(Bandar Seri Begawan, 12th) The Brunei Social Welfare Department (JAPEM) recently received public reports revealing a man who impersonated a department official and solicited donations for Gaza under the name of the "2023 Gaza Palestine Humanitarian Fund," sparking public concern.
The department stated that the man claimed to be appointed by JAPEM to fundraise, but this was purely fabricated. The department solemnly clarifies that it has never authorized any individual or group to carry out such fundraising activities, and has no association with the said individual.
The Brunei Social Welfare Department urges the public to remain vigilant and not to trust unverified information or suspicious fundraising activities. The department reminds the public not to provide personal information to entities or individuals whose legitimacy has not been confirmed, in order to protect personal privacy and financial security.
In response to the incident, the department has handed over the relevant information to law enforcement authorities. Citing Section 34 of the Public Order Act (Chapter 148), it points out that anyone who spreads false information, misleads the public, or disturbs social order by oral, written, or other means may be sentenced to up to three years in prison, fined $3,000, or both.
The Brunei Social Welfare Department also explained that if the public wishes to legally initiate fundraising for the “Gaza Palestine Humanitarian Fund,” they must apply for permission from the Secretariat of the National Committee for the Fund, Ministry of Community Development, and ensure that 100% of the raised funds are used for humanitarian purposes.
As for those intending to allocate part of the net fundraising proceeds for public entertainment, prior approval from the Ministry of Home Affairs must be obtained to comply with legal and public order requirements.
The department also encourages the public to make any reports related to public welfare through JAPEM's 141 Call Center, which operates around the clock, to ensure timely addressing of issues and help curb the spread of misinformation and abusive behavior.
The department stated that the man claimed to be appointed by JAPEM to fundraise, but this was purely fabricated. The department solemnly clarifies that it has never authorized any individual or group to carry out such fundraising activities, and has no association with the said individual.
The Brunei Social Welfare Department urges the public to remain vigilant and not to trust unverified information or suspicious fundraising activities. The department reminds the public not to provide personal information to entities or individuals whose legitimacy has not been confirmed, in order to protect personal privacy and financial security.
In response to the incident, the department has handed over the relevant information to law enforcement authorities. Citing Section 34 of the Public Order Act (Chapter 148), it points out that anyone who spreads false information, misleads the public, or disturbs social order by oral, written, or other means may be sentenced to up to three years in prison, fined $3,000, or both.
The Brunei Social Welfare Department also explained that if the public wishes to legally initiate fundraising for the “Gaza Palestine Humanitarian Fund,” they must apply for permission from the Secretariat of the National Committee for the Fund, Ministry of Community Development, and ensure that 100% of the raised funds are used for humanitarian purposes.
As for those intending to allocate part of the net fundraising proceeds for public entertainment, prior approval from the Ministry of Home Affairs must be obtained to comply with legal and public order requirements.
The department also encourages the public to make any reports related to public welfare through JAPEM's 141 Call Center, which operates around the clock, to ensure timely addressing of issues and help curb the spread of misinformation and abusive behavior.