The Magistrates’ Court yesterday sentenced four local men to jail ranging for a series of thefts involving government-owned solar facilities in Seria, while a juvenile co-accused was ordered to undergo rehabilitation.
Magistrate Nur Eleana Dato Seri Paduka Haji Hairol Arni sentenced Muhammad Firdaus bin Abdullah Laki @ Joselzan bin Laki to 20 months’ imprisonment, Muhammad Amirul Mukhriz bin Abdullah @ Earddey Jose Earfeyan bin Jose Rizal to 36 months, and Mohamad Shafiq @ Shaun bin Bakar to 22 months and one week, all with effect from the date of remand. Wafi’izzan bin Abdul Rahim @ Matthew Anak Anjan, who claimed trial, was convicted and sentenced to 20 months’ imprisonment with effect from the date of conviction on February 2.
Deputy Public Prosecutor Atikah Husaini’s evidence revealed that the offences involved repeated intrusions into the Tenaga Suria Brunei compound, where black electric cables connected to solar panels were deliberately cut and removed.
She said that in one incident in March 2025, several of the accused trespassed into the premises through a damaged fence, cut a cable connected to a solar panel and transported it away before selling it for BND400, with the proceeds later shared among those involved.
According to the prosecution, further incidents occurred on April 9 and April 11, 2025, when additional cables were stolen and an attempted theft took place. In the latter incident, DPP Atikah said one of the accused fled the compound after being startled, leaving behind personal belongings that later assisted police in identifying him.
The court heard that the offences came to light after Tenaga Suria personnel discovered abandoned tools and damaged cables during routine inspections. Police reports were subsequently lodged, leading to arrests and the laying of multiple charges across three case files.
The fifth accused, a 16-year-old boy at the time of the offences, pleaded guilty and had his case transferred to the Juvenile Court. The court ordered that he undergo rehabilitation at a designated centre for a period of between two and three years, together with counselling and therapy involving his guardian, in line with recommendations by the Community Development Department (JAPEM).
No stolen items were recovered. The prosecution said some of the offenders had previous criminal records, while others did not. The court also ordered that recovered exhibits be returned to their rightful owner.