23 November 2024 - The Authority for Info-communications Technology Industry of Brunei Darussalam (AITI) and Unified National Networks Sdn Bhd (UNN) urgently call public attention to the serious consequences of telecommunications outages caused by cable theft. These crimes extend beyond mere inconvenience, posing significant risks to public safety, disrupting critical operations and financial transactions as well as impact daily activities.
As of November 2024, twenty-seven (27) cases of cable theft have been reported this year, resulting in extensive damage and financial losses for UNN, the nation’s telecommunications infrastructure provider. These thefts have disrupted connectivity for homes and businesses, including essential sectors such as banking and emergency services, compromising public safety and convenience. To date, UNN has recorded 244 cases of theft or damage to infrastructure resulting in more than 8,000 hours of services outages (1044 hours in 2024 alone) and costing more than BND 1 million in repairs.
AITI and UNN emphasise the urgent need to raise public awareness of the critical consequences of such outages. Increased understanding and vigilance can drive collective action toward strengthening infrastructure resilience and ensuring uninterrupted connectivity for all communities.
AITI would like to remind the general public that there are laws in place to protect telecommunications infrastructure which ensure continued connectivity:
- The Telecommunications Order, 2001 contains provisions related to causing damage to telecommunications infrastructure which make the perpetrator liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding B$50,000, imprisonment for a term not exceeding 3 years or both. If the damage was caused by earthworks, it will render the contractor liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $1 million, imprisonment for a term not exceeding 5 years or both. Further, the perpetrator can also be responsible to pay compensation for the damage caused.
- The Penal Code (Amendment) Order, 2021, was introduced to strengthen the protection of telecommunications infrastructure against theft, vandalism, and other activities that cause damage to or disrupt key services. The provisions of this amendment prescribe a minimum punishment of three years’ imprisonment and four strokes of whipping, and a maximum punishment of ten years’ imprisonment and twelve strokes of whipping.
AITI and UNN urge members of the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity related to cable theft to the Royal Brunei Police Force (RBPF) at 993. Protecting telecommunications infrastructure is essential to maintaining seamless connectivity, ensuring public safety, and supporting the nation’s critical services.
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