BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: The Department of Community Development (JAPEM) has issued a warning to the public following reports of a male individual falsely claiming to be a JAPEM officer and collecting donations for the Humanitarian Fund for Palestinians in Gaza 2023.
The incident was reported to the 141 Call Centre, with complainants alleging that the individual claimed he had been instructed by JAPEM to solicit public donations. JAPEM has since confirmed that these claims are entirely false and stressed that the department has not authorised any individual or agency to conduct donation collections on its behalf.
In a statement, JAPEM reminded the public to remain cautious and verify the legitimacy of any fundraising or donation activities. “We urge members of the public not to be easily influenced by unverified claims and to avoid sharing personal information with unknown individuals or parties,” the department stated.
The matter has been reported to the authorities and is being taken seriously. JAPEM highlighted that spreading false information or impersonating government officers is a serious offence under Section 34 of the Public Order Act, Chapter 148. Offenders may face imprisonment of up to three years, a fine of BND3,000 (US$2,346), or both.
JAPEM also reminded the public that any individual, association or registered organisation intending to raise funds for the Humanitarian Fund must obtain prior approval from the department, which serves as the secretariat of the National Committee for the Fund. If only a portion of funds raised through public entertainment events is intended for donation, permission must first be sought from the Ministry of Home Affairs. - Borneo Bulletin/ANN
