✰ Brunei Darussalam ~ NEWS & HILITES ✰

TheHawk

Swensen's Kids Club Treasure Egg Hunt

Swensen's Kids Club Treasure Egg Hunt will be held on Sunday, April 29 from 1 pm to 3 pm located at Brunei Swensen's, 2nd Floor, The Mall, Gadong.

TheHawk

Road Safety Walkathon

National Road Safety Council is organising Road Safety Walkathon in conjuction with the 'First United Nations Global Road Safety Week' on Sunday, April 29 at 6 am located at Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium, Berakas.
The guest of honour is Yang Mulia Dato Paduka Awang haji Yusoff bin Haji Abd Hamid, Deputy Minister of Communications.

TheHawk

OGDC & Pelangi Charity Show

OGDC & Pelangi Charity Show will be held on Sunday, April 29 at 8 am located at Oil & Gas Discovery Centre (OGDC), Seria.

TheHawk

Dikir Competition

Ministry of Religious Affairs is organising Dikir Competition on Sunday, April 29 at 9.45 am located at the Belalong Hall, Temburong Community Complex.
The guest of honour is Yang Berhormat Pehin Jawatan Luar Pekerma Raja Dato Seri Ustaz Haji Awang Mohd Zain bin Haji Serudin, Minister of Religious Affairs

TheHawk

Charity Walkathon

Association of Ex-Army is organising Charity Walkathon on Sunday, April 29 at 6.15 am located at Teratak Perwira (PBP Headquarters, Jalan Berakas

fatz

Hawk...kalau ada berita2 dari daerah perkampungan berserta gambar...nanti paste sini eh...

and kalau ada gambar2 di kawasan pedalaman, tepek arr kat thread photography lebih2...

miss the old kampung2 scene....

TheHawk

President Cup Schedule

President Cup Schedule for today;

Sunday, April 29

• 8 am : Black Arrows vs Steelers (JP 1) & Wildcats vs Divas (JP 2)
• 10.30 am : Banzai vs Warrior (JP 1)
• 11 am : Cometz vs QD Vixen (JP 2)
• 1 pm : RnR vs Gregor (JP 1) & Gunners vs Wanderers (JP 2)
• 3.30 pm : PLK Zombies Y vs Jag Star (JP 1)
  

TheHawk

Superhero Splash @ Empire

The Empire Hotel & Country Club is organising Superhero Splash on Sunday, April 29 from 2 pm to 6 pm located at the Lagoon Pool, The Empire Hotel & Country Club, Jerudong.
For more information, please contact 2418888

TheHawk

The Rusila Country Association Council Meeting Opening Ceremony

Brunei Darussalam, Rusila Country Association (Rumpun Seni Lakon Negara) is organising The Rusila Country Association Council Meeting Opening Ceremony on Sunday, April 29 at 2 pm located at the Maxi Room, Terrace Hotel, Jalan Tasek Lama, Bandar Seri Begawan,
The guest of honour is Yang Berhormat, Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Dewa Major Jeneral (B) Dato Seri Pahlawan Haji Awang Mohammad bin Haji Daud, Minister of Culture, Youth & Sports.

TheHawk

Warrant and Tenderfoot Badge Awarding Ceremony

Girl Guides Association of Brunei Darussalam is organising Warrant and Tenderfoot Badge Awarding Ceremony on Sunday, April 29 at 9 am located at Rimba II Primary School, Kampong Rimba, Gadong.

fatz

Hawk...kalau ada berita2 dari daerah perkampungan berserta gambar...nanti paste sini eh...

and kalau ada gambar2 di kawasan pedalaman, tepek arr kat thread photography lebih2...

miss the old kampung2 scene....

TheHawk

Originally posted by fatz at 29-4-2007 11:08 AM
Hawk...kalau ada berita2 dari daerah perkampungan berserta gambar...nanti paste sini eh...

and kalau ada gambar2 di kawasan pedalaman, tepek arr kat thread photography lebih2...

miss the ol ...

fatz, this is for u!

Two Brunei Bay Legends  

There are two islands on Brunei Bay which are more interesting than all the others. One is called Pulau Pilong-Piolongan and the other very much smaller, more like a raised sandbank called Lumut Lunting.


Lumut Lunting is situated in between Pulau Sibungur and Pulau Berambang and is located at the mouth of the Brunei River whereas Pulau Pilong-Pilongan is out in the sea nearer to Muara.


Both islands - Lumut Lunting and Pulau Pilong-Pilongan have been associated with an old legend that stretched back in time to more than 500 years ago.

The origin of both islands have been chronicled in the Syair Awang Semaun, which is equivalent to the local folklores or in English known as the oral tradition of Awang Semaun抯 epic poems. The story was said to have taken place in the early days of the first sultanate of Awang Alak Betatar around the 14th century. In those days, Brunei Darussalam was still a vassal state of the Majapahit Empire.

Awang Alak Betatar was the first ruler of the new Brunei Sultanate and as a vassal state, Brunei pays an annual tribute to the King of Majapahit. The tribute was made up of 40 ships laden with camphor to be paid to the Majapahit Empire from Brunei. Brunei抯 camphor was considered to be among the best in the region then. Though some legends talk about a much smaller amount of 40 kati (roughly equal to about 24 kilograms).

During that time, a rooster owned by Awang Senuai, a nephew of Awang Alak Betatar was known for its ability to win all the cockfights that it competed against. A cockfight is of course a fight between two specially trained and conditioned roosters with spectators betting on the outcome of the fight. Most fights end up with the death of one or both roosters.

This came to the attention of Raden Angsuka Dewa who also owned another rooster named Asmara which is said to be equal to Mutiara. Asmara was well taken care of by his owner

TheHawk

Mysterious Grave in the City  

Many people have walked past the walled small roof structure opposite the General Post Office Building in the car park yard of the TAIB Building in Bandar Seri Begawan. Many have in fact parked their cars next to it. However, not many have realized that they are actually parked to a grave. A grave which is very interesting and full of mystery. It is not even known whether it is a grave.


It was said that before the World War, the site was actually a huge mound of some thirty feet tall. It was blown up by a bomb during the Second World War and the mound was said to be empty even though according to legend, there should be at least a few people who were buried there.

The grave was said to belong to a lady by the name of Dang Ayang. Dang is the Brunei colloquial term for Dayang and Ayang is the name of that person. Those who know it called the grave Kubur Dang Ayang. Some have called it Kubur Raja Ayang. It was said that the lady is actually of Royal parentage.

Legend has it told that this was a very sad story. Apparently in the old days, a sister and a male sibling was caught in an unlawful relationship (sumbang mahram is the Malay term). According to the laws then, the crimes must be punished by being stoned to death. It was said that nobody then had the heart to stone them to death but neither could they leave them unpunished.
So the authorities compromised.

What they did was to build a cavern in the middle of the forest (remember most Bruneians in those days live along the river and this 'kubor' or grave was about a mile inland then - so it is quite far from the other Bruneians). The two of them had to live in it. Some versions said only Dang Ayang lived in it and other versions said both of them. The cavern was fitted with air ventilation. Presumably some food was left with them as there was supposedly a small chimney where smoke can be seen coming out of the chimney. This smoke indicated that they were still alive. They must have been kept there for a long while until one day no more smoke was seen coming out of the chimney and everyone presumed that she or they died.

Nobody knew when the graveyard started to be walled but presumably someone did it because it is still technically a grave and up to now it is left there - to be left unknown and a rather sad testimony to an indiscretion of a young Brunei couple.

If one was to visit the grave, there is a broken tombstone which tells the story of the lady and who she was. Even though she was not named on that tombstone but instead she was called the daughter of a certain person. According to a paper written by the Principal of the History Centre, she was most likely a member of the aristocracy whose father was of Arabic origin and said to be related to the third Sultan. Sultan Sharif Ali was of Arabic origin.

It was most likely too that the crime was committed in 1452 during the reign of Sultan Sulaiman (circa 1432-1485). It was said that the lady upon realising what she committed was an enormous sin that she and her entourage (so it wasn't just one person but the whole household) voluntarily went to their deaths. Given the context of the time and the parentage, the deed perpetrated was deemed to be very serious and merited such punishment.

On the tombstone it was written in Arabic too that it is hoped that the punishment meted out is sufficient compensation for the sin that was committed for the body (bodies) of those who committed the sin and pray that they are in peace and a prayer so that the Al-Mighty will forgive them. Based on the writings on the tombstone, it is understood that for every sin committed, the authorities must carry out the punishment necessary for it. It also reflected the strength of the religion then to the point that the punishment has to be meted out regardless of who the perpetrator was. What has happened can be a lesson for all.

Even though the punishment seemed harsh, some have said that the punishment that one will receive in the hereafter will be harsher if the punishment during the lifetime was light. The young couple understood what they did was wrong. They also understood that they must be punished and they accepted the punishment voluntarily. That is a lesson for us too. To know when we do something wrong and to know when we must pay for it. Hopefully the story of the young couple will make us better persons and that their grave can be a constant reminder to us.

fatz

thankyou very very much Hawk
really appreciate it..

TheHawk

Drastic Drop In Turtle Nesting
By Azlan Othman & James Kon

Bandar Seri Begawan - There has been a marked decline in the number of turtles nesting on Brunei's shores over the past years, based on statistics from the, Turtle Management and Conservation of the Fisheries Department.

Turtle nesting at nine sites and beaches along Brunei's coastline ranging from Muara, Meragang to Seri Kenangan beach, Danau to Lumut, Sg Liang, Anduki, Seria Terminal and Panaga has recorded a decline from 92 in 2000 to 29 in 2002 and to only three last year. Two turtles were found nesting at Seri Kenangan beach while another was observed at Sungai Liang beach in 2006. Not a single turtle was found nesting on the beaches of the Brunei-Muara District.

The disruption of its habitat, rubbish pollution and the presence of logs on Brunei's coastline are some of the contributing factors, said Senior Fisheries Assistant, Hairil Hj Simpul during a briefing to a group of enthusiastic primary school students from Beribi Telanai Primary School and separately for Sekolah Rendah Dato Basir students yesterday.

Nesting around oil rig areas in Seria, notably Anduki, Seria Terminal and

Panaga, was encouraging recording 51 out of the 92 nesting activities in 2000 but has since declined drastically. Awg Hairil said oilrigs are ideal spots for turtles to find food. In an interview, Awang Hariel said, "The drastic drop in the number of turtle nestings may be attributed to two reasons. Once a turtle comes ashore to nest, it will not come again to nest for another three or four years.

"This is because when turtles come ashore to nest, they will lose a lot of body fat and need time to recuperate by staying in feeding grounds for the next three to four years."

When asked if illegal poaching is also one of the main reasons behind the drop in nesting numbers, he said, "Undeniably, there are still illegal poachers who are catching turtles as well as collecting turtle eggs to be sold.

"Our shores are very narrow and cover around 130 kilometres, it's very hard to guard and protect the whole stretch," he said.

When asked the reason behind the surge in turtle nesting in 2000, he said that due to the launch of the management and conservation of turtles, an awareness campaign, turtle nesting along Brunei's shores showed an increase.

The awareness campaign also includes turtle tagging and tissue sampling, introducing turtle volunteer programmes, the prohibition of turtle egg smuggling, turtle release and egg hatching programmes.

However, it is disappointing to note that members of the turtle volunteer programme have dropped from over 200 people in the past years to only around 10 active people at present, a majority of whom comprise staff of the Fisheries Department.

The public can help in turtle management and conservation by not buying turtle eggs, not destroying their habitat, not throwing rubbish like plastic bags into the sea, not engaging in activities that could hinder the nesting of turtles on Brunei's shores and to stop collecting turtle eggs.

Awang Hariel reminded that under the Wildlife Act of the Museum Department, it is illegal to collect and sell turtle eggs and those found guilty will face a fine or imprisonment.

Sea turtles are protected under Appendix I of the Convention for International Trade of Endangered Species of wild flora and fauna (CITES) and the Sultanate is a signatory to this convention since 1990.

"Leave something for our children's children" is the motto of Brunei's turtle management and conservation campaign.

Fishermen who use trawlers are advised to use the turtle excluder device to ensure that turtles trapped in their trawling nets can escape. Without the device, trapped turtles will die as they need to come up to the surface often to breathe.

Turtles normally land along Brunei's shores about six to seven times a year. The common species found in Brunei are Hawksbill, Oliver Ridley and green turtles. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

TheHawk

DES Pulling Plug On Bill Defaulters

Bandar Seri Begawan - The Department of Electrical Services (DES), through its Revenue Management Section, has begun to cut off electricity supply to houses and businesses that have failed to make payments of their electricity bills, as of April 1, 2007.

Statistics from the Revenue Management have revealed millions of dollars in unpaid bills yet to be settled, RTB reported.

Commercial businesses owed the department a staggering $30 million in unpaid bills and domestic households owed around $88 million.

Since last month's operation to cut off power for defaulters, the Revenue Management has recovered about $100,000.

The department warned that it will not hesitate to cut the power supply of the offenders and there will be no letters of warning to defaulters.

The latest move is to make consumers more responsible in the usage of electricity.

The move to cut off power supply was first introduced in April last year. In 2006, commercial establishments owed the department around $40 million in unpaid bills that has come down to around $30 million so far this year. However, unpaid bills among domestic households have increased from around $79 million last year to $88 million so far this year. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

TheHawk

Open Dialogues Key To Upgrading Mukim, Village Council
By Jon Tampoi

Bandar Seri Begawan - The image and status of the Mukim and Village Council could be further upgraded through open dialogues and constructive development of positive ideas. This would help the council create a unified, peaceful, harmonious and tranquil life for all walks of life in Brunei Darussalam.

This observation was made by the Minister of Home Affairs, Pehin Orang Kaya Johan Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awg Hj Adanan, who was speaking during the second session of a meeting between the board members of the Village Consultative Council Organising Committee and members of the village consultative council in the BruneiMuara District yesterday.

Pehin Dato Hj Adanan who is also the chairperson of the organising board, said that the village consultative council is a platform for the public to share responsibilities with His Majesty's Government on various issues such as welfare and economic development.

The spirit of `memucang-mucang' (working together) should be strengthened and instilled among the youths in carrying out various community activities such as assisting the less fortunate, the minister said, adding that His Majesty's Government, through the Ministry of Home Affairs, has allocated $125,000 to assist the Mukim and Village Council in organising various programmes.

Meanwhile, Pehin Dato Hj Adanan brought up the pressing issue of indiscriminate dumping. At times, it has led to disputes between neighbours, which indirectly disrupt the peace, harmony and tranquillity in a village, he said.

In concluding his speech, the minister encouraged members of the public including professionals to share their expertise so that the Village and Mukim Council can be dynamic and competitive.

The Deputy Minister of Home Affairs cum Deputy Chairman ofthe organising board, Pehin Dato Paduka Awg Hj Dani bin Hj Ibrahim, as well as permanent secretaries from various ministries were among those who attended yesterday's event.

The Deputy Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Home Affairs, Dato Paduka Awg Hj Adnan bin Hj Hanafiah, was also on hand to present a briefing on the rules and regulations of the 2006 Organising Board and Village Consultative Council.

Yesterday's meeting, which was held at the multipurpose hall of the Fire and Rescue Department in Jln Airport Lama, Berakas, was a follow-up to a recent national level meeting.

Similar meetings have been held in other districts. The first meeting was held in Temburong on September 20, 2006, followed by Belait on April 3, 2007, Tutong on April 10 and Brunei-Miiara on April 18. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

fatz

kasi pegi depan.....




many thanks Hawk....

[ Last edited by  fatz at 2-5-2007 08:16 PM ]

TheHawk

Warning On Lottery Scam
By Sonia K

Bandar Seri Begawan - Residents of Brunei beware of UK lottery scam.

The British High Commission has been contacted by a number of Brunei residents who have received e-mails notifying them that they have won cash prizes purporting to come from the official National Lottery in the UK. In order to claim their 'prize', recipients are asked to part with money as an upfront payment in order to release the winning lottery prize.

However, the 'winners' don't receive a penny. The National Lottery has warned on its web site about fraudsters using its name and logo to obtain money under false pretences.

The genuine UK lottery is open to UK residents only; it never tells players how much they have won through email; and never asks for any player's information like name, address or bank details through e-mail.

Scams are usually based outside the UK,

although they may use UK Post Office or mailboxes, the British High Commission in Brunei said. According to a press release from the British High Commission in Brunei Darussalam, there is no need to contact the National Lottery if you have received a lottery related scam email.

The Office of Fair Trading, the UK's consumer and competition authority, offers the following advices: a ask yourself 'How could I win a lottery prize if I haven't bought a ticket?

TheHawk

Restaurant Found Serving Alcohol
By Za'im Zaini

Bandar Seri Begawan - Enforcement officials stumbled upon alcoholic drinks served at a restaurant when they raided several eateries in Gadong and Mulaut areas Monday night.

The joint operation, which began at 10pm and lasted until the wee hours of Tuesday, involved personnel from the Brunei-Muara District Office, Law Enforcement Section of the Department of Immigration and National Registration and the Royal Customs and Excise Department.

The operation was aimed at ensuring that the commercial establishments don't violate the acts and regulations under their licences, as well acts under the jurisdiction of the department of Immigration and National Registration and Royal Customs and Excise.

During the raid, officers found some of the patrons of a restaurant sipping cans of beer and other alcoholic drinks. The restaurant was found in violation of commercial regulations not to serve drinks.

In another restaurant, officials found what were believed to be party tickets.

The Brunei-Muara District Office and the Royal Customs and Excise Department have taken appropriate actions according to their jurisdiction.

The Brunei-Muara District reminded commercial establishments as well as members of the public to obey the laws of the country and regulations under the miscellaneous licence.

Those who fall foul to the law will face a fine of not more than $10,000 under the Miscellaneous Licence Act, Section 3, Chapter 127, 1983. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin