Suzana binti Basman was the owner of a brand new Suzuki Swift Sport during the grand draw of The Sport-Extreme Win promotion at the Suzuki Showroom in Beribi yesterday.
She was represented by her daughter Afiqah, who survived three rounds of games against 19 finalists.
Meanwhile, Hafizah binti Sufri won second prize and the others received consolation prizes.
Assistant Manager of Suzuki Wang Kai Choon presented the grand and second prizes, while Baiduri Finance Berhad representative Pengiran Haji Rosli bin Pengiran Haji Daud and BIBD At-Tamwil representative Asharul bin Noshari Kamaluddin presented the remaining prizes.
The promotion garnered over 500 entries from purchases made for Suzuki Ertiga, Vitara, Swift, Jimny and Swift Sport from September 15 to November 30.
Afiqah, representing her mother Suzana binti Basman, receives a mock key from Assistant Manager of Suzuki Wang Kai Choon. PHOTO: JAMES KON
Alliance Française de Brunei Darussalam celebrated six Diplôme d’Etudes en Langue Française (DELF) diploma holders at Jalan Tungku on December 11.
French Ambassador to Brunei Darussalam Christian Ramage said the certificates, valid for life and recognised worldwide, will give the holders opportunities to study, work or migrate to France or any French speaking countries.
President of Alliance Française de Brunei Darussalam Pehin Orang Kaya Pekerma Laila Diraja Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Hazair bin Haji Abdullah presented the certificates to the students alongside the French Ambassador.
The organisation stated that they began to operate as an examination centre for DELF Proficiency Test since the beginning of the year, and is central to Borneo.
DELF is an official certification of French language ability for non-native speakers awarded by the French Ministry of Education.
President of Alliance Française de Brunei Darussalam Pehin Orang Kaya Pekerma Laila Diraja Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Hazair bin Haji Abdullah and French Ambassador to Brunei Darussalam Christian Ramage in a group photo with DELF diploma holders. PHOTO: FADLEY FAISAL
Institute of Brunei Technical Education (IBTE) Sultan Bolkiah Campus (SBC), Seria organised a Day of Action (DOA) campaign in conjunction with the International Volunteer Day (IVD) observed on December 5.
The campaign, organised by the village consultative council (MPK) under Mukim Seria, was held at the multi-purpose hall of the institution on Saturday.
Thirty representatives from less fortunate families residing in the surrounding area of Mukim Seria, as well as 16 less fortunate students of the institute received donations.
Guest of honour and Legislative Council (LegCo) member Yang Berhormat Khairunnisa binti Haji Ash’ari, accompanied by advisor of the MPK Haji Osman bin Haji Omar, presented the donations.
Acting Principal of IBTE Satellite Campus Dr Suhaimi bin Haji Abdul Wahab said, “The campaign aimed to consolidate the volunteering efforts by the students and staff to ensure that they can reach out to help those in need.”
The MPK advisor, meanwhile, expressed gratitude for being a part of the initiative and believed that the donations will lessen the burden of the less fortunate and raise public awareness on the importance of volunteerism, especially among youth.
Legislative Council (LegCo) member Yang Berhormat Khairunnisa binti Haji Ash’ari presents a donation as Acting Principal of IBTE Satellite Campus Dr Suhaimi bin Haji Abdul Wahab looks on. PHOTOS: DANIEL LIMAdvisor of the MPK Haji Osman bin Haji Omar presents a donation
Stargazers will witness a rare Great Conjunction event where Jupiter and Saturn will appear closest since 1623 CE.
According to the Astronomical Society of Brunei Darussalam (PABD), the celestial event is viewable from Brunei.
A Great Conjunction happens every 20 years and it is rare that both gas giants can be seen in the field of view of a telescope and binoculars.
Notable dates during the Great Conjunction of 2020 are December 16-17 when the crescent moon passes the planets and December 21 when Saturn and Jupiter will appear closest to each other.
The planets will only be 0.1° apart and the next notable occurrence will be March 15, 2080.
Jupiter and Saturn seen from Kampong Keriam on December 9. PHOTO: HAZARRY BIN HAJI ALI AHMAD
The Department of Agriculture and Agrifood of the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism (MPRT) signed a Local Rice Supply Agreement with Smart (B) Sdn Bhd and Syarikat Ampuan Mohammad Yoslan bin Ampuan Hj Akop/Yaakub & Anak Anak at its headquarters, on December 12.
One of the main goals of the agreement is to expand the sales channel for local rice and to boost paddy production among local farmers.
Signing on behalf of the department was Acting Director of Agriculture and AgriFood Hajah Masliana Yuliah binti Abdullah.
Smart (B) and Syarikat Ampuan Mohammad Yoslan bin Ampuan Hj Akop/Ya’akub & Anak-Anak were represented by General Manager Lim Kuan Yew and General Manager Ampuan Mohamad Yoslan bin Ampuan Haji Akub/Ya’akub.
The signing was witnessed by Senior Administrative Officer Pengiran Mohd Fadly Harfinie bin Pengiran Haji Mohd Kassim in his capacity as Deputy Director of Agriculture and Agrifood.
Lim Kuan Yew, Hajah Maslina Yuliah binti Abdullah, Pengiran Mohd Fadly Harfinie bin Pengiran Haji Mohd Kassim and Ampuan Mohamad Yoslan bin Ampuan Haji Akub/Ya’akub. PHOTO: AZLAN OTHMAN
Last August, the Department of Agriculture and Agrifood offered wholesalers the opportunity to purchase local rice on a contractual basis, particularly in the Belait and Temburong districts.
Both Smart (B) and Syarikat Ampuan Mohammad Yoslan bin Ampuan Hj Akop/Yaakub met the required criteria, which include having retail outlets in the two districts; experience and expertise in selling rice; access to transport services; and possessing storage facilities in good condition.
Meanwhile, the national rice production data trend continues to show a growth of 40 per cent. The output for the last 10 years increased from 1,072 metric tonnes (mt) in 2010 to 1,500mt in 2019, an increase of 428mt.
The rice production trend for 2020 is also expected to record a positive growth. As of September 2020, production increased by 912mt to 2,290mt compared to 1,378mt the same period last year, an increase of 66.2 per cent.
This progress is the result of continuing efforts by the Government 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, with the strong support of local paddy farmers, to boost the subsistence level of the country’s rice supply.
Brunei Darussalam has the highest obesity rates for children in ASEAN. One in three Bruneian children are overweight; one in six is physically active; and one out of every two children drinks soft drinks daily, according to statistics.
The Brunei Darussalam Key Indicator 2019 (BDKI) survey also showed that non- communicable diseases (NCDs) are the leading cause of death in the country.
The growing concern of obesity among Bruneian children was highlighted yesterday at the first Children’s Obesity Awareness Day, organised by the Paediatric Department of the Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha (RIPAS) Hospital, with the support of Allied Health Professionals, Project Wonders, Cardio Club and ZerOnEight Mixed Martial Arts Academy.
The one-day event at Times Square Shopping Centre was part of the Paediatric Department’s mission in achieving the Ministry of Health’s (MoH) strategic plans of ‘Health is Everyones’s Business’ and ‘Prevent and Control Non-Communicable Diseases’.
Apart from the exhibition, physical exercises, quizzes and games were also held for members of the public.
A mixed martial arts demonstration by children during Childhood Obesity Awareness Day. PHOTO: JAMES KON
Paediatric Oncologist of Paediatric Department Dr Hajah Norehan binti Haji Johari told the Bulletin, “According to a United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) survey, 14.1 per cent of Bruneian children aged between five and 19 are obese, which is the highest rate in Southeast Asia.”
She added, “Every day, we see referrals for obesity in our clinic. We hope to raise awareness among our community, especially for parents. If children are obese, there is a tendency for them to be obese when they reach adulthood.
“With obesity, there is an increased risk of non-communicable diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and so on. Therefore we want to prevent this before it happens. Most importantly, the public needs to realise that we can
stop obesity.
“One of the major contributing factors is fatty food. Children are not consuming the right quantity of healthy food, but eat too much fatty food.
“Secondly, most children spend too much screen time with gadgets and television these days. A child needs at least 60 minutes of exercise per day, which can be done throughout the day and not just in one go.”
Her message to the public: “Be aware that obesity is on the rise among children in this country, and that we as adults are responsible for our children, to make sure that they lead a healthy lifestyle.”
The Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam Youth Empowerment Summit (BIBD YES!) came to a close yesterday, with the participating youth being given a rare opportunity to network and share their experiences with a panel of government ministers at the BIBD YES! Closing Dinner.
Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Minister of Finance and Economy II Dato Seri Setia Dr Awang Haji Mohd Amin Liew bin Abdullah, in his capacity as Chairman of BIBD and its Group of Companies; Minister of Health Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohd Isham bin Haji Jaafar; Minister of Transport and Infocommunications Dato Seri Setia Awang Abdul Mutalib bin Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Setia Dato Paduka Haji Mohd Yusof; and Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Aminuddin Ihsan bin Pehin Orang Kaya Saiful Mulok Dato Seri Paduka Haji Abidin were present.
Throughout the event, participants shared their takeaways and learnings from the two-day summit as well as their aspirations for the future of Brunei Darussalam.
Prior to the event, the ministers joined the participants on a 2.2-kilometre Fun Run starting at the Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha Bridge in Kampong Sungai Kebun.
BIBD Chief Marketing Officer Hajah Nurul Akmar binti Haji Mohd Jaafar urged the youth to take up the baton and lead the way ahead, saying, “BIBD has always been dedicated to be a ‘Partner in Progress’ for the nation. Through our corporate social responsibility (CSR) pillars of education, entrepreneurship and community, we have continued to support programmes to ensure that all of the youth in Brunei have equal opportunities to success, regardless of their background.
Minister of Health Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohd Isham bin Haji Jaafar, Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Minister of Finance and Economy II Dato Seri Setia Dr Awang Haji Mohd Amin Liew bin Abdullah, Minister of Transport and Infocommunications Dato Seri Setia Awang Abdul Mutalib bin Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Setia Dato Paduka Haji Mohd Yusof, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Aminuddin Ihsan bin Pehin Orang Kaya Saiful Mulok Dato Seri Paduka Haji Abidin and Managing Director and CEO of Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam Mubashar Khokhar joined a 2.2-kilometre fun run held in conjunction with the Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam Youth Empowerment Summit.ABOVE & BELOW: Minister of Health Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohd Isham bin Haji Jaafar, Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Minister of Finance and Economy II Dato Seri Setia Dr Awang Haji Mohd Amin Liew bin Abdullah, Minister of Transport and Infocommunications Dato Seri Setia Awang Abdul Mutalib bin Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Setia Dato Paduka Haji Mohd Yusof, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Aminuddin Ihsan bin Pehin Orang Kaya Saiful Mulok Dato Seri Paduka Haji Abidin and Managing Director and CEO of Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam Mubashar Khokar participate in an activity; and the ministers and BIBD Managing Director and CEO during the dinner. PHOTOS: AK ZAKI KASHARAN
A BIBD YES! participant shares his takeaways and learnings from the two-day summit
“It is hoped that the discussions and deliberations that took place throughout BIBD YES! will be a catalyst, lighting a spark that will allow our youth to pursue their passions and generate opportunities to address the issues that Brunei Darussalam is facing.”
BIBD YES! is the first summit of its kind in Brunei that combines both physical and virtual participation by both speakers and delegates. It was simultaneously broadcast to 24 different schools to hundreds of students, while more than 300 students physically attending at the Jerudong International School (JIS) Arts Centre.
The two-day summit consisted of plenary sessions with 50 different speakers, ranging from Brunei-based speakers and international speakers, speaking about topics that highlighted the power that the youth holds, further strengthening the need to empower the youth’s mindsets. BIBD YES! featured 41 prominent local speakers and nine international panellists dialling in live via Zoom from Hong Kong, Singapore, Indonesia, the Philippines, Malaysia and Hungary. The virtual presence of the speakers allowed students to view the topics they approached through a global lens.
BIBD YES! is led by BIBD as the host sponsor, while Progresif the platinum sponsor. CIC Environmental Services and Total E&P Borneo BV were gold sponsors, and Brunei LNG the silver sponsor. The event was organised by Curious Mind, endorsed by Brunei Tourism Board, Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports and Ministry of Education, and supported by Young Entrepreneur Association Brunei, Global Shapers and Young Professional Network Brunei.
The current manpower landscape and efforts taken by the Brunei government towards enhancing local employability and reducing unemployment were shared at a forum titled ‘Can Local Employment Fulfil the Needs of Brunei Darussalam?’
The event was held at The Rizqun International Hotel between the French Bruneian Business Association (FBBA) and the Manpower Planning and Employment Council (MPEC) Permanent Secretariat yesterday.
Head of the MPEC Secretariat at the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) Marzalenie binti Haji Omar said, “A holistic and whole-of-nation approach is the key to addressing manpower issues. As part of this, the MPEC Permanent Secretariat has created multiple platforms for collaboration, particularly with industry players.”
“Companies are encouraged to work with the MPEC in supporting local employability and employment, which include creating new and sustainable job opportunities, and developing the right upskilling and reskilling programmes for our locals.
“Partnerships and commitment of the agencies are key in creating an agile and proactive manpower ecosystem which not only generates gainful employment, but is responsive to our industrial and economic needs.”
Also present at the event were Deputy Permanent Secretary (Higher Education) at the Ministry of Education (MoE) Dr Chin Wei Keh, members of Diplomatic Corps and FBBA members.
Head of the MPEC Secretariat at the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) Marzalenie binti Haji Omar. PHOTO: AZLAN OTHMAN
A local duo was produced in the Magistrate’s Court yesterday to face charges of armed robbery, in connection with the leaked CCTV footage at a goldsmith recently.
DPP Raihan Nabilah binti Haji Ahmad Ghazali pressed charges against Rosizan bin Jumat 38, alleging him of having committed armed robbery at a Kampong Tanjong Bunut goldsmith at 7pm on December 12, making away with nine gold necklaces.
Norziana binti Nordin, 37, is alleged to have dealt with two gold necklaces, that are stolen property from the robbery.
The prosecution informed Magistrate Mohammad Marzuqi bin Sabtu that the case is still undergoing investigations.
The court ordered for the further remand of the duo and adjourned the case to December 31.
The two main suspects involved in the armed robbery at a goldsmith shop at the Kg Tanjung Bunut commercial area on December 12 are still at large.
The public with information on locals Muhammad Noh bin Mohd Idham, 36, known as Noh and Mohammad Amirul Alif bin Ali, 32, known as Alif can contact the police hotline 993 or the nearest police station, Royal Brunei Police Force Criminal Investigations Department (CID) Serious Crime Investigation Division acting head, Acting Senior Superintendent of Police Haji Mohamad Khairul Amilin bin Haji Idris said.
Royal Brunei Police Force Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Major Crime Investigation Division Acting Head, Acting Senior Superintendent of Police Haji Mohamad Khairul Amilin bin Haji Idris showing the weapon used in the robbery. James Kon
Addressing a press conference on Friday, he said; “Two local suspects, a male and a female, have been detained for alleged involvement in the robbery. The main suspects believed to be the robbers are still at large and efforts to trace the suspects are ongoing.”
The fourth cohort of Training of Trainers Certification Programme (ToT) was drawn to a close at the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organisation (SEAMEO) Regional Centre for Vocational and Technical Education and Training (Voctech) yesterday.
The five-day training programme is recognised by Brunei Darussalam National Accreditation Council (BDNAC) as well as Brunei Darussalam and Safety, Health and Environment National Authority (SHENA).
Ten participants from private training providers were introduced to skills necessary to effectively deliver their respective courses.
The programme enhanced participants’ existing capabilities by testing and fool-proofing their presentation and facilitation techniques. The participants were also exposed to competency-based learning; the essence of training and a trainer’s specific roles; the value of various learning theories; styles and principles of adult learning; and detailing the how’s of assessing training needs, while preparing, implementing, evaluating and delivering training.
In his closing speech, Centre Director of SEAMEO VOCTECH Alias bin Haji Abu Bakar congratulated the participants for completing the programme, as well as giving acknowledgement to facilitators and the team for their hardwork.
Deputy Director of Professional Affair cum Research Specialist Dr Paryono and Training and Professional Manager cum Teacher Education Specialist of SEAMEO VOCTECH Noorhayati Cynthia binti Abdullah, who facilitated and delivered the programme, were also present.
Group photo of the programme participants, facilitators and team. PHOTO: KMD
The ‘secret ingredient’ for the 96 Hour Brunei Film Blitz competition was announced yesterday.
This year’s ingredient is homage to the creative talent and influence of Al-Marhum His Royal Highness Prince Haji ‘Abdul ‘Azim, said Festival Director Siti Kamaluddin.
The secret ingredient must reference or be indicative of the theme ‘Casting Call’. Casting Call was the most recent feature film Al-Marhum His Royal Highness Prince Haji ‘Abdul ‘Azim was working on prior to his passing.
The 96 Hour Blitz must be submitted on December 22, at 10.30am. It will be evaluated by a panel of judges, comprising Dean of Mahakarya Institute of the Arts Asia Dr Alex Fischer, renowned Indonesian film producer Sheila Timothy and award winning cinematographer from the Philippines Rain Yamson I.
Thirty filmmaking teams are participating in this year’s competition, almost double from last year.
Siti Kamaluddin said, “I am very proud of the achievements of our participants during the Blitz. I am happy to see that more participants have joined and an increase in the number of short films produced this year.”
ABOVE & BELOW: Festival Director Siti Kamaluddin in a group photo with participants; and participants during the programme. PHOTOS: AZIZ IDRIS & ORIGIN
The open category and the Islamic short film winners will receive BND1,500 each, while the 96 Hour Blitz winner will bring home BND2,000.
This year, one filmmaker will stand a chance to win the Jury Award Winner ‘The Prince’s Scholar’, in honour of Al- Marhum His Royal Highness Prince Haji ‘Abdul ‘Azim to study Screen and Media Diploma at Mahakarya Institute of the Arts Asia.
Meanwhile, a three-day Content Creation Training Programme, a collaboration between Mahakarya Institute of the Arts Asia and DARe (Darussalam Enterprise), concluded yesterday.
It promoted the creation of unique and specific digital assets for exhibition on YouTube, Instagram and WhatsApp.
The programme was delivered by Alex Fisher and Devin Edwards who then presented certificates to 46 participants.
Participants from small and medium enterprises (SMEs) worked together with Mahakarya Institute of the Arts Asia students to create brand stories, proof of concepts and videos to monetise their products.
A Khatam Al-Quran ceremony was recently organised by the Islamic Religious Body of the Royal Brunei Police Force (RBPF) at the Temporary surau at Gadong Police Headquarters Conference Hall in conjunction with the 99th Police Day Celebrations.
Commissioner of Police Dato Paduka Seri Haji Mohammad Irwan bin Haji Hambali attended as the guest of honour, accompanied by his spouse.
The Deputy Commissioner of Police, directors, deputy directors, senior officers, officers, low-ranking personnel of RBPF and their spouses were also present.
The event began with the mass recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah, followed by the recitation of surahs, the Takhtim and Dikir Marhaban and ended with Doa Selamat.
A total of 95 male and 117 female RBPF staff took part in the ceremony.
The Religious Teachers’ University College of Seri Begawan (KUPU SB) yesterday launched the Brunei Darussalam National Arabic Language Conference 1442H/2020 (Mu’tamar Bahasa Arab Kebangsaan Negara Brunei Darussalam), as a platform for enhancing further cooperation in the teaching of the Arabic Language.
Acting Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Religious Affairs (MoRA) Haji Mohd Serudin bin Haji Timbang was the guest of honour.
The mu’tamar was jointly organised by KUPU SB with Universiti Islam Sultan Sharif Ali (UNISSA) and the International Rabitah of Al-Azhar Brunei Darussalam Alumni.
Director of the Language Centre at KUPU SB Dr Abang Haji Hadzmin bin Haji Abang Taha, in his capacity as chairman of the organising committee, said that the mu’tamar was one of the efforts 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 during an unscheduled visit on January 22, where the monarch urged relevant agencies to focus on developing beneficial knowledge in the country, particularly Arabic language programmes.
He also cited another titah from September 16, where His Majesty again called for the evaluation of all teachers, including their methods of teaching and training, in order to provide excellent Arabic language instruction.
Acting Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Religious Affairs Haji Mohd Serudin bin Haji Timbang presents a prize to a winner. PHOTO: ROKIAH MAHMUD
The launch was followed by congratulatory video messages from Egypt, Oman, Thailand
and Indonesia.
Short videos by students of KUPU SB, for an Arabic Language competition, were also showcased.
The guest of honour then handed out prizes to the winners of the KUPU SB Arabic language video presentation, as well as certificates of appreciation to participants of the Nadwah Mubarak.
Later, a session was held with a focus on the developments of Arabic language instruction at local institutions in 2020 such as the promotion of interest in the Arabic language, the establishment of collaboration between institutions; and the sharing of research findings on Arabic Language programmes in Brunei.
Among the institutions participating in the mu’tamar were UNISSA, Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) and the Curriculum Development Department at the Ministry of Education (MoE), as well as the Mosque Affairs Department, the Islamic Studies Department, the Examination Section, the Inspectorate Division and the Curriculum Section of the MoRA.
The COVID-19 pandemic has increased inequalities between different groups. It does not discriminate but the world’s one-billion population living with some form of disability are more vulnerable to being displaced, An-Nur Harapan Board of Directors member Noorsurainah binti Tengah said.
She made these comments at a graduation ceremony that saw seven individuals celebrate to signify the completion of their training under the UNIKLEARN programme.
Minister of Health Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohd Isham bin Haji Jaafar was the guest of honour at the event at the ministry’s Al-’Afiah Hall.
“I believe that every one of us, in our own roles, are contributing through our actions from our different places and backgrounds in society,” said Noorsurainah. “We are all on the same page in wanting to improve and develop the programme to accommodate our current and upcoming students.”
She added that An-Nur Harapan, as a charity foundation, customises and constantly adopts, starting from reviewing the general timeline, down to the syllabus and individual components in each training module until they think they can get it right.
Minister of Health Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohd Isham bin Haji Jaafar in a group photo with the graduates. PHOTO: IZAH AZAHARI
“In 2018, we had the opportunity to work with five autistic male trainees, in 2019 with seven differently-abled male trainees, and another seven this year with a good mix of both male and female trainees,” said Noorsurainah. “Next year, we will be meeting a new cycle of trainees – each with their own unique abilities and mind-opening experiences.”
She added that it showcases the ever-changing dynamics in the UNIKLEARN classroom, bringing to light their fight for inclusion of the differently-abled, especially in raising awareness.
The seven youth with different abilities joined the the UNIKLEARN 2020 session which ran for a year. The trainees completed their internships of the programme in the final three months as part of the programme.
The trainees will continue their internships, go on gainful employment or pursue further studies.
The seven trainees are: Awangku Fadli Asyraf bin Pengiran Muhaimin, Awangku Mirza Syafiq bin Pengiran Mustafa, Aziemah Nabilah binti Haji Mohd Jaafar, Muhammad Hadi Syafiq bin Sahri, Mohammad Afeeq Al Aziz bin Faisal, Nuorsyafiqah Naqibah binti Sahri, and Tiong Hui Yii.
The trainees received certificates and recognition for completing the UNIKLEARN programme. Major partners and sponsors of the UNIKLEARN programme and donors to An-Nur Harapan were also recognised and received certificates of appreciation.
An-Nur Harapan Board of Directors Chairman Pengiran Haji Salleh Ab Rahaman bin Pengiran Haji Damit, senior officers, management and staff at An-Nur Harapan, parents and guardians were also present.
The event began with the recitation of a Doa Selamat led by Ustaz Muhammad Fawzan bin Haji Abu Kasim from Al-Huffaz Management.
The last COVID-19 case in Brunei Darussalam has recovered and has been discharged from the National Isolation Centre yesterday.
Brunei entered 10th day without new COVID-19 cases keeping the national tally of confirmed cases at 152.
The Ministry of Health (MoH) took 206 samples for testing for the SARS-CoV-2 virus in the past 24 hours and carried out 80,464 tests since January.
The latest information of COVID-19 as of noon yesterday was shared by MoH in a press release.
Some 680 individuals are undergoing mandatory self-isolation at government monitoring centres after arriving from abroad while 9,476 have completed their stint since March.
In its breakdown of COVID-19 cases in the country, healthinfo.gov.bn revealed that there have been 117 cases in the Brunei-Muara District, 29 in the Belait District and six in the Tutong District.
Information can be obtained from MoH official website at www.moh.gov.bn, Health Advice Line at 148 or through the BruHealth app or healthinfo.gov.bn web app.
The two main suspects involved in the armed robbery at a goldsmith shop at the Kampong Tanjung Bunut commercial area on December 12 are still at large.
The public with information on locals Muhammad Noh bin Mohd Idham, 36, known as Noh and Mohammad Amirul Alif bin Ali, 32, known as Alif is urged to contact the police hotline 993 or visit the nearest police station, said Royal Brunei Police Force Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Major Crime Investigation Division Acting Head, Acting Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Haji Mohamad Khairul Amilin bin Haji Idris.
Addressing a press conference yesterday, he said, “Two local suspects, a male and a female, have been detained for alleged involvement in the robbery. The main suspects believed to be the robbers are still at large, and efforts to trace the suspects are ongoing.”
Acting SSP Haji Mohamad Khairul Amilin said the stolen properties are valued at around BND16,000. Police recovered three of the 11 missing items. Two were found dropped at the scene of the robbery and one sold.
The Royal Brunei Police Force has mobilised its personnel from several units under the Criminal Investigation Department, led by the Special Investigation Unit, to obtain information and carry out further investigation following the armed robbery, he said.
FROM LEFT: Muhammad Noh bin Mohd Idham, nicknamed Noh; and Mohammad Amirul Alif bin Ali, nicknamed Alif. PHOTOS: RBPFActing Senior Superintendent of Police Haji Mohamad Khairul Amilin bin Haji Idris shows seized evidence. PHOTO: JAMES KON
The Royal Brunei Police Force seeks public assistance to locate the two suspects, who have
criminal history.
Acting SSP Haji Mohamad Khairul Amilin said any individual harbouring criminal suspects can be charged under Section 216A, Chapter 22 of the Penal Code. If found guilty, the offender can be sentenced up to seven years’ jail and a fine.
In addition, under Section 412, Chapter 22 of the Penal Code, an individual found guilty of dishonestly receiving stolen property during a gang robbery can face up to 15 years’ imprisonment and a fine.
On the suspects produced in court on Thursday, Acting Senior Superintendent of Police said the male is suspected of being the driver of a getaway car while the woman is part of the gang who received the stolen property to be sold.
He said the two suspects were traced with the help of public tip-offs.
Videos and photos of the armed robbery also went viral on social media.
A conversion ceremony was held yesterday at Haji Musa bin Haji Adini’s residence in Jalan Sungai Pandan, in Belait District, attended by Minister of Defence II Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof.
Director of the Islamic Da’wah Centre (PDI) Haji Abdul Rajid bin Haji Mohd Salleh, Head of the Belait District Religious Officer Mohamad Aliyani bin Ismail, and Head of the Belait District Dakwah Unit Zikrinaidah binti Haji Mat Dikir also attended.
Nigel Yong Sin Hon, a 25-year-old Chinese male, embraced the Islamic faith during the ceremony that began with the recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah, led by Islamic Dakwah Centre Officer Pengiran Haji Jufri bin Pengiran Haji Hidup.
He is now known by his chosen Muslim name Qazafi Javin bin Abdul Rahman.
A Dikir Marhaban was then conducted, accompanied by the sprinkling of scented oil and flowers, and ended with a banquet. Meanwhile, a family of three from Kampong Biadong, Sukang also embraced Islam recently at the PDI in Belait District, overseen by Assistant Head of the Dakwah Unit Hajah Salimah binti Haji Hassan and Religious Instructor Md Rushdi bin Abdullah.
Dayang anak Merichi, 44, has taken on the name of Nur Aira binti Abdul Rahim, while her sons, Sang anak Siba @ Amry, 15, and Peter anak Alo, 10, are now known as Md Adam Farhan bin Abdullah Siba and Md Anaqi Firdaus bin Abdullah Alo.
Zikrinaidah was also present and handed gifts to the new converts.
The ceremonies bring the total number of newly converts in the Belait District this year up to 77 individuals.
Minister of Defence II Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof and new convert Qazafi Javin bin Abdul Rahman in a group photo. PHOTOS: DANIEL LIMThe family of three from Kampong Biadong, Sukang during the conversion ceremony
The closing ceremony of the 15th series of Exercise Sembilang was held at the Multi-National Coordination Centre (MNCC) on Friday. This year’s exercise was hosted by the Royal Brunei Navy (RBN) from December 14 to 18, involving assets from the Royal Brunei Land Force (RBLF), RBN, Royal Brunei Air Force (RBAirF) and Marine Police at the Royal Brunei Police Force (POLMAR at the RBPF).
RBPF Acting Director of Operations Superintendent Haji Mohammad Azrie bin Haji Talip officiated the ceremony. POLMAR at the RBPF Commanding Officer Superintendent Haji Mahran bin Haji Ahmad, Acting Fleet Chief of Staff Commander Azrin bin Haji Mahmud, RBLF Assistant Chief of Staff Operation Lieutenant Colonel Mohammad Roasri Erwan bin Haji Tasrif and RBLF Commanding Officer of Support Battalion Lieutenant Colonel Rudie Asmawie bin Haji Abidin were also present.
The exercise focussed on procedures and best practices for maritime interdiction operations (MIOPs), investigation, evidence handling and towing. The exercise at the Jerudong coastal area included integrated boarding exercise and towing exercise between the RBN and POLMAR at the RBPF. It provided the agencies an opportunity to identify underlying issues and gaps to improve operations within the maritime agencies as well as improve interoperability between agencies towards a safe and secure maritime domain through a whole-of-government approach.
The agencies gained valuable knowledge and experience through classes, workshops and practical exercises. A sport interaction also took place to increase trust and strengthen camaraderie between agencies and to compete for the Sembilang Cup.
The agencies played a key role in advancing the exercise’s objectives by working together and hope to make more improvements in the next series of Exercise Sembilang.
Participants during Exercise Sembilang. PHOTO: MINDEF
Thirty students from the Faculty of Shariah and Law (FSL) along with the Organising Committees of Universiti Islam Sultan Sharif Ali (UNISSA) went on a visit to Religious Enforcement Divison at the Ministry of Religious Affairs (MoRA).
The students were briefed by Deputy Head of Religious Enforcement Haji Zuneidy bin Jumat, Syar’ie Prosecutor Hajah Fatimah binti Haji Ahmad and Religious Officer from the Islamic Legal Unit of the MoRA Saadatul Nazaha binti Haji Saiful Ashura.
The presentations covered the job scope of the officers at department.
The officers also shared their experiences during a question-and-answer session.
The visit concluded with the presentation of a token of appreciation consisting of books The Shariah Penal Code: An Introduction, Syariah Penal Code 2013 and Syariah Courts Criminal Procedure Code Order 2018 from the Religious Enforcement Division to the students.
