|     Azaraimy HH     |

A DELEGATION from Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah (Yayasan) led by Pehin Orang Kaya Indera Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Suyoi bin Haji Osman, Minister of Education and Chairman of the Yayasan Board of Directors, visited houses of senior citizens and underprivileged families in Tutong to present donations yesterday.

The delegation visited 21 households comprising 35 families.

Yayasan was established as a philanthropic and charity platform by 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 and members of the royal family.

The activity aimed to provide financial assistance to the country’s underprivileged to improve the quality of their lives. It also served as a symbol of excellence in sociocultural development and community welfare in Brunei Darussalam.

Yayasan presented donations amounting to $37,376, basic necessities, food, and patient care equipment to the elderly and underprivileged families.

Out of the 35 families visited, four families living in dilapidated houses received house repair/renovation assistance from Yayasan.

The presentation of donations was carried out in collaboration with the Brunei Darussalam 4WD Association, Yayasan’s strategic partner for the visits.

YB Haji Ramli bin Haji Lahit, Penghulu of Mukim Telisai and a member of the Legislative Council; Haji Brahim bin Haji Ismail, Managing Director of Yayasan; and other government officials were also present.

A delegation from Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah (Yayasan) led by Pehin Orang Kaya Indera Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Suyoi bin Haji Osman, Minister of Education and Chairman of the Yayasan Board of Directors, visiting houses of senior citizens and underprivileged families in Tutong District to present donations yesterday

Photos above & below show Pehin Orang Kaya Indera Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Suyoi bin Haji Osman, Minister of Education and Chairman of the Yayasan Board of Directors during the visits to handover Yayasan donations to recipients in the Tutong District. – PHOTOS: YAYASAN & AZARAIMY HH

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|     Azlan Othman     |

BRUNEI saw 51 fire mishaps in the first half of this year that resulted in a total loss of property worth $7.14 million.

Of this, 31 are house fires and 20 building blazes, said Lieutenant Colonel (Rtd) Yahya bin Haji Abdul Rahman, Director of Fire and Rescue yesterday.

On the sidelines of a briefing to explain the precautionary measures to be taken in view of Hari Raya celebrations, he told the media that losses due to fire incidents in the first six months of this year (January 9 to June) have almost levelled the total losses throughout last year at $7.65 million.

The department received 51 emergency calls regarding house and building fires this year, he said, adding that one person died in one of the mishaps.

“The big early dawn fire that ravaged RPN Kg Mentiri Mosque in early April caused losses of over $3 million. It has also affected worshippers residing around the National Housing Scheme area. But Alhamdulillah, a new mosque has been completed at the same area,” he said.

According to the director, many residential houses are not equipped with fire extinguishers, fire blankets and smoke detectors, thus exposing them to high fire risk. The country will see more blaze incidents unless positive steps are taken by house owners to prevent fire outbreaks, he noted.

“With proper awareness and by installing necessary fire prevention equipment, we could reduce the number of fire occurrences, losses, injuries and deaths. To avoid fire incidents, people should give utmost importance to safety aspects. Preventive measures are needed not just during the upcoming festive Hari Raya but throughout the year,” the director said.

Lieutenant Colonel (Rtd) Yahya bin Haji Abdul Rahman, Director of Fire and Rescue during the briefing. – BAHYIAH BAKIR

Statistics have shown that the Fire and Rescue Department received 103 emergency calls in 2014, of which 52 calls involved house fires and 51 building fires. A total of $8.66 million worth of property was lost in these mishaps that also saw five people dead.

Meanwhile, 2015 saw 77 house fires and 39 building fires. Total losses recorded were $11.56 million with one death.

In 2016, 83 house fires and 47 building fires occurred and total losses amounted to $7.65 million with one death.

According to the director, the common causes of fires include cooking left unattended, electrical overload, faulty equipment, poor wiring and children playing with fire and so on.

The Fire and Rescue Department continues to step up safety measures in the country to reduce and prevent the occurrence of fires by carrying out several programmes in a phased manner, he said.

The first phase is for gathering information and risk assessment. The second phase involves roadshows on fire safety, the programme to install fire extinguishers at strategic locations and visits by personnel from the department. The third phase involves strengthening of fire volunteers, integrated training and fire hydrant infrastructure system enhancement according to operational needs, the director added.

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|     Fadhil Yunus     |

SHAH United’s new boy Denis Guna Bawana has been brought in to strengthen his new club despite the player having no experience playing for a foreign side.

Denis joined fellow countryman Anton Cahyo Nugroho to the Sultanate for a new challenge as the leading lights in an untested Shah United side in the upcoming Asean Football Federation (AFF) Futsal Club Championship in Bangkok, Thailand from July 2 to July 8.

Shah United has been invited to represent Brunei Darussalam in the annual tournament who earned the right to take part as the runners-up of the national futsal league last year.

Denis has assured that he is fitting in with his new club nicely having become the first Indonesian together with Anton to play for a foreign club since Bayu Saptaji who featured for Chinese side Dalian Yuan Dynasty.

He has highlighted the need in familiarising his new footballing environment during his recent move to the Brunei-based club.

“I’ve needed adjustments but now it is okay,” said the latest recruit.

Denis in top form would sure to excite the Brunei-based outfit having played a starring role in the win over 2016 Pro Futsal League champions Black Steel Manokwari.

Playing for BJL 2000 Shiba Semarang at that time, the club he left back home in Indonesia the trickster produced a man-of-the-match display with a brace including a last-gasp winner.

Shah United’s latest recruit Denis Guna Bawana attempts a pass during a training session at the Multi-Purpose Hall of the Hassanal Bolkiah National Sports Complex.- FADHIL YUNUS

The player is admired for his solid performances with a reservoir of energy in his tank one of his noticeable strengths over the course of the Indonesian league.

With the likelihood of Shah United exercising a lot of patience against experienced and potentially dominant teams in the regional arena, the two-goal heroics clearly highlights the imminent dangers posed by Denis on the break.

The Indonesian has been in Brunei since the middle of June to join his new team in centralised training and had a glimpse of his new team in a behind-closed-doors test match.

“I am very happy to join a Brunei team (Shah United). This is my first experience playing for a team overseas,” continued Denis.

Although he has never strengthened the Indonesia’s futsal national team, he has the chance to compete in an international event at club level.

His compatriot Anton has captained the Indonesia under-20 national futsal team, guiding them to a place in the quarterfinals in the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Under-20 Futsal Championship last month.

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THE Maintenance and Integrity Department (EMI) Welfare Team under Brunei Shell Petroleum Co Sdn Bhd (BSP) in collaboration with the Kuala Belait 4×4 TTK Group, conducted charity visits to 27 underprivileged families in Mukim Labi 1 and Mukim Labi II recently.

East Maintenance and Integrity Officer, Haji Muhd Asrul Saniy bin Aarif Lim and East Asset Manager, Paul van den Hemel, led the visits to several households.

Donations comprised basic necessities such as food, clothing and games to ease the family’s burden and cheer their mood during the upcoming Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebration.

The donation was a result of contributions from staff from the East Asset Department as well as other departments within BSP. The donations were presented by Paul van den Hemel along with his wife.

The EMI Welfare team hoped for more charitable projects to be conducted in collaboration with external parties to assist the underprivileged in the country.

East Asset Manager, Paul van den Hemel, along with his wife, presenting donations to recipients. – EMI

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STANDARD Chartered Bank (SCB) employees presented donations to 10 underprivileged families during its Ramadhan charity drive recently.

The annual Standard Chartered Bank Ramadhan Charity Drive 2017, was organised by the Standard Chartered Bank Recreation Club (SCBRC) where bank employees volunteer to deliver household items to low-income families.

Over 20 volunteers from the bank including Anirvan Dastidar, CEO of Standard Chartered and other members of the Country Management Team, delivered an assortment of household items including rice, pillows, canned food, baby milk powder and PowerKads among other items.

Anirvan Dastidar said, “We are blessed to be able to lend some assistance to those in our community who are underprivileged. At Standard Chartered, our people are made up of Bruneians who genuinely care about their community. By conducting the activity, we wanted to bring some festive cheer to these families before the Raya period. I am pleased to participate in this charity drive and contribute towards our community in Brunei.”

SCB is one of the few organisations that actively encourage its employees to take time off work to engage in charity activities by providing three days of employee volunteering leave in addition to their annual leave.

With over 89,000 employees in 70 different markets, SCB believes that the volunteering initiatives will have a significant positive impact across its global footprint.

Volunteers from Standard Chartered Bank in a group photo with a donation recipient. – SCB

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|     Fadley Faisal     |

PENGIRAN Maidin @ Muhyiddin bin Pengiran Ahmad was the luckiest participant of NBT’s ‘Toyota Raya Draw’ promotion yesterday, as he won the first prize of a $5,500 shopping voucher.

Only the day before, Pengiran Maidin had purchased a newly released Toyota Wigo from the NBT showroom. “Alhamdulillah, I feel blessed by Allah the Almighty with such luck,” he said. “This is the first time (that I have won anything in a draw).”

With shopping voucher prizes worth $2,500-$5,500, an Apple iPhone 7 and several mountain bikes up for grabs, the promotion was open to all who had purchased Toyota vehicles between May 1 and June 20 this year.

Other prize winners included Noorlaila binti Haji Awang Damit and Shy Kostinah binti Abdullah.

NBT staff conducted the draw in front of a nervous but eager crowd at the ballroom of Hua Ho Manggis Mall.

First place winner Pengiran Maidin @ Muhyiddin bin Pengiran Ahmad with his prize – a $5,500 shopping voucher

The executives of NBT Brunei. – FADLEY FAISAL

A section of the crowd at the ballroom of Hua Ho Manggis Mall

A group photo of NBT Brunei members with the ‘Toyota Raya Draw’ promotion winners. – PHOTOS: NBT

Prizes were given away by NBT Management – Haji Ahmad Omar bin Haji Husin, NBT Senior General Manager (Sales) Leong Cheng Soon, NBT Senior Manager (Customer Relations) Sharifah Marianah Othman and NBT Sales Manager (Gadong) Haji Shahrum bin Haji Md Jaafar, while the auditor was S Rozaimarlenny Dato Seri Laila Jasa Haji Abdul Rahman.

Also present at the event were the executive officers of NBT Brunei.

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|     Aziz Idris     |

A PARENT with two children waves goodbye as vehicles slowly reverse out from their home. The family is lit up through their genuine smiles mixed with tears, despite an undeniable uncertainty of their living situation and future.

Currently unemployed and with no consistent source of water and electricity of their own; only connected by the charitable neighbour next door – this family is close, if not living in poverty.

However, in that moment in time, they expressed gratitude for the gifts and were left with a positive outlook to bettering their lives.

Beginning before the month of Ramadhan and ending in Ramadhan, the annual charity drive known as ‘Ihsan Kasih’ initiated by DST reaches out to the less fortunate.

Elixsurian bin Haji Busu, Manager of Group Corporate Communications, project coordinate for the drive explained the journey intimately.

“The Charity Drive has been on-going for a decade but it was only since 2011 that we called it ‘Ihsan Kasih’ as a blessed reminder of our journey and intentions. Six years ago we embarked to the rural areas of Kg Sukang in the remote terrains of Belait District. The journey to reach the families is a long one.

“The convoy would leave at 7am each year and 4WD vehicles would become the entourage to deliver goods, become recovery support in the event of harsh weather, high mountains and muddy roads. In the early years, before Ulu Sukang’s roads were improved, the drive was a full on adventure that required skilled drivers, compassionate and driven volunteers with the heart to carry forward to reach the recipients.

The Ihsan Kasih team at Tutong District, led by Haji Suhaimi bin Haji Hussain, CEO of DST in a group photo with a recipient

DST staff carrying bags of household necessities. – PHOTOS: DEAN KASSIM & DST

Some houses had to be reached by travelling through ‘jalan lama’ or old roads

“Even today, the road to Ulu Belait requires travelling through ‘jalan lama’ or old roads leading to Kg Lamunin. Long Mayan and eventually to Bukit Sawat, before venturing to a three-hour journey.

“What we saw and felt was outside our comfort zone. Trying to imagine how people used to survive, and people surviving today in such conditions, especially for our Muslim converts is astonishing as well as inspiring, but at the same time filled with a sadness that I reminder from time to time and even more during Ramadhan.

“Imagine a day with no clean water, depending on buckets of rainwater for everything – cooking, cleaning, bathing and praying. But they get through it, and that is what makes me feel for them.”

“Looking for their daily food is a mix of hunting and gathering from the forest and river, while some create their own small scale garden of local vegetables and fruits. At one point I was looking at a young baby in a home-made hammock, sound asleep but dripping in sweat – no fan, no electricity. Yet, they move on, and that child is around five now. This is how they live, and they only look for a humble abode for their families and lineage to come.

“We wouldn’t have been able to locate these families if it wasn’t for assistance from the Community Development Department, or non-governmental organisation; and the community who write to us, or speak out on Social Media on families who need assistance. It is a rewarding feeling to know that with some assistance, we can ease their burden, instil positivity into their outlook on life and encourage them to continue to be independent.”

Five years ago, DST successfully employed an orphan from Ulu Belait, now still employed in DST. Three years ago, DST repaired two houses in Kg Merangking, Belait and Kg Benutan, Tutong. Two years ago, DST assisted in monthly provisions to a patient with a serious medical condition leaving him paralysed and in the care of his wife.

With the end of Ramadhan, it has been a meaningful journey for everyone involved. DST hopes to continue the journey by carrying out the Ihsan Kasih initiatives in the near future.

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JERUDONG International School (JIS) has successfully reduced the energy consumption of its main block by more than 10 per cent, according to a press release.

In August 2015, the student-led Energy Efficiency Eco-JIS group set itself the target of reducing the energy consumption at the main block of JIS by 10 per cent.

Since then, the target has been met, with the current consumption reduced by 10.4 per cent, through the team efforts of students.

The students began by working with Dr Majid from the Brunei National Energy Research Institute (BNERI), based in Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD).

Employing the techniques taught to them, the students began the process of ‘delamping’, which involves removing unused light bulbs while at the maintaining safe light levels defined by international standards.

A student-led project in Jerudong International School has resulted in a 10 per cent reduction of energy consumption of a school block. – JIS

Their efforts led to the removal of 843 light bulbs from the school building.

The largest consumer of electricity, however, was the school’s air-conditioning systems. To tackle this, the students made an educational film and designed posters with a new set of guidelines which included setting air-conditioning units at between 22-23 degrees Celsius and ensuring that they were switched off at the end of the school day.

These measures resulted in three days of free electric consumption per month, and the students now plan to extend their work throughout the school.

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|     Danial Norjidi     |

TWO members of the World Bank’s Doing Business team, Nadia Novik and Antoni Albert Nogues Comas, yesterday concluded a nine-day visit to Brunei Darussalam.

During the visit, they met with various government agencies and private sector companies to assess and verify the reforms being implemented by the Brunei government to improve the business environment.

Novik and Comas spoke about their visit in an interview with the Weekend Bulletin yesterday.

“We have been here for slightly more than a week now, and the main goal of this visit is to collect field data on the business regulations and business practice in Brunei,” said Novik. “These several days, we have had several meetings with public authorities.

“We had information sessions with each of the champion groups on Ease of Doing Business. We had several field visits, where we would go to the authority and inspect the counters. We talked with people and the staff of the specific place, and also with visitors. And after that, we held several meetings with private sector experts to receive their feedback on any changes in the regulations and practices in the last couple of years.”

Antoni Albert Nogues Comas and Nadia Novik, representatives from the World Bank’s Doing Business team. – DANIAL NORJIDI

The World Bank’s Doing Business Index is one of the benchmarks used by Brunei Darussalam to gauge the progress of ongoing efforts to improve the business environment.

Their itinerary included site visits, presentations and technical discussions with the relevant agencies on implemented reforms which include legislative and process changes, as well as new business initiatives.

The compiled data will assist in determining Brunei Darussalam’s performance in the upcoming Doing Business Report 2018 to be released in October, which measures the efficiency and strength of business regulations in 190 economies worldwide.

Various departments and agencies were engaged for the various Doing Business indicators. The Registry of Companies and Business Names (ROCBN); the Revenue Division, Ministry of Finance; and Employees Trust Fund (TAP) were involved in the Starting a Business indicator.

The Revenue Division and TAP were also engaged for the Paying Taxes indicator.

For the Trading Across Borders indicator, the Royal Customs and Excise Department, the Ports Department and the Ministry of Communications were engaged, while Autoriti Monetari Brunei Darussalam (AMBD) was engaged with the Getting Credit indicator.

AMBD and ROCBN were also engaged for the Protecting Minority Investors indicator.

The indicator for Dealing with Construction Permits saw engagement with the Authority for Building Control and Construction Industry (ABCi), the Department of Town and Country Planning, and the Ministry of Development.

Meanwhile, the Land Department and Ministry of Development were engaged with the Registering Property indicator.

Brunei Darussalam’s performance in the World Bank’s Doing Business Index has progressively improved over the last few years. The country was ranked 105th out of 190 economies in the Doing Business 2015 report with a Distance to Frontier (DTF) score of 58.02; ranked 97th with a DTF score of 60.28 in 2016; and ranked 72nd with a DTF score of 65.51 in the Doing Business 2017 report.

The Distance to Frontier score measures the distance of an economy to the ‘frontier’, which represents the international best practice. An economy’s distance to frontier is reflected on a scale from 0 to 100, where 0 represents the lowest performance and 100 the frontier. The DTF score helps assess an economy’s absolute performance over time.

When asked about their impressions of Brunei, Novik said, “It’s a very welcoming environment, with a lot of interesting places.

“We are very grateful for both the public and private sectors for accommodating our visit and taking the time to meet us,” she added.

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BAIDURI Bank has been recognised by Global Finance as one of the world’s Best Banks in Asia-Pacific 2017 for Brunei.

This marks the fourth award Baiduri Bank has received from Global Finance. The award will be presented to Baiduri Bank at Global Finance’s World’s Best Banks 2017 Awards Ceremony at the National Press Club in Washington DC on October 14 this year.

The magazine’s annual ranking of the World’s Best Banks has become a trusted standard of excellence for the global financial community.

Pierre Imhof, CEO of Baiduri Bank said, “Since 2013, Global Finance has recognised Baiduri Bank’s accomplishments over the past four years, as evidenced by the Safest Bank award in 2014 and 2015, as well as the World’s Best Emerging Markets Banks in Asia-Pacific in 2016.

“To be named the Best Bank in Brunei 2017 is testimony to our continuously strong financial performance and innovation in products and services.”

All selections were made by the editors of Global Finance after extensive consultations with corporate financial executives, bankers and banking consultants, and analysts throughout the world, said a press release by Baiduri Bank.

For the past four years, Baiduri Bank’s accomplishment has been recognised by Global Finance. – BAIDURI BANK

In selecting these top banks, Global Finance considered factors that range from the quantitative objective to the informed subjective. In addition, a poll of Global Finance’s corporate readership was conducted in order to increase the accuracy and reliability of the results.

According to a press release from Global Finance, the winners of this year’s awards are those banks that attended carefully to their customers’ needs in difficult markets and accomplished better results while laying the foundations for future success.

Joseph D Giarraputo, Publisher and Editorial Director of Global Finance said, “Global Finance’s annual Best Bank Awards celebrate financial institutions that excel at delivering customers the services and products tailored to meet their unique needs. These banks may not be the biggest or oldest, but their energy and adaptability make them stand out in the field.”

Banks were invited to submit entries supporting their selection. Objective criteria considered included: the growth in assets, profitability, geographic reach, strategic relationships, new business development and innovation in products.

Subjective criteria included the opinions of equity analysts, credit rating analysts, banking consultants and others involved in the industry.

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|     Wani Roslan     |

TWENTY-THREE recipients comprising of senior citizens and less fortunate families the needing assistance from eight villages in Brunei-Muara District and a village in Tutong District received donation from the Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah (Yayasan) yesterday.

The donation was handed over by Pehin Orang Kaya Indera Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Suyoi bin Haji Osman, the Minister of Education in his capacity as the Chairman of the Yayasan Board of Directors.

The amount of the donation was $30,546. Recipients received the donation in the form of financial, basic necessities and food, entrepreneurial assistance and special patient needs equipment to a senior citizen.

A donation of $51,100 was also handed over to the Pengiran Muda Mahkota Al-Muhtadee Billah Fund for Orphans (DANA) from the Fuzhou Shiyyi Association (Brunei) represented by 55 individuals and companies.

Pehin Orang Kaya Indera Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Suyoi receives the donation on behalf of DANA

Pehin Orang Kaya Indera Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Suyoi bin Haji Osman, Minister of Education in his capacity as the Chairman of the Yayasan Board of Directors, presents a donation to a recipient. – PHOTOS: WANI ROSLAN

The donation was received by Pehin Orang Kaya Indera Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Suyoi in his capacity as the Chairman of DANA Board of Trustees, and on behalf of DANA.

Also present were Haji Brahim bin Haji Ismail, Managing Director of Yayasan; assistants managing directors as well as officers and staff members of Yayasan.

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|     Azlan Othman     |

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 officiated the launching of the new Hassanal Bolkiah Mosque in Kampong Mentiri yesterday, and took part in the first Friday prayers performed at the mosque.

The new mosque is built on the site of a former one, which was completely destroyed by fire in the early hours of April 5. It was completed in just 49 days.

Also joining His Majesty for the mass Friday prayer were His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office; His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Malik; and His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Wakeel.

The monarch was greeted upon arrival by Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Badaruddin bin Pengarah Dato Paduka Haji Awang Othman, the Minister of Religious Affairs; Pehin Datu Seri Maharaja Dato Paduka Seri Setia (Dr) Ustaz Haji Awang Abdul Aziz bin Juned, the State Mufti; and Dato Paduka Awang Haji Abdul Mokti bin Haji Mohd Daud, the Deputy Minister of Religious Affairs.

His Majesty then signed a plaque, which was immediately followed by the call of ‘Allahu Akbar’ three times, led by the Minister of Religious Affairs.

In his sermon, the State Mufti quoted from His Majesty’s titah, which said that it was crucial for a new mosque to be immediately built in replacement of an old one, in order to meet the daily needs of its congregants.

“This is our monarch’s stance. Thus, with His Majesty’s consent, the Hassanal Bolkiah Mosque in Kampong Mentiri has been built and is now ready for use within the specified time,” he said.

The State Mufti also reminded the congregants to care for their new mosque, and not to defile it through disruptions or idle talk.

“The mosque is a place for worship,” he told them.

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 signing the official plaque for the Hassanal Bolkiah Mosque in Kampong Mentiri. Also seen in photo is His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office

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; His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office; His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Malik; and His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Wakeel, performing the Friday prayer at the new Hassanal Bolkiah Mosque in Kampong Mentiri

His Majesty and His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah greeted upon arrival at the new mosque

The Hassanal Bolkiah Mosque in Kampong Mentiri

Muslim congregants paying their tithe at the new Hassanal Bolkiah Mosque in Kampong Mentiri. – PHOTOS: AZROL AZMI

Leading the first Friday prayer at the new mosque was Pehin Orang Kaya Paduka Seri Utama Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Salim bin Haji Besar.

The Hassanal Bolkiah Mosque in Kampong Mentiri was built on April 10, by the command of His Majesty.

The construction began with the establishment of a special committee under the Office of His Majesty, with members comprising representatives from the Office of His Majesty, the Ministry of Religious Affairs, the State Mufti’s Office, the Prime Minister’s Office, the Ministry of Development, the Attorney General’s Chamber, the Royal Brunei Police Force, the Fire and Rescue Department, the Land Department, the Department of Electrical Services, the Authority for Building Control and Construction Industry (ABCi), and the Public Works Department.

Presented with proposals and ideas, His Majesty ordered for the construction of the new mosque in RPN Kampong Mentiri, in the interests of the village residents and the surrounding areas.

An architect and consultant were appointed on April 11, and a contractor has been clearing the ravaged site since April 13. A contractor in charge of building the mosque was appointed on May 1. Construction work started on May 2, with the laying of the foundation stone taking place on May 5.

The ‘Julangan Titah Hassanal Bolkiah Mosque Project’ was finally completed on June 19, through the concerted efforts of the special committee, contractors and other agencies, who have been working to fulfil the monarch’s wishes to have the mosque available in time for this year’s Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebrations.

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|     Bahyiah Bakir     |

KFC presented a $3,000 donation to Pusat Ehsan Al-Ameerah Al-Hajjah Maryam (Pusat Ehsan) in conjunction with the Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebrations and as part of its continuous corporate social responsibility initiative.

The donation was handed over during a special KFC Raya celebration night held at the Pusat Ehsan.

The event was attended by children of Pusat Ehsan, KFC Brunei staff, and Norlyn Rufo, Market Leader of KFC Brunei, who also handed a mock cheque for $3,000 to a representative of Pusat Ehsan.

“One of the activities that bring joy to us as a company is the chance to spread love and happiness, and to work closely with charitable bodies.

“With Hari Raya Aidilfitri just around the corner, we are happy to share the festive joy with the children from Pusat Ehsan over some finger lickin’ good treats,” said Jaymee Lau, a staff from KFC’s Marketing Department.

Market Leader of KFC Brunei, Norlyn Rufo (R) and KFC mascot Chicky during the donation presentation to Pusat Ehsan. – BAHYIAH BAKIR

“We would also like to take this opportunity to thank our customers for their contribution towards our charitable efforts.

“Because of the generosity of our customers, we are able to collect the funds and in turn distribute it to deserving individuals all across Brunei,” she added.

A total of 110 children took part in the fun-filled event, enjoying tasty KFC treats, fun game sessions, music and entertainment, including the appearance of Chicky, KFC’s party mascot.

The donation is a part of KFC Brunei’s annual festive season charitable initiative to engage and give back to the community.

Other beneficiaries that will receive donations from the funds this Aidilfitri are the National Association for the Hearing-Impaired (OKP), Children’s Cancer Foundation (YAKSA), Centre for Children with Special Needs (KACA), the Society for the Management of Autism Related issues in Training, Education and Resources (SMARTER), and Council on Brunei Social Welfare (MKM).

The post KFC brings Aidilfitri cheer to special needs community appeared first on Borneo Bulletin Online.

PROGRESIF Cellular recently held a Khatam Al-Quran event to mark the last days of Ramadhan.

Participated by about 40 Progresif staff members and senior officials from the company, the event took place at the banquet hall on the third floor of Progresif headquarters.

The event was led by Dato Paduka Awang Haji Hisham bin Haji Mohd Hanifah, the Deputy Minister of Finance and Chairman of the Board of Progresif, who attended the event as the guest of honour.

Also present were Mohamed Riza bin Dato Paduka Haji Mohamed Yunos, the Permanent Secretary (Media and Cabinet) at the Prime Minister’s Office, and Edzwan Zukri bin Pehin Orang Kaya Johan Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Haji Adnan, board members of Progresif.

The Khatam Al-Quran began with the recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah led by the Chairman, followed by other compulsory readings of the surahs.

The Dikir Asyraqal was led by the group An-Najihun.

Times Hotel Management and donors in a group photo with the invited orphans

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|     Azaraimy HH     |

THE Sufri Bolkiah Mosque Takmir Committee in Berakas held a house to house Ramadhan Amal Jariah ceremony recently.

The event saw the committee visiting and handing over donations to several residents of Kampong Perpindahan Burung Pingai, Berakas.

Over seven recipients comprising elderly received donations including cash, rice, sugar, cooking oil, eggs, flour, tea and coffee and other basic necessities.

The event was held in conjunction with the holy month of Ramadhan.

Sufri Bolkiah Mosque Takmir Committee members in a group photo. – PHOTOS: AZARAIMY HH

Photos show members of the Sufri Bolkiah Mosque Takmir Committee in Berakas distributing donations to underprivileged individuals

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|     Azaraimy HH     |

THE Brunei National Road Safety Council continued its Be Alert Road Safety Campaign 2017, held simultaneously in the Tutong and Temburong districts yesterday.

Leading the campaign on location at the road infront of the Tutong District Courts Building, Jalan Bukit Bendera was Haji Adnan bin Haji Adam, Assistant Tutong District Officer and Haji Azmi bin Haji Abdul Rahim, Chairman of the Tutong Municipal Board and Superintendent Pengiran Haji Abdul Salam bin Pengiran Haji Abdul Ghani, Commanding Officer of Tutong Police District.

ABOVE & BELOW: Photos show participants during the campaign. – PHOTOS: AZARAIMY HH

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|     Daniel Lim     |

SERIKANDI and its subsidiaries recently fulfilled their religious obligations by handing over business zakat amounting to B$43,707.92 during a ceremony held at the Mosque Affairs Office in Belait District.

The zakat was presented by Shaikh Haji Khalid bin Shaikh Haji Ahmad, Serikandi Chief Executive Officer, to Haji Haslan bin Haji Shahbudin, Mosque Affairs Officer of the Belait District.

The zakat’s total amount was made up of collections from Serikandi Oilfield Serivces Sdn Bhd (B$22,841.25), Serikandi Management Services (B$2,555.03), Serikandi Cafe & Restaurant (B$6,470.64), Ya Nur Restaurant (B$1,020.00), and Ya Nur Trading Company Sdn Bhd (B$10,821.00).

Shaikh Haji Khalid bin Shaikh Haji Ahmad, Serikandi Chief Executive Officer, handing over the Zakat payment to Haji Haslan bin Haji Shahbudin, Mosque Affairs Officer of the Belait District. – DANIEL LIM

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|     Syazwani Hj Rosli     |

THE sight of long lines of vehicles at filling stations waiting for their turn to fill their tanks, and clogged roads around shopping areas as people flock to the malls and shops to do some last-minute shopping, is a common sight with the approach of Syawal.

Over the past few days this same scene was repeated, with massive queues of vehicles seen choking roads at major commercial areas and filling stations across Brunei.

Md Khairul Azri bin Haji Rosli, a resident of Kampong Sungai Buloh, said that he had waited for almost one hour at a filling station, adding that there will be more frequent fuel refilling at stations during the Raya period as vehicles tend to consume more fuel during the festive month.

Another resident, Yusri bin Haji Tuah, commented that the best time to refuel one’s car is during the wee hours of the day just when filling stations are about to open, or late at night just before the stations close, as the queues will be thinner during those hours.

“Even going early or at night during this period, I still have to wait 10 or 15 minutes to refuel my car. On a normal day, early in the morning, there would only be two or three cars in each line, sometimes none. But now, the average number of vehicles in each line is five to six,” he said.

Heavy traffic in Gadong last night. – PHOTOS: BAHYIAH BAKIR

Motorists make a beeline to buy fuel at the Syarikat Amanah Haji Abdullah filling station

Asked to give suggestions for solutions to this problem, he proposed for filling stations to increase the number of staff manning the petrol pumps to help speed up refuelling and cut down waiting time.

A heavy, crawling vehicular flow was experienced most pronouncedly at the major commercial precincts of Gadong, Serusop and Kiulap.

Pengiran Rahimah binti Pengiran Haji Abdul Rahman, who was seen shopping with her two daughters, told the Sunday Bulletin that she was seeking last-minute promotions from vendors and shops before Raya starts.

“Nobody likes to rush [for shopping] during the week leading up to Hari Raya but it’s better to be late than never, right? Usually this is the best time to look for bargains as shops often offer further discounts and price cuts on top of their Hari Raya promotions. We just need to bite the bullet and brave the crowds,” she said enthusiastically.

Giving some advice for her fellow Bruneians – in particular, government servants, Pengiran Rahimah added, “Though it is important for shoppers to keep up with their Raya checklists, they should manage their expenses wisely during the festive month, especially considering that salaries for employees in the government sector came out much earlier than usual.”

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|     Ishan Ibrahim     |

AROUND 200 adults, youths and children from the community of Kampong Sungai Akar and its surrounding areas recently held a mass Al-Quran recitation.

The ceremony at the Rashidah Sa’adatul Bolkiah Mosque after the Asar prayer, was part of organised recitations of Al-Quran and the Tasmik Al-Quran for the 50 times Khatam Al-Quran ceremony held to mark the Golden Jubilee 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’s reign.

Organised by the Village Consultative Council (MPK) of Kampong Sungai Akar and Rashidah Sa’adatul Bolkiah Mosque Takmir Committee, the religious event was also participated by Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Ali bin Haji Apong, the Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism.

This was the second time the mass recital session was held.

The session included a recitation of Al-Quran Juzuk 10, individual recitations, progress assessment of the participants and Sungkai feast followed by Maghrib prayers.

The event is hoped to encourage the regular recitation of Al-Quran and the holding of more religious activities in mosques throughout the community.

Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Ali bin Haji Apong, the Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism, during the session

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|     Azlan Othman     |

THE closing ceremony of Tedarus and Khatam Al-Quran for mosques, suraus and religious halls nationwide was held on Friday night at Jame’ ‘Asr Hassanil Bolkiah in Kg Kiarong.

The event was organised by the Ministry of Religious Affairs (MoRA) through the Mosque Affairs Department and the mosque committee.

The guest of honour was Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Badaruddin bin Pengarah Dato Paduka Haji Awang Othman, the Minister of Religious Affairs.

The ceremony began with the recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah led by the minister, followed by Takhtim by officers from Jame’ ‘Asr Hassanil Bolkiah and the Mosque Affairs Department.

The Doa Khatam was read by Mudim Haji Abdul Latif bin Haji Saman, Mosque Officer, followed by Dikir Marhaban, Doa ‘Peliharakan Sultan dan Negara Brunei Darussalam’ by Begawan Pehin Khatib Dato Paduka Haji Mat Jaya bin Haji Ibrahim, an officer of the Jame’ ‘Asr Hassanil Bolkiah.

Also present were Dato Paduka Awang Haji Abdul Mokti bin Haji Mohd Daud, Deputy Minister of Religious Affairs; Dato Seri Setia Haji Abdul Aziz bin Orang Kaya Maharaja Lela Haji Mohd Yusof, Permanent Secretary at the MoRA; Haji Harun bin Haji Junid and Roslan bin Haji Taja’ah, Deputy Permanent Secretaries at the MoRA, directors, senior officers and staff of the ministry.

Muslims are urged to take the opportunity to enhance worship during Ramadhan and intensify religious duties such as reading Al-Quran and other religious activities, to gain blessings from Allah the Almighty.

Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Badaruddin bin Pengarah Dato Paduka Haji Awang Othman, the Minister of Religious Affairs, and other senior officials at the religious ceremony. – AZLAN OTHMAN

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