|     Danial Norjidi     |

THE Department of Economic Planning and Development (JPKE), Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) through the Department of Competition and Consumer Affairs, conducted a surprise visit to several business premises in the Belait District yesterday.

According to a press release from JPKE, the surprise visit was carried out as part of a continuous effort to cover all districts in the country with the main objective of ensuring price controlled goods under the Price Control Act, Chapter 142, including cooking oil, formulated powdered milk, rice and sugar are not sold above the set maximum prices.

Also included in the price controlled inspection are 13 categories of food items selected specifically for festive season. These include whole chicken; eggs; butter; margarine; ghee; flour; condensed, evaporated and cream milk; condensed, cream and powdered coconut milk; chocolate hazelnut spread; chilli shrimp floss; and popia skin.

Maximum price was set for these 13 categories of goods from the 1st Ramadhan to the 7th of Syawal, 1439 Hijrah.

The visit also saw the inspection of business compliance on display of price tags and Sales Regulations under the Price Control (Cheap Sale Price) Regulations and Price Control (Display of Prices) Order.

The visit was led by Deputy Permanent Secretary (Economy and Finance) at the PMO Pengiran Hajah Siti Nirmala binti Pengiran Mohammad.

Also present was the Acting Deputy Director General of Planning and Economic Development Hajah Mariah binti Haji Yahya.

The press release stated that during the surprise visit, several offences were found in three business premises.

The premises were issued with warning letters for selling goods (including coconut milk, butter, flour, eggs, ghee, chocolate hazelnut spread and spring roll skin) above the maximum prices set by JPKE for the festive season.

Three warning notices were also issued for offences under the Price Control Act, Chapter 142. Several items including cooking oil, rice and formula powdered milk were found selling above the maximum price.

It was also found that prices were not displayed on several food items in their stores, which contravenes Price Control Act, Chapter 142 and Price Control (Display of Prices) Order.

For subsequent offences, the businesses can be imposed: a fine of BND5,000 and imprisonment for two years for the first offence by the court; or a fine of BND20,000 and imprisonment of five years for a repeated offence by the court.

JPKE sets maximum prices for four types of goods namely, cooking oil, formulated powdered milk, passenger motor vehicle, and clay bricks.

Goods other than those listed in the Act are determined by traders themselves through economic forces of supply and demand. This is to ensure and to maintain a healthy and fair business environment in Brunei Darussalam.

JPKE advised the public to practise the concept of ‘Smart Consumer,’ that is to compare prices of goods in different stores before making purchase decisions.

Price information of various essential goods from various stores for comparison is accessible from the PenggunaBijak/SmartConsumer mobile application. These stores participate in this Price Comparison initiative voluntarily.

The application also provides information on stores participating in sales activities, maximum prices of price controlled goods during festive seasons and other price controlled goods in the Price Control Act including passenger vehicle. Also available in the application are consumer related laws and a feedback and complaint mechanism.

|     Hakim Hayat     |

THE Ministry of Religious Affairs (MoRA) with the Pengiran Muda ‘Abdul Mateen Mosque in Kampong Mulaut hosted a Khatam Al-Quran ceremony for the ministry’s women personnel on Wednesday.

Present as the guest of honour and leading the recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah to commence the Khatam Al-Quran was the spouse of the Minister of Religious Affairs Pehin Udana Khatib Datin Hajah Nahriah binti Haji Hasbi.

The Khatam Al-Quran was followed by the recitation of Takhtim and concluded with the Doa Khatam and Doa Allah Peliharakan Sultan dan Brunei Darussalam, read by Senior Religious Officer at MoRA Pengiran Hajah Norasmawati binti Pengiran Haji Ahmad.

The event was one of the efforts by MoRA to host religious activities to reap blessings in the holy month of Ramadhan, and also foster closer ties between women personnel of MoRA with Qariahs and Muslimah group from the mosque.

|     Izah Azahari     |

NBT (Brunei) Sdn Bhd presented donations to 30 single mothers and 69 orphans during a ceremony at the Lexus Showroom in Gadong yesterday.

NBT (Brunei) Deputy Managing Director Haji Ahmad Omar bin Haji Husin presented the donations.

Senior Manager of the Customer Relations Department of NBT (Brunei) Sharifah Marianah binti Malai Haji Othman and staff were also present.

The NBT Donation to Single Mothers project aimed to assist underprivileged single mothers and their families in the Brunei-Muara District.

NBT staff and their families also contributed to the project.

Recipient Marina Amran from Kampong Bukit Beruang, Tutong, expressed her gratitude to NBT (Brunei) and hoped that it will be an annual event to assist the underprivileged.

“We will remember the company’s kindness. We wish NBT every success in its business,” she said.

Haji Ahmad Omar said it was a pleasure for NBT, the staff and families to assist underprivileged single mothers and their families during the holy month of Ramadhan.

“This is obviously thanks to Lexus, Toyota and NBT being such tried, tested and trusted household names in the Brunei Community,” said Haji Ahmad Omar.

Ten single mothers and 15 orphans will also receive donations at the NBT (Brunei) Toyota Showroom in Kuala Belait on June 5.

|     Azaraimy HH & Wani Roslan     |

PRESENTATION of gifts to babies born on May 31, 2018, the Royal Brunei Armed Forces’ (RBAF) 57th anniversary, was held yesterday at the Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha (RIPAS) Hospital in Bandar Seri Begawan and the Suri Seri Begawan Hospital, Kuala Belait.

Sixteen babies were born in the country on Thursday. Of this 13 were born at the RIPAS Hospital and three at the Suri Seri Begawan Hospital.

Each infant received gifts including cash donations from the RBAF, RBAF’s Wives Welfare Body (BAKTI) and RBAF Cooperative KOWIRA.

Datin Hajah Rasidah binti Haji Brahim, wife of the Commander of the RBAF, presented gifts to the families at the RIPAS Hospital while Datin Eliza Maria Carlos binti Abdullah, wife of the Commander of the Royal Brunei Air Force, presented gifts at the Suri Seri Begawan Hospital.

At the Suri Seri Begawan Hospital, the first recipient was a baby girl of Dayangku Azira binti Pengiran Zahari and Mohammad Noh bin Haji Mohamada, born at 11.21am, weighing 3.92kg while the second recipient was a baby boy of Nazurah binti Haji Kipli and Haji Ibrahim bin Haji Lamit, born at 3.51pm, weighing 2.815kg. The third recipient was a baby girl of Nur Amal Haziqah binti Hashim and Md Saherman bin Md Zooraffendy, born at 11.29pm, weighing 2.99kg.

The presentation of gifts is an annual event to celebrate the babies born on RBAF’s anniversary.

|     Rokiah Mahmud     |

BRUNEI Darussalam is currently experiencing uncertain weather conditions causing heavy downpour as well as thundershowers, leading to flash floods particularly at lowland areas.

The Fire and Rescue Department has found that a number of roads in Tutong District have been affected by floods including Jalan Keranching, Jalan Benutan in Kampong Benutan, Jalan Kuala Ungar/Rambai and Jalan Bengkuru in Mukim Rambai. Currently, these roads are not accessible for low or salon vehicles.

The Fire and Rescue Department has been put on 24 hours standby and has carried out patrol on land and coastal areas to take extra precautions.

The department has advised members of the public especially residents around or nearby flood-prone areas to always be aware of their safety.

The public has also been advised to obtain information on weather conditions from time to time; monitor the water level of their surroundings; not let children play outside particularly at affected areas; keep important documents at a safe place, and keep enough supplies of subsistence as well as emergency relief supplies.

When trapped under bad weather, the public should find a safe place immediately especially when there are signs of lightning. They are also discouraged to park their vehicles under trees and electrical poles.

More information on weather condition can be obtained by downloading the mobile application ‘Safety Guide’ from Google Play Store provided by the National Disaster Management Centre.

The Fire and Rescue Department is reachable at 995 in the event of any emergency.

|     Hakim Hayat     |

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 called for the strengthening of the management of the obligatory Zakat (tithe), in the country, in efforts towards the empowerment of its recipients, especially the poor.

In the titah to mark the National Level Nuzul Al-Quran Celebration for 1439 Hijrah, or the day of the revelation of Al-Quran to Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), last evening, His Majesty said that methods and strategies for the management of Zakat must be constantly rationalised and one way for this is to find the best solution to eradicate poverty through Zakat funds so that those groups who qualify to receive it can be self-sufficient, allowing them to become givers instead of recipients in the future.

The event was held at the International Convention Centre (ICC) in Berakas last evening. Also in attendance 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 Mateen.

Some of the ways to manage the Zakat sustainably include the capitalisation of tithe money to educate its recipients to run or start-up their own businesses until they can succeed, so that they can be capable of stepping out of poverty, His Majesty said. “If this can be achieved, it will definitely be a significant accomplishment in the management of Zakat,” added the monarch.

His Majesty urged the relevant parties to devise and undertake a method that would inculcate more awareness to bring about a change in attitude. “Change is the desire of progressive communities. Without change, there will be no stories of progress. No doubt, progress is synonymous with change and this is why we really want a wave of change to allow us to step forward,” the monarch noted.

His Majesty reminded that the management of Zakat should not be “static” in nature, but it should be sensible for it to improve constantly and have the “right way” to overcome any challenges.

Earlier in the titah, His Majesty highlighted the importance of Al-Quran as the ideal guidance for all aspects of life, encompassing the present and the hereafter.

“Zakat is one of the guidances given by Al-Quran, which is obligatory and one of the five principles of Islam.

“The system of giving, distributing and collecting the tithe is derived from Al-Quran and Al-Hadith as a way to manage economies of the Muslim Ummah. As believers of Al-Quran, it is compulsory that we practise its teachings and Zakat is one of them,” said the monarch, adding that “it is the greatest system to manage an economy because it teaches the organised way of distributing fortunes in which the rich becomes a contributor while those who is qualified becomes a recipient”.

His Majesty was greeted on arrival at the ICC by the Chief of Adat Istiadat Negara Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Lela Cheteria Sahibun Najabah Pengiran Anak Haji Abdul Aziz bin Pengiran Jaya Negara Pengiran Haji Abu Bakar; Minister of Religious Affairs and Chairman of the Executive Committee for the Major Events in Islamic Calendar for 1439 Hijrah, Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Badaruddin bin Pengarah Dato Paduka Haji Awang Othman; Minister of Finance II Dato Seri Paduka Dr Haji Mohd Amin Liew bin Abdullah; State Mufti Pehin Datu Seri Maharaja Dato Paduka Seri Setia (Dr) Ustaz Haji Awang Abdul Aziz bin Juned; Deputy Minister of Religious Affairs Pengiran Dato Seri Paduka Haji Bahrom bin Pengiran Haji Bahar; Deputy Minister of Finance Dato Paduka Awang Ahmaddin bin Haji Abdul Rahman and other members of the committee.

The winners of this year’s finals of the National Level Al-Quran Memorisation and its Understanding Competition were also announced during the event and His Majesty consented to present prizes to the top three winners of the five different categories contested.

In Category ‘A’ (age 11 and below), the first place was taken by Ezyan Adibah binti Mohd Hanafi and Category ‘B’ (age 17 and below) was won by Nur Najihah binti Alias. Category ‘C’ was won by Julazni bin Haji Zaini while Category ‘D’ was won by Salwa binti Haji Ibrahim and the first place winner for Category ‘E’ was Abdul Aziz bin Noor Nasran.

The Minister of Religious Affairs in his welcoming remarks highlighted the increase in the number of participants in the competition.

A total of 309 individuals took part in the contest this year; an increase of 100 participants from last year, he noted.

The event also saw a special lecture revolving around the theme of this year’s National Level Nuzul Al-Quran Celebration Al-Quran Sumber Kepimpinan Adil, or Al-Quran, the Source of Fair Leadership, delivered by the Syariah High Court Judge Pengiran Dato Seri Setia Haji Mohd Tashim bin Pengiran Haji Hassan.

BRUNEI Four-Wheel Drive Association (PKTLB) and Lotus Light Charity Society (LLCS) joined forces to help the needy in Tutong and Kampong Sungai Mau, Bukit Sawat and Merangking in Ulu Belait on May 31.

The LLCS group was led by LLCS Vice Chairman Lim Sam Lee and LLCS Hon Secretary Peng Eng Lee, while PKTLB group was led by its Chairman Abidin bin Haji Musa.

A total of 31 families in need were visited and given donations in the Tutong District, while 20 recipients, who were mostly elderly, received the donations in Ulu Belait.

The donations, which were in the form of basic necessities such as rice and canned food, aimed to lessen recipients’ burden.

|     Azlan Othman     |

VENDORS and staff of Sumbangsih Mulia held Surah Yaasiin and Tahlil recitations at the Royal Mausoleum in Jalan Tutong yesterday.

The ceremony was held to pay respects to Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Muhammad Jamalul Alam and Al-Marhumah Duli Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Damit binti Al-Marhum Pengiran Bendahara Pengiran Anak Abdul Rahman, the late parents of His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam.

Present at the ceremony were Chairman of Sumbangsih Mulia building Pehin Kapitan Lela Diraja Dato Paduka Goh King Chin and Manager of Sumbangsih Mulia Haji Mansor bin Haji Mohammad Yassin. A total of 300 people attended the ceremony.

A recitation of Surah Yaasiin and Tahlil was led by Imam of Kampong Beribi Mosque Haji Abdullah bin Haji Tahir.

|     Aziz Idris     |

EGYPTIAN scholar Imam Sheikh Hassan Metwally Abdel Rahman Sewify led hundreds of congregation in performing the nightly Sunnat Tarawikh prayers as the guest Imam at the Jame’ ‘Asr Hassanil Bolkiah in Kampong Kiarong last night.

The prayers are being carried out with the cooperation of the Ministry of Religious Affairs and the Arab Republic of Egypt through the Egypt Awqaf Ministry.

Imam Sheikh Hassan Metwally Abdel Rahman Sewify will lead the nightly Sunnat Tarawikh prayers at Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Mosque tonight followed by Al-Ameerah Al-Hajjah Maryam Mosque in Kampong Jerudong tomorrow; Sultan Sharif Ali Mosque in Mukim Sengkurong on June 5; RPN Kampong Lambak Kanan Mosque in Berakas on June 6; Pengiran Anak Haji Mohamed Alam Mosque in Sengkarai, Tutong District on June 7; and Suri Seri Begawan Raja Pengiran Anak Damit Mosque in Kampong Manggis/Madang on June 8.

He is also scheduled to lead prayers at the RPN Kampong Pandan Mosque in the Belait District on June 9; the Mohamed Bolkiah Mosque in Kampong Serusop on June 10; and the Hassanal Bolkiah Mosque in Kampong Mentiri on June 11.

All Muslims are invited to perform the nightly Sunnat Tarawikh prayers at the selected mosques.

|     Rokiah Mahmud     |

EXPRESS Fast Food offers patrons a great Ramadhan Iftar Combo with a choice of two meal sets.

The combo meals include five pieces of fried chicken, two cups of Bandung cordial, two butter rice, two acar, two regular chips and dates. This combo could accommodate up to two pax.

While for those wishing to have Iftar with a bigger crowd, the Family Meal combo comes with eight pieces of fried chicken, four cups of Bandung cordial, four butter rice, four acar, two large chips and dates.

As for those who would like to enjoy Express Food at the comfort of their home, free delivery service with a minimum purchase of BND15 is available with limited locations.

Delivery service operates from 11am until 6pm except Friday, from 2pm to 6pm.

RBC Dining Privilege Card holder enjoy 10 per cent off their bills or get 15 per cent discount with Baiduri Bank credit or debit card.

With the upcoming Hari Raya celebration, Express Fast Food also offers their best Beef Rendang in town.

|     Aziz Idris     |

THE Ship for Southeast Asian and Japanese Youth Programme (SSEAYP) International Brunei (BERSATU) presented cash donations to some 38 orphans and their families from Mukim Berakas ‘A’ in a ceremony at the BERSATU House on Friday.

BERSATU President Hajah Rosmawatiniah binti PA Haji Ibrahim together with village heads and penghulus of Mukim Berakas ‘A’ presented the cash donations.

Also present were alumni members and former SSEAYP participants.

The event started with a recitation of Tahlil led by the alumni’s Secretary General Md Paizzal bin Haji Piluk (Youth Leader SSEAYP 2014) followed by the breaking of fast and mass Maghrib prayer.

The cash donations, contributed by several individuals, hoped to help ease the burdens of the orphans and their families.

The alumni strives to continue to be involved in community and volunteering work towards realising the government of Brunei and Japan’s vision of giving back to the community.

|     James Kon     |

GRANT Goddard scored 30 points to power Tay Electrical over The Kings 78-75 to be crowned the champions of the Chau and Lavamedia U18 Youth Tournament yesterday morning at the Batu Bersurat Basketball Court

For his performance, the six-foot-two Dutchman Grant Goddard won the Most Valuable Player award as well as the Top Scorer prize of the tournament.

Both teams were undefeated coming into the last game of the tournament and put up a tightly contested game for the audience.

Jordan Huang of The Kings played a high scoring game of 26 points in the crucial match up.

The 17-years-old Grant Goddard in an interview said, “I feel great winning the tournament. The team played well together and we were well composed despite we having not trained together before the tournament.”

On how the team built the chemistry, he said, “The players knew each other because we have been playing against each other a long time. Some of the players participated in three-on-three basketball tournament.”

Coach Pong Bing Chau of The Kings said, “We lost the game because of defence. We didn’t play good defence especially in guarding Grant. I felt that the team, in general, did put up good effort to keep the game close.”

Third place went to team Wolves and Street Roc Wildcats come in fourth place.

Organised by Chau and Lavamedia, the tournament was supported by Makan Ceria Sdn Bhd and Brunei Basketball Association and was aimed at promoting basketball among the youths as well as unearth talented players.

|     Izah Azahari     |

THE Girl Guides Association of Brunei Darussalam (PPPBD) prepared about 600 containers of porridge for its first Titian Kasih activity – a new project carried out during this holy month of Ramadhan, at the PPPBD Headquarters in Kampong Anggerek Desa, Berakas yesterday. Chief Commissioner of the PPPBD Hajah Siti Hafsah binti Haji Abdul Halim; Deputy Chief Commissioner of the PPPBD Hajah Viviyanti binti Haji Aji; as well as assistant chief commissioners, commissioners and members of PPPBD were present.

The activity was part of a series of charity and community programmes carried out by PPPBD this year with the aim of sharing the blessings of Ramadhan Al-Mubarak and to share the happiness and joy with other people.

The activity also aimed at encouraging the youth to always be ready to serve the community, religion, race and country in line with the PPPBD slogan Siap Sedia.

The event saw participation of members at all levels cooking and preparing chicken porridge and bubur kacang to be distributed to the public.

The members will be receiving badges for their participation in the activity.

|     Lyna Mohamad     |

MEMBERS of the Retired Personnel of the Royal Brunei Police Force Association (POLSARA) held a Tahlil ceremony at the Royal Mausoleum in Jalan Tutong yesterday.

The ceremony was held to pay respects to Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Muhammad Jamalul Alam and Al-Marhumah Duli Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Damit binti Al-Marhum Pengiran Bendahara Pengiran Anak Abdul Rahman, the late parents of His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam.

POLSARA President Pehin Orang Kaya Pendikar Alam Dato Paduka Seri Haji Hasrin bin Dato Paduka Haji Sabtu and Advisor Pehin Orang Kaya Maharaja Kerna Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Yaakub bin Pehin Orang Kaya Maharaja Diraja Dato Paduka Haji Awang Zainal led the group comprising 67 members.

The ceremony began with the mass recitation of Surah Yaasiin and Tahlil led by former Imam of RBPF Headquarters Surau in Gadong Haji Abdullah bin Haji Karim.

|     Fizah HAB     |

THE winners of the National Finals of Al-Quran Memorisation and Understanding Competition 2018 were announced and presented with prizes in an awards ceremony held at the Plenary Hall of the International Convention Centre (ICC), Berakas on Friday night.

The ceremony, themed Al-Quran Sumber Kepimpinan Adil (Al-Quran the Source of Fair Leadership), began with the recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah led by State Mufti Pehin Datu Seri Maharaja Dato Paduka Seri Setia (Dr) Ustaz Haji Awang Abdul Aziz bin Juned.

This was followed by welcoming remarks from the Minister of Religious Affairs Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Badaruddin bin Pengarah Dato Paduka Haji Awang Othman, who highlighted the increase in the number of participants in the competition.

“Alhamdulillah, this year 309 individuals have taken part in the National Level Al-Quran Memorisation and Understanding Competition, compared to the previous year where only 209 participated. This is an increase of 100 participants,” noted the minister.

The winners of this year’s competition were announced by Deputy Assistant Director of Mosque Affairs at the Ministry of Religious Affairs (MoRA) and chairman of the competition judging committee Pengiran Haji Haslin bin Pengiran Haji Ali.

The event continued with the delivery of a special lecture entitled Al-Quran Sumber Kepimpinan Adil by Judge of the Syariah High Court, Prime Minister’s Office Pengiran Dato Seri Setia Haji Mohd Tashim bin Pengiran Haji Hassan.

The competition’s Category ‘A’ (for ages 11 and below) required contestants to recite selected chapters from Juzuk 30 of Al-Quran – Surah A’la, Surah Al-Ghasyiah, Surah Al-Balad, Surah Asy-Syams, Surah Al-Layl, a compilation of Surah-Surah Lazim starting from Surah Adh-Dhuha until Surah An-Nas – as well as interpretation and understanding of Surah Al-Muthaffifin, Surah Al-Insyiqaq and Surah At-Tin.

First place winner of this category was Ezyan Adibah binti Mohd Hanafi, earning herself BND1,500, a trophy, a certificate, Umrah package sponsored by Brunei Shell Petroleum Company Sdn Bhd (BSP), a digital Al-Quran sponsored by Brunei Shell Marketing Company Sdn Bhd (BSM), as well as a Luminox watch sponsored by Brunei LNG Sdn Bhd.

Finishing in second place was Abdul Hadi Muaiyyad bin Haji Azrol. He received BND1,000, a trophy, a certificate, a Muslim travel package to Jordan sponsored by BSP, and a digital Al-Quran by BSM.

Third place finisher Iman bin Muhammad Fahmi received BND750, a trophy, a certificate and a Muslim travel package to Turkey sponsored by BSP, and a digital Al-Quran sponsored by BSM.

Nur’Aliyah Amani binti Muhammad Al-Ameen and Majdah Al-Zahraa binti Zawawi, who finished in fourth and fifth place respectively, received BND250, a trophy, a certificate, and a digital Al-Quran each sponsored by BSM.

Category ‘B’ (aged 17 and below) involved the memorisation of the Al-Quran verses of Surah Luqman, Surah As-Sajdah, Surah Yaasiin, Surah Al-Insan, Surah Ar-Rahman Surah Al-Waqi’ah, and Surah Al-Mulk, and understanding and interpretation of Surah Al-Kahf and Surah Luqman.

Second place was taken by Najla’ Sabreena binti Haji Abdul Rajid. She received BND1,500, a trophy, a certificate, and a Muslim travel package to Jordan sponsored by BSP, as well as a digital Al-Quran from BSM.

Third place finisher Alya Najdah binti Dr Haji Norarfan received BND1,200, a trophy and certificate, a Muslim travel package to Turkey sponsored by BSP, and a digital Al-Quran sponsored by BSM.

Meanwhile, Nur Syahirah Tul Musyirah binti Musa and Ayshah binti Mohamed Shalahudeen received BND300, a trophy and certificate, and a digital Al-Quran each sponsored by BSM for finishing in fourth and fifth place respectively.

Participants in Category ‘C’ (open to participants of all ages) were required to memorise three Juzuks of the Al-Quran – from Juzuk 1 until Juzuk 3 – and show understanding of Juzuk 3.

First place for this category was won by Julazni bin Haji Zaini, who received a cash prize of BND2,800, a trophy, a certificate, an Umrah package sponsored by BSP, a digital Al-Quran sponsored by BSM, and a Luminox watch sponsored by Brunei LNG.

Finishing second was Hajah Adzimah Mukarramah binti Haji Salleh, who received BND2,000, a trophy, a certificate, and a Muslim travel package to Jordan sponsored by BSP, as well as a digital Al-Quran sponsored by BSM.

Third placed Awangku Mohammad Daud bin Haji Salleh received BND1,500, a trophy and certificate and a Muslim travel package to Turkey sponsored by BSP, and a digital Al-Quran sponsored by BSM, while Pengiran Mohmmad Norhasib bin Pengiran Haji Bongsu and Muhammad Azib bin Muhammad Azim received BND400, a trophy and certificate, and a digital Al-Quran sponsored by BSM for finishing in fourth and fifth place respectively.

Category D (open to participants of all ages) participants were required to memorise 15 Juzuks of Al-Quran from Juzuk 1 until Juzuk 15 and show understanding of Juzuk 12.

First place was won by Salwa bin Haji Ibrahim, earning a cash prize of BND3,500, a trophy and certificate, an Umrah package sponsored by BSP, a digital Al-Quran sponsored by BSM, as well as a Luminox watch sponsored by Brunei LNG.

Finishing in second place was Najwa Iman Zahidah binti Haji Aspar, who received BND2,500, a trophy, a certificate, a Muslim travel package to Jordan sponsored by BSP, and a digital Al-Quran sponsored by BSM.

Third placed Awangku Muhammad Abdul Majeed Ariffin bin Pengiran Haji Md Abdul Aziz received BND2,000, a trophy and certificate, a Muslim travel package to Turkey sponsored by BSP, and a digital Al-Quran sponsored by BSM.

Fourth and fifth place finishers Nur Azzuhaira binti Dato Seri Setia Haji Abdul Aziz and Era Aniza binti Muhammad Zainuddin/Zulkifli received BND500, a trophy and certificate, and a digital Al-Quran each sponsored by BSM.

Category ‘E’ (open to all groups) participants were required to memorise 30 Juzuks of Al-Quran from Juzuk 1 to Juzuk 30 and show understanding of Juzuk 23.

Taking first place was Abdul Aziz bin Noor Nasran, who received BND5,000, a trophy and certificate, an Umrah package sponsored by BSP, a digital Al-Quran sponsored by BSM, as well as a Luminox watch sponsored by Brunei LNG. Finishing in second place was Muhammad Hasbul Wafi bin Haji Ahmad, who received BND3,500, a trophy, a certificate, a Muslim travel package to Jordan sponsored by BSP, and a digital Al-Quran sponsored by BSM.

Muhammad Shahmie bin Mohammad Shalahudeen finished in third place, receiving BND2,500, a trophy and certificate, a Muslim travel package to Turkey sponsored by BSP, and a digital Al-Quran sponsored by BSM, while fourth and fifth place finishers Nur Haziqah binti Md Daud and Mohammad Aqiel Hidayat bin Haji Zulfa Hidayat @ Muhammad Azhar received BND800, a trophy and certificate, and a digital Al-Quran each from BSM.

|     Danial Norjidi     |

GREEN Brunei is focussed on promoting environmental sustainability through youth-led initiatives in the fields of education, conservation and advocacy, said a member of the Legislative Council and Co-founder and Community Engagement Director of the eco-conservation group Yang Berhormat Khairunnisa binti Haji Ash’ari.

For the rest of the year, the organisation is looking at strengthening its activities relating to cleanliness, including getting involved with the ‘No Plastic Bag Weekend’ campaign, reducing the use of single-use plastics and promoting community-based recycling, she shared in a recent interview with the Sunday Bulletin.

Elaborating Green Brunei’s recent activities, she said, “We have always been focussing on education and conservation, so we are maintaining that. However, this year we are concentrating on cleanliness issues and recycling,” she said.

“We organised a few clean-up activities, participated in exhibitions and conducted camp and field trips. We also worked with the British High Commission in Brunei Darussalam (with the support of Forestry Department and sponsored by International School Brunei (ISB) and Standard Chartered Brunei) to plant 400 trees along the coastline on Berakas Forest Reserve. In addition, we are also looking into producing and selling upcycled products as part of promoting the 3R (Reuse, Reduce, Recycle) and raising funds for our activities.”

She noted that last year, they organised the annual Green Leaders Camp and clean-up activities under the Day of Action campaign.

“The highlight for us was the appointment as a committee on the Jawatankuasa Induk Isu-Isu Kebersihan, which gave us an opportunity to work closely with the government and private sector in maintaining cleanliness of the country,” she said.

“Our first involvement under the committee was to assist the Ministry of Home Affairs and Ministry of Development on the clean-up of the Eco Corridor during its launching.

“We are also in discussions to work on the cleaning up of Kampong Ayer which will be a long-term project involving multiple agencies,” she added.

Yang Berhormat Khairunnisa also shared her thoughts on where Green Brunei is now in terms of its development since it was established in August 2012.

“Things have definitely changed a lot since 2012. When we first started, we focussed mostly on delivering online content – writing features and articles about various environmental initiatives and promoting green businesses in the region.

“However, we found our strength in conducting community activities, things that create an impact on society. It enables us to engage various stakeholders and encourage youth to become leaders in promoting environmental initiatives.”

She said that Green Brunei currently has five members in its core team, but it recruits around 10-20 people as project team members from its pool of alumni, volunteers and also interns – depending on the number of projects.

“We keep the numbers low, so we can concentrate on their individual development,” she explained.

Yang Berhormat Khairunnisa also elaborated on Green Brunei’s plans for 2018. “For the rest of the year we are looking at strengthening our activities relating to cleanliness. This includes getting involved with the ‘No Plastic Bag Weekend’ campaign, reducing the use of single-use plastics and promoting community-based recycling. At the same time we also have plans to organise trips to various sites around Brunei and selling T-shirts to raise funds for our activities.”

Highlighting the objective of Green Brunei, she said, “Our aim is to promote environmental sustainability through youth-led initiatives in the fields of education, conservation and advocacy. It’s definitely our focus. We are continuously evaluating our projects to ensure we are moving in the right direction.”

She added, “All the work that we have done so far would not have been possible without the contributions of our volunteers, sponsors and supporters. It takes a whole-of-nation approach to ensure positive changes are achieved.”

|     Ishan Ibrahim     |

THE family of Haji Syed Anayatullah Shah recently organised a Tahlil ceremony and presented donations to orphans at the Kampong Salambigar Mosque.

Present were mosque congregants and Kampong Salambigar residents.

The donations were aimed to help approximately 66 orphans residing in Kampong Salambigar, Kampong Tanah Jambu and Kampong Sungai Hanching.

The event began with the recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah, followed by the mass reading of Tahlil and Doa Selamat.

The guest of honour, Penghulu of Mukim Berakas ‘B’ and Legislative Council member Yang Berhormat Pengiran Haji Ali bin Pengiran Maon handed over the donations.

The event concluded with the breaking of fast.

|     Syazwani Hj Rosli     |

THIRTY underprivileged families from the Brunei-Muara District received donations during the last phases of the Jalinan Kasih Belia 2.0 programme yesterday.

The programme, organised by the Transformational Youth Community Club (KKBT), was conducted throughout May and included activities such as biscuit making, charity work and hamper wrapping.

Guest of honour Acting Director of Youth and Sports Haji Zafri bin Haji Mohamed presented hampers to the heads of volunteer teams to be distributed among recipients. He also presented certificates to chefs and other sponsors.

The programme aimed to strengthen ties among participants.

Volunteers were eager to provide assistance to the underprivileged families to feel cheers of the Eid celebration.

The Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports through the Youth and Sports Department initiated the programme.

|     Daniel Lim     |

PERTIWI Association yesterday launched its charity sale at the Seria District Office Hall, seeing the participation of over 40 booth operators.

Acting Belait District Officer Haji Mohd Zamree bin Haji Junaidi launched the charity event in the presence of Legislative Council member cum Mukim Liang Penghulu Yang Berhormat Haji Abdul Hamid bin Haji Mumin and event supporters.

In her speech, event chairperson Fatimah binti Tanji noted that this was the 33rd time the association has organised the charity event, ever since it was introduced in 1985. The event is something members look forward to yearly.

She explained that 10 per cent of the proceeds will go towards helping orphans in the Belait District.

“The event also represents an opportunity to help promote the businesses of members, providing them another source of income ahead of Hari Raya Aidilfitri,” she said.

Booth operators are offering an assortment of biscuits, cakes as well as clothes and accessories for visitors to choose from as they prepare for the Hari Raya festivities.

Following the launch, the guest of honour and his wife toured the booths.

The event is open to the public from 10am to 10pm daily, until the end of Ramadhan.

|     James Kon & Aziz Idris     |

POLICE stations under the Brunei-Muara Police District carried out a massive crime prevention patrol and roadblocks over the long weekend holiday.

Twenty-six personnel from the BSB Central Police Station conducted two road blocks at the Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha Bridge and Damuan area. Three reminders were issued for Road Traffic Act violations, while seven cars were stopped and searched.

Meanwhile, the Muara Police Station conducted a joint operation with personnel from the Immigration and National Registration Department, targetting Kampong Pengkalan Sibabau, Kampong Serasa and Pekan Muara.

Muara Police Station Officer-in-Charge ASP Zamri Sallah bin Haji Mahmud led 25 police personnel and 10 immigration enforcement officers in the operation, which resulted in the issuance of five special passes and three summon letters to Immigration Act violators.

Officers from the Sengkurong Police Station and members of the Mukim Sengkurong Neighbourhood Watch conducted a patrol in the area of Mukim Sengkurong.

Sengkurong Police Station Assistant Officer-in-Charge ASP (Probation) Syed Mohammad Afidzul Azeez bin Sheikh Haji Abu Bakar led three police personnel and a Focal Point officer from the Brunei-Muara Police District during the patrol. No suspicious activities were reported.

The Kampong Ayer Police Station together with members of its Neighbourhood Watch conducted a similar patrol in the areas of Mukim Lumapas, sports complex, police posts and areas of Kampong Lupak Luas, Kampong Kasat, Kampong Sungai Kebun and Kampong Sungai Asam. No suspicious activities were reported in the operation.

Meanwhile, 45 personnel from the Traffic Control and Investigation Department (JSKLL) of the Royal Brunei Police Force (RBPF) conducted roadblocks along Kuala Lurah, Tungku Link Highway, Muara-Tutong Highway and Jalan Kebangsaan.

Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Pengiran Omar Ali bin Pengiran Haji Manshor led the roadblocks, which resulted in the issuance of 13 compound fines to drivers who violated the Road Traffic Act.