Border Crossers Nabbed For Drinking And Driving
By Azlan Othman

Bandar Seri Begawan - People who cross the border for a few swigs beware. Brunei police are out to nail errant drivers who drive under the influence of alcohol.

For the first time, Breath analyser was put into use to nab people driving while being over the legal alcohol limit.

Under the new Road Traffic Act (amendment April 2002), a maximum fine of $8,000 awaits offenders.

In an operation that started at around 9.30pm near the Kuala Lurah border Tuesday night, six drivers were caught with an excessive limit of 0.35 reading. The six included two locals, two permanent residents and two Malaysians.

The operation codenamed "Kedengaran 26" was launched at the right time to check those who crossed the border for a drink and drove back to Brunei before the gate closed at 10pm.

Over 30 police personnel - Investigation Traffic branch led by the Acting Head of Traffic, DSP Mohd Irwan; Limau Manis police personnel led by AOCPD DSP Mohd Hassan, and enforcement officers from the Enforcement Religious Section led by Hj Mohammed - were present during the operation.

The police said that those who are caught for `drinking and driving' will be sent for blood tests at the state laboratory and reports will later be used to charge them in court.

The Breath analyser will be on a trial basis and will be used in the future to cover areas, including the border control post at Sungai Tujoh in the Belait district.

Shortly after the Kuala Lurah operation, the police, religious enforcement officers and the Immigration later proceeded for another operation codenamed 'Ugan 24' that targeted Kg. Sangai-Sangai Masin and near Kg Bebatik Kulapis.

Close to 30 personnel took part in the operation under the command of the OCPD of Jerudong Police District. It began at around 10.25pm and ended at 1.45am.

Acting on public tip-off, the officers managed to nab three couples caught for close proximity.

Under Chapter 177 (1) (2), fine of $500 for woman and $1,000 for man awaits those who are caught for close proximity. The couples included three Bruneians, an Indonesian, a Filipina and a Malaysian.

Three foreign workers were also brought to Sengkurong Police Station for failing to show valid travel documents.

The police urged members of the public to assist them in helping to curb undesirable activities as part of the crime prevention drive.

Those who have any information can contact 2661333 (Sengkurong Police Station) and 2683333 (Limau Manis Police Station). -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

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