Cable theft blamed for power outage
Thursday, April 26, 2007
SOME AREAS in the Brunei-Muara district experienced a one-hour power outage on Tuesday as power supply was disrupted because of cable theft.
The Energy Division at the Prime Minister's Office has taken a strong note of the incident and warned those involved in the processing of scrap metal to halt dispatching or purchasing stolen materials.
The interruption, which occurred at 3.01pm Tuesday and ended at 4.10pm,was described by the Energy Division at the Prime Minister's Office as the first "massive" disturbance of its kind brought about by cable theft.
The entire area of Jalan Muara, parts of Jalan Tutong, Jalan Manggis and Jalan Sungai Akar were affected.
The Energy Division in its statement stated that the power outage is normally caused by damage to cables either by machinery or animals.
Cable theft, besides causing damage to government property, is an irresponsible act which crosses the limits of tolerance in the society.
"Cable theft needs to be curbed in the early stages before any accident or fatality occurs," the media statement said.
Those caught stealing cables or any other government property are liable to a fine, three years in jail, or both, under Section 39 of the penal code.
Those involved in the processing of scrap metal are liable to a fine, five years in jail, or both, if caught "dishonestly receiving stolen goods".
And those who assist in concealing stolen properties are liable to three years in jail, a fine, or both, under Section 414 of the penal code.
The division has called upon the public to be vigilant regarding the issue, and to contact the nearest police station when suspicious activities are identified. "As long as there is a way to sell these stolen goods, the more unrestrained these activities will get," it stated with regards to those involved in the processing of scrap metal.
The cable theft is still under investigation by the police, according to the statement, and an undisclosed number of persons have been brought into court.
The statement went on to say that the electrical services department frequently patrols and monitors buildings and equipment and other property owned by the department.
The Brunei Times
The Energy Division at the Prime Minister's Office has taken a strong note of the incident and warned those involved in the processing of scrap metal to halt dispatching or purchasing stolen materials.
The interruption, which occurred at 3.01pm Tuesday and ended at 4.10pm,was described by the Energy Division at the Prime Minister's Office as the first "massive" disturbance of its kind brought about by cable theft.
The entire area of Jalan Muara, parts of Jalan Tutong, Jalan Manggis and Jalan Sungai Akar were affected.
The Energy Division in its statement stated that the power outage is normally caused by damage to cables either by machinery or animals.
Cable theft, besides causing damage to government property, is an irresponsible act which crosses the limits of tolerance in the society.
"Cable theft needs to be curbed in the early stages before any accident or fatality occurs," the media statement said.
Those caught stealing cables or any other government property are liable to a fine, three years in jail, or both, under Section 39 of the penal code.
Those involved in the processing of scrap metal are liable to a fine, five years in jail, or both, if caught "dishonestly receiving stolen goods".
And those who assist in concealing stolen properties are liable to three years in jail, a fine, or both, under Section 414 of the penal code.
The division has called upon the public to be vigilant regarding the issue, and to contact the nearest police station when suspicious activities are identified. "As long as there is a way to sell these stolen goods, the more unrestrained these activities will get," it stated with regards to those involved in the processing of scrap metal.
The cable theft is still under investigation by the police, according to the statement, and an undisclosed number of persons have been brought into court.
The statement went on to say that the electrical services department frequently patrols and monitors buildings and equipment and other property owned by the department.
The Brunei Times
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