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Week (March 08 to 12, 2010)
His
Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown
Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister's
Office has urged every level of the fire and rescue
department to embrace a high level of dedication and
commitment. This should goes alongside moral work ethics
and discipline to elevate the department into an
authoritative safety and civil defence institution, on
par with others in the region. His Royal Highness made
the sabda at a parade, field performance and special
exhibition in conjunction with the department's Golden
Jublilee anniversary, which took place at the
Department's Headquarters in Berakas, this morning. Mohd
Daud Haji Tuah reports.
Upon arrival at the
Fire and Rescue Department Headquarters was welcomed by
the Minister of Home Affairs, Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang
Kaya Johan Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Adanan
and the Director of Fire and Rescue, Awang Yahya bin
Haji Abdul Rahman.
Shortly after the
arrival, His Royal Highness consented to inspect a
parade mounted by the fire and rescue personnel led by
senior Superintendent Shahrin bin Haji Mohd. Jawie.
The initial
establishment of a fire fighting team was on 1st January
1960. Upon the establishment of the fire brigade and its
separation from the Police Force to become a separate
department, its core responsibilities were maintained in
fighting fires, rescuing and protecting properties.
In his sabda, His Royal
Highness stressed that at fifty years of age, the Fire
and Rescue Department has gone through various
challenges and gained considerable experience, which
have established its maturity as an agency which
undertakes an important role in maintaining the safety
and well-being of the citizens and residents in this
country. The roles and functions of the department, His
Royal Highness pointed, have expanded to include not
only conventional tasks but have also advanced towards a
much wider and challenging scope.
Crown Prince SABDA 1
We are readily aware
that the community in the country has come to believe in
the fire personnel as the core agency responsible for
rendering assistance and rescue services in the event
that various forms of emergencies and disasters occur.
Lately the world community in general has experienced
various phenomena caused by global climate change and
threats of natural disasters which have affected a
number of countries around the world including in this
region. We in this country are most grateful to Allah
the Al-Mighty, For His grace and His blessings in
protecting our community as well as our country from
most of these serious natural disasters, though we were
also affected by incidents of flooding and landslides
last year. Although these incidents were not as severe
compared to incidents elsewhere, they have tested the
level of capability and preparedness of the fire and
rescue department as well as all related agencies.
Alhamdullilah with the commitment, cooperation and full
support of all agencies of His Majesty's government, as
well as the active participation of non-government
bodies and the community in general, we have been able
to overcome these challenges.
His Royal Highness
expressed appreciation for the efforts of all ranks of
the fire and rescue, together with the other
stakeholders, for their dedication and contribution, in
safeguarding the well-being and welfare of those in need
of assistance, particularly in saving life and property.
However, all concerned should not be complacent and
readily content with what has been achieved and
implemented.
Crown Prince SABDA 2
Collaborative efforts
which are more systematic and comprehensive must be
enhanced in order to further strengthen capability and
efficacy in not just overcoming any disasters risks but
just as importantly, is the identification and
implementation of appropriate measures with regards to
circumstances which can contribute to the occurrence of
disasters. Towards this goal, the Fire and Rescue
Department needs to further raise its level of
preparedness by strengthening its capacity to deliver
its services through a comprehensive human resource
development strategy that will enable all ranks of their
personnel to become more knowledgeable and multi skilled
in addition to maintaining a high level of
professionalism. This includes competency in utilisation
of assets, tools and equipment, as well as appropriate
high technology info-communication systems that will
enhance and complement the level of efficiency and
effectiveness of the service.
His Royal Highness, in
his sabda, called for action plans and collaborative
operational procedures with relevant agencies to be
constantly monitored, analysed and coordinated for their
effectiveness to ensure the conduct of operations and
actions in rendering assistance are efficient and
accomplish their objectives.
Crown Prince SABDA 3
Public outreach
programmes which have been introduced in this country
such as volunteer firemen, fire and rescue cadets, and
fire prevention campaign roadshows should continue to be
implemented as well as strengthened based on current
best practices particularly in order to nurture
awareness and better preparedness amongst the community
in overcoming as well as minimising any impact and
possibility of disaster. The enforcement of and
compliance with safety standards should continue to be
improved and monitored constantly, in concurrence with
the need for coordinated training with the various
relevant agencies to overcome incidents or threats of
disaster including those that are non-conventional, to
raise the nation's overall level of preparedness. In the
context of regional and international cooperation as
well as relations, the Fire and Rescue Department should
equip as well as elevate its capacity particularly in
aspects of the conduct of disaster operations and also
gain new skills relevant to the support of the functions
of the National Disaster Management Centre in responding
to public emergencies which should be planned based on a
worst case scenario. In this regard the sharing of
expertise, skills and training, should be increased
based on the current framework of agreements and
cooperation.
Doa selamat was read to
bless the ceremony.
His Royal Highness
consented to watch a field performances depicting fire
rescue endurance and demonstration of operation on
utilising motorcycles and other vehicles of the
department.
There was also a
demonstration of fire extinguishing by volunteers
firemen and fire and rescue cadets. The highlight of the
celebration were the presentations of score cards, choir
and demonstration of nozzle jets application and water
curtain.
At the Multipurpose
Hall of the Department, His Royal Highness also
consented to view an exhibition on the development of
the department over the 50 years since its
establishment. The Fire and Rescue Department has
achieved various progress in terms of personnel
strength, machines and equipment as well as
infrastructure. The responsibilities of each and every
personnel does not only confined to fighting fires but
also in rescue efforts in line with current development
consistent with its transformation to Fire and Rescue
Department in 2006.
True to its name, the
roles of the Fire and Rescue Department are not only
confined on land but also on waters such as seas and
rivers. Its emergency services include attending to road
accidents, dealing with dangerous chemicals and volatile
oil spillage as well as assisting in landslides and
flood occurrences. The fire and rescue personnel also go
on standby along with other agencies during major
national events involving huge gatherings of people
where they stand ready to give assistance.
Before leaving, His
Royal Highness consented to sign a commemorative plaque.
His Royal Highness also received greetings from officers
and other personnel of the Fire and Rescue Department.
Today, on its 50th anniversary, the Fire and Rescue
Department has matured to being able to confront
challenges and carry out its responsibilities fully.
Mohd Daud Haji Tuah reporting for RTB News.
Source:
Radio Television Brunei
website, March 09, 2010
During
the 50 years period, the Fire and Rescue Department has
undergone various developments not only in the aspect of
human resource and professionalism but also in the usage
of machinery and sophisticated equipment. The
achievements are in line with the rapid development and
increasing current demand.
The Fire and Rescue
Department which was formerly known as Fire Extinguisher
Unit of the Royal Brunei Police Force was formed in
1960. Seven years later, the unit was upgraded as a
department and named the Fire Brigade Department. On
March 9, 2006 His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan
of Brunei Darussalam consented to rename the department
as the Fire and Rescue Department. In the early stage of
its formation, the role of the department was only
extinguishing fires. However, now the role has widened
to cover various emergencies which are both challenging
and dangerous. One such scenario was the strong winds at
Kampung Ayer in 2007 and last year's floods and
landslides.
Apart from that, time
was also one of the main challenges faced by the
department which needs accurate response time. It is
important because the success or failure of any
operation to extinguish fire and rescue the victims,
depend mostly on the time factor.
In 1987 the Fire and
Rescue Department made a landmark achievement following
the first involvement of female personnel as "support
staff". Before that, this profession was taken by male
staff only. Today, the department has 152 fire-women
including "direct entry staff". With the establishment
of Women`s Operation Unit in 2006, the duties of
fire-women have been diversified which cover operation
and rescue. Although women are considered the weaker
class, they are able to handle machinery when responding
to emergency cases such as a fire or a road accident as
well as capturing animals.
Due to its increasingly
challenging role, the Fire and Rescue Department is
always strengthening and upgrading its capability to
meet the need of the mission which is "reducing the
occurrence of fire and responding professionally to any
emergency calls". In line with the current globalisation
development, the duties of the fire personnel have also
included the handling of incidents which involved
materials endangering life and damaging environment. In
this regard, the fire personnel who now total more than
one thousand and three hundred, are equipped with
operation special skills such as diving, security,
investigation of fire, special squad and administration.
Theses are very important to ensure that the department
will continue to be relevant as an agency which provide
services to the community.
Source:
Radio Television Brunei
website, March 09, 2010
Various
activities have been arranged to mark the golden jubilee
anniversary of the Fire and Rescue Department. They
include the endurance program to test the level of
mental and physical capability of the public rescue
personnel.
The Deputy Permanent
Secretary at the Ministry of Home Affairs, Awang
Mohammad Lufti bin Abdullah officiated the start of the
event last night. About 50 personnel of the Fire and
Rescue Department and its branches from all four
districts including female personnel took part in an
overnight endurance run.
The 50-kilometers run
started at the Bandar Seri Begawan Fire Station, the
first and oldest in the country, and concluded at the
Fire and Rescue Department Headquarters in Berakas. The
participants ran throughout the night along a number of
main roads in the capital and passed through ten
checkpoints including the Mohammad Bolkiah Mosque in
Serusop where they performed the subuh prayers before
continuing the run to their final destination. Also
present was the Director of Fire and Rescue Services,
Awang Yahya bin Haji Abdul Rahman.
Source:
Radio Television Brunei
website, March 09, 2010
Brunei
Darussalam's 26th National Day celebration this year saw
the active participation of all parties involved,
playing their part in ensuring the success of the
auspicious event. Such displays of patriotism were
lauded in an appreciation dinner held by the Ministry of
Culture, Youth and Sports, last night. The function took
place at the Jerudong Polo and Riding Club.
More than 20 thousand
people and 109 teams participated in this year's mass
gathering and procession. The Permanent Secretary One at
the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, Dato Paduka
Haji Jemat bin Haji Ampal as the Co-Secretary of the
Executive Committee of Brunei Darussalam's 26th National
Day celebration, in his speech, expressed appreciation
on behalf of his Ministry to all parties involved in the
success of the National day celebration on the 23rd. of
last month.
Presenting the
appreciation certificates was the Minister of Culture,
Youth and Sports, Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Setia
Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Doctor Haji Ahmad. Also present
at the ceremony were the Deputy Minister of Religious
Affairs, Yang Berhormat Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka
Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Badaruddin as well as members of
the State Legislative Council.
Source:
Radio Television Brunei
website, March 09, 2010
The oil
and gas industry in Brunei Darussalam, though small, is
seen globally as pushing the frontiers of technology and
innovation. The Minister of Energy in the Prime
Minister's Office made the remarks at the Opening of
Society of Petroleum Engineers or SPE Applied Technology
Workshop for Asset Revitalisation Through Technology
Innovation For Economically Valuable Solutions this
morning.
Yang Berhormat Pehin
Orang kaya Seri Dewa Retired Major General Dato Seri
Pahlawan Awang Haji Mohammad said that besides
technology innovation it is also imperative in
developing human capacity in oil and gas sector
particularly in areas considered to be 'hot-skills'.
Hence, from the workshop, it will provide the avenue for
the sharing of new and innovative ideas to make the
petroleum industry more competitive and progressive.
This will directly assist in the industry ability in
increasing efficiency which will enable more oil and gas
to be recovered from areas that were once thought to be
not easy to produce technically and economically as well
as facilitate the development of challenging deep water
areas. He further added, that at the same time it is
important to note that fossil fuels are finite resources
and alternate energy sources will still only contribute
a small percentage of total global energy demand.
The three-day event
attracted more than 45 participants representing 13 oil
companies, service providers and government bodies from
eight countries including Brunei Darussalam, China,
Indonesia, Italy, Kuwait, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia and the
United States. It is a platform to provide excellent
networking opportunities for sharing of the latest
technologies, its deployment, best practices and fit for
purpose techniques focused upon revitalising assets
through the interactive sessions.
Source:
Radio Television Brunei
website, March 09, 2010
The
Brunei Shell Petroleum, BSP, will soon play another
significant role in supplying the most important
feedstock to the local methanol industry. BSP is the
supplier of natural gas to Brunei Methanol Company, BMC.
This critical responsibility strongly demonstrates
Brunei Shell Petroleum's support to the economic
diversification of Brunei Darussalam. This was
highlighted by the Asset Director of Brunei Shell
Petroleum Company Sendirian Berhad at the Society of
Petroleum Engineers Applied Technology Workshop.
In a presentation
entitled 'Revitalisation Through Integration, Innovation
and Standardisation', Dayang Hajah Rosmawatty binti Haji
Abdul Mumin highlighted that while the world's oil and
gas demand is surging, it is intensifying pressure for
energy companies to produce more. Since it is now a
non-easy hydrocarbon era, everyone in the industry has
to push themselves to be more integrated, more
innovative and more strategic in delivery.
The Vice President
Technology of Baker Hughes, Mr Rustom Mody in his
presentation entited 'Technology Developments to Sustain
Mature Field', elaborated on the need to drive down
fixed cost such as de-manning operations, remotely
monitoring and controling the entire operation. If
desired knowledge can be displayed and moved to multiple
experts working from their home bases around the world.
Source:
Radio Television Brunei
website, March 09, 2010
Many
fake products present potential health and safety
hazards. There are cases of medicines that do not
contain the necessary active ingredients and car
accessories that fail to satisfy the minimum safety
standards. The Acting Controller of Royal Customs and
Excise highlighted this in his speech while officiating
at the launch of the three-day workshop on Effective
Practices in Border Enforcement of Intellectual Property
Rights, this morning.
Awang Yahya bin Haji
Idris recalled, in the past, such an activity was
limited to roadside vendors. The trafficking of fake or
imitation products, are now being diversified by
utilising the latest technological innovations such as
promoting their fake or imitation products through the
internet and making them available on the global
markets. Trafficking through the Internet, he added,
further speeds up transaction times, effectively making
it harder for enforcement authorities to trace the
culprits and the network responsible for the illegal
sales.
The workshop is jointly
organised by the ASEAN Secretariat and the United States
Global Intellectual Property Academy. Taking part in the
workshop are 124 representatives from ASEAN member
countries and the United States, including private
sector representatives and speakers presenting working
papers.
Source:
Radio Television Brunei
website, March 09, 2010
Awang
Mohammad Asri bin Haji Timbang from the Pengiran Haji
Abu Bakar Mosque in Kampung Bokok and Dayang Rubiah
binti Haji Timbang, from the Kampung Piasau-Piasau
Religious Hall, have won the Temburong District Level
Al-Quran Adult Reading Competition in the qari and
qariah categories respectively. This morning's
competition took place at the Kampung Belais Mosque in
Temburong.
Second and third places
went to Awang Norezam bin Zaini and Awang Abdul Aziz bin
Haji Hamzah, respectively. In the qariah category, in
second place was Dayang Nooraslinawati binti Haji Awang
Jaili and in third was Dayang Nurul Nadzirah Haji
Simpon. Eighteen participants representing mosques and
religious halls in the Temburong district took part in
the competition. Winners in the qari and qariah
categories will represent the Temburong district to the
District Level of the Al-Quran Adult Reading Competition
which will be held later. Present to hand over the
prizes was the Assistant Temburong District Officer,
Awang Haji Afero Eswandy Haji Mohammed.
Source:
Radio Television Brunei
website, March 09, 2010
The
Anti-Corruption Bureau's Strategic Plan 2010-2014
carries a theme 'Reforms and Changes'. The theme is
aimed at making the Anti-Corruption Bureau as the best
and respectable enforcement agency in the country. It is
also hoped that the bureau would become an exemplary
agency in upholding the nation's integrity and
successfully controlling corruption from becoming a
menace, through research, investigation and prevention.
Towards achieving this hope, various efforts have been
organised by ACB.
This morning, the
Special Chief Investigator of ACB, Pengiran Imran bin
Pengiran Haji Metarsat presented a briefing to the
personnel of the Royal Brunei Police Force. He advised
members of the public to report if there are any
corruption activities and reminded them not to be
involved in corruption.
The briefing was aimed
at giving awareness and streamlining of information and
knowledge to the participants.
Source:
Radio Television Brunei
website, March 09, 2010
The
Maulud Nabi Muhammad Sallallahu Alahi Wassalam
celebration continued to be held in the country. This
afternoon, such a ceremony was organised by the wives of
Penghulu, Ketua Kampung and the Brunei Muara Women's
Bureau.
Among those present
were the wife of the Brunei Muara District Officer,
Datin Hajah Rupiah binti Hussin; and Pehin Manteri Bini,
Datin Paduka Hajah Aminah binti Haji Mohammad Yassin.
Besides to glorify the Maulidur Rasul, the day's
ceremony was also one of the women's activities to
gather in welfare events.
Source:
Radio Television Brunei
website, March 09, 2010
His
Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin
Waddaulah, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei
Darussalam, Minister of Defence and Supreme Commander of
Royal Brunei Armed Forces, RBAF has consented to receive
in audience the outgoing Chief of Defence of the
Republic of Singapore Armed Forces. The audience took
place this afternoon at Istana Nurul Iman.
His Majesty the Sultan
and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam granted an
audience to His Excellency Lieutenant General Dato
Paduka Seri Desmond Kuek Bak Chye.
Present at the ceremony
were the Commander of Royal Brunei Armed Forces, RBAF,
Major General Haji Aminuddin Ihsan and Singapore High
Commissioner to Brunei Darussalam, His Excellency Joseph
K H Koh. The two day farewell visit by His Excellency
General Dato Paduka Seri Desmond Kuek Bak Chye aims to
maintain the strong existing working relationship of
both countries.
Source:
Radio Television Brunei
website, March 08, 2010
At the
other part of Istana Nurul Iman, Her Majesty Raja Isteri
Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha consented to receive in
audience the wife of outgoing Chief of Defence of the
Republic of Singapore Armed Forces, Datin Claudel
Elizabeth Kuek.
During the audience
Datin Claudel Elizabeth Kuek was accompanied by the wife
of Singpore High Commissioner to Brunei Darussalam, Mrs.
Peifen Koh and the wife of the Commander of Royal Brunei
Armed Forces, Dayang Nurhayana Janis bte Abdullah. Datin
Claudel Elizabeth Kuek is in the country accompanying
her husband on a two-day farewell visit. Also present at
the audience was Yang Dimuliakan Seri Laila Pengiring
Diraja Datin Seri Utama Dayang Hajah Rosnah.
Source:
Radio Television Brunei
website, March 08, 2010
Her
Majesty Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha has
consented to attend a Special Gathering of Women to mark
the birthday of Prophet Muhammad, Sallallahu'alaihi
Wasallam, for the year 1431 Hijrah. The function was
held at the International Convention Centre in Berakas
this morning.
Her Majesty was greeted
on arrival by the Co-Chairpersons of the Special
Gathering Committee of the Maulidur Rasul for 1431
Hijrah from the Ministry of Religious Affairs, Ministry
of Culture Youth and Sports and members of women bodies
affiliated to the Women Council, as well as members of
this year's Special Gathering of Women's Working
Committee.
Also present were Yang
Amat Mulia Pengiran Bini Hajah Faizah, Her Royal
Highness Princess Hajah Hafizah Sururul Bolkiah, Her
Royal Highness Princess Hajah Masna and Her Royal
Highness Princess Hajah Amal Umi Kalthum Al-Islam.
The function began with
the reading of Quranic verses by the third winner of the
51st International Qur'an Reading Competition in Kuala
Lumpur last year, Dayang Hajah Nur Akmalina binti Haji
Yahya.
The Co-Chairperson of
the ceremony, Senior Special Duties Officer at the
Ministry of Religious Affairs, Dayang Hajah Zasia, in
her welcoming address, said that today's Special
Gathering of Women was the 16th such ceremony, and this
year the ceremony was jointly conducted by the Ministry
of Religious Affairs, the Ministry of Culture Youth and
sports and the Women Council as well as associations
affiliated to the council.
The function was
highlighted with a Nadwah khas or special forum on the
characteristics and role of women with strong faith
which can act as a pillar to the security of the nation,
its people and religion. The forum consisted of two
panel members, Yang Dimuliakan Pehin Orang Kaya Paduka
Setia Raja Dato Paduka Seri Setia Haji Awang Suhaili bin
Haji Mohiddin and the Head of the Dakwah and Leadership
Department, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Associate
Professor Doctor Fariza binti Mohd Sham from Malaysia.
The ceremony culminated
with the presentation of the Anugerah Bakti Hijrah Khas
Wanita or the Special Hijrah Meritorious Award. Her
Majesty Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha consented
to present the awards to four recipients. They are
Dayang Hajah Zainab binti Abdullah alias Zainab binti
Periau, Dayang Hajah Marhani binti Abdul Latif, Datin
Dayang Hajah Hindut binti Haji Lamat, and Datin Dayang
Hajah Zaharah binti Abang Sulong alias Olong, Each of
the four award recipients received ten thousand dollars,
an honorary certificate, a souvenir and free medical
treatment in first class ward in any of the government
hospitals in this country.
A Dikir Marhaban,
jointly presented by the Ministry of Religious Affairs,
Ministry of Culture Youth and Sports and the Brunei
Women Council, was also one of the programmes at the
event.
To bless the occasion,
doa selamat was read by Pengiran Anak Datin Paduka Haji
Masnah binti Pengiran Anak Sefiuddin.
Before leaving, Her
Majesty Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha consented
to receive greetings from members of the special
gathering committee of the maulidur rasul 1431 Hijrah.
Source:
Radio Television Brunei
website, March 08, 2010
His
Royal Highness Prince General Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah,
the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime
Minister's Office and General of the Royal Brunei Armed
Forces this afternoon consented to receive in audience
the Chief of Defence of the Singapore Armed Forces. The
audience took place at Istana Nurul Iman.
His Royal Highness
consented to receive in audience His Excellency
Lieutenant General Dato Paduka Seri Desmond Kuek. During
the audience His Excellency Lieutenant General Dato
Paduka Seri Desmond Kuek was accompanied by the
Commander of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces, Major
General Awang Haji Aminuddin Ihsan and the Republic of
Singapore's High Commissioner to Brunei Darussalam, His
Excellency Joseph Koh.
Source:
Radio Television Brunei
website, March 08, 2010
The
outgoing Chief of Defence, Singapore Armed Forces, His
Excellency Lieutenant General Dato Paduka Seri Desmond
Kuek Bak Chye this afternoon paid a farewell call to the
Ministry of Defence at Bolkiah Garrison.
Upon arrival at the
Ministry, His Excellency inspected a Guard of Honour
mounted by personnel of Royal Brunei Land Forces. This
was then followed by a farewell courtesy call to the
Deputy Minister of Defence, Yang Berhormat Pehin Datu
Singamanteri Retired Colonel Dato Seri Paduka Haji
Mohammad Yasmin and also to the Commander of Royal
Brunei Armed Forces, Major General Haji Aminuddin Ihsan.
During the tenure of His Excellency Lieutenant General
Dato Paduka Seri Desmond Kuek Bak Chye, he contributed
profoundly to the enhancement of the long standing
relationship and bilateral cooperation between the Royal
Brunei Armed Forces and the Singapore Armed Forces where
both armed forces regularly send its personnel for
military exercises, bilateral training, meetings and
seminars. Consequently this visit was also meant to
bridge their friendship they have built during his
tenure.
Source:
Radio Television Brunei
website, March 08, 2010
Based
on Brunei population-based studies, at least thirteen
thousand people in the country should have some form of
glaucoma and at least six thousand people will be
unaware of their ailment. Speaking at the launch of the
World Glaucoma Day 2010 this morning, the Minister of
Health disclosed that Glaucoma is the second cause of
blindness after cataract and that sixty point five
million people worldwide are estimated to be suffering
from glaucoma this year. Out of that number, four point
five million people would be blind due to glaucoma and
will increase to eleven point two million by 2020.
According to Yang
Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Indera Pahlawan Dato Seri
Setia Haji Suyoi, fifty percent of the population are
unaware that they have glaucoma while ten percent go
blind in at least one eye by the time of diagnosis. In
fact, Yang Berhormat added, fifty percent of the
population are unaware that they have glaucoma while ten
percent go blind in at least one eye by the time of
diagnosis.
World Glaucoma Day is a
joint initiative of World Glaucoma Association and World
Glaucoma Patient Association which takes place annually
on the 12th of March. The World Glaucoma Association has
recommended to observe the " World Glaucoma Week"
between 7th to 13th March and Brunei Darussalam join
with the rest of the world by observing glaucoma week.
The Ophthalmology Department, Ministry of Health
organising a wide variety of activities to celebrate
world glaucoma week, such as screening of officers and
staffs of the Ministry of Health for glaucoma.
In conjunction with
World Glaucoma Day today, the Ministry of Health
received a contribution in the form of a new bus costing
84 thousand dollars from Goh Hock Kee Motors. The bus is
to be used a Mobile Eye Clinic. It was handed over by
the Managing Director of Goh Hock Kee Motors Sendirin
Berhad,Yang Berhormat Pehin Kapitan Lela Diraja Dato
Paduka Awang Goh King Chin, to the Minister of Health.
The Mobile Clinic is equipped with sensitive equipment
for eye care tests and health screening in the country's
rural areas.
Source:
Radio Television Brunei
website, March 08, 2010
The
Influenza A H1N1 vaccination campaign that involves more
people in the country, has to be carried out swiftly,
besides preventive measures such as observing personal
hygiene and cleanliness of the environment. As the H1N1
vaccination programme continued today, the Ministry of
Health urged the public to get themselves vaccinated at
the vaccination centres provided.
This afternoon, the
vaccination campaign received the support of several
Deputy Ministers. The Deputy Minister of Religious
Affairs, Yang Berhormat Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka
Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Badaruddin,the Deputy Minister of
Industry and Primary Resources, Dato Paduka Haji
Hamdillah and the Deputy Minister of Home Affairs, Yang
Dimuliakan Pehin Orang Kaya Dewa Pahlawan Dato Paduka
Awang Haji Dani. had their vaccination at the Indoor
Stadium Vaccination Centre. Also present was the Deputy
Minister of Health,Yang Dimuliakan Pehin Orang Kaya
Pekerma Laila
Diraja Dato Paduka
Awang Haji Hazair.
With such precautionary
measures, any chance of another spread of the Influenza
A H1N1 virus can be prevented. Further information on
Influenza A H1N1 can be obtained on the Health Line 145
during office hours or 7180991.
Source:
Radio Television Brunei
website, March 08, 2010
A
combination of an Islamic and Modern methods of
treatment will be more effective and make the recovery
process faster. The modern knowledge world has
explicitly acknowledged the presence of undetectable
ailments which is therefore incurable by modern
medicine. This matter was raised in a lecture by the
State Mufti at a Dikir ceremony in conjunction with the
mukim-level Maulud celebration in Mukim Pengkalan Batu.
Yang Berhormat Pehin
Datu Seri Maharaja Dato Paduka Seri Setia Doctor Ustaz
Haji Awang Abdul Aziz in his lecture, gave several
examples of illness with unknown causes such as insomnia
or difficulty in falling asleep, hysteria and other
mysterious ailments. Undoubtedly, such mysterious
illnesses do occur and many traditions of Prophet
Muhammad S.A.W. remind people to protect themselves from
satanic disturbances by reciting specific surahs from
the quran and saying prayers before going to bed. The
mufti added that Prophet Muhammad, S.A.W. would recite
these surahs before going to sleep every night.
Source:
Radio Television Brunei
website, March 08, 2010
Leadership is about producing a good leader and manager.
A leader must be honest, supportive of the management,
responsible and admit his own mistakes. The Deputy
Permanent Secretary for Higher Education at the Ministry
of Education made the remarks at a Forum on Vocational
and Technical Education Management and Leadership
Training, VTET, this morning.
Doctor Haji Junaidi bin
Haji Abdul Rahman also touched on the national policies
and strategies that have been established by the
government to improve VTET institutions and the problems
that may arise in the implementation process. Meanwhile,
another speaker from the Faculty of Business, Economic
and Policy Studies of Universiti Brunei Darussalam, Dr.
Haji M. Nabil Almunawar underlined the difference
between a leader and a manager. He also shared his
experiences and insights on the challenges faced by
leaders and managers at the school level. According to
him, in the context of VTET institutions, good
leadership and management is vital in the achievement of
educational goals. 16 participants from ten Southeast
Asian countries and around 150 teachers and officials
from Ministry of Education attended the half-day forum.
Source:
Radio Television Brunei
website, March 08, 2010
The
birthday of Prophet Muhammad Salallahu Alaihi Wassalam
continued to be observed by organising religious
activities. Universiti Brunei Darussalam today organsied
a special seminar which was conducted by an invited
lecturer from Indonesia, Imam Sheikh Ali Salleh bin
Mohammad Ali Jaber of Madinah.
In his talks, Imam
Sheikh Ali Salleh among other things touched on the
Islamic way to be successful in todays world and day
after. He said, anyone who seek success in the world
without the basic knowledge and aims to get the blessing
of Allah Subhanahu Wataala, and he will not achieve the
happiness and security. He also touched on one's will to
give support to the practicing of good deeds to get the
reward of heaven.
Among those present
were the Head of History Centre, Yang Berhormat Pehin
Jawatan Dalam Seri Maharaja Dato Seri Utama Doktor Haji
Awang Mohamad Jamil Al-Sufri and Vice Chancellor of
Universiti Brunei Darussalam, Doktor Haji Zulkarnain bin
Haji Hanafi.
Source:
Radio Television Brunei
website, March 08, 2010
Week (March 01 to 05, 2010)
Her
Majesty Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha, and Her
Royal Highness Pengiran Isteri Azrinaz Mazhar consented
to attend the 2010 Thinking Day Celebration, this
afternoon.
The arrival of Her
Majesty the Raja Isteri, as the Royal Patron of the
Brunei Darussalam Girl Guides Association, and Her Royal
Highness the Pengiran Isteri were greeted by the
function's committee members. Also present were Her
Royal Highness Princess Hajah Rashidah Saadatul Bolkiah,
as the President of the association, Her Royal Highness
Princess Hajah Masna, as the Vice President of the
association, and Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Amal
Umi Kalthum Al-Islam.
Her Majesty then
consented to launch the Brunei Darussalam Girl Guides
Association Website.
Doa selamat was read by
the Association's Assistant Chief Commissioner for
Religious Division, Dayang Hajah Fatimah binti Haji
Abdul Ghani.
Subsequently, Her
Majesty the Raja Isteri and Her Royal Highness the
Pengiran Isteri consented to have a closer look at an
exhibition of the activities carried out by members of
the association. The world Thinking Day is celebrated
every february 22nd by the World Girl Guides and
Brownies Organisation. Thinking Day is especially
celebrated in remembrance of each other and to convey
appreciation and thanks to every member of the Girl
Guides and Brownies throughout the world for carrying
out voluntary charity works.
Her Majesty the Raja
Isteri and Her Royal Highness the Pengiran Isteri
consented to plant Yellow Durian trees at the Royal Park
area.
A pantomime
performance, 'Berbakti kepada Bumi' or 'In Dedication to
the Earth', is among the activities in line with the
project with the same theme carried out by the Brunei
Darussalam Girl Guides Association. Each year the World
Girl Guides and Brownies Organisation carries different
themes according to the global situation which requires
specific attention, and this year's theme is 'Together
We Can End Extreme Poverty and Hunger' which is directly
linked to the Global Action Theme of the Organisation
and the United Nations Millennium Development Goals
towards eradicating poverty and hunger.
The activity shown in
this year's Thinking Day' celebration is related to this
year's theme and is aimed at educating the association's
members in particular young girls to continuously be
prepared for any possibilities.
Source:
Radio Television Brunei
website, March 05, 2010
The
Employee's Trust Fund, TAP through the Welfare and
Sports Body, BKSTAP, last night held a thanksgiving or
doa kesyukuran in conjunction with the 17th anniversary
of the establishment of TAP, 26th National Day
anniversary and the birthday of Prophet Muhammad
Salallahu Alaihi Wassalam.
Present was the
Minister of Energy at the Prime Minister's Office, Yang
Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Dewa Retired Major
General Dato Seri Pahlawan Awang Haji Mohammad as the
chairman of the the Board of TAP and members of the
board. The ceremony begun with the mass Maghrib prayer,
followed by the hajat prayer and the reading of doa
selamat. A lecturer from the Islamic Dakwah Centre, Haji
Anwari bin Haji Rawee delivered a religious talk on the
maulidur rasul. The talks among others urged the Islamic
ummah to be grateful to Allah for the bless in life.
Source:
Radio Television Brunei
website, March 05, 2010
In
facing criticism towards Islam, the muslims need to be
wise. They are commended to face such criticism with the
guidance of the Hadith and the Al-Quran. This was
stressed upon by the State Mufti, Yang Berhormat Pehin
Datu Seri Maharaja Dato Paduka Seri Setia Dr. Ustaz Haji
Awang Abdul Aziz, at a pre-dawn lecture today.
In his lecture on Islam
and doa or prayer at the Setia Ali Mosque in Muara, Yang
Berhormat reminded muslims to face each and every
criticism to Islam made by enemies of the religion,
wisely and guided by teachings in the hadith and the
al-quran and not only using their own idea in debates to
counter the criticism. He added, Allah the Al-mighty
teaches the ummah not to keep quiet on such issues
because this criticisms are only slander which will only
result a bad outcome. Yang Berhormat explained that the
enemies of Islam since the time of the Prophet Muhammad
SAW, has always made unfounded speculations about Islam
in a number of ways.
Touching on the
benefits of prayers, Yang Berhormat said, prayers are
much better, more worthy, stronger and powerful than
money. According to him, Doa is a weapon for good and
act as an equipment to request for blessings from Allah
the Al-mighty. Yang Berhormat emphasised that to offer
prayers for loved ones such as parents, spouses,
children, siblings as well as for people outside the
family circle such as the king, the royal family,
friends and teachers, without their knowledge will be
immediately lifted up.
Source:
Radio Television Brunei
website, March 05, 2010
The
opening of DST Group new branch in Kampong Tanjong
Bunut, in Mukim Sengkurong will provides easy access as
well as to reduce queues at other DST counters around
the Brunei Muara District.
The opening ceremony
was officiated by the Deputy Minister of Defence, Yang
Berhormat Pehin Datu Singamanteri Retired Colonel Dato
Seri Paduka Awang Haji Mohammad Yasmin, in his capacity
as DST Group's chairman. The new branch in Kampung
Tanjong Bunut also provides a one stop service centre
convenience. According to DST's Chief Executive Officer,
Doctor Haji Mohd Amin Liew, the new branch is to
facilitate customers services nationwide. To mark the
new branch opening, DST also organised a two-day
exhibition and promotion on its products and services.
Source:
Radio Television Brunei
website, March 05, 2010
A
senior of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces, RBAF, has been
promoted to the rank of Acting Lieutenant Colonel. The
promotion ceremony took place this morning at the
Officers' Mess Bolkiah Garrison.
The promotion of Major
(Udara) Haji Mohammad Muluddin bin Awang Haji Latif to
the rank of Acting Lieutenant Colonel was with the
consent of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of
Brunei Darussalam. Presenting the rank insignia was the
Commander of the RBAF, Major General Haji Aminuddin
Ihsan. Currently Lieutenant Colonel (Udara) Haji
Mohammad Muluddin is holding the appointment of duty as
Staff Officer 1 Logistics under the Directorate of
Logistics at the Ministry of Defence.
Source:
Radio Television Brunei
website, March 05, 2010
A
family of six has chosen Islam as their new religion.
The conversion ceremony was held late yesterday
afternoon.
The conversion ceremony
was conducted by officers from the Islamic Dakwah
Centre.
36-year old, Corporal
Leonard Betti Anak Galau, who works at the Limau Manis
Police Station is now known as Mohd Khairol bin Abdullah
Galau. Meanwhile his wife and four children have also
chosen their muslim names. Present were the Police
Commissioner, Yang DiMuliakan Pehin Datu Kerma Setia
Dato Paduka Seri Zainuddin and Datin Suriati.
Meanwhile in the Tutong
district, a Dusun family of five has also converted in
the islamic religion. The head of the family, 40-year
old, Jaludin Bin Banda, from Kampung Bukit is now known
as Muhammad Jaludin Bin Abdullah Banda. His wife and
three children also chose their muslim names. Their
conversion was witnessed by the Deputy Director of
Forestry, Awang Mahmud Bin Haji Yussof.
Source:
Radio Television Brunei
website, March 05, 2010
The
Setia Motors Sendirian Berhad this morning officially
launched the latest version of the compact SUV vehicles
this morning at their Headquarters Showroom in Beribi,
Gadong.
Yang Amat Mulia
Pengiran Anak Abdul Ghaffar Bin Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran
Indera Setia Diraja Sahibul Karib Pengiran Anak Haji
Idris launched The New 2010 Hyundai Tucson. The new
vehicles attracted members of the public and invited
guests as well as enthusiastic car owners to check and
test drive the new vehicles. The sale of the previous
Tucson of Setia Motor exceeds more than twenty five
thousand units in the Brunei.
Source:
Radio Television Brunei
website, March 05, 2010
Members
of the public should be aware of the dangers of fire by
at least preparing themselves with basic fire fighting
knowledge such as fire prevention, preparations in
handling fires and saving themselves prior to the
arrival of the Fire and Rescue Services. The reminder is
among the contents of today's Friday Sermon.
Fire will leave a
heartfelt effect in which victims be it an individual or
a family will definitely lose their homes as well as
assets and is most heartbreaking when death is involved.
Based on the 2009 statistics from the Fire and Rescue
Department, a total of 73 cases of house fires have
occurred with an estimated loss of more than 2 million
dollars. Meanwhile, 46 cases of fires occurring in
buildings involving a loss of more than 3 million
dollars, were mainly caused by carelessness and a
shallow knowledge of the use of electrical equipments.
This resulted in overheating, short circuit and loose
wire connection. Apart from that some of the fires were
also caused by unattended cooking, children playing with
fire, leaving lit candles unattended, throwing lit
cigarette butts, gas leaks, open burning and the use of
mosquito coils. Therefore, the public are urged to pay
serious attention in avoiding fires from occurring by
taking safety measures. Aside from that muslims are also
encouraged to recite certain doa and zikir to prevent
fires.
Source:
Radio Television Brunei
website, March 05, 2010
Parents
and students should be given a clear picture on the
opportunities and offers open to the students to pursue
further studies. They should also be briefed on the
conditions and terms for the awarding of government
scholarship and important information on the application
of the scholarship. Advices should also be given to the
students on the courses which are the government's
priority.
The matter were
disclosed at the briefing on the scholarship offered by
the government of His Majesty organised by the
Association of Teachers and Parents, PIBG with the
cooperation of Career Centre of the Paduka Seri Begawan
Sultan Science College this morning. The Assistant
Director of Scholarship Section Ministry of Education,
Awang Haji Aziz bin Haji Nayan also presented a
briefing. It is hoped that the briefing session will
explain clearly to the parents and students on how to
get the application form and what kind of scholarships
available. In an interview with RTB, Dayangku Hajah Siti
Fatimah binti Pengiran Haji Petra explained on the
briefing.
Source:
Radio Television Brunei
website, March 05, 2010
As a
community institution, the Kampong Consultative Council
should always support and promote the objective towards
upgrading the quality of community life in their
respective mukims and villages.
To realise the
objective, the Kampung Manggis Consultative Council held
a Tamu Ria at the open area of Gerai Pancar Harapan in
Jalan Manggis Satu. The tamu ria which will be held once
in two months, will become the activity of the villagers
to promote and sell their products. The Secretary of the
Kampong Manggis Consultative Council, Awang Haji Nayan
bin Haji Nordin said the main objectives of the tamu ria
is to promote the Gerai Pancar Harapan at Kampong
Manggis because there are still many people who are not
aware of its existence. It is also to encourage the
villagers to get involve in small businesses.
Apart from promoting
the permanent stalls at Gerai Pancar Harapan, nearly 20
stalls are also open to sell food, agricultural
products, handicrafts and clothing. The tamu ria will
open to the public until Sunday from eight in the
morning till five in the afternoon. Gerai Pancar Harapan
begun its operation in 1999 for the vendors to sell
vegetables and fruits. It is equipped with a surau and
public toilet.
Source:
Radio Television Brunei
website, March 05, 2010
His
Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah ibni His
Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Muizzaddien
Waddaulah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the
Prime Minister's Office, this afternoon, consented to
receive in audience the newly appointed Brunei
Darussalam's Ambassador Extraordinary and
Plenipotentiary and Brunei Darussalam's High
Commissioner.
His Royal Highness
Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah received in audience His
Excellency Dato Paduka Serbini bin Haji Ali, Brunei
Darussalam's Ambassador Extraordinary and
Plenipotentiary to Belgium, and His Excellency Pehin
Datu Lailaraja Retired Major General Dato Paduka Seri
Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof, Brunei
Darussalam's High Commissioner to Malaysia. Their
Excellencies received their Letters of Credentials from
His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Muizzaddin
Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar Ali Saifuddien
Saadul Khairi Waddien, the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of
Brunei Darussalam on 3rd March 2010. The audience
ceremony took place at Istana Nurul Iman.
Source:
Radio Television Brunei
website, March 04, 2010
His
Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah, Minister of
Foreign Affairs and Trade, today received in audience
four newly-appointed ambassadors to Brunei Darussalam.
The audience was held at the Balai Penghadapan, Bukit
Kayangan.
His Royal Highness
first received in audience, the resident Ambassador of
the Republic of Indonesia, His excellency Handriyo
Kusumo Priyo.
His Royal Highness then
received in audience the resident Ambassador of the
Russian Federation, His Excellency Victor Alexandrovich
Seleznev.
Later, His Royal
Highness granted an audience to the non-resident
Ambassador of Bosnia and Herzegovina, His Excellency
Ensar Eminovoc. His Excellency is currently based in
Kuala Lumpur.
His Royal Highness then
received in audience, the non-resident Ambassador of
Finland, His Excellency Tapio Kalevi Saarela. His
Excellency is also currently based in Kuala Lumpur.
Source:
Radio Television Brunei
website, March 04, 2010
Meetings, such as those with National Sports
Associations' Representatives including the Ministry of
Culture, Youth and Sports, held from time to time helps
to create a more open, harmonious and unified atmosphere
among the stakeholders, besides having a clear and
comprehensive direction and objective. The President of
the Brunei Darussalam National Olympic Council, in a
sabda, said a discussion of this kind, would produce a
combined and integrated team which are more directed,
stronger, more organised and respectable in the
country's efforts to achieve the objective and vision,
stated in the national sports policy especially in the
highly prestigious sports policy.
His Royal Highness
Prince Haji Sufri Bolkiah made the sabda at a meeting
with representatives of the National Sports Association,
this morning.
His Royal Highness, in
a sabda, added that, the International Olympic
Committee, I-O-C, through the Olympic Unity Programmes,
has allocated a total budget of 80-thousand US Dollars
to Brunei Darussalam in a four-year period from 2009 to
2013. The budget, His Royal Highness said, was
specifically for instructor-training programmes,
referees, skills and administration courses. This year,
Brunei Darussalam is expected to participate in the
Youth Olympic Games in Singapore in August, the
Commonwealth Games in New Delhi, India in October, the
Asian Games in Sukan Asia di Guangzhou, China in
November and the Asian Beach Sports in Muscat, Oman in
December.
Source:
Radio Television Brunei
website, March 04, 2010
The
Maulud celebration in conjunction with Prophet Muhammad,
S.A.W.'s birthday a major Islamic event that is highly
upheld in the country in honouring the great personality
and deeds of the Prophet. In this country, the Maulidur
Rasul is glorified with dikir presentations and with
religious talks on the Prophet's life history. One such
ceremony was organised by the Ministry of Finance and
departments under it, and was conducted by the Treasury
Department. The ceremony took place at the Ministry of
Finance Building at Commonwealth Drive.
Present at the ceremony
was Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Hafizah Sururul
Bolkiah. Also present was the Second Minister of
Finance,Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Laila Setia Dato
Seri Setia Awang Haji Abdul Rahman. A special talk,
presented by Dr Andas Haji Shahroni from the Islamic
Dakwah Centre, stressed on the words knowledge, advice
and call, in line with the theme of this year's Maulud
celebration,"Allah, Save Brunei Darussalam." A Dikir
Marhaban presentation by officers and other staff of the
Treasury Department also highlighted the ceremony.
Others present included Permanent Secretaries, Deputy
Permanent Secretaries, Heads of Department and Heads of
Section.
Source:
Radio Television Brunei
website, March 04, 2010
The
Ministry of Industry and Primary Resources and
Departments under it also held the Maulidur Rasul
celebration.
The Minister of
Industry and Primary Resources, Yang Berhormat Pehin
Orang Kaya Seri Utama Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Yahya,
was present. The ceremony was highlighted with a talk
entitled,"Rasulullah Sebagai Uswah Hasanah," or "Prophet
Muhammad S.A.W. as the Best Example," delivered by an
officer from the Islamic Dakwah Centre, Awang Isham bin
Ismail. The talk touched on the exemplary life of
Prophet Muhammad S.A.W. The ceremony took place at the
Setia Pahlawan Hall fo the Ministry of Industry and
Primary Resources in the capital.
Source:
Radio Television Brunei
website, March 04, 2010
Various
efforts have been made to protect the country from the
Influenza A H1N1 pandemic - one of which that has been
actively practised is the Reading of Ratib Al-Attas in
religious schools. The religious practice has been
conducted by the Islamic Studies Department since last
year.
This afternoon, the
Beribi Religious School held a Ratib Al-Attas Reading
and Prayer for Protection Ceremony in an effort to ward
off the spread of the Influenza A H1N1 infection and
protect the country from the disease. The Ratib Al-Attas
and prayer were also to train students to practise them
regularly. Present at the ceremony was the Minister of
Religious Affairs, Yang Berhormat Pehin Jawatan Luar
Pekerma Raja Dato Seri Utama Doctor Ustaz Haji Awang
Mohammad Zain. One hundred and eighty Primaries Five and
Six pupils took part in the reading of the Ratib
Al-Attas, led by a teacher from the Sultan Haji Hassanal
Bolkiah Institute of Tahfiz Al-Quran, Haji Sujairi bin
Haji Dollah. Ratib Al-Attas contains numerous benefits,
and if practised continuously, Allah the Almighty will
protect the performer from any disaster. It also brings
peacefulness and safety especially to the family and
nation.
Source:
Radio Television Brunei
website, March 04, 2010
There
is a difference between Counselling and Physiotherapy
according to the stages that involve various diciplines
and approach. Counselling is directed towards solving
problems depending on the situation, while Physiotherapy
is an personality-related issue and focuses on the time
and past incidents. This was stated by the Minister of
Health at the Official Opening of the Ministry of
Health's Counselling Unit in Jalan Ong Sum Ping this
morning.
Yang Berhormat Pehin
Orang Kaya Indera Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Haji Suyoi
said the initiative is to take care of the welfare and
well-being of the Ministry of Health officers and staff
as well as help increase their productivity and work
performance professionally. This, added the Yang
Berhormat, can help create a healthy work atmosphere.
Therefore, Counsellors at the Counselling Unit need to
have the characteristics such as always providing time
to meet their clients and pay full attention to their
problems. The counsellors should also show a genuine
caring attitude and be able to assess their client's
personality. Besides that, the Minister added
counsellors should also have a pleasant attitude and
effective communication skills, as having a pleasant
friendly voice is important; They should also be able to
show the kind of body language that could encourage a
person to speak out and discuss his or her problems, as
it is often said that communication is 55 percent body
language, 38 percent voice tone and 7 percent words.
Apart from all these, counsellors must also be discreet,
that is not in the habit of telling their clients'
personal matters to other people.
Furthermore, according
to the Yang Berhormat, the future of the Counselling
Unit also depends on the existing counsellors, to what
extent the result of their efforts would justify their
services. Continuous demands would mean that the
counselling service is very much needed and that the
existing counselling services have been successful in
guiding and bringing about changes in their clients'
themselves and in their lives. Counselling involves
giving advice or conducting systematic consultations to
overcome emotional and social problems shared by the
clients that is expected to leave a positive impact on
one's health and feeling. In the United States of
America, 43 percent of the adult population experience
poor health condition due to pressure related to 6 main
causes of death - heart disease, accidents, lung disease
and suicide.
The Yang Berhormat
presented Certificates of Appreciation to the
authorities of the Counselling Units of the Royal Brunei
Armed Forces and the Narcotics Control Bureau and
certificates of participation to 44 counsellors of the
Ministry of Health Counselling Unit who had completed
their training course.
Source:
Radio Television Brunei
website, March 04, 2010
Integrity in Civil Service is vital in order to improve
the level of organizational transparency and
accountability, to ensure the openness and excellence of
the service delivered by each government ministry and
department to the public. His Majesty's government
through the ministry and department concerned, has
already implemented various efforts to further upgrade
the competency and effectiveness of the Civil Service
Management and Administration to make work ethics and
integrity a culture. The Minister of Energy at the Prime
Minister's Office was speaking at a Seminar on Integrity
in the Civil Service, this morning.
Source:
Radio Television Brunei
website, March 04, 2010
Resolutions issued, if carefully studied and
implemented, will improve the efficiency and
effectiveness of religious education management. The
Deputy Minister of Religious Affairs has affirmed
through the resolution presentation, that there are
several resolutions that should be further studied for
follow-up action by agencies under the Ministry of
Religious Affairs. Yang Berhormat Pehin Udana Khatib
Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Badaruddin was
speaking at the Closing Ceremony of the 2nd Religious
Teachers' Seminar this afternoon.
Yang Berhormat Pehin
said he also believed that the implementation of the
resolutions will also position those involved in the
right place and make them exemplary individuals and
organisations as advocated by Islam, provided that they
had performed their best. It is therefore the duty of
the ummah to pursue knowledge anywhere and at anytime to
achieve excellence.
Earlier, the seminar
debated 9 working papers covering various aspects and
issues of Islamic management and education presented by
Professor Madya Dr Ab Rahim bin Haji Ismail. This
seminar was a follow-up to the first organised jointly
by the Faculty of Education and the Post-Graduate
Studies and Research Centre of the Seri Begawan
Religious Teachers' University College, in an effort to
uphold Islamic Studies through progressive and
innovative management and administration.
Source:
Radio Television Brunei
website, March 04, 2010
An
appreciation night in conjunction with the 2nd Religious
Teachers' Seminar was held last night.
Present at the ceremony
was the Acting Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of
Religious Affairs, Pengiran Haji Bahrom bin Pengiran
Haji Bahar. According to the Ra'es of the Seri Begawan
Religious Teachers' University College, the seminar
provides opportunity for exchanging views and the
sharing of experiences among participants from within
the country and abroad. Dr Hajah Masnon added that the
seminar also served as the best platform for creating
and enhancing cooperative relations and the sharing of
academic activities between the Seri Begawan Religious
Teachers' University College and respective institutions
of the participants.
Source:
Radio Television Brunei
website, March 04, 2010
His
Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin
Waddaulah ibni Almarhum Sultan Haji Omar 'Ali Saifuddien
Sa'adul Khairi Waddien, the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan
of Brunei Darussalam today consented to receive in
audience The Foreign Minister of Malaysia. The audience
ceremony was held at the Istana Nurul Iman, this
afternoon.
The Honourable Datuk
Anifah Haji Aman, is currently in Brunei Darussalam for
a two-day working visit. Also present during the
audience ceremony was the Second Minister of Foreign
Affairs and Trade, Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya
Pekerma Dewa Dato Seri Setia Awang Lim Jock Seng.
Source:
Radio Television Brunei
website, March 03, 2010
His
Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Muizzaddin
Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar 'Ali
Saifuddien Sa'adul Khairi Waddien, the Sultan and Yang
Di Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, today consented to
present Letters of Credentials to newly-appointed Brunei
envoys and receive Letters of Credentials from four
foreign envoys to this country. The ceremony took place
at the Istana Nurul Iman.
His Majesty first
presented the Letter of Credentials to Brunei
Darussalam's Ambassador Extraordinary and
Plenipotentiary to Belgium, Dato Paduka Serbini bin Haji
Ali.
His Majesty then
presented the Letter of Credentials to Brunei
Darussalam's High Commissioner to Malaysia, Yang
Dimuliakan Pehin Datu Lailaraja Retired Major General
Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Mohamad
Yussof.
After that, His Majesty
consented to receive Letters of Credentials from four
newly-appointed foreign envoys to the country. His
Majesty first received the Letter of Credentials from
the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the
Republic of Indonesia to Brunei Darussalam, His
Excellency Handriyo Kusumo Priyo.
His Majesty then
received the Letter of Credentials from the Ambassador
Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Russian
Federation to Brunei Darussalam, His Excellency Victor
Alexandrovich Seleznev.
The next foreign envoy
to present his Letter of Credentials to His Majesty was
the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of
Bosnia and Herzegovina to Brunei Darussalam, His
Excellency Ensar Eminovic.
His Majesty then
received the Letter of Credentials from the non-resident
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Finland
to Brunei Darussalam, His Excellency Mr Tapio Kalevi
Saarela.
The ceremony proceeded
with His Majesty granting an audience to the two
newly-appointed Brunei Darussalam envoys. Prior to his
appointment as Brunei Darussalam's Ambassador
Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Belgium, His
Excellency Dato Paduka Serbini bin Haji Ali, 55 years
old, held the post of Permanent Secretary at the
Ministry of Home Affairs. Meanwhile, Brunei Darussalam's
High Commissioner to Malaysia, His Excellency Pehin Datu
Lilaraja Retired Major General Dato Paduka Seri Haji
Awang Halbi bin Haji Mohamad Yussof, 53 years old,
previously served as Commander of the Royal Brunei Armed
Forces.
His Majesty later
granted separate audiences to the newly-appointed
foreign envoys from the Republic of Indonesia, the
Russian Federation, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Finland.
The Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the
Republic of Indonesia, His Excellency Handriyo Kusumo
Priyo, 58 years old, was previously with the Directorate
General of Protocol and Consular Affairs, Department of
Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia.
The Ambassador
Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Russian
Federation, His Excellency Victor Alexandrovich
Seleznev, 59 years old, previously served as the Deputy
Director General, Department of Multilateral Asian
Issues, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian
Federation.
Meanwhile, the
non-resident Ambassador Extraordinary and
Plenipotentiary of Bosnia and Herzergovina to Brunei
Darussalam, His Excellency Ensar Eminovic, 36 years old,
is also the country's Ambassador to Malaysia.
Finland's non-resident
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Brunei
Darussalam, His Excellency Mr Tapio Kalevi Saarela, 63
years old, is currently serving as Finland's Ambassador
to Malaysia.
Source:
Radio Television Brunei
website, March 03, 2010
As an
Islamic institution of higher learning responsible for
producing knowledgeable and charismatic Muslim Teachers,
the Seri Begawan Teachers University College, KUPU SB,
has been urged to handle very carefully and
comprehensively all matters relating to management and
administration, of religious education in general and
religious teaching in particular. The call was made to
ensure that the college's vision and mission will be
achieved. The Minister of Religious Affairs, made the
call at the official opening of the 2nd Religious
Teachers Seminar this morning.
Yang Berhormat Pehin
Jawatan Luar Pekerma Raja Dato Seri Utama Doctor Ustaz
Haji Awang Mohamad Zain said KUPU SB needs an efficient,
effective and dynamic management in order to meet the
various forms of modern life demands in this
globalisation era. In the Islamic education context,
Yang Berhormat added, such management is needed to
fulfill religious obligations for the prosperity of the
Muslim ummah in this country in particular, and mankind
in general. Muslim educators, therefore, bear a heavy
responsibility to produce and implement a form of
religious management and administration, particularly in
the field of Religious Teaching. Yang Berhormat also
touched on the objective of KUBU SB's establishment
which includes producing efficient manpower in Islamic
teaching education in order to develop a knowledgeable,
pious and well-disciplined community and nation, as well
as upholding Islam as the country's official religion.
The Minister said that KUPU SB must work hard and with
full commitment to achieve its objectives, because the
university college graduates will face an ever-changing
era. Yang Berhormat hoped that graduate teachers would
ensure that their students would not slip away from
their identity as devout Muslims who adhere to the
teachings of the Al-Quran and As-Sunah.
Three working papers
were discussed this morning. One was entitled,
"Religious Teachers Training in Brunei Darussalam:
Contribution, Challenge and Hope" by the Deputy Ra'es of
the University College, Doctor Haji Abdullah bin Haji
Awang Lampoh. The discussion focused on the religious
teachers' training institution under the Ministry of
Religious Affairs. The institution's major contribution
is providing trained teachers to teach at schools under
the Ministry of Religious Affairs, Ministry of Education
and the private sector. The institution also faces
challenges to improve the quality of trained religious
teachers.
More than 400
participants are attending the two-day seminar organised
jointly by the Education Faculty and the KUPU SB
Post-Graduate Learning and Research Centre. The seminar
is an effort to enhance Islamic education through a
progressive, innovative and highly capable management
and administration.
Source:
Radio Television Brunei
website, March 03, 2010
Meanwhile, two more lecturers presented their working
papers at the 2nd Religious Teachers' Seminar this
afternoon.
The Deputy Permanent
Secretary at the Ministry of Education, Awang Haji
Suhaila bin Haji Karim, in his working paper entitled:
The Planning and Implementation of the 21st National
Education System or SPN 21, explained that in the 2007 -
2011 Ministry of Education's Strategic Plan, several
internal processes have been presented to be implemented
accordingly based on the five designs and key
development strategies.
Meanwhile, the Director
of Islamic Education, Awang Haji Ismail bin Haji Abdul
Manap, presented a working-paper entitled: The Islamic
Education Management and Administration in Brunei
Darussalam: Planning and Implementation Strategy of The
21st National Education System. He also spoke about the
role and responsibility of the Ministry of Religious
Affairs through the Islamic Education Department in
upholding the implementation of SPN 21, particularly
Arabic schools and the Islamic Religious Knowledge, IRK
subject at the level of primary and secondary schools
under the control of the Ministry of Education.
Source:
Radio Television Brunei
website, March 03, 2010
Two
officers from the Authority of Info-Communication
Industry of Brunei Darussalam, AiTi who have recently
embraced Islam, were given a welcoming ceremony this
afternoon.
Present were the
Minister of Communications, Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang
Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Abu Bakar, and the
Permanent Secretary at the ministry, Haji Awang
Alaihuddin. The two converts are Mohammad Akif Ridwan
Bin Abdullah Ukoi and Norrinnah Qaisyarah Bte Abdullah
Engkarin.
The ceremony, which
coincided with the birthday anniversary celebration of
Prophet Muhammad S.A.W, was highlighted with a talk from
a lecturer from Saudi Arabia, Sheikh Salleh Mohammed Ali
Jaber.
Source:
Radio Television Brunei
website, March 03, 2010
In line
with Brunei Darussalam's Vision 2035 as well as to meet
housing demands in the country, the construction of more
than 17-thousand 500 houses and land lots have been
planned and implemented throughout the country. Of the
number, more than 10-thousand units of houses and land
lots are under the implementation of the Housing
Development Department and the Public Works Department,
Ministry of Development. And the rest are being
implemented by the Brunei Economic Development Board,
BEDB. This afternoon saw a contract signing ceremony for
the Kampung Tanah Jambu and Kampung Meragang National
Housing Scheme and the Kampung Tanah Jambu Indigenous
Landless Scheme, as well as the Kampung Lumut/Sungai
Liang National Housing Scheme in the Belait district.
Present to witness the
signing ceremony was the Minister of Development, Yang
Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Hamzah Pahlawan Dato Seri
Setia Awang Haji Abdullah. The Director of Housing
Development and the Director General of the Public Works
signed on behalf of the government. Six contracts were
signed for the construction of more than 2-thousand
300-houses and allocation of land lots in four housing
areas. Also present was Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Anak
Hajah Ameenah Bushral Bulqiah binti Yang Amat Mulia
Pengiran Lela Cheteria Sahibun Najabah Pengiran Anak
Haji Abdul Aziz who represented the Haaqqah (B)
Sendirian Berhad, one of the construction companies.
The 915-hectare Kampung
Meragang and Kampung Tanah Jambu National Housing areas
can accommodate more than 4-thousand units of houses and
land lots. Under the 60-hectare Kampung Tanah Jambu
Indigenous Landless Scheme, more than 850 units of
houses are being built. Meanwhile, more than 2-thousand
units of houses and land lots are under the Kampung
Lumut/Sungai Liang National Housing Scheme covering an
area of 282 hectares.
Source:
Radio Television Brunei
website, March 03, 2010
For the
past 25 years, Japan and Brunei Darussalam have been
strengthening their relations in various fields such as
trade, economy, culture and environmental protection. In
view of this, the Planning, Development and Research
Unit at the Ministry of Development, and the Japanese
Standards Association hosted a forum on Total Quality
Management or TQM. The session is one of the corporate
projects under the Brunei-Japan Economic Partnership
Agreement.
Present at this opening
ceremony was the Minister of Development, Yang Berhormat
Pehin Orang Kaya Hamzah Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awang
Haji Abdullah. The forum is a meaningful step to further
promote the TQM activities which can contribute towards
the social and economic development of the country.
Fifty-five local entrepreneurs from small and medium
entreprises attended the forum. TQM helps their
companies to be competitive in the challenging world
through the implementation of a Quality Management
System.
Source:
Radio Television Brunei
website, March 03, 2010
More
than 15-million dollars has been allocated for the
construction of the Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha
Hospital's electrical and mechanical engineering plant
and laundry building. The construction of the building
located near the Specialist Clinics building took about
14-months to complete. The presentation of the building
keys was held this morning.
The Deputy Permanent
Secretary for Administration and Finance at the Ministry
of Health, Awang Haji Rosli bin Mustapa, received the
keys from the Director of HSE Engineering Sendirian
Berhad, Yang Dimuliakan Pehin Orang Kaya Lela Pahlawan
Retired Major General Dato Paduka Seri Haji Mohammad
Jaafar. The Deputy Permanent Secretary then handed over
the keys to the Executive Officer of RIPAS Hospital,
Dayang Hajah Siti Mariam binti Haji Mohammad Jaafar. The
project is aimed at upgrading the 25-year old electrical
and mechanical plant. The new building provides laundry
and sewing rooms as well as an 11 kilovolt transformer
sub-station facility.
Source:
Radio Television Brunei
website, March 03, 2010
With
the world's total Muslim population at 2 billion, the
halal food industry becomes one of the most rapid
business enterprises in the world, valued at more than
560 billion U.S. dollars a year. The world halal market
always comes up with various business opportunities for
entrepreneurs who are sensitive towards consumers'
needs, either in the form of products or related support
services. Such a promising investment climate certainly
opens many profitable business opportunities that in
turn generate job opportunities as desired. The matter
was underlined by the Deputy Permanent Secretary at the
Ministry of Industry and Primary Resources at the
Official Opening of the 2nd Small and Medium
Enterprises, SMEs Halal Workshop this morning.
Pengiran Hajah Mariana
Pengiran Dipa Negara Laila Diraja Pengiran Haji Abdul
Momin went on to say that the Ministry of Industry and
Primary Resources will implement its new initiative to
support and assist SMEs develop local companies to
penetrate the export market. According to Pengiran Hajah
Mariana, this new initiative which is a form of
financial assistance called Export Repayment Scheme,
will be channeled through several commercial banks and
offers a maximum loan of 500 thousand dollars for each
loan.
The main objective of
the SMEs Halal Workshop themed, "SMEs' preparation
towards World Halal Market" is to discuss and provide
understanding of the implementation strategy and the
Action Plan of the Halal Industry Development Programme
for local SMEs, particularly in the the food sector,
through sharing of information with Ghanim International
Food Corporation. The workshop is also to share
up-to-date information on the development of the halal
market in various sectors at the regional and global
levels. Eighty potential entrepreneurs and association
representatives as well as the government agencies are
attending the workshop organised by the Industrial
Development Centre of the Ministry of Industry and
Primary Resources.
Source:
Radio Television Brunei
website, March 03, 2010
The
Brunei Economic Development Board, BEDB, is a statutory
board established to be the leading economic development
agency for Brunei Darussalam. BEDB is focussing on
business clusters, where Brunei has competitive
advantage and always strive to work in partnership with
foreign investors, government agencies and local
stakeholders.
This morning, a
briefing was held for the Belgium and Wallonia Foreign
Trade and Investment Mission. The visitors who were led
by the Trade Commissioner for Malaysia, Philippines and
Brunei, Mr Philippe Delcourt heard a briefing on Brunei
Economy as well as key business clusters and key
initiatives that the BEDB is embarking on.
The briefing was
presented by the Assistant CEO Head of Marketing and
investment Promotion Division of the BEDB, Sheikh Rashid
Salam. The briefing touched on several industry clusters
which includes extending the oil and gas value chain,
building on Brunei's Biodiversity consists of Eco
tourism, aquaculture and alternative energy as well as
on leveraging on the islamic brand including islamic
business and Halal Processing Hub.
Source:
Radio Television Brunei
website, March 03, 2010
The
Government of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan
of Brunei Darussalam and the Government of Georgia have
decided to establish diplomatic relations with effect
from yesterday,the 1st of March, 2010.
The signing of the
joint communique took place at the office of the
Permanent Representative of Georgia to the United
Nations in New York. The Government of His Majesty the
Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam was
represented by the Permanent Representative of Brunei
Darussalam to the United Nations, His Excellency Latif
bin Tuah, while the Government of Georgia was
represented by the Permanent Representative of Georgia,
His Excellency Mr Alexander Lomaia.
Source:
Radio Television Brunei
website, March 02, 2010
The
2010 Book Fair came to an end last night. It was
officially closed by the Deputy Minister of Health, Yang
Dimuliakan Pehin Orang Kaya Pekerma Laila Diraja Dato
Paduka Awang Haji Hazair.
The Deputy Minister of
Health recited a poem to mark the end of the 10-day book
fair.
Earlier the Acting
Director of Language and Literature Bureau Dayang Hajah
Aminah Haji Momin, who is also the chairperson of this
year's book fair disclosed that the Language and
Literature Bureau is supporting the campaign of the
'Kampong Excellence Award' by promoting efforts towards
the development of knowledge through the print media or
ICT. The Acting Director added that this is also inline
with the Titah of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang
Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam during the announcement
recently of the winner of the Kampong Excellence Award,
urging the Mukim and Kampong Consultative Councils to
act as a planner, thinker and a mover in community
development.
The function also saw
the presentation of certificates and souvenirs to the
participants, donors, sponsors of the 2010 book fair as
well as to individuals who contribute their personal
books to the Language and Literature Bureau's libraries
in the country.
Source:
Radio Television Brunei
website, March 02, 2010
Brunei
Darussalam and China are good trading partners and good
neighbours. In recent years, the economic and trade
relations become increasingly closer. In 2009, there
were about 18 thousand Chinese citizens visiting Brunei
Darussalam. This morning saw the official signing of the
partnership agreement between the two parties whereby
Baiduri Bank, Brunei's largest card acquirer announced
the launching of China UnionPay, CUP card acceptance in
Brunei.
The chief
representative of China UnionPay Company Limited, Mr
Yang Jianmin signed on behalf of the card company while
the General Manager of Baiduri Bank, Mr Pierre Imhof
signed for the bank. Present was the Deputy Minister of
Industry and Primary Resources, Dato Paduka Awang Haji
Hamdillah. The acceptance of CUP card by Baiduri Bank
will provide a convenient and fast mode of payment to
CUP cardholders. Following the increase in economic and
trade relations between the two countries, this
partnership will enjoy a broader development. Other than
providing acceptance network to CUP cardholder, it
further enhances China citizen's spending power in
Brunei, bringing more benefits to the merchants and
through the ATM cash withdrawal services.
Earlier, a press
conference was held before the launching ceremony. CUP
is acknowledged as the fastest growing card brand in the
world. As of today, 2 billion CUP cardholders worldwide
whose cards are accepted in over 85 countries would be
able to use their card in Brunei. This partnership marks
a milestone between the 2 countries in the financial
industry besides bringing convenience to the business
and leisure travelers to Brunei. Today's function was
held at the Empire Hotel and Country Club.
Source:
Radio Television Brunei
website, March 02, 2010
The
Labour Market Information and its analysis are vital in
understanding the nature of the labour market; of
changes there in and for the design, implementation and
monitoring of employment and labour policies. The
current global economic crisis has made such information
more significant and can be utilised as an important
tool to formulate policies on labour and employment. In
the context of Brunei Darussalam and ASEAN as a whole,
addressing such issue is important in regards to achieve
sufficient labour market information needed in the near
future.
Speaking at the
launching of Capacity Building Workshop on Labour Market
Information and Analysis in ASEAN this morning, the
Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Home Affairs
explained that the necessary labour market information
is often inadequate and insufficiently analysed to
inform policies. Awang Haji Mohammad Abdoh added, ASEAN
need to address and discuss this pertaining issue
through the proceeding workshop and finding ways to
overcome such inadequacy. The workshop was held to build
a better understanding the nature and changes of labour
markets as well as building capacities in the use of
labour market information and analysis to inform
economic, employment and social policy processes.
The three-days workshop
which is jointly conducted by experts from the
International Labour Organisation and the Asian
Development Bank Institute, is being attended by more
than 40 representatives from ASEAN member nations. Their
discussion will cover challenges in the collection and
production of each country's labour market information
and their solutions. Also present, the Commissioner of
Labour, Dayang Hajah Rosliah binti Haji Hasbollah.
Source:
Radio Television Brunei
website, March 02, 2010
Not all
disasters, either natural or man-made, are predictable
or can be avoided. Developing countries are hit hardest
by natural disaster. But as national societies, people
can help alleviate the trauma and suffering of the
victims. In this country, there is a national level
working committee known as National Disaster Management
Committee, NDMC and the Brunei Darussalam Red Cresent
Society is one of the NGO's providing volunteering
services with other health professionals at the
quarantine centre during the recent H1N1 outbreak.
This was stated by the
Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Culture Youth and
Sports, Dato Paduka Haji Jemat bin Haji Ampal, in his
speech for the Opening Ceremony of The Southeast Asia
Oraganizational Development Forum 2010. The text was
read by the Chief Officer, of the Youth and Sports
Department's Youths Division, Awang Haji Abd Malik bin
Haji Mohammad at the ceremony this morning.
The theme of this
year's Organizational Development Forum 2010 is
"Strategy 2020: Saving lives, Changing minds". The Forum
focuses on three major areas of group discussions namely
Humanitarian diplomacy, volunteering and
Headquarters/Branch Relationship and decentralization.
The Organizational Development forum is an annual event
hosted each year by National Societies in the Southeast
Asia Region, on a rotation basis, with the support of
the Organizational Development Unit of International
Federation of Red Crescent Societies Delegation for the
Southeast Asian region in Bangkok, Thailand.
Source:
Radio Television Brunei
website, March 02, 2010
Government officers and employees are urged to execute
their duties honestly and avoid corruption-related
activities. The call was made during a briefing
organised by the Anti-Corruption Bureau for officers and
employees from the Ministry of Health this afternoon.
Twenty-five government
officers who have recently joined the Ministry of Health
attended the briefing.It was delivered by the ACB's
Chief Special Investigator, Pengiran Embran Bin Pengiran
Haji Matarsad who among others touched on the danger and
effects of corruption to the community.
Meanwhile, Anti
Corruption Bureau's Special Investigator, Abdul Nasir
bin Dagang, explained on the objective of the briefing.
He said the ACB's Communication and Education Section
aims to educate all government employees on the bad
consequences of corruption, and damages they will face
if they commit such crime. So as a lesson to them, it's
important that they know that corruption can affect
their work and duties. As government officers and
employees, they must be aware of the consequences of
corruption to the nation and people. In fact, as
government servants, they must be sincere and honest in
carrying out their duties and responsibilities.
Source:
Radio Television Brunei
website, March 02, 2010
In a
continuous effort to find and guide talented children,
the Language and Literature Bureau, LLB, continues to
hold its story-telling competition among pupils. Through
the competition, the children could practise to be more
proficient in expressing their ideas before the public
and develop self-confidence. This morning, 12 children
took part in the competition. Out of the total, ten best
participants will be selected for the District level
competition.
The participants were
given pictures without any text, on which they had to
relate their story spontaneously based on their
imagination. The judging took in account the
presentation, story content and language. The
story-telling competition is the LLB's effort towards
developing the use of the Malay Language from the
foundation level. In this way, it is hoped the mother
tongue would become stronger and sturdier when the
children grow up.
Besides aimed at
encouraging the reading culture among children, the
story-telling competition can also become a source of
inspiration. It can influence the mind and leave a
positive impact on the children's growth as well as
their mental and physical development. Like other
participants, Norazilah Abdullah and Ameerah Haji Abdul
Mutalif of the Dato Marsal Primary School, find the new
format of the competition constructive.
Source:
Radio Television Brunei
website, March 02, 2010
Three
local men and three local women have been arrested on
different dates and venues after they were believed to
have involved and assisted in house break-in cases in
the Brunei Muara District.
As the result of the
operation led by Inspector Puasa of the Police District
Bandar Seri Begawan, the police seized items as evidence
from the six men and women. All the three men have
appeared in court and are now in detention to help in
investigation. Meanwhile the three women were released
with bail. The police also launched inspections on three
shops where the men and women sold the stolen items, and
at two venues at the multi-storey car park owned by one
of the local men,and seized several laptops and mobile
phones as well as a goldsmith shop at Jalan Mc Arthur in
Bandar Seri Begawan. Among the discovered items included
mobile phones, laptops, DVD player, video camera,
television sets as well as car accessories and jewelery.
The police have advised
members of the public, who have made reports of lost
items, to go to the Bandar Seri Begawan Police Station
during working hours or to contact the nearest police
stations or call direct hot-line numbers 993.
Source:
Radio Television Brunei
website, March 02, 2010
The
Bandar Seri Begawan Magistrate's Court, today found a
local businesswoman, Chen Yen Dji, guilty on one count
under Section 6 (b) of the Prevention of Corruption Act
(chapter 131). Chen Yen Dji was fined $6,000 dollars or
6 month imprisonment in default.
In the investigation
conducted by the Anti-Corruption Bureau it was found
that on the 30th of August 2008, the defendant from
inside a vehicle parked behind the Standard Insurance
Sendirian Berhad Office in the vicinity of the Surau
near Supersave Complex Gadong, did corruptly offer a
police personnel gratification to the sum of 200 dollars
as inducement for forbearing to conduct inquiries on her
and her male companion.The court ordered for the amount
of gratification to be forfeited to the state and the
passport to be returned to the defendant.
Source:
Radio Television Brunei
website, March 02, 2010
Our
strong standing towards Syari'ah principles in world
finance remains limited in product offering compared to
the ever growing conventional markets. What is quite
popular and has also become a major concern in our
country is the usage of credit card - this was one of
the topics highlighted in the 2nd day of the
International Conference on Islamic Finance 2010 this
morning.
A working paper
presented by a lecturer from the Centre for Islamic
Thought and Understanding, University Technology
Malaysia, Rafidah Mohd Azli entitled the "Issuance of an
Islamic credit Card in Malaysia" focused on the
operations and structures of the Islamic credit card in
Malaysia. Among the three contracts applied are Bay'
Al-inah, Tawaruqq and Ujrah which involve the buying and
selling of properties or assets. According to the
lecturer, Muslim scholars found out that a transaction
of purchase and sale are interdependent and that the
bank does not take the possession and business risk.
However, even though
the implementation of the Islamic credit card could play
a vital role in the development of Islamic banking, the
study arrives to a conclusion that some operational and
procedural implementations still needs to be resolved.
Source:
Radio Television Brunei
website, March 02, 2010
His
Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin
Waddaulah, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei
Darussalam, Minister of Defence and Supreme Commander of
Royal Brunei Armed Forces, RBAF has consented to receive
in audience the Minister of Defence from Malaysia. The
audience took place at the Istana Nurul Iman this
afternoon.
His Majesty granted an
audience Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Doctor Ahmad Zahid bin
Hamidi. Present during the ceremony were the Deputy
Minister of Defence, Yang Berhormat Pehin Datu
Singamanteri Retired Colonel Dato Seri Paduka Haji
Mohammad Yasmin and the Malaysian High Commissioner to
Brunei Darussalam, His Excellency Dato Ku Jaafar bin Ku
Shaari.
The two day official
visit of Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Doctor Ahmad Zahid
aims to further strengthen the existing friendly
relationship and underscores the importance of defence
cooperation between the two countries.
Source:
Radio Television Brunei
website, March 01, 2010
In
another part of Istana Nurul Iman, Her Majesty Raja
Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha consented to receive
in audience the wife of the Malaysian Minister of
Defence, Yang Berbahagia Datin Seri Hamidah bin Khamis.
Accompanying Yang
Berbahagia Datin Seri Hamidah was the wife of the Deputy
Minister of Defence, Datin Hajah Noryasimah binti
Abdullah and the wife of Malaysian High Commissioner to
Brunei Darussalam, Datin Zakiah binti Dato Haji Abas.
Yang Berbahagia Datin Seri is in the country
accompanying her husband for a two-day official visit.
Also present was Yang
Dimuliakan Seri Laila Pengiring Diraja Datin Seri Utama
Dayang Hajah Rosnah.
Source:
Radio Television Brunei
website, March 01, 2010
His
Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izaddin
Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar 'ali
Saifuddien Sa'adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang
Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam has consented to send
his condolences to Her Excellency Michelle Bachelet,
President of the Republic of Chile following the recent
earthquake.
In the message, His
Majesty expressed his great sadness upon learning of the
loss of life and widespread devastation caused by the
disaster.
On behalf, of His
Majesty's Government and the people of Brunei
Darussalam, His Majesty sent his deepest sympathy to Her
Excellency Michelle Bachelet, President of the Republic
of Chile, the Government and the people of Chile and
especially to the bereaved families of the victims.
Source:
Radio Television Brunei
website, March 01, 2010
Professional enhancement is essential to one's
well-being, mind, body and emotional stability. This
does not merely exist by possessing knowledge alone and
will not develop if efforts for self-enhancement are
neglected. The matter was touched during the special
talk in conjunction with the Prophet Mohammad
S.A.W(Peace Be Upon Him) organised by the Ministry of
Religious Affairs this morning.
The talk entitled
'Strengthening Professionalism in Islamic Affairs
Services' was delivered by Invited Lecturer from
Malaysia, Dato Aidit bin Ghazali. He among others said
it's important that one's professionalism must be strong
especially in the aspects of soul, physical,mind and
emotion.
The talk continued in
the afternoon, with another topic entitled, 'Public
Service, An Outlook', delivered by Dato Paduka Malai
Haji Ali bin Malai Othman. The topic outlined leadership
which means gathering a group loyal to Allah, devoted
with noble values, work hard and ready to sacrifice in
everything including their own life for the sake of the
truth that Allah has set. He also stressed that a leader
also uses his energy to educate and train the group
which comprises of those who are obedient and
responsible.
Present, the Minister
of Religious Affairs, Yang Berhormat Pehin Jawatan Luar
Pekerma Raja Dato Seri Utama Doktor Ustaz Haji Awang
Mohammad Zain. This learning session aims to upgrade
then skills and to further improve work ethics through
the process of instilling noble values.
Source:
Radio Television Brunei
website, March 01, 2010
Medical
officers need to make use of their skills and knowledge
accordingly to help the patients. In fact, as a health
care professional, they need to place the patient's
welfare as a top priority. The Permanent Secretary at
the Ministry of Health, Dato Paduka Haji Abdul Salam bin
Abdul Momin highlighted the matters at the Official
Opening of the Orientation and Induction Course for
local officers who recently joined the Ministry of
Health.
According to Dato
Paduka Haji Abdul Salam, medical officers are also
reminded not to neglect the medical profession ethics
although they are determined in executing their tasks.
For example, a doctor who is treating a patient need to
double his or her effort in ensuring perfection on
treatment given. Dato Paduka added, diagnosis on a
disease must be cautiously carried out and medicine
prescription must be suitable. Negligence in executing a
duty, he said, will prolong illness. Such negligence
will not only emotionally depress the patient himself
but also his family. The effect will be placed on the
medical officer itself. Not only his credibility will be
questioned but also put responsible on the imperfection
of implementing his duty. The Permanent Secretary at the
Ministry of Health also reminded medical officers to
give the best while executing their duties and to
preserve close relation between the patient and the
family.
The 12-day Orientation
Course, is being participated by 25 health officers.
Throughout the course participants will also be given
briefings from several government agencies as well as
visit hospitals and clinics.
Source:
Radio Television Brunei
website, March 01, 2010
Relation between Brunei Darussalam and Malaysia
continues to be enhanced in various fields, such as to
promote international diplomacy in the area of defence,
exchange visit programmes between senior officers of the
Ministry of Defence and their international
counterparts.
This morning,
Malaysia's Minister of Defence, Yang Berhormat Dato'
Seri Doctor Ahmad Zahid bin Hamidi paid a courtesy call
to the Deputy Minister of Defence, Yang Berhormat Pehin
Datu Singamanteri Retired Colonel Dato Seri Paduka Haji
Mohammad Yasmin. Earlier, Yang Berhormat Dato' Seri
Doctor Ahmad Zahid received a salute and later inspected
the guard of honour that was made up of Royal Brunei
Land Force personnel. The Malaysian defence minister's
visit will further strengthen bilateral ties in the
field of defence between both countries. Brunei
Darussalam and Malaysia have long established defence
ties with each other and have held numerous joint
training exercises in the past.
Source:
Radio Television Brunei
website, March 01, 2010
New
government servants need to be exposed on the vision,
mission, and the latest plans of each department under
the Induction Program. Through such program, it is hoped
that some of the best practices being implemented in a
few places will be exposed.
Today, the first group
of the two groups of more than 60 new officers and staff
of the Technical education Department joined the
Induction Program that will go on until the 6th of
March. The program aims to provide participants closer
views on the vision, mission and function of the
Education Department and its institutions. Participants
will also visit all Technical and Vocational Institution
nationwide. Present was the Acting Director of Technical
Education, Pengiran Suhaimi bin Pengiran Haji Bakar.
Source:
Radio Television Brunei
website, March 01, 2010
The
Ministry of Education, in its Strategic Plan 2007
highlights its commitment to develop and provide quality
education. This includes to develop and equip children
morally, intellectually, physically, socially and
aesthetically with the right values and skills to become
responsible dynamic citizens, who are able to contribute
positively to the nation. This was stated by the Deputy
Permanent Secretary for Core Education at the Ministry
of Education, Awang Haji Suhaila during the launching
ceremony for Enhancing High Quality Early Childhood
Educators Seminar and Workshop this morning.
One hundred and 20 head
teachers and 128 pre-school teachers from government
primary schools attended the seminar and workshop, which
aimed to strengthen the focus and improve learning
outcomes of young children through high quality
professional development programs.The programme was
conducted by the Educational Consultant from the United
Kingdom, Marion Ann Dowling.
Source:
Radio Television Brunei
website, March 01, 2010
From
its humble beginning more than 30 years ago, the country
continues to obtain clear evidence that the current era
of Islamic finance has gained credibility and visibility
within the world of finance. This was stated by the
Second Minister of Finance, Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang
Kaya Laila Setia Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Abd Rahman
during the opening ceremony of the First International
Conference on Islamic Finance 2010 this morning.
Meanwhile, in his
keynote presentation, Professor in Banking and Economic
Finance from the National University of Malaysia,
Professor Dr. Abdul Ghafar Ismail highlighted that the
syar'iah concerning the community's wealth is to ensure
its preservation and growth as the Islamic banking
system could bridge the gap between the rich and the
poor by modifying the distribution of wealth and
economic resources.
With its theme,
"Contemporary Challenges of Islamic Finance: Towards
Realizing the Goals of Shari'ah", the conference will
serve as a platform in consolidating numerous views and
principles, between Scholars and practicioners. Some 100
participants from the Ministry of Finance, the Prime
Minister's Office and various banks as well as academic
institutions were present at the conference.
Source:
Radio Television Brunei
website, March 01, 2010
The
police is investigating a case involving a woman and her
child who are reported missing. 19 year-old Dk Mona
Merlini binte Pg Haji Merali, holder of I/C number
01-043412, and her two years and eight months old son,
Mohammad Hakim bin
Abdul Rahman, with the birth certificate number E0015305
were last seen on 27th April last year at Simpang 141,
No 9 Kampong Telanai, Jalan Tutong. Those with
information on her whereabouts can contact the
Investigative Officer of Bandar Seri Begawan Police
Station at 2242334 extensions 132, 148, 142 and hot-line
993 or any nearby police station.
Source:
Radio Television Brunei
website, March 01, 2010
Week (February 22 to 26, 2010)
In
observance of the Prophet Muhammad SAW's Birthday the Embassy will be
closed on
Friday, February 26,
2010.
His
Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin
Waddaulah, the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei
Darussalam stressed on the importance of sincerity, as
it is most blessed and demanded. His Majesty was
speaking in a titah broadcast nationwide over radio and
television earlier tonight, in conjunction with Prophet
Muhammad SAW's birthday celebration for the year 1431
Hijrah. In the titah, His Majesty also invited muslims
to celebrate the occasion with praises and salutations
to the Prophet and to exemplify his actions and
traditions.
His Majesty's Titah 1
The Prophet was the
bearer of light that brightens the world, which was
previously in utter darkness and confusion. That light
is Islam. In the endeavour to spread and defend Islam,
the Prophet faced various tests and obstacles, not only
from his enemies but also from his own family. In the
face of adversity, the Prophet faced them with patience
and perseverance. The Prophet was relentless, and he
continued to spread the religion of Allah the Al-Mighty
with confidence, certain that Allah would help him.
Where did the Prophet's strength come from to face all
these? The answer is in his faith and sincerity to the
Al-Mighty. If there is faith and sincerity, all
obstacles can be endured. The ability (to confront
obstacles) does not only come from within ourselves, but
also with the help from Allah the Al-Mighty, as we
uphold His religion, and as He promised the Prophet in
the verses of Muhammad: 'To all ye faithful! if you help
Allah, that is to defend his religion, Allah will surely
help you (defend yourself) too, (to achieve victory) and
(He) shall strengthen your inner being'.
Source:
Radio Television Brunei
website, February 25, 2010
His
Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei
Darussalam further pointed out that Allah's help is
promised to those who are truly sincere to Allah and His
religion. The secret to sincerity is supreme in every
matter. Sincerity is most blessed and demanded not only
in acts of piety but also in all situations including
while in learning, making livelihoods as well as in
living as a family and as a nation. Without sincerity,
His Majesty added, the outcomes would be bitter.
His Majesty's Titah 2
Sincerity is the
panacea or cure for all defects, particularly at the
fields of work and employment. If one is truly sincere,
then one should be clean from any bad characteristic
such as greed, envy, untrustworthiness, corrupt and the
likes. This is why sincerity is important. I hope, in
our joy to celebrate the birthday of Prophet Muhammad
S.A.W., all rakyat and residents, irrespective of status
and position, would embrace sincerity in life so that we
will become a truly blessed nation by Allah the
Al-Mighty, whose people are blessed with many bestowals.
We must pursue profits with pious deeds and not
contrarily. Profits reaped with pious deeds are
invaluable compared to those acquired with insincerity
which will only invite disaster, both on earth and in
the hereafter. Hence, let us 'wear the clothes of
sincerity' which is beautiful and pure, in the presence
of Allah as well as in the presence of each other, so
that our lives would be blessed, loved and liked by
Allah and all His creations.
Source:
Radio Television Brunei
website, February 25, 2010
His
Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin
Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar Ali Saifuddien
Sa'adul Khairi Waddien, the Sultan and Yang DiPertuan of
Brunei Darussalam has consented to send congratulatory
messages to His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jabar
Al-Sabah, Emir of the State of Kuwait and His Highness
Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, Prime
Minister of the State of Kuwait, as well as the
Government and People of the State of Kuwait on the
occasion of Kuwait's National Day.
In the message to His
Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jabar Al-Sabah, Emir
of the State of Kuwait, His Majesty expressed his
pleasure at the warm and friendly relations between the
two countries and looked forward to reaffirming and
strengthening them even further. His Majesty also
congratulated His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jabar
Al-Sabah on Kuwait's assumption of the Chairmanship of
the Gulf Co-operation Council.
In a similar message to
His Highness Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah,
Prime Minister of the State of Kuwait, His Majesty
expressed his great appreciation for the excellent and
brotherly relations shared by the two countries and
looked forward to enhancing this much-valued friendship.
His Majesty also congratulated His Highness Sheikh
Nasser Al-Mohammed Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah on the role played
by Kuwait as the current Chair of the Gulf Co-operation
Council.
In ending the messages,
His Majesty prayed to Allah the Almighty for the
continued good health and happiness to His Highness
Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jabar Al-Sabah, Emir of the
State of Kuwait, and His Highness Sheikh Nasser
Al-Mohammed Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, Prime Minister of The
State of Kuwait and Members of the Royal Family as well
as continued progress and prosperity for the people of
Kuwait.
Source:
Radio Television Brunei
website, February 25, 2010
Meanwhile, His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah,
the Minister of Foreign
Affairs and Trade also sent a congratulatory message to
His Highness Sheikh Dr Mohammad Sabah Al-Salem Al-Sabah,
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of
the State of Kuwait on the occasion of the National Day
of the State of Kuwait.
In his message, His
Royal Highness expressed pleasure with the strengthening
of bilateral relations between the two countries and
look forward to working closely with His Highness to
enhance peoples' friendship.
Source:
Radio Television Brunei
website, February 25, 2010
His
Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown
Prince, Senior Minister at the Prime Minister's Office
and Deputy Inspector General of Police and Her Royal
Highness Paduka Seri Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak
Sarah binti Pengiran Haji Salleh Ab Rahaman have
consented to attend a High Tea Reception in conjunction
with His Royal Highness's 36th Birthday Anniversary. The
function was hosted by the Royal Brunei Police Force.
Upon arrival, His Royal
Highness the Crown Prince and Her Royal Highness Paduka
Seri Pengiran Anak Isteri were greeted by the
Commissioner of Police, Yang Dimuliakan Pehin Datu Kerma
Setia Dato Paduka Seri Awang Zainuddin as well as other
senior officers of the force. Soon after arrival, His
Royal Highness the Crown Prince consented to sign the
parchment slip.
Also present were His
Royal highness Prince Abdul Malik and Her Royal Highness
Princess Hajah Masna, the Commandant of the Women
Police.
His Royal Highness and
Her Royal Highness later consented to mingle with
officers of the Royal Brunei Police Force together with
their spouses. His Royal Highness the Crown Prince was
appointed as the Deputy Inspector General of Police on
the 5th of May 2005 by His Majesty the Sultan and Yang
Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam.
His Royal Highness
consented to cut the birthday cake and received a 'Pasambah'.
Before leaving, His
Royal Highness and Her Royal Highness, consented to
receive greetings from officers of the Royal Brunei
Police Force. Also present was the Deputy Minister at
the Prime Minister's Office, Dato Seri Paduka Awang
Eusoff Agaki.
Source:
Radio Television Brunei
website, February 25, 2010
Brunei
Darussalam will celebrate the Maulidur Rasul celebration
simultaneously in the country's four districts on
Saturday, February 27th. The national level mass
gathering and procession will be held at the Taman Haji
Sir Muda Omar Ali Saifuddien, in the capital, starting
at 7 in the morning.
To ensure the smooth
running of the event, a full rehearsal was held this
morning. Present to witness the rehearsal was the
Minister of Religious Affairs, Yang Berhormat Pehin
Jawatan Luar Pekerma Raja Dato Seri Utama Doktor Ustaz
Haji Awang Mohd Zain as the Chairman of the Executive
Committee of major Islamic celebrations. Also present
was his deputy, Yang Berhormat Pehin Udana Khatib Dato
Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Awang Haji Badaruddin. This
year's celebration carries a theme 'ILLAHI SELAMATKAN
BRUNEI DARUSSALAM'.
Source:
Radio Television Brunei
website, February 25, 2010
Brunei
Darussalam will observe Islam's important event - the
Mauludun Nabi Muhammad Sallallahu Alaihi Wassalam, on
Saturday. In this regard, dikir ceremonies in
conjunction with the Maulud celebration continue to be
held at various mosques and religious halls, nationwide.
The Ministry of
Industry and Primary Resources and departments under it
held such ceremony last night. Present was the Minister
of Industry and Primary Resources, Yang Berhormat Pehin
Orang Kaya Seri Utama Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Yahya.
More than seventy staff and officers of the ministry
took part in the ceremony.
Source:
Radio Television Brunei
website, February 25, 2010
Muara Town now
has its own new Health Centre. A handing over ceremony
of the key for the Muara Health Centre was held this
morning.
The key of the new
Health Centre's Building, was handed over by the Acting
Director-General of Public Works, Awang Haji Suhaimi bin
Haji Abdul Ghaffar to the Permanent Secretary at the
Ministry of Health, Dato Paduka Haji Abdul Salam, who in
turn handed it over to the Director-General of Health
Services, Doctor Hajah Rahmah Haji Mohamad Said.
The building was built
on a one point five-zero-four hectare site of land under
the Eighth National Development Plan with an estimated
cost of four-million five-hundred and forty-four
thousand, six hundred and twenty dollars
($4,544,620.00). Among the services provided at the
centre are the Outpatient Clinic covering the Flu,
General Illnesses and Dental clinics. The new building
will be in full operation from the first of next month.
Source:
Radio Television Brunei
website, February 25, 2010
The
Islamic and Global Prosperity Seminar offers an
almost-perfect thinking package on the concepts of
peace, security and prosperity of human life. The
seminar which was held at the Rizqun International Hotel
ended this afternoon with the discussion of the
seminar's resolution.
The resolution among
others called on political leaders worldwide to study
Islam and its opinion on global prosperity so that the
truth of Islam and its role in civilization can be
understood. The resolution also demanded the Islamic
Ummah to respect oneself, religion and their values
first before they can respect others. More than 70
working papers were tabled by clerics and scholars from
ten Islamic countries during the two-day seminar
organised by the Usuluddin Faculty, Sultan Sharif Ali
Islamic University.
Source:
Radio Television Brunei
website, February 25, 2010
The
Department of Technical Education is gearing up to
formulate a strategic plan to further upgrade its
capacity by providing more education programs and
technical and vocational trainings needed by the nation.
The department is also planning to improve the quality
of overall technical and vocational education systems in
line with the country's National Education System for
the 21st Century or SPN21. The Permanent Secretary for
Higher Education, Ministry of Education, Awang Haji Mohd
Daud made the remarks at the prizes presentation of the
5th National Skills Competition.
His speech was read by
the Deputy Permanent Secretary for Higher Education,
Ministry of Education, Dr Junaidi Hj Abd Rahman. He said
the ministry is currently gearing up to plan and take
preliminary action to establish a standard polytechnic
institution, offering opportunities for students to
pursue higher studies. Apart from that, two more
vocational schools will also be built to accomodate more
students. He said vocational education and training play
an important role in developing human resources in
Brunei Darussalam. Every year, the Department of
Technical Education through technical and vocational
education institutions is able to produce a semi-skilled
or skilled labour force to meet the needs of the
country's development and economic progress.
The competition was
aimed at identifying participants to represent the
country at the regional 'ASEAN Skills Competition' to be
held in Bangkok, Thailand. A total of 42 participants
won the competition which started on the 2nd and ended
on the 11th of this month. 14 areas were competed in the
competition which were conducted by five technical and
vocational institutions.
Source:
Radio Television Brunei
website, February 25, 2010
The
reading of the Ratib Al-Attas is one of the ways of
seeking higher protection against Influenza A H1N1 and
undesirable incidents.
The Lambak Kanan
Religious School held such a ceremony. A recitation of
the Surah Al-Fatihah was followed by the reading of
Zainul Quran and the Ratib Al-Attas by pupils of
Standard 5. Present was the Minister of Religious of
Affairs, Yang Berhormat Pehin Jawatan Luar Perkerma Raja
Dato Seri Utama Doctor Ustaz Hj Muhammad Zain. Ratib
Al-Attas is recited to seek blessings from Allah the
Al-mighty, and asking for protection for the family and
property from unprecedented incidence.
Source:
Radio Television Brunei
website, February 24, 2010
PELITA
BRUNEI, the official government newspaper shows off its
new look in its latest publication, today. The official
launching of the new face of the PELITA BRUNEI was held
last night.
The launch was
officiated by the Minister of Energy at the Prime
Minister's Office, Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Seri
Dewa Retired Major General Dato Seri Pahlawan Haji Awang
Mohammad. The launch, in conjunction with the
celebration marking the 26th anniversary of the national
day, also coincided with the first official use of the
new printing format, the Web Offset Gross Magnum.
Today's new look for
the PELITA BRUNEI also showed a new Mast Head in Jawi
lettering which is more prominent than the previous
romanised one, and highlights its nationalistic
characteristic as well as its Islamic identity. Its
Bruneian identity can also be seen through the 'Air
Mulih' pattern design. Starting with today's issue, the
PELITA BRUNEI will be printed on a white 'wood-free'
paper which will improve its printing quality, compared
to the one that had been used since 1976.
Apart from the new look
and improvements made on the paper quality, the design
and layout have also been adapted to suit the printing
of coloured images, illustrations, headlines and
background decorations. These adaptations are more
flexible with the use of the new Web Offset Gross Magnum
printing facilities, compared to the earlier printing
machine which had been in use since 1982. PELITA BRUNEI
is now 54 years old and its first issue was published on
February 15, 1956.
Source:
Radio Television Brunei
website, February 24, 2010
Official Opening of a Seminar on Islam and Global Peace
and Prosperity at the Rizqun International Hotel
Islam is truly complete
as a global peace formula, because Islam itself means
safe, peaceful and prosperous. This is further
strengthened with the verse on Prophet Muhammad, Peace
be Upon Him, who brought Islam, as decreed by Allah,
that was interpreted as "never would Muhammad be sent,
unless to become a blessing to the whole universe." This
was emphasised by the State Mufti, Yang Berhormat Pehin
Datu Seri Maharaja Dato Paduka Seri Setia Doctor Ustaz
Haji Awang Abdul Aziz at the Official Opening of a
Seminar on Islam and Global Peace and Prosperity, this
morning. The ceremony took place at the Rizqun Yang
Berhormat was confident that the seminar could debate
the issue of global peace and prosperity, given the
knowledge and high academic spirit of the participants.
The seminar could then issue a resolution that could
become a formula for helping people or anyone to create
global peace and prosperity. The state mufti was also
confident that the seminar would truly look into Islam
and not merely rely on people's perception of the
religion. Apart from being a driving force towards
prosperity, it also acts as a pillar of peace and
justice.
The two-day Seminar on
Islam and Global Peace and Properity is organised by the
Usuluddin Faculty of Universiti Islam Sultan Shari Ali,
UNISSA. More than 70 working papers are being presented
by clerics and scholars from more than 10 Islamic
countries. The Seminar aims to achieve UNISSA's
aspiration to become a progressive and dynamic Islamic
university through the reaches of genuine thoughts based
on the Al-Quran and Al-Sunnah.
Source:
Radio Television Brunei
website, February 24, 2010
Meanwhile, in a Keynote Address at the Seminar on Islam
and Global Peace and Prosperity, Professor Dato Doctor
Ismail bin Ibrahim said Muslims' approach of entirely
underscoring the era of ancient Islamic glory needs to
be reviewed and renewed. This is in taking into account
and benefiting from the realities of present Islamic
ummah and their history as the people who had gone
through the ups and downs of life according to the
development of the era and change of time.
Professor Dato Doctor
Ismail in his working paper entitled, "Global Peace and
Prosperity; Understanding between the Islamic and
Western World," clarified on re-thinking of the approach
by the Islamic ummah towards any issue, that requires
changes in speech and focus from discussing Islamic
history to talking about the history of the Islamic
community. Although both may come to the same
conclusion, the emphasis and the main discussion on the
history of the Muslim ummah would focus more on reality
and that the conclusion would take a more practical and
more down-to-earth form. According to the Professor, in
nurturing the ummah, several important issues should be
overcome, including the educational objective, that
should be planned in order to produce a knowledgeable
generation who understands the concept of Islam as
Ad-din, that is, a perfect way of life.
Source:
Radio Television Brunei
website, February 24, 2010
'Melayu
Islam Beraja', or the Malay Islamic Monarchy, MIB, has
long been in existence in Brunei Darussalam. Before the
conversion of the 1st Sultan of Brunei and his people to
Islam, the term was referred to as Malay Monarchy. It
was only after the conversion that the term was changed
to Malay Islamic Monarchy and has been in use until the
present day.
The Principal of the
History Centre, Yang Berhormat Pehin Jawatan Luar Seri
Maharaja Dato Seri Utama Doctor Haji Awang Mohd Jamil
Al-Sufri, underscored the matter at the first series of
the Malay Islamic Monarchy Dialogue programme last
night. Touching on the topic, 'The Historical Existence
and Survival of Malay Islamic Monarchy, MIB', Yang
Berhormat said that MIB was officially adopted as the
national philosophy as stated in the titah of His
Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei
Darussalam at the proclamation of Independence on 1st
January 1984. The first series was chaired by Associate
Professor Doctor Haji Hashim bin Haji Abdul Hamid from
the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Universiti
Brunei Darussalam. The 50 minute programme will be aired
once a month with different panel members and will
discuss different topics pertaining to MIB.
Source:
Radio Television Brunei
website, February 24, 2010
The
13th Meeting of the Steering Committee of the East Asia
Emergency Rice Reserve Project was held this morning at
the Rizqun International Hotel, Gadong. The 2-day
meeting was attended by delegates from ASEAN plus Three
Member States.
The Permanent Secretary
at the Ministry of Industry and Primary Resources,
Dayang Hajah Suriyah, in her opening remarks, stressed
on Brunei Darussalam's commitment in supporting the
tackling of food security issues in the ASEAN plus three
region. Dayang Hajah Suriyah also underscored the need
to step up efforts to ensure the availability of
sustainable food through an international mechanism, in
light of the present World Food Security Challenges.
Source:
Radio Television Brunei
website, February 24, 2010
The
Dikir Maulud ceremony held for twelve consecutive nights
marking the birthday anniversary of Prophet Muhammad
S-A-W, organised by the Ministry of Religious Affairs,
continue to be held throughout the country.
Last night, the
delegation, led by the Deputy Permanent Secretary at the
ministry, Pengiran Haji Bahrom Bin Pengiran Haji Bahar,
held such a ceremony at the Kampong Pandan National
Housing Scheme in Kuala Belait.
Source:
Radio Television Brunei
website, February 24, 2010
The
"Youth Love the Nation" Programme aims to further raise
the national spirit and cooperation among youths and the
community. It is also to inculcate noble values of
living as a community, with religion and country, as
well as values of teamwork of being in an association.
The Deputy Permanent Secretary at the Prime Minister's
Office said among the achievements targeted in the
Brunei Vision 2035, is that the country will be a
developed nation with highly-educated and skilled
citizens. These were emphasised at the launch of the 5th
"Youth Love the Nation" Programme, this morning.
Doctor Awang Haji
Affendy in his address, also said that youth should stay
away from anti-social activities, and are instead
encouraged to be more actively involved in beneficial
activities that can help develop a good personality and
strengthen integration of the local community. He added
that it is important for youth to practise such a
standing while they are still young. As youth are often
faced with challenges, it also vital for them to be able
to handle problems efficiently and with self-esteem.
This three-day
programme is the third phase for the youth and focuses
on "Working for the Community." 31 youth between 15 and
25 years old from the Belait, Tutong and Temburong
Districts have been actively participating in various
phases of the programme in the Brunei Muara Distirct.
These include visiting places such as Mukim Sengkurong
to observe and experience the village culture. The
programme is conducted by the Youth and Sports
Department at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports,
and coincides with Brunei Darussalam's 26th National Day
Anniversary celebration.
Source:
Radio Television Brunei
website, February 24, 2010
The
"Youth Love the Nation" programme at district level was
launched today in the Belait, Tutong and Temburong
districts. In the Belait district, the programme was
launched at the Kampung Pandan Civic Centre, in Kuala
Belait.
The programme was
launched by the Deputy Permanent Secretary at the Prime
Minister's Office, Awang Haji Mahrub bin Haji Morni. 40
youth from the four districts took part in the
programme. The programme, through the youth's
involvement in welfare, youth and community activities,
is a mechanism of the Youth and Sports Department's
effort to build the community's self esteem specifically
for the youth. Bearing national flags, the youth walked
towards Kampung Mumong and on arrival at the kampong,
they were greeted by the Chairman of the Kuala Belait
and Seria Municipal Board, Awang Haji Md Yunos bin
Bolhassan.
Meanwhile, in the
Tutong district, the Youth Love the Nation Programme
today entered its third phase. Present to launch the
programme at the Tutong Civic Centre was the Deputy
Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Finance, Haji
Mohd Rosli bin Haji Sabtu. 35 youth throughout the
country participated in the programme. Youth need to be
aware, that as the nation's young who will become future
leaders, they must grab any opportunity and equip
themselves with quality and excellence, to move Brunei
Darussalam forward and to successfully develop the
nation.
Source:
Radio Television Brunei
website, February 24, 2010
Meanwhile, a procession around Tutong Town by
participants of the Youth Love the Nation Programme for
the Tutong District, ended at the Kampung Penanjong
Mosque. They were greeted on arrival by the Acting
Tutong District Officer, Awang Haji Muhammad Suffian bin
Haji Bungsu.
The spirit of love for
the nation was obvious when the youth raised the Brunei
Darussalm National flag. The Acting Tutong District
Officer, in his address, said the programme can further
enhance the national spirit and cooperation among the
young people and the community. Through it too, the pure
values of living as a community, with religion, country,
as well as a team and association can be instilled. The
programme encourages syouth to move actively with the
guidance of religion as their defence against unhealthy
elements. The third phase of the programme takes place
in Kampung Penanjong for three days.
Source:
Radio Television Brunei
website, February 24, 2010
In
observance of the 26th NATIONAL DAY OF BRUNEI DARUSSALAM
the Embassy will be closed on Tuesday, February 23,
2010.
His
Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin
Waddaulah, the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei
Darussalam has stressed the importance for rakyat and
people in this country to be thankful for the bestowals
from Allah the Al-Mighty and for bestowals that include
peace, prosperity and well-being to be maintained. His
Majesty was speaking to the nation over radio and
television earlier this evening in conjunction with
Brunei Darussalam's 26th national day anniversary. His
Majesty also spoke on the importance of consultation and
preserving the environment while the country is intense
in the midst of the process of development. The ruler
also made a reference to the recently introduced
regulations on credit card use. Touching on the theme of
this year's national day celebration "Negaraku Brunei
Darussalam" or "My country, Brunei Darussalam", His
Majesty said it is not adequate to merely regard the
theme as a means of instilling patriotism.
His Majesty Titah 1
More importantly, what
our contribution is to perpetuate Allah's bestowals to
us and to our country. Patriotism is always viewed
vaguely in the form of pledges and during celebrations.
People seldom look into its deep secrets: that bestowals
should be embraced with gratefulness and polished with
pious deeds to Allah the Al-Mighty. Should these be
done, only then will the bestowals perpetuate as
promised by Allah the Al-Mighty. So, in conjunction with
this historic moment, let us together be thankful and
carry out pious acts. Besides these, we also need
continued actions in that whatever has been planned must
be implemented timely and should not merely remain as
plans on paper. The key to all these is the way we
implement these plans. Among the most effective means
are consultations among relevant agencies. For example,
when plans to build schools or mosques are delayed, land
regulations or land not having gazetted are sometimes
attributed as obstacles causing the delay. If this is
the reason, does it not come from the government? By
right, if the government so wants it, obviously such a
problem should not be difficult. Nevertheless, delays
still occur. Are we really serious or not? If the delay
is at the junior level, is the senior level willing to
discuss it together? This is our problem, and this is
why the key performance indicators was established to be
used as guidelines by all government agencies.
Source:
Radio Television Brunei
website, February 22, 2010
Touching on the environment, His Majesty stressed that
intensive development is meaningless if the environment
is compromised or jeopardised. This is because the
country still needs fertile land, clean air and drinking
water and even clean sea water which is not polluted.
According to His Majesty, all these factors are the true
sources of prosperity.
His
Majesty Titah 2
Hence, the time has
come for us to expedite the legislation of laws or
regulations for more orderly development. For example,
we need to enforce an environmental impact assessment
mechanism and the likes for development projects.
Equally important to be mentioned are financial-related
matters. Recently, my government had implemented a
regulation controlling the use of credit cards. This
measure has drawn the attention of various quarters and
became a topic of conversation. The objective of the
government is for us to understand that lavish
lifestyles based on mounting debts is a fragile luxury
that will only bring losses in the long run. Even though
at the early stage, the measure may cause difficulty to
some people or institutions, the government believes the
measure is appropriate in order to take care of the
people's well-being in the long-term. This is one of our
strategies toward creating the economy - one of the
three pillars of the Brunei Vision 2035. The country
needs more orderly, stable and attractive economic
policies as well as a conducive investment environment
that can serve as a catalyst for comprehensive economic
growth. Likewise, efforts that will enable us to balance
shortcomings in the domestic, regional and global
markets are also needed and make a transformation into a
more positive and beneficial end.
Source:
Radio Television Brunei
website, February 22, 2010
Brunei
Darussalam's 26th National Day anniversary celebration
began this evening with Mass Maghrib and Isyak Prayers,
Doa Kesyukuran and Reading of Surah Yassin at all
mosques and suraus throughout the country. The Omar 'Ali
Saifuddin Mosque in the capital was the focus of the
event. His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah
Muizaddien Waddaulah, the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of
Brunei Darussalam joined his subjects at the prayers.
Upon arrival at the
mosque, His Majesty was welcomed by the Minister of
Religious Affairs,Yang Berhormat Pehin Jawatan Luar
Pekerma Raja Dato Seri Utama Doctor Ustaz Haji Awang
Mohd Zain and the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports,
Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Setia Pahlawan Dato Seri
Setia Doctor Awang Haji Ahmad as well as the Executive
Committee of this year's Celebration.
Also present were His
Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown
Prince, His Royal Highness Prince Haji Abdul Azim, His
Royal Highness Prince Abdul Malik and His Royal Highness
Prince Abdul Mateen.
The function began with
the Mass Maghrib Prayer led by Yang Berhormat Pehin
Siraja Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang
Yahya.
Yang DiMuliakan Pehin
Orang Kaya Paduka Seri Utama Dato Paduka Seri Setia
Awang Hj Salim led the congregation in the Sunnat Hajat
Prayer, for safety, peace and security as well as for
protection against disasters and all infectious diseases
specifically the Influenza 'A' H1N1.
The reading of Surah
Yassin was led by Yang Berhormat Pehin Udana Khatib Dato
Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Badaruddin.
Doa kesyukuran was read
by the State Mufti, Yang Berhormat Pehin Datu Seri
Maharaja Dato Paduka Seri Setia Doktor Ustaz Haji Awang
Abdul Aziz.
Meanwhile, the mass
Isyak Prayer was led by Yang Dimuliakan Pehin Datu Imam
Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Abdul Hamid bin
Bakal.
Before taking leave of
the event, His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of
Brunei Darussalam consented to receive greetings from
the congregation. The climax of the National Day
celebration is the mass gathering tomorrow morning at
the Taman Haji Sir Muda Omar 'Ali Saifuddien in the
capital. This year's National Day celebration carries
the theme 'Negaraku Brunei Darussalam' or 'My Country
Brunei Darussalam'.
Source:
Radio Television Brunei
website, February 22, 2010
The
Promotion and Sale Expo in conjunction with the 26th
National Day anniversary celebration, currently on at
the Mall, Gadong, continues until tomorrow. The expo
that displays and sells goods such as clothes, as well
as decorative and handicraft items, is open to the
public from 9.30 in the morning until 10 at night.
40 local companies and
financial institutions fill all the 46 booths of the
expo. In interviews with RTB, several participating
local entrepreneurs shared their experiences since they
first started their businesses and agreed that the expo
helps promote their products. Haji Ahmad Metassan
ventured into fulltime business since 2004. His company
produces snacks, such as crackers, biscuits and cookies
as well frozen food. Haji Ahmad also assured the public
that his products had been audited and had received the
Halal Certification.
Haji Padzil Haji Ahmad
has been promoting and selling local paintings including
those he produced himself with the help of his wife.
They have been running an art gallery at the Sultan Haji
Hassanal Bolkiah Foundation Complex in the capital.
According to Haji Padzil, his paintings, mostly local
sceneries and Brunei culture, received an encouraging
response from the public especially among tourists.
Also gaining popularity
is processed crab meat from soft-shelled crabs produced
by Haji Habolah Shah Rosmali Shah. He said his company
had been managing the farm in rearing soft crabs for
about seven years now and was glad that his industry is
expanding.
Source:
Radio Television Brunei
website, February 22, 2010
Ihya
Maulidur Rasul ceremonies marking the birthday
anniversary of Prophet Muhammad, S.A.W. organised by the
Ministry of Religious Affairs continue to be held
throughout the country. Last night, such a ceremony was
held by the Kampong Lubok Pulau Mosque in Tutong.
The function was held
to glorify the Maulidur Rasul celebration and foster
relations between the ministry's officials and staff and
the public. Present was the Permanent Secretary at the
Ministry of Religious Affairs, Haji Awang Mohammad Mahdi.
Source:
Radio Television Brunei
website, February 22, 2010
The Anti-Corruption Bureau, ACB, announces that His
Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di Pertuan of Brunei
Darussalam has consented to the early amendment of
Chapter 6 of the Anti-Corruption Act. The amendment
provides more authority to the ACB to investigate and
ensure that it is compliant with the United Nations
Convention Against Corruption, UNCAC that has been
ratified by Brunei Darussalam.
The Press conference on
the amendment was chaired by ACB's Acting Director,
Awang Haji Abdul Raub. The report on the press
conference was conveyed by the Chief Special
Investigator, Datin Hajah Elinda. In the amendment, the
provision of commitments of the Bureau's Director and
officers have been amended, listing the ACB's duties
based on 3 ACB strategies in eradicating corruption,
that is, through investigation, prevention and
education.
According to the ACB
statement, provision on the bail or bond has also been
amended to give ACB the authority to issue bail or bond
for an offender. Before this, the ACB had to refer all
arrested offenders to the police for bail and bond. With
the new provision, the ACB Director and officers can
release an arrested offender by using their bail or bond
authority. Amendment to Chapter 6 takes effect from the
8th of February.
Source:
Radio Television Brunei
website, February 22, 2010
In the
effort to assist the poor and destitute in the country
who are in need of proper and safe housing, the
Government of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di Pertuan
of Brunei Darussalam will always extend its assistance.
The building, completing and repairing their old houses
need financial expenditure.
This afternoon, the
Brunei Islamic Religious Council handed over zakat money
of 63 thousand dollars from its tithe collection to the
Brunei Muara District Office Charity Fund. The zakat was
handed over by the Secretary of the Brunei Islamic
Religious Council, Awang Haji Harun bin Haji Junid to
the Brunei Muara District Officer, Dato Paduka Awang
Haji MohdYusop bin Bakar. The money was to help finance
the building, completion and repair works on six houses
of zakat recipients registered with the Brunei Muara
District Office. Last year, 23 houses were given
financial and material aid for reconstruction and
repair, amounting to 168 thousand dollars from the tithe
collection.
Source:
Radio Television Brunei
website, February 22, 2010
Brunei
Darussalam will tomorrow celebrate the 26th anniversary
of the country's National Day. This morning, the Belait
district's procession team held a full dress rehearsal
at the Kampung Pandan Civic Centre in Kuala Belait.
150 officers and staff
from government and non-government organisations, will
take part in tomorrow's march past which takes place at
the Taman Haji Sir Muda Omar Ali Saifuddin, Bandar Seri
Begawan. Present to witness the rehearsal was the belait
District Officer, Awang Haji Jamain Bin Momin.
In Belait, national
flags and banners can be seen raised at government and
private sector buildings as well as homes and shops.
Source:
Radio Television Brunei
website, February 22, 2010
'Negaraku
Brunei Darussalam' or 'My Country, Brunei Darussalam' is
the theme of the 26th National Day. The theme stresses
our sense of belonging towards the country, besides
acknowledging that Brunei Darussalam is our country - an
admission that is not only expressed verbally, but must
also be taciturnly understood by the mind, and agreed
upon by the senses, as senses are the catalyst of
implementation.
The sense of belonging
towards the country encompasses all nation-related
factors including the leader, government, constitution,
law, cultural heritage, treasures and philosophy. With
the admission that Brunei Darussalam is our country, and
that every possession of the country we feel is ours
too, it is therefore the responsibility of all of us as
the country's citizens to be loyal to the king, to
practise the Islamic teachings as our way of life,
preserve the Bruneian cultural legacy, maintain and
uphold sovereignty and respect the constitution. The
theme also calls for compliance with the law,
maintenance of political stability, the upgrading of
economic development, improvement of the people's social
status, the upholding of honour and image, understanding
and practice of the philosophy, preserving peace and
well-being as well as sustaining unity and harmony.
The theme also welcomes
all citizens of the country regardless of age, descent,
rank and religion to carry out the responsibilities
underlined together, so that the country will always be
peaceful, prosperous and forever remain as a Malay,
Islamic kingdom.
Source:
Radio Television Brunei
website, February 22, 2010
Brunei
Darussalam celebrates its 26th National Day Anniversary
tomorrow with a mass gathering in the capital.
Around the capital,
banners are put up on street lamps and buildings in
conjunction with the National day celebration. These
display the people's patriotism and support for the
Government of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan
of Brunei Darussalam. Last week, an estimated three
thousand and one hundred banners were produced and sold.
A majority of them were sponsored by major business
companies in the country in participation of the event.
Aside from that, billboards also take a part in
decorating the streets. These banners and billboards
adds festivity to Bandar Seri Begawan in the run-up to
the celebration.
Meanwhile, among the
events to glorify the National Day Anniversary
celebration, is a group activity to make the National
Flag with 500 pieces of used tin cans. The activity, in
support recycling waste material to help minimise
climate change and keep the environment clean, was
carried out by 156 Pre-University One students of the
Hassanal Bolkiah Boys' Arabic Secondary School.
Source:
Radio Television Brunei
website, February 22, 2010
Week (February 17 to 19, 2010)
His
Royal Highness Prince General Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah,
the Crown Prince, Senior Minister at the Prime
Minister's Office and General of the Royal Brunei Armed
Forces, and Her Royal Highness Paduka Seri Pengiran Anak
Isteri Pengiran Anak Sarah, this afternoon consented to
attend a Reception in conjunction with His Royal
Highness' 36th birthday anniversary. The ceremony was
hosted by the Royal Brunei Armed Forces, RBAF.
Upon arrival at the
Officers' Mess in Bolkiah Garrison, Their Royal
Highnesses were greeted by the RBAF Commander, Major
General Haji Aminuddin Ihsan, the Permanent Secretary
One and Two at the Ministry of Defence, Dato Paduka Haji
Mustappa and Dato Paduka Haji Abdul Majid bin
Mangarshah. Also present was His Royal Highness Prince
Abdul Malik.
His Royal Highness was
introduced to 16 newly-commissioned officers of the
Royal Brunei Armed Forces.
His Royal Highness then
consented to sign the royal parchment to mark the visit.
His Royal Highness and
Her Royal Highness then consented to view a collection
of photographs of a series of visits by His Royal
Highnesss the Crown Prince to official events of the
Ministry of Defence and the RBAF throughout 2009 and
2010.
His Royal Highness also
consented to receive an album entitled, "Sejambak
Ristaan Tiga," featuring a collection of photographs of
His Royal Highness' visits to the Ministry of Defence
and the RBAF.
At the highlight of the
occasion, His Royal Highness consented to cut a birthday
cake and then receive a pesambah in the form of a Rehal
or Quran stand.
The Rehal presented by
the RBAF Commander on behalf of RBAF officers,
symbolises His Royal Highness' strong adherence to the
Al-Quran and its teachings. It is also in line with the
noble desire of His Royal Highness' father, His Majesty
the Sultan and Yang Di Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam to
make Brunei Darussalam a nation of Zikir.
To bless the occasion,
a doa kesyukuran was read by the Head of the RBAF
Religious Department, Air Lieutenant Colonel Haji Abdur
Rahim bin Haji Abdul Karim.
At the end of the
ceremony, His Royal Highness and Her Royal Highness
consented to receive the junjung ziarah and chatted with
the Ministry of Defence and RBAF officers and wives.
Source:
Radio Television Brunei
website, February 19, 2010
The
Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Foundation as the
Secretariat of the Pengiran Muda Mahkota Al-Muhtadee
Billah Fund for Orphans, yesterday afternoon held a Doa
Kesyukuran Ceremony in conjunction with the 36th
anniversary celebration of the birthday of His Royal
Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown
Prince.
The ceremony began with
the mass Maghrib Prayer followed by the reading of Surah
Yaasin, Doa Kesyukuran and the mass Isyak Prayer. Among
those present were members of the Foundation's Board of
Directors and the Fund's Board of Trustees. The ceremony
took place at the Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah
Foundation Complex in the capital.
Source:
Radio Television Brunei
website, February 19, 2010
For the
past five days, areas around all mosques and suraus in
the country echoed with the Dikir Syarafil Annam
recitals in conjunction with the Maulud celebration, to
commemorate the birthday of Prophet Muhammad, S.A.W.
Ministries in the country are also actively involved in
glorifying the occasion. Last night, the Ministry of
Health held such a ceremony.
Among those present was
the Minister of Health, Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya
Indera Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Haji Suyoi. The ceremony
began with the mass Isyak prayer, followed by a
presentation of an endowment in the form of Prayer Mats
and microphones contibuted by Muslim doctors at the
Ministry of Health. The ceremony took place at the surau
of the Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha Hospital.
Source:
Radio Television Brunei
website, February 19, 2010
Meanwhile, the Prime Minister's Office also held a
similar ceremony last night. The ceremony took place at
the Mohammad Bolkiah Mosque in Kampung Serusop.
Present at the ceremony
was the Deputy Minister at the Prime Minister's Office,
Dato Seri Paduka Awang Eussof Agaki. The ceremony was
highlighted with a Dikir Maulud Presentation. Dikir
ceremonies such as this are held nightly for 12 nights.
Also attending the ceremony was the Indian Entrepreneurs
Association in the country as well as members of the
Mosque Takmir Committee.
Source:
Radio Television Brunei
website, February 19, 2010
The
Ministry of Health welcomes the formation of gym and
fitness centres in the country. Their existence is seen
as partners and is complimentary towards efforts of the
Health Ministry in encouraging the public in the country
to practice a healthy lifestyle and recreational
activities to prevent chronic diseases. This was
stressed by the Deputy Minister of Health at the
launching of TRUFITNESS GYM this morning.
Yang Dimuliakan Pehin
Orang Kaya Pekerma Laila Diraja Dato Paduka Haji Awang
Hazair, in his address, also suggested that fitness
centres cooperate with the Health Promotion Centre in
promoting health awareness and the practice of healthy
lifestyle among citizens and people in the country. The
deputy minister said the Health Promotion Centre is
willing to provide counselling, posters and pamphlets on
health, to fitness centres for use in exhibitions and
also for distribution to the public. Earlier, the deputy
minister touched on his ministry's integrated health
screening on nine thousand officers and employees from
several ministries since 2008.
The deputy minister
added that, following the health screening, at least 55
percent of government employees were found to have
problems of obesity, while 60 percent experienced
high-levels of sugar and blood pressure. He believed
these people are risking their lives unless they opt for
early treatment and change their lifestyles into a
healthier one. The deputy minister also warned these
people that symptoms of chronic diseases, if not
treated, could manifest anytime as a stroke or heart
attack.
This fitness centre
began operational in March last year with a mission and
vision to uphold the nation's vision towards producing
healthy citizens. This centre also provides
comprehensive services to those in need of assistance
especially those who are obese.
Source:
Radio Television Brunei
website, February 19, 2010
The
2009 Village Beauty and Cleanliness Contest organised by
the Mukim Berakas 'B' Consultative Council upholds the
goal to maintain a beautiful and cleaner environment.
The contest is also hoped to boost awareness and
responsibility of the local community in creating a
harmonious and clean atmosphere in the village. This was
said by the Permanent Secretary at the Home Affairs
Ministry, Awang Haji Mawardi during the official closing
of the Village Beauty and Cleanliness Contest of Mukim
Berakas 'B' for last year.
Awang Haji Mawardi said
without awareness and full support from all parties,
efforts to keep up cleanliness and beauty will only be
futile and is simply an unrecorded deed. Therefore, it
is important that every individual in a community to
acquire self-responsibility towards cleanliness and on
handling wisely rubbish problems. The permanent
secretary also touched on the provision of garbage
dumping centres and the tasks of appointed garbage
collection companies in helping out the community in
disposing of their rubbish and waste. Awang Haji Mawardi
believes that a beautiful and cleaner environment will
certainly contribute to prosperous, cheerful and healthy
lifestyles.
Two categories were
competed, and five kampungs were selected in each
category. Kampung Lambak Kanan National Housing Zone
Three emerged champion in the Housing Areas category,
while Kampung Sungai Akar won in the Original Village
Area category. The winner in each of the respective
categories received a Challenge Trophy donated by the
Minister of Home Affairs, a trophy and cash prize.
Source:
Radio Television Brunei
website, February 19, 2010
All
citizens and residents of Brunei Darussalam are
responsible for securing the country's economic
development, and upgrading the social standard of the
people. They are also responsible for keeping the
country's good image, upholding the national philosophy,
as well as maintaining peace, unity and harmony of the
community. The matter was highlighted in the Friday
Sermon today that focused on the theme of the 26th
National Day Anniversary, "My Country, Brunei
Darussalam." The sermon said that the theme calls for
sustainable peace, security and prosperity of the
nation.
The sermon stressed
that the theme calls on Brunei citizens - regardless of
age, creed, status, race and religion - to carry out
their responsibilities so that the country remains a
peaceful, secure and prosperous Malay, Islamic,
Monarchical nation. Although Brunei Darussalam is a
small country with a small population, the imam added,
it is not impossible for it to become a developed
country with its own identity and honour in upholding
the Malay, Islamic Monarchy philosophy and to become an
exemplary nation, blessed with the protection of Allah
the Almighty.
The people can defend
the country's honour as forever a sovereign, Brunei
Islamic nation, by faithfully performing their religious
obligations. Besides that, they must also take good care
of their own image, self-esteem, keep a sound mind and
enhance their knowledge of Fardhu Ain or individual
obligation, and Fardhu Kifayah or community obligation.
They should also work together for the country's
economic and political stability, to sustain generations
of physically and spiritually healthy and strong
citizens.
Source:
Radio Television Brunei
website, February 19, 2010
Various
activities have been organised in conjunction with the
Brunei Darussalam 26th National Day Anniversary. One of
the activities is the five-day Promotion and Sale Expo,
now on at the Mall in Gadong.
Goods on sale at this
expo organised by Syarikat Mughni Services include
clothes, decorative items and handicrafts. This expo -
ending Tuesday - also promotes banking products and
services. Meanwhile, several entrepreneurs said the expo
helps in the marketing and distribution of their
products. For Mohamad Adiman, the expo gives local
entrepreneurs like him the opportunity to promote their
products and expand their SME business. Dayang
Khairunnisa Saaniah binti Dr Haji Kamsani of De'
Heritage Group of Companies shares her opinion.
More than 40 local
companies and financial institutions are taking part in
this Expo that provides 46 booths. The expo is open to
the public from 9.30 in the morning until 10 in the
evening.
Source:
Radio Television Brunei
website, February 19, 2010
Two
students from the Sixth Form Centres and a supervising
teacher will represent the country at the Asia Pacific
Economic Cooperation, APEC Junior Conference which will
be held in Hiroshima, Japan. The five-day conference
begins tomorrow. The delegation which comprises Awang
Haji Izz Khairee bin Haji Mohamad Ya'akub, Awang Ahmad
Faiz bin Haji Zailani and the teacher, Awang Makarimi
bin Haji Kasim left last night.
Among the objectives of
the conference is to reach an agreement and unified
stance along with the exchange of ideas and interaction,
despite the participants' different history, religion
and lifestyles. The participants will also learn
international communications and skills to overcome
problems. They will also contribute ideas for future
plans in community development.
Source:
Radio Television Brunei
website, February 19, 2010
The
greatness of Islam has inspired many more non-Muslims to
choose Islam as their religion. This afternoon, a Dusun
family from Kampung Lamunin, Tutong, took the Islamic
oath.
The head of the family,
43 year-old Awang Zuis bin Amit, is now known as
Muhammad Hafizul bin Abdul Amit. Also embracing Islam
were his wife and 6 children. The ceremony was conducted
by officers from the Islamisation and Guidance Unit of
the Islamic Dakwah Centre. The ceremony took place in
Kampung Lambak Kiri.
Source:
Radio Television Brunei
website, February 19, 2010
The
Saiyyidina Abu Bakar Secondary School will continuously
look after the welfare and upgrade the progress of its
students through methods based on law. This morning, the
school held the third General Meeting of the Parents and
Teachers Association, PIBG.
The meeting elected
members of the PIBG's executive committee for 2009/2011
session, which includes parents in the school authority
for the interest of the students. The school authority
also hoped that PIBG members would implement their
duties more successfully.
Source:
Radio Television Brunei
website, February 19, 2010
Istiadat Bersiram for Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah
Rashidah Sa'adatul Bolkiah
A Doa Selamat and Doa Kesyukuran ceremony in conjunction
with the Istiadat Bersiram for Her Royal Highness
Princess Hajah Rashidah Sa'adatul Bolkiah was held at
the Istana Nurul Iman this afternoon. The Istiadat
bersiram was in conjunction with the birth of Yang Amat
Mulia Pengiran Anak Raqeeqah Raayatul Bolqiah binti Yang
Amat Mulia Pengiran Maharaja Setia Laila Diraja Sahibul
Irshad Pengiran Anak Haji Abdul Rahim. Yang Amat Mulia
Pengiran Anak Raqeeqah Raayatul Bolqiah was born on
Wednesday 16th December 2009.
The ceremony was conducted in the presence of Yang Amat
Mulia Pengiran Lela Cheteria Sahibun Najabah Pengiran
Anak Haji Abdul Aziz.
The reading of Surah Al-Fatihah was led by Yang
Dimuliakan Pehin Khatib Haji Mustaffa who also led the
dikir presentation by mosque officials.
The occasion was marked with a 17 gun salute at the lawn
of Istana Nurul Iman.
Doa Dikir was read by Yang Dimuliakan Pehin Khatib Haji
Mustaffa.
To bless the ceremony, doa selamat was read by the State
Mufti, Yang Berhormat Pehin Datu Seri Maharaja Dato
Paduka Seri Setia Doctor Ustaz Haji Awang Abdul Aziz.
Also present at the ceremony were Yang Amat Mulia
Pengiran-Pengiran Cheteria, Cabinet Ministers, Members
of Councils, Deputy Ministers, Pengiran-Pengiran
Peranakan, Pehin-Pehin Manteri, Manter-Menteri
Pedalaman, Permanent Secretaries and Heads of
Department.
Source:
Radio Television Brunei
website, February 18, 2010
Interactive Workshop on Optimizing ICT Brunei-India
cooperation
The field of Information and Communication Technology,
ICT, in India is giving the country increasing
visibility and relevance in the global ICT sector. The
growth has been phenomenal whereby India is not only
well-known in producing quality IT graduates but also in
exporting software technologies and applications. ICT
research and development in India is also flourishing at
the technology parks in Hyderabad and Bangalore. This
matter was stated by the Minister of Communications
during the half day "Interactive Workshop on Optimizing
ICT Brunei-India cooperation", held at AITI building,
Anggrek Desa.
Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri
Setia Haji Awang Abu Bakar, added that cooperation
between Brunei Darussalam and India is of great
significance. This includes cooperation in building
human resource capacity in the field of ICT as well as
in the development of new software and applications.
Yang Berhormat Pehin also said that the Government will
continue to strive in making the most conducive
environment for the growth and development of industrial
players. The private sector also has to take up the
challenge and fuel the growth of the industry. Also
present was the High Commissioner of India to Brunei
Darussalam, His Excellency Shri R.V. Warjri, and the
Permanent Secretary at the Ministry Of Communications,
Awang Haji Alaihuddin.
Source:
Radio Television Brunei
website, February 18, 2010
Brunei Darussalam as among the countries with best
health prospects in the world
Health and medical staff including doctors and nurses,
dieticians, health examiners, and food analysts form the
backbone of health care in the country. At the same
time, the World Health Organization, WHO, has recognized
Brunei Darussalam as among the countries with best
health prospects in the world. The Economic Intelligence
Unit, EIU, listed Brunei Darussalam as the 100th most
liveable country, and among the criteria is in terms of
its health. This was stated by the Minister of
Health,Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Indera Pahlawan
Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Suyoi at the Launch of the
Ministry of Health's Career Carnival, this morning.
The Yang Berhormat said His Majesty's government's
policy of continuously giving priority to the health
care of the people in the country, is the reason why the
country is recognized by the world. Each year, the
government allocates more than 250 million dollars to
the Ministry of Health for its staff's salaries and
other expenses. The Minister of Health also touched on
the shortage of the ministry's staff in nearly all areas
and expertise. The Yang Berhormat said that from January
2009 until 2010, only 12 local doctors had completed
their studies and begun their services, compared to 52
doctors from other countries who need to be recruited to
fill in vacancies. There have been only six additional
dental officers including one foreign dental officer
since 2009. The Minister of Health expressed concern
with the current trend where the number of students
interested in health care is decreasing. If this
continues, the country's health care status enjoyed now
may not be improved or sustained, and this would
certainly have a long-term effect on the health status
in the country.
At this ceremony, the Yang Berhormat presented copies of
the book, 'Career in Healthcare 2010' to school
representatives. This four-day career exhibition and
carnival is aimed at giving parents and guardians the
opportunity to support students in choosing careers in
the medical and health field. The exhibition is open to
the public from 8 in the morning until 4.30 in the
afternoon; while on Sunday, the exhibition will be open
from 9 in the morning until 2 in the afternoon.
Source:
Radio Television Brunei
website, February 18, 2010
The trial of former Minister of Development, Yang Amat
Mulia Pengiran Indera Wijaya Pengiran Dr Haji Ismail bin
Pengiran Haji Damit and the managing director of Ted
Sendirian Berhad, Wong Tim Kai has ended
The trial of former Minister of Development, Yang Amat
Mulia Pengiran Indera Wijaya Pengiran Dr Haji Ismail bin
Pengiran Haji Damit and the managing director of Ted
Sendirian Berhad, Wong Tim Kai ended yesterday at the
High Court in Bandar Seri Begawan.
Hearing began on 14th February 2005 before former Chief
Justice Dato Seri Paduka Mohamed Saied, and ran for 205
days before the prosecution asked for the case to be
tried again before another judge owing to the Chief
Justice's ill health. The new trial commenced before
Judicial Commissioner Lugar Mawson on 28th September
2009 and the evidence concluded on 26th November 2009
after 40 days and 28 witnesses. The trial was conducted
in the absence of Wong Tim Kai who had absconded before
the first day of the new trial. A warrant of arrest was
issued on 1st October 2009.
In a Judgement which took four hours to deliver, the
defendants were convicted of all 11 charges against
them; 3 contrary to the Prevention of Corruption Act,
Chapter 131, and 8 contrary to the Penal Code, Chapter
22.
Yang Amat Mulia was sentenced today to a total of 7
years imprisonment and was ordered to pay a penalty of 4
million 219 thousand 242 Brunei dollars and 60 cents,
with a further 12 months imprisonment in default of
payment. Wong was also sentenced to 7 years
imprisonment. Both defendants were ordered to pay
prosecution costs of the trial with 6 months
imprisonment in default of payment. In sentencing Yang
Amat Mulia, the judge considered that as a Minister of
the Government, he had abused the trust of his
subordinates in the Ministry of Development, of his
Cabinet Colleages and of His Majesty the Sultan himself.
The Anti-Corruption Bureau, ACB, began their
investigation in 1999 under the direction of former
Director, Datin Paduka Hajah Intan binti Hj Kassim. Led
by Chief Special Investigator Haji Meraj bin Haji Ahmad,
the ACB Investigation team took three years to complete
their investigation. The file was sent to the Attorney
General's Chambers in 2002. Formal charges were first
filed in Court against both defendants on 13th May 2004.
The case clearly demonstrates the Government of His
Majesty's commitment to the rule of law and the
importance of zero tolerance towards corruption in
Brunei. It also makes clear that no one is above the law
and that all cases will be impartially, fairly and
independently investigated by the ACB. The investigation
and prosecution teams have, throughout the case, been
given unwavering support and guidance of Datin Paduka
Hajah Intan binti Hj Kassim, her succesor-in-office,
Pengiran Kasmirhan Pengiran Hj Tahir, and the current
Acting Director, Mr Ang Swee Kiang. ACB would also like
to pay tribute to the prosecution team led by Mr Andrew
Macrae QC from the Hong Kong Bar and officers of the
Attorney General's Chambers.
Source:
Radio Television Brunei
website, February 18, 2010
The Anti-Corruption Bureau honours and appreciates
informants,witnesses in corruption cases and those who
cooperate in fighting corruption
The Anti-Corruption Bureau, ACB, meanwhile honours and
appreciates informants,witnesses in corruption cases and
anyone who cooperates with the ACB in eradicating
corruption problems. People like them have proven an aid
in preventing corruption. The Acting ACB Director
highlighted the matter at an appreciation ceremony for
the main witnesses in the ACB trial cases this morning.
The function took place at the Empire Hotel and Country
Club.
Awang Haji Abdul Raub bin Haji Mohamad Yassin said being
a witness in a trial is not an easy task. It requires
one to be faithful, courageous and dislike wrong doings
such as corruption.
Awang Haji Raub also hoped that ministries and
government departments or the private sector will
continue cooperate with the Anti Corruption Bureau by
reporting corruption-related cases so that such cases
can be stopped, thus leaving the nation free of
corruption. In the meantime, he promised that protection
will be given to informants by keeping their names in
secret according to chapter 30 of the anti corruption
act.
The role or cooperation and assistance from the public
to the ACB, either from officers and government
servants, the private sector or the public that help in
investigation and prosecution have produced positive
outcomes. This was so following the completion of 8
trial cases in Court last year.
Source:
Radio Television Brunei
website, February 18, 2010
Stronger and continuous cooperation between the
government and private sectors
Stronger and continuous cooperation between the
government and private sectors clearly show their
commitment in efforts to further upgrade the credibility
of local job seekers before entering the workplace that
suit their knowledge and skills. The Commissioner of
Labour stressed the matter at the presentation of
certificates of the '14th Basic Book-keeping' course,
'Motivational' course as well as a course on 'How to
Write a Biodata or CV'. The event was held at the Job
Centre in Bandar Seri Begawan.
Dayang Hajah Rosliah binti Haji Hasbollah said the
Labour Department continues to implement measures
towards increasing the involvement of locals to work
with the private sector, thereby reducing unemployment
in the country. She also stressed on the importance of
local job seekers to upgrade their knowledge and skills
by joining trainings and expose themselves to certain
fields required by the private sector.
Certificates were presented to 25 people who completed
the basic book-keeping course. 15 more participants
received certificates for the motivational training
course Part Two, and 13 others for the same course Part
Three.
Source:
Radio Television Brunei
website, February 18, 2010
Long Term Development Planning for Brunei Darussalam
2007-2035 Briefing
The Information Department as Secretariat of the Public
Relations Committee of Government Ministries and
Departments with the cooperation of the Economic
Planning and Development Department this afternoon held
a briefing on the Long Term Development Planning for
Brunei Darussalam 2007-2035.
The briefing was aimed at boosting the knowledge of
public relations officers and practitioners in the
government sector in upholding the goals, policies,
functions and regulations of the government. The
Director of Information, Doktor Muhammad Hadi bin
Muhammad Melayong in his speech, touched on the duties
and functions of public relations, that is to upgrade
the image and caring attitude of the government of His
Majesty's government, and also on the importance of
disseminating information on national planning and
development.
Assistant Director of Planning of the Economic Planning
and Development Department, Dayang Hajah Amimah,
meanwhile outlined three goals of Brunei 2035 Vision
which among others is to produce citizens who are
successful, highly-educated and highly-skilled in sports
and arts as well as having a high quality of life
through political stability, clean environment and are
socially healthy.
Source:
Radio Television Brunei
website, February 18, 2010
Skilled female workforce in various career fields is
expanding
The role of women in this country has become more
prominent. In the past women were less significant, but
now, skilled female workforce in various career fields
is expanding. This was emphasised at a Taklim ceremony
in conjunction with the Maulud celebration last night
marking the birthday of Prophet Muhammad, S.A.W.
The talk at the ceremony also stressed on the role of
women as wives, mothers and members of the community
from the Islamic perspective. Among those present at the
ceremony was the wife of the Minister of Religious
Affairs,Pengiran Datin Hajah Johanah. More than 150
officers and women staff of the Islamic Dakwah Centre
were present. The ceremony was aimed at propagating the
Islamic syiar among women through religious activities.
Besides that, it was also to foster and strengthen
relations among the staff of the Ministry of Religious
Affairs, including the retirees.
Source:
Radio Television Brunei
website, February 18, 2010
Special Religious Talk by a motivation expert from
Malaysia
Al-Quran is a miracle of the great Prophet Muhammad
S.A.W and an undisputable source of knowledge. Al-Quran
is also a complete map towards an excellent life besides
rewarding readers who memerozise the holy book. The
matter was delivered in a special religious talk this
afternoon.
The special talk was delivered by a motivation expert
from Malaysia, Datuk Abu Hasan Al-Hafiz. According to
Datuk Abu Hassan Al-Hafiz, youths are responsible to
support and promote Islamic harmony including by
moulding youth who can master the knowledge of Al-Quran,
particularly to counter today's life.
Source:
Radio Television Brunei
website, February 18, 2010
More than $48 thousand for Cleaning Works
The Housing Development Department has allocated more
than 48 thousand,69 dollars in its new tender to finance
cleaning works in Kampung Rataie National Housing and
the ndigenous Landless Scheme.
These works aim to ensure that residential areas under
the Housing Development Department are well-looked after
in various aspects most importantly its state of
cleanliness, comfort and be well-organised. These
include works on grass-cutting, rubbish collection,
cleaning of natural and concrete drains.
According to Senior Housing Development Officer at the
Housing Development Department for Temburong Branch,
Awang Muhammad Aliyusri bin Haji Damit, cleaning and
maintenance works are limited to targeted areas only
around the Indigenous People's Housing Scheme and the
National Housing Programme of Kampung Rataie. The areas
include the government access, the roadside areas, but
excluding house compounds. Maintenance on house
compounds is however upon the initiative and
responsibility of the houses' owners themselves.
Residents within Kampung Rataie housing areas are also
advised to maintain the cleanliness of their houses and
the surrounding environment as well. They are also urged
to instill awareness on the importance of cleanliness
and caring values among the community especially against
littering in public places.
Source:
Radio Television Brunei
website, February 18, 2010
Several efforts have been implemented to prevent and
safeguard the nation from the Influenza A H1N1. One of
them is holding more recitation of zikir such as Ratib
al-Attas. Ratib al-Attas, when practice daily will bring
peace and safety including to family and the nation.
The Pelambayan Religious
School held the recitation of Ratib al-Attas and the
reading of special doa to prevent the widespread of the
current Influenza A H1N1 pandemic as well as to
encourage the pupils to practice the zikir Ratib
al-Attas. Present was the Minister of Religious Affairs,
Yang Berhormat Pehin Jawatan Luar Pekerma Raja Dato Seri
Utama Doktor Ustaz Haji Awang Mohd. Zain. A total of
three hundred and two pupils and twenty-two teachers
attended the function. The recitation of the ratib was
led by a teacher from the Institute Tahfiz al-Quran
Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah, Haji Sujairi bin Haji
Dollah. Ratib al-Attas has many significances and when
practice, Allah S.W.T will safeguard the practitioner
from disaster.
Source:
Radio Television Brunei
website, February 17, 2010
The First Joint Working group meeting under the Memorandum of
Understanding between the Ministry of Communications
Brunei Darussalam and the Ministry of Communication and
Information Technology, of India discussed the setting
up of the Joint Working Group, JWG, and the
Strengthening of bilateral cooperation in matters
pertaining to manpower development, expertise
consultations, E-Government and ICT developments in
Brunei. The meeting was held this morning at the
Ministry of Communications in Berakas.
Prior to the meeting the
Indian delegation led by the Additional Secretary,
Department of Information Technology, Mr Shri Rakesh
Singh, paid a courtesy call on the Minister of
Communications, Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Seri
Kerna Dato Seri Setia Haji Awang Abu Bakar bin Haji
Apong. Also present was the High Commissioner of India
to Brunei Darussalam, His Excellency Shri R.V. Warjri.
Brunei Darussalam became the host for the First Joint
Working Group Meeting.
The meeting was
co-chaired by the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry Of
Communications. In his remarks, Awang Haji Alaihuddin
said it is the role of the ministry through the Brunei
agencies to work together with its relevant counterparts
from India in their own respective specialized area of
expertise. In this respect, he added, the Prime
Minister's Office is involved and taking a pro-active
role in taking up the opportunity to pave the way for
cooperation especially in the area of e-Government where
India has been well ahead in its e-Government
implementation.
The Memorandum of
Understanding signed between the Government of His
Majesty The Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei
Darussalam and the Government of the Republic Of India
in May 2008, outlined its objective to establish
inter-institutional mechanism to develop technologies
cooperation, innovation activities, consultations and
technology training services towards the formation of
specialized human resources in the field of ICT between
the two countries.
Source:
Radio Television Brunei
website, February 17, 2010
Doa Kesyukuran ceremonies in conjunction with the Birthday
Anniversary of His Royal Highness Prince Haji
Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince, Senior Minister at
the Prime Minister's Office were held this morning.
One such ceremony was
held by the Ministry of Development. The Minister of
Development, Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Hamzah
Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Abdullah was
present. His Deputy, Dato Paduka Doktor Awang Haji Mat
Sunny also attended the ceremony. The ceremony began
with a mass reading of Surah Al-Fatihah followed by the
Doa Kesyukuran.
Meanwhile, the Royal
Brunei Police Force held a similar ceremony at the surau
of the Police Headquarters in Gadong, last night.
Present at the ceremony was the Commissioner of
Police,Yang DiMuliakan Pehin Datu Kerma Setia Dato
Paduka Seri Zainuddin bin Jalani. His Royal Highness the
Crown Prince is the Deputy Inspector-General of the
Royal Brunei Police Force. Last night's ceremony began
with the mass Fardhu Maghrib Prayer, followed by the
reading of Surah Yaasin and Doa Kesyukuran. Also present
were the Deputy Commissioner of Police for Operation,
Yang Dimuliakan Pehin Orang Kaya Pendikar Alam Awang
Haji Hasrin, as well as officers and personnel of the
Royal Brunei Police Force.
Source:
Radio Television Brunei
website, February 17, 2010
The Asean Plus Three Emerging Infectious Diseases, EID
Programme has been in the forefront of the key
initiatives on the region's pandemic preparedness and
response. Mounting effective response and building
capacity, both institutional and technical in laboratory
services, are needed to form an integral part of the
preparedness and response mechanisms in addressing the
current influenza A H1N1 pandemic as well as future
threats facing the region. Thus, the cooperation and
collaboration of laboratories in the ASEAN region are an
important component in tackling emerging infectious
diseases.
The matter was
highlighted by the Deputy Permanent Secretary at the
Ministry of Health, at the Opening Ceremony of ASEAN
Plus Three Emerging Infectious Diseases Programme:
Planning Workshop On ASEAN Plus Three Partnership
Laboratories, APL, this morning. Datin Paduka Doctor
Hajah Intan binti Haji Salleh added that the cooperation
between the ASEAN members states as well as the three
partner countries, China, Japan and the Republic of
Korea, is vital in fighting infectious diseases,
especially in the midst of the current influenza A H1N1
pandemic, through the sharing of laboratory data and
technology as well as expertise in the field.
According to the Head of
Virology Laboratories, Doctor Haji Osmali bin Haji
Osman, through the workshop laboratory, personnel in
Brunei would be able to share datas as well as increase
their researching skills in infectious diseases.
The two-day workshop is
also attended by ASEAN delegates and ASEAN Plus Three
delegates as well as World Health Organization WHO
representatives. It is aimed at strengthening the
capacity of ASEAN Plus Three countries to respond
appropriately to infectious diseases through regional
laboratory networking. Besides that it is also to
discuss and prepare a drafted medium term work-plan for
APLs in accordance with the First Regional Meeting of
APL held in Singapore in 2009.
Source:
Radio Television Brunei
website, February 17, 2010
The country will always welcome efforts to empower the
nation's cultural arts, particularly those at the
Institution of Higher Education. This was underlined by
the Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Universiti Brunei
Darussalam during a Hadrah Competition among
institutions of higher learning.
Associate Professor
Doctor Azman bin Ahmad said efforts to raise the
position of cultural arts will continue because the
nation always adheres to the philosophy that a country's
progress should not be measured entirely on the basis of
its economic, physical and material development.
Instead, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor added, the progress
of the nation should also be considered from its
spiritual and intellectual viewpoint.
UBD emerged as the
champion in the competition with its song entitled,
"Negara Brunei." The champion took home a cash prize of
800 dollars contributed by Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam,
BIBD, and the challenge trophy sponsored by B-Mobile.
The Pehin Datu Seri Maharaja Secondary School, Mentiri
and the Seri Begawan Religious Teachers University
College, each came up as the first and second runners-up
respectively.
Source:
Radio Television Brunei
website, February 17, 2010
A local man has been brought before the Magistrate's Court on
two charges of selling and possessing 3 thousand 482
packets of cigarettes without a permit.
24-year-old Mohammad
Nasrul Hakimin bin Haji Amin, faced the first charge
under Section 12 (1) of the Tobacco Order 2005, and
ordered to pay a fine of 1 thousand 500 dollars or a 3
month imprisonment in default. He also faced the second
charge under Section 146 (1)(d) of the Excise Order
2006, and fined 26 thousand dollars or 12 months
imprisonment in default. The total amount of the fines
is 27 thousand 500 dollars or 15 months imprisonment in
default. All the contraband goods were confiscated and
ordered to be destroyed. The accused is given 6 months
to pay the fines.
Meanwhile, a permanent
resident has also been brought to court on a charge
under Section 146 (1)(d) of the Excise Order 2006, for
possessing 13 cartons of cigarettes without a permit.
Mohammad Salleh bin Abdullah alias Achun Anak Jalan, 67,
has been fined one thousand dollars or serve a 2 month
jail term in default. All goods involved have been
ordered seized to be destroyed and the vehicle returned.
The accused is given 2 months to pay the fine with one
local surety.
Source:
Radio Television Brunei
website, February 17, 2010
It is important for every teacher to have a clean and sincere
soul, mind and heart in carrying out his or her daily
duty. Teachers must also be smart, active and
interactive.
This was among the
contents of this morning's forum entitled "Jati Diri
Yang Mantap Memperkasa Sakhsiah Guru", or A Strong
Identity Empowers a Teacher's Personality.The forum was
presented by two panel members, the Head of the
Professional Section, Islamic Studies Department, Dayang
Siti Mariam binti Daud and an officer from the
Counselling Services Unit, Civil Service Department,
Awang Mohamad Adi Zaky bin Metassim.
The forum was chaired by
the Assistant Principal of the Hassanal Bolkiah Arabic
Boys Secondary School, Awang Haji Saharuddin bin Haji
Patra. Present was the Assistant Director of Islamic
Studies, Dayang Hajah Fatimah binti Haji Abdul Ghani.
The forum aimed to impart knowledge, awareness and
understanding of work ethics to the civil servants in
particular the staff of the Islamic Studies Department.
Source:
Radio Television Brunei
website, February 17, 2010
Temburong District residents are given the opportunity to
give their feedbacks and views on the final draft of the
Temburong District Plan. The final draft plan for the
district is now being displayed at the Bumiputera
Multi-purpose Hall in Bangar Town.
Through this exhibition,
the public can observe the development strategy
according to the land usage planning suggested for the
Temburong District.
The Acting Commissioner
of Town and Country Planning, Awang Haji Othman bin Haji
Mohammad Noor, urged Temburong residents to study the
plan closely as it concerns the future of the district.
Any suggestions or feedbacks will be taken into account
before the plan is finalized and printed out as a
guidance on the development strategy particularly in
usage of land in the Temburong District.
The exhibition is open
to the public, in particular, residents of the Temburong
District, for four days from today until Saturday, from
9 am until 4 pm.
Source:
Radio Television Brunei
website, February 17, 2010
The Wasan Vocational School is an agriculture-based training
institution. Its establishment is in line with His
Majesty's Government desire to produce school-leavers
that can contribute to the country's economic growth
through agriculture. This morning, the school held its
Open Day for students who are interested in taking up
courses offered at the school. The event runs for two
days.
The school offers the
Brunei Darussalam Technical and Vocational Education
Certificate, BDTVEC courses such as the National Diploma
in Agriculture Science which is a two and a half year
course including a 6-month industrial attachment. The
course offers students with basic skills and knowledge
in agriculture science. Also offered is the National
Diploma in Fisheries Studies which is also a
two-and-a-half-year course with a six-month industrial
attachment that provides students with the skills to
contribute to the development of the fishery and
aquaculture industries. Meanwhile, the National Diploma
in Biotechnology with the same study duration as the
other two courses, provides students with the theory and
practical skills in the concept and foundation of
biotechnology.
The engineering
certificate programme, according to the school's Acting
Principal, Awang Aket bin Melayong, includes crops
production, fisheries studies and food processing. The
latest course is the Engineering Certificate in Crop
Production, while the National Diploma in biotechnology
and Fisheries Studies are now in their second intake.
Most graduates of the school will pursue a career in the
field of agriculture under the Ministry of Industry and
Primary Resources.
The Wasan Vocational
School began operations in July 2006. The school is one
of the projects under the 8th National Development Plan.
This school is also offering the National Trade
Certificate for students who had completed Secondary
Three.
Source:
Radio Television Brunei
website, February 17, 2010
Dikir ceremonies are being held to glorify the Maulidur Rasul
in celebration of the birthday of Prophet Muhammad,
S.A.W. apart from taking the example from the life
history of the great prophet. Last night, the Executive
Committee of the Maulud Celebration in the Tutong
District held the Maulud celebration.
The ceremony began with
the reading of Surah al-Fatihah, led by the Tutong
District Chief Religious Officer, Awang Haji Madzneh bin
Haji Md Noor. Four Dikir recitals, namely Dikir
Assalaamu'alaika, Dikir Khairuman, Dikir Alham and Dikir
Ashraqal, were presented by a group of government
officers and staff in the Tutong District. The function
took place at the Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak
Sarah Mosque, Sungai Kelugos, Tutong.
Source:
Radio Television Brunei
website, February 17, 2010
Week (February 8 to 12, 2010)
DUE TO THE WINTER
STORM IN WASHINGTON, DC THERE ARE NO NEWS REPORT THIS
WEEK.
In
observance of the President's Day on Monday, February
15, 2010 the Embassy will be closed.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR
COMPREHENSION.
Week (February 1 to 5, 2010)
Life is
transient. And in going through life in this world,
things can change and can be replaced. This matter was
discussed in a Lecture with the Mufti held at the Kamung
Sungai Liang Mosque in the Belait District, last night.
Yang Berhormat Pehin
Datu Seri Maharaja Dato Paduka Seri Setia Doktor Ustaz
Haji Awang Abdul Aziz in his lecture, touched on the
life of mankind, the difficulties faced in this world
including difficulties in learning and at school,
difficulties in revising lessons as well as in
undergoing tests and examinations. The Yang Berhormat
Pehin reminded Muslims not to take lightly tests that
they are to be faced after death. The biggest, greatest
and conclusive examination, according to the Yang
Berhormat Pehin, will be on the Day of Judgement when
men will come face to face with Allah the Almighty. On
that day, all management matters are in Allah's power.
All parts of the human body such as the tongue, hands
and feet will come forward as prosecutors, witnesses,
solicitors and interpreters.
The Lecture with the
Mufti in conjunction with the Maulud celebration in
commemmoration of the birthday of Prophet Muhammad
Sallallahu'alaihi Wasallam, will continue on the 20th of
February at Kampung Kupang Mosque, in the Tutong
District.
Source:
Radio Television Brunei
website, February 5, 2010
Further
Learning in Nursing is not only an important element in
promoting skill competency, but also as one of the
methods to further enhance the standard of the nursing
profession. More importantly, Further Learning could
also entail effective treatment towards fulfilling
patients' needs. The matter was highlighted by the
Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Health at the
official opening of the First Nursing Potpourri, this
afternoon.
Dato Paduka Haji Abdul
Salam Bin Abdul Momin also said that the first Nursing
Potpourri is one of the steps or platform to encourage
the nursing graduates from overseas universities to
exchange of ideas among them, show their skills as
professional nurses and subsequently exercise them in
the training course. It is also hoped that these trained
nurses would use the experience and knowledge in
carrying out their nursing practice.
The Nursing Potpourri
themed, "Sharing of Knowledge", was organised by the
Further Nursing Education Unit of the Nursing Services
Department, Ministry of Health. It was in support of the
Ministry's vision for 2035 - Achieving excellent
services, continuous professional development and
evidence-based approach. This series of talk sessions
that will be held every month involves three speakers
comprising graduates from different areas of nursing.
From 2004 until 2009,
53 nurses and four midwives have returned to work after
having successfully completed their studies and training
abroad. One nurse obtained the Master Degree, 30
received first degrees, 20 obtained Higher Diploma, one
obtained the additional Diploma, and six nurses obtained
certificates in Basic Nursing.
Source:
Radio Television Brunei
website, February 5, 2010
The
national flag is the symbol of unity of the country's
citizens. Despite the difference in religion, race,
creed and beliefs, they remain united under the
leadership of a king or head of state. The community
must be aware that unity or solidarity ensures security
and can lead to prosperity and development. Since the
flag is a national symbol, the citizens should respect
the Brunei Darussalam Flag as one of the symbol of love
for the nation. This matter was highlighted in the
Friday Sermon today.
It was emphasised in
the Friday Sermon that in conjunction with the 26th
National Day Anniversary celebration, the citizens and
residents in the country should together answer the
government's call to fly the national flag as a show of
loyalty and faithfulness to the king and the nation. In
the sermon, the imam added that flags can kindle the
spirit of patriotism and nationalism. For example, in
sports every contigent flies the flag of their
respective country as an identification of the country
they represent. The same applies to international
conferences where flags of the participating countries
will be placed on the table in front of the delegates to
identify their respective nations. So meaningful is the
national flag, that it is not surprising if a patriotic
citizen will feel offended or insulted if the national
flag of his or her country is not being honoured.
Therefore, Muslims are urged to honour the national flag
that represents the image of the race and nation. It is
also necessary to ensure that the flag to be raised is
in good condition, not worn-out or faded in colour.
Source:
Radio Television Brunei
website, February 5, 2010
Two
sites in the Tutong District have been identified for
oil drilling project to be carried out soon. In this
regards, a briefing on the project was given to
residents in the effected areas this afternoon.
The locations known as
'LUKUT' situated at Kampong Birau and Kampung Lempuyang
in the Bukit Barun area. The briefing was presented by
the company manager, Awang Zulasmin bin Mohd Nor.
The first phase will
involve drilling in the LUKUT. It will be carried out by
Nation Petroleum and its consortium and takes about 110
days.
Source:
Radio Television Brunei
website, February 5, 2010
Due to
the increase of Influenza A H1N1 cases in Brunei
Darussalam, the Ministry of Health once again reminded
the members of the public to go for vaccination.
The Ministry of Health
says that the Vaccination Centre at the Indoor Stadium
in Berakas will now be operating on Fridays and Sundays
as well as during public holidays this month from 2 in
the afternoon until 8 in the evening. Meanwhile, on
Monday until Thursday and Saturday, the Vaccination
Centre will be opened during office hours.
Since it began
operation on January 30th, the Vaccination Centre at the
Indoor Stadium in Berakas recorded a total of 305 people
had their vaccination. Yesterday alone, the number
reached 680.
To get the vaccination,
members of the public need to register and fill in the
form while waiting for their turn. Once they had their
vaccination, they will be given briefing and monitored
by doctors and nurses on duty before leaving.
Source:
Radio Television Brunei
website, February 5, 2010
In the
current ever changing economic situation, business
community need to diversify their business procedure or
marketing strategy in effort to attract costumers. What
is more important, they need to always implement the
safety aspect. The Chairman of the Bandar Seri Begawan
Municipal Board, Pengiran Hj Ali Pengiran Hj Othman made
the remarks at the official opening of Audiomarc Company
in Gadong, this morning.
According to Pengiran
Hj Ali, businessmen also need to make whatever changes
necessary according to procedure underlined or enforced
by the government agency involved to prevent any
undesirable tragedy. Businessmen, especially building
owners are urged to pay their electricity and water
bills as well as building tax. In view of the current
H-1-N-1 pandemic, they are also reminded to always keep
their premises clean and to provide basic necessities
for the workers and costumers. The Chairman of the
Bandar Seri Begawan Municipal Board also touched on the
Bandar Seri Begawan Development Master Plan.
Audiomarc Company,
located at Simpang 103, Jalan Gadong, sell various
electrical and household goods as well as renowned
branded entertainment equipments.
Source:
Radio Television Brunei
website, February 5, 2010
The
website for collection of contributions for the Everest
Trekking Charity Project was launched this afternoon at
the Oil and Gas Discovery Centre, OGDC, Seria this
evening. The website was officially launched by the
Belait District Officer, Haji Jamain bin Momin.
To donate to the
Project Fund online, the public can log on to
www.trekkingamal.com.bn. Besides donating online, donors
can also send their contributions directly to the
Community Development Department, Ministry of Culture,
Youth and Sports and to the HSBC throughout the country.
Meanwhile, the organisers also plan to introduce the
donation method via Brunei Prihatin SMS soon.
The Everest Trekking
Charity Project is carried out by the Brunei Chess
Association, BCF, with the cooperation of the Community
Development Department, aimed at collecting donations
for the National Welfare Fund.The project targets at a
collection of 50 thousand dollars for the construction
or repairworks on the homes of families in need of aid
in the country. The objective of the project is also to
establish the first Brunei team to reach the Everest
Base Camp as well as to organise a chess tournament at
the world's highest venue. Present at today's ceremony
was a member of the State Legislative Council, Yang
Berhormat Haji Shafiee bin Ahmad.
Source:
Radio Television Brunei
website, February 5, 2010
Caring
attitude needs to be continuously nurtured among kampong
residents. Such a move was seen this morning when
residents of Kampong Kinalong in Mukim Bangar, Temburong
carried out a voluntary work to repair one of residents'
house.
The house belongs to
Awang Haji Mohammad Yusof bin Haji Mohammad Misir. The
voluntary work was joined by the Temburong District
Office and the Kampung Belingus Consultative Council as
well as residents in the nearby areas.
Also taking part in the
vouluntary work were the District Officer, Awang Matusin
bin Orang Kaya Sura Haji Tuba and a member of the State
Legislative Council, Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Sulaiman
bin Haji Ahad, who is also the Ketua Kampung of
Belingus.
Source:
Radio Television Brunei
website, February 5, 2010
The
Brunei Economic Development Board, BEDB, this morning
received a call from a business delegation from Sabah,
Malaysia. The delegation is representing the Sabah
Economy Development Corporation, SEDCO.
The delegation was led
by the Chairman of SEDCO, Yang Berhormat Datuk Haji Mohd
Arifin bin Mohd Arif. During the visit the delegation
heard a briefing delivered by the Chairman of BEDB, Dato
Paduka Timothy Ong. He among others explained on the
current development of economic activities in Brunei
Darussalam including the Sungai Liang Industrial Park,
SPARK. Also being touched was the planned construction
of Container Port at Pulau Muara Besar. The port will be
equipped with a highly sophisticated infrastructure and
a large scale of capacity compatible with the strategic
location of the port. The delegation was also informed
on BEDB efforts to create an ICT infrastructure at the
i-Centre in Aggerek Desa.
Source:
Radio Television Brunei
website, February 5, 2010
Students often make the wrong career choice probably
owing to peer influence, that could make them feel
pressured and regret with their choice of career. This
was disclosed by the Counsellor at the Paduka Seri
Begawan Sultan Science College, Dayang Harisah Haji
Awang in an interview with RTB this morning.
According to Dayang
Harisah, based on her own experience, some of the
students made their career choice not based on their own
capability but sometimes on influence from their peers,
or relatives and different suggestions from their
parents and teachers. This could confuse the students
and lead to their making the wrong course or career
choice that they later regret. They would then decide to
change course even after they had already undergone the
course for half a year.
Dayang Harisah then
stressed the need for parents or guardians to comprehend
and identify their children's potential and capability
without determining the career their children should
pursue. She said that the reason for inviting parents
today was to suggest to them to allow their children to
choose the type of career that suits their interest and
capability so that they do not feel pressured and the
question of learning half-way through and regrets will
not arise.
RTB's interview with
Dayang Harisah was held after a briefing session
organised by the Paduka Seri begawan Sultan Science
College through its Career Centre with the cooperation
of the college's Guidance and Counselling Section. The
briefing touched on the guidance for parents and
guardians of the college students on how to make career
choices that suit their children's academic
qualifications, interest and capability. The briefing
took place at the College Hall.
Source:
Radio Television Brunei
website, February 5, 2010
The
United Nations last December gathered world leaders to
plan urgent action on global warming and climate change.
And at the same time, efforts were taken aimed raising
awareness on the same issues.
A group of brave and
determined young ladies from the Commonwealth countries
skied to the South Pole, one of the most demanding of
all environments. Among these outstanding young women
was one of our own, Dayangku Era.
This was highlighted by
Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Masna,
Ambassador-at-large at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
and Trade in a sabda during the reception dinner to
celebrate Dayangku Era's achievement in reaching the
South Pole as part of the team in the Commonwealth
Women's Antarctic Expedition. Her Royal Highness
Princess Hajah Masna encouraged Era to share her
exciting stories and experience with the Bruneian youth.
Her Royal Highness added that Era's experience can be a
motivator for the youth to build up their confidence and
thought that "there is a South Pole for everyone".
Dayangku Era, aged 25,
works at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Her
adventure began in February 2009 when she was selected
from among 800 applicants worldwide to be part of the
first all-women team to attempt the trip to the South
Pole. Era, who is also known as Brunei's Polar Girl said
she is proud to have represented Brunei on this once in
a lifetime adventure. Last night's event was held at the
Royal Brunei Polo and Riding Club, Jerudong and Also
present were, Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Lela Cheteria
Sahibun Najabah Pengiran Anak Haji Abdul Aziz and the
Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, Yang Berhormat
Pehin Orang Kaya Setia Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Dr.
Awang Haji Ahmad.
Source:
Radio Television Brunei
website, February 4, 2010
Cancer
is the main cause of death in Brunei Darussalam from
2004 to 2007 with the death rate of 55 point 1 percent
per 100 thousand people in 2007.
In a message in
conjunction with the World Cancer Day today, the
Minister of Health, Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya
Indera Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Suyoi
disclosed that from 2002 to 2006, the National Cancer
record showed that a total of 1,348 cancer cases were
identified which was an average of 269 cases per year.
The record also showed that lung cancer normally occur
among the male while breast cancer among the female.
Other cancers include cervical, endometrium and
nasopharynx.
According to Yang
Berhormat cancer cases has been on the rise in the
country and even more alarming is that breast cancer
cases have been identified at an early age, lung cancer
also occurred among non smoker and obesity was linked to
endometrium cancer at a young age.
The theme of the this
year's World Cancer Day, which is celebrated on every
February 4th is 'Cancer Can be Prevented Too'. It is
aimed at encouraging people to take simple steps to
prevent cancer disease.
In the message Yang
Berhormat also outlined four major ways for cancer
prevention, namely, stopping consumption of tobacco
products, a healthy diet and lifestyle, preventing
Hepatitis B infection that cause cancer and staying away
from alcoholic beverages. The theme is in line with the
effort of the Ministry of Health to raise public
awareness on the disease, and to promote healthy
lifestyle among the citizens and people in the country.
Cancer is also one of
the main cause of death througout the world. According
to the World Health Organisation, WHO it is estimated
that 84 million people died of cancer between 2005 and
2015 if preventive and control programmes are not
implemented. Cancer is a disease which can be prevented
and treated. More than 30 percent of cancer cases can be
prevented if the public adopt healthy lifestyles.
To prevent and control
cancer in Brunei Darussalam, the Ministry of Health has
taken various measures including the implementation of
the 2005 Tobbaco Order and Regulations so as to reduce
the rate of tobacco products consumption as well as to
reduce lung cancer in the country.
The Ministry of Health
takes serious attention on the provision of hollistic
and high quality treatment. To further improve treatment
and health care services, through joint venture with the
Jerudong Park Medical Centre,JPMC, the Oncology Unit of
RIPAS Hospital has been permanently transferred to the
JPMC on 21st December last year. The transfer is aimed
at providing a more comprehensive Cancer Centre as
national consultation centre to treat, cure and prevent
cancer in the country,as well as to upgrade the quality
of living of cancer sufferers. The centre provides
special and more appropriate facilities as well comfort
for cancer patients.
In conjunction with the
World Cancer Day this year, the Ministry of Health will
organise activities that will educate and instill public
awareness on simple ways to prevent cancer and encourage
them to change their attitude by adopting advices given.
Source:
Radio Television Brunei
website, February 4, 2010
Each
year 12 million people receive a cancer diagnosis and
7.6 million people die of cancer. "Cancer be Prevented
Too", is the slogan of the World Cancer day Campaign
this year, that more than 100 countries are in the
global fight against cancer through the implementation
of the World Cancer Declaration.
According to Oncologist
Specialist from the National Cancer Centre, Dr Haji Muhd
Syafiq Abdullah, one-third or 30 percent of cancers are
potentially preventable and that the risk of developing
cancers can significantly reduced.
Source:
Radio Television Brunei
website, February 4, 2010
The
Minister of Industry and Primary Resources, Yang
Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Utama Dato Seri Setia
Awang Haji Yahya this afternoon received a courtesy call
from the Chairman of the Sabah Economic Developement
Corporation, SEDCO.
Yang Berhormat Datuk
Haji Mohd Arifin bin Mohd Arif is leading a 14-member
trade delegation from Sabah for a four-day visit to the
country. During the call, both sides hoped for the
bilateral and trade relations to be further
streghthened.
The visitors were later
briefed on the ministry role and functions including the
Brunei Halal Brand and the upcoming International Halal
Product Expo.
Source:
Radio Television Brunei
website, February 4, 2010
A trade
delegation of 35 from the Sabah Economic Development
Corporation, SEDCO, today visited a project site under
the Ministry of Industry and Primary Resources, Mahkota
Crystal Sendirian Berhad, located at the Lambak Kanan
Industrial Site. The visit to Mahkota Crystal Sendirian
Berhad was part of a 4-day visit Itinerary to Brunei
Darussalam.
The trade delegetion,
led by the Chairman of SEDCO, Yang Berhormat Datuk Haji
Mohd Arifin bin Mohd Arif was welcomed by the Board of
Directors of Mahkota Crystal Sendirian Berhad, Pengiran
Sharifuddin bin Pengiran Haji Matali and Haji Awang
Faizal bin Haji Mohd Yaakub. The Sabahans were shown
around the premises and given a briefing on the
production process, its raw material imports and the
machinery used.
According to SEDCO's
Chairman the visit gave them several options to explore
business and investment opportunities in the Sultanate.
Yang Berhormat Datuk Haji Mohd. Arifin bin Mohd. Arif
said they also seek experience in learning from Brunei
in connection with business world and others. Besides
that, he added, their visit was also to look for
opportunities on how to co-operate and seek partners and
will be of benefit to both sides particularly in Sabah
and business partners di Brunei Darussalam.
Source:
Radio Television Brunei
website, February 4, 2010
One
hundred and four teams have so far confirmed to take
part in the Mass Gathering in conjunction with the 26th
Brunei Darussalam's National Day. The event will be
participated by the Royal Brunei Armed Forces, Royal
Brunei Police Force, Uniformed Organisations, Ministries
and Government Departments, Special Teams, District
teams, the private sector, Higher Learning Institutions,
Schools and Colleges, Public Organisations and
Associations including foreign nationals.
In a media briefing
this afternoon, the Permanent Secretray at the Ministry
of Culture Youth and Sports, Dato Paduka Awang Hj Jemat
bin Hj Ampal who's the secretary of the Executive
Committee of Brunei Darussalam's National Day
celebration, called on the public to join the spectators
at the Taman Haji Sir Muda Omar Ali Saifuddien in the
capital to together glorify the national day
celebrations, besides showing patriotic support and
pride to loving the country in line with this year's
theme, 'Negaraku Brunei Darussalam' which demands
Bruneians to feel that Brunei Darussalam belongs to
them, and that they should together uphold the image and
secure the harmony of the country. This year's National
Day theme, 'NEGARAKU BRUNEI DARUSSALAM'.
To avoid traffic jam
during the celebration, the national day's committee of
Transportation has provided 234 vehicles through shuttle
services at two venues. For members of the public from
Gadong, Berakas and the surrounding areas, the committee
has provided transportation services at the car parking
space of the Jame' Asr Hassanil Bolkiah. While those
coming via Jalan Tutong and its vicinity, the shuttle
service is available at the Milem One Open Area adjacent
to the Seri Complex Pot Office in Jalan Tutong. Both
Shuttle Services will drop passengers near the Lapau and
Madrasah Buildings.
This year's national
day celebration will commence with the hoisting of the
Giant Flag on Sunday the 7th of this month.
The Majlis Kesyukuran
and Mass Maghrib Prayer, the reading of Surah Yassin and
Doa Kesyukuran will be held on Monday Evening 22nd
February at the Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque in the
capital.
Meanwhile, the
rehearsals for the traditional parade at the Taman Sir
Muda Omar Ali Saifuddien will be held on Tuesday 16th,
Thursday 18th and Saturday 20th respectively from 7.30
until 11 in the morning. The highlight of the
celebration will take place on the morning of Tuesday
the 23rd.
Source:
Radio Television Brunei
website, February 4, 2010
The
National Park in Ulu Temburongcontinues to be given due
attention by improving the standard of the existing
facilities, and building new premises. Among the
improved facilities at the Park are the building of the
Brunei Darussalam Outward Bound Operation Centre. The
improvement works on the building which is regularly
used as venue for field-activities have been
fully-completed.
Yesterday, the
Conservation and Improvement Permanent Committee of
National Park, Ulu Temburong made a working visit to the
park to have a closer look at the development progress
of the area. Leading the visitors, the Deputy Minister
of Development, Dato Paduka Doctor Awang Haji Mat Suny,
who's chairman of National Park Committee together with
the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Industry and
Primary Resources, Dayang Hajah Suriyah binti Haji Umar.
A meeting was also held to discuss projects that have
been completed under the improvement of standard and
building structure as well as the construction of new
additional buildings at the National Park.
During the working
visit, there was also a handing-over of the Brunei
Darusssalam Outward Bound Operation Centre's building in
Ulu Temburong which have been improved. The improvement
works on the facilities is one of the projects carried
out by the Public Works Department. The buidling was
handed over by the Acting Director-General of Public
Works, Awang Haji Suhaimi bin Haji Gafar to the
Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Culture, Youth
and Sport, Dato Paduka Awang Haji Mohd Hamid bin Haji
Mohd Jaafar, and witnessed by the Deputy Minister of
Development.
Major parts of the
improvement works carried out on the O-B-B-D Operation
Centre Building include - replacing the decayed or
crumbling of woods structure especially the jetty and
landing areas, dining room, meeting room and check-in
block. The operation centre is one of the facilities at
the Brunei Darussalam Outward Bound for field activities
particularly for participants who are attending the
self-defence course. Apart from the O-B-B-D Operation
Centre, improvement works were also carried out on one
of another facilities provided at the Brunei Darussalam
Outward Bound namely: the Logistic Centre at the Kampong
Batang Duri.
The delegation also
visited the newly- improved Field Research Centre at
Kuala Belalong that is located at the Kuala Sungai
Belalong. The Centre is one of the important facilities
as a tropical rainforest bio-diversification research
centre in the country which is well-known to the world.
This Research Centre is not only to attract interest of
scientists and environmentalists, but also always
welcome the visit state dignateries including foreign
leaders. In the meantime, the National Park at Ulu
Temburong is now having a special helicap which was
fully-completed, last year. The improvement works aimed
at upgrading the standard of facilities and structure at
the Park besides building capabilities in producing a
condusive and harmonious atmosphere towards developing
tourism industry, forestry and those related with them.
Source:
Radio Television Brunei
website, February 4, 2010
The
hoisting of national flag campaign for the Tutong
District level in conjunction with the 26th National Day
of Brunei Darussalam was held this morning at the Tutong
Civic Complex. This marks the beginning of the hoisting
of national flag at every building besides glorifying
the celebration.
Earlier, the Director
of Information, Doctor Muhammad Hadi bin Muhammad
Melayong, in his speech, emphasizes that close
co-operation of all parties can create a
united-community under the umbrella of a beloved ruling
monarch. He said, the hoisting of national flag becomes
a symbol of genuine patriotism spirit among the rakyat
and people of the country.
A special briefing on
Adat Istiadat Department was presented by Yang Amat
Mulia Pengiran Seri Wijaya Pengiran Haji Ahmad. He urged
every walks of life to hoist national flag or personal
flag correctly and accordingly based on the stated
rules.
Present, the Permanent
Secretary at the Ministry of Home Affairs, Awang Haji
Mawardi bin Haji Abdullah.
Source:
Radio Television Brunei
website, February 4, 2010
Radio
Television Brunei, RTB, is committed towards the
prevention of corruption as well as aware on the dangers
of such act. It will not only tarnish the organisation,
the country and public service's image, and will also
ruin the unity and prosperity of the country. This
morning, officers and staff of RTB heard a talk on
Corruption organised by the Anti-Corruption Bureau.
The talk is aimed at
giving awareness and providing information and knowledge
to the officers and staff of RTB while gaining
beneficial insights that can be used as a precaution in
carrying out their responsibilities. Special
Investigative Officer of the Anti-Corruption Bureau,
Pengiran Imran bin Pengiran Haji Metarsat, in his talks,
among otherthings outlined the types of corruption and
shared the outcome of several investigations on
corruption cases that have been carried out. He also
touched on criminal sentences that will be imposed on
government servants who committed offences under the
Anti-Corruption Act.
Present was the Acting
Director of RTB, Awang Haji Idris bin Haji Md Ali. The
briefing was jointly organised by RTB's Broadcasting
Development Centre and the Anti-Corruption Bureau.
Source:
Radio Television Brunei
website, February 4, 2010
About
thirty participants of the ASEAN Workshop, this
afternoon were on a tour to one of Brunei's Resorts
which was officially opened in October, last year. The
tour to the Mangrove Paradise Resort focussed on the
development of Small and Medium Enterprises, SMEs in the
country.
The Resort is a
floating check-in accomodation surrounded with
mangroves. Its construction costs about 2-million
dollars. According to one of the workshop's
participants, the resort has a great potential
especially in attracting many foreign tourists to visit
the country.
According to Awang
Khairul, the two-day workshop focusses on sharing
experience among small and medium entreprises in the
ASEAN countries.
Source:
Radio Television Brunei
website, February 4, 2010
His
Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin
Waddaulah, the Sultan and Yang Di-pertuan of Brunei
Darussalam, the Minister of Defence and Supreme
Commander of Royal Brunei Armed Forces has consented to
receive in an audience the Chief of General Staff of the
United Kingdom, His Excellency General Sir David
Richards at Istana Nurul Iman this afternoon.
At the audience
ceremony, His Excellency General Sir David Richards was
accompanied by the Commander of the Royal Brunei Armed
Forces, Major General Haji Aminuddin Ihsan and the
British High Commissioner to Brunei Darussalam, His
Excellency Robert Dominic Russell Fenn.
Brunei Darussalam and
the United Kingdom first established its defence
bilateral cooperation through the Exchange of Notes in
September 1983. Since then a number of memorandum of
understandings have been signed, which enhanced further
the defence cooperation between the two countries. The
four day official visit by His Excellency aims to
further strengthen the friendly relationship and to
extend the importance of bilateral military cooperation
of both armies.
Source:
Radio Television Brunei
website, February 3, 2010
By
command of His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah
Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar
Ali Saifuddien Sa'adul Khairi Waddien, the Sultan and
Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, the Prime
Minsiter's Office hereby announces that His Majesty the
Sultan and Yang di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam has
consented to confirm the appointment of Yang Mulia Awang
Haji Hamdan bin Haji Abu Bakar, Acting Director of
Internal Security Department as Director of Internal
Security Department. The confirmation of the said
officer will take effect from Thursday, 19th of Safar
1431 corresponding to the 4th of February 2010.
Source:
Radio Television Brunei
website, February 3, 2010
The
Co-curriculum Programme at education institutions in
this country is one of the academic activity components
that is important to secondary school students and ALSO
to undergraduates of Centres for Higher Learning. This
value-added programme becomes even more useful and
beneficial to undergraduates in their studies at
university, because besides obtaining knowledge, their
involvement in the co-curriculum programme will train
them to become responsible citizens.
The matter was
underlined by the Deputy Permanent Secretary at the
Ministry of Religious Affairs, at the official opening
ceremony of the establishment of the Fire and Rescue
Cadet Team, of the Seri Begawan Religious Teachers
University College, KUPU SB, this afternoon. Pengiran
Haji Bahrom bin Pengiran Haji Bahar said the
co-curriculum programme at education institutions in the
country is also an effective effort and initiative in
creating balanced individuals mentally, physically,
emotionally as well as intellectually. Pengiran Haji
Bahrom hoped that such activities will continue to be
extended to include other programmes to give students
the opportunity to carry out social and community work.
He also expressed confidence that the establishment of
the cadet team would achieve its objective to produce
religious teachers with holistic characteristics and
personalities that are consistent with the policies of
the country and the university college.
Sixty students from the
January 2010 study session are taking part in the KUPU
SB Fire and Rescue Cadet Team. The co-curriculum
activity accounts for one credit under the management of
the Core Knowledge Centre. The centre will further widen
its co-curricular team to include other volunteer corps
in the near future.
Source:
Radio Television Brunei
website, February 3, 2010
In
Brunei Darussalam, SMEs account for 48.5% of all
businesses and provide 92% of total employment in the
private sector or 27.6% of the total workforce. This was
disclosed by the Deputy Permanent Secretary at the
Ministry of Industry and Primary Resources, while
officially opening the ASEAN Workshop on 'Sharing of
Best Practices On The Establishment of SME Financial
Facility'. The workshop is organised jointly by the
Entrepreneurial Development Centre, Ministry of Industry
and Primary Resources and SME Corporation Malaysia.
The two-day ASEAN
Workshop held at the Rizqun International Hotel in
Gadong aims to provide a platform, to share the outcome
of the survey findings conducted earlier by small and
medium enterprises or SME Bank of Malaysia with the
assistance of all respective SME focal points in ASEAN
Member States. In her opening address, Pengiran Hajah
Mariana added that, as reported, SMEs are therefore a
major source of employment in the country following a
survey conducted by the Commonwealth Secretariat in June
2007. Pengiran Hajah Mariana also stated that The
Ministry of Industry and Primary Resources, as the focal
point for SME development, is committed to assist SMEs
by adopting 3 broad approaches namely, expanding
business opportunities, providing a favourable business
environment for trade and investment, as well as
ensuring that SME's are able to take full advantage of
those opportunities.
This workshop is a
joint cooperation project currently being executed by
Brunei Darussalam and Malaysia as one of the four
flagship projects listed under the Strategic Schedule of
the ASEAN Economic Community, AEC Blueprint on SME
Development for the period of 2009 to 2011. About 50
participants comprising those from the 10 ASEAN
countries as well as from SME Agencies of the Plus Three
Countries, China, Japan and Korea as well as Experts
from SME Financial Institutions from ASEAN Member States
are attending the workshop.
Source:
Radio Television Brunei
website, February 3, 2010
Another
session of Study UK 2010 was held in Gadong to give
opportunities for those who are still apprehensive about
the procedures to apply to colleges or universities
there. A number of things are to be reminded for
students who wish to further their study in the United
Kingdom.
Six seminars were held
this afternoon to aid the students with their
application processes and making full use of the time
there. The seminars among others focused on the
importance of taking International English Language
Testing System - IELTS, student visa informations and on
employability of UK Graduates.
According to the Entry
Clearance Assistant, Trish Hickey from the British High
Commission in Bandar Seri Begawan, there is a difference
in applying the visa since three years ago. Soon
students will only have to wait for a few weeks instead
of months for their visas to be approved.
Meanwhile, the speaker
for the seminar on employability of UK Graduates, Tim
Gutsell advised students or graduates to use their visas
to good use as they can apply for work opportunities in
the UK to gain more experience.
Another thing that
should be on the students checklist is to ensure that
the universities they are applying for have the
International English Language Testing System, IELTS
grades.
Source:
Radio Television Brunei
website, February 3, 2010
The
English Language is seen as a global language and is
fast becoming accepted as the lingua franca of South
East Asia and the Pacific region. Economic globalisation
has encouraged the spread of English, but at the same
time, the spread of English has also encouraged
globalisation. English has in fact become the global
language of Business and Technology.
As links between people
across the world grow, there is an increasing need for
us to learn world languages, such as English. Knowing
one or more of the world languages is becoming an
increasingly important skill for any individual who
wants to do well in today's global market. Global trade
stimulates the growth of global languages, this in turns
allow businesses to encourage their staff to improve
their language skills in order to compete better in
today's competitive global market. This was stated by
the Chairperson, Michael G. Cross at the opening
ceremony of English for Business and Technology
Conference, E4BT this morning. The conference was
officially launched by the Vice Chancellor of Institute
of Technology Brunei, ITB, Doctor Haji Omar bin Haji
Khalid.
The conference aims to
be a meeting point for educators and trainers to keep
abreast of current trends, innovations and latest
development in the teaching of English for Business and
Technology. In addition, it will also provide an
opportunity for educators and trainers to present,
discuss and generate ideas on the current trend and the
effective delivery of English for Business and
Technology. The E4BT conference brings together 28 paper
presenters from around the region with the invitation of
two international keynote speakers, Vicki Hollet and
Doctor Alistair King.
Source:
Radio Television Brunei
website, February 3, 2010
The
National Education System of the 21st Century, SPN 21,
highlights the necessary skills that students need to
learn including skill in the Info-Communication
Technology or ICT. In this respect, exposing and
encouraging the use of multi-media in the learning
process is an effort that should be welcomed by all
parties. Activities such as the Tunas Mekar Group
Competition can help teachers as well as students in
diversifying the methods of teaching and learning. This
was stated by the Acting Senior Special Duties Officer
of the Schools Department, Ministry of Education at the
final of Tunas Mekar Group Competition for Primary
Schools throughout the country 2009, this morning.
Awang Aidin bin Haji
Abu Bakar said if the skill training is conducted with
full commitment and responsibility by all parties, with
focus on the students, it will be fruitful in terms of
attitude, skill, and knowledge. Awang Aidin viewed the
learning process at the primary school level as vital to
the children's development in the acquisition of
knowledge and skills particularly in communication. Only
with good basic skill and knowledge in certain fields,
the students will find it easier to follow and continue
their studies at a higher level. Such skills can be
acquired through activities such as discussions,
briefings, talks, workshops, exhibitions,
demonstrations, campaigns, teamwork and communication
exercises.
The competition was
aimed at creating a more conducive school atmosphere
apart from finding talents among the pupils who are able
to speak up before an audience. The Pancong Primary
School, Tutong Two, emerged the champion in the
competition. The competition was organised by the
Schools Department, Ministry of Education and held at
the Rimba Secondary School, Gadong.
Source:
Radio Television Brunei
website, February 3, 2010
In order to ensure that road users always obey traffic laws
and regulations, the Royal Brunei Police Force this
morning held a road safety campaign in conjunction with
the 89th police day anniversary.
The campaign was led by
the Acting Superintendent of Police, Muhammad hadini bin
Haji Osman. In the campaign, the police personnel and
staff distributed leaflets on road safety to motorists
during a road block. In an interview with RTB, the
Acting Assistance Commissioner of Police, who is also
the Acting Director of the Traffic Investigation and
Control Department, Pengiran Kamaluddin bin Pengiran
Setia Raja Pengiran Haji Jaya said the aim of the road
safety campaign was mainly to raise awareness or remind
motorists to always be careful when driving on the road.
Vehicles that are to be modified must first obtain
permission from the Land Transport Department. Those
without driving licenses must not drive and should also
consider the safety of others.
The leaflets contain
among other things, guidance and information for
motorists on how to avoid accidents, the advantages of
using the safety belt for drivers and passengers,
guidelines for motorcyclists as well as statistics on
road accidents that cause casualties. The Royal Brunei
Police Force advises the public, especially road users,
to always give their cooperation and obey the laws and
regulations in together ensuring the smooth flow of
traffic and safety for everyone on the roads.
Source:
Radio Television Brunei
website, February 3, 2010
Four divers from the Fire and Rescue Department, the second
team undergone a public safety diving supervisor course
at the International Diving Academy Malaysia, have
received their certificates and badges.
The four divers, Awang
Haji Sapar bin Haji Judin, Awang Haji Nordin bin Haji
Lias, Pengiran Zunaidi bin Pengiran Haji Duraman and
Awang Haji Md Ali bin Md Yassin attended the two-week
course on Public Safety last December in Terengganu,
Malaysia. The certificates and badges were presented by
the Director of Fire and Rescue Department, Awang Yahya
bin Haji Abdul Rahman.
The course was aimed at
giving knowledge to the divers as a preparation in the
aspects of safety, physical and mental strength in
search and rescue operation. Apart from that, the course
also aimed at improving the capability, skill and
strengthen the technique and strategy of the Diving Unit
of the department.
One of the divers, said
besides empowering the knowledge and experiences they
have implemented since 1992, the course also assist them
to reduce the risks while diving.
Source:
Radio Television Brunei
website, February 3, 2010
Two hundreds and twenty-seven trainees will attend a
nine-month course of Youth Development Program for
2010/2011 session.
The session begun with
the registration of the trainees. A total of ten courses
are offered including computer and office management,
cooking and catering, and cake and pastry. The
successful applicants of the Youth Development Program
for 2010/2011 session will also attend a skill training.
It is hoped that the course could build the
participants' self esteem so that they can become an
excellent youth. The trainees will also undergo a
working attachment program which is hope could give them
experience and knowledge on office procedure. Present
was the Head of Youth Development Program, Dayang Hajah
Fatimah.
Source:
Radio Television Brunei
website, February 3, 2010
All
agencies are called to foster close cooperation in
together curbing illegal logging activities and
sandalwood theft at the country's forest.
The Commissioner of
Police, Yang DiMuliakan Pehin Datu Kerma Setia Dato
Paduka Seri Zainuddin made the call while officiated at
two base camps in the Temburong and Tutong Districts.
The camps are for the C Company Reserve Force of the
Royal Brunei Police Force, who are assigned to monitor
the vicinity of the camps.
The setting up of the
camps acts as an effective inspiration strategy in the
operation against sandalwood theft and illegal logging
in the country. Also present were the Deputy Police
Commissioner for Operation, Yang DiMuliakan Pehin Orang
Kaya Pendikar Alam Haji Hasrin, General Surveyor and
representatives of the government department and the
Royal Brunei Armed Force.
Source:
Radio Television Brunei
website, February 2, 2010
Brunei
Darussalam with a population of 406, 200 and one of the
highest Gross Domestic Product per Capita in Asia is
highly fortunate that it has been able to maintain a
sense of continuity with its past while at the same time
embracing the present, ensuring a high standard of
living for all its citizens and a sense of stability
that is sometimes the envy of its neighbours.
The citizens of Brunei
Darussalam are blessed with excellent health services,
which provide universal access virtually due to the
generosity of the state government. According to a 2007
World Health Organization, WHO, global survey of health
services, Brunei Darussalam ranked 40th out of 190
countries. The survey also placed it second within the
Association of South East Asian Nations, ASEAN, after
Singapore, and fourth within the Pacific region.
At present the
government provides health care that costs only BD$1 a
visit for Bruneian citizens. Those under the age of 12
receive care for free, and those in particular need pay
even less than BD$1. The nearly free service includes
dental care as well as specialised health and medical
treatments, operations and consultation with Doctors.
Even those who lives in remote areas receives medical
care by a fly-in-doctor service by The Flying Medical
Team.
As part of the
Sultanate's system of care for its citizen, Brunei
Darussalam also offers free and universal education from
the Primary to the tertiary levels. There is also a
system of scholarships in place for undergraduates and
postgraduates to study either at universities in Brunei
Darussalam or overseas for degree or diploma courses.
According to the Global Competiveness Index G-C-I
released by the World Economic forum in September 2009,
the Sultanate has one of the most educated populations
in Asia. In 2009 Brunei Darussalam moved up some seven
places overall from its 2008 performance with health and
primary education, training and higher education singled
out as outperforming pillars of the GCI for the
Sultanate. This improvement helped Brunei Darussalam
rise in the rankings from fourth to third position
overall among Association of South East Asian Nations,
ASEAN, member states.
Brunei Darussalam is
also considered to have virtually non-existent poverty.
In an effort to free the poor or fakir, destitute or
miskin and people who cannot pay their debts Al
Gharimin, The government through the Brunei Islamic
Religious Council has distributed the balance of all
zakat monies. The zakat for the fakir and miskin has
assured their security with financial aid, staple food,
schooling, accommodation, the empowerment programme,
medication and more. The programme can help develop
these people in terms of economic and daily living until
they are able to escape from poverty.
The Government also
operates a system of subsidies on many agricultural
products, including rice. One kilogram of domestically
produced rice was selling at BD$1.20, while the
Department of Agriculture purchase price for farmers'
padi was BD$1.60, an implicit subsidy of BD$0.40 per
kilogram. In addition, fertilisers for domestic farmers
as well as pesticides and packaging used in the
processing of rice are also effectively subsidised by
the government. Bruneians have also traditionally relied
on the government to provide them with housing. It is
part of the broader social contract between the citizens
of Brunei and the government and a cornerstone of the
country's generous welfare system. Besides that Brunei
Darussalam is a country that does not practice imposing
personal taxes.
According to a survey
conducted by researches from the University of Leicester
Great Britain in 2006, Brunei Darussalam was among the
top 10 in the list of the Worlds Happiest Country.
Thanks to the Government, Brunei Darussalam was listed
number 9 in the list for providing its citizens with
free medical services and education. Even university
level education is paid for by the government which also
subsidizes rice and housing that ensures virtually
nonexistent poverty.
Source:
Radio Television Brunei
website, February 2, 2010
Brunei
Darussalam celebrates it's 26th National Day this year.
Members of the public are thus urged to raise their
national or personal flags at private homes and at
commercial as well as office buildings, starting Sunday
the 7th until the 27th of this month.
Pengiran-pengiran and
those bestowed with titles are to display their personal
flags and for the rest, it will be the Brunei national
flag.
Source:
Radio Television Brunei
website, February 2, 2010
The
French Ambassador and the British High Commissioner have
hosted a reception to mark the transfer of
representation of the European Presidency in Brunei,
commonly known as local presidency. Last night's
function took place at the French Ambassador's Residence
in Jalan Kota Batu.
Present was the
Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
and Trade, Pengiran Dato Paduka Osman bin Pengiran Haji
Patra. Also present were the British High Commissioner,
His Excellency Rob Fenn and the French Ambassador, His
Excellency Louis Le Vert. The transfer from France to
the United Kingdom went into effect on the 1st of
January this year. In accordance with the Treaty of
Lisbon which went into force on 1st December 2009, the
presidency of the European Council is carried out by an
elected president for two and a half years. In third
world countries, the representation of the European
Union is now the responsibility of delegations of the
Union. However, in countries where there are no Union
resident delegation, the presidency is represented by
the embassy holding the rotating presidency. When
neither a Union delegation nor related embassy is
present, it's represented by one of the embassies of
member countries present in the capital, on a
half-yearly basis. For Brunei itself: the delegation of
the European Union responsible for relations with the
country resides in Jakarta. The Swedish presidency is
thus represented by France and the Spanish presidency by
the United Kingdom.
Source:
Radio Television Brunei
website, February 2, 2010
Brunei
Darussalam will celebrate the birthday of Prophet
Mohammad 1431 Hijrah, simultaneously in the four
districts, on Saturday, 27th February. This year's
celebration carries the theme 'lllahi Selamatkan Brunei
Darussalam'. The theme is in-line with the 26th National
Day celebration theme 'Negara Ku Brunei Darussalam'.
This morning, a meeting to discuss the celebration was
held at the Dewan Muafakat, Government Offices Building,
in the Temburong district.
The meeting was chaired
by the Temburong District Officer, Awang Metussin Bin
Orang Kaya Sura Haji Tuba and also attended by a member
of the Legislative Council, Yang Berhormat Awang Haji
Sulaiman Haji Ahad, penghulus and kampong ketuas as well
as government officers. Among the agendas including the
appointment of Working Committee members, discussion on
the format of this year's celebration and other matters
of the mass gathering and procession in the district.
This year's gathering will be held at the Civic Centre
in Bangar town. In glorifying the celebration, the
nightly dikir at mosques and prayer halls will also be
held for 12 consecutive nights.
Source:
Radio Television Brunei
website, February 2, 2010
A
workshop was conducted this morning on Strategic
Planning and Management to formulate Organisational
Strategic Plan as well as to facilitate its
implementation through a Balanced Scorecard. The
workshop also provides basic coaching and guidelines to
the participants on ways and methods of implementation
used in the Departmental Strategic Plan.
The participants
include the Assistant Director of Islamic Education's
Office; Heads of section and unit; Education officers
for districts and areas, Headmasters of Arabic Schools
and officers from the Islamic Studies Department. The
workshop is a follow up of one held in last December.
It's an interactive workshop that requires the
participants involvement in group work and discussions.
The workshop was conducted by a facilitator from Mind
Matters Consultant, Awang Zainal Abidin.
Source:
Radio Television Brunei
website, February 2, 2010
In
assisting those students who have just passed their 'A'
level examination to find a suitable programme that
matches their academic achievement, the 8th Study in UK
Exhibition provides a wide variety of courses at
institutions which are recognized by Brunei Government.
The one-day event was organised by HRD Services.
30 Universities from
the United Kingdom participated in the exhibition which
give the students the opportunity to meet university
staff personally and do their course selection in time
for scholarship application deadlines. In an interview
with RTB, the Managing Director of HRD, Dayang Hajah
Rafiah Haji Momin said that the exhibition also help the
in-service personnel to identify appropriate programmes
that reflect their training needs.
According to Associate
Director South East Asia Region, Tina Yeung, Law,
Medicine and Engineering are among the most popular
courses.
The exhibition was also
participated by officials from the Brunei Government
Scholarship Department of the Ministry of Education and
the Public Service Commission. This year's event also
includes a series of seminars and talks on undergraduate
programmes, postgraduate courses and PhD Research
opportunities.
Source:
Radio Television Brunei
website, February 2, 2010
The
Sultan Saiful Rijal Technical College, MTTSR, today
launched the 5th National Skills Competition. The skills
include Cookery, Restaurant Service, Web Design and
Computer Aided Design and Drafting.
Present at the
launching was the college's Acting Principal, Habib
Mohamad bin Wan Junaidi, members of the Department of
Technical Education, key members of Brunei's 5th
National Skills Competition committee, experts of the
competing trades, key persons from the industry and the
competition finalists.
The event, held every
two years, sees participants compete in the various
skills to test themselves against demanding
international standards. Saiful Rijal's Chief Expert in
Cookery, Dayang Azizah, hopes the country's
representatives would take gold at the ASEAN Skills
Competition to be held in Thailand.
Source:
Radio Television Brunei
website, February 2, 2010
The
Royal Brunei Police Force is seeking public assistance
in tracing an Indonesian woman who was reported missing.
26 years old, SETIANI,
Passport holder AK 550265, was reported missing since 16
th January 2010. Members of the public who has
information on her where about are asked to contact the
Muara Police Station through telephone 2772253 or
Hotline 993 or any nearby police stations.
Source:
Radio Television Brunei
website, February 2, 2010
The
Electrical Services Department says that the power
supply to several areas, including the Tungku Housing
Resettlement area and the Narcotics Control Bureau in
Tungku Gadong and nearby area will be interrupted from 9
o'clock tomorrow morning. The interruption is due to
maintenance work on High Voltage in those areas.
Source:
Radio Television Brunei
website, February 2, 2010
With
effect from today, 1st February 2010, all earthwork
development applications for land within the Development
Control Competent Authority, DCCA area, irrespective of
the land size and terrain shall be submitted by
Qualified Persons, Q.P, namely architects and engineers
who are registered with the Ministry of Development.
In a statement issued
by the Town and Country Planning Department Ministry of
Development, the Chairman of DCCA said the issue was
brought up in light of the 4 landslides and flooding
partly due to natural disasters and human activities in
development. Previously, earthwork proposal plans and
submission could be made by landowners for lot area of
less than 0.50 acre while earthwork proposal plans and
submissions were done by Q.P for lot area of more than
0.50 acre. However, with this new procedure, all
earthwork applications must be submitted by Qps based on
the proposed type of earthworks to be carried out.
Detailed information about this can be obtained from the
Department of Town and Country Planning.
The DCCA reminds the
public and particularly the QPs to ensure the earthwork
proposal plans clearly show the proposed cut and fill
including its proposed platform level, cross-section,
all relevant details of the existing topography such as
contour intervals, drainage, roads and existing
developments in the surrounding area.
This new procedure also
requires all earthwork proposal plans affecting steep
slopes, undulating terrain and other environmentally
sensitive areas that the DCCA thinks would need proper
earthwork, has to be prepared and endorsed by qualified
engineers registered with the Ministry of Development
based on a certified topographical plan prepared by
Licensed Land Surveyor prior TO SUBMISSION.
The Town and Country
Planning Department says it is the responsibility of
everyone involved in the development; in particular the
landowners, developers, the professionals and
contractors to share the accountability of protecting
the natural environment, to prevent damage to the
surrounding and causing landslide and flooding in the
area and elsewhere. To ensure that earthworks are
carried out properly and accordingly the cooperation of
landowners, earthwork contractors and developers are
very crucial.
Source:
Radio Television Brunei
website, February 1, 2010
Over 60
thousand have visited the RTB Carnival this year, and
the response was beyond expectations. For the success,
an appreciation night to compliment those involved
especially the RTBMC committee members, was held at the
International Convention Centre in Berakas last night.
RTB's Acting Senior
Administrative Officer, Awang Ridzuan Haji Ahmad as
Chairman of the RTB Media Carnival, in his speech, among
others said the carnival was designed to promote RTB's
products and services and use feedbacks by members of
the public to upgrade the station's performance.
The chairman of the
carnival's co-partner, SUNLIT Advertising Sendirian
Berhad, Pengiran Haji Salleh Ab Rahaman Bin Pengiran
Haji Damit, in his address, said the carnival which
coincided with the Consumers' Fair, has benefited the
community, consumers and business operators as well as
to highlight the role of RTB as a broadcasting media in
the country, especially in the era of digital
technology.
The function also saw
the handing over of contribution to the Pengiran Muda
Al-Muhtadee Billah Orphans' Fund. The donation amounting
to more than 5 thousand 700 dollars was presented by
RTB's Acting Director, Awang Hj Idris Bin Hj Md Ali to
the
Assistant Managing
Director of the Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Foundation,
Awang Hj Puasa Bin Hj Jumat, as the representative of
the Fund's Secretariat. The contribution came from the
proceeds of the five-day carnival. Sponsors and
joint-venture partners of the 2010 Media Carnival also
received appreciation certificates.
Source:
Radio Television Brunei
website, February 1, 2010
The
five-day RTB Media Carnival 2010 that ended yesterday
gave the public the opportunity to take a closer look at
how RTB is operating. Besides that, the visitors also
could learn about the development of RTB's programmes
and new products especially on the RTB's transition to
digital broadcasting.
RTB's News and Current
Affairs Section was one of the sections that received an
overwhelming response from the visitors. Before that,
members of the public only watched the news on the TV
screen, but during the carnival they had the chance to
experience reading through the audition session. Through
such an opportunity, the visitors could also learn about
RTB's functions and responsibilities in disseminating
government information to the people and vice versa. RTB
Newscaster, Haji Taha Haji Chuchu described this year's
carnival was the most joyful.
Source:
Radio Television Brunei
website, February 1, 2010
Cyber
crime is increasing in Brunei Darussalam not only among
the youths but also amongst the adults. According to the
Commercial Crime Division of the Royal Brunei Police
Force from 2004 until 2008 there were already 51 cases
of cyber crime.
From 2004 to 2008, the
Royal Brunei Police Force had recorded 51 cyber cases.
Since it was first reported in 2004, the number of such
cases had increased. In 2005, 3 more cases were reported
after the previous 2 in 2004. 14 cyber cases were
reported in 2006, 11 in 2007 and 19 cased in 2008.
According to the Royal
Brunei Police Force's Probationary Assistant
Superintendent, Ak Omar Ali, among the cases reported
are blog journals with intention to slander individuals
or groups and the infiltration of data, which is
stealing information for crimes and scams through
emails. In 2008-2009 only, 15 cases had cost 36 thousand
dollars in losses whereby the cases reported were scams
through the internet. For example, individuals who have
received emails stating that they have won a reward
however before they are able to receive the reward, they
need to first send deposits, usually through a
remittance company in the country.
Source:
Radio Television Brunei
website, February 1, 2010
Performing the prayer is the key religious deed in Islam
and is a compulsory daily practice. In this regard, the
Islamic Education and Cultural Section of the Ministry
of Religious Affairs in collaboration with the Setia Ali
Mosque Takmir Committee has organised a three-day
Workshop on Refining Prayer rites.
The workshop ended
yesterday with the presentation of certificates to the
participants. Throughout the workshop, the participants
had the opportunity to enhance their knowledge on prayer
performance and the prayer recitals. Apart from that,
they were also made aware of mistakes and improper
movement in prayers. Like other participants, Dayang
Hajah Bobiah binti Haji Abu Bakar found the workshop
very useful as she learnt the correct reading and
movement in the prayer. The same goes for Awangku Haji
Muhamad Firdaus bin Pengiran Haji Rusman. He said the
workshop was very helpful.
More than 160
participants of the workshop received their
certificates, presented by the Secretary of the Islamic
Religious Council, Awang Haji Harun Haji Junid.
Source:
Radio Television Brunei
website, February 1, 2010
To
enhance Brunei citizens' standard of living in their
golden years, the government of His Majesty has
introduced a new pension scheme. It's the Supplemental
Contributory Pension, SCP which requires all employers
and employees to make an obligatory monthly
contributions as a sufficient incentive for their
post-retirement living expenses.
The SCP roadshows and
awareness campaigns have already been carried out to
provide clear information on the process of SCP or
Supplemental Contributory Pension.
In an interview with
RTB, the Head of SCP Unit, Dayang Norlia binti Haji
Kuala explained more on the scheme. The SCP is an
additional retirement scheme which complements the
existing Tabung Amanah Pekerja or Employees' Trust Fund,
TAP Scheme. Those who are self-employed are also
encouraged to join the scheme.
The main objective of
the SCP Scheme is to ensure that all participants of the
scheme who meet the stipulated conditions, receive a
minimum monthly income of 150 dollars after they have
reached the mandatory pensionable age of 60 years.
Through the scheme, the retirees will receive a total of
400 dollars minimum monthly income which included
additional old-age pension of 250 dollars. The income
will help secure the participants' well-being during
their retirement. Conditions to become the SCP members
are similar to that of TAP, that's they must be Bruneian
citizens and permanent residents who work at the public
and private sectors.
Source:
Radio Television Brunei
website, February 1, 2010
Based
on the ability of the participants and employers to make
the deposits as well as the private sector's
competitiveness, the deposits set would be limited to a
reasonable amount of 7 percent that is 3.5 percent from
the participant and 3.5 percent from the employer,
coming from the participant's monthly salary, depending
on the minimum and maximum amount stipulated.
The total amount of
deposit is 35 Brunei Dollars a month, that is 17 dollars
50 cents from each participant and 17 dollars 50 from
the employer. For the contribution of less than 17
dollars 50, His Majesty's Government will give a top-up
assistance to make it 17 dollars 50 so as to meet the
minimum requirment of $150 a month. Menawhile those are
TAP participants before the SCP is introduced, effective
from the 1st of January 2010 will receive 'catch-up'
amount of $30 a month effective from the date they
joined TAP.
Source:
Radio Television Brunei
website, February 1, 2010
The
synchronisation of the "Rukyah" and "Takwim" between
members of the Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore
Religious Council, or MABIMS, was among matters
discussed at the 14th MABIMS Committee Meeting for the
Synchronisation of Islamic Rukyah and Takwim. Also in
the agenda was the revision of the rukyah criteria as
practiced in member countries.
The agreements reached
between MABIMS members were an outcome of its 13th
meeting which took place in Singapore. The Chief Syari'e
Prosecutor, Haji Johar bin Haji Mohammad, in an
interview with RTB, gave some insight into the latest
discussions.
According to Haji
Johar, the main rukyah criteria has already been
practiced uniformly across the region. However, certain
areas still need to be synchronised as each country
possesses its own set of policies as far as the rukyah
is concerned.
Source:
Radio Television Brunei
website, February 1, 2010
Young
scientist generation from 21 APEC member countries
currently convene in Thailand to participate in the
Second APEC Future Scientist Conference.
Brunei Darussalam
through the Science and Technology Environment
Cooperation Centre, STEP, is sending four students to
the conference in an effort to produce a new scientist
generation. The presentation of the national flag to the
delegation was held at the Brunei International Airport
this morning.
The 2nd APEC Future
Scientist Conference opens today until the 6th of this
month. The national flag was handed over by the Acting
Head of STEP Centre, Awang Haji Metali bin Haji Mirasan.
The students were selected based on their excellent
academic performance. Three students are from the Paduka
Seri Begawan Sultan Science College and one from
Jerudong International School. They will be exposed to
several activities such as Poster Presentation,
Team-project implementation and Presentation as well as
a Science Tour.
All these are desired
to strengthen relations among science teachers and
students from APEC economies.
According to the head
of delegation, Dr. Chia Yaw Ming, an Education Officer
at the Duli Pengiran Muda Al-Muhtadee Billah College,
the conference will bring together young scientists from
21 nations basically to learn and becoming potential
scientists.
The officer said the
students have made early preparations including an
eight-hour intense session towards improving the
students' presentations, and make them well-prepared for
the conference.
Source:
Radio Television Brunei
website, February 1, 2010
The
Ministry of Health has urged the public to obtain their
Influenza A vaccination at the vaccination centres
provided in all the districts.
According to the
Ministry's media release, the call follows the latest
Influenza A H1N1 cases in the country. Today alone, 36
new cases were reported in comparison to the 44 cases
reported last week. The Ministry of Health urges the
public to get the vaccination in together working
towards preventing the H1N1 infection. For more
information on the Influenza A H1N1, the public can dial
145 during office hours or 7180991 after office hours.
Source:
Radio Television Brunei
website, February 1, 2010
Week (January 25 to 29, 2010)
The
Ministry of Education's 3rd Netball Championship began
today. Twenty teams are taking part in the championship
organised by the Departmenf of Co-Curriculum Education.
The championship takes place at the Multi-Purpose Hall
of the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium Sports Complex
in Berakas.
This morning, 10
matches were played. Her Royal Highness Paduka Seri
Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Sarah binti Pengiran
Salleh Ab'Rahaman took part in the championship. Her
Royal Highness was in the UBD netball team. In this
match, the UBD netball team met Brunei 2A 'C' and the
Zone 3A team.
The championship
continued this afternoon with eight matches being held.
Her Royal Highness Paduka Seri Penigran Anak Isteri
Pengiran Anak Sarah also took part in the match. The UBD
netball team met Brunei 2B 'B-A' and Brunei 3 team. This
year, the championship introduced one new category for
players born in 1970. The championship aims to encourage
officers and other staff of the Ministry of Education at
all levels and sections to be active in sports and to
find a representative netball team for the Ministry of
Education. The championship will continue on Sunday.
Source:
Radio Television Brunei
website, January 29, 2010
Only a
living person has a soul, spirit, feeling and attitude.
The dead has none of these. According to the state
mufti, the soul, spirit and attitude need to be
nurtured, polished and nourished so that they will
become great and mighty. A person would feel proud to be
described as having a great heart or soul.
Yang Berhormat Pehin
Datu Seri Maharaja Dato Paduka Seri Setia Doctor Ustaz
Haji Awang Abdul Aziz was speaking about the soul and
spirit of mankind in the talk with the mufti session.
The talk took place at the RBAF surau, Ministry of
Defence Bolkiah Garisson, Berakas. The Yang Berhormat
Pehin said the way to nurture and polish the soul,
spirit, feeling and attitude to become great is by
learning from history, digging facts from history and to
be history literate. The intellectuals describe history
as a professor.
The Yang Berhormat
Pehin underscored history as important and the main
foundation of life. History is also unique and wide. The
very mention of Prophet Muhammad Sallallahu'alaihi
Wasallam makes history, let alone recalling his life
journey, his efforts and sacrifices and the reason why
he became the messenger of Allah. Man's knowledge of the
history of Prophet Muhammad Sallallahu'alaihi Wasallam
is undoubtedly the water and the best fertilizer for
developing a great soul, a patriotic spirit as well as
the feeling of loyalty and love for the religion of
Allah.
The Yang Berhormat
Pehin also stressed the importance of knowing the
history of Prophet Muhammad's friends, as their
behaviour and lifestyle reflect the genuine leadership
of Prophet Muhammad, S.A.W. The Yang Berhormat clarified
that the prophet's friends were the light of the
universe and both of them remain as legacies.
Source:
Radio Television Brunei
website, January 29, 2010
Every
staff member who is responsible for guarding and taking
care of prison inmates must have self-discipline in
carrying out the duty they are entrusted with. A degree
of discipline a compulsory element in all levels of the
prison staff, to ensure absolute alertness and
efficiency in the execution of their duty. This was
emphasised by the Deputy Permanent Secretary at the
Ministry of Home Affairs, Awang Muhammad Lufti bin
Abdullah at the Passing Out Parade for the cadets and
recruits from the Prisons Department's first intake
2009, this morning.
Awang Muhammad Lufti
said, besides displaying a high level of efficiency and
discipline, prison staff must also show good examples to
the inmates under their care.
Eight cadets and the
first intake of recruits had completed 6 to 9 months of
training. They comprised one Prison Superintendant Cade,
one Woman Cadet Officer and 6 Female Warden Recruits.
The best in all parts of the course was Awangku Haji
Mohammad Bahrin bin Pengiran Haji Jamaluddin; The best
in Drill and Physical Training was Nurul Soffizah Afidah
binti Moho'or; The best in law was Nurul Khairunnisa
Nazura binti Ismail; and the Best in Shooting was
Norazalina binti Yabib.
Source:
Radio Television Brunei
website, January 29, 2010
A new
Islamic Medical Facility, Philantrophist wish and
entreprenuer opportunities were among the wishes that
Bruneians submitted as part of their wish stories for
the final leg of the Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam, BIBD,
Wish Campaign. The Campaign closed in December, last
year, with a total of 16-thousand stories received over
the course of the campaign's nine-month run.
Pengiran Doktor Hajah
Rahmah binti Pengiran Haji Jadid who received one
thousand dollars planned to start the Islamic Medical
Facility in her effort to raise the standard of medical
care for her organisation, Darusysyifa' Warrafahah.
Another Wish Awardee,
Hajah Mas Siti binti Haji Awang Mukkim, hopes to donate
her win to contribute to Brunei's social institutions as
well as to help people who are in need.
Haji Abdul Majid bin
Haji Ismail, meanwhile, expresses his happiness and was
thankful to Allah Subhanu Wata'ala for the fortune and
plan start-up a business for his family's future
well-being.
Presenting the prizes
was the Permanent Secretary at the Prime Minister's
Office, Dato Paduka Haji Ali. The event took place at
the International Convention Centre in Berakas.
Source:
Radio Television Brunei
website, January 29, 2010
Islam
warrants its followers to work for their livelihood in
meeting the requirements of life in this world, either
for themselves or for their dependents. However, in this
modern era, even fulfilling basic needs can be costly
and may make people have to borrow money to satisfy the
demand. The matter was the main content of the Friday
Sermon today.
The sermon stressed
that Islam does not forbid its followers from borrowing
money; but does not encourage it either. Borrowing is
permissible as a way out from hardship and scarcity, as
long as the aim of borrowing is to fulfill basic needs
such as food, drinks, clothing, home and other needs,
and not intended for luxury or anything wasteful. People
are encouraged to give assistance or help to anyone in
need. This includes giving aid or a loan to alleviate
the suffering of someone in need of finance assistance,
to meet their basic needs. Extending assistance should
be made sincerely and not with the aim of taking
advantage or seeking a profit such as by lending 100
dollars and asking for 120 dollars in return. Such an
act is cruel and condemned by Allah the Almighty and is
Haram or forbidden.
Source:
Radio Television Brunei
website, January 29, 2010
The
State Mufti Department, this afternoon, welcomed the
visit by several delegations, who are currently in the
Sultanate, attending the ASEAN Tourism Forum, ATF.
During the visit, the
A-T-F delegation heard a briefing on the Department of
State Mufti and the Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah
Exhibition Gallery. At the Mushaf Exhibition Gallery,
the visitors had the opportunities to look at the
personal collection of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang
Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam which portrays the
uniqueness, beauty and greatness of the Islamic Arts in
the early glorious centuries of the mushafs. The
delegates also have chances to see more than 2-hundred
walking sticks and 60 types of rosary of His Majesty's
Collection. Since the opening of the Islamic Exhibition
Gallery of the Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah on August
18th 2001, the Exhibition Gallery receives more than
100-thousand visitors.
Source:
Radio Television Brunei
website, January 29, 2010
Eighty-seven editors, journalists and writers have
attended the 29th ASEAN Tourism Forum. The media
delegation included local media. Many of the foreign
media delegation, stated that Brunei Darussalam is rich
with Traditional Cultural Heritage. According to them,
the ASEAN Tourism Forum - ATF, open up opportunities to
promote the country's tourism which was not only in
South East Asia but also in Europe and the United
States.
Source:
Radio Television Brunei
website, January 29, 2010
Various
efforts have been made to beautify the environment and
continue to preserve the country's lush greenery. Such
efforts were displayed through a campaign conducted by
the Kuala Belait and Seria Municipal Board to clean and
beautify the landscape of the Tudung Saji Stall site and
the surrounding areas.
The cleaning campaign
is among the initiatives to raise awareness among the
community in the country on the importance of a clean
environment. The efforts include giving the park area a
facelift with a beautifully-designed landscape in
addition to the facilities and infrastructure provided.
This is to attract visitors to the park for recreation
with the family.
More than one hundred
officers and other staff of the Kuala Belait and Seria
Municipal Board took part in the campaign. It was to
raise public awareness of the importance of combined
efforts and responsibility in taking care of and
maintaining the cleanliness of the environment. The
public is also reminded against littering and
indiscriminate dumping of rubbish.
Source:
Radio Television Brunei
website, January 29, 2010
RTB
Media Carnival 2010 which is currently being held at the
International Convention Centre, Berakas, continues to
be highlighted with various sideline events and
activities. Members of public's visits to the carnival
are always occupied with several attractive activities
and useful informations. Last night, a Talk Show called
'BICARA MINDA' was presented by a lecturer from
Malaysia.
The Talk show which was
opened to the public with entrance free, received
encouraging response. It elaborated on the Impact of the
New Media in National Development. Dato Dr. Hj Mohd.
Fadzilah Kamsah, in the talk also spoke on the role of
new media towards influencing minds. According to him,
wise usage of the new will cause positive impact. Dato
Dr Hj Mohd Fadzilah also emphasized that in actuality
new media can motivate and inspire people's nature. From
the point of view of Islam, he stated that one's mind
can be organised to utilise the new media as one of the
tools to gain the blessings from Allah.
Among those present,
the Acting Director of Radio Television Brunei, Awang
Haji Idris bin Haji Md Ali. The talk was made possible
with the cooperation of the Carnival media partner, the
Bank Islam Brunei, BIBD.
Source:
Radio Television Brunei
website, January 29, 2010
For
those who have not yet been able to get a closer look at
RTB's operations, products and programmes or auditions,
the RTB Media Carnival 2010 will continue at the
International Convention Centre, Berakas until the 31st
from 9 in the morning until 10 in the evening.
Over 16 thousand
visitors were estimated to have visited the Media
Carnival as well as the 5th Consumer Food Fair held
simultaneously at the International Convention Centre.
A variety of games,
quizzes, prizes and researches are also available not
only for adults but also the young ones. And for those
interested in having a career in RTB for either the
radio or the television section, walk-in auditions for
news readers and TV presenters as well as deejays are
also held.
And this visitor who
took the audition for a TV Newscaster and experienced
sitting in front of the TV camera for the first time,
said he discovered that newsreading is not as easy at it
seems to most viewers.
Source:
Radio Television Brunei
website, January 29, 2010
The
Brunei IKE-SHIO Cup Open Badmintion Championship:
Several fourth round and quarterfinal matches were
played last night. Meanwhile, the championship finals
will take place tomorrow.
His Majesty's daughter,
Her Royal Highness Princess Fadzillah Lubabul Bolkiah
took part in the Mixed Doubles category. Her Royal
Highness partnering with Mohamad Fadzli, won 16-21,
21-15, 21-16. Present to watch the championship was His
Royal Highness Prince Abdul Mateen. The match took place
at the Indoor Stadium of the Hassanal Bolkiah National
Sports Complex in Berakas.
Source:
Radio Television Brunei
website, January 28, 2010
Civil
service officers and employees are urged to improve
their self-capability in various fields of knowledge and
skills besides high moral and discipline. Such
characteristics along with strong faith, could help
drive the civil service in leading efforts towards
making the country a zikir nation. The remark was
stressed by the Minister of Religious Affairs, Yang
Berhormat Pehin Jawatan Luar Pekerma Raja Dato Seri
Utama Doktor Ustaz Haji Awang Mohd Zain a ceremony to
entertain officers and staff of the ministry who have
retired.
The minister, said
towards this cause, whatever they do should be centered
on Islamic values. Quality work performance is not
enough if it is based merely on knowledge, skill and
productivity, but it is more important if it is valued
in the Islamic teachings perspective.The minister
stressed that the matter has been deliberated in book of
moral rules and work ethics in Brunei Darussalam's Civil
Service issued in 1996.
Three hundred and 77
officers and staff who have retired received
appreciation and honoured for what they done during
their service in the ministry.
Source:
Radio Television Brunei
website, January 28, 2010
Meanwhile the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports and
departments under it this afternoon, held a presentation
of Appreciation Certificates for retirees and officers
who have transferred to another departments.
Present, Minister of
Culture Youth and Sports, Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang
Kaya Setia Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Doktor Awang Haji
Ahmad. The function was for 62 officers and staffs who
have served the departments under the ministry and
completed their services since 2006, and officers who
have transferred to another departments. The function
was held at the Ministry of Culture Youth and Sports.
Source:
Radio Television Brunei
website, January 28, 2010
Another
vaccination centre has been opened for public
convenience in having the influenza 'A' H1N1
vaccination. The new centre located at the Indoor
Stadium, Berakas, will be open to officers and staff of
government departments nearby this Saturday.
According to a Senior
Medical Officer at the Ministry of Health, Dr. Hajah
Rafidah binti Haji Gharif, the new vaccination centre is
in addition to the those already set up. The centre will
be open to the public from this Saturday during office
hours.
Meanwhile, the Ministry
of Health advises the public not to be doubtful about
the source of the vaccine, because it is made from
chicken egg without any pig elements. Dr. Hajah Rafidah
also said that the Ministry of Health has so far
received 124 thousand doses of the vaccine. She said
that the vaccine made from chicken egg came from Germany
and Canada. The same type of vaccine is also used in the
European countries such as the United Kingdom, Canada,
the United States as well as in Malaysia and Singapore.
To date, about 10
thousand people have had the vaccination in the country
and most who had received the vaccination experienced
only minor side effects. The public is also advised to
get the influenza 'A' H1N1 vaccination immediately |
