|     Izah Azahari     |

THE Royal Brunei Police Force (RBPF) recently conducted a crime prevention patrol around the Belait District in conjunction with Chinese New Year.

The patrol was conducted in the vicinity of RPN Kampong Panaga 2000, and was led by Officer in Charge of the Seria Police Station, Assistant Superintendent Pengiran Haji Md Saiful Ariff bin Pengiran Haji Duraman; and Inspector Md Ajib bin Haji Ahmad, along with the Seria Police Station personnel and the RBPF Public Relations Unit. RPN Kampong Panaga Neighbourhood Watch Deputy Chairman Zaleha bin Lahap and 10 Neighbourhood Watch members were also involved in the patrol, which was carried out on foot starting 11pm.

The patrol concentrated on the area of RPN Kampong Panaga 2000, with the intention of preventing the occurrence of criminal activities in the area.

The post RBPF, N-Watch conduct patrol of RPN Kampong Panaga 2000 appeared first on Borneo Bulletin Online.

|     Aziz Idris     |

A TRADITIONAL lion and dragon dance troupe leaped into the Chinese New Year (CNY) attracting hundreds to the Teng Yun Temple located in Bandar Seri Begawan yesterday morning in marking the biggest festival in the lunar calendar.

The lively scene was complemented with bright red lanterns, clashing cymbals, drums beatings and the occasional sound of firecrackers intended to bring luck and prosperity.

Nearly 100 dancers from the Chung Hwa Middle School (CHMS) BSB Alumni Association and current students from CHMS took part yesterday, moving among the crowd while showing off their acrobatic techniques and Wushu skills.

One of the lion dance instructors told the Sunday Bulletin that the age-old tradition was also a way for them to uphold their cultural identity and heritage.

The attendees, especially the children, were ecstatic as they patted the lion and handed over red packets or ‘angpow’ for good luck.

Tourists, shutterbugs and passers-by were also attracted to the performances, while the Royal Brunei Police Force personnel stationed in the area controlled the crowd and eased traffic.

The post Acrobatic techniques, Wushu skills on display at lion dance performance appeared first on Borneo Bulletin Online.

|     Achong Tanjong     |

THE Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah through the Emergency and Social Welfare Aid Project (PBKK) organised a community activity to clean up three houses, which included those of single mothers affected by the floods at Mukim Tanjong Maya, Tutong District yesterday.

The assistance programme under PBKK was implemented to help alleviate the burden of victims of natural disasters such as floods, storms and landslides.

The community assistance project was held in collaboration with the Lamunin Fire Station, Fire and Rescue Department, and Yayasan and Tutong District Volunteers.

Also present were the officers and staff members of Yayasan.

The post Community clean-up activity held for flood victims appeared first on Borneo Bulletin Online.

|     Achong Tanjong     |

MEMBERS of the Executive Committee of the Taiwan Graduates Association of Brunei Darussalam visited the residence of Han Pau Ting, President of the Taiwan Graduates Association of Brunei Darussalam on the first day of the Chinese New Year (CNY) celebration.

According to a committee member, the association will host the World Federation of Taiwan Alumni Associations Congress in June.

The congress will gather about 500 to 700 association members from around the world to the Sultanate.

The association in Brunei Darussalam earned their right to host the World Federation of Taiwan Alumni Associations Congress after delivering a successful presentation in Hong Kong last year.

The post Taiwan Graduates Association marks CNY festivities appeared first on Borneo Bulletin Online.

|     Izah Azahari     |

FORTY retired officers and staff of the Directorate of Administration and Manpower of the Ministry of Defence met up yesterday at a reunion at the RPN Kampong Rimba residence of one of the retirees.

Pusat Ehsan Al-Ameerah Al-Hajjah Maryam Senior Trustee Dato Paduka Mohd Alimin bin Haji Abdul Wahab was also in attendance.

According to a spokesperson for the reunion, Haji Embran bin Haji Abdul Halim, this was the first event of its kind for the Directorate of Administration and Manpower, with some of the attendees having retired as far back 20 years ago.

The objective of the event was to reconnect and strengthen ties among retirees.

The guest list included former permanent secretaries, directors, assistant directors, officers and staff members from the various branches of the directorate across the Sultanate.

Haji Embran said they hope to hold a bigger reunion in the future, depending on their funds.

The event began with a recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah and Doa Selamat, and was followed by a group photo session.

The post Former MinDef officials reunited appeared first on Borneo Bulletin Online.

|     Fizah HAB     |

ORGANISATIONS and associations are flying the national flag in a strong show of patriotism as the Sultanate gears up for the 34th National Day celebrations in under a week.

The Village Consultative Council of Kampong Mulaut (MPK Mulaut) held a flag-hoisting ceremony at Mulaut Primary School.

MPK Mulaut members presented the national flag to the guest of honour, State Mufti Pehin Datu Seri Maharaja Dato Paduka Seri Setia (Dr) Ustaz Haji Awang Abdul Aziz bin Juned in his capacity as advisor to the Mukim Sengkurong Consultative Council and a patron of the Takmir Committee of Pengiran Muda ‘Abdul Mateen Mosque.

Sengkurong Police Station officers then hoisted the national flag, as students from the Sengkurong Sixth Form Centre and Mulaut Primary School belted out the national anthem.

Legislative Council (LegCo) member YB Pehin Orang Kaya Putera Maharaja Dato Paduka Haji Abdul Ghani bin Pehin Datu Pekerma Dewa Dato Paduka Haji Abdul Rahim, Deputy Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Religious Affairs Ustaz Haji Mohd Serudin bin Haji Timbang, Brunei-Muara District Officer Misle bin Haji Abdul Karim, village heads under Mukim Sengkurong and members of Mukim Sengkurong Consultative Council attended the ceremony.

The day included a 4.7km bicycle tour – flagged off by Kampong Mulaut Village Head cum event chairperson Haji Muhammad Jait bin Haji Hitam – and a national day exhibition by Mulaut Primary School and Sengkurong Sixth Form Centre students.

Meanwhile, in Mukim Serasa, the national flag was hoisted at the residence of Mukim Serasa Penghulu Major (Rtd) Haji Johari bin Haji Abdul Razak at Jalan Meragang.

LegCo member and Village Head of Kampong Masjid Lama, Pekan Muara, Sabun and Pelumpong YB Pengiran Haji Mohamed bin Pengiran Haji Osman @ Othman was among those present.

The event commenced with the recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah by Fizri bin Haji Johari followed by a march-past led by Warrant Officer (Rtd) Jalani bin Haji Mantal, who handed over the flag to the Mukim Serasa Penghulu, who then handed it over to the guest of honour.

The flag was then hoisted accompanied by the singing of the national anthem ‘Allah Peliharakan Sultan.’

Haji Marali bin Haji Ahmad, Village Head of Kampong Kapok and Acting Village Head of Kampong PRN Meragang, and village residents were also present.

At the Sungai Kebun Sports Complex yesterday, a flag-hoisting and distribution ceremony was held in preparation for the big day.

The ceremony commenced with a march-past by 33 members of the 13th Belia Cinta Tanah Air Programme (PBCTA) bearing the national flag, accompanied by the Police Cadet Band of the Co-Curriculum Education Department.

The flag was then handed over to the guest of honour Pengiran Haji Ayub bin Pengiran Sulaiman, the Acting Penghulu of Mukim Burong Pingai Ayer, in his capacity as the Village Head of Kampong Pandai Besi ‘A’ and ‘B’, and the Acting Village Head of Kampong Pekan Lama and Kampong Pengiran Setia Negara.

The ceremony continued with the distribution of flags to selected houses in Kampong Pandai Besi A’ and ‘B’; Kampong Pekan Lama; and Kampong Pengiran Setia Negara.

The march was intended to instil a sense of patriotism among the young participants, aged 18-30, while also promoting a sense of nationalism among the public.

PBCTA is a programme jointly organised by the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, the Ministry of Home Affairs, and the Ministry of Religious Affairs.

Meanwhile, the Brunei Darussalam Scouts Association (PPNBD) held a similar ceremony at its headquarters in Beribi recently.

PPNBD President Dato Paduka Haji Idris bin Haji Abas presented the national flag for scout members to hoist, accompanied by the singing of the national anthem.

The main objective of the event was to enliven the celebrations for the 34th National Day, while instilling a sense of patriotism among scout members

Also present were PPNBD Deputy President Pengiran Wahab bin Pengiran Haji Hassan, Chief Commissioner Haji Awang Badar bin Haji Awang Ali, Deputy Chief Commissioner Haji Awang Ismail bin Pehin Orang Kaya Ratna Setia Dato Paduka Haji Awang Abdul Hapidz, International Commissioner Abdul Manan bin Haji Abdul Latip, and Secretary General Haji Zainuddin bin Haji Jaafar.

The post National flag hoisted in run-up to big day appeared first on Borneo Bulletin Online.

A DOA Kesyukuran ceremony was held in conjunction with the 44th birthday of 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 at the religious hall of Brunei Darussalam Scouts Association (PPNBD).

Present as the guest of honour was the President of PPNBD, Dato Paduka Haji Idris bin Haji Abas.

Also present were the Deputy Presidents of PPNBD, Pengiran Abdul Wahab bin Pengiran Haji Hassan and Haji Metussin bin Orang Kaya Sura Haji Tuba; the Treasury General of PPNBD, Pengiran Alit bin Pengiran Haji Damit; the Chief Commissioner of PPNBD, Haji Awang Badar bin Haji Awang Ali; the International Commissioner of PPNBD, Abdul Manan bin Haji Abdul Latip; scout commissioners, assistant scout commissioners, scout leaders and scout members.

The ceremony began with the recitation of Surah Yaasiin followed by the recitation of Doa Kesyukuran and mass Zohor prayer.

The post Scouts hold Doa Kesyukuran ceremony for Crown Prince’s 44th birthday appeared first on Borneo Bulletin Online.

|     Lyna Mohamad & Hakim Hayat     |

THE Chinese community marked their Lunar New Year yesterday with festivities, as several prominent businessmen opened the doors to their homes, welcoming well-wishers in ushering the new year.

Ushering in the Lunar New Year does not just mean renewed hopes for happiness, prosperity and longevity but also an opportunity to foster closer ties and forge better relationships.

Among the many open houses was that of Managing Director of AIFA, Andy Lau who had government officers, business associates as well as friends and family members visiting his residence in Jalan Muara.

Andy Lau and family members had their hands full entertaining a crowd of well-wishers and expressed their appreciation for the well wishes during this auspicious celebration.

Meanwhile, C K Lee, owner and sole proprietor of Sim Kim Huat (SKH) Department Store, also held an open house for business associates, friends and all SKH staff members at Borneo Kopitiam Restaurant in Jalan Muara.

Invited guests were treated to an array of scrumptious delicacies courtesy of the restaurant, which is also another subsidiary of SKH Department Store.

The post Businessmen open homes for CNY visits appeared first on Borneo Bulletin Online.

|     Achong Tanjong & Lyna Mohamad     |

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 in the afternoon of the first day of the Chinese New Year (CNY) attended a CNY open house at the residence of Dato Seri Lau Kung Ching, Managing Director of Goldmyne Hardware Sdn Bhd, at Jalan Tutong.

His Royal Highness the Crown Prince upon arrival at the residence was greeted by Dato Seri Lau and spouse as well as other members of his family.

His Royal Highness the Crown Prince was accompanied by his children, Yang Teramat Mulia Pengiran Muda ‘Abdul Muntaqim, Yang Teramat Mulia Pengiran Anak Muneerah Madhul Bolkiah and Yang Teramat Mulia Pengiran Muda Muhammad Aiman.

His Royal Highness the Crown Prince also consented to cut a birthday cake and later consented to take a group photo with Dato Seri Lau, his family members and relatives.

His Royal Highness the Crown Prince also attended the open house of Chieng Ing Nang, Managing Director of Bayu Ilham Motors Sdn Bhd.

His Royal Highness the Crown Prince upon arrival at the residence of Chieng Ing Nang in Kampong Jangsak was greeted by the host and his spouse as well as other members of the family. At the open house, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince also consented to cut a birthday cake and take a group photo with the Chieng family.

His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and his children on the first day of the Chinese New Year also visited the house of Lim Chin Yee @ SiPunggut in Kampong Subok.

Meanwhile, His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Malik, Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Raabi’atul ‘Adawiyyah binti Pengiran Haji Bolkiah and Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Anak Muthee’ah Raayatul Bolqiah also visited the residence of Lim Chin Yee.

Meanwhile, Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Masna, Ambassador-at-Large at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, graced a Chinese New Year (CNY) open house hosted by Chang Ein Hong and family yesterday.

Held at the Chang’s residence, Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Masna was accompanied by Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Lela Cheteria Sahibun Najabah Pengiran Anak Haji Abdul Aziz bin Pengiran Jaya Negara Pengiran Haji Abu Bakar, Chief of Adat Istiadat Negara and family members.

Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Masna and Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Lela Cheteria Sahibun Najabah Pengiran Anak Haji Abdul Aziz were greeted upon arrival by Chang Ein Hong and spouse as well as other members of his family.

In adding to the family’s memorable CNY celebration, the Chang’s had the opportunity for a group photo with Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Masna and Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Lela Cheteria Sahibun Najabah Pengiran Anak Haji Abdul Aziz and family members.

The post Royalty visit more CNY open houses appeared first on Borneo Bulletin Online.

|     Abdul Hakiim Yakof     |

HIS Royal Highness Prince General 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 General of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF) attended a high-tea reception hosted by the Ministry of Defence and RBAF to celebrate His Royal Highness the Crown Prince’s 44th birthday at the Officers’ Mess, Bolkiah Garrison yesterday.

Accompanying His Royal Highness the Crown Prince was His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Malik.

Upon arrival, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince was received by Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof, Minister of Defence II; and Major General Pengiran Dato Seri Pahlawan Aminan bin Pengiran Haji Mahmud, Commander of the RBAF.

During the reception, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince interacted with the officers and personnel of the RBAF, as well as the newly commissioned officers who received awards of excellence from the 16th intake of the RBAF Officer Cadet School.

His Royal Highness the Crown Prince later received a presentation of a photobook album titled ‘Sejambak Ristaan XI’, comprising a collection of photographs of His Royal Highness’ visits to the Ministry of Defence and RBAF.

At the reception, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince was also presented with a birthday cake and a pesambah from members of the RBAF.

To bless the ceremony, Doa Kesyukuran was read by the Head of RBAF Religious Department, Commander Haji Ainolnizam bin Haji Ibrahim, from the Royal Brunei Navy.

At the end of the reception, His Royal Highness signed the royal parchment. He also received a Junjung Ziarah from the officers and personnel present at the reception.

The post Crown Prince attends reception to mark birthday appeared first on Borneo Bulletin Online.

|     Lyna Mohamad     |

CHATRAMUE achieved another milestone with the official launch of its second flagship in Jerudong recently after first opening its doors in 2016 to bring the best Thai tea experience in Brunei.

To mark the soft opening, ChaTraMue gave away 100 soft serves for the first 100 customers going through the door.

Supervisor, Abdul Warith bin Mohd Hanafi noted that the campaign began with two private nights for family and friends, social media influencers and food bloggers.

“The aesthetic of the new branch is also different from Delima’s as we hope to give a different experience for our customers to enjoy. With hints of gold and bigger tables, this will allow our customers to feel more relaxed and welcomed when they spend time here with friends and family,” he added.

The Jerudong branch will have the same products as that of the Delima branch, while providing an exclusive menu that is only available at the new branch, comprising Cha Thai’s Soft Serve with a choice of cup and waffle cone, Thai pineapple tarts and grilled bun.

The grilled bun comes in five different flavours of Pandan, Cha Yen, Cocoa, Milk Green Tea and Fresh Milk.

During the soft opening period, the Jerudong branch will operate from 10am to 10pm but the shop is looking to extend the operation hours from early morning once the soft opening period is over.

The post ChaTraMue opens second branch appeared first on Borneo Bulletin Online.

|     Daniel Lim     |

MEMBERS of the Village Consultative Council of Labi 1 (MPK Labi 1) yesterday conducted a cleaning campaign which saw overgrown grass cut and flowers planted at a government building at Mukim Labi.

The campaign was conducted as part of planned activities in February for MPK Labi 1 to help maintain safety of the surrounding area of the government building and beautify the surrounding area.

Involved in the cleaning campaign was YB Hanapi bin Mohd Siput, a Legislative Council member and the Village Head of Kampong Labi I who is also the chairman of MPK Labi 1. He was accompanied by Haji Md Zeni bin Latif, Advisor for MPK Labi 1; Rekaimen bin Haji Sulaiman; Assistant Superintendent of the Labi Post Office; and Zani bin Haji Ramli, a staff member at the Labi Post Office.

Kampong Labi 1 residents lent a helping hand in the cleaning campaign.

The post Cleaning campaign ensures peace, security appeared first on Borneo Bulletin Online.

|     Achong Tanjong     |

NUR Qistina Adriana binti Md Yusirwan was crowned as the overall champion in the 40th Bintang Kecil grand finale yesterday, at the Dewan Raya of Radio Television Brunei (RTB).

She received $1,500 and a trophy, along with electrical items sponsored by Intracorp (B) Sdn Bhd and a hamper sponsored by Syarikat Rajamas Bersama, Samima Sdn Bhd and Premium Bouquet.

Nur Qistina Adriana also received an invitation for a river cruise.

This was her fourth participation, and she hopes to go on to become a famous singer like her idol, Siti Nurhaliza.

Muhammad Hairiel Shah bin Md Jeff Azlan @ Izlan, in second place, received $1,000, while Muhammad Syafiq Aiman bin Haji Ramli, in third place, received $700.

Both also received trophies, electrical goods sponsored by Intracorp (B) Sdn Bhd, hampers sponsored by Syarikat Rajamas Bersama, Samima Sdn Bhd and Premium Bouquet, as well as invitations for river cruise tours.

The prizes were presented by YB Siti Rozaimeriyanty binti Dato Seri Laila Jasa Haji Abdul Rahman, a member of the Legislative Council.

Also present was Mohamed Riza bin Dato Paduka Haji Mohamed Yunos, the Permanent Secretary (Media and Cabinet) at the Prime Minister’s Office; and Haji Muhammad Suffian bin Haji Bungsu, Director of RTB.

The theme of the 40th Bintang Kecil, ‘Menjayakan Wawasan Negara’, is aligned with that of the 34th National Day, in preparing the young generation to achieve the aims of Vision 2035.

Ten young singing talents competed in the grand finale: Nur Qistina Adriana binti Md Yusirwan; Nurelys Emylin binti Mohammad Fadillah; Mohammad Syafiq Aiman bin Haji Ramli; Muhammad Hairel Shah bin Md Jeff Azlan @ Izlan; Adriana Farisha binti Khalid; Muhammad Zul Aimy Fakhri bin Ahmad Daud; Mohamad Azuan Anawi bin Arwen; Muhammad Saifullah Sabri bin Haji Sabali; Yanna Tasha binti Md Effandy Ali; and Siti Khalijah Al-Zahrah binti Mohd Shah Ronnie

The main highlights of the programme were performances by Roslany Adnan, the 1978’s Bintang Kecil champion; and Aziz Harun, the 2009 Bintang Kecil champion.

The finals were broadcast live on RTB’s TV channels, RTB Aneka and RTB Sukmaindera, as well as RTB’s radio network, Nasional FM, at 1.30pm.

The post Little stars shine at Bintang Kecil grand finale appeared first on Borneo Bulletin Online.

THE Brunei Darussalam Scouts Association (PPNBD) through the Rover Scout Section organised the 2nd International Scout Assembly in conjunction with the 85-year-old scout movement in Brunei Darussalam and the 100th anniversary of the Rovers Centenary Celebration.

The gathering was held to provide an understanding of the history of the Scout movement and its role as well as to in-form the activities throughout 2018.

The event was enlivened with joint sessions with former First Commissioner of the Scout Commissioner Haji Othman bin Durani and Scout Executive Officer Zainudin bin Haji Ishak.

A brainstorm session on the (Venture Scouts) direction after 11 years of schooling was also presented by Brunei – Muara Commissioner Mohammad Arif bin Abdul Hadi.

A briefing on ‘Rovers100’ was also presented by the Public Relations Commissioner, Muhammad Syahmi Halimshah. The Amateur Radio Introduction was also delivered by Khairil Annuar bin Yaakub.

The guest of honour was the President of the PPNBD, Dato Paduka Haji Idris bin Haji Abas. Deputy President, Pengiran Wahab bin Pengiran Haji Hassan; Chief Commissioner Haji Badar bin Haji Ali; Deputy Chief Commissioner; International Commissioner, Abdul Manan bin Haji Abdul Latip; scout commissioners, deputy chief commissioner; assistant district commissioners, scout leaders, venture scouts and rover scouts were also present.

Representatives from the Malaysian Scouts Association, Sarawak Branch, Miri and Limbang also attended the gathering.

The Kelana Scout Division is the final part of the PPNBD training scheme which comprised youths aged 18 to 26. – PPNBD

The post Scouts learn more of movement at International Assembly appeared first on Borneo Bulletin Online.

|     Aziz Idris     |

THE Embassy of the State of Qatar in Brunei Darussalam commemorated the Qatar National Sports Day 2018 with fun-filled outdoor activities at the Saddle Club in Berakas Camp yesterday.

Saleh Mohammed Al-Nesef, Ambassador of the State of Qatar to Brunei Darussalam was joined by foreign diplomats and the embassy’s staff members.

The state’s national sports day is a pioneer initiative adopted by His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, the Emir of the State of Qatar, who issued the Emiri Decree that every Tuesday in the second week of February each year will be the Qatar National Sports Day.

In view of this, all ministers, government bodies and embassies lined up a series of public events to encourage their employees to actively engage in outdoors activities as well as raise awareness on the importance of regular exercise for a healthy mind and body.

At the Saddle Club, diplomats and embassy staff engaged in activities such as horse riding, tug-of-war, ATV rides and beach football. Family members and guests also joined in the fun.

The post Saddling up for Qatar National Sports Day appeared first on Borneo Bulletin Online.

|     Rokiah Mahmud and Lyna Mohamad     |

IN CONJUNCTION with the upcoming 34th National Day, the RPN Kampong Panchor Mengkubau Village Consultative Council (MPK RPN Panchor Mengkubau) held a flag hoisting ceremony at the Bukit Mengkubau Recreational Park yesterday.

The ceremony aimed to further glorify the spirit of nationalism and patriotism among residents of MPK RPN Panchor Mengkubau.

Dr Nor Imtihan binti Haji Abdul Razak, the Acting Permanent Secretary (Administration and Finance) at the Ministry of Development, was the guest of honour.

In her speech, Dr Nor Imtihan said the spirit of solidarity and integration in line with the Malay Islamic Monarchy (MIB) philosophy must be inculcated among the community and youths.

She also advised that the spirit of nationalism need to be maintained, appreciated and cultivated among the community through self-reliance, cooperation, solidarity, integrity and by living harmoniously among each other.

The ceremony continued with the hoisting of the national flag and singing of the national anthem.

The 7th intake of the National Service Programme (PKBN) and members of the Ribena team marched at the ceremony as flag bearers, their involvement demonstrating self-esteem among youths in line with the theme of this year’s 34th National Day, ‘Accomplishing the National Vision’.

The ceremony saw the guest of honour cutting a local traditional pastry ‘kipang’ made by the Women’s Bureau of the MPK RPN Panchor Mengkubau. It is one of the local delicacies that has been prepared under the ‘One Village, One Product’.

Meanwhile, Mukim Berakas ‘A’ Zone 1 and Mukim Berakas ‘B’ recently held their own flag hoisting ceremony to mark the national day celebration at the residence of YB Pengiran Haji Ali bin Pengiran Maon, a Legislative Council Member and the Penghulu of Mukim Berakas ‘B’.

The ceremony began with the recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah followed by a Doa Selamat led by Haji Ariffin bin Haji Hassan, a member of the Mukim Berakas ‘B’ Consultative Council.

The ceremony continued with YB Pengiran Haji Ali handing over the national flag to a mukim consultative council member, Haji Othman bin Haji Aliassan.

Major (Rtd) Haji Mohd Jair bin Haji Abdul Wahab, the Village Head of Kampong Lambak ‘B’, led the national flag hoisting while the singing of the national anthem was performed by Village Heads of Mukim Berakas ‘A’ and ‘B’ along with members of the mukim consultative councils.

The post Patriotism to the fore at flag hoisting ceremonies appeared first on Borneo Bulletin Online.

|     Daniel Lim     |

THE Chinese New Year (CNY) celebrations continued as the Chinese residents in the Belait District welcomed guests to their homes, enlivening the festive atmosphere.

Among those who conducted open houses included Wong Ming Ching, at Lumut; and Koo Kong Loi, Chairman of Kwang Wai Siew, at Kampong Lumut Tersusun, with lion dance performances.

In addition, silat and karatedo performances were also conducted by some members from the Village Consultative Council of STKRJ Lorong Tiga Selatan, Seria.

The post CNY festivities continue in Kuala Belait appeared first on Borneo Bulletin Online.

|     Lyna Mohamad     |

YESTERDAY’S pre-dawn talk at the Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Mosque discussed the spiritual rewards of performing three good acts as outlined in verses 29-30 from Surah Faathir of Al-Quran.

Pengiran Haji Mohd Norhadi bin Pengiran Haji Bongsu, a Religious Officer at the Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha Girls Arabic Religious Secondary School, said that those who made a daily practice of reciting Al-Quran, establishing regular prayers and spending their assets on charitable causes would be absolved of their sins by Allah the Almighty. Initiated by the Ministry of Religious Affairs (MoRA) through the Mosque Affairs Department, the Islamic Da’wah Centre and the Islamic Syiar Development Division, the pre-dawn talk is part of the ‘Masjidku Makmur, Negara Berkat’ programme to encourage the presence of more worshippers to join the mass Subuh prayer at the Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Mosque.

Among those present were Dato Seri Paduka Awang Haji Abdul Mokti bin Haji Mohd Daud, Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office; Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Awang Haji Aminuddin Ihsan bin Pehin Orang Kaya Saiful Mulok Dato Seri Paduka Haji Abidin, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports; Pengiran Dato Seri Paduka Haji Bahrom bin Pengiran Haji Bahar, the Deputy Minister of Religious Affairs; Dato Seri Setia Haji Abdul Aziz bin Orang Kaya Maharaja Lela Haji Mohd Yusof, the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Religious Affairs; Roslan bin Haji Taja’ah, the Deputy Permanent Secretary (Administrative and Financial Affairs) at the Ministry of Religious Affairs; and Haji Mohd Serudin bin Haji Timbang, the Deputy Permanent Secretary (Policy and Religious) at the Ministry of Religious Affairs.

The post Pre-dawn talk highlights merits of performing good deeds appeared first on Borneo Bulletin Online.

|    Fadhil Yunus    |

BRUNEI Darussalam’s national pencak silat athletes yesterday received a warm welcome after arriving home from the Road to Asian Games 2018 in Padepokan, Jakarta.

Norleyermah binti Haji Raya continued her fine form in the international circuit when she struck silver in the Women’s Artistic event, while Zainorarif Zaini won bronze in the Men’s Class ‘D’ Tanding event.

The silver medalist said her rivals will likely be the same line-up as in the main competition.

“The competitors that I competed against will be the same ones that will take part in the Asian Games later this year,” said Norleyermah in an interview with the media.

“This is a warm-up for us to improve our play for the Asian Games,” she further added.

She said the national pencak silat team will have a short break before resuming training next month for the Asian Games.

Asked on the narrowest of margins of accomplishing gold after losing by a mere point against Philippines’s Cherry May Regaldo, she replied, “I’m a bit disappointed but we will improve on any weaknesses for the Asian Games which made me left short of that one point.

“But for sure I will get back that point,” she affirmed.

As the origin of silat came from Malay background, Norleyermah will battle hard to reach to the top.

The national pencak silat exponent also said the tournament’s venue was different compared to the SEA Games – where she also won silver – and saw an increased number of countries participating.

Present to welcome the contingent at the Brunei International Airport was the President of Brunei Darussalam Pencak Silat Federation, Pengiran Haji Mohammad bin Pengiran Ludin.

The post National silat athletes receive warm welcome appeared first on Borneo Bulletin Online.

|     Wani Roslan     |

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 Deputy Inspector General of the Royal Brunei Police Force (RBPF), attended a hi-tea reception hosted by the RBPF yesterday, in honour of His Royal Highness the Crown Prince’s 44th birthday.

Accompanying His Royal Highness the Crown Prince were His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Malik; Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Masna, Ambassador-at-Large at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, in her capacity as the Commandant of the Women Police; and Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Lela Cheteria Sahibun Najabah Pengiran Anak Haji Abdul Aziz bin Pengiran Jaya Negara Pengiran Haji Abu Bakar, Chief of Adat Istiadat Negara.

Upon arrival at the Banquet Hall of the RBPF Headquarters in Gadong, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince was greeted by Dato Paduka Seri Haji Mohd Jammy bin Haji Muhd Shah Al-Islam, the Commissioner of the RBPF; and Dato Paduka Haji Mohammad Irwan bin Haji Hambali, the Deputy Commissioner of the RBPF.

His Royal Highness the Crown Prince interacted with senior police officers, then signed the royal parchment and took part in a group photograph.

This was followed with a cake-cutting ceremony, with a four-star rank in the middle of the cake, symbolising His Royal Highness the Crown Prince’s status as the Deputy Inspector General of the RBPF.

His Royal Highness the Crown Prince received a pesambah from the Commissioner of the RBPF, and later a Junjung Ziarah from RBPF officers and personnel.

The reception has been an annual event since His Royal Highness the Crown Prince’s appointment as the Deputy Inspector General of the RBPF on May 5, 2005.

Also in attendance were Datin Dayang Hajah Elinda binti Haji CA Mohamed, the Deputy Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office; and Lieutenant Colonel (Rtd) Pengiran Haji Muhamad Sazali bin Pengiran Haji Yakob, the Permanent Secretary (Security and Enforcement) at the Prime Minister’s Office.

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