The Land Department has cautioned the public against encroaching state land areas damaged by bushfires, warning that penalties will be imposed on such intruders.

Bushfires have cleared large parts of forest areas which are normally left idle. These areas, now devoid of any thick vegetation, seem to entice prospectors eyeing spots for agricultural activities.

In some areas, these activities have slowly begun to sprout and are becoming a growing concern to relevant government agencies, it noted in a statement.

The department reminded the public that intrusion into these areas (state land areas) is an offence under Section 32 of the Land Code (Cap 40) of Brunei Darussalam.

Any person without lawful authority found guilty of the offence could be penalised BND$2,000 for the first conviction and BND$3,000 for second and subsequent convictions, or imprisonment of one year, or both, and the court may issue a warrant to any police officer requiring him to remove such person from the land.

Furthermore, anyone abetting the intrusion is also liable on conviction to receive the same above mentioned penalty. Therefore, the public must take heed of this reminder.

Officials from the Land Department and relevant government agencies will continue to monitor development in the affected areas, the statement said.

The department said the ongoing dry spell affecting the coastal part of the country has led to an alarming increase in sporadic bushfires. Pockets and even large areas of bushes and forests have become fire pits which emanate smoke that contributes to the hazy weather conditions of late.

These blackened grounds have now become a familiar sight to those commuting along the Lumut Bypass, Seria Bypass, Mumong Bypass and Tutong-Muara Highway, the statement added.

Source:
@BRUDIRECT.COM

by BruDirect.com

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