Bandar Seri Begawan - Two local men were sentenced to a fine of $250 each or serve one-week imprisonment in default after they pleaded guilty before the Bandar Seri Begawan Magistrate's Court yesterday to operating water taxis after their licences had expired.

Acting Chief Magistrate Muhammed Faisal PD Hj Kefli gave the defendants two months to settle the fine.

These offences were discovered during a joint operation conducted by the Marine Police, the Kampong Ayer Police and the Fisheries Department. Both defendants were inspected around the YSHHB jetty on July 13, 2009. Haji Dullah bin Haji Suana, 45, was operating his boat called 'AK 9' while Mohd Yusri bin Maidin aged 44 was operating his boat called 'TERHARU'.

Prosecuting Officer Saadatul Nazahah Saiful Ashura prosecuted the cases.

--Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin