| Azlan Othman |
HER Royal Highness Princess Hajah Masna, Ambassador-at-Large at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Royal Patron of the Brunei National Road Safety Council (BNRSC) attended the launching ceremony for Road Safety Week at The Empire Hotel & Country Club yesterday to mark World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims 2018.
Upon arrival, Her Royal Highness was greeted by Minister of Communications and Chairman of the BNRSC Dato Seri Setia Awang Abdul Mutalib bin Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Setia Dato Paduka Haji Mohd Yusof, Commissioner of the Royal Brunei Police Force and Deputy Chairman I of the BNRSC Dato Paduka Haji Mohd Jammy bin Haji Muhammad Shah Al-Islam, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Communications and Deputy Chairman II of the BNRSC Haji Azhar bin Haji Ahmad, and Deputy Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Communications and Secretary of the BNRSC Dr Haji Supry bin Haji Awang Ladi.
The event began with the recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah and Doa led by Begawan Pehin Khatib Dato Paduka Haji Awang Mustafa bin Haji Murad.
The minister, in his welcoming remarks, said changes have been implemented by the BNRSC with stakeholder agencies to mark this year’s World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims, a collaboration he said, “illustrates the commitment and an understanding that road safety is the country’s joint responsibility”.
Themed ‘Roads Have Stories’, the event highlights the activities undertaken by government agencies, private and non-governmental organisations to promote road safety, including religious activities and an exhibition featuring road safety initiatives.
“Also running throughout the week are road safety dissemination programmes, trainings, briefings and leisure activities to promote the widespread involvement in increasing safety on the roads from all levels of society,” the minister added.
During the Road Safety Week launch, the Road Safety Programme Contribution Award was presented to the main contributors of Road Safety 2018 programmes for the first time.
The award is intended as recognition for the organisations actively involved in road safety programmes in the country.
Highlights at the ceremony include the launch of the ‘Tell Everyone’ Campaign, which focussed on seven road safety aspects: Using seatbelt while driving; Do not use mobile phones while driving; Adhere to speed limits on the road; Do not drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs; Use appropriate helmets and suits for cyclists and motorcyclists while on the road; Be wary of road users who are vulnerable like runners and pedestrians; and Ensure that the vehicle’s tyres are always in good condition and safe to use.
World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims is an international initiative commemorated every third Sunday of November.
The initiative commemorates traffic victims and families affected by the tragedies.
The event in addition provides opportunities to outline the roles of parties such as the medical, emergency and rescue services, private sector, researchers and academia, as well as the public in dealing with the consequences and effects of road accidents.