BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: The Department of Electrical Services (DES) has identified cable theft and vandalism as the cause of several recent power outages affecting parts of the country.
In a statement, DES said disruptions occurred on March 17 in Kampong Kasat in Brunei-Muara District, as well as Kampong Sungai Liang and Mukim Seria in Belait District. Another incident was reported on March 19 in Kampong Kiarong.
Investigations found that the outages were caused by serious damage to underground cables and key electrical equipment following attempted theft.
DES warned that such criminal activities have weakened the country’s electricity supply infrastructure, leading to more frequent and prolonged disruptions for the public.
The department stressed that tampering with or attempting to steal electrical assets poses significant danger, including the risk of serious injury or death.
It added that cable theft and damage to critical infrastructure are offences under Sections 380B and 427B of the Penal Code, Chapter 22, which classify electricity supply as an essential service. Offenders may face between three and 10 years’ imprisonment, along with four to 12 strokes of the cane.
DES said it will continue working closely with the Royal Brunei Police Force and relevant agencies to curb such activities and safeguard the reliability of electricity supply nationwide.
Members of the public are urged to report any suspicious activities to Talian Darussalam 123 or the police hotline at 993. - Borneo Bulletin/ANN
