James Kon

The Health Promotion Centre (HPC) of Ministry of Health (MoH) launched the Code on Responsible Marketing of Food and Beverages to Children in Brunei Darussalam to reduce and manage unhealthy food advertisement and marketing to children.

The code is based on three principles – marketing of food and beverages must be made with social responsibility to consumers and the community; marketing of food and beverages to children cannot make use of their credulity, vulnerability or lack of knowledge and use of fear to mislead or deceive them; and popular characters or personalities should not be used in marketing food and beverages that undermine healthy diet.

Minister of Health Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohd Isham bin Haji Jaafar launched the code.

The advertisement of food and beverages have heavy influence on children’s choice, demand and consumption pattern and is identified by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a risk factor of obesity and non-communicable diseases (NCDs) among children.

The MoH began working with stakeholders to produce the code under Giving Every Child the Best Start in Life of the MoH’s Strategic plan 2019-2023, in line with WHO’s call to curb obesity among children.

Head of HPC Dr Hajah Norhayati binti Haji Md Kassim said the work to produce the code began in 2018 after several surveys regarding advertising of unhealthy food and beverages. It was followed by dialogue sessions with private and government agencies as well as food and beverage operators.

To help enforcement agencies and operators in the food and beverage industry understand the code, the ministry will disseminate information on the code in several sessions.

Acting Permanent Secretary at the MoH Dr Haji Zulaidi bin Haji Abdul Latif, Permanent Secretary (Core Education) at the Ministry of Education Dr Shamsiah Zuraini Kanchanawati binti Haji Tajuddin; Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Religious Affairs Haji Mohammad Rosli bin Haji Ibrahim; Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Transport and Infocommunications Haji Mohammad Nazri bin Haji Mohammad Yusof and Deputy Permanent Secretary (Policy and Managament) at the MoH Haji Maswadi bin Haji Mohsin were also present at the event.

Borneo Bulletin Online

Hakim Hayat

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MoHA) launched its green campaign yesterday, in line with the vision of the Green Protocol Guideline released by Brunei Darussalam National Council on Climate Change (BNCCC) in January 30.

Minister of Home Affairs Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Haji Awang Abu Bakar bin Haji Apong launched the initiative at BIBD Connects, Taman Mahkota Jubli Emas in the capital.

The Green Protocol is aimed at implementing Brunei Darussalam National Climate Change Policy (BNCCP) by underlining green practice opportunities in daily operations, such as energy and water, waste management and paper usage and pushing for green practices at national events and tree management in government projects.

The highlights of the Green Protocol are making government premises plastic bottle free zones and the planting of 26,000 trees by the end of the year.

Year-long cleaning and green activities will be carried out by the ministry across the country.

According to a MoHA press release, district offices and municipal departments will organise activities under their jurisdictions such as tree planting, landscaping, waste management and disposal, and drain cleaning.

The event yesterday also saw the launch of a tree planting event hosted by the Bandar Seri Begawan (BSB) Municipal Department.

There was also a cleaning campaign joined by landlords and tenants of buildings along Jalan Roberts and its surrounding areas.

MoHA said the campaign supports the goals of BSB Municipal Department’s plans to develop the capital as a City in a Garden with clean and pollution-free environment.

Among the activities yesterday were the planting of flowers and the cleaning of Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Complex, Jalan Pemancha, Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam (BIBD) building, Jalan Roberts, Jalan McArthur and Jalan Residency.

Borneo Bulletin Online

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 yesterday afternoon presented Letters of Credence to Brunei’s newly appointed envoys and received Letters of Credence from newly-appointed foreign envoys to the country.

His Majesty first presented Letters of Credence to High Commissioner of Brunei Darussalam to Republic of India Dato Paduka Haji Alaihuddin bin Pehin Orang Kaya Digadong Seri Lela Dato Seri Utama Haji Awang Mohd Taha and Ambassador of Brunei Darussalam to Belgium Haji Adnan bin Haji Mohd Ja’afar.

His Majesty then received Letters of Credence from High Commissioner of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh to Brunei Darussalam Nahida Rahman Shumona and High Commissioner of the Republic of Singapore to Brunei Darussalam Heng Aik Yeow.

After the ceremonies, His Majesty received in audience Brunei’s newly appointed envoys. His Majesty also received in separate audiences the newly appointed foreign envoys.

His Majesty first received in audience Nahida Rahman Shumona. High Commission of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh in Brunei Darussalam First Secretary (Labour) Jelal Hossain was present.

His Majesty then received in audience Heng Aik Yeow. Deputy High Commissioner of the Republic of Singapore to Brunei Darussalam Raymond Chow and Defence Adviser of the Republic of Singapore to Brunei Darussalam Colonel Yeo Joon Hua Desmond were present.

Minister of Foreign Affairs II Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Erywan bin Pehin Datu Pekerma Jaya Haji Mohd Yusof, Private and Confidential Secretary to His Majesty Pehin Orang Kaya Shahbandar Dato Seri Setia Haji Awang Mohd Nawawi bin Pehin Orang Kaya Shahbandar Haji Awang Mohd Taha and Grand Chamberlain Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Penggawa Laila Bentara Istiadat Diraja Dalam Istana Pengiran Haji Alauddin bin Pengiran Paduka Tuan Pengiran Haji Abu Bakar were present at the ceremonies.

The ceremonies took place at Istana Nurul Iman.

Borneo Bulletin Online

Aziz Idris

A forum on empowering women into the workforce was held on Monday alongside a Women’s Health Exhibition at the Health Promotion Centre (HPC).

Officiating the PREPanita forum was Permanent Secretary (Community and Culture) at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports Hajah Nor Ashikin binti Haji Johari who also visited the Women Hub Exhibition.

The forum had around 60 participants comprisingmainly students from higher education institutions.

The forum had two sessions. The first discussed ‘The World of Work’ and touched on the mentally preparing for joining the job market. This session was hosted by the Mawar Association and the panelists included members of the Women Graduates Association of Brunei Darussalam, representatives from DARe (Darussalam Enterprises), The Community Development Department (JAPEM) and youth volunteer representatives.

The second session was Kommuni-kasih hosted by the Al-Minhaaj Centre and panellists included members of the Royal Brunei Police Force (RBPF), Family Counselling Services Division, Syariah Affairs Department, Medical Welfare Services Division and the Brunei
Women Project.

Meanwhile, the Women Hub Exhibition showcased activities related to personal development. It also included exhibitions that touched on women’s health including one on Breast Cancer Awareness by Pantai Jerudong Specialist Centre (PJSC).

Borneo Bulletin Online

Azlan Othman

Brunei Gas Carriers Sdn Bhd (BGC) held a mass Maghrib and Isyak prayers and Doa Kesyukuran in conjunction with its 23^rd anniversary at Al-Ameerah Al-Hajjah Maryam Mosque in Kampong Jerudong yesterday.

BGC Managing Director Pengiran Shamhary bin Pengiran Dato Paduka Haji Mustapha led the delegation. Shareholders from various government sectors, community members and BGC personnel attended.

BGC was established on March 9, 1998 to kick-off the nation’s aspiration to develop a strong foothold in the maritime industry commensurate with and reliable and respected provider of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) to meet the growing energy needs of the region.

Now at 23^rd year, the company employs more than 300 Bruneians with a fleet of five wholly owned and managed A-class vessels. With each passing year the company grows both in size and capability and contribute to the nation’s prosperity and future aspirations.

BGC has accomplished major milestones including being awarded the first blue water shipping company in the nation and stood by His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam’s Government initiative of Bruneianisation.

BGC will continue its effort to be a safe, reliable, affordable and credible company in line with BGC’s core values – Safety, Honesty, Integrity and Professionalism (SHIP).

Borneo Bulletin Online

Rokiah Mahmud

Seven local teachers completed their Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults (CELTA) course conducted by the Centre for British Teacher’s (CFBT) Brunei.

Nur Shaahidah binti Sulaiman, Siti Syazwani binti Haji Mohamad Usop, Nur ‘Afiqah Nasuha binti Abdul Ghani and Suok Jiun Hii received their certificates yesterday.

Syazana Izzaty binti Haji Ramlan, Shamin Afiq bin Saizul Akmal and Rahmah binti Abdullah will receive their certificates respectively.

The centre boasts a reputation as highly regarded in producing qualified English teachers.

“It’s the qualification that most often requested by employers – three out of four English language teaching jobs require a CELTA qualification,” said CfBT Brunei Country Manager Dominic Morley during the certificate presentation at CfBT Centre in Kiarong yesterday.

Morley added that CELTA is the most widely recognised English language teaching qualification in the world.

“CfBT gained accreditation to run CELTA courses in 2016. Since then, teachers have graduated through us and Bruneians as well. For the past three years, we had just two Bruneians and the number continued to rise to 13. The world is truly out that we are a teacher training centre of high quality.

“For some graduates, a CELTA award is filling a CV gap, while for others it can be the stepping stone to a new career in Brunei or overseas,” he said.

Meanwhile, CfBT Head of Training and Learning Rob Tunnell said the CELTA course is an unusual piece of professional development and its strength lies in the fact that it is not testing theory or an ability to repeat information.

“It is learning a practical teaching pedagogy or methodology today and demonstrating this is your teaching tomorrow,” Tunnell said. “It is that check and balance that makes the course stand out and makes CELTA trusted by governments and educationalists over the world.”

He also said that over 60 graduates have completed the CELTA with CfBT where the majority have been international expatriates.

Borneo Bulletin Online

Azlan Othman

The private sector is the engine of growth while the public sector acts as the facilitator in generating a conducive environment in promoting and supporting investment in the private sector.

This was stated by Deputy Minister of Finance and Economy (Economy) Dato Seri Paduka Dr Haji Abdul Manaf bin Haji Metussin during a ceremony to appoint nine new heads of cluster and three members of Advisory Council of the Brunei Darussalam BIMP-EAGA Business Council (BD-BEBC) at The Rizqun International Hotel yesterday.

Dato Seri Paduka Dr Haji Abdul Manaf also emphasised on the use of digital technology in business amid the current pandemic climate.

Meanwhile, BD-BEBC Chairman Pengiran Haji Haris bin Pengiran Haji Duraman, who is the newly-appointed BIMP-EAGA Business Council Chairman said, when it was establishment 27 years ago, the Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) was intended to generate more trade, tourism and investment based on the abundant natural resources readily available within the vast area.

“BIMP-EAGA has gone through its fair share of challenges, such as the financial crisis, haze, SARS and now the Covid-19 pandemic, which have affected developments in the region.

“Despite them, with the continuous support of the governments of BIMP-EAGA members, cooperation in the sub-region continues to stand firm and relevant to this day,” he added.

Meanwhile, the event saw the presentation of letters of appointment to the new heads of cluster and three members of the BD-BEBC advisory Council for the 2021-2024 term.

Borneo Bulletin Online

James Kon

The Brunei Darussalam Food Authority (BDFA) is committed to maintaining the culinary standards in the country as well as protecting consumer safety. BDFA will take firm action against those who do not support raising the standards and quality of food in the country.

Senior Health Officer Siti Khadizah binti Haji Abdul Latip shared this in her presentation on BDFA during a briefing at the Theatre Hall of the Ministry of Finance and Economy yesterday.

BDFA, as a statutory agency overseeing all matters related to food safety, is also currently engaging stakeholders before implementing its regulations in phases.

She said among the laws and regulations that support BDFA’s functions are: Brunei Darussalam Food Authority Order 2020; and Chapter 182 of the Public Health (Food) Act including Public Health (Food) (Amendment) Regulations 2020, Wholesome Meat Order (2011) comprising of Wholesome Meat Order (Amendment) 2020, Wholesome Meat (Slaughter Centre) (Amendment) Regulations 2020, Wholesome Meat (Transportation) (Amendment) Regulations 2020 and Wholesome Meat (Import, Export and Transshipment) (Amendment) Regulations 2020.

Siti Khadizah said, Chapter 182 of the Public Health (Food) Act is a regulation to ensure that food premises maintain safety standards, good hygiene and cleanliness on imported or locally-produced food products.

Meanwhile, the Wholesome Meat Order (2011) is a law directing companies to follow the proper procedures when slaughtering animals or when processing, packaging, importing, distributing, selling, delivering and exporting of meat and meat products.

The Wholesome Meat (Slaughter Centre) (Amendment) Regulations 2020 ensures slaughterhouses are well maintained to safeguard the health and wellbeing of livestock while ensuring animals do not carry diseases and are fit for consumption.

A proper supply chain maintenance, inspection of transport containers for cleanliness and hygiene to prevent cross contamination of meat and meat products, sampling of meat products to ensure is as per labelled and fit for consumption and prevent sale and distribution of meat found to be contaminated or adulterated are enacted under the Wholesome Meat (Transportation) (Amendment) Regulations 2020.

These laws, she said, will “allow BDFA to establish a strong food safety system; ensure food importation, production, processing and exportation meet the standards and requirements; monitor and inspect, test and certify food or premises, issue certifications, licences and permits, facilitate and assist all involved with food to meet the standards required; and incur penalties to non-compliant businesses”.

The briefing was part of the BDFA’s initiative to promote its roles and functions. The food and beverages industry, including importers, manufacturers, exporters, and retailers as well as representatives from micro, small and medium enterprises, and the National Chamber of Commerce and Industry Brunei Darussalam, government and non-government agencies participated.

A similar briefing was also held for 80 officials and representatives from 20 government agencies and other relevant authority and statutory boards at the Civil Service Institute.

Borneo Bulletin Online

Aziz Idris

The Dean of the Diplomatic Corps organised an appreciation event at Indera Kayangan Ballroom of The Empire Brunei yesterday in recognition of those involved in the ‘Brunei Darussalam from the Eyes of Foreign Diplomats and their Families’ photography exhibition.

Minister of Foreign Affairs II Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Erywan bin Pehin Datu Pekerma Jaya Haji Mohd Yusof was the guest of honour.

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 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 also present.

Among those celebrated were representatives from the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports (MCYS), Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam (BIBD) and the 19 diplomatic missions which helped in the preparation and execution of the exhibition held across the country from December 16, 2020 until February 2.

Ambassador of Oman to Brunei Darussalam and Dean of the Diplomatic Corps Sheikh Ahmed bin Hashel Al-Maskari expressed his appreciation to exhibition partners that played a major role in its success, and gave a special mention to the MCYS for consenting to organise the exhibition in all districts.

He also thanked BIBD for sponsoring the photography exhibition and reserved further praise for the participating diplomatic missions and the exhibition organising committee for their tireless cooperation and close follow-up with relevant stakeholders.

The dean said, “From the informative and unprecedented media coverage, beautiful decorations, and careful organisation, it was obvious to all who attended the opening ceremonies or visited the exhibition that significant time and immense efforts had been invested in making this unique event a major success.”

Meanwhile, Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Erywan said the exhibition was “refreshing” especially coming from behind and through the eyes of a foreigner.

“I believe the exhibition uncovered a lot more about Brunei and its people. Having the photos toured all four districts, the exhibition helped the locals gain a renewed appreciation and take more notice of the country’s spectacular sights and heritage,” he added.

The event continued with the presentation of certificates of appreciation to the photography exhibition organisers and participants.

Nineteen foreign diplomatic missions in Brunei Darussalam contributed 109 photos carrying different themes in the exhibition.

Borneo Bulletin Online

James Kon

A three-metre-long snake was found at Serusop commercial area yesterday.

Fire and rescue personnel from the Women’s Operation Unit led by ASO Massita binti Haji Sulaiman were dispatched to the scene to retrieve the reptile using a snake catcher.

According to the Fire and Rescue Department (FRD), unclean premises with rodent infestation are more prone to attracting wild animal such as crocodiles, snakes and monitor lizards and abandoned and unmowen lawns may become the animal’s nesting and breeding area.

The public is urged to report to the FRD immediately if they see or find wild animals roaming residential or commercial areas.

The public is advised not to attempt to approach or threaten wild animals, observe cleanliness and keep windows and doors closed when not at home. Contact the FRD via hotline 995 for an emergency.

Borneo Bulletin Online

Aziz Idris

Brunei LNG organised a motivational talk for Pengiran Anak Puteri Hajah Rashidah Sa’adatul Bolkiah Secondary School Year 9 and 10 students recently.

Six speakers comprising young professionals working in various departments under Brunei LNG shared their experiences working in the oil and gas sector.

Among the objectives of the talk was to encourage students to step outside of their comfort zone and not be afraid of taking risks.

The speakers touched on the challenges they face not only in the workplace but also prior to starting their careers, and how strong work ethic and resilience overcame challenges.

They shared inspirational messages around choosing to challenge the status quo – whether they were females pursuing a career in a male dominated role or vice versa – and are grateful to work for a diverse and inclusive organisation like Brunei LNG that provides equal opportunities for all Bruneians, regardless of their gender, race and socio economic background.

Apart from the motivational talks, a liquid nitrogen demonstration was also conducted for students by representatives from Brunei LNG laboratory.

Among the speakers from Brunei LNG were planning engineer from Operations Syazana Serbini, head of reliability in engineering Zairuni Zainab, financial accountant Lim Hong Hua, business analyst Dayangku Mashdalina binti Pengiran Matahir, senior strategy and portfolio advisor Fauzi Mahmud and head of maintenance, execution and strategy Yumni Hamizah Hamdani.

Borneo Bulletin Online

Royal Brunei Culinary (RBC) and DARe (Darussalam Enterprise) jointly organised a dialogue to foster potential partnerships between RBC and local micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the food and beverage (F&B) industry recently.

Ten local businesses under DARe’s Elevate programme attended the dialogue at RBC’s recently launched Central Kitchen at the Lambak West Industrial Area.

The session provided insights into what services RBC can provide to businesses, which include outsourcing of kitchen and commissary services, competitive procurement of raw materials and the use of test kitchen facilities and expertise.

RBC General Manager Haji Jeff Hadiman bin Dato Paduka Haji Danial said that RBC aims to position itself as a F&B solutions company by operating Brunei’s largest central kitchen with its state of the art facilities having both Halal and Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) certification.

DARe CEO Javed Ahmad said MSMEs should look into leveraging on RBC’s facilities as an avenue for them to help them scale production more cost-effectively; which in turn would further increase RBC’s overall output – creating a “win-win” situation for both parties.

RBC officially announced its rebrand in December 2020, coinciding with the launch of its new Central Kitchen facility. The move from Catering to Culinary coupled with the new kitchen signifies RBC’s new focus on growing itself further as a large-scale F&B solutions provider. With its centralised operations, and the greater efficiencies that come with it, RBC has quadrupled its potential daily output. As a result, RBC is looking for strategic partners to aid in its expansion plans.

With the consolidation of RBC’s operations at its new facility, a new brand and refreshed approach, RBC has reaffirmed their principles of adding value to Brunei’s economy and society.

The session began with welcoming remarks by the RBC General Manager, followed by a tour of the central kitchen where guests witnessed RBC’s culinary excellence and best practices through live cooking demonstrations by RBC’s chefs. A dialogue session then followed with guests, to explore how future partnerships could be forged.

Attending the event were senior representatives from I Say Yatta, NOICE, Superwater Marketing, Mr Baker’s Bakeshop, Iskandar Curry House, A.Ayam, SPHI Foods, Taurean Bakeshop & Café, Pan & Wok and Wing-it.

Borneo Bulletin Online

Azlan Othman

The number of kidney patients is increasing yearly. According to statistics from the Department of Renal Services, Ministry of Health (MoH) at the end of last year, 3,000 patients under the care of the Chronic Kidney Disease Clinic were at a ‘serious’ level across the four districts. This does not include the 881 patients with end-stage renal disease, requiring kidney replacement therapy treatment.

This was highlighted by Minister of Health Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohd Isham bin Haji Jaafar in a message to mark World Kidney Day 2021.

“One in 10 people worldwide suffer from chronic kidney disease, meaning an estimated 10 per cent (or 40,000 people) of the Sultanate’s total population suffers from chronic kidney disease.

“Brunei Darussalam is no exception, and is among the countries with the highest rate of end-stage kidney disease in the world. The main causes of kidney disease in Brunei Darussalam are diabetes and high blood pressure.

“When the kidneys fail to function properly, waste products normally excreted from the body through urine will remain in the blood causing loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, fatigue and weakness of the body. When this happens, the patient has only two options; either undergoing dialysis treatment or a kidney transplant. If left untreated, it can lead to death,” he said.

Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohd Isham added, “Every year, on Thursday in the second week of March, the whole world celebrates World Kidney Day as a health awareness campaign to raise public awareness on kidney disease and its effects.

“This year’s celebration themed ‘Living Well with Kidney Disease’ aims to bring hope and motivation to kidney patients. It also encourages patients to adopt a healthier life and manage symptoms effectively.

“Kidney disease is a non-communicable disease (NCD). Kidney patients often face great challenges in leading a normal lifestyle and performing daily activities. This condition is due to the changes that occur due to the disease and the treatment that needs to be carried out.

“The changes experienced include four main aspects – namely, emotional aspects such as anger and depression; physical aspects such as sudden weight loss, slightly blackish skin and itching; social aspects such as lack of self-confidence, despair and constant feeling of tiredness; and socioeconomic aspects such as not being able to hold a job due to the emotional, physical and social aspects.

“This will certainly have a major impact on the lifestyle and quality of life of the patients. These changes will also have an impact on those around them, including their family, friends and the community.

“Kidney replacement therapy is divided into peritoneal dialysis treatment (water wash), haemodialysis treatment (blood wash) and kidney transplant treatment. The Brunei Darussalam Dialysis Transplant Registry 2020 showed that 85 per cent of patients choose haemodialysis treatment.”

The minister said, “In 2014, Brunei Darussalam introduced a peritoneal dialysis preference policy (PD-preference policy) on the basis of improving quality of life and superior continuity of short-term survival with better peritoneal dialysis.

“Several reviews of international studies show home dialysis therapies such as peritioneal dialysis have been consistently found to have shown improving the autonomy, flexibility and quality of life of kidney patients.

“Patients can undergo peritoneal dialysis treatment comfortably at home and do not have to go to a haemodialysis centre for treatment which often has a limited treatment schedule.

“In this way, patients have more flexibility in adapting (in terms of dialysis treatment) to their lifestyle in undergoing dialysis treatment, painlessly and without the use of needles. More importantly, treatment hours do not interfere with their working hours and do not have to involve family members sending and accompanying them to the treatment centre,” he said.

“The Department of Renal Services will conduct activities throughout the year to promote chronic kidney disease and prevention awareness, as well as to attract patients to choose peritoneal dialysis treatment as the main option. They will include workshops, symposiumd and health promotion activities that are peritoneal dialysis-oriented.

“Brunei has six haemodialysis treatment centres/units across all four districts, located at Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha (RIPAS)Hospital, Kiarong Dialysis Centre, Rimba Dialysis Centre, Temburong Dialysis Unit, Kuala Belait Dialysis Centre and Tutong Dialysis Centre.

“This month will see the introduction of the Renal Dialysis Unit at Jerudong Park Medical Centre (JPMC). The JPMC Renal Dialysis Unit, a collaboration between the MoH through the publicprivate partnership project, will be the first dialysis centre in the country to be privatised.

“This privatisation will reduce the burden on the government, in terms of building a new dialysis centre and its maintenance cost, as well as providing assistance services and staff recruitment.

“Privatisation is an alternative method chosen by several countries such as Malaysia, Hong Kong, Saudi Arabia as well as European countries and the United States (US) in the effort to improve the quality of health services to the public, increase accountability and at the same time reduce government dependency.

“This new dialysis unit will reduce the number of patients undergoing dialysis treatment from night to dawn at RIPAS Hospital.

“The JPMC Renal Dialysis Unit can offer treatment services to at least 102 patients.

“We are very fortunate in Brunei Darussalam because health services can be accessed by all citizens and residents in this country. In addition, treatment and medicine are given for free. However, it is our responsibility to work together to adopt a healthy, active lifestyle and follow a healthy, balanced diet with effective medicine.

“With the celebration of World Kidney Day, God willing, there will be more people who understand kidney disease, including patients, caregivers, family members of patients who will be able to help reduce burdens and symptoms associated with kidney disease so that all can enjoy a healthy and prosperous life, in line with Brunei Vision 2035,” the minister said.

Borneo Bulletin Online

Rokiah Mahmud

A total of 174 participants have completed a two-day training aimed at promoting Islamic tourism in Brunei Darussalam.

The ‘Islamic Values on Customer Service Training for Tourism Industry in Brunei Darussalam’ was organised by the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism (MPRT) through the Tourism Development Department, in collaboration with SEAMEO Regional Centre for Vocational and Technical Education and Training (Voctech), and the Religious Teachers University College of Seri Begawan (KUPU SB).

Dean of Syariah Faculty of KUPU SB Dr Haji Noralizam bin Haji Aliakbar, Manager of Training Development and Professional at SEAMEO Voctech Norhayati Cynthia binti Abdullah and officers from the department facilitated the training. Participants, comprising restaurant owners and managers as well as government officials, were taught the basics of customer service in accordance with Islamic principles and guidelines; and got to sharpen their service-delivery-orientated skills. Discussions were also held on the respectful handling of tourists, adapting to Brunei culture, ensuring top-notch services from start to end, and the aspects of cleanliness and safety.

Borneo Bulletin Online

His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah ibni His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office, received in audience newly appointed Brunei Darussalam envoys and newly-appointed foreign envoys to Brunei Darussalam in separate audiences at Qashr Al-Meezaan yesterday.

His Royal Highness first received in audience High Commissioner of Brunei Darussalam to the Republic of India Dato Paduka Haji Alaihuddin bin Pehin Orang Kaya Digadong Seri Lela Dato Seri Utama Haji Awang Mohd Taha; and Ambassador of Brunei Darussalam to Belgium Haji Adnan bin Haji Mohd Ja’afar.

The newly appointed Brunei Darussalam envoys received their Letters of Credence from 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 on March 8.

His Royal Highness then received in separate audiences the newly appointed foreign envoys to Brunei Darussalam.

His Royal Highness first received in audience High Commissioner of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh to Brunei Darussalam Nahida Rahman Shumona.

His Royal Highness then received in audience High Commissioner of the Republic of Singapore to Brunei Darussalam Heng Aik Yeow.

The newly appointed foreign envoys to Brunei Darussalam presented their Letters of Credence to His Majesty on March 8.

Borneo Bulletin Online

Lyna Mohamad

A total of 247 trainees of the 10^th National Service Programme (PKBN) Intake participated in the passing out parade at the PKBN Training Camp in Batu Apoi, Temburong District yesterday.

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 consented to present awards to the Best Male and Female Trainees in three categories.

Upon arrival, His Majesty was greeted by 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; Royal Brunei Police Force (RBPF) Commissioner Dato Paduka Seri Haji Mohammad Irwan bin Haji Hambali and Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF) Commander Major General (U) Dato Seri Pahlawan Haji Hamzah bin Haji Sahat.

Permanent Secretary (Administration, Finance and Estate) at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports Pengiran Mohd Amirrizal bin Pengiran Haji Mahmud and Acting Director of National Service Programme Major (Rtd) Haji Mohammad bin Dollah were also present.

After the singing of the national anthem, His Majesty inspected the parade comprising 172 male and 75 female trainees, followed by a march past.

His Majesty presented awards to six trainees: Best in Drill 12886 Mohamad Hamizan bin Zulkhairi and 12668 Nurin Alya Widyan Naqibah binti Saifulbahrin, both from Platoon 4; and Best in Physical Training 12699 Mohammad Hakif bin Mohammad of Platoon 3 and 12850 Khairunnisaa binti Shafiee of Platoon 2.

12883 Muhammad Nur Ridhwan @ Raiezwan bin Radimas of Platoon 5 was named the Best Male Trainee and 12846 Dayangku Ardini Haziqah binti Pengiran Haji Mohd Ali of Platoon 6 named Best Female Trainee.

A three-time Daulat Kebawah Duli Tuan Patik chant echoed the ground symbolising the trainees’ loyalty toward the monarch, and their willingness to contribute to the country’s socio-economic development as well as strengthen national fortitude.

After the recitation of Doa Selamat by PKBN Religious Officer Haji Mohd Khairul Azmi bin Haji Munir, His Majesty toured an exhibition by youth volunteers and mingled with trainees.

His Majesty also consented to sign the commemorative parchment, accompanied by Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office Dato Seri Setia Haji Awang Abdul Mokti bin Haji Mohd Daud and Minister of Education Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Hamzah bin Haji Sulaiman.

A pesambah was presented to His Majesty by Major (Rtd) Haji Mohammad.

His Majesty’s attendance was intended to boost the spirit of trainees to continue playing an active role as independent, disciplined, efficient and well-mannered youth.

The 10^th PKBN intake began their training on November 29 last year and were trained by 100 people comprising supervisors, instructors, medical staff and operators from the RBAF, RBPF, Fire and Rescue Department, Outward Bound Brunei Darussalam, Religious Teachers University College of Seri Begawan (KUPU SB) and professional volunteers assisted by PKBN alumni. PKBN has produced 3,177 alumni since its formation and is hoped that the trainees will continue to apply what they have learned throughout the programme.

Meanwhile, His Majesty also visited several places in Pekan Bangar, with the first stop at Sultan Hassan Secondary School. The school’s new building site is located at Kampong Batu Apoi and is expected to begin operations in January 2023.

Also gaining the monarch’s attention was the Bumiputera Complex in Pekan Bangar. Built in August 2007, the complex provides 35 units for entrepreneurs in the district.

From the Bumiputera Complex, His Majesty visited the Temburong Branch of Radio Television Brunei (RTB) which houses the News, Rampai Pagi and Radio units.

The monarch then visited the Tamu Aneka Temburong, which accommodates micro and small entrepreneurs in efforts to develop the socio-economy and enhance an involved and united community. As of January 1 this year, the market is under DARe (Darussalam Enterprise).

His Majesty ended the visit with a closer look at the Pekan Bangar Boat and Passenger Terminal Jetty. Officiated on January 7, 2010, the terminal provides services for boats arriving in Pekan Bangar and monitors the journey and operations of boats carrying gravel and sand from quarries to processing sites through Temburong River.

Borneo Bulletin Online

Lyna Mohamad

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 stressed the country is beginning to see a youth generation capable of becoming community leaders and pioneers in the country’s development.

The monarch also lauded the involvement of the National Service Programme (PKBN) alumni volunteers as frontliners to help curb the coronavirus outbreak.

His Majesty said this in a titah during the 10^th PKBN passing out parade at the PKBN Training Camp in Batu Apoi, Temburong yesterday.

Congratulating the youth, His Majesty said these youth symbolise a significant feature of an independent country capable of producing a reliable future generation, and lauded the PKBN trainees’ determination in undergoing the three-month training with enthusiasm and patience.

“This is an example of quality human capital, who are diligent and brave to come forward. These youth bring a positive image for the race and the country that refuses to sit still without doing anything,” said His Majesty.

His Majesty added the goal of PKBN is to make youth understand the true meaning of nationhood, and when they do, “they deserve to be hailed as heroes”.

“This can be seen when over 200 PKBN alumni stepped forward to become volunteers to curb the coronavirus outbreak,” His Majesty said.

His Majesty underlined that the involvement of PKBN alumni as volunteers becomes a benchmark for the youth generation ready to shoulder a major responsibility.

“In this regard, to become a great leader, youth must have strong personality and self-identity,” His Majesty said.

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Hakim Hayat

Performing prayers will shield us from any forms of adversity while Zakat or tithe ensures the purity of our assets, 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 said in a titah last night.

In the titah broadcast on national television and radio from Istana Nurul Iman to mark the Israk Mikraj for 1442 Hijrah, His Majesty praised Allah the Almighty for the abundances of peace, harmony and health that we all can reap. “We all should be thankful because we are still capable of performing pious deeds because of the continuous protection from Allah the Almighty,” His Majesty said.

His Majesty said that primary of all pious deeds is the five pillars of Islam that is compulsory for all Muslims, the five times daily prayers, which is the mainstay for Islam and its pillar, according to the Hadith of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh).

His Majesty added that there are tens of verses in Al-Quran on the prayers, and among them is Verse 277 Surah Al-Baqarah that translates to, “Indeed, those who believe and do righteous deeds and establish prayer and give Zakat will have their reward with their Lord, and there will be no fear concerning them, nor will they grieve.”

The monarch brought attention to both pillars of Islam of the prayer and Zakat which is not separated by Allah the Almighty, because the prayer is evidence of the relationship between a servant and God, while Zakat is a symbol of existence of the bond of responsibility among fellow human beings.

“It can be summarised that the command to perform the prayer and issuing the Zakat holds secret goodness for all, where with the prayers we are shielding ourselves from the evil in the world while by issuing the Zakat, it will purify our property by the means of fulfilling the rights of the Zakat beneficiaries,” added His Majesty.

His Majesty reminded that the wealth we have, does not belong to us entirely, rather there are parts that belong to the Asnaf or beneficiaries of Zakat. “If we understand the wisdom or secret of these two pillars, we are bound to perform them, because of the blessing that can both be attained in this world and the hereafter.”

His Majesty said the blessing for those who pray is serenity and protection while for those who issue the Zakat, they are promised proliferation of wealth, and it will not diminish and in the hereafter, it will be rewarded with heaven by Allah the Almighty.

“It is a general prerequisite that to attain heaven is through obedience to Allah the Almighty and Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), where among the features of this is performing the prayers and issuing Zakat, while also not forsaking other dutiful deeds.”

His Majesty added that those in this sphere will attain the promise of Allah the Almighty, citing the Firman in Surah An-Nisa Verse 13 which translates to, “Whoever obeys Allah the Almighty and His Messenger will be admitted by Him to gardens (in Paradise) under which rivers flow, abiding eternally therein; and that is the great attainment.”

His Majesty believes that Muslims in the country are well-versed with the obedience concept and are implementing it in their daily lives. “This is why Allah the Almighty has revealed some consequence of this, which is through the blessing of peace, prosperity and security, including this extraordinary situation where as if our country is truly free from the transmission of the coronavirus pandemic, although people out there are continuously still struggling to combat it.

“Is this not possible that it is one form of protection of Allah the Almighty on us?,” His Majesty rhetorically asked, because His Majesty said that we have fulfilled our duty of prayers, Zakat, fasting, reciting Al-Quran, reciting the Zikir and continuously making supplications.

In concluding the titah, His Majesty prayed that these blessings upon Brunei will be eternal.

Borneo Bulletin Online

Rokiah Mahmud

Certificates of appreciation were presented to 12 mosque youth members for their contribution and support in activities conducted by Sufri Bolkiah Mosque and Village Consultative Council (MPK) Kampong Jaya Setia recently.

The ceremony was organised by the MPK Jaya Bakti and Burung Pingai Berakas.

Acting Village Head of Kampong Jaya Setia, Kampong Jaya Bakti, and Kampong Burung Pingai Berakas Haji Omar Ali bin Haji Mohd Daud thanked the youth for their involvement during the de-escalation phase of the mosque’s re-opening by assisting frontliners in manning the entry post and conducting health screening on mosque congregants.

The ceremony was held at the residence of and Sufri Bolkiah Mosque and MPK Head of Youth Pengiran Hassanuddin bin Pengiran Haji Damit.

Borneo Bulletin Online

Daniel Lim

The library of the Institute of Brunei Technical Education (IBTE) Jefri Bolkiah Campus (JBC) in collaboration with the Museums Department organised a Handicraft Competition – Brunei Traditional Games for students and staff of the institute recently.

The competition aimed at introducing traditional games through handicraft, while providing exposure to ways of playing traditional games.

It also served to foster spirit of teamwork and cooperation among students, and to enhance creativity in constructing the games using recycled materials.

IBTE JBC Operation Manager Hajah Hanita binti Haji Hussain, Academic Manager Rosmah binti Haji Salman and representatives from the Museums Department were present.

The event also saw a demonstration of various traditional games and playstyles.

Borneo Bulletin Online