|      Syazwani Hj Rosli      |

THE issue of protecting the rights of people with disabilities according to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) was raised by YB Pehin Orang Kaya Pendikar Alam Dato Paduka Seri Haji Hasrin bin Dato Paduka Haji Sabtu, a member of the Legislative Council, during yesterday morning’s session of the 13th Legislative Council.

The Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, YB Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof, responded that policies are in place for People with Special Needs (PWSN) and Persons with Disabilities (PWD) to ensure that they are afforded equal rights and opportunities; able to live their lives, be recognised and participate fully in society as normal citizens.

Such provisions also serve to prevent these individuals from being discriminated against, while at the same time raising awareness and educating the public about their rights. “These policies support the objectives of other existing policies in raising the dignity of disabled people so that they too are involved in contributing to the nation’s development,” the minister said.

According to the minister, Brunei signed the CRPD on December 18, 2007 and ratified it on April 11, 2016 as part of the government’s efforts to empower and protect the rights of people with disabilities as well as recognising their rights to be treated as equals to any other normal person. “The ministry is planning to implement the provisions agreed under the CRPD and this will be carried out in stages in accordance to priority and current resource capacities,” he added.

The minister further added that the infrastructure based on the CRPD will be designed based on a realistic national action plan with the cooperation and involvement of various stakeholders from the government agencies, private sectors and non-government associations, as well as members of the public through a whole-of-nation approach. This action plan will be coordinated with the social security strategy under the Brunei Vision 2035 policy and its implementation will be observed by an appointed association.

YB Pehin Orang Kaya Pendikar Alam Dato Paduka Seri Haji Hasrin bin Dato Paduka Haji Sabtu. – AZROL AZMI

“In enforcing the implementation of the national obligation under CRPD, the draft of the PWD orders is currently being formulated, and the order will contain four main provisions,” the minister continued.

These provisions are as follows: the appointment of an independent body to assist the government in implementing the requirements of CRPD; the registration of PWDs and the appointment of a registrar, deputy registrar and assistant registrar; the distribution of PWD-identification cards; and the compilation of a list of offences against disabled people together with their corresponding penalties and fines.

Currently, the PWD Draft Order is still under review, and the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports will continue engaging in consultations with relevant authorities to ensure that the proposed provisions serve the interests and needs of all parties involved as best as possible, the minister stated in conclusion.

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|     Syazwani Hj Rosli     |

THE significant increase of programmes and activities organised at the Senior Citizens Activity Centre (PKWE) in the Brunei-Muara District over the past year reflects the centre’s commitment to providing top quality eldercare for the senior citizens at the centre.

This was emphasised by the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports YB Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof, when responding to a question about PKWE by YB Pehin Orang Kaya Pendikar Alam Dato Paduka Seri Haji Hasrin bin Dato Paduka Haji Sabtu, a member of the Legislative Council, yesterday.

The adult daycare centre was established to serve as a community support centre where the elderly can engage in activities to fill up their free time and to promote a healthier lifestyle, the Minister of Centre, Youth and Sports said.

Housing more than 250 senior citizens, the centre has gradually evolved from only organising in-house activities and programmes, to running activities beyond the centre’s premises (ie in the local communities) as well as outside Brunei, according to the minister.

Examples of activities that have been carried out since the centre’s establishment are Tahlil and Zikir ceremonies, religious talks, miscellaneous community visits, sports activities such as Zumba, and other Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and dementia delaying or prevention activities (social, physical and intellectual), the minister added.

With regard to the suggestion of establishing similar centres in other districts, the minister explained that his ministry has already proposed and planned for a PKWE in the Tutong District. As for the other two districts (Belait and Temburong), the minister commented that further research (and discussions) is needed to determine the appropriateness and suitability of these areas before a decision can be made on whether PKWEs are to be established in these areas.

“As mentioned in my opening remarks earlier, moving forward I believe that the centre can be integrated with Mukim Buku (Mukim’s Library). Penghulus and village heads should now begin conducting such initiatives as part of the early stage of the research process and analyse the findings themselves before referring to the ministry for implementation,” the minister said.

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|     Aziz Idris     |

THE Language and Literature Bureau (DBP) will soon begin digitising local publications to make them more accessible to users through the e-Library project.

The project, successfully laun-ched in March last year with a budget of B$10 million, is currently in the digital preservation phase and will take four years, beginning April 1, 2017 to March 30, 2021, according to YB Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof, the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports during day 8th of the 13th Legislative Council session yesterday.

The project is part of DBP’s ongoing initiatives to making local literature and publications easily accessible to the outside world.

According to the minister, besides the nine DBP branches, special libraries from five bodies in the country – the Ministry of Religious Affairs, Attorney General’s Chambers, Brunei History Centre, Brunei Museums Department, and the Islamic Da’wah Centre – will also join in for the project.

The project will see a new and efficient search engine, an integrated delivery (Dropbox) and registration system, and the allocation of 100 iPads to all participating libraries.

The 10-million project will see a new and efficient search engine, an integrated delivery (Dropbox) and registration system, and the allocation of 100 iPads to all participating libraries. – AZROL AZMI

“[e-Library] will provide fast and easy access for all users and spread a reading culture to a wider audience especially among youths, and promote local literary works,” said the minister. “I am committed to the successful implementation of the projects, because a nation that reads is a nation that learns and develops.”

The minister was responding to a question from YB Iswandy bin Ahmad with regard to the introduction of e-Library in Brunei to cater to the needs of this information-rich era.

YB Iswandy said that it is vital that students acquire – through library experiences – critical information-seeking skills, and libraries must accommodate such evolving information-seeking behaviours of students and varsity or college faculties in Brunei’s rapidly-evolving, information-based economy.

He added that the e-Library project, besides strengthening the role of libraries in teaching and research, can also spur educational change in the country through the increase in the usage of e-resources by varsity or college faculties and students.

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|     Fizah HAB     |

THE Ministry of Education is working to strengthen national identity among school-children through books.

The Minister of Education, YB Pehin Orang Kaya Indera Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Suyoi bin Haji Osman, said this while responding to a question by YB Pehin Orang Kaya Putera Maharaja Dato Paduka Haji Abdul Ghani bin Pehin Datu Pekerma Dewa Dato Paduka Haji Abdul Rahim during the Legislative Council (LegCo) session yesterday.

The minister said that through the Department of Schools (JSS) and Co-Curriculum Education Department, a list of books under the ‘Inspirasi Ku’ concept has been created for the students to understand the ideology and philosophy of the country and also to be more proactive and diligent in their studies.

The minister also explained that the ‘Inspirasi Ku’ concept is aimed for Years 4 to 6 primary students and Years 7 to 11 secondary students and several local novels and literary works have been incorporated as well for the Malay Literature ‘O’ Level and ‘A’ Level examinations, including ‘Hadiah sebuah impian’ and ‘Hikayat Bakhtiar’.

The Minister of Education, YB Pehin Orang Kaya Indera Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Suyoi bin Haji Osman. – AZROL AZMI

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|      Syazwani Hj Rosli     |

THE Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports (MCYS) and the Language and Literature Bureau (DBP) will take steps to help market books written by Bruneian authors by encouraging bookstores to display and sell local books.

The Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports YB Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof, said this on the 8th day of the Legislative Council (LegCo) session yesterday, while responding to concerns raised by YB Pehin Orang Kaya Putera Maharaja Dato Paduka Haji Abdul Ghani bin Pehin Datu Pekerma Dewa Dato Paduka Haji Abdul Rahim about the reluctance of bookstores to promote local books.

The minister fully agreed with the LegCo member that books written by local authors need to be marketed within the local market.

According to him, his ministry and the DBP generally do assist in marketing the local publications. He added that in every book fair organised by DBP, local writers are given space to promote their books.

The minister also added that several activi-ties had been taken for distributing local books to the members of the public through libraries as well as the Bestari centres.

YB Pehin Orang Kaya Putera Maharaja Dato Paduka Haji Abdul Ghani bin Pehin Datu Pekerma Dewa Dato Paduka Haji Paduka Haji Abdul Rahim at the 13th Legislative Council session. – AZROL AZMI

“We will never discourage the works of local authors. Insya Allah, they will be given appropriate areas or space to display their books and hope that we will be able to get good returns for the writers,” he said.

On the issue of assisting the trips of local authors who are invited by stakeholders outside Brunei, the minister said that the authors should refer the matter to their own association.

The association can, in turn, refer such requests to relevant government parties such as DBP or the MCYS.

He said that in most cases, Brunei Ambassadors or High Commissioners send officers to accompany the visitors. “The ministry will give all help to our writers to make use of such opportunities,” he assured.

The minister also spoke of the need of developing a two-way communication system to deal with such matters.

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|      Rokiah Mahmud      |

THE Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports (MCYS) has been allocated a budget of $76.33 million for the financial year 2017-2018, YB Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, announced during his budget speech on the eighth day of the 13th Legislative Council (LegCo) session yesterday.

The allocated budget for the ministry is less than $8.79 million compared to the $85.13 million which the ministry received for the 2016-2017 fiscal.

Despite the cuts, the minister said that MCYS will optimise and prioritise its multi-level mechanism for consultation, coordination, monitoring as well as programme evaluation by establishing more cooperation with other government ministries and departments, non-governmental organisations and the private sector towards achieving a higher level of success.

For the new financial year, he explained that his ministry has prioritised four main areas – culture, youth, sports and community.

In the area of culture, MCYS will strive to further preserve the nation’s culture, history and heritage that are regarded as the pillars of national unity and identity, while in the field of youth, the ministry will focus on enhancing the youth’s self-esteem so that they could be more independent and able to contribute towards the country’s development and well-being, the minister said.

File photo of YB Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports. The Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports (MCYS) has been allocated a budget of $76.33 million for the financial year 2017-2018 it was announced yesterday, on the eighth day of the 13th Legislative Council (LegCo) session. – AZROL AZMI

For this, the minister said MCYS will carry out more engagement programmes by reaching out to as many youth as possible either through associations, Mukim and Village Consultative Council, schools and higher learning institutions.

In the field of sports, MCYS will provide sports and recreational infrastructure towards creating a healthy and active community, at the same time taking steps to achieving excellence in sports.

Meanwhile, in the area of community, the ministry will be taking initiatives in ensuring the welfare and well-being of the citizens and residents in the country and strengthening family institutions, towards creating unity and peace, he noted.

The minister added that MCYS needs to review and evaluate the progress of initiatives in the culture and arts field so that the efforts in preserving culture and heritage will be more focussed.

These efforts include among others opening up of district museums and improving the content of cultural roadshows held at schools and mukims, the minister pointed out.

As part of the effort in glorifying the Malay Language as the country’s official language, the Language Month programme will be enriched. At the same time, Book Festival Project and Reading Culture Empowerment Carnival will be updated so that the outcome will be more outstanding, he added.

During the deliberation, the minister also explained that the ministry will identify changes needed in the strategies used so that it would be more compatible with the current trends in the area of youth development to nurture today’s youth as future leaders.

In addition, MCYS is drawing up a new assistance programme in empowering the elderly and the disabled in the society. On this note, the minister said that MCYS, through the Social Issue National Council, is currently reviewing the Social Network System based on which the government gives assistance in the form of monthly welfare assistance, old age pension, disability pension and others.

This includes restructuring programmes and projects based on the needs and capabilities of different groups such as persons with disabilities, taking into account the resource position in addressing their issues.

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|      Azrol Azmi      |

HER Majesty Duli Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha binti Al-Marhum Pengiran Pemancha Pengiran Anak Haji Mohamed Alam, the Royal Patron of the Girl Guides Association of Brunei Darussalam (PPPBD) yesterday consented to receive Her Royal Highness Tunku Hajjah Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah binti Duli Yang Maha Mulia Sultan Iskandar Ismail, the Crown Princess of Pahang, Malaysia, who is the Royal Patron of the Friends of Asia Pacific World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (FAPW) at the Istana Nurul Iman.

Present during the audience ceremony was Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Rashidah Sa’adatul Bolkiah, the President of PPPBD who received the Royalty Membership Pin recently from the Crown Princess of Pahang, Malaysia.

Also present during the audience ceremony were members of PPPBD and FAPW.

The ceremony concluded with the exchange of gifts between the royal patrons and members.

Her Majesty Duli Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha binti Al-Marhum Pengiran Pemancha Pengiran Anak Haji Mohamed Alam yesterday consented to receive in audience with Her Royal Highness Tunku Hajjah Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah binti Duli Yang Maha Mulia Sultan Iskandar Ismail, the Crown Princess of Pahang, Malaysia at the Istana Nurul Iman

Her Majesty Duli Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha binti Al-Marhum Pengiran Pemancha Pengiran Anak Haji Mohamed Alam, the Royal Patron of the Girl Guides Association of Brunei Darussalam (PPPBD), with Her Royal Highness Tunku Hajjah Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah binti Duli Yang Maha Mulia Sultan Iskandar Ismail, the Crown Princess of Pahang, Malaysia, who is the Royal Patron of the Friends of Asia Pacific World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts, during the audience ceremony at the Istana Nurul Iman. Also seen in the photo is Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Rashidah Sa’adatul Bolkiah, the President of the PPPBD. – PHOTOS: AZROL AZMI

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|      Azaraimy HH      |

THE Ministry of Health (MoH) has received a budget allocation of $323.88 million, including $7,766,900 for development expenditure, for the 2017-18 financial year.

This was stated by the Minister of Health YB Dato Seri Setia Dr Awang Haji Zulkarnain bin Haji Hanafi in his opening speech on the eighth day of the 13th Legislative Council (LegCo) session yesterday.

The minister expressed his gratitude to His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam for the allocation and His Majesty’s leadership which gives a high importance to matters concerning health.

Quoting from His Majesty’s titah, the minister said, “Health is the most important factor for all. If the body is healthy, all works can be carried out well. This is the secret or value of health.”

He added, “As it was said during the 12th LegCo session in 2016, the expenditure for the Ministry of Health during the 2015-2020 period is focused on three strategies: Inculcating the idea that health is everyone’s business; preventing and controlling non-communicable diseases; and providing excellent services through consolidation and realignment of healthcare services.

File photo shows the Outpatient Clinic of the Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha (RIPAS) Hospital. The Ministry of Health (MoH) has received a budget allocation of $323.88 million, including $7,766,900 for development expenditure, for the 2017-18 financial year, it was announced yesterday on the eighth day of the 13th Legislative Council (LegCo) session. – AZROL AZMI

The minister said several efforts in line with these three priorities have been implemented including the consolidation of several health centres to provide services on a one-stop centre basis; amalgamation of EMAS (Emergency, Medical and Ambulance Service) with the Department of Fire and Rescue; reducing waiting time for several health services; and establishment of ‘Centre of Excellence’.

He also highlighted international standard recognitions such as ISO 17025 for lab services and the Joint Commission International (JCI) accreditation for Pengkalan Batu Health Centre, the first health centre in the country to get the accreditation.

Despite these achievements, the ministry is aware that much still needs to be done and challenges need to be overcome in order to fulfil the expectations of all the stakeholders, he added.

Customer-friendliness, long waiting time at the medicine counters, obtaining treatment at emergency departments as well as shortage of medicines are some of the issues that have been lamented over by the public, the minister said.

He pointed out that the recent meetings held in every district with internal and external stakeholders including members of the Legislative Council focused on seven themes – customer-friendliness, food safety, communication, health promotion, access to services and facilities, medicine retrieval and quality services including provision of appointment system.

Highlighting some of the health studies carried in the country, the minister said the integrated Health Screening 2007-2011 revealed that 70 per cent of the civil servants do not have adequate physical activity. The Global School Health Survey (GSHS) 2014 showed that about 87 per cent of children in the country do not have enough physical activity.

At the same time, the minister pointed out that the incidence of diseases such as high blood pressure and diabetes are now occurring at a much younger age of around 20-30 years, adding that “this is an alarming situation”.

Furthermore, the Global Nutrition Report 2016 has placed Brunei Darussalam as having the highest obesity rate among adults in the region. Excessive weight can cause non-communicable diseases such as cancer, coronary ailments, diabetes and stroke – the main causes of death in the country, he noted.

The minister said that the health ministry allocation for 2017-2018 will be used effectively to reduce the high rate of obesity and incidence of non-communicable diseases in the country. Nearly $196 million, or 62 per cent, of the allocation is for secondary and tertiary treatments. This amount does not include the allocation for sending patients to The Brunei Cancer Centre (TBCC), Brunei Neuroscience, Stroke and Rehabilitation Centre (BNSRC) and the Heart Centre at the Gleneagles Jerudong Park Medical Centre (Gleneagles JPMC).

He said the allocation to finance preventive programmes including basic healthcare is only 14 per cent, which is less but it enough to give a big impact, adding that it would be better if we can focus more towards enhancing a healthy lifestyle, ensuring that people will stay healthy for a longer period.

On the other hand, the minister also highlighted that there has been an increase in the number of people who are health conscious and doing physical activities. The National Non-Communicable Diseases Steps Survey 2016 has proved this as it found that the percentage of adults in the country who are physically active has increased from 65 per cent in 2011 to 75 per cent in 2016.

Citing the Bandarku Ceria initiative, the minister said that it is a good example which has proved the efficacy of the whole of nation approach.

He said the government is only a facilitator, while individuals and groups are the drivers to ensure that Bandarku Ceria continues to be successful, promoting a healthy lifestyle.

He also highlighted that changing people’s food habits is the biggest challenge the country is currently facing. On this note, the minister welcomed the Ministry of Finance’s decision to raise excise duties on food products that have high sugar and monosodium glutamate (MSG) content.

The minister urged that all efforts should be taken in inculcating a healthy lifestyle among the people towards achieving Brunei Vision 2035.

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|     Ishan Ibrahim     |

YB DATO Seri Setia Dr Awang Haji Zulkarnain bin Haji Hanafi, the Minister of Health, yesterday welcomed a suggestion on the ninth day of the 13th Legislative Council (LegCo) session by YB Pehin Orang Kaya Putera Maharaja Dato Paduka Haji Abdul Ghani bin Pehin Datu Pekerma Dewa Dato Paduka Haji Abdul Rahim, as an effective way of distributing disposable diapers and breast pumps among a targeted section of the local community.

The minister also called for further cooperation from non-government organisations (NGOs), village heads and mukim penghulus to come up with practical ways of managing the issue in their own respective communities.

On the topic of the Careers Development Scheme, the minister said that all government and private organisations are defined according to the quality of their personnel or workforce.

“The government, as well as the Ministry of Health (MoH), is very much concerned in the development of the talent pipeline,” he said. “The MoH made a review in 2016, on plans relating to the talent pipeline and has implemented this career development programme for its personnel, especially at the officer level, which includes doctors, nurses and allied health professionals.”

He added that the MoH is also working together with several universities and other educational institutions to enhance the knowledge and skills of its personnel, particularly in terms of healthcare.

“It’s progressing well, as there are now local courses that offer degree programmes in basic healthcare, nursing and others,” he said.

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|     Wani Roslan     |

THE government has undertaken an in-depth study of the issues faced by parents of newborns as part of the implementation of the assistance scheme, or subsidy, for them in the form of disposable diapers and breast pumps from April 1.

YB Pehin Orang Kaya Laila Setia Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Abdul Rahman bin Haji Ibrahim, the Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Minister of Finance II, said in the Legislative Council (LegCO) session yesterday that ministries such as the Ministry of Health (MoH) discussed the matter with the stakeholders, besides receiving feedback from the public.

“The main objective is to alleviate the financial burden of the parents of newborns and to ensure that the babies get proper care, particularly with respect to their health,” the minister said.

The study revealed that 5,459 babies were born to citizens and permanent residents of the country in 2015, he added.

“The allocated budget for providing disposable diapers twice a month for a period of 12 months and breast pumps for every birth or once every two years is B$2.5 million a year,” the minister said, responding to a query by YB Pehin Orang Kaya Putera Maharaja Dato Paduka Haji Abdul Ghani bin Pehin Datu Pekerma Dewa Dato Paduka Haji Abdul Rahim.

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|     Ishan Ibrahim     |

DATA compiled from a research conducted in 2015-2016 is being used to identify those in need of assistance from the Community Development Department (JAPEM), or the Brunei Islamic Religious Council (MUIB), said YB Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof, the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports.

The minister was responding to a question posed by YB Siti Rozaimeriyanty binti Dato Seri Laila Jasa Haji Abdul Rahman, on a proposal made in 2011 for the establishment of a ‘poverty guideline’ based on a nationwide research of family household expenditure.

“From the first meeting of the National Council on Social Issues in 2011, discussions were conducted on poverty issues; and an agreement was made on the official definition of poverty according to Syariah, in which a person is incapable of earning a substantial income to buy basic requirements for their own needs or for their family,” he added.

“In adapting this definition for the purpose of correct application, the National Council on Social Issues has associated it with the concept of ‘minimum costs of basic necessities’ on a monthly basis, obtained from a research of family expenditure.

“Thus, the poverty line, which is $253 per person, is calculated based on the ‘minimum costs of basic necessities’ from the 2015 findings,” he said.

YB Siti Rozaimeriyanty binti Dato Seri Laila Jasa Haji Abdul Rahman. – AZROL AZMI

The minister also added that the Department of Economic Planning and Development (JPKE) is currently in the process of reviewing the ‘minimum costs of basic necessities’ from the data compiled in 2015.

“In the bid to determine the number of people who really need assistance from the relevant agencies, this can be only ascertained after the completion of the review by JPKE,” he said.

“The coordination of the relevant data, with regards to the recipients of welfare assistance, will continue to be conducted by the relevant agencies such as the MUIB and the Ministry of Education (MoE).”

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|     Ishan Ibrahim     |

THE Ministry of Health (MoH) through its Health Promotion Centre has conducted several workshops to generate awareness among the relevant parties in the food industry, including restaurants and food suppliers, said the Minister of Health, YB Dato Seri Setia Dr Awang Haji Zulkarnain bin Haji Hanafi.

The minister was responding to a question on the issue of obesity posed by YB Pehin Orang Kaya Pendikar Alam Dato Paduka Seri Haji Hasrin bin Dato Paduka Haji Sabtu, at the 13th Legislative Council (LegCo) session yesterday.

“These workshops will continue to be conducted, while many supermarkets and retailers have taken positive steps to utilise the ‘Healthier Choice’ logo,” said the minister, adding, “Many have already queried about this logo, which will generate more awareness in the local community.”

He also said that one of the primary objectives of the ‘Healthier Choice’ logo is to ensure more hygienic methods of food preparation. “The campaign for a healthy diet will continue to be conducted, and the awareness on this issue is important.”

Diners at a hotel. – AZROL AZMI

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|     Fizah HAB     |

HEALTH promotion begins at schools, said the Minister of Health, YB Dato Seri Setia Dr Awang Haji Zulkarnain bin Haji Hanafi, yesterday at the 13th Legislative Council (LegCo) session, while responding to a query raised by YB Pengiran Haji Mohamed bin Pengiran Haji Osman @ Othman, Legislative Council member and Village Head of Kampong Masjid Lama, Pekan Muara, Sabun and Pelumpong.

The minister explained that together with the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Health has undertaken various steps including a proper school environment, traffic light food rule in canteens as well as introduction of healthy lifestyle in curriculum.

Supporting the statement of the Minister of Health was the Minister of Education, YB Pehin Orang Kaya Indera Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Suyoi bin Haji Osman, who stated that various measures are being implemented in schools to promote health education which includes encouraging students to participate in co-curriculum activities and promotions.

The subjects taught in schools also cover a range of topics including personal hygiene, balanced diet as well as information on diseases and measures to prevent them.

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|     Azrol Azmi     |

HIS Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, yesterday afternoon received in audience Saleumxay Kommasith, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, who is currently in Brunei Darussalam on an official visit. During the audience ceremony, His Majesty and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic discussed bilateral relations between Brunei Darussalam and the Lao People’s Democratic Republic as well as exchanged views on regional and international matters. Accompanying Saleumxay Kommasith was Amphay Kindavong, Ambassador of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic to Brunei Darussalam. Also present during the ceremony was Pehin Orang Kaya Pekerma Dewa Dato Seri Setia Lim Jock Seng, Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade II. The ceremony took place at the Istana Nurul Iman. PHOTOS: AZROL AZMI

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|     Hakim Hayat     |

BRUNEI Darussalam’s new scheme to provide free diapers and breast pumps for newborns, a practice prevalent in many developed countries, will not only ease the financial burden of parents but also ensure the new-borns are well taken care of, YB Dato Seri Setia Dr Awang Haji Zulkarnain bin Haji Hanafi, the Minister of Health, said yesterday.

The minister was responding to comments that went viral on social media recently that questioned the rationale of giving free diapers and breast pumps to families who can afford them, during a press conference held at the Legislative Council (LegCo) building yesterday.

He said that research conducted before this scheme was announced has found that in many developed countries child benefits are given to all, irrespective of their income bracket, because the governments there realised the need to give the children the best opportunities in life and to ensure that their welfare, nutrition and health are all cared for.

The reasoning behind giving away breast pumps, the minister said is because of the proven research done on breast feeding.

“Exclusive breast feeding gives a host of benefits to a baby in terms of development, immunity from infections and others.. for the mother it is also beneficial and will help them in terms of going back to their normal weight and in maintaining the bond between their babies which is very important,” he said, adding that this will also help alleviate costs of buying baby foods which can be very expensive.

YB Dato Seri Setia Dr Awang Haji Zulkarnain bin Haji Hanafi, the Minister of Health. – AZROL AZMI

The objective of the scheme is also for the betterment of the society as a whole, said the minister, who underlined that if the child’s health is being well taken care of from early stages, it will guarantee better health in future, by reducing the chances of contracting chronic diseases and even obesity. “Of course it all depends on how they are being brought up, but this will help ease the burden to the society, the government and the country… which is why the government comes in to help…” he added.

The issue on the provision of diapers to all newborns was also brought up at the 13th LegCo session yesterday, and responding to it, the minister said some of the comments on social media questioning the scheme are welcome, but said that “at the end of the day, we have to move on. It depends on an individual… if some people feel responsible enough and decide not to take them, they may give it away to those who need it more…these are the kind of citizens we want..” he added.

The minister said they are still in the process of working out the distribution method for the new scheme which will be implemented from April 1 throughout all hospitals in the country. “Perhaps what we can do is to create a system whereby we can allow people not to take it if they feel that they can afford it,” he said.

He explained that the scheme was introduced for a good reason and doesn’t come from the Ministry of Health’s budget, as scrutinised by the public, but rather from revenue that will be generated from the revised import tax and excise duties that will come into force next month.

“With the new tax amendments, now there will be more tax on food and beverages with high sugar and sodium content and these revenues will be provisioned for the scheme,” he said.

The minister added that Brunei records an average 5,000 births per year, noting that these numbers mean that the amount spent on this scheme is negligible.

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|     Azrol Azmi     |

HER Majesty Duli Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha binti Al-Marhum Pengiran Pemancha Pengiran Anak Haji Mohamed Alam yesterday received in audience Alouny Kommasith, the spouse of Saleumxay Kommasith, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic.

Accompanying Alouny Kommasith was Phimpa Kindavong, the spouse of the Ambassador of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic to Brunei Darussalam, Amphay Kindavong.

Also in attendance was Datin Paduka Tan Bee Yong, the spouse of Pehin Orang Kaya Pekerma Dewa Dato Seri Setia Lim Jock Seng, Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade II.

The audience ceremony took place at the Istana Nurul Iman.

Her Majesty Duli Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha binti Al-Marhum Pengiran Pemancha Pengiran Anak Haji Mohamed Alam during the audience with Alouny Kommasith, the spouse of Saleumxay Kommasith, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic. Also in the photo are Datin Paduka Tan Bee Yong, the spouse of Pehin Orang Kaya Pekerma Dewa Dato Seri Setia Lim Jock Seng, Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade II, and Phimpa Kindavong, the spouse of the Ambassador of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic to Brunei Darussalam, Amphay Kindavong. – AZROL AZMI

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THE Ambassador of Brunei Darussalam to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Yusoff bin Haji Ismail, yesterday presented his Letter of Credence accrediting him as the Permanent Representative of Brunei Darussalam to the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) to the OIC Secretary General Dr Yousef A Al-Othaimeen.

During the discussion that took place after the presentation of credentials, the ambassador reiterated Brunei’s commitment to the OIC and its programmes and activities. He also expressed his interest in working closely with the General Secretariat for the benefit of the OIC and its member states.

Welcoming the ambassador, the secretary general underlined the important role of Brunei in materialising the objectives of the OIC. Dr Al-Othaimeen assured the ambassador of the required support and assistance from the general secretariat during his assignment at the OIC.

Ambassador of Brunei Darussalam to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Yusoff bin Haji Ismail with OIC Secretary General Dr Yousef A Al-Othaimeen

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|     Abdul Hakiim Yakof     |

THE Ministry of Communications (MinCom) has been allocated a budget of 122.28 million for the 2017-2018 financial year.

This was announced by the Minister of Communications Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Mustappa bin Haji Sirat in his budget speech on the ninth day of the 13th Legislative Council (LegCo) session yesterday.

“Of this allocation, approximately $41 million has been set aside for the payment of staff salaries, $26 million for recurring expenses and $54 million for development expenditure,” he noted.

Although the allocation, particularly in relation to staff salaries and recurring expenses, shows a slight reduction compared to last year, MinCom will be able to meet its goals, notwithstanding the current economic environment, the minister added.

According to him, this reduction also reflects the efforts undertaken by the departments under MinCom so far to save money such as privatisation of services that are not cost-effective among others.

File photo shows the construction of the flyover at Jalan Babu Raja/Jalan Tutong. – AZROL AZMI

“The Government of His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam has never slacked in providing communication and transport infrastructure and facilities in hopes that this commitment will bring prosperity to the people.

“Through MinCom, the intention of the government is to expand the communications sector and improve the public transport system to make them more sustainable and inclusive for the benefit of all levels of society,” he said.

The minister said that MinCom believes that the government’s effort in providing a communication and public transport system that is efficient and effective will also open up more employment and trade opportunities, which will help boost economic growth and reduce social problems.

“Communications and transportation also contribute to various aspects of development such as education, health, safety, tourism, diplomacy and so on. It is like the veins that supply oxygen and food to the body. Without this supply, the body (body of society) will run out of essential nutrients.”

The minister said that as Brunei Darussalam is faced with the challenges of economic and social development, the role of transport and communications sector cannot be ignored.

“A communication and transportation system that is efficient and effective is a system that links the movement of people and citizens from one destination to another for the purposes of trade, education and so on. A communication and transportation system that is efficient and effective is also a system that offers reliability,” he noted, adding that “MinCom is currently actively implementing the Strategic Plan 2008-2017 towards improving communication and transport sectors”.

The vision of His Majesty for developing the communications and transport sector will contribute to the progress and prosperity of the country, he added.

During the budget speech, the minister highlighted the ministry’s achievements in various sectors such as civil aviation, maritime transportation and information and communication technology, besides detailing its development plans for the future.

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TEMANGGONG House of Sayyidina Umar Al-Khattab Secondary School (SMSUA) bagged the Best Overall Male Trophy, Best Overall Female Trophy, and Best Overall Winner at its biennial cross country event recently.

The cross country was contested between four sport houses: Digadong, Temanggong, Pemancha, and Bendahara.

The cross country was divided into three categories – Category B for students aged 15 and below, Category C for students aged 16 and above, and the Teachers Category. This was further divided into male and female categories.

Mohd Fathurrahman bin Haji Zulkifli and Rasydan Radibillah bin Haji Marsidi won the Boys Categories B and C respectively, while Nurul Syazwin Fazlin binti Haji Mustafa and Nur Zahirah binti Rosli won the Girls Categories B and C respectively. Radzuan bin Haji Chuchu and Lizawati won the Male and Female Teachers Category respectively.

Temanggong housemaster, Muhd Mujahid bin Johar receiving the trophy for Best Overall Winner

The cross country was aimed at promoting a healthy lifestyle among the students and teachers.

Before the race, the school organised a fitness session which was led by teacher Nurashikin.

The event was supported by Malar Setia Sdn Bhd, which sponsored free drinks consisting of Rainfresh mineral water and Nutrisoy soya milk. These were distributed at the course checkpoints, and also after the race.

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|    Azlan Othman    |

MALAYSIA recorded some 1.4 million visits by Bruneian travellers in 2016, making the Sultanate its fifth largest market after Singapore (13.3 million), Indonesia (3.1 million), China (2.1 million), Thailand (1.8 million), Tourism Malaysia figures revealed.

The Asean region continued to be the largest contributor of tourist arrivals for Malaysia with a 75.8 per cent share of the total arrivals. Thailand registered the highest growth of 32.5 per cent, followed by Laos (+27 per cent), Brunei (+22.7 per cent), Indonesia (+9.4 per cent) and Singapore (+2.6 per cent).

Malaysia received a total 26.8 million tourists in 2016 compared to 25.7 million tourists in 2015, a rise of four per cent.

Correspondingly, tourist receipts rose by 18.8 per cent contributing RM82.1 billion to Malaysia’s revenue against RM69.1 billion in 2015, which translates to an average per capita expenditure of RM3,068.2.

Total receipts in shopping also recorded positive growth, with RM26 billion in 2016 compared to RM21.6 billion in 2015, an increase of 20.3 per cent. The average length of stay of a tourists increased 0.4 per cent in 2016 to 5.9 nights.

Malaysia’s stronger tourism performance in 2016 is attributed to improved flight accessibility and travel facilitation as well as the foreign exchange rate, Tourism Malaysia said.

In 2015, some 1.13 million Bruneian tourists visited Malaysia while tourist arrivals stood at 1.21 million and 1.23 million in 2014 and 2013 respectively.

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