| Azlan Othman |

INVESTIGATIONS made by Land Transport Department (JPD), together with the Fire and Rescue Department (FRD), Ministry of Energy, Manpower and Industry (MEMI) and Brunei Shell Marketing Co Sdn Bhd (BSM) on the vehicle fire at KOTIBA Petrol Station on Monday showed that the 15-year-old vehicle was in poor condition, with an expired road tax.

The car was owned by permanent resident Sung Ah Chit, but used by Mohammad Delower, a foreign worker.

Further investigations by JPD, FRD, MEMI and BSM are still ongoing to determine the actual cause of the fire.

Yesterday, JPD issued a statement reminding all vehicle owners and motorists to ensure that their vehicles are in good conditionand not modified.

When refuelling at a filling station, motorists are advised to turn off their engines and to refrain from smoking or using their mobile phones.

Additionally, they are advised to carry out regular maintenance of the engine and vehicle systems, in accordance with proper procedures and in the period prescribed for periodical servicing, by their respective vehicle distributors or registered vehicle inspection stations in the country.

Motorists are also urged to make sure that vehicle ownership transactions are properly managed. Failing to do so is a violation of Regulation 48 of the Road Traffic Act, Section 68, which carries a fine of BND50.

Failing to renew the road tax is a violation of Section 8 of the Road Traffic Act, Section 68, which carries the penalty of a BND100 fine for the first offence, BND200 for the second offence, BND400 for the third offence, and legal prosecution for further offences.

Failing to renew the driving licence is a violation of Section 16 of the Road Traffic Act, Section 68, which carries the penalty of a BND50 fine for the first offence, BND150 for the second offence, BND300 for the third offence, BND500 for the fourth offence, and legal prosecution for subsequent offences.

To learn more about the Road Traffic Act and Regulations, contact the Darussalam hotline at 123; or contact +6738333123 via WhatsApp, or visit the Darussalam website at www.123.gov.bn.