» »Unlabelled » Gasoline, tyres allegedly dumped into Brunei River BorneoPost Online | Borneo , Malaysia, Sarawak Daily News » Brunei - New 2 Borneo

15:01:00

Gasoline, tyres allegedly dumped into Brunei River BorneoPost Online | Borneo , Malaysia, Sarawak Daily News » Brunei - New 2 Borneo

Gasoline, tyres allegedly dumped into Brunei River

Posted: 19 Nov 2013 04:32 PM PST

Posted on November 20, 2013, Wednesday

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: Some members of the public have expressed their dismay over alleged irresponsible acts by some karters who reportedly, dumped a huge amount of gasoline and many tyres into the Brunei River during the recently concluded Go-Kart Race dubbed the "Bandar Race" held in the capital, Borneo Bulletin reported.

According to a concerned Borneo Bulletin reader who was among the hundreds of spectators during the event held in conjunction with the renaming anniversary of Brunei Town to Bandar Seri Begawan, following the conclusion of the race, a team of go-kart racers dumped used gasoline into the Brunei River, causing the area near the bazaar during the event to reek of petrol.

"As if that wasn't enough, one of the teams threw their go-kart tyres into the river. I wouldn't be surprised if the tyres are still floating around," the reader added.

Another spectator relayed the same concern, saying that following the event, the go-kart members were seen indiscriminately discarding worn out tyres, some spare parts and empty drinking bottles into the river, ignoring the fact that there were people around to witness the Whole act.

"They were also seen pouring gasoline into the water and then dumping the bottles too, which not only caused water pollution but also left the air with an overbearing smell of gasoline," the reader said.

"It was not just once or twice but five times I saw teams dumping gasoline into the river. We were shocked. A few of us who witnessed the acts just looked at each other and were lost for words."

He added that the go-kart teams may not have had much choice. "I think the organiser of the race might not have provided adequate disposal facilities. Dumping into the river might have been the only choice for them," he said.

"It would be greatly appreciated if the authorities concerned could do something about this. It's terribly disappointing to see our own people polluting the river so casually," said another eyewitness.

The Department of Environment, Parks and Recreation (JASTRe), which acts as a coordinating agency for environmental protection and conservation as well as a regulatory agency for Environmental Acts and regulation, could not be reached for comment yesterday.

The Borneo Bulletin contacted the JASTRe Hotline 140 to find out if they have received similar complaints but was told they have received none so far.

An official from the Enforcement Division of the BSB Municipal Department said they will launch an investigation if the allegations are true as it is an offence.

Print Friendly

To enable your comment to be published, please refrain from vulgar language, insidious, seditious or slanderous remarks. This includes vulgar user names.