|     Fadhil Yunus     |

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 and Her Royal Highness Paduka Seri Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Sarah binti Pengiran Haji Salleh Ab Rahaman yesterday attended the prize presentation ceremony of the under-14 junior category in the Brunei Open Badminton Championship 2018 at the Multi-Purpose Hall of The Centrepoint Hotel.

His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah also received a pesambah from Indonesia badminton legend Taufik Hidayat.

Yang Teramat Mulia Pengiran Muda ‘Abdul Muntaqim ibni Duli Yang Teramat Mulia Paduka Seri Pengiran Muda Mahkota Pengiran Muda Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah who finished in joint third place was presented with a prize by Taufik, who was invited on the final day of the championship as a guest.

Also present was Yang Teramat Mulia Pengiran Anak Muneerah Madhul Bolkiah binti Duli Yang Teramat Mulia Paduka Seri Pengiran Muda Mahkota Pengiran Muda Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah.

Yang Teramat Mulia Pengiran Muda ‘Abdul Muntaqim put out a valiant effort in a closely-fought encounter against Dessen Chung Min Tin in the semi-final where his opponent eventually prevailed with a 21-23, 21-16, 21-19 win.

Mohd Hakem Rahimee bin Bakar emerged winner in the under-14 junior category after beating Dessen 16-21, 21-8, 21-10 in the final. The other third place finisher went to Ridhwan Ramdani.

Mohd Hakem lost the first set but never looked like surrendering the final after levelling the match with an impressive recovery in the second set.

He took the second set where he secured seven straight points en route to reaching the halfway point before making another run of seven straight points without reply.

The third set was a repeat of the second as Mohd Hakem closed in with victory by charging into a 8-3 lead. Dessen bravely battled back but Hakem found his winning touch to reach the halfway point with a 11-8 lead.

Mohd Hakem only lost two points after the interval and secured the title after standing on the brink with a healthy six championship points.

Meanwhile Taufik, a winner in the Olympic Games, Asian Games and World Championships, watched the remaining games in various categories in the championship.

The Brunei Open also witnessed the top shuttlers in both the men and women’s division.

|     James Kon     |

LOCAL artist Marsidi bin Omar won first place in Categories ‘A’ and ‘B’ of the art contest organised in conjunction with 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’s 72^nd birthday celebration.

The prize presentation was held yesterday morning at the Dermaga Diraja Art Gallery in the capital.

Present as the guest of honour was Minister of Home Affairs Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Haji Awang Abu Bakar bin Haji Apong, who is also Chairman of the National Executive Committee for His Majesty’s 72^nd birthday celebration.

Marsidi, 57, in an interview with the Sunday Bulletin said, “I am touched, and I feel blessed to win in two categories at this year’s competition. I didn’t expect to win as there were many high quality works of art.”

On his inspiration, he revealed, “It was challenging to try and get a good idea in line with the theme, ‘The Golden Jubilee Celebration of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam’s Accession to the Throne’. I have a collection of His Majesty’s portraits from the past, so I decided to put together 50 of them in one piece. It took a month to complete.”

His winning artwork in Category ‘A’ was presented to His Majesty as pesambah during the get-together ceremony in Brunei-Muara District last month.

Marsidi highlighted, “This is the third time my drawings were presented to His Majesty. It’s a privilege to have my artworks be appreciated.”

His artwork depicting images of the Golden Jubilee Celebration won first place in Category ‘B’. “I focussed my work on the procession during the celebration, and it took about two weeks to complete,” he said.

Marsidi has been in the local art scene for over 25 years, and has won the same competition a number of times.

Haji Dayang bin Haji Mutalip was placed second in Category ‘A’, while Muhammad Syafiq bin Abdul Nasir was in third place. The consolation prizes went to Haji Mahaddi bin Haji Mat Zain and Khairul Asri bin Tarip.

In Category ‘B’, Osman bin Bakir’s masterpiece received second place. There was no third place winner, and the consolation prize went to Abdul Wafi bin Haji Mat Salleh.

Category ‘C’, which focussed on youth during the Golden Jubilee Celebration, had no first place winner. Batrisyah Arifah binti Osaman received second place, while Syazwi bin Syamri was placed third. Khairunnisa Waliyah binti Osman received the consolation prize in the category.

Chairman of the organising committee for the art competition Dato Paduka Haji Idris bin Haji Abas in his welcoming remarks expressed hope that the competition provided an opportunity for local artists and students to display their talent.

He said that the participation for this year’s competition was lesser than previous years, but the works received were of high quality.

Dato Paduka Haji Idris revealed that the winners of the competition for the past 12 years are featured in the book, Portraits of His Majesty – A Golden Jubilee Commemorative Book.

The participating artworks are currently on display at an exhibition at the Dermaga Diraja Art Gallery until September 6, and admission is free.

BEIJING (AP) – At least 19 people were killed in a fire at a resort hotel in China’s northeastern city of Harbin early yesterday, the local government said.

The disaster added to a string of deadly blazes that have plagued China despite official efforts to improve public safety over the past two decades.

The fire broke out at the four-storey Beilong Hot Spring Hotel in Harbin’s Sun Island recreation area at 4.36am and was extinguished at 7.50am by a force of 105 firefighters with 30 fire trucks, state television reported.

Firefighters found 16 people dead and three more died at a hospital, the city government and Provincial Fire Department said on their social media accounts.

It said 18 people were injured and a total of 70 evacuated.

The cause was under investigation, the Xinhua News Agency said.

Harbin, with about five million people, is the second-largest city in China’s northeast, after Shenyang. It is known for the Russian architecture of its inner city and as the site of a winter festival with sculptures made of ice blocks cut from the Songhua River.

The ruling party has tried to improve fire safety following deadly blazes at hotels, shopping malls and apartment buildings. But the country still suffers major fires.

In November, a fire blamed on faulty wiring at a Beijing apartment building killed 19 people.

A 2010 blaze at a Shanghai apartment tower killed at least 58 people. Authorities blamed sparks from a welder’s torch.

|     Hakim Hayat     |

CONVICTING an individual in a human trafficking case is a complex task that requires multi-coordination from different parties in the country as well as cooperation beyond Brunei’s borders to ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice, said Counsel and Deputy Public Prosecutor at the Attorney General’s Chambers (AGC) Hajah Rozaimah binti Haji Abdul Rahman.

She made the statement during the second plenary session on the final day of the ‘Combating Trafficking in Persons’ conference (CTIP 2018) hosted by Bruneian youth initiative Youth Against Slavery Brunei (YAS Brunei) yesterday.

Speakers from the AGC, Royal Brunei Police Force (RBPF) and Department of Labour discussed several issues including the Sultanate’s existing laws to protect individuals from human trafficking.

Hajah Rozaimah, who for many years presided over the prosecution of human trafficking cases, highlighted the strong stance of the Government of Brunei Darussalam in eradicating human trafficking with severe penalties including a lengthy custodial sentence. The 2004 Trafficking and Smuggling of Persons Order prohibits human trafficking and prescribes punishment of up to 30 years imprisonment.

Although existing Brunei human trafficking laws that follow international laws have led to the conviction of several individuals involved in human trafficking cases over the years, Hajah Rozaimah said that prosecuting a human trafficking case often comes with hurdles due to the high requirement of evidence or proof, and given the seriousness of the offence.

Over the last few years, a number of individuals, including locals, have been convicted for human trafficking crimes in the country – mostly for trafficking of individuals from outside the country to work in the country illegally, forced labour or for denying wages.

Acting Head of Human Trafficking Investigation Unit, Criminal Investigation Department of the RBPF Assistant Superintendent Ivy Han; Senior Labour Inspector, Head Unit of Operation, Labour Enforcement Division at the Department of Labour Md Zulfadhli bin Suhai; and Senior Labour Inspector, Head of Dispute and Investigation Unit, Labour Enforcement Division at the Department of Labour also comprised the panel of speakers.

YAS Brunei said the conference was held in line with the theme of this year’s World Day Against Trafficking in Persons (TIP) – responding to the trafficking of children and young people.

The plenary sessions covered topics on the role of government actors and others in Combating Trafficking in Persons (CTIP), indicators of human trafficking crimes, cybercrime awareness, the protection of children’s safety in the digital world and regional youth advocacy on anti-human trafficking.

With high usage of technology in Asia, growing numbers of job seekers and increasing amount of movement between borders, the conference focussed on how and in what ways the governments, non-government actors and citizens of Asean can combat human trafficking.

The conference also aimed at strengthening the network’s ability to combat trafficking in persons, including protecting the youth from exploitation preventing Brunei from becoming a destination for trafficking in persons, misuse of the Internet and other forms of human exploitation.

The conference also highlighte the importance of working with those most likely to encounter human trafficking victims and the role they can play in sharing their first-hand experience to strengthen the effectiveness of human trafficking policies.

YAS Brunei is a Bruneian youth initiative which is a product of Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) – a US government endeavor.

OMRO, Wisconsin (AP) – A Wisconsin motorist was having car trouble when he pulled over to find a slithering surprise.

Chris Nguyen opened the hood of his mother’s SUV. Inside, he found a four-foot-long ball python.

Police in Omro responded. They tried to wriggle the snake free and called Menasha snake rescuer Steve Keller for help.

WLUK-TV reported it took hours to free the snake, which had wrapped itself around the engine.

The snake’s owner said it had been missing for more than a month. It’s illegal to have such a snake in Omro, so the owner was fined USD313.

Police said they’ll dismiss the ticket if the owner pays for the SUV’s damages, which fittingly include a displaced serpentine belt.

|     Azlan Othman     |

THE Knowledge Convention 2018 will focus on the economy and take up agriculture as a key agenda. The second meeting of the Steering Committee of the Knowledge Convention 2018 was held yesterday at the Prime Minister’s Office to discuss latest developments regarding preparations for the programmes planned in conjunction with the event.

The Knowledge Convention 2018 is held in conjunction with the 72^nd 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 Primary Resources and Tourism Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Ali bin Haji Apong presided over the meeting in his capacity as the Co-Chairman of the Steering committee.

Present at the meeting were Co-Chairmen of the Steering Committee of the Knowledge Convention 2018 – Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Abdul Mokti bin Haji Mohd Daud and Minister of Energy, Manpower and Industry Dato Seri Setia Dr Awang Haji Mat Suny bin Haji Mohd Hussein and State Mufti Pehin Datu Seri Maharaja Dato Paduka Seri Setia (Dr) Ustaz Haji Awang Abdul Aziz bin Juned as the Advisor to the committee.

Also in attendance were Deputy Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office Datin Seri Paduka Dayang Hajah Elinda binti Haji CA Mohamed as the Deputy Chairman of the Steering Committee; Deputy Minister of Education Datin Seri Paduka Dr Hajah Romaizah binti Haji Mohd Salleh; permanent secretaries, vice-chancellors, deputy permanent secretaries and senior officers at the Prime Minister’s Office, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism and Ministry of Energy, Manpower and Industry.

The second meeting was a formal supervisory meeting to monitor the progress of all preparations and discuss on the working committee’s reports, to ensure the smooth running of the convention, the date for which is yet to be finalised.

The meeting began with the recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah and Doa Selamat, followed by welcoming remarks by Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Ali.

|     James Kon     |

BRUNEI Darussalam takes the issue of Trafficking in Persons (TIP) very seriously and continues to uphold its commitment in combating human trafficking by raising public awareness and training frontline law enforcers to better detect TIP cases.

This was stated by Acting Director of the Criminal Investigation Department of the Royal Brunei Police Force (RBPF), Assistant Commissioner of Police Dato Paduka Haji Muhammad Hassan bin Pehin Penyurat Haji Awang Ahmad, in his speech at the closing ceremony of the ‘Combating Trafficking in Persons’ conference (CTIP 2018), hosted by Youth Against Slavery Brunei (YAS Brunei) at the Progresif Headquarters yesterday.

“The Sultanate’s efforts are reflected in the 2018 US TIP report in which Brunei Darussalam has maintained its Tier 2 ranking,” he said, adding that “the country is further looking for ways to improve its ranking through successful investigation and prosecution”.

Highlighting the various efforts undertaken by the police in combating human trafficking, he said, “After the establishment of Human Trafficking Investigation Unit, a specialised investigation unit under the Criminal Investigation Department in August 2011 and the constitution of the National Ad Hoc Committee to combat human trafficking, Brunei Darussalam has prosecuted and convicted four offenders involved in sexual exploitation under the TIP legislation.”

Commending on the conference, the acting director said, “The meeting has provided a solid platform for various sectors in Brunei to come together to strengthen our network’s ability to combat TIP by raising awareness.”

“A vast array of topics ranging from combating trafficking in persons, identifying victims of trafficking and labour violations, preventing human trafficking using technology, IT awareness and cybersecurity as well as child rights and their protection were deliberated during the two-day event. The initiative shows how crucial it is for us as a community to play our parts together to raise awareness on human trafficking and eliminate TIP and related crimes.

“Such efforts take us a step closer towards eradicating all forms of exploitation through enhancing awareness better detection,” he noted, adding that “law enforcement cannot do it alone, and through cooperation and partnership, we can fight TIP more effectively”.

On the second day of the conference, invited guests that included officers from the RBPF, members of the Diplomatic Corps and students heard presentations by three participating groups on challenges and future plans in combating human trafficking.

In line with the theme of this year’s World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, ‘Responding to Trafficking of Children and Young People’, the conference aimed at strengthening the network’s ability to combat trafficking in persons, including protecting the youth from exploitation and preventing Brunei from becoming a destination for trafficking in persons and travelling sex offenders, easy access to online pornography, misuse of the Internet as well as other forms of human exploitation.

The conference also highlighted the importance of working with those who are most likely to encounter human trafficking victims such as medical practitioners, national security forces, border patrol agents, teachers and those in the transportation and hospitality industries and the role that they can play in sharing first-hand experience to strengthen the effectiveness of anti-human trafficking policies.

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 consented to send a message of congratulations to Scott Morrison on the occasion of his recent appointment as the Prime Minister of Australia.

In the message, His Majesty wished the Australian Prime Minister success in his new post and looked forward to renewed opportunities in reaffirming the much-valued ties happily shared by the two countries, both bilaterally and as close regional partners.

His Majesty ended the message by extending his kindest regards and very best wishes to the Australian Prime Minister and his family and for his continued good health and happiness.

|     Fizah HAB     |

KOPERASI Persatuan TIBA (KOTIBA) members attended the association’s 34th Annual General Meeting at the multipurpose hall of the Sultan Sharif Ali Secondary School yesterday.

Chairman of KOTIBA Haji Rosdi Amin bin Dato Paduka Haji Yaakub spoke on the rise of profit margins at the Kampong Salambigar filling station.

“The filling station has continued its excellent performance, proving a four per cent sales increase to USD10,136,700 compared to USD9.7 million in the previous financial year. This is a good achievement as we closed six pumps for four months for maintenance and to clean the tanks,” said Haji Rosdi Amin.

He attributed the rise to a number of factors, which included replacing and ensuring oil tanks were in working condition as well as sending managers and supervisors to the academic retail programme hosted by Brunei Shell Marketing Company Sdn Bhd (BSM) as well as practising the standards of health, safety, security and environment measures provided by BSM.

“KOTIBA also aimed on improving through introducing new initiatives including the new accounting system ‘Quickbooks Online’ to ensure a more organised and streamlined financial management system and business accounts,” he said in an interview.

Since its inauguration in 1981, KOTIBA has been managing a filling station at Kampong Salambigar. In 1999, the station underwent major renovations, which enabled the association to distribute its first shares for year 2000, totalling 10 per cent.

Members of the association submitted annual reports for the KOTIBA Board of Directors and the financial log for year 2017, appointed new auditors for the financial year of 2017-2018, and dissolved the previous Board of Directors by electing new members to supervise KOTIBA.

|     Rokiah Mahmud     |

THE Community Development Department (JAPEM) in collaboration with the Special Education Unit of the Ministry of Education organised a short course on sign language at Imtiyaz Hall of the Pusat Bahagia in Pulaie yesterday.

It aimed to empower JAPEM volunteers to interact with the hearing-impaired.

Thirty-two JAPEM volunteers attended the course.

The course was coordinated by Special Education officers Widiafalena binti Haji Surhan and Hajah Mariani binti Abdullah.

The course taught volunteers how to greet and ask questions in sign language. It also briefed volunteers on hearing-impaired issues and the importance of sign language as a medium of communication for the hearing-impaired.

Assistant Director at the JAPEM Haji Khairul Ariffin bin Haji Abdul Aji presented certificates of participation to the participants and facilitators.

|     Daniel Lim     |

THE Brunei National Road Safety Council (BNRSC) yesterday held a road safety campaign highlighting the importance of buckling up while driving, at the KBku Ceria event at the parking space beside Chung Hua Middle School in Kuala Belait.

The campaign was conducted in collaboration with Brunei Shell Petroleum Company Sdn Bhd (BSP), Brunei Automobile Association (PPAB), Maju Motors Sdn Bhd and NBT (Brunei) Sdn Bhd, whose representatives conducted demonstrations highlighting the usage of seat belts and how it can save lives.

Deputy Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Communications and BNRSC Secretary Dr Haji Supry bin Haji Awang Ladi emphasised the importance of buckling up, not driving while under the influence, and avoiding texting while driving.

Last year, the Royal Brunei Police Force (RBPF) recorded over 1,373 cases of motorists travelling without their safety belts fastened. This year, the Land Transport Department (JPD) issued compound fines – between January to July – to over 400 drivers for not buckling up.

The BNRSC noted it will continue to conduct similar campaigns to raise public awareness on the importance of road safety, and the laws surrounding the usage of the seat belt.

|     Azaraimy HH     |

THE Ministry of Health (MoH) in collaboration with the Mukim Pekan Tutong Consultative Council yesterday held a Healthy Mukim Programme for Mukim Pekan Tutong.

The programme was held to promote public awareness on health-related issues such as non-communicable diseases (NCDs), and the importance of living a healthy lifestyle. The event was held at the Tutong District Civic Centre Complex.

Minister of Health Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohammad Isham bin Haji Jaafar and his spouse, Datin Dr Hajah Noraslinah binti Haji Ramlee, attended as the guests of honour.

The event kicked-off with speeches by Mukim Pekan Tutong Acting Penghulu cum ceremony chairperson Haji Mumin bin Abdul Razak and the minister.

The ceremony continued with the launching of the programme and the presentation of appointment certificates for health ambassadors of Mukim Pekan Tutong.

Activities included a Tai Chi session, a 3km walkathon, cycling and aerobic exercises; health checks, an exhibition and a health products bazaar.

The minister and walkathon participants visited the ‘Mind Your Mind’ exhibition at the Petani Mall, before continuing their walk back to the Tutong District Civic Centre Complex.

The ‘Mind Your Mind’ event included a mental health exhibition, quizzes, personal wellness level test, open consultation with members of psychiatrist or psychologist, and colouring session.

The minister hoped the programme will not only strengthen relations between community members, but will also strengthen cooperation between government and non-governmental sectors with the public with regard to inculcating a healthier lifestyle among all.

The programme aimed to promote awareness on NCDs; highlight the services provided by hospitals and clinics; encourage the local community to live healthy by conducting regular physical exercises and eating healthy.

|     Syazwani Hj Rosli     |

THE rewards, benefits and virtues of reciting Al-Quran formed the main topic of the pre-dawn talk yesterday, at the Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Mosque.

The talk was delivered by a lecturer from the Institut Tahfiz Al-Quran Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah (ITQSHHB) Mohammad Ali Sabri bin Haji Yusof.

“Al-Quran has always been a primary source of reference for Muslims; and we are required to comprehend, study and appreciate its contents as part of our daily worship,” he said.

“Those who recite Al-Quran will be raised in status by Allah the Almighty.”

The event was attended by the Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Abdul Mokti bin Haji Mohd Daud; 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; Acting Minister of Religious Affairs Pengiran Dato Seri Paduka Haji Bahrom bin Pengiran Haji Bahar; and Deputy Permanent Secretary (Policy and Religious) at the Ministry of Religious Affairs Haji Mohd Serudin bin Haji Timbang. The pre-dawn talk is part of the weekly Masjidku Makmur, Negara Berkat programme organised ahead of the activities for Bandarku Ceria.

|     James Kon     |

DESPITE its team members clocking in with an average age of 66, the Titled Personage team finished sixth in the special race during the Brunei Darussalam Regatta on August 12 held to celebrate 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’s 72nd birthday.

In recognition of their efforts, medals were presented to the team members in a ceremony held yesterday at Tarindak D’Seni Restaurant in Bandar Seri Begawan.

Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Dewa Major General (Rtd) Dato Seri Pahlawan Haji Mohammad bin Haji Daud handed over the medals.

The ceremony concluded with the Titled Personage team members posing for a group photo with other event attendees and a recitation of Doa Allah Peliharakan Sultan dan Negara Brunei Darussalam.

|     Daniel Lim     |

MAJLIS Sukan Polis Di-Raja Brunei was the overall champion in the 30 Rowers Marathon, followed by Persatuan Sungai Bunga, and Waktu Brunei Darussalam, in second and third places in the traditional boat racing competition held along the Belait River yesterday, 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.

Participants from across the Belait District competed in six categories: 15 Rowers Open; 20 Rowers Open; 25 Rowers Open; 12 and 15 Rowers for members from government agencies and department in the Belait District; and the 30 Rowers Marathon.

The guest of honour was Minister of Home Affairs Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Haji Awang Abu Bakar bin Haji Apong.

The minister also joined the 15 Rowers category for members from government agencies and departments in Belait, leading the Pasukan Jawatankuasa boat to victory.

The permanent secretaries at the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Ministry of Home Affairs were also involved in the competition, leading the boats for Pasukan Pejabat Hal Ehwal Ugama Daerah Belait, Pasukan Daerah Belait and Pasukan Jabatan Bomba dan Penyelamat Cawangan Operasi ‘B’ Daerah Belait.

Meanwhile, the deputy permanent secretary at the MoHA was among the participants for Pasukan Jabatan Bandaran Kuala Belait dan Seria.

The minister also flagged off the 30 Rowers Marathon, a 20-km race which began near the Rasau Bridge and ended at the waterfront located behind the Menara Cendera Kenangan in Kuala Belait.

The marathon involved seven participating teams: Majlis Sukan Polis Di-Raja Brunei, Persatuan Sungai Bunga, Waktu Brunei Darussalam, Pasukan Daerah Belait, Pasukan Bandaran Gabungan Ugama, Belait Paddlers Team and Pasukan Bravo 995.

The minister presented prizes to the competition winners.

Following the presentation of prizes, the minister received a token of appreciation from the Acting Belait District Officer.

|     Azaraimy HH     |

THE issue of mental health is a worrying global trend. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the number of people with mental health disturbance is increasing globally, and Brunei Darussalam is not an exception.

In 2012, the Ministry of Health (MoH) stated that 11,000 people were registered under its mental health services, meaning that 2.75 per cent of Bruneians are living with mental health problems.

The ministry said that this number is expected to increase, and that it is probable that there are many unreported cases.

It added that in the case of Brunei, mental health issues carry a heavy social stigma, causing sufferers to feel reluctant to seek remedial help or share their problem out of fear of being discriminated against. The ministry additionally noted that this negative perception of the problem among society is probably caused by inadequate understanding on mental health, with the public associating mental health problems with lunacy.

Various efforts have been initiated by the ministry to tackle the issue and raise public awareness on mental health problems and the well-being of sufferers, including the ‘Mind Your Mind’ campaign by staff from the Psychiatric Department of Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha (RIPAS) Hospital; psychology experts from the ministry’s Health Services Department and Medical Services Department; occupation therapy experts and social medical workers from RIPAS Hospital; as well as officers from the Health Promotion Centre and volunteers from the Pengiran Anak Puteri Rashidah Sa’adatul Bolkiah Institute of Health Sciences of Universiti Brunei Darussalam.

The campaign, into its fifth year this year, was recently organised by the Health Promotion Centre and held at Petani Mall, Tutong for two days from August 25-26.

Various activities were carried out such as a mental health exhibition, quizzes, a ‘drink with experts’ session, as well as a 3km ‘Towards Change’ walkathon.

Among its objectives were to increase public awareness on the importance of understanding mental health problems; promoting the services provided by the MoH with regard to the issue; countering the negative perception of mental health; reducing the social stigma associated with mental health problems in Brunei Darussalam; and to create a conducive platform for the Tutong community to access proper mental healthcare and help.

|     Azaraimy HH     |

MINISTER of Health Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohammad Isham bin Haji Jaafar underscored the role family, close friends, grassroot leaders as well as appointed community health ambassadors must play in keeping eye on the health and well-being of the country’s ageing population.

The minister relayed this in his speech during the Healthy Mukim Programme for Mukim Pekan Tutong on Sunday, which carried the theme ‘Maintaining Health at Old Age’.

“The ageing process is a natural life process that everyone goes from the time they are born. Nevertheless, usually we are not aware that we are going through the process until we notice in ourselves physiological changes, or changes in our physical, emotional and mental state. The differences tend to become more apparent as our age increases from year to year, until we reach elderly age,” he said.

At the rate the world population is increasing today, by 2050 one out of five people (20 per cent) of the world population will be 60 years old and above. Brunei Darussalam is not an exception to this trend, and it is projected that the country’s elderly population (those aged 60 years and above) will have increased by more than 30 per cent.

The minister said that maintaining good health during old age is not just about extending one’s life, but it is about maintaining a capable, functioning body throughout the old age period. This involves a process of learning, adopting better lifestyles during old age and creating a living strategy to promote wellness and individual development during one’s ‘golden years’.

Specifically, he added, the following ingredients are required to bring about good health for the country’s seniors: change of mindset and behaviour towards ageing; creating an age-friendly environment; providing easily accessible services and programmes for the elderly; getting the elderly to get involved in community activities; realising a health system that accommodates the needs of the elderly; and providing a long-term care system for the elderly.

“Seniors usually have a higher prevalence of contracting various diseases including non-communicable diseases as well as health symptoms associated with damage to their sensory functions. However, some of these diseases can be prevented and some can be treated or controlled to prevent them from affecting the daily activities or functions of the elderly individual,” the minister said.

“What is most important is that the initial signs of disease are identified early (through regular health inspections) and given prompt treatment, and advices rendered by health professionals are heeded, for example attending appointments set up for them at health centres or hospitals.

“In this respect, family members and close friends as well as grassroot leaders such as village heads and appointed health ambassadors play important roles. Appointed health ambassadors for instance, can become communicators between the elderly or local community (on health related issues) and health professionals of the health centres and hospitals in each district. They can also be enablers for programmes and activities for the promotion of healthy lifestyles, such as in the planning, advocating or adopting of these programmes together with government and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and local education institutions.”

The minister also highlighted in his speech the experience, expertise and skills that the country’s seniors possess, and how they have contributed valuable advices and guidance to the new generation.

“The development of the country owes much to the contributions and sacrifices of our senior citizens. As everyone will get older eventually and face the same issues as our elders, it is imperative that we preserve our health so that we can continue contributing towards the development of the country, even as we step into old age,” he said.

The minister added that as the main agency looking after the health and wellbeing of the elderly, the Ministry of Health will continue to provide services specific to the country’s senior citizen population.

Among these, he stated, include geriatric medical services through in-patient services and out-patient services at government hospitals, community services such as home-based nursing, geriatric and palliative nurse community visits, as well as the palliative helpline and Pusat Amal Cerah Sejahtera (PACS) located at Kampong Subok, which today provides a support group for those suffering from dementia.

“Other than these, from the aspect of prevention and control of diseases, various steps have been implemented to promote healthy lifestyles, including the Healthy Mukim Programme run in collaboration with the Senior Citizens Activity Centre (PKWE) Tutong which was recently launched for the elderly population in the Tutong District,” the minister said.

Concluding his speech, the minister gave assurances that the Ministry of Health will continue working with various stakeholder government agencies and NGOs such as Demensia Brunei, that is focussed on problems associated with dementia and works to spread awareness among the people of Brunei Darussalam on matters relating to healthy ageing.