Bandar Seri Begawan: The public is advised to exercise caution, remain vigilant, and refrain from easily believing information circulated on social media without verifying its authenticity. This was following the account on the TikTok app with the username “@skn.gov.brunai7,” which used the official logo of the National Welfare System (SKN) as its profile picture, uploading false information regarding registration and eligibility for the SKN Special Assistance.
According to Radio Television Brunei, the Department of Community Development, JAPEM, in its press release informed that the information is false and the department has no affiliation with the mentioned account, and has never issued any statement as disseminated. The public is also urged not to share personal details with certain parties whose authenticity has not been confirmed.
The department takes the ungrounded allegations very seriously and this matter has been reported to the authorities. The act of disseminating false or fabricated information with the intention of misleading others is an offence under the Public Order Act, which may lead to imprisonment up to three years, a fine of $3,000 or both. For more information, contact JAPEM through the 141 Call Centre.