|     Danial Norjidi     |

TWENTY business premises were found committing offences under the Price Control Act, Chapter 142 and price display regulations in January 2019.

The offences were found during daily routine inspections throughout the country and resulted in the issuance of two compounds of BND700 each, eight compounds of BND500 each and 11 warning notices by the Department of Economic Planning and Development (JPKE).

According to a press release from JPKE, some premises were found selling several brands of cooking oil and powdered infant milk above the maximum prices set by JPKE and selling rice above the maximum prices set by the relevant sector regulator. Other premises were found selling goods without displaying their prices.

JPKE frequently advises retailers to comply with the Price Control Act, Chapter 142 and price display regulations by ensuring price-controlled items are not sold above the approved maximum prices and prices of goods are clearly displayed on the premises.

JPKE noted that businesses and consumers can obtain the updated maximum prices from the PenggunaBijak / SmartConsumer mobile application and JPKE’s website at www.depd.gov.bn/cad.

The mobile application also increases transparency through its price comparison function, which helps consumers make informed purchase decisions.

The press release highlighted that enhancing price transparency builds consumers’ confidence and nurtures sustainable consumption which are essential factors in creating a vibrant business environment.

It was shared that non-compliance to the Price Control Act, Chapter 142 as well as its related regulations can result in businesses being issued a compound fine of not more than BND1,000 after one warning notice. Subsequent offenders can be prosecuted and face a maximum fine of BND20,000 and imprisonment of up to five years by the court.

JPKE reiterated that maximum prices are set on only 12 items listed under the Price Control Act, Chapter 142 including: cooking oil, powdered infant milk, passenger motor vehicles, rice, sugar, and energy products. Businesses are encouraged to offer attractive prices to generate sales, despite the maximum prices set.

Prices of other goods are subjected to market forces. It was shared that consumers are therefore advised to understand their rights and responsibilities to make informed purchase decisions and to get best value-for-money by comparing prices and substitutes in the market.

JPKE added that it welcomes feedback, and any clarification related to price control and consumer protection can be referred to the Department of Competition and Consumer Affairs at: 2230223 (office hours); the PenggunaBijak / SmartConsumer mobile application; email aduanpengguna@jpke.gov.bn or consumercomplaint@jpke.gov.bn; the website www.depd.gov.bn/cad; the Facebook group ‘AduanPenggunaJPKE’; or walk-in at Department of Competition and Consumer Affairs, Department of Economic Planning and Development, Room 3.06, Level 3, West Wing, Block 2A, Jalan Ong Sum Ping, BA1131 Negara Brunei Darussalam.

|     Wani Roslan     |

THE Core Knowledge Centre of Religious Teachers University College of Seri Begawan (KUPU SB) held an agricultural visit project under the Self-Potential Development in Co-Curriculum Programme which included a two-day visit to the Temburong District recently.

The visit was undertaken by 62 KUPU SB students under Agriculture and Photography and Multimedia, led by Assistant Lecturer of Core Knowledge Centre Ustaz Haji Mohammad Shahrul Azmi bin Haji Abdul Muluk and Assistant Registrar of KUPU SB Ustazah Amshahnoorwadi binti Haji Yakub.

The project was part of an initiative to encourage and improvise the students’ skills in agricultural entrepreneurship, in line with the desire 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.

Several activities were conducted throughout the visit such as paddy cultivation and harvesting, visiting a duck farm, cleaning the Kampong Selangan Mosque and listening to a religious lecture.

|     Lyna Mohamad     |

OFFICIALS from Kolej International Graduate Studies (KIGS) led by the college’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dr Haji Azahairani bin Haji Mohd Jamil paid a courtesy visit to the Religious Teachers University College of Seri Begawan (KUPU SB) on Wednesday.

The KIGS delegation included Administration Officer Effandi bin Haji Salleh, Head of Faculty of Multimedia and Broadcasting Haji Hasnul bin Hamdani, Head of Quality Assurance Rita Lajau and Lecturer Hassanal Harries.

They were welcomed by KUPU SB Ra’es Dr Haji Adanan bin Haji Basar.

The visit was held to learn how KUPU SB management works as well as their academic infrastructure, so that KIGS can review its current structure for possible improvement.

The visit concluded with a group photo session.

|     Syazwani Hj Rosli     |

THE Brunei History Centre continued its ‘History Literate Generation’ mobile exhibition at Dato Basir Primary School in Lambak Kanan recently as part of its effort to disseminate the nation’s history to the public, particularly school students.

History Officer Hajah Siti Aisah binti Punggut led the Brunei History Centre delegation who was welcomed upon arrival by the school’s Deputy Headmistress Saleha binti Haji Tinggal.

Among the programme’s objectives were to encourage the students to have interest and love towards the nation’s history apart from educating them about the country’s history.

At the same time, the exhibition provided exposure to the younger generation, especially primary school students, on the methods and approaches to history.

Activities carried out during the programme included a briefing on the Kenali Sejarah Negara Ku, legendary stories sharing session from a book published by the centre, ‘Early History of Brunei’ mini exhibition showcasing the roles of the Sultans of Brunei in the expansion of Islam in the country, and an exhibition of historical photographs.

To further attract the students’ interest in history, some of the activities also included a presentation on a demonstration of tombstone tracings (Takapan), methodology in compiling genealogies (Salasilah) and the art of Jawi calligraphy.

|     Hakim Hayat     |

THE Information Department continued to hold its nationhood briefing for schools in the country in an effort to instil patriotism among pupils.

This time, the department held a briefing on Raja Kita, Menghayati Bendera dan Lagu Kebangsaan (Our Sovereign, Appreciation of the Flag and National Anthem) for 156 Year 7 students from Raja Isteri Girls High School (STPRI) at the school’s auditorium yesterday.

Head of the Nationhood Unit of the Information Department Hajah Hamsah binti Datu Kerna Haji Jaya facilitated the briefing, where she shared information on the Brunei monarchy, the national flag hoisting procedure and history of the national anthem Allah Peliharakan Sultan.

The students also watched nationhood videos such as Kibarkanlah Dengan Megah Bendera Negara and Semerak Pengibaran Bendera Negara, and participated in a nationhood quiz where those who answered correctly received prizes.

The Information Department said the briefings are part of its mission to instil love towards the monarchy, religion and country among the students.

|     Azlan Othman     |

SINARAN Pelangi School organised a number of performances and activities to mark Chinese New Year.

Students aged three to Kindergarten 3 level, donning bright red outfits and traditional costumes, joined in the revelry yesterday, crafting their own fans and dancing and singing to skits, and getting to know the holiday better during the school’s Chinese New Year celebration.

The celebration is an important part of the school’s activities to foster cultural and social integration within the country’s mixed and colourful community, as well as to celebrate the uniqueness of each of their students and increase awareness on the importance of family.

|     Lyna Mohamad     |

CONCEPTS Computer hosted a Chinese New Year open office at the Brilliance Hall of its main office in Kiulap yesterday.

Concepts Computer General Manager Vincent Pao, Concepts Group Finance Controller Alice Chan and senior management staff welcomed the guests comprising the company’s business associates and local media members.

The highlight of the celebration was the tossing of the Yee Sang by the hosts and guests.

|     Rokiah Mahmud     |

THE Fire and Rescue Department handed over a cheque from the Insurans Islam TAIB Family Takaful to a fire personnel in a ceremony at Surau of Seria Fire Station.

Acting Director of Fire and Rescue Lim Hock Guan presented the cheque to Senior Fireman 63 of Seria Fire Station Wan Sabli bin Wan Ibrahim. Wan Sabli received the compensation due to his permanent disability condition.

Assistant Director of Training, Planning and Personnel at the Fire and Rescue Department Hajah Siti Mayang binti Haji Hussin; Assistant Director of Fire and Rescue Shahrin bin Haji Mohd Jawie; Commanding Officer of Operation ‘B’ Superintendent Muhd Shahreeni bin Haji Mohd Yussof and personnel of the department were also present.

The department has advised its personnel to always keep up their good health from time to time to provide excellent and quality service for the public especially in case of emergency.

|     Syazwani Hj Rosli     |

MEMBERS of the Hajah Aminah Religious Hall Takmir Committee in Kampong Long Mayan, in collaboration with the Tutong District Mosque Affairs Office, organised an Aqidah Strengthening Programme for new converts at the religious hall recently.

Tutong District Mosque Affairs Officer Haji Masri bin Mohammad was the guest of honour.

The two-day programme aimed to provide an in-depth explanation on Ahli Sunnah Wal Jama’ah, strengthen Islamic faith and encourage the Ibadah practice in the correct way.

A Tazkirah was also delivered on Islamic teachings based on the Aqidah of Ahli Sunnah Wal Jama’ah. Twenty-five new converts received certificates upon completing the programme.

|     Daniel Lim     |

THE lush voices of choir members resonated across the multi-purpose hall of Anthony Abell College (AAC), Seria, as six choir groups sang their hearts out in the Inter-Mukim Patriotic Songs Choir Competition for the Belait District held yesterday morning.

The competition, organised by the Information Department in conjunction with the country’s 35th National Day celebration, was aimed at promoting patriotism among the choir singers and event attendees, as well as to uncover choir talents capable of performing in national events.

Legislative Council (LegCo) member and Mukim Liang Penghulu Yang Berhormat Haji Abdul Hamid bin Haji Mumin oversaw the competition as the guest of honour.

Also present were LegCo member and Village Head of Kampong Labi 1 Yang Berhormat Hanapi bin Mohd Siput; Acting Director of Information Mawardi bin Haji Mohammad; officers from the Information Department’s Belait District Branch; as well as penghulus and village heads and residents from the surrounding area.

The choir groups hailing from the Belait District included MPK RPN Kampong Panaga from Mukim Seria, Permata 2.0 from Mukim Seria, Rawdah from Mukim Kuala Belait, Al Wanis from Mukim Seria, An-Nasru from Mukim Liang, and MPK Labi 1 from Mukim Labi.

Finishing in first place and winning the BND1,500 grand prize was Permata 2.0 with their song Tanah Airku.

Rawdah came second with their equally spectacular performance Tekad Kemerdekaan, followed by third-place winner MPK Labi 1 with their song Berkibarlah Bendera; the groups won BND1,200 and BND1,000 respectively.

Al Wanis, MPK RPN Kampong Panaga and An-Nasru each received a consolation prize of BND500 for their efforts.

“Having prepared for over two weeks prior to the competition, we as a group were able to focus our attention on perfecting various aspects of our performance that the judges were looking for such as voice, pitch and other singing elements,” said Rosni binti Dulani, an education officer at AAC and one of the choir members of the Permata 2.0 choir group. “This was what enabled us to perform at our best on stage here today and impress the judges and attendees.”

She hoped the competition will go a long way in developing the skills and talents of the participating choir groups and rev up the singers’ and attendees’ patriotic spirit in the build-up to the National Day celebration.

|     Rahwani Zahari     |

HER Majesty Duli Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha binti Al-Marhum Pengiran Pemancha Pengiran Anak Haji Mohamed Alam yesterday received in audience the spouse of the Chief of Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) Yang Amat Mulia Tengku Puteri Seri Teja Pahang Puan Sri Hajjah Tengku Muhaini binti Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah Al-Musta’in Billah.

Accompanying Her Majesty was Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Rashidah Sa’adatul Bolkiah. Also present during the audience were Datin Hajah Rasidah binti Haji Ibrahim, the spouse of the Commander of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces and Datin Dr Hajah Anita Binurul Zahrina binti Pehin Orang Kaya Laila Wijaya Dato Seri Setia Haji Awang Abdul Aziz, the spouse of Commander of the Royal Brunei Air Force.

The audience took place at the Istana Nurul Iman.

|     Izah Azahari     |

THE Royal Brunei Police Force (RBPF) in cooperation with Neighbourhood Watch members conducted a crime prevention patrol in two villages in the Belait District recently.

The first patrol was conducted by the Labi Police Station with members of the Kampong Malayan Longhouse Neighbourhood Watch, Labi. The patrol was led by Officer-in-Charge of the Labi Police Station Inspector Mohd Nazmi bin Haji Ismail along with Chief of the longhouse Ah Joup anak Rading.

Meanwhile, the second patrol was conducted by the Seria Police Station along with the Kampong Panaga 2000 National Housing Scheme (RPN), Seria. The patrol was led by the Assistant Officer-in-Charge of the Seria Police Station Trial Inspector Boniface anak Janlita along with police personnel.

Officer-in-Charge of the Panaga Police Station Inspector Mikhail Iman bin Abdullah Lee was also present.

|     Rokiah Mahmud     |

EMAN Enterprise yesterday hosted a high-tea session to raise funds for the Centre for Children with Special Needs (KACA) at Tarindak D’Seni in the capital.

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 wife attended as the guests of honour.

Eman Enterprise Managing Director Hajah Kartini binti Haji Jaya noted that the event was one of the initiatives by the company to raise funds for the centre.

The event included stage performances by the KACA children, showcasing their singing potential.

|    Fadhil Yunus    |

MS ABDB stands on the brink of winning a fourth consecutive DST Super League title after an emphatic 3-0 victory over MS PDB at the Berakas Sports Complex on Saturday night.

The result meant that the army personnel just need one more win from their remaining four games to seal a record fourth title.

MS ABDB hold a nine-point lead over nearest rivals Kasuka with both teams yet to play each other.

MS PDB have the ammunition to down their rivals in the uniformed derby but MS ABDB were boosted by the timely return of their marksman Muhammad Razimie bin Ramlli.

Muhammad Saiful Ammar bin Haji Adis broke the deadlock with the opening goal of the game in the 23^rd minute before Mohd Khairuddin bin Abdul Kadir doubled the lead in the 36^th minute.

Mohamad Haizul Rani bin Metusin ensured the points with his side’s third in the 65^th minute.

|     James Kon     |

BRUNEI has the potential to produce BMX riders who are capable of competing overseas, professional BMX rider from Indonesia, Anto Leysa said.

He made these comments at a BMX Mini Gathering at the Skatepark in Kuala Tutong yesterday.

The event, first of its kind, attacted over 20 participants including those from overseas, as well as Anto Leysa.

Leysa hoped that the Brunei Government will support the BMX (bicycle motocross) sport by building high quality skatepark for training.

According to committee member of Belia-Belia BMX Brunei Pengiran Haji Sofhrin bin Pengiran Haji Ibrahim the gathering hoped to gather local and regional BMX riders to revive the sport and attract youth participation.

He also hopes that Brunei will further build on the sport as this year’s SEA Games will have a BMX event while BMX competition will also be feature at the 2020 Olympics.

The Skatepark in Kuala Tutong is owned by Pengiran Mohd Roslani bin Pengiran Haji Ahmad who was an established inline skater for Brunei Darussalam in the mid-1990s.

Retiring from skate, he continue his passion for skate and BMX by judging inline skate competitions across the region.

|    Khairil Hassan    |

SOME 30 bikers raced in the 1^st Series of the 2019 Brunei Motorcross Fun Race organised by the Brunei Motorcross Team at the Tanah Jambu Motorcross Track in Jalan Muara yesterday.

Four categories were competed: MX Open, MX Veteran, MX Novice and MX Star Rookies.

Syazwan Armain from Miri Sarawak emerged champion of the Open category, followed by Shahnizam Tamit as the runner-up and Haji Jamil Abdul Karim in third place. Abu Bakar finished fourth and Hairul Aszami took fifth.

“I had little preparations as my last race was in 2018, and I hope I will win more in the other series,” Syazwan Armain said in an interview with the Bulletin.

In the Veteran category, Misli Jaafar was champion, while Haji Jamil finished second and Jawdi Wahid third. Fourth place went to Edruse Shahlam and Abu Bakar took fifth.

Hairul Aszami was named champion of the Novice category, followed by Lidey Lamiah in second place and Edruse Shahlam in third. Hanafie Lamiah took fourth place and fifth place went to Ruzaimie Mohidin.

Faiz Misli finished first to win the Star Rookies category, as Samir Syahran trailed in second and Shahrizal finished third. The only female participant Liyana Zakaria finished fourth place and Mokhtar Ahmad took fifth place.

Liyana Zakaria revealed that this was not her first race as she has competed in other countries before, and added that to race with men gives her more challenge.

“I hope there will be a ladies category in the future so that I don’t have to race in the men’s category. But it made me ride faster. I wanted a podium finish, but at least I won fourth place in this race,” she said.

Amirnorshah Jamin from A Works Event Management presented the prizes.

|     Aziz Idris     |

TWENTY-SIX retro paintings from three local senior artists dating back to mid-70s era are on display at the Creative Space Art Gallery & Studio in Sengkurong for the Pause & Rewind III exhibition.

The exhibit officially opened to the public yesterday, will continue for three weeks until March 3, from Wednesdays to Sundays, 10am to 4pm, and Fridays 2.30pm to 7pm.

The three featured artists Dato Shofry, Pengiran Wahab and Haji Malek Metarsat were present at the opening reception.

The retro themed exhibition aims to record, conserve and preserve Brunei’s Art-Culture heritage and ensure these artworks are available for the public especially in school education.

Pause & Rewind III also offers an experience for students, teachers, researchers, collectors and art enthusiasts to immerse themselves in Brunei’s fine arts, culture and history.

Guided tours are provided for those who are new or keen on learning and experiencing more about art.

Selected artworks on display and the gallery’s merchandises will be available for purchase.

It is hoped that the three-week exhibition provides resources to garner better education and appreciation for art, art management and ultimately aim to pause for reflection, remembrance and respect for the local cultural heritage.

As a spin-off event, Creative Space Art Gallery & Studio will host its first ever panel discussion titled Pause and Connect on February 17 at Cultivate Bistro to engage artists of two different generations; seniors and emerging artists.

The panel will consist three local artists as speakers; Pengiran Abdul Wahab, Liyana Hanif and Lisa Ahmad with Dr Malai Yunus as the moderator of the discussion.

The discussion will touch on National Identity in Art and Art in Digital Era, allowing the artists to share their thoughts and concerns in the contemporary art scene.

Pause and Connect hopes to educate the public about art while building relationships and engaging with the art community. It also aims to bind together the gap between emerging artists and senior artists.

|     Syazwani Hj Rosli     |

THE responsibility of parents and teachers in shaping the country’s future leaders was highlighted in yesterday’s pre-dawn talk at the Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Mosque in the capital.

The talk, Peranan Belia dalam Menjayakan Wawasan Negara (The role of youths in accomplishing the national vision), was delivered by Ustaz Haji Mohammad Khairul Azhar bin Idris, an Assistant Officer at the Islamic Studies Department and a certified Da’ie at the Brunei Islamic Religious Council (MUIB).

He said parents and teachers should prioritise religious education and moral values for the young generation, in developing them as future leaders.

“If we want to have a good and noble character, then we must adhere to the teachings of Al-Quran,” he said. “It is pointless to have a developed country that is morally corrupt.”

Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) Dato Seri Setia Haji Awang Abdul Mokti bin Haji Mohd Daud, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Religious Affairs (MoRA) Dato Seri Setia Haji Abdul Aziz bin Orang Kaya Maharaja Lela Haji Yussof and Deputy Permanent Secretary (Policy and Religious) at the MoRA Haji Mohd Serudin bin Haji Timbang were present.

Jointly organised by MoRA and the PMO, the weekly pre-dawn talk is part of the Masjidku Makmur, Negara Berkat programme to encourage more congregants for the mass Subuh prayers at the Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Mosque.

|     Lyna Mohamad     |

THE number of road fatalities has been reduced by 44 per cent, owing to the Brunei National Road Safety Council’s active involvement with the private sector and non-government organisations in 2017-2018, combined with the vigorous efforts from the whole country, said Minister of Transport and Infocommunications Dato Seri Setia Awang Abdul Mutalib bin Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Setia Dato Paduka Haji Mohamad Yusof during a brief interview yesterday.

The minister was speaking to the Bulletin on the sidelines of his ministry’s inaugural Family Day event at the Taman Jubli Perak Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah in the capital.

Asked about safety initiatives, the minister said that one of their policies is to work with a whole-of-nation approach.

“This is, of course, to uphold the titah 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, that whatever initiatives are being undertaken should be appropriately done with a whole-of-nation approach,” he said.

“Insya Allah, we hope to maintain and even improve on this with a whole-of-nation approach, which we do on a constant basis through a series of awareness programmes and enforcement through our enforcement agencies.

“On the religious side, our ministry conducts monthly Ratib Al-Attas and Sunnat Hajat prayers with schoolchildren, to seek blessings from Allah the Almighty, and to ensure safety on the road, while also encouraging the recitation of supplications before travelling.”

The minister also pointed out that one of the ministry’s main objectives is to maintain a level of safety, assurance and wellbeing to all those travelling on road, air and sea. “I take this opportunity to thank the public, because through their understanding and cooperation, they have been able to embrace the message of road safety,” he said.

Dato Seri Setia Awang Abdul Mutalib also noted that his ministry has been experiencing restructuring and re-strategising in terms of its functions, ever since it underwent a name change to the Ministry of Transport and Info-communications last December.

“We have expanded our scope of functions and are now focussing on the transport sector, which covers land, aviation and maritime,” he said.

“At the same time we will also be focussing on info-communications, postal services, broadcasting, e-services, e-governance and cyber-related matters.”

Yesterday’s Family Day event began with an aerobics session and a brisk walk around the park, led by the minister.

Dato Seri Setia Awang Abdul Mutalib also mingled with the ministry staff and their families, before joining in a game of futsal alongside a team of senior officers and officers from the ministry and all departments under it.

The Chief Executive of Authority for Info-Communications Technology Industry of Brunei Darussalam (AITI), together with the permanent secretaries, deputy permanent secretaries, directors, heads of departments, deputy heads of departments, senior officers, officers and staff at the Ministry of Transport and Info-communications, as well their family members were also present.

|     Rahwani Zahari     |

HIS Majesty the Yang di-Pertuan Agong XVI (the 16th) of Malaysia, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah ibni Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah Al-Musta’in Billah and Her Majesty the Raja Permaisuri Agong, Tunku Hajah Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah binti Al-Marhum Al-Mutawakkil Alallah Sultan Iskandar Al-Haj arrived in Bandar Seri Begawan yesterday for a two-day courtesy visit to the country.

His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office, as personal representative 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, welcomed His Majesty the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and Her Majesty the Raja Permaisuri Agong at the Brunei International Airport. Her Royal Highness Paduka Seri Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Sarah binti Pengiran Haji Salleh Ab Rahaman and His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Mateen were also present.

Prior to leaving the airport, His Majesty the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and Her Majesty the Raja Permaisuri Agong walked past the static guard of honour mounted by members of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces.