|     James Kon     |

THE Ministry of Development (MoD) launched its Policy Framework 2018-2023 and Strategic Plan 2018-2023 booklets in an event at the ministry’s headquarters in Berakas yesterday.

Officiating as the guest of honour was Minister of Development Dato Seri Paduka Awang Haji Suhaimi bin Haji Gafar.

Others present included Permanent Secretary (Technical and Professional) at the MoD Haji Marzuke bin Haji Mohsin; Acting Permanent Secretary (Administration and Finance) at the MoD Dr Nor Imtihan binti Haji Abdul Razak; Director-General of Public Works Haji Amer Hishamuddin bin Pehin Orang Kaya Amar Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Haji Zakaria; as well as directors and heads of departments under the MoD.

The booklets are meant to provide a clearer picture of the ministry’s national development plans and goals for the next five years.

The Policy Framework 2018-2023 booklet provides a crisp breakdown of the ministry’s priority areas across nine sectors, namely the provision of housing, road infrastructure, water supply services, provision of drainage, provision of sewerage, clean and sustainable environment, optimal land use, facilitating construction industry development and infrastructure financing.

The Strategic Plan 2018–2023 booklet, meanwhile, contains the ministry’s guidelines and directions for projects which will be implemented under the priorities and requirements of the ministry’s management.

In his speech, the minister highlighted several core areas that are of prime importance to the ministry in the next five years.

Among these was bringing about sustainable housing and its management.

He said, “To ensure sustainable national housing scheme (RPN) plans to achieve 85 per cent home ownership for Brunei citizens by 2035 requires considerable subsidisation of housing costs and expenditure. The ministry has already identified some of the approaches and policy revisions that need to be implemented to support private-public partnership (PPP) initiatives to ensure affordability, which give home ownership priority to those who truly need a house in order to achieve inclusive development and effective cost management.”

For optimising the use of land, the minister explained, “To balance the needs of our country’s socio-economic development, where land available for development is very limited, the core priority of the ministry is to ensure optimisation of land use and planning. Therefore, the land use policies need to be in line with promoting integrated development, improving investment in real estate so as to develop the economy to its full potential, as well as addressing policy gaps and strengthening land development law enforcement in a more effective way.”

Touching on the provision of infrastructure, the minister said, “The cost of infrastructure provision and construction as well as the maintenance of infrastructure assets is increasing year-on-year. The ministry’s policy is to carry out control and effective cost savings through integrated infrastructure development and integrated maintenance management.”

With regards to sustainable environmental planning and management, he said, “Relating to the issue of environment, the ministry is strengthening legislation and enforcement of the Environmental Protection and Management Order as a whole. To address this, we will be updating existing policies and legislation to facilitate more effective and more integrated enforcement of the laws together with other enforcement agencies.”

The minister, elaborating on what the ministry is seeking to achieve from the Strategic Plan 2018-2023, added, “We are looking to generate and improve financial management from services including the collection of revenue and arrears, corporatisation or partial privatisation of certain services or parts of services under the ministry and departments under it, enhance efficiency and optimisation of human resources as well as assets of the ministry, strengthen the management and sharing of data more effectively for use in evidence-based policymaking, as well as upgrading technology in the delivery of services to effectuate more efficient customer service.”

He said, “I fully hope the booklets can provide better guidance and understanding on the ministry’s policies to all our staff. To improve understanding, briefings on the subject will continuously be held by the ministry’s Policy Coordination and Strategic Planning (PCSP) division.

“I would like to thank the Centre for Strategic and Policy Studies (CSPS) as well for contributing to the content of the Policy Framework and Strategic Plan 2018-2023 booklets.”

The minister distributed the Policy Framework and Strategic Plan 2018-2023 booklets to the heads of departments and divisions under the ministry who attended the event.

|     Danial Norjidi     |

OVER 3,000 youth and volunteers from government and private agencies participated in a mass Tedarus Al-Quran for youth across the country, held separately at the Jame’ ‘Asr Hassanil Bolkiah (for males) and at the Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Mosque (for females), yesterday.

Present for the ceremony at the Jame’ ‘Asr Hassanil Bolkiah was His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Malik, while Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Majeedah Nuurul Bolkiah attended the ceremony at the Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Mosque.

His Royal Highness was welcomed on arrival at Jame’ ‘Asr Hassanil Bolkiah by Minister of Defence II Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof in his capacity as the Acting Minister of Home Affairs, Minister of Education Dato Paduka Awang Haji Hamzah bin Haji Sulaiman, and 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 event was organised by the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports with the collaboration of the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Ministry of Religious Affairs and the Ministry of Education.

The proceedings began with the recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah led by Haji Muhd Fikri bin Haji Metussin, the first-place winner in the male category of the National Al-Quran Reading Competition for Adults 1439H/2018. This was followed by a Khatam Al-Quran recitation of Surah Adh-Dhuha to Surah Al-Masad, led by Muhammad Farhan bin Alim, a student of Institut Tahfiz Al-Quran Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah (ITQSHHB), and accompanied with a recitation of the Takhtim by the Dikir Group of Universiti Islam Sultan Sharif Ali (UNISSA).

The Doa Khatam was recited by Abdul Haziq Syarafuddin bin Abdul Habib, a student from ITQSHHB, followed by a Dikir Marhaban by the UNISSA Dikir Group.

The proceedings also saw Haji Muhd Fikri leading the Doa Allah Peliharakan Sultan dan Negara Brunei Darussalam. The event concluded with mass Zohor prayer.

According to a statement from the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, the main objective of the ceremony was to enliven the holy month of Ramadhan with beneficial activities, particularly the reading of Al-Quran, in addition to enhancing and strengthening mutual cooperation between the agencies involved in the development of the country’s youth.

|     Azlan Othman     |

HIS Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam made an unscheduled visit to Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha Girls Arabic Religious Secondary School in Kampong Katok yesterday morning.

During the visit, the monarch held a two-hour-long closed-door session with over 50 teachers at the school’s conference room.

Also present at the session were Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office Dato Seri Paduka Awang Haji Abdul Mokti bin Haji Mohd Daud, Permanent Secretary (Law and Welfare) at the Prime Minister’s Office Haji Mohammed Rosli bin Haji Ibrahim and senior officials from the Ministry of Religious Affairs.

After the session, His Majesty mingled with the students of the Arabic school and posed for selfies on request by the teachers and students.

“We were having a Khatam Al-Quran at the school’s Surau when suddenly we were told to go to our classrooms. We were surprised to learn that our beloved ruler is at our school and we took our phones to capture the precious moments,” a student told the Bulletin.

At the school, the monarch took a closer look at the English hub located at the foyer of the building which showcases a number of English books for the students to read during free time.

The unscheduled visit, part of the continuous efforts by the monarch to ensure that all strategies and initiatives relating to education are effectively implemented in schools to the highest quality and are making positive impact on improving the quality of teaching and learning, provided an opportunity for His Majesty to observe the school’s activities first-hand.

Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha Girls Arabic Religious Secondary School is a new project built at a cost of nearly BND47 million under the 10th National Development Plan of the Ministry of Religious Affairs.

Built on an eight-hectare site, the school is capable of accommodating 1,800 female students and a teaching workforce and administrative staff of 150.

It was established on January 3, 2018 at the start of new school term and the 1,300 Year 7 to Year 11 students came from Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Damit Girls Arabic Religious Secondary School.

|     Aziz Idris     |

PANTAI Jerudong Specialist Centre (PJSC) organised a donation drive yesterday for 15 underprivileged families and their previous patients.

Four senior management members including 89 staff members of PJSC, who volunteered in the drive, were split into teams to cover Brunei-Muara, Tutong and Belait districts.

Leading the teams were Executive Director of PJSC Dr Mazrul bin Haji Besar, Medical Director of PJSC Dato Seri Laila Jasa Dr Babu Sukumaran, Hospital Administrator of PJSC Vivian Tie and Chief Operating Officer of PJSC Varghese Paulose.

The team began the journey at PJSC.

They packed the donations and supplies contributed by the staff and companies affiliated to the centre before heading out in a convoy to the houses of all families.

The list came from previous patients of PJSC and their family members who needed the extra help, in line with PJSC’s slogan, ‘We Care’.

Items donated included diapers, milk, rice, oats and food items.

Cash donations were also presented to the head of family.

Dr Mazrul said the drive was part of the centre’s corporate social responsibility and will be a permanent activity during the month of Ramadhan.

“It is hoped that these donations will help the families,” he added.

He thanked all who volunteered and donated to make the charity drive a success.

|     Wani Roslan     |

THE Brunei Breast Cancer Support Group (BBCSG) held a Tahlil, Doa Arwah and Waqaf of books distribution ceremony at the residence of BBCSG President Hajah Aminah binti Haji Momin, at Teratak Anaria in Kampong Rimba yesterday.

The guest of honour was Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Dewa Major General (Rtd) Dato Seri Pahlawan Haji Awang Mohammad bin Haji Daud.

The ceremony began with the recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah followed by welcoming remarks from Hajah Aminah.

She said that the publication of Yaasiin and Doa-Doa aimed to support patients, both who have recovered and are recovering spiritually. The books will be distributed to the patients, their families, hospitals, health centres and mosques.

The Tahlil and Doa Arwah recitation was led by Imam of Universiti Brunei Darussalam Mosque Ustaz Haji Jofri bin Haji Hidup. The ceremony concluded with a recitation of Doa Selamat.

|     Lyna Mohamad     |

THE Let’s Raya Expo held its opening ceremony yesterday, officiated by the guest of honour, Pengiran Seti Aminah binti Pengiran Othman, the spouse of Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Anak Haji Abdul Wadood Bolkiah bin Pengiran Lela Cheteria Sahibun Najabah Pengiran Anak Haji Abdul Aziz, who was also present at the ceremony.

The opening ceremony, led by Managing Director of Theevent.co Hambali bin Pehin Orang Kaya Shahbandar Dato Seri Paduka Haji Mohd Salleh, began with the recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah and Doa Selamat.

The event’s objective is to cater to shoppers and vendors in their preparations for the Hari Raya celebration.

The main highlight of the expo – a one-stop event for shopping with convenience – is the fashion hall, where numerous Muslimah fashion brands, boutiques, and beauty accessories are gathered.

Daily draws have also been incorporated throughout the event, with prizes such as a brand new YSL clutch, a Prada handbag, a Swarovski jewellery set, and cash vouchers, among others.

In addition, Baiduri Bank credit and debit cardholders will also have the privilege of joining the ‘instant dip’, featuring prizes for every purchase made at the event.

The event, organised by Theevent.co and managed by D’Sunlit Sdn Bhd, is held until tomorrow at the Plenary Hall of the International Convention Centre (ICC) in Berakas from 10am – 10pm.

|     Ishan Ibrahim     |

A WORLD Quran Hour programme was recently conducted at the Rashidah Sa’adatul Bolkiah Mosque in Kampong Sungai Akar.

Held for the first time in Brunei Darussalam, the programme entailed the need for unity for Muslims around the world by reciting Al-Quran and interacting with fellow Muslims wherever they may be.

Organised by the mosque’s Takmir committee members, the programme saw 150 participants reciting Al-Quran verses in sessions. The participants comprised mainly school students, youths, Muslimah members and mosque congregants.

The World Quran Hour programme is usually conducted on the 22nd of Ramadhan, the last 10 days of the holy month.

The aim was for participants and Muslims to have a ‘Quranic’ mindset that adheres to the laws of Islam regardless of race, nationality and wealth.

The campaign also aimed to encourage every individual to read, understand and apply the values from Al-Quran in their daily lives and character.

|     James Kon     |

IN CONJUNCTION with the holy month of Ramadhan, Royal Insignia held their annual Charity Iftar on Thursday at Pusat Ehsan Al-Ameerah Al-Hajjah Maryam, a non-government organisation that provides education for children with special needs.

This is the fourth year since 2015 that Royal Insignia has hosted a charity event during Ramadhan.

Senior Trustee of Pusat Ehsan Dato Paduka Haji Alimin bin Haji Abdul Wahab conveyed his gratitude to Royal Insignia for their continuous contribution to Pusat Ehsan.

Royal Insignia’s Product Development Manager Rachel Hoe opened the event with a speech in which she thanked 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, for giving the brand the opportunity to enjoy Brunei’s hospitality and explained how Royal Insignia’s annual Charity Iftar was a way for the brand to give back to the society in the Sultanate.

At the Charity Iftar, a buffet spread was catered for 130 children, their guardians and staff of Pusat Ehsan to break their fast together. Each child also received a cash donation from Royal Insignia along with a goodie bag.

|     James Kon     |

BAIDURI Bank spread festive cheers to 10 underprivileged families in the Brunei-Muara District by organising a shopping activity and breaking of fast in the bank’s ‘Let’s Give Back This Ramadhan II’ campaign yesterday.

It was the last of four events where Baiduri Bank gives back to the local community during the holy month of Ramadhan this year through shopping and breaking of fast.

The selected underprivileged families were identified by the Community Development Department under the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports.

The shopping activity, held at Hua Ho Department Store in Kiulap, aimed at lessening the families’ burden by taking them shopping for household necessities in preparation for the Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebration.

Baiduri Bank Chief Executive Officer Pierre Imhof touched upon the bank’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, saying, “We have done quite a number of events over the years which have been about giving back to the society here in Brunei.

“Among them is the annual Baiduri Masters Charity golf tournament where proceeds raised were donated to charity and welfare organisations that support people with special needs. We have also done an art auction where proceeds were donated to charity.”

With the ‘Let’s Give Back This Ramadhan’ campaign, he highlighted, “We are focussing on bringing joy to the underprivileged families in the country.”

Meanwhile, one of the families, Mashut bin Ali with his wife conveyed their thanks and gratitude to Baiduri Bank.

Mashut said, “This really helps to ease our burden in preparing for the upcoming Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebration.”

The family of eight, including six children, bought rice as well as instant noodles and other daily necessities during their shopping activity.

Also present at the event were Baiduri Bank Head of Group Communications Department Dorothy Newn as well as staff of the bank.

|     Hakim Hayat     |

OVER 100 special needs students from Pusat Bahagia in Kampong Pulaie received donations during a Sungkai event organised jointly by the Community Development Department (JAPEM), Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports (MCYS) and three other prominent companies.

The event held at the Pusat Bahagia in Kampong Pulaie saw the special needs students receiving Hari Raya Aidilfitri green packets sponsored by Borneo United Enterprise Sdn Bhd, Hasmit Electrical & Lighting Company and Dee Jay Sdn Bhd. Present as guest of honour was 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 spouse Datin Hajah Norhayana Janis binti Abdullah Lim.

The event commenced with the recitation of Tahlil that was led by a student of Pusat Bahagia, Md Alif bin Haji Taha, while Doa Tahlil was read by Ustaz Nuurmatin bin Haji Abu Bakar, Head Religious Teacher at Pusat Bahagia. A Tausyeh performance put up by male students of the centre also enlivened the event.

Before the breaking of the fast, Hari Raya green packets were handed over by the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports; Chairman of Borneo United Enterprise Stanley Um Hock; Chairman of Hasmit Electrical & Lighting Company Steven Huong Hau Yiew; and Chairman of Dee Jay Sdn Bhd Md Zaidi bin Abdullah.

MCYS in a press release said they hope to see more similar events to be organised in the future, as this will help spread joy to the differently-abled community, especially as the festive season looms closer. At the same time, the event also serves as a charitable cause in conjunction with the holy month of Ramadhan.

Also in attendance yesterday were Permanent Secretary at the MCYS Datin Paduka Dr Hajah Norlila binti Dato Paduka Haji Abdul Jalil and Acting Director of JAPEM Rostinah binti Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Sura Pahlawan Dato Paduka Haji Mohd Tahir.

PERBADANAN Tabung Amanah Islam Brunei (Perbadanan TAIB) held a shopping outing event with 42 orphans and Asnaf children aged 3-14 at The Airport Mall, Berakas yesterday.

The children comprised 25 orphans registered under RPN Kampong Panchor Mengkubau, two orphans were from Kampong Serusop and 15 were Asnaf children under RPN Kampong Panchor Mengkubau were treated to a shopping spree by Perbadanan TAIB during the outing. Each child was given BND50 for their shopping as well as meal vouchers.

Volunteers from Perbadanan TAIB and members of the Village Consultative Council (MPK) of RPN Kampong Panchor Mengkubau accompanied and assisted the children during the shopping outing.

The event started with the recitation of Al-Fatihah and Doa Selamat followed by a welcoming speech from Acting Managing Director of Perbadanan TAIB, Hajah Noorrafidah binti Sulaiman who also presented the green packets to the invited orphans and Asnaf children. She highlighted Perbadanan TAIB is pleased to be able to make a difference and happy to share the Hari Raya spirit with the children this year.

With the help of volunteers, Perbadanan TAIB also hope to instil the children value of financial planning during the shopping trip by guiding them in the decisions for their purchase. She also gives thanks to the Head of the Community and Public Relations Bureau and members of the MPK RPN Kampong Panchor Mengkubau; Village Head of RPN Kampung Panchor Mengkubau as well as the volunteers for their support to make the event successful.

|     Azlan Othman     |

HE MAY be five years old, but Awangku Mohd Labiq bin Pengiran Haji Mohd Lizam has already moved up the ladder in the Al-Quran recitation category at the Kampong Sungai Buloh Mosque, with the likelihood of winning a motivational award.

His talent has also come to the attention of the Kampong Sungai Buloh Mosque Takmir Committee, as one of the 245 Al-Quran readers who have been actively involved since the first day of Ramadhan.

Recently, he participated in a Khatam Al-Quran ceremony at the Kampong Sungai Buloh Mosque, which featured a presentation of souvenirs to several Al-Quran readers, and a student from Institut Tahfiz Al-Quran Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah for leading the nightly Sunnat Tarawikh prayers.

|     Achong Tanjong     |

STRANGE as it may seem, a driver of Syarikat Tienteng Forwarding has been fined BND500 for a fourth time for carrying overload.

Another driver from Syarikat NSJY Trading Company was slapped with four compound fines – BND50 each for not installing the reflection light and using an inappropriate vehicle and BND100 for carrying overload. He was imposed another BND50 compound and six Driver Safety Practice System (SiKAP) demerit points for driving a vehicle with bald tyres.

According to the Land Transport Department (JPD), the fines were imposed during an operation held from May 28-30 and on June 4 at several locations in the country.

During the operation, 16 drivers from 14 transportation companies were charged with compound fines ranging from BND50-BND500 for violating various road traffic regulations.

The name of the companies and drivers are Dsha Trading Company (BAC 1945) – Budi Santoso; Haji Md Yusuf bin Awang Lamit dan Anak-Anak (BAF 8155) – Mehal Singh; Syarikat Hasnal Jaradin dan Anak (BP 931) – Bajit Singh; Syarikat Haji Idris bin Haji Md Said (BAA 6101) – Suwarso; NSJY Trading Company (BQ 2082) – Sujian; Perusahaan Sinar Amor (BV 1588) – Wassem Ahmad; Lak Construction (KF 576) – Liew Ming Teck; Syarikat Haji Zaini bin Haji Md Zain (BAF 8855) – Maserur; Syarikat Hock Hin Trading Co (BAE 2821) – Esmaraldo; Swee Sdn Bhd (BN 9020) – Thong Khoon Thongpanya and (BS 1705) – Pramuan Chuanram; Tienteng Forwarding (BAE 3188) – Taramuji and (BAQ 3188) – Soma Arif bin Toro; Hock Hin Trading (BAE 2821) –Trinofiardi; Rison General Supplier Sdn Bhd (BAG 1962) – Kanek Haji Sapuloh; and Syarikat Haji Zaini bin Haji Md Zain (BAF 8655) – Erik Kurniawan. The offences are overloading, not installing reflection lights, driving inappropriate vehicle and using bald tryes.

The JPD operation was part of its efforts to continuously monitor all the transportation companies and their drivers to ensure that they always comply with the Road Traffic Act.

Urging cooperation of the public in ensuring road safety, JPD welcomes any complaint related to road traffic offences by contacting JPD hotline at 7292017 or Darussalam WhatsApp line at 8333123.

|     Abdul Hakiim Yakof     |

MINI Brunei treated MINI vehicle owners for Iftar (breaking of fast) on Friday at the Millennium Restaurant, where over 100 people gathered to break fast during the holy month of Ramadhan.

General Manager of QAF Auto Sdn Bhd Sivakumar Krishnan said, “The Iftar dinner is a great opportunity to express our gratitude to our customers for choosing MINI and it brings us closer together. The event witnessed an encouraging public response and we hope to host similar events.”

|     Fizah HAB     |

THE Department of Councils of State held a Tedarus and Khatam Al-Quran ceremony to mark the holy month of Ramadhan at its building in Jalan Menteri Besar.

The guest of honour was Secretary to the Cabinet Ministers’ Council and Clerk to the Legislative Council (LegCo) Pehin Orang Kaya Pekerma Jaya Dato Paduka Haji Judin bin Haji Asar. Members of the LegCo were also present. The Khatam Al-Quran ceremony began with mass recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah by Begawan Pehin Khatib Dato Paduka Haji Mustafa bin Haji Murat, followed by the recitation of Doa Khatam, Doa Tahlil and Zikir  Asyrakal.

The ceremony also saw handover of donations to two officers under the Sports and Social Welfare Body, followed by mass Maghrib prayer and Sungkai.

|     Fadhil Yunus     |

DPMM FC captain Shahrazen Said has vowed to move on from the 5-0 loss to Albirex Niigata (S) during their last outing in the Singapore Premier League starting with a positive performance against Geylang International FC at the Bedok Stadium in Singapore tonight.

The ‘Gegar Gegar’ men suffered back-to-back losses to Home United FC and Albirex to all but end their title quest though they could still fight for a place in the top four, which Shahrazen considers their target this season.

“It’s disappointing (to lose to Albirex 5-0) but we must forget that nightmare. For now, we just have to keep going, work hard and keep track of our individual fitness. Our target is to be in the top four for this season,” Shahrazen was quoted as saying in the Football Association of Singapore (FAS) website.

The captain has deputised in the absence of the injured Mojtaba Esmaielzadeh during the last few games and has highlighted that every single member of the team play a key role in ensuring the success of the team.

“Why we were successful in the past was because every player in every position was hungry to score. Imports, seniors and young players all play a part in helping the team,” he said.

The 32-year old also said that there are a lot of young players in the squad who bodes well for the future.

He added that it is important to keep implementing the pressing game against the Eagles as they bid for a fourth win this season.

Asked about goalkeeper Wardun Yussof, who will be making his first start this season, Shahrazen said, “Even though he has not played for a long time, his confidence and power are still the same as when he was younger. I’m sure his experience will help the team a lot.”

DPMM FC forward Mojtaba is currently on the sideline while first-choice goalkeeper Haimie Anak Nyaring will be serving the first of his two-game suspension.

They got the better of Geylang in a 4-1 win earlier this season but both sides have since witnessed a change in fortunes as evident with the Bruneians dropping to sixth and Geylang winning three of their last four games.

The Brunei-based outfit have not enjoyed their travels to the Bedok Stadium with their last win was in April 2015 when Paulo Sergio’s goal sealed a 1-0 win.

DPMM FC will go level on points with third place occupants Home United FC with a win tonight.

|     Fadhil Yunus     |

PRIMATEL made it two wins out of two in the Brunei Basketball Association (BBA) Challenge Trophy after ousting Wolves 128-100 at the Brunei Basketball Association Court in Batu Bersurat last night.

The win put them in a good position of securing the title but they must now overcome a YTE side backed by quality foreign imports tonight.

Primatel’s Lim Liang Wei produced a game high for a second successive night with 32 points while captain Kevin Tay Kai Seng contributed 28 points.

Kevin Tay also impressed in the offence after pulling out three consecutive three-pointers before finishing with two successive three-pointers.

Ting Heng Lee’s six three-pointers was a focal point in Primatel’s multi-talented attack as he notched 24 points among the team’s top scorers.

The game drifted away from the clutches of Wolves who has Leones in their ranks after a wonderful three-pointer by Ting gave Primatel a nine-point cushion in the second quarter.

Don Mordeno, the man who pulled an extraordinary pass against BBA selection, made a bounce pass which was finished off with a neat finish by a teammate.

Primatel closed the second quarter strongly with Kevin Tay completing two straight three-pointers and Voon Yao Ting making a perfect run of free throws.

Wolves made a good start at the opening stages of the third quarter with Danny Felicilda converting a trey and the attempt from Jefferson Paraiso cutting the deficit to 12 points.

Primatel point guard RJ Lucida made his presence known after slipping a short pass to Lim who finished a fine team move with a couple of points.

Primatel head coach Pong Bing Chau labelled the good defence as the foundation for the team’s solid showing in the court which allowed them license to attack.

“We had a good defence tonight. If you have a good defence, the offence will be coming up,” he said in an interview with the Sunday Bulletin.

“When you make a good defence, you have the confidence in offence,” said the head coach.

Pong said that it will be a tough test against YTE but insists that they will be doing their best.

Primatel will be boosted with the return of Hung Ing Wai who will also be entrusted at the defensive end of the court.

“The most important thing is we have to lock down the imports,” he said.

|     Lyna Mohamad     |

BOUSTEAD Sdn Bhd, the sole distributor of Suzuki automobiles in Brunei, officially opened its new Suzuki showroom in Gadong with a launching ceremony on Friday evening, marking another milestone in the dealership’s 40-year presence in the Sultanate.

The ceremony began with an opening speech by Boustead Sdn Bhd Managing Director Dato Paduka Lim Beng Thai, followed by the unveiling of new showroom called ‘Suzuki@Gadong’.

The showroom unveiling was jointly carried out by Managing Officer and Division General Manager of Asia Automobile Division, Global Automobile Marketing (Suzuki) Shuji Oishi; Group Manager of Asia Automobile Group (Suzuki) Kazuyuki Yamashita; and Dato Paduka Lim Beng Thai.

The purpose-built, state-of-the-art facility features an open, contemporary showroom with a floor-to-ceiling glass structure, while the upscale customer lounge with complimentary Wi-Fi creates a pleasant feel-good atmosphere for guests to relax in, which imparts a strong cutting-edge presence and welcoming sense of hospitality with a touch of modern comforts and warm lighting.

Providing customers a one-stop solution is the core of the new showroom’s concept, which includes a selection of high-quality aftermarket accessories that serves a wide range of applications and needs in the growing automobile market.

The new showroom additionally has been designed to provide an unmatched customer service and ownership experience, with a new sense of convenience, efficiency and level of comfort aimed at creating more added-value for Boustead’s Suzuki customers while maintaining Suzuki’s premium standards.

A Suzuki Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) model, the Super Carry, was also unveiled during the showroom launch, signifying Suzuki’s foray into the LCV market.

Designed and developed based on detailed research and understanding of customer requirements in Brunei, the new vehicle caters best to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and will prove to be – despite its small size – reliable and durable for daily business operations.

Also making special appearances at the event were two popular Suzuki models – an Ignis and a Swift Hikarii II Edition – all souped-up with new add-on accessories to give them that extra vibrant, sporty look.

THE Ministry of Health (MoH) alerted members of the public to six health products tested at the laboratory of the Pharmacy Laboratory Services, Laboratory Services, MoH, and found to be adulterated with undeclared substances.

The affected products are: Jus Al Sunnah Gold 1001 Khasiat Jus Alternatif, manufactured by Sri Saga Marketing S/B, Malaysia, which has been adulterated with Dexamethasone; Jus Al Sunnah 1001 Khasiat Jus Alternatif, manufactured by Sri Saga Marketing S/B, Malaysia, which has been adulterated with Dexamethasone; Jus Penawar 1001 Khasiat Jus Alternatif Resdung, manufactured by Sri Saga Marketing S/B, Malaysia, which has been adulterated with Dexamethasone and Chlorpheniramine; Herba Saraf Pil, manufactured by Reshoon Marketing, which has been adulterated with Dexamethasone; Proven Capsule 350mg, manufactured in France, which has been adulterated with Sibutramine and Phenolphthalein; and Royal Café Power Drink, manufactured by Royalife International Sdn Bhd, Malaysia, which has been adulterated with Phenolphthalein.

The adulterants found in these products can cause adverse effects potentially hazardous to its users.

Unsupervised long-term consumption of potent corticosteroids such as Dexamethasone can cause an increase in blood glucose levels leading to diabetes, high blood pressure, cataract, muscular and bone disorders, and an increased risk of infections. Long term use of corticosteroids can also lead to Cushing’s syndrome which is characterised by a round face or ‘moon face’, and upper body obesity with thin limbs.

Consumers who have taken high doses of steroids over a prolonged period of time may suffer from withdrawal symptoms which include fatigue, muscle and joint pain, fever, low blood sugar, low blood pressure and dehydration.

Dizziness, lowering of blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, confusion, depression and convulsions are among the adverse effects that could occur from the unsupervised consumption of Chlorpheniramine.

Sibutramine is a body slimming agent that is no longer recommended for its use in obesity treatment because its effects can be detrimental to the heart and the liver. Intake of Sibutramine can also cause serious adverse effects such as high blood pressure, uncertain heartbeat and difficulty to sleep; and in worst cases, it can cause damage to the kidneys and liver.

Prolonged consumption or overdose of Phenolphthalein can result in diarrhoea with excessive loss of water and electrolytes, and there is also the possibility of developing an atonic non-functioning colon.

Cardiac and respiratory distress, renal damage and hypersensitivity reactions have also been reported with the use of this drug.

The MoH has not issued any approval for the importation for the sale of these products. Following these findings, the products have been banned from being imported or sold in Brunei Darussalam.

Members of the public who purchased or used the products are advised to discontinue use immediately. They should also consult a medical practitioner if they feel unwell or experience undesirable reactions as a result of using the products.

Anyone involved in the retail of these products (including online retail such as through Facebook) are hereby reminded that it is an offence under the Poisons Act 1956 to sell any product containing any substance controlled under the said Act and the penalty for such an offence upon conviction, is a fine of BND8,000 or six months’ imprisonment.

Furthermore, if a person commits an Act that amounts to such a degree of negligence so as to endanger or be likely to endanger human life, then such person shall be guilty of an offence which carries a penalty of a fine of BND16,000 and 12 months’ imprisonment.

Members of the public are urged to report to the Pharmacy Enforcement Section should the products still be found on the market.

For further information and communication, contact the Pharmacy Enforcement Section at 2393298 (ext 208); e-mail pharmacy.enforcement@moh.gov.bn; visit the first floor, Department of Pharmaceutical Services Building, Kampong Madaras, Mukim Gadong ‘A’; or call the Darussalam line at 123.

|     Azaraimy HH and Izah Azahari     |

THE Royal Brunei Police Force (RBPF) distributed its new crime prevention leaflets in selected areas in Brunei-Muara, Tutong, Belait and Temburong districts on Thursday.

The distribution of the pamphlet handouts followed their launch at the Police Headquarters in Jalan Tungku on Wednesday.

The distribution in Brunei-Muara District was led by Corporal 4044 Pengiran Mohd Iskandar Shah of the Limau Manis Police Station Neighbourhood Watch, together with three members of the Kampong Bebuloh Neighbourhood Watch. The brochures were distributed to the village residents. A foot patrol around the village was also carried out.

Pamphlets were also distributed to residents living in Kampong Rimba, Mukim Gadong ‘A’ area by the Bandar Seri Begawan Central Police Station Neighbourhood Watch during a patrol of the area. Sergeant Major 3096 Pengiran Noorhasni led the patrol alongside members of the Kampong Rimba Neighbourhood Watch.

In the Tutong District, the distribution effort was led by Commanding Officer of Tutong Police District Superintendent Suhairi bin Haji Sukri.

The pamphlets were distributed to the Tutong District Office, Tamu Tutong area, the residences of mukim penghulus, as well as miscellaneous commercial premises.

In the Belait District, the pamphlet distribution was handled and coordinated by the Belait Police District under the leadership of Acting Commanding Officer of the Belait Police District Superintendent Mohammad Azrie bin Haji Talip. The pamphlets were distributed to residents in the surrounding areas of each police station in the district.

In addition, the Sungai Liang Police Station Neighbourhood Watch – led by Sergeant 3392 Jailani bin Haji Johari – visited the home of Acting Village Head of Kampong Lumut 1, Haji Abdul Aziz bin Haji Abdul Gani, where discussions on crime prevention were held. A patrol was also conducted in the area and brochures were distributed to the village residents.

In the Temburong District, the leaflets were distributed by the Temburong Police District led by Commanding Officer of Temburong Police District Superintendant Haji Azree bin Haji Abdul Manaf in four locations: the Ujung Jalan Control Post and Inspection Post Complex (CIQS), Pekan Bangar market area, Bumiputera Building area, and Pekan Bangar Terminal area.

The pamphlet distribution was part of the RBPF’s efforts to raise public awareness on the need to work together to reduce crimes in the country, particularly of house theft and cyber scams.