The Mandatory Occurrence Report, Department of Civil Aviation recorded 6 laser attacks in 2020 and 1 laser attack this year reported by pilots. According to the report, the laser attack was intentionally aimed towards the aircraft. It is considered a threat and causes disruption as well as temporary loss of sight to flight crews. This was stated by the Acting Director of Civil Aviation, Ministry of Transport and Infocommunications at a media conference on the dangers of laser attack yesterday morning.

Awang Haji Mohamad Azlan bin Haji Mohammad Junaidi in his remarks stressed that laser attack is a serious safety threat and endangers the lives of flight crews as well as passengers. Laser beams can fill the entire cockpit despite being thousands of feet away, and the public is unaware of the potential dangers of laser beams directed to aircraft during flight.

Meanwhile, Senior Superintendent of Police Awang Sulaiman bin Alidin, Acting Director of Criminal Investigation, Royal Brunei Police Force, RBPF explained that laser threats will be taken seriously by the RBPF, as such action is considered a life threatening act and will not be compromised. Anyone who fails to comply will be charged under Section 51, 1 of the Civil Aviation Order 2006, and will be fined not exceeding 50 thousand dollars, imprisonment for a term not exceeding 5 years or both. Individuals can also be charged under Section 338 of the Penal Code, Chapter 22 for causing grievous hurt by act endangering life or personal safety of others, which can lead to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 5 years and a fine if found guilty.

Source: Radio Television Brunei