|     Fizah HAB     |

A DELEGATION of 10 Japanese students from Takahama Junior High School is currently in the Sultanate as part of their annual homestay programme.

The 14-year-old students arrived on August 17 and will enjoy the taste of what Brunei has to offer until August 22.

Speaking to the Bulletin, Nakagami Reon, a student, shared that the six-day trip will expose them to the local culture and allow them a feel of school life here.

The delegation has already got involved in a number of activities, including a half-day visit to the Marine Biodiversity Centre in Meragang, where they were briefed about Brunei Darussalam’s coral reef.

Biodiversity Research and Innovation Centre official Desimawati binti Haji Metali briefed them on the measures taken by the Brunei government to ensure the sustainable management of these reefs, while Wildlife Division Officer from the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism Iran Sunarddy bin Haji Omar discussed the three endangered species of sea turtle found in Brunei and how to save them from extinction.

The students had the opportunity to get up close with the turtles at the centre.

|     Hakim Hayat     |

BANK Islam Brunei Darussalam (BIBD) recently introduced its latest additions to the BIBD NEXGEN universe – BIBD BizNet mobile application and QuickPay – at the TechXpo 2018, being held at the International Convention Centre (ICC) in Berakas.

The move is part of BIBD’s efforts to support cashless transactions.

Minister of Communications Dato Seri Setia Awang Abdul Mutalib bin Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Setia Dato Paduka Haji Mohammad Yusof launched the two latest BIBD services at the TechXpo 2018.

BIBD said the BIBD NEXGEN universe is a digital platform that connects everyone through mobile-led technologies.

“These new services available now on the platform are catered towards mobility and convenience, aimed to bridge the digital gap between customers and business owners, particularly budding entrepreneurs. This creates a more tech-savvy and cost-friendly business environment, further promoting further ease of doing business while creating a more progressive and pro-business economy,” the bank added.

Besides the direct benefits of going paperless such as having a documented, secured, and digitised economy with cost savings and reducing dependencies on physical cash and receipts, these initiatives, BIBD said support strategies under the Brunei Vision 2035 in promoting the national growth of entrepreneurship hoped to invigorate a more vibrant private sector, create more opportunities and develop greater competitiveness.

|     Fauziah Tahir     |

JULIA from Brunei was among the 3,000 runners who participated in the international sports event organised by Menara Kuala Lumpur (Menara KL), KL Tower International Towerthon Challenge 2018 (KLTowerthon 2018) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia yesterday.

Julia, in an interview, said the event was challenging, because runners started running 800m uphill, entered the KL Tower lobby and from there ran up 2,058 steps to reach the finish line.

“I hope my participation will inspire all and I hope to see more Bruneians taking part in 2019,” she said.

|     Ishan Ibrahim     |

A DUSUN man recently embraced Islam during a ceremony at a residence at Kampong Perpindahan Lambak Kanan. The conversion of Muhammad Ar-Rizq Harmie bin Abdullah Mesi, 35, formerly known as Harmie bin Mesi, was facilitated by officers from the Islamic and Muallaf Guidance Unit of the Islamic Da’wah Centre.

The religious conversion ceremony concluded with the recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah and mass recitation of Dikir Marhaban by the attendees.

|     Izah Azahari     |

NINETY-SEVEN offences were recorded during a Roadblock Weekend Joint Operation conducted in several locations in all four districts on August 18.

In the Brunei-Muara District, 19 compound and docket cases under the Royal Brunei Police Force (RBPF) were recorded while 12 offences were recorded under the Land Transport Department (JPD), three under the Royal Customs and Excise Department (RCED) and six under the Religious Enforcement Division (RED).

Operations in the Tutong District recorded 18 compound and docket offences under the RBPF and eight offences under the JPD while 25 compound and docket offences under the RBPF were recorded in the Belait District and two compound and docket offences under the RBPF and four cases under the RCED were reported in the Temburong District.

A total of 228 officers and personnel from the Traffic Control and Investigation Department (JSKLL) along with Police District under the RBPF as well as law enforcement agencies including the JPD, the RCED, Immigration and National Registration Department (INRD), the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), and the RED participated in the joint operation.

Head of the JSKLL Enforcement Unit Assistant Superintendent of Police Pengiran Omar Ali bin Pengiran Manshor led the joint operation. Meanwhile, Investigation and Traffic Officers within the Police District and officers-in-charge of the police stations led the operation in other districts.

The frequent operations are aimed at providing guidance and awareness on the importance of complying with the laws of Brunei Darussalam as well as encouraging the public to play a proactive role as the eyes and ears of enforcement agencies by channelling information in the pursuit of criminal matters at the grassroots level and to safeguard the country’s harmony, security and prosperity.

|     Syazwani Hj Rosli     |

A PRE-DAWN talk titled Memanfaatkan Rezeki (Managing Your Resources Wisely), was held at the Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Mosque in the capital yesterday.

Assistant Prisons Counsellor under the Ministry of Home Affairs and a Da’ie at the Brunei Islamic Religious Council (MUIB) Fariszal bin Ali delivered the talk.

In attendance were Acting Minister of Religious Affairs Pengiran Dato Seri Paduka Haji Bahrom bin Pengiran Haji Bahar; Acting Minister of Finance II Dato Seri Paduka Awang Ahmaddin bin Haji Abdul Rahman; Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Religious Affairs (MoRA) Dato Seri Setia Haji Abdul Aziz bin Orang Kaya Maharaja Lela Haji Mohd Yusof; Deputy Permanent Secretary (Investment) at the Ministry of Finance Haji Khairuddin bin Haji Abdul Hamid; and Deputy Permanent Secretary (Policy and Religious) at the MoRA Haji Mohd Serudin bin Haji Timbang.

The religious event is part of the weekly Masjidku Makmur, Negara Berkat programme, which allows the partici-pants of Bandarku Ceria to begin their day with prayer and spiritual reflection, before joining in the recreational activities.

|     Ishan Ibrahim     |

CABINET ministers and government officials yesterday attended a 72 times Khatam Al-Quran ceremony at the Rashidah Sa’adatul Bolkiah Mosque in Kampong Sungai Akar, in conjunction with the 72nd birthday celebration 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.

Minister of Home Affairs Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Haji Awang Abu Bakar bin Haji Apong, and his spouse, were welcomed by Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Ali bin Haji Apong, in his capacity as patron of the Rashidah Sa’adatul Bolkiah Mosque; and Village Head of Kampong Sungai Akar Haji Ramlee bin Mohd Zain, who is also the Chairman of the Village Consultative Council (MPK) of Kampong Sungai Akar (MPK Sungai Akar).

Minister of Defence II Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof; Acting Minister of Religious Affairs Pengiran Dato Seri Paduka Haji Bahrom bin Pengiran Haji Bahar; Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Awang Haji Aminuddin Ihsan bin Pehin Orang Kaya Saiful Mulok Dato Seri Paduka Haji Abidin; and Penghulu of Mukim Berakas Pengiran Haji Ali bin Pengiran Maun were also present.

Co-organised by the MPK Sungai Akar and the Takmir Committee of the Rashidah Sa’adatul Bolkiah Mosque, the 72 times Khatam Al-Quran ceremony was a special pesambah to His Majesty from the residents of Kampong Sungai Akar and the surrounding residential areas.

In his welcoming address, Mosque Officer of the Rashidah Sa’adatul Bolkiah Mosque Imam Haji Syamsul Nizam bin Haji Badar said that the main aim of this ceremony was to fully support His Majesty’s aspirations to make Brunei Darussalam a Zikir Nation.

“This year’s attendance has been very encouraging, with the Khatam participants comprising 168 adults, 73 youth and 55 children from Kampong Sungai Akar and the surrounding residential areas,” he said.

The religious event began with the recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah, led by Imam of the Rashidah Sa’datul Bolkiah Mosque Haji Muhammad Sa’dullah bin Haji Salleh, followed by the recitation of selected Al-Quran verses. The mass recitation of Ayat-ayat Lazim was led by Haji Muhammad Sa’dullah and Haji Mohd Faiezal bin Haji Zainal, while Doa Khatam was read by a young participant, Darwish bin Haji Faiezal.

The ceremony was further enlivened by a Dikir Marhaban from the Religious Teachers’ Dikir Group of the Islamic Studies Department (JPI), and the presentation of certificates to the Khatam Al-Quran participants by the Minister of Home Affairs.

The event concluded with a recitation of Doa Kesyukuran by Imam Haji Syamsul Nizam.

The religious ceremony is hoped to further enhance the quality of Al-Quran recitation among the congregants of the Rashidah Sa’adatul Bolkiah Mosque, while incorporating it into their daily prayer routine.

|     Achong Tanjong     |

DISABILITIES or being a special needs individual should not be a hindrance to one making positive changes or positively influencing their environment.

Relaying this message was Legislative Council member Yang Berhormat Iswandy bin Ahmad during the opening ceremony of the ‘Secure Holistic Awareness by Providing Education (SHAPE) for The Community’ project held at The Airport Mall, Berakas yesterday.

The community project is organised as part of the Bachelor of Health Sciences in Medicine (BHSc Medicine) programme under the Pengiran Anak Puteri Rashidah Sa’adatul Bolkiah Institute of Health Sciences, Universiti Brunei Darussalam in collaboration with the Association for Paraplegic and Physically Disabled Association (PAPDA), one of the non-governmental organisations (NGOs) under the Council for the Welfare of Persons with Different Ability (MKOKU).

Yang Berhormat Iswandy urged those involved in the project to continue with their efforts as community work is a long-term commitment. He also expressed his thanks and appreciation to all supporters of the project such as sponsors, coordinators and particularly to PAPDA for their commitment to working with each other.

“To achieve Brunei Vision 2035 which is to create quality, educated and highly skilled citizens, and to generate a dynamic and resilient economy, each of us has our roles to play, including those with disabilities,” he said.

“The saying ‘it takes a village to raise a child’ rings particularly true here, each of your contribution is very important.”

Meanwhile, Khaidiel Fiqrie bin Ahmad, a student of the BHSc Medicine programme, in his speech said, “The one-day community event titled ‘SHAPE for The Community’ comes with three main goals: to raise awareness and acceptance toward differently abled individuals, increase public education on physical disabilities, and raise funds for PAPDA.

“In this event we are focussing on a specific support group, namely PAPDA. I hope that through this project the society will be more aware of PAPDA and its differently abled members. We use the term ‘differently abled’ to replace the word ‘disabled’, to put more emphasis on their abilities, not their disabilities.”

Yesterday’s event also featured an exhibition, quiz sessions, performances by PAPDA members, sharing sessions, a wheelchair accessible obstacle course, and donation presentations.

Chief guest Yang Berhormat Iswandy also presented appreciation certificates to the event sponsors.

|     Lyna Mohamad     |

THE Land Transport Department (JPD) public WhatsApp service to report irresponsible drivers has been well-received, said Acting Director of the JPD Pengiran Mohamed Amirrizal bin Pengiran Haji Mahmud.

He made the statement during a press conference at the JPD Headquarters in Beribi, Gadong yesterday. He said 223 complaints were recorded from June to December 2016 while 547 complaints were recorded in 2017.

Although the service has been positively received, the acting director said the public needs to provide more detailed information when making complaints for the department to implement appropriate action against traffic violators.

He added that most of the complaints were short of important details. At times, the complainants do not want to be reached which leaves only the offender to be contacted by the JPD to issue a warning. The acting director urged the public to provide the registration plate number of the vehicle associated with violating road regulations, date, time and place of offence and a photo of the said vehicle while making the offence.

The JPD Enforcement WhatsApp service, introduced in June 2017, was implemented to ensure the safety of all road users. It has been used prior to the setup of the WhatsApp Darussalam that extended its introduction earlier this year for complaints only related to JPD offences.

In line with the ‘One-Government Approach’, the JPD WhatsApp number 7292017 will no longer be in operation. All complaints related to the JPD enforcement and services can now be channeled through the Darussalam WhatsApp at 8333123 with complete details to ensure that action can be taken accordingly with the department’s procedure.

Pengiran Mohamed Amirrizal said the JPD sees Darussalam hotline 123 and WhatsApp Darussalam as another platform for the public to file complaints.

“The department recognises the role of hotline Darussalam in this matter, we prefer hotline Darussalam to take the lead,” he added.

The acting director reminded the public that the services do not allow drivers to take photos while driving, stressing that the use of mobile phones while driving is an offence under Section 29A of the Road Traffic Act Chapter 68.

|     Rokiah Mahmud     |

SOME five mini motor racers representing Brunei Darussalam competed in the Mini Motor Racing tournament held at Jalan Kimanis Commercial Centre in Papar, Sabah, Malaysia.

Apart from Brunei, the tournament also saw participation by some 30 racers from Sabah, Sarawak and Labuan.

The tournament comprised four categories aimed to unleash the potentials of the racers. Apart from that, the tournament also aimed to foster closer ties among the participating teams.

Brunei Darussalam won in three categories, namely Teenager Category (Under 17) with Ibnu Ikhwan bin Omar landing in second place and Adult Category (Under 28) with Khairul Al-Amin bin Mohamad also in second place.

Amirul Rusydi, meanwhile, won third place for the Veteran Category, with fourth and fifth places went to Mohd Azim bin Rahim and Amirulnizam bin Mohammad, respectively.

|     Azaraimy HH & James Kon     |

SINGAPORE Senior Minister of State for the Ministry of Trade and Industry, and Ministry of Education, Chee Hong Tat praised Brunei’s aquaculture industry during a visit to Golden Corporation Sdn Bhd’s Multi-purpose Marine Resources Processing and Business Centre in Serambangun, Tutong.

Chee is currently in the country alongside a delegation of senior Singapore government officials to discuss broadening cooperation and exploring investment opportunities in the fisheries and agriculture sectors between Brunei Darussalam and Singapore. Hosting the Singapore Senior Minister and his delegation during his visit to Golden Corporation were the company’s Managing Director Richard Chuang and Chief Executive Officer Desmond Lim.

In an interview, Chee said that Singapore and Brunei enjoy a longstanding relationship that has lasted many decades, adding that the purpose of his visit is to look for ways where both countries can expand collaborations in the fisheries and agriculture industries, as well as to build on the very strong mutual friendship forged by leaders of both countries over the years.

“Today, I am very happy to have the chance to visit Golden Corporation and better understand its business model and operations on how to manufacture aquaculture products of good quality such as fish and shrimp, which it processes and sells domestically as well as for export,” he said.

Besides running the Multi-purpose Marine Resources Processing and Business Centre, Golden Corporation Sdn Bhd – a leading producer of blue shrimp and seafood products in Brunei Darussalam – manages more than 100 hectares of shrimp farms and supplies aquatic feed to local farmers. The company also owns a number of high-tech fishing vessels.

The company has exported its shrimp to several ASEAN member countries, as well as to Japan, Korea, Australia, Taiwan, the United States, China and the European Union. The Singapore Senior Minister said he believes there is a lot of opportunity for collaborations in the area of aquaculture and seafood production between the two countries.

Besides Golden Corporation, Chee also visited a number of other industrial sites of interest, notably Tunas Harapan Agricultural Farm Sdn Bhd, where he was briefed by farm manager Low Ah Teck.

Accompanying the Singapore Senior Minister during the tour of the sites were Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Ali bin Haji Apong, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism (MPRT) Dr Haji Abdul Manaf bin Haji Metussin, High Commissioner of the Republic of Singapore to Brunei Darussalam Lim Hong Huai, Singapore Deputy High Commissioner and Counsellor to Brunei Darussalam Raymond Chow and other officials.

The Singapore Senior Minister of State’s delegation comprised officials from the Singapore Ministry of Trade and Industry, including Director from Southeast Asia and Oceania Division Rossman Ithnain; Deputy Director for Southeast Asia Division Wu Hongyi; Senior Assistant Director/ASEAN and Oceania Foo Cher How; Assistant Director/ASEAN Organising Secretariat Koh Chun Hong; and Assistant Director/ASEAN Organising Secretariat Kenneth Teo.

Prior to the visits to the fisheries sites, the Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism paid a courtesy call on the Singapore Senior Minister at the Radisson Hotel to discuss bilateral cooperation between Brunei Darussalam and Singapore.

|     Azaraimy HH, Abdul Hakiim Yakof and Rokiah Mahmud     |

THE Information Department is currently hosting a two-day ‘Informed Community Programme’ for 40 residents and Village Consultative Council (MPK) of Kampong Merimbun, Kampong Benutan and Kampong Rambai.

The programme began with briefings on National Vision 2035 and Terasul dan Bahasa Mengganti Diri, delivered respectively by Senior Economic Officer at the Prime Minister’s Office Nur Edzalina binti Haji Idris; and Adat Istiadat Officer at the Department of Adat Istiadat Negara Mohammad Zaidul.

The briefings were followed with a group tour of the Department of Adat Istiadat Negara and the Lapau building in Bandar Seri Begawan.

Today’s itinerary will involve a briefing session on poultry farming by the Department of Agrifood and Agriculture, as well as a visit to the Agricultural Development Area in Kampong Sinaut.

The participants will also tour the Kampong Serambangun Industrial Site in the Tutong District, and attend a briefing at the Fisheries Department and Golden Corporation Sdn Bhd.

The programme is aimed at boosting the standards of living for Bruneians through talks and field trips, in addition to enhancing their self-esteem and sense of nationalism.

The programme was officially launched yesterday morning at the Government Rest House in Kampong Rambai with Acting Deputy Director of Information Hajah Noorashidah binti Haji Aliomar as the guest of honour.

Also present were Penghulu of Mukim Rambai and Acting Village Head of Kampong Merimbun Khairul Nurul Arsyad bin Haji Abdul Malek; Village Head of Kampong Benutan Haji Noralimin bin Sulong; and Acting Village Head of Kampong Rambai Muhammad Murat bin Haji Muhammad Jamin.

|     Fizah HAB     |

A TOTAL of BND87,143 was collected from the ‘SMS Brunei Prihatin’ fundraiser for the Pengiran Muda Mahkota Al-Muhtadee Billah Fund for Orphans (DANA), a collaborative project between DST Communications Sdn Bhd and Progresif Cellular Sdn Bhd which ran from November 28, 2017 to January 31, 2018.

BND74,019 was contributed by DST subscribers, while Progresif subscribers contributed the balance of BND13,124.

Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Managing Director Dato Paduka Eddie bin Dato Paduka Haji Sunny disclosed the figures in his welcoming speech at the DANA Incentive Award for Excellent Student 2018 (APIC-DANA 2018) presentation ceremony yesterday at the multipurpose hall of the Yayasan Complex in the capital.

The ceremony also saw the presentation of the SMS Brunei Prihatin contributions for the 2017-2018 DANA fund.

Besides the contributions from subscribers, DST presented its own contributions totalling BND20,000, while Progresif presented a sum of BND2,440.16 collected from the public via DANA collection boxes set up at the company’s counters.

Dato Paduka Eddie on behalf of DANA expressed appreciation to the donors, adding that he hoped that they will continue with such good deeds to help orphans in the country.

Minister of Defence II Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof in his capacity as the Chairman of the Yayasan Board of Directors officiated the ceremony and received the contributions on behalf of DANA.

Presenting the contributions to the minister on behalf of DST was DST CEO Haji Suhaimi bin Haji Hussain, while Head of Legal and Regulatory Nurul Haniah binti Haji Jaafar was the representative for Progresif.

Separately, 13 orphans who excelled in public examinations last year received awards at the APIC-DANA 2018.

Five were BC GCE ‘O’ Level students, five sat for the Primary School Assessment (PSR) examinations, while the other three sat for the SSSRU (Primary Schools Religious Certificate) examinations.

The recipients under the BC GCE ‘O’ Level category were Ryan Lim Ming Shun, Sonia binti Abdullah Jamaris, Chung Yu Shan, Chung Yu Yan, and Ampuan A’qillah Farahiyah binti Ampuan Haji Mohamad, each receiving a certificate of appreciation, a computer and printer, and a two-year learning facilities package worth BND760.

For the PSR category, the recipients were Noradrianna binti Mat Sapar, Mohammad Daniel bin Husny, Mohammad Nuraizuddin Hibatullah bin Abdullah, Kelly Chia Kay Li and Siti Khadijah binti Marali, each receiving a certificate of appreciation, a computer and printer, and a two-year learning facilities package worth BND400.

The SSSRU category recipients were Raimma Rahima Liyanna binti Beraim, Dayangku Afiqah Najwa binti Pengiran Ibni and Nurul Fitri Sofia binti Haji Rosli, each receiving a certificate, a computer and printer, and BND500 cash credited directly to their DANA account in Perbadanan Tabung Amanah Islam Brunei.

|     Azaraimy HH     |

THE Tutong Police Station apprehended two theft suspects on Sunday.

Haji Khairul Azhar bin Sallih, 33, and Mohamad Khairul Husaini bin Mohd Sharji, 38, allegedly stole a metal manhole cover and TelBru’s alloy cable cover from an unoccupied teachers’ flat in Telisai, Tutong.

The suspects were brought to the Bandar Seri Begawan court and charged under Section 379 of the Penal Code, Chapter 22. They are currently remanded at the Jerudong Prison.

BRITISH Minister of State for Asia and the Pacific at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office Mark Field highlighted the depth of the longstanding and close relationship between the United Kingdom (UK) and Brunei Darussalam.

Delivering a speech at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MoFAT) yesterday, Field said that the UK’s bilateral relationship with Brunei is in excellent shape and he is excited to learn about new opportunities to develop it further.

The minister also shared his vision for the European Union (EU) exit and opportunities for trade and investment and as well as the UK’s relationship with ASEAN.

Permanent Secretary (Political) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade Hajah Siti Norishan binti Haji Abdul Ghafor introduced Field to the audience. After his speech, the British minister had the opportunity to engage in a lively discussion with policymakers and officials from the MoFAT.

Field is currently on a two-week, six-country tour of Southeast Asia highlighting the UK’s commitment to the increasingly important region. He underscored the importance of an ‘All of Asia’ policy, through which the UK engages actively with all countries in the region, regardless of size, to promote regional security, build prosperity and strengthen the values that underpin people-to-people links.

Since Field’s appointment as Minister of State for Asia and the Pacific, he has travelled all across the region, visiting some 20 countries. By the end of his current tour, Field will have visited all 10 ASEAN member states in just over a year, demonstrating emphatically that the UK’s ‘All of Asia’ policy is broad, ambitious and focussed on the future.

During the speech, Field elaborated on the UK’s exit from the EU and the new partnership which is being negotiated. Once outside the EU, he said that the UK will be able to develop closer and more tailored relationships with countries around the world.

The minister emphasised the importance of the UK’s existing close relationship with ASEAN, and the country’s intention to develop that relationship further as it leaves the EU. He said that there is real scope to do more with ASEAN, including in Brunei, on fields such as Islamic banking and finance, financial technology, and capital market development.

Highlighting new opportunities for bilateral co-operation with the UK, including on free trade agreements, he said, “The UK is a champion of free trade as a proven means of lifting millions of people out of poverty, particularly in Asia.”

The minister said that the UK would continue to challenge protectionism which it saw as a real danger to global growth. He praised the ‘Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans Pacific Partnership’ that Brunei and 10 other nations signed earlier this year. After it leaves the EU, the UK will be free to consider joining such free trade agreements, he added.

Mark Field was appointed Minister of State at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office on June 13, 2017. He was first elected as the Conservative MP for the Cities of London and Westminster in 2001.

As an MP representing the City of London, Mark Field is the ambassador for the UK’s financial and professional services sector. Not only is he responsible in nurturing the relationships with the countries of the Asia-Pacific region, but also for the international economic diplomacy including the financial services sector.

|     Wani Roslan     |

LANGUAGE attains its highest form of development from extensive use as a means of communication, said Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Awang Haji Aminuddin Ihsan bin Pehin Orang Kaya Saiful Mulok Dato Seri Paduka Haji Abidin.

The minister was speaking at the official launching of the Language and Literature Bureau (DBP)’s annual Language Month yesterday at the Tarbiyah Hall of the Religious Teachers University College of Seri Begawan (KUPU SB).

“With regard to Brunei Darussalam, the Malay element has became a part of our daily lives through the Malay Islamic Monarchy (MIB) philosophy; and maintaining and strengthening the Malay Language has become a significant national policy that needs to be preserved, even in this age of globalisation, science and technology,” he said.

“The development of science and technology can assist us in the promotion of Malay, particularly with the availability of various terms that have been widely translated into the Malay Language.

“Yet, the survival of the Malay Language requires great effort and sacrifice. These efforts can only be sustained with public cooperation, since a particular language cannot exist without its practitioners. For this reason, our society must continue its commitment in upholding and dignifying the Malay Language.”

The Acting Director of DBP, Hajah Sariani binti Haji Ishak, meanwhile said that various strategies have already been outlined for the preservation and appreciation of the Malay Language, which would require strong support from the  public.

The event then continued with a video presentation, which was followed with a language pledge by the army cadets of Pengiran Anak Puteri Hajah Masna Secondary School, and the declamation of a poem titled, Masihkah Kalian Ingat.

There was also a talk on the topic of Bahasa Melayu Bahasa Kita, by Dr Aliamat bin Omar Ali, a lecturer at Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah Institute of Education, Universiti Brunei Darussalam.

An awards ceremony then ensued, during which Haji Rashid bin Haji Damit was honoured for his appointment as a Language Ambassador.

The minister also presented prizes to the winners of several essay and short story competitions, in addition to five students for their excellent academic achievements in the Malay Language and Malay Literature.

The event concluded with the launching of two books – Bahasa Mudah Pelancong and Siri Penyelidikan Bahasa Melayu di Negara Brunei Darussalam; Fasa 4, Edisi Ke-3 – by the minister, who also viewed a mini-exhibition at the venue.

HIS Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah ibni His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office yesterday morning received in separate audiences outgoing foreign envoys to Brunei Darussalam.

His Royal Highness first received Ambassador of the State of Kuwait to Brunei Darussalam Dr Fahad Mashary Al-Thafiri.

Dr Fahad Mashary Al-Thafiri presented his Letter of Credence 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 on December 9, 2013.

His Royal Highness then received Ambassador of the Kingdom of Thailand to Brunei Darussalam Biravij Suwanpradhes.

Biravij Suwanpradhes presented his Letter of Credence to His Majesty on March 23, 2016.

The audience ceremony took place at Qashr Al-Meezaan.

|     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 United Kingdom’s Minister of State for Asia and the Pacific at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office Mark Field.

Accompanying Mark Field during the audience was British High Commissioner to Brunei Darussalam Richard Lindsay.

Also present was Second Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade II Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Erywan bin Pehin Datu Pekerma Jaya Haji Mohd Yusof and Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade Hajah Siti Norishan binti Haji Abdul Ghafor.

The audience ceremony took place at the Istana Nurul Iman.

|     Daniel Lim     |

MASHHOR General Contractor Sdn Bhd (MGCSB) recently conducted an emergency drill exercise, ‘Operasi Tangkas 3’ at its Lumut Petrol Service Station as part of a continuous effort to highlight the importance of safety among its staff members.

Led by MGCSB Corporate General Manager Malai Shamil Faris bin (Dr) Haji Malai Abdul Hamid, and the Emergency Crisis Coordinator Mohd Rizal bin Dr Haji Latif the operation was conducted to not only test the effectiveness of the procedures in the petrol station’s emergency response, but also to strengthen the safety systems within the station.

The campaign also saw the Sungai Liang and Kuala Belait fire stations personnel, HAZMAT Team, the Emergency Medical Ambulance Services (EMAS) in the Belait District as well as the Traffic Control and Investigation Department involved in ensuring that the operation was carried out in the most realistic manner.

Representatives from the Brunei Shell Marketing Company Sdn Bhd as well as Acting Village Head of Kampong Lumut 1, Haji Abdul Aziz bin Haji Abdul Ghani were present to oversee the operation.

Among the scenarios conducted during the course of the emergency drill exercise included a stimulated incident involving a tanker loaded with liquid ammonia losing control and colliding with a diesel pumps of the station prompting response of all the agencies involved in the exercise drill.

The emergency drill exercise represented the third quarterly activity as part of the Company’s Corporate QHSSE Plan 2018 requirement. Mashhor will continue to organise similar emergency drill exercise every year.

|     Syazwani Hj Rosli     |

A TOTAL of 184 Year 9 students of Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Damit Girls Arabic Religious Secondary School (SUAMPRIPAD) were feted in a Khatam Al-Quran ceremony, marking the completion of their recitation of 30 Juzuks of Al-Quran yesterday morning.

The religious ceremony took place at the Musyawarah Hall of the International Convention Centre (ICC), Berakas.

Deputy State Mufti Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Japar bin Haji Mat Dain @ Maidin was the guest of honour.

Also present were the director of the Islamic Studies Department (JPI), JPI assistant director and heads of departments, principals of Arabic schools, SUAMPRIPAD officers and teachers, as well as parents and guardians.

The event commenced with the mass recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah led by the guest of honour, followed by the recitation of Al-Quran verses by the participants.

The ceremony continued with the recitation of Takhtim by Year 10 students and the reading of Doa Khatam.

The guest of honour handed over certificates and souvenirs to the participants, followed by the sprinkling of scented flowers on the participants.

The event was further enlivened with a Dikir Marhaban by Year 10 students.

A Doa Selamat was read to bless the occasion.

The ceremony’s objectives were to celebrate the students’ achievements in completing the 30 Juzuks of Al-Quran, and ensure they are able to read Al-Quran fluently.

The event was also part of the school’s initiative to encourage students to continue reading and understand the Al-Quran.