A JERUDONG Park Medical Centre (JPMC) surgeon, Dr Sriram Narayanan, Senior Consultant Vascular and Endovascular Surgeon from The Harley Street Heart and Cancer Centre, Gleneagles Hospital, Singapore performed the first varicose vein treatment on three patients in the JPMC.

Most people with varicose vein are between the ages of 30 and 60. Varicose vein develop slowly and occur when the valves in the leg veins no longer function, causing blood to pool in the legs. In some cases, this condition progresses to a more serious for of venous disease called chronic venous insufficiency (CVI).

Rohaya Udan, one of the patients who experienced laser endovenous varicose vein treatment at JPMC said, “This non-invasive procedure has its benefits and as a result, it was very painless, and recovery rate was faster than I expected. I am very satisfied with the service at JPMC, the staff were very accommodating and professional. I am happy to have JPMC to treat my varicose vein.”

Muliawati Haji Umar who also underwent the laser endovenous, said, “I have experienced the traditional surgery to treat my varicose vein which was to surgically strip the affected vein for the first time to treat my condition. It was one of the most painful experience I encountered, however with the varicose vein laser treatment, I was surprised by how I felt little to no pain at all, and I continued on my daily tasks and activities in a short period during recovery.”

JPMC is the first hospital in the Sultanate to offer laser endovenous for varicose vein treatment. Varicose vein are treated with lifestyle changes and medical procedures. The goals of treatment are to relieve symptoms, prevent complications and improve appearance. During the years, technology has changed and evolved, improving outcomes for patients. Varicose vein is a condition where the vein increases in size and will appear like an “entangled rope” which causes symptoms of visible vein vessels on the surface of the skin; it is commonly formed around the leg area, it can be very painful if untreated for prolonged periods of time.

There are many factors that contribute to an accurate vein treatment and management. The training and experience of the vein specialist performing the procedure, the type of equipment used and the quality assessment metrics each facility is required to measure, all contribute to a positive patient outcome. – JPMC

|     Azaraimy HH     |

FOUR Sayyidina Ali Secondary School (SMSA) students left for Singapore yesterday to participate in the annual STEP-NUS Sunburst Brain Camp 2018, a neuroscience-related educational programme organised by Singapore Technologies Endowment Programme (STEP) in partnership with the National University of Singapore (NUS).

The event, which concludes on June 9, will be held at the NUS Department of Physiology, Centre for Life Sciences. The lower-sixth students are Ahmad Hamizan Muhammad Azian, Muhammad Syaamil Fahkri Matussin, Nurizzqah Bungsu and Chung Yu Yan. SMSA educational officer Mikhail Gregory Abdullah Teo accompanied the students.

Muhammad Syaamil Fahkri Matussin, 17, said they were passionate about science, Biology in particular, and looked forward to participate in the event.

He said for the past two weeks they were taught how to engage in scientific research which inspired them to pursue Neurobiology. They learnt more about stroke, an illness of the brain that affects millions.

The students will engage with foreign and local experts. They will also be challenged to research and present a topic on the brain, participate in small group experiments and talks at NUS High and NUS Centre of Life Sciences. The students will be provided reading materials through the Brain Book, written by students under the mentorship of university professors.

It will include hands-on workshops and demonstrations on brain related topics and research on brain topics and presentations of research papers by participants.

Besides presenting their research paper, the students will attend scientific lectures and meet experts. The camp will also award the top three research papers and top three research presentations. They will also visit the Center for Life Sciences (CeLS) and Science Centre, going for ‘Brain adventure’ at Singapore’s iconic Gardens by the Bay, visit to the Flower Dome, a conservatory centre.

Acting Head of ECA Unit, Department of Schools, Mohd Yusof bin Haji Md Rais and SMSA Principal Pengiran Hajah Zeiniun binti Pengiran Mudin saw the students off at the Brunei International Airport.

MINISTER of Defence II Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof attended the 17th IISS Shangri-La Dialogue at the Shangri-La Hotel, Republic of Singapore.

The two-day conference discu-ssed a range of security issues, including challenges in the Indo-Pacific and prospects for greater cooperation, the situation in the Korean Peninsula, terrorism and maritime security in the region.

Ministers also had the opportunity for an open exchange of views during Ministerial roundtables.

Delivering a keynote address at the welcoming dinner held the night before was Republic of India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi in which he spoke of developments in implementing India’s Act East policy, characterised by deeper engagements in the region, in particular with ASEAN, and several partner countries.

Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi also attended a reception and dinner at the Istana hosted by President of the Republic of Singapore Halimah Yacob.

At the sideline of Shangri-La Dialogue, Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi attended the United States – ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting.

Building on the momentum from a similar sideline meeting at last year’s Shangri-La Dialogue, the United States–ASEAN meeting highlighted US’ and ASEAN’s priorities in the Asia-Pacific as well as issues of common concern.

|     Rokiah Mahmud     |

PROPHET Muhammad (pbuh) stated that leaders who are fair and just in their ways of governance and in heading their countries or organisations will be protected during the Day of Judgement in the hereafter.

The Prophet (pbuh) added that those who uphold true justice and impartiality in their leadership will be well-respected within the community.

These qualities though, are not easy to demonstrate, and we as human beings will encounter heavy tests during our lives that sway us away from observing them, and we will need to show great determination in order to maintain such virtues.

These were among the points highlighted yesterday by a training officer at the Civil Service Institute at the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) Haji Nor Husseini bin Haji Mohd Hussein while delivering a pre-dawn talk at the Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Mosque in the capital.

The pre-dawn talk is part of the Masjidku Makmur, Negara Berkat programme carried out weekly at selected mosques in the country.

Minister at the PMO Dato Seri Paduka Awang Haji Abdul Mokti bin Haji Mohd Daud; Deputy Minister of Religious Affairs Pengiran Dato Seri Paduka Haji Bahrom bin Pengiran Haji Bahar; Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Religious Affairs (MoRA) Dato Seri Setia Haji Abdul Aziz bin Orang Kaya Maharaja Lela Haji Mohd Yusof; Deputy Permanent Secretaries at the MoRA Roslan bin Haji Taja’ah and Haji Mohd Serudin bin Haji Timbang were present.

|     Ishan Ibrahim     |

A KHATAM Al-Quran and donation ceremony held yesterday empha-sised the importance of the holy month of Ramadhan as it is essentially a time for caring and giving.

Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Ali bin Haji Apong was among those present at the event held at the Rashidah Sa’adatul Bolkiah Mosque in Kampong Sungai Akar.

The event began with the recitation of Al-Quran verses led by instructor of the mosque’s Muslimah group Ustazah Dayangku Rosmawati binti Pengiran Osman.

The Takhtim was led by Head of the mosque’s Muslimah group Hajah Rokiah binti Haji Ismail, followed by the Doa Khatam and the mass recitation of Dikir Marhaban.

The recitation of Doa Selamat was led by Ustaz Firdaus.

A mass recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah by the Khatam Al-Quran participants and attendees was conducted, followed by the welcoming address by Hajah Rokiah.

A Tahlil ceremony and recitation of Doa Arwah were led by the mosque’s Imam Haji Syamsul Nizam bin Haji Badar.

The event concluded with the presentation of donations to orphans and the less fortunate by the Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism.

|     Aziz Idris     |

OVER 300 individuals with different abilities (OKU) from nine local associations played their part in enlivening Ramadhan by participating in a Khatam Al-Quran ceremony at the Digadong Hall of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports (MCYS) yesterday.

The guest of honour Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Awang Haji Aminuddin Ihsan bin Pehin Orang Kaya Saiful Mulok Dato Seri Paduka Haji Abidin and his spouse were present.

The ceremony was organised by the Council for the Welfare of Persons with Different Abilities (MKOKU).

Representatives from Pusat Ehsan Al-Ameerah Al-Hajjah Maryam; Society for the Management of Autism Related issues in Training, Education and Resources (SMARTER) Brunei; Paraplegic and Physically Disabled Association (PAPDA); National Association for the Hearing-Impaired (OKP); Brunei Darussalam National Association of the Blind (BDNAB); Special Olympics Brunei Darussalam (SOBD); Centre for Children with Special Needs (KACA); and Brunei Down Syndrome Association (ABLE) were also present.

The event commenced with a recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah led by the guest of honour and recitation of Al-Quran verses. The recitation of Takhtim was led by Ustaz Sanif bin Haji Tarip from Pusat Ehsan.

The ceremony aimed at encouraging the participants to uphold and apply Islamic Syiar teachings in their daily life by getting them to appreciate Al-Quran.

It was also meant to further develop Islamic knowledge among the OKU, as well as to encourage their involvement in religious activities, strengthen their faith in the religion, and enable them to face challenges that lie ahead.

The OKU participants were presented with bunga telur as tokens of appreciation by the guest of honour, while association leaders received certificates.

|    Fadhil Yunus    |

DPMM FC defender Brian McLean highlighted the need to stop conceding sloppy goals after a series of individual errors cost them a 5-0 defeat at the expense of Albirex Niigata (S) in the Singapore Premier League at the Jurong East Stadium in Singapore on Sunday.

With the title race out of the question, the ‘Gegar Gegar’ men slipped to their third defeat of the season as they slide to sixth in the table.

Conceding early has been a recurring theme for DPMM FC this term having shipped a goal or more in the opening 10 minutes in five of their last six league appearances.

And Northern Ireland defender Brian McLean is far too familiar with their sluggish start after Taku Morinaga sets the tone for the in-form Japanese outfit.

“We seem to be conceding sloppy goals every week and we need to shake that off. I’m trying to think of positives we can take from that but the fortunate thing is its only 90 minutes and it’s only one game,” said McLean in a post-match interview.

“We need to put it to bed, learn from our mistakes from our performance collectively and go again next week against Geylang International FC.”

Meanwhile, DPMM FC head coach Rene Weber agreed to their current shortcomings of conceding early goals.

“We have played eight games in the league, and six are away – this is not something that happens normally. It’s true that we have given up too many goals in the beginning… I think maybe we have no concentration in the beginning,” said Weber.

Despite consecutive away defeats, Weber remains optimistic of his team finding their feet and pointed to their decent start that they have the ability to bounce back from their plight.

“I am sure we can play better. We lost two of the last three games… I expect us to come back to our level.

“We started very well in the beginning of the season, we have to do something about the situation we are in,” he further added.

“We can play better and I hope in the future we can do better,” said the head coach.

|    James Kon    |

TO WARM up for the upcoming 2021 FIBA Asia Cup qualification, the national basketball team will compete in the Brunei Basketball Association (BBA) Challenge Trophy on June 8-10 at the BBA Court in Batu Bersurat.

Four teams will compete in the competition along side the national team namely YTE, Primatel and Wolves. Details of the competition were revealed during a press conference yesterday by Chairman of the organising committee Lim Fung and competition manager Wong YC.

The national team will face YTE basketball team, who will field two imports including six-foot-six American Josh White and Geno Anderson of the Philippines. The squad is also boosted with Elvin Requintin, Aldine Dela Cruz, Darrell Cruz, Xavier Legaspi, Samuel Jong, Tung Kee Keong and Loo Zhi Onn among others.

Primatel boast a good mix of local and foreign talents, with Apollo Bibat, Kevin Tay, Po Yong Hui, Lim Teck Cheng, Tan Kah Boon, Ting Heng Lee, Don Mordeno, RJ Luoda and two imports from Miri – Hung Ing Wai and Voon Yiew Ting.

Filipinos who are residing in Brunei make up most the Wolves team. They are Geve Leones, Roger Pasag, Eric Palanca, Joey Dela Pena, Ricardo Eliseo, Lau Chang Hung, David Ceriaco, Jefferson Paraiso, Danny Felicilda, Allen Salvador and others.

NBA G-League Assistant Coach Damien Cotter will be present to help shape and measure the national team’s strengths and weaknesses during the competition.

The team include Ching Wei Ming, Chong Ching Poh, Han Ming Kwong, Md Zainul Ashyraf bin Haji Hussin, Khoo Chin Kai, Lim Chee Chuon, Benjamin Sim (Captain), Onn Jen Hao, Tan Ye Wei, Ahmad Termizi Haji Noordeen, Soon Kian Leong, J T Shim, Chris, Gary Goh, Simon, Yong Jian and Yap Jenn Chyuan.

They will face Primatel on their first game of the tournament on Friday at 7.30pm, followed by YTE against Wolves at 9pm.

THE Consumer Price Index (CPI) in April 2018 increased by 0.4 per cent year-on-year compared to April 2017.

The Food & Non-Alcoholic Beverages prices increased by 2.5 per cent, while the Non-Food prices decreased by 0.1 per cent year-on-year.

The CPI increase in April 2018 was mainly due to an increase in prices of Food & Non-Alcoholic Beverages (2.5 per cent); Education (1.8 per cent); and Miscellaneous Goods & Services (1.2 per cent).

However, this was moderated by the decrease in prices of Clothing and Footwear (3.4 per cent); Furnishings, Household Equipment and Routine Household Maintenance (1.2 per cent); and Housing, Water, Electricity, Gas and Other Fuels (0.7 per cent).

The Food & Non-Alcoholic Beverages prices increased following the rise in prices of soft drinks in line with the implementation of the Customs Import Duties (Amendment No 2) Order, 2017 and Excise Duties (Amendment No 2) Order, 2017 on April 1, 2017.

Meanwhile, the increase in the cost of Education took into account the increase in school fees of primary and secondary education in selected private schools.

The increase in prices of Miscellaneous Goods & Services was due to the rise in prices of travel goods and bags.

On a month-a-month basis, the CPI in April 2018 decreased by 0.6 per cent compared to March 2018.

The Food and Non-Alcoholic Beverages Index as well as Non-Food Index both recorded decreased by 0.6 per cent.

The CPI is a measure of price changes of goods and services paid by the consumer in a specified period and compiled on a monthly basis.

The list of goods and services in the CPI is based on the average expenditure per household from the Household Expenditure Survey (HES). The CPI full report for April 2018 is available from DEPD’s website, www.depd.gov.bn.

|     Aziz Idris     |

LOCAL Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) members had the opportunity to meet with newly appointed PADI Regional Manager Neil Davidson, who was in the Sultanate recently as part of a visit to the region.

In his first visit to Brunei, Davidson met with 15 PADI members – comprising local Divemasters and Open Water Scuba instructors – to get the latest news on PADI.

The visit allowed members to get up-to-date information on local trends, marketing efforts, PADI’s digital optimisation and the launch of PADI Travel.

Davidson also updated on standard changes, reviews of the latest in risk management and disseminated information of exciting Project AWARE campaigns later this year.

Davidson is a PADI Master Instructor with over six years of diving industry experience within Southeast Asia. His most recent experience was with Operations Management at a PADI 5 Star Career Development Centre, where he was responsible for management, social media and marketing, as well as the day-to-day logistics. During his visit, he dived with Poni Divers at two of Brunei’s wrecks, the American Wreck and the Dolphin Wreck, getting a taste of Brunei’s rich and diverse underwater world.

The American Wreck, formerly the USS Salute 470, was built in 1943 as a minesweeper.

The 75-metre long ship saw lots of action in World War II, but sank after hitting a Japanese mine in 1945 during pre-invasion sweeps of Brunei Bay. It now lies broken in half on a sand bottom at 30-metre deep, still with rounds of ammunition. This was of particular interest to Davidson who previously served in the British Army.

The Dolphin Wreck is a sunken barge about 3.5 nautical miles off Meragang Beach. The easily accessible top deck is a playground for puffer fish, groupers and the lone octopus.

PADI is the world’s leading scuba diver training organisation. With more than 6,500 PADI Dive Centres and Resorts, and more than 135,000 individual PADI professionals who have issued more than 25 million certifications around the world, you’ll find PADI diver courses and scuba diving services nearly everywhere.

|     Wani Roslan & Hakim Hayat     |

A TOTAL of 580 orphans from Kampong Ayer and 113 senior citizens of Mukim Peramu yesterday received donations during a ceremony at the Muhibbah Hall of the Brunei-Muara District Office.

Mukim Peramu Penghulu Pengarah Dato Paduka Haji Ismit bin Pengarah Mukim Haji Naim presented the donations in the presence of Brunei-Muara District Officer Misle bin Haji Abdul Karim.

Kampong Bolkiah ‘A’ Village Head Shahminan bin Haji Matzin led the Tahlil and Doa Arwah.

Meanwhile, 74 orphans from Kampong Sengkurong B received over BND11,000 in financial assistance from the Mukim Sengkurong Consultative Council (MPM Sengkurong) last Sunday. Legislative Council member cum guest of honour Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Putera Maharaja Dato Paduka Haji Abdul Ghani bin Pehin Datu Pekerma Dewa Dato Paduka Haji Abdul Rahim presented the donations during a ceremony held at the residence of Mukim Sengkurong Penghulu Haji Musa bin Haji Tahir.

Donations were also presented to nine underprivileged senior citizens. A Tahlil and Doa Arwah were recited before the event concluded with the breaking of the fast with the orphans and Kampong Sengkurong ‘B’ residents.

The donations came from Kampong Sengkurong B villagers.

These donations hope to alleviate the financial burdens faced by the recipients and to allow them celebrate Hari Raya Aidilfitri with joy.

|     James Kon     |

AN INDONESIAN national was involved in a fatal accident when a heavy vehicle he operated flipped over at a work site in Wasan, Limau Manis.

The Limau Manis Police Station received an emergency call at 10.35am. The victim was identified as Sulakudin aged 49.

The body was transported to Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha (RIPAS) Hospital for post mortem.

The cause of the accident is under investigation.

|     Achong Tanjong     |

TM MAJEED Supermarket in Kampong Kilanas yesterday handed out donations to 90 people in conjunction with the holy month of Ramadhan.

The recipients comprised elderly folks, orphans, single mothers, special need individuals and the underprivileged from Kampong Kilanas and Kampong Jangsak, as well as employees of the company.

The donation, which is part of TM Majeed Group of Companies’ annual programme, hopes to help out recipients during the Ramadhan and in preparing for the upcoming Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebrations.

This is the 10th time the company held programme, seeing each recipient receiving BND70 worth of basic foods necessities.

TM Majeed Group of Companies Managing Director Haji TM Badrudeen bin Mohd Ismail, Kampong Kilanas Village Head Haji Mohamad Rais bin Sabtu and the senior management team help with the donation presentation.

The highlight of the event was the handing over of an Umrah package and BND500 to TM Majeed Supermarket employee Norinie @ Norime binti Tamin, who had served the company for 10 years.

Haji TM Badrudeen presented her the special award as a token of appreciation for her sincerity and hard work.

“This is a great moment for me. I was surprised when my name was called to receive this special award. I thank the management and especially Haji TM Badrudeen and family for this award. My wish is to continue working hard for the success of the company. I urged my colleagues to do the same and give their very best,” Norinie said.

Meanwhile, Haji Mohamad Rais, speaking on behalf of the donation recipients, expressed gratitude TM Majeed Supermarket for its continuous effort in reaching out to underprivileged families and helping them in preparation for the festivities.

The ceremony commenced with a recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah and Doa Selamat led by Kampong Kilanas Mosque Imam Haji Alias bin Haji Ibrahim.

The company also donated food items for six underprivileged families in the Temburong District, through the 10th Jalinan Kasih Project 2018 of Brunei Radio Service programme.

The distribution for those in the Temburong District will be held today.

|     Danial Norjidi     |

THE Ministry of Education (MoE) through the Uniformed Group and Social Services Unit, Co-Curriculum Education Department held a donation presentation ceremony yesterday, in line with the ministry’s third Fastabiqul Khairat project.

The event took place at the Curriculum Development Department’s main hall at the new building of the MoE, and saw the Minister of Education Dato Paduka Awang Haji Hamzah bin Haji Sulaiman as the guest of honour.

Also present were Deputy Minister of Education Datin Paduka Dr Hajah Romaizah binti Haji Mohd Salleh; Vice-Chancellor of Universiti Teknologi Brunei (UTB) Professor Dr Hajah Zohrah binti Haji Sulaiman; and Rector of Universiti Islam Sultan Sharif Ali (UNISSA) Dr Haji Norarfan bin Haji Zainal.

The event began with the recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah and Doa Selamat led by an officer from the Uniformed Group and Social Services Unit, Co-Curriculum Education Department, Mohd Arif bin Abdul Hadi.

The donations were handed over to 57 orphans from departments under MoE; 448 students under the Miftahun Najaah Scheme; and 20 recipients of Fakir Miskin from Mukim Rambai in the Tutong District, Mukim Bukit Sawat in the Belait District and Mukim Labu in the Temburong District.

According to a press release from the Co-Curriculum Education Department, 543 boxes of Fastabiqul Khairat donations were collected from MoE departments, schools, higher education institutions and private donors.

Each box contains BND50 worth of basic food items and a sack of rice.

The press release explained that Fastabiqul Khairat was introduced in 2016 as a community project by the Uniformed Group and Social Services Unit, Co-Curriculum Education Department.

The objective of the project is to raise donations from departments under the MoE, educational institutions and private donors, and is divided into a blood donation campaign and donations of basic food items.

A blood donation campaign took place on April 16 at the Curriculum Development Department main hall at the new building of the MoE, and 35 pints of blood were collected.

The project aims to serve as a channel for students to give back to the society, foster a spirit of helping the less fortunate, and being active in community activities.

|     Syazwani Hj Rosli     |

IN CONJUNCTION with Ramadhan and to commemorate the Nuzul Al-Quran celebration, the Special Education Unit (SEU) under the Ministry of Education (MoE) held an Al-Quran Memorisation Competition for Years 7-11 students with special needs from schools across the four districts at the Auditorium Hall of Universiti Islam Sultan Sharif Ali (UNISSA) yesterday.

Deputy Minister of Religious Affairs Pengiran Dato Seri Paduka Haji Bahrom bin Pengiran Haji Bahar was the guest of honour.

Other attendees at the event included Deputy Permanent Secretary (Core Education) at the MoE Nadia Lee Siew Hoon binti Abdullah; UNISSA Rector Dr Haji Norarfan bin Haji Zainal; directors, senior officials and principals under the MoE; officers from the SEU; and parents.

The competition began with a recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah and Doa by Awangku Muhammad Khoiri Syauqli bin Pengiran Haji Johari followed by the 15 finalists taking to the stage to showcase their skills in memorising their respective Al-Quran verses.

The finalists, comprising four boys and three girls under the secondary mainstream category and four boys and four girls under the secondary pre-vocational programme category, were selected from a total of 60 participants representing secondary schools across the nation.

Under the mainstream category, Muhd Khairi bin Abdullah from Pengiran Isteri Hajjah Mariam Secondary School emerged champion with a score of 82.9 per cent, while Rabiatul Nadzirah binti Radzuan from Raja Isteri Girls High School (STPRI) won in the girls category with a score of 75 per cent. For the pre-vocational programme category, Abdul Munin bin Abdullah Mutaliff from Sayyidina Abu Bakar Secondary School was the champion with a score of 80 per cent, while Nurulain Syafiqah binti Khalid Saban from Pengiran Anak Puteri Hajah Masna Secondary School emerged champion in the girls category with a score of 68 per cent.

All the winners and runner-ups received plaques, cash prizes and certificates from the guest of honour.

The competition aimed at making the recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah and Al-Quran verses an integral part of the students’ daily routines and instilling love of Al-Quran among them.

It was also an activity held to ensure that special needs students are afforded equal opportunities to master the recitation of Al-Quran verses as part of the MoE’s goal of practising inclusive education while at the same time realising the special needs students’ potential in Al-Quran memorisation and uncover talents capable of developing into future Qari or Qariah.

|     James Kon     |

ASEAN member countries of Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand have pledged to remain vigilant and step up preventive efforts to minimise any possible occurrence of transboundary smoke haze during periods of dry weather.

In a joint statement issued after the 20th Meeting of the Sub-Regional Ministerial Steering Committee on Transboundary Haze Pollution (20th MSC) held on June 1 in Bangkok, ASEAN ministers underscored the importance of combating transboundary haze.

The meeting was attended by ministers/representatives responsible for the environment, for land, forest fires and haze from Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand as well as the Secretary-General of ASEAN Dato Paduka Lim Jock Hoi.

The 20th Meeting of the Technical Working Group on Transboundary Haze Pollution (20th TWG) preceded the MSC.

Brunei Darussalam was represented by Minister of Development Dato Seri Paduka Awang Haji Suhaimi bin Haji Gafar along with Acting Permanent Secretary (Administration and Finance) at the Ministry of Development Dr Nor Imtihan binti Haji Abdul Razak and officials from the Department of Environment, Parks and Recreation.

The ministers noted the ASEAN Specialised Meteorological Centre’s (ASMC’s) weather outlook that the dry season in the southern ASEAN region was expected between June and October 2018 during which neither El-Niño nor La-Niña condition was forecast. During the season, occasional dry periods could result in an increase in the risk of hotspot activities in the region.

The ministers noted ASMC’s continual efforts in improving its monitoring and early warning of transboundary haze and appreciated its new five-year Regional Capability Building Programme that will benefit the ASEAN member states through the sharing of technical knowledge and skills in haze monitoring and weather and climate prediction.

In the joint statement, the ministers also noted with appreciation various initiatives and actions by MSC countries to address the transboundary haze pollution in the region. The MSC countries reaffirmed their readiness to provide assistance such as deployment of technical resources for firefighting assistance on emergency response situation, if requested, and to collaborate among MSC countries with enhanced cooperation and coordination to mitigate land and forest fires, when necessary.

The ministers recalled the commitment and guidance of the ASEAN leaders at the 31st ASEAN Summit held on November 13, 2017 in Manila and the 32nd ASEAN Summit held on April 28, 2018 in Singapore, towards regional cooperation on transboundary haze pollution control.

The ministers also reiterated their commitment to fully and effectively implement the ASEAN Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution (AATHP) and the Roadmap on ASEAN Cooperation towards Transboundary Haze Pollution Control (THPC) with Means of Implementation (the roadmap) to achieve a haze-free ASEAN by 2020.

They welcomed the progress towards the finalisation and operationalisation of the Establishment Agreement and Host Country Agreement of the ASEAN Coordinating Centre (ACC) for THPC in Indonesia.

The ministers also welcomed the progress on the implementation of the roadmap and looked forward to the mid-term review of its effectiveness as well as to sustain momentum in ensuring demonstrable improvements so as to achieve the vision of creating a haze-free ASEAN by 2020.

The ministers noted the discussion and substantial progress on the implementation of the strategic review of the Sub-Regional Ministerial Steering Committee programmes and activities which include enhancing haze control management through early warning/monitoring and fire prevention and suppression, refinement of the Fire Danger Rating System (FDRS), revised Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for monitoring, assessment and joint emergency response under the ASEAN Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution.

The statement recalled that the ministers at the 13th Meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the ASEAN Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution (COP-13) held on September 12-13, 2017 in Brunei Darussalam had welcomed the endorsement of the modality for sharing hotspot information among MSC countries as recommended by the Seventh Meeting of the MSC Technical Task Force (7th MTTF). The ministers noted that the information sharing mechanism has been operationalised during the dry season in southern ASEAN.

The ministers noted the significant progress of the implementation of the ASEAN Peatland Management Strategy (APMS 2006-2020) through the ASEAN Programme on Sustainable Management of Peatland Ecosystems (APSMPE 2014-2020) and expressed appreciation for the support from ASEAN dialogue and development partners.

The ministers recalled the Financing Agreement for the ASEAN-EU Programme on Sustainable Use of Peatland and Haze Mitigation in ASEAN (SUPA) which was signed on December 27, 2016 with an indicative budget of EUR24.5 million for the duration of 60 months and looked forward to the programme implementation in 2018.

They also looked forward to the finalisation and signing of Large Grant Agreement of the Measurable Action for Haze-Free Sustainable Land Management in Southeast Asia (MAHFSA), a programme supported by International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), amounting USD3.5 million for duration of 60 months.

The ministers reaffirmed their commitment to coordinate the implementation of programmes/projects under APSMPE (2014-2020) through ASEAN mechanisms, enhanced national level efforts and multi-stakeholder partnership. They also supported the second review of APMS to be undertaken by the ASEAN Task Force on Peatlands.

The ministers expressed their appreciation to the Royal Thai Government for hosting the 20th MSC Meeting, the excellent arrangements made and the generous hospitality provided.

The 21st MSC Meeting will be held in Brunei Darussalam in 2019.

|     Wani Roslan     |

FOUR orphans of the Centre for Children with Special Needs (KACA) received donation for their preparation for Hari Raya Aidilfitri to lighten their burden at the KACA’s centre yesterday. A prize presentation for winners of KACA storytelling competition in conjunction with the 32nd anniversary of KACA was also held.

The guest of honour, President of KACA Dato Paduka Haji Zainal bin Haji Momin, presented the donation and prizes.

The competition was divided into two categories where Category ‘A’ was won by Mohd Aiman Darwish bin Haji Mohd Faidzal. Meanwhile, Category ‘B’ winner was Siti Norayshikin binti Mohd Saiful Jazmi. Winners took home BND50 and a certificate.

Also present were Managing Director of KACA Haji Abdul Alim bin Haji Othman as well as teachers and members of KACA.

|     Izah Azahari     |

THE Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf Brunei held a private Sungkai buffet for orphans along with their registered guardians and representatives from Pengiran Muda Mahkota Al-Muhtadee Billah Fund for Orphans (DANA) under the Caring Cup Initiative at The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf SupaSave Mata-Mata outlet yesterday.

Managing Director of PAR Food and Beverage Sdn Bhd Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Anak Abdul Mun’im bin Pengiran Anak Haji Tahiruddin and The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf Brunei General Manager Khairul Nidzam bin Haji Abu Bakar presented goodie bags to the attendees which comprised gifts from both The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf and passes sponsored by Jerudong Park Playground.

Also present was Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah officer Samsudin bin Haji Puasa as a representative for the Head Officer Executive from DANA.

An initial donation of BND3,000 was made to DANA from proceeds of the limited edition The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf Jubli Emas Tumbler released last year in conjunction with the Golden Jubilee Celebration of His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam’s Accession to the Throne.

The Caring Cup Initiative is an initiative under The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf that strives to make a positive impact on lives and help with what needs to be done, from preserving the environment and improving education to supporting non-government or charity organisations that share the same goal in giving back.

The initiative has been seen developing a broad range of programmes geared towards giving back to its workers and communities.

BAIDURI Bank organised Sungkai yesterday for 10 underprivileged families in the Temburong District as part of their Let’s Give Back This Ramadhan campaign.

The event was held at the StoneVille Hotel in Pekan Bangar.

The recipients were identified through the Temburong District Office.

The aim of the event was to provide relief to the recipients during the holy month of Ramadhan by donating food items as well as money.

Head of Retail Banking and Branch Network Pengiran Azaleen bin Pengiran Dato Haji Mustapha said, “The holy month of Ramadhan is a time for reflection and giving back. With our campaign, we aim to provide some aid and relief to the less privileged families. We hope that with this cash donation and hampers, it will allow them to enjoy the Hari Raya Aidilfitri festivities as well.”

The event concluded with Sungkai at the hotel’s restaurant for the families and Baiduri Bank volunteers.

Also present were Head of Group Communications Department Dorothy Newn, Assistant Temburong District Officer Mohammad Khairul Shahrul bin Haji Duahim and other Baiduri Bank personnel.

|     Azaraimy HH     |

THE Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports (MCYS) continued its Kembara Amal Ramadhan Programme 2018 simultaneously in Tutong, Belait and Temburong Districts yesterday, to handover necessities to 15 families listed under the Community Development Department (JAPEM), comprising the underprivileged including recipients of monthly welfare assistants, orphans, senior citizens and People With Different Abilities (OKU).

In Tutong District, the delegation was led by Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Awang Haji Aminuddin Ihsan bin Pehin Orang Kaya Saiful Mulok Dato Seri Paduka Haji Abidin.

The delegation comprised government officers and staff, mukim penghulus and village heads.

A total of five families were visited at their houses in Kampong Kuala Ungar, Kampong Merimbun, Kampong Layong, Kampong Lamunin, Kampong Lubok Pulau and at RPN Kampong Bukit Beruang.

In Belait District, the delegation was led by a member of Legislative Council YB Hanapi bin Mohd Siput, who is also the Village Head of Kampong Labi 1, and Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports Datin Paduka Dr Hajah Norlila binti Dato Paduka Haji Abdul Jalil.

The delegation visited the houses at Kampong Sungai Tali, Kampong Lumut, Kampong Sungai Bakong and Lesen Tumpang Sementara (LTS) Tanah Tersusun, Lumut 1.

In Temburong District, the delegation was led by a member of the Legislative Council YB Haji Emran bin Haji Sabtu, .

The delegation visited houses at Kampong Negalang Iring, Kampong Gadong Baru, Kampong Rataie, RPN Kampong Parit and Barek Loji Penapisan Air Sumbiling.

The ministry’s annual programme serves as an outreach initiative to hand over assistance to those in need to lessen their burden in conjunction with the Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebration.