living things and property,” said ACP Haji Mohd Hassan.