Impersonating an Officer from the Ministry of Culture, Youth, and Sports: Public Urged to Verify Information

Bandar Seri Begawan: The public are urged to exercise caution, avoid being misled, and refrain from believing information shared on social media platforms without verifying its authenticity. The Ministry of Culture, Youth, and Sports through the Department of Community Development made the advice following a message sent via WhatsApp, impersonating an officer from the ministry.

According to Radio Television Brunei, the Department of Community Development informed the public that the message sent via phone number 734 5109 instructing certain individuals to create orphan cards with a fee of $3 per card through payment transfers under the name ‘Cucu Wastani’ is FALSE. The Department has never issued such a message. Spreading false or misleading information, especially when it is intentionally fabricated to deceive, is an offence.

Such actions are punishable under the Public Order Act, Chapter 148, Section 34. The section stipulates that anyone who spreads false reports or makes false statements, whether orally, in writing, or through any other means, that disrupt public order can be sentenced to up to three years in prison, fined up to $3,000 or both.