✰ Brunei Darussalam ~ NEWS & HILITES ✰

TheHawk

12-Yr-Old Allegedly Hangs Herself
By Liza Mohd

Bandar Seri Begawan - A 12-year-old girl was found dead yesterday morning after she allegedly hanged herself at her home in Kampong Barn area in Seria.

The Police went to the house of the deceased, who was a student at a government school in Seria, to investigate any signs of foul play.

The body has been sent to RIPAS Hospital for a post mortem to determine the cause of death. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

TheHawk

Brunei Indonesia In Joint Exercise
By Sonia K

Bandar Seri Begawan - The Indonesian Air Force and its counterpart from Brunei Darussalam are currently engaged in a joint exercise codenamed "Brunesia Eagle III/07" in Banjarmasin, South Kalimantan, to strengthen the bilateral cooperation between the two countries' air forces, Antara News reported.

According to a press release from the Royal Brunei Armed Forces, the "Exercise Elang Brunesia is a Bilateral Exercise conducted annually between the

Royal Brunei Air Force (TUDB) and Tentera Nasional Indonesia - Angkatan Udara (TNI-AU). This year it is conducted in Banjarmasin, Kalimantan, from April 27 to May 5.

"Sixty-nine personnel including four from the Support Service, Royal Brunei Armed Forces headed by Lt Col (U) Abu Bakar bin Metassim are involved in the exercise. Aircraft from TUDB that are involved in the exercise are CN 235 Fixed-Wing aircraft, Blackhawk, Bell 212 and BO 105 helicopters.

"This exercise is conducted in two parts namely the Command Post Exercise (CPX) and the Air Manoeurve Exercise (AMX)," it further added.

According to Antara News, "The third joint exercise is aimed at strengthening the cooperation between both nations' air forces in air operation," Air Commodore Yunianto, Operation Deputy Assistant to the Air Force Chief of Staff, said when he officially launched the joint exercise at Sjamsudin Noor Air Force Base in Banjarmasin, Monday.

Meanwhile, the Director of the Brunesia Eagle I11/07 joint exercise, Colonel Deri Pemba Syafar, said in his report that the exercise's activities are focused on combat, search and rescue operations.

"For the joint exercise, the Indonesian Air Force has mobilised two CN-235 planes from Halim Perdana Kusmu Air Force base in Jakarta, a Super Puma helicopter NAS 332 and a special Air Force unit," Antara News added. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

TheHawk

DYTM DPMM, TIMBALAN SULTAN BERKENAN MENERIMA MENGADAP DARI REPUBLIK RAKYAT CHINA

TheHawk

DYTM DPMM, TIMBALAN SULTAN BERKENAN BERANGKAT KE SAMBUTAN 50 TAHUN RADIO BRUNEI @ RADIO TELEVISYEN BRUNEI

TheHawk

Police Recover Stolen Jewellery From Goldsmiths
By Liza Mohd

Tutong - Stolen jewelleries were recovered from three local goldsmiths in Bandar Seri Begawan and Tutong by Belait CID police personnel after they solved 20 major theft cases in the country involving over 150 stolen items worth over B$20,000.

Police from the Belait District headquarters in Panaga found local goldsmiths purchasing stolen jewelleries illegally, thereby breaching the terms of their business licence, a police official said. Various jewelleries were also seized from a gold collector who sold few of them to a foreigner. The police have successfully traced the valuables in Miri and Kuala Lumpur. CID personnel recovered items such as a 18k gold Rolex watch, laptops, branded mobile phones, a digital video camera, a Playstation, a piggy bank with $250 worth of coins and sports shoes among others which were stolen from 13 homes in Belait, four in Tutong, two in Sengkurong and a house in Muara.

These eventually led to the arrest of four local men aged between 18 and 27 years, who pleaded not guilty April 17 at the Intermediate Court to several counts of housebreaking charges under Section 457 of the Penal Code, which carries a

maximum imprisonment term of 15 years and whippings. Two of the suspects have been released on court bail of $15,000 or two local sureties while the remaining two suspects are currently remanded after the prosecution objected bail for failing to report to the relevant section in order to facilitate investigation. The two suspects will be remanded until the next trial date set on January 28 next year. The police also said that three of the suspects have three impending theft cases against them.

The thefts were committed between August 2006 and March this year. The Police said the defendants allegedly broke into the homes through the window air conditioner hole and by pulling up sliding doors. The suspects also allegedly managed to intrude into a house installed with a home alarm system and escaped undetected.

Anyone who has made reports about stolen or missing items can head to the CID Unit, Belait Police District Headquarters in Panaga to identify the items. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

TheHawk

Deputy Sultan Launches Radio Brunei Celebrations
By Sobrina Rosli

Bandar Seri Begawan - His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Deputy Sultan, yesterday launched Radio Brunei's Golden Jubilee Anniversary celebrations at the Dewan Raya Hall of the Radio, Television Brunei building in the capital.

His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah launched the celebrations with a press of a button to unveil a video footage on the development of RTB's radio department during the last 50 years. A pasambah was then presented to His Royal Highness by Pg Dato Paduka Ismail Pg Mohamed, the Permanent Secretary of the Prime Minister's Office, before a recitation of a doa to bless the launch.

His Royal Highness then toured an exhibition held in conjunction with the golden anniversary of Radio Brunei and visited the Nur Islam and Pilihan Networks' studios.

In his welcoming speech the Permanent Secretary said, "Radio Brunei is not behind in terms of technological developments. The Radio Brunei began broadcasting with the analogue format, then switched to transmission of the stereo FM which was introduced in the 1970s. At present Radio Brunei is on a trial transmission with the digital dam format."

"Radio Brunei also entered cyberspace in 1999 through NetRadio. Alhamdulillah, that Radio Brunei can be heard all over the world," he added.

The presence of the radio system in Brunei can be attributed to Pd-Marhum Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Saadul Khairi Waddien who had the vision of equipping the sultanate with a system that would link it to the entire country.

In conjunction with the golden anniversary, the Dewan Raya of RTB will be holding-die-exhibition for five days, which began yesterday and continue till Sunday. The exhibition is open to public from 8am to 4.30pm. Radio Brunei was born at exactly 7.45pm on the evening of May 2, 1957 using a 1.2 kilowatt transmitter. Broadcasting was limited to only two hours and 15 minutes daily in the evenings: one and one half hours was for Malay programmes and 15 minutes for English programmes.

A year later, Radio Brunei was further equipped with its first Outside Broadcast (0B) unit which enabled the people of Brunei to experience live events without leaving their homes.

The Radio Brunei became a source of information for the people of Brunei especially during the sultanate's failed rebellion of 1962 where the radio increased its broadcasting time to eight hours a day ensuring the relaying of information on the developments. Bruneian families were also able to experience important events such as the renaming of Brunei Town to Bandar Seri Begawan. It was also during the same time when Brunei households were able to hear the coverage of the royal wedding of the then Crown Prince Pengiran Mahkota Hassanal Bolkiah to the then Duli Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Anak Saleha through the station.

The year 1965 was a turning point for Radio Brunei when the station's reach was extended nationwide, expansion of broadcasting through short wave in the Asia Pacific region and the addition of two channels, the Malay channel and an English/Chinese channel. In 1975 when Television Brunei was established Radio Brunei ceased to be part of the Department of Broadcasting and Information and the two were placed under Radio Television Brunei (RTB). -- Courtesy of The Brunei Times

TheHawk

Brunei Mark Labour Day
By Azlan Othman

Bandar Seri Begawan - For the first time in history, Brunei will observe Labour Day to comply with the obligation after being admitted as the 180th member to the International Labour Organisation (ILO) January 17, 2007.

To commemorate the Labour Day, a ceremony will be organised this Saturday (May 5) by the Labour Department of the Ministry of Home Affairs where an exhibition and talk on occupational health and safety will be held, Hazmin Hamzah, Assistant Commissioner of Labour and Head of Labour Standard Section of the Labour Department told the Bulletin. Internationally, Labour Day is observed May 1. This year's theme is "Health and Safety Awareness for All Workers".

The International Labour Organisation (ILO) website states that Brunei Darussalam has become the 180th Member State of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) following receipt in Geneva of a letter from Pehin Orang Kaya Johan Pahlawan Data Seri Setia Awg Hj Adanan, Brunei's Minister of Home Affairs, stating on behalf of the government that Brunei formally accepts the obligations of the ILO constitution.

Brunei Darussalam's membership became effective January 17, 2007. The country has been a member of the United Nations since September 21, 1984. Awg Hazmin added that government ministries and the private sector would hold talks and organise exhibitions on health and safety at workplaces to create more awareness. Issues on compensation for workers as a result of faulty health and safety aspects will also be touched.

Another officer at the Labour Department specialising in matters of compensation told the Bulletin that last year 123 cases of accidents at workplace were reported to the compensation and employee welfare division of the Labour Department compared to 130 cases in 2005 and 110 cases in 2004.

"The priority for health and safety aspects is focussed on construction sites followed by the garment sector and workshops. It is an obligation for an employer to compensate for mishaps occurring at the workplace. Employees must be covered with insurance and it is at the Labour Department that compensations are settled between the employees and employers," he said.

More-importantly, employers and employees will be invited to hear talks on such health and safety issues for workers, he said and added that the event will be held at the International Convention Centre in Berakas. Vocational and Technical schools will also take part in the exhibition.

The role of health and development ministries in scrutinising workers' safety will also be highlighted. An invited speaker from Occupational and Safety Division of the Ministry of Manpower, Singapore will also deliver a talk on health and safety issues.

Speakers from the Ministry of Health and from Brunei Shell Petroleum will also deliver talks. The three-day exhibition will begin May 5 and will be open from 10am to 4.30pm. The public is welcome to the exhibition and talk. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

TheHawk

Round-The-Clock Patrols In Kg Ayer
By Azaraimy & Yusrin J

Bandar Seri Begawan - The police will be carrying out round-the-clock patrols in Kg Ayer until May 14 to rid the water village of social nuisances such as loiterers.

The 14-day operation, which was launched on Tuesday night, involves over 40 officers from the Brunei District and Kg Ayer police stations, Police Reserve Unit and Marine Police. It is being led by the Brunei District Police's acting crime investigation officer.

Among the areas that the police are keeping a close eye on are Kg Saba, Kg Lorong Sikuna, Kg Bakut, Kg Pekan Lama, Pandai Besi, Kg Sungai Pandan, Kg Lorong Dalam, Kg Ujung Klinik and Kg Sungai Siamas.

So far no arrests have been made. The acting crime investigation officer reminded the youths not to get involved in crime or unhealthy social activities, as this would only harm their future.

He also encouraged members of the public to come forward if they have any information regarding illegal activities in the country. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

feathers

Originally posted by TheHawk at 2-5-2007 07:31 PM
12-Yr-Old Allegedly Hangs Herself
By Liza Mohd

Bandar Seri Begawan - A 12-year-old girl was found dead yesterdaymorning after she allegedly hanged herself at her home in Kampong Barnarea ...

ani bah,ni-aji......kesian ni cerita anak ani.....
ia marah n frust sal bapa nya nda menyuruh ia bejalan ngan boyfriend nya......
ia tah nah, umur 12 tahun, udah tia kan jalan ngan bf......

kesian family nya......

feathers

ni-aji....
mana cerita sal orang yang ilang di Bukit Shahbandar atu?
kedapatan udah kan?
meninggal kan?

TheHawk

Originally posted by feathers at 3-5-2007 05:27 PM


ani bah,ni-aji......kesian ni cerita anak ani.....
ia marah n frust sal bapa nya nda menyuruh ia bejalan ngan boyfriend nya......
ia tah nah, umur 12 tahun, udah tia kan jalan ngan bf...... ...

Awu kesian! Tapi kitani nda tau apa cerita sebanar nya. Abar nya polis ada membuat autopsy. Sama ada kana release atau nda results nya, nda tah kitani tau tu. Tunggu saja tah!

TheHawk

Originally posted by feathers at 3-5-2007 05:29 PM
ni-aji....
mana cerita sal orang yang ilang di Bukit Shahbandar atu?
kedapatan udah kan?
meninggal kan?

Dulu ada Hawk tedangar seorg bini2 tua ilang, tapi ia selamat. Pasal yg meninggal atu, nada Hawk mendangar. Yg d Tasek hari atu, stroke tu, atu meninggal, laki2. Dulu ada plg Hawk tedangar org tua cina sasat d Tutong, atu meninggal. Atu lagi kesian, keluar ia sudah dari dalam hutan, tapi telanggar kereta tia plg masa ia menahan kereta. Awu macam2 saja cerita kan di dangar.

holmes

Wah 1st time Brunei celebrate Labour Day...

tapi nape nada cuti sehari ah? :stp:

TheHawk

Mother Expresses Shock, Frustration Over 12-Year-Old Daughter's Death
By Rosli Abidin Yahya

Seria - The mother of a 12-year old girl who was found hanged in an empty room in a squatters' area in Seria last week expressed her frustration and disappointment over the death of her daughter.

The mother, Dayang Dulung said she was confused as to what had happened to her daughter.

"I am baffled and puzzled at the way she died. If she did commit suicide, I am still looking for an answer," she said when asked about the demise of her daughter, Dayang Norbaizura anak Belinang. Dayang Dulung and her family were receiving visitors from the National Development Party (NDP) last Thursday evening when she expressed her surprise and disappointment over the way her daughter decided to end her life.

Led by NDP deputy president Mahmud Morshidi Othman, the visitors also comprised NDP members Halim Hj Jumat, Mahdi Suhaili and Malai Hassan Othman.

The visitors handed over food donations to the Dayang Dulung and her family to express their condolences over the loss of their family member.

According to Dayang Dulung, her daughter - a primary 5 student of Sekolah Melayu Muhammad Alam Seria - was found hanged in an empty room situated next to the family's living quarters.

She said that her daughter told her that she wanted to go to toilet last Sunday evening, adding that that was the last time they saw her. Awang Belinang, the father looked for his daughter the next morning and found her hanging. The police are still investigating the case.-- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

TheHawk

RBA Suspends Flights To Frankfurt
By Azaraimy

Bandar Seri Begawan - Royal Brunei Airlines will be temporarily suspending Frankfurt services, the national air carrier announced on Friday.

RBA said it would reduce Frankfurt flights from four times to three times weekly on June 15, 2007. The remaining flights to Frankfurt will be suspended by September 10, 2007.

The temporary suspension is part of a gradual transition towards a network rationalisation and operationally efficient schedule for the airline.

Royal Brunei Airlines press release stated that it would organise the necessary arrangements for passengers who are affected by this temporary suspension. Passengers who have purchased tickets for these suspended flights would be offered a full refund, or re-accommodated. Affected passengers may call 2212222 or 3333737 for further information.

RBA flights to Bangkok will not be affected and will continue to operate normally. RBA provides scheduled services to 21 destinations across Asia, the Middle East, Australasia and Europe.

In the meantime, travel agencies here said travellers using RBA were mostly transit passengers, who are for example travelling to Europe via Frankfurt or tourists from Europe who use the- Brunei route to go to destinations such as Bali.

They said Frankfurt market has never been huge for the Sultanate; therefore the impact caused by the suspension would be kept minimal.

They said RBA's decision to suspend its Frankfurt services might be because RBA might not see it economically viable, or perhaps there could be some better arrangement made for those travelling to Europe.

Travel agencies here said most travellers taking the route at most would only make short transit stays in Brunei, at most one or two days.

Other travel agencies meanwhile said that they knew nothing about the suspension until the Bulletin asked about it. The agents added following the suspension, they have to re-route the other passengers who have booked their tickets already.

Some commented that with the plans underway for the acquisition of better aircraft, RBA could be planning a better or more profitable route for RBA to cater for those who travel to or from Europe. Some say London could be seen as a more efficient route for RBA taking European travellers. In a telephone interview with RBA Corporate Communications Vice President Mr Rozman Junaidi, he commented that the Frankfurt market was healthy, however RBA was currently reassessing its assets utilisation.

He pointed out that RBA's suspension of Frankfurt was not because it was not making profit.

As said recently, RBA was reevaluating its flight routes and this has led to the decision to temporarily suspend Frankfurt services from September 10, 2007, which could make way for a better route for RBA.

RBA however did not disclose how long the suspension would take, reassuring that the decision was made so that the airline could optimise the use of its assets.-- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

TheHawk

Imams Denounce Bomoh Followers
By Azlan Othman

Bandar Seri Begawan - Using charms and talismans of blackmagic by Bomohs in order to get rich quick or to find undying love among other things, was slammed by religious leaders here in their Friday sermon yesterday.

The Imams said improving one's health and wealth needs to be done the normal way and not by resorting to scamsters who posed off as all powerful beings.

Such vile tricksters have even raped defenceless women while pretending to cure them of certain ills and have misled gullible people to part with their life's savings. Besides being totally tricked, one also goes against the power of Allah the Almighty by agreeing with such supernatural antics, the religious leaders said. If one were to fall ill, there were qualified doctors and hospitals to treat one, the Imams said. As extra support one can use Islamic methods like honey or even Panadol, 'Zam Zam water from the Holy Land of Mecca or even the latest in medical findings, besides metaphysical cures like prayer, recitation of Quran, Dzikir or even the combination of both.

Acts of disbelief such as seeking power in talismans, Malay daggers, stones, rings, wood and so on which are used and worn in the body to 'protect'one against calamity or to cure illness is a big sin and unforgiven by Allah, Imams said.

"However if any alternative treatment is done besides the use of the Quran, such as strange language terms hardly understood or using symbols, then it is clearly a Bomoh practice that is against the teachings of Islam," they said.

Bomoh practice, which is against such Islamic teachings, could lead to disbelief in Allah the Almighty and is a big sin that is unforgivable. Muslim Ummahs should be cautious against such devious Bomoh malpractices that is against Islam as we have encountered many such deviationist cases that could easily influence fanatics who reject modern medicine. Rejecting physical medicine is against the Islamic teachings."

It is sad to note that there are certain Muslim Ummahs who opt to believe in these black magic men if they suffer from strange diseases or experiencing problems. They believe that Bomoh practice could cure the problems, retrieve stolen items, gain promotions and titles, enhance physical appearance, complexion, lure woman, gain extra physical strength, to `shield' the individual, hatred, love to find life's partner, to get four-digit lottery and so on.

There are also claims that `angels' could infiltrate Bomoh's body, and soul from the dead body and spirit. In fact it is the spirits of genies and Satan that enter the body, which relay the message to the Bomoh to describe extraordinary matters, in the future or at present, the Imams said.

It must be noted that the message relayed by the Satan is merely a lie aimed at disintegrating the Ummahs. It is unfortunate for those who acquired such Bomoh service that deviates, some of whom dares to even spend thousands of dollars for such services.

The most important aspect in practising religious life is to uphold Islamic faith. Hence Muslims are reminded to avoid being dragged or drifted to these devious teachings through Bomohs.-- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

TheHawk

Asean-EU Agree On Free Trade Talks
By Za'im Zaini

Bandar Seri Begawan - The Association of South East Asian Nations (Asean) and the European Union yesterday agreed to begin free trade talks with the objective of establishing a Free Trade Agreement.

This proposed agreement between ten member nations of the Asean and the 27 members of EU could easily, be the largest trade negotiation. While Asean commands a total population of around 560 million people the EU's total population is close to 500 million. The proposed Free Trade Agreement will provide for comprehensive trade and investment liberalisation. This was the outcome of talks between yesterday's Asean Economic Ministers and European Union Trade Commissioner on the launch of Negotiations for the AseanEU Free Trade Agreement. It was jointly announced by Dato Seri Rafidah Aziz Minister of International Trade and Industry, Malaysia, who co-chaired the Asean Economic Ministers - European Union Consultations and Mr Peter Mandelson, the EU Trade Commissioner during a press conference.

Although no time frame was set, Dato Seri Rafidah Aziz said, Ministers have agreed to enter into the FTA negotiations mindful of their commitments, rights and. obligations under-existing membership to multilateral, regional and bilateral agreements. Ministers agreed that the negotiating process would be based on a region-to-region approach, which recognises and takes into account the different levels of development and capacity of individual Asean Member Countries.

A joint committee comprising senior officials from all Asean Member Countries and EU shall be established to develop the details of the modalities, work programme and time schedule for negotiating the Asean-EU FTA.

Throughout the negotiating process, measures will also be considered to support and strengthen the process of Asean Economic integration, including through the activities of the Trans-Regional EU-Asean Trade Initiative or (TREATI).

Dato Seri Rafidah Aziz also mentioned on the expanding growth of trade between Asean and EU where "trade between Asean and EU continues to expand amounting to US$137 Billion in 2005, an increase of seven per cent from US$128 Billion in 2004."

EU as a group is the largest foreign investor in Asean, with investments totalling US$7.1 Billion in 2005 or 19 per cent of total FDI into Asean.

EU trade commissioner Peter Mandelson said "This is the culmination of two years of preparation, I think this is a very important, further step in relations between the EU and Asean and I'm glad that we're kicking this off today." In relation to this Dato Seri Rafidab Aziz, said during the press conference, "They are dedicated for a mechanism form of platform for information dissemination for the private sector such as information on policy guidelines."

In addition to reaching an agreement on the launch of FTA negotiations, the Ministers discussed bilateral and regional economic developments and economic cooperation and reiterated their full support for an early, ambitious conclusion of the Doha Development Agenda negotiations.

With the positive trade and investment trends between both regions, it is imperative for both sides to pursue a comprehensive economic engagement. Since EU is also negotiating FTAs with other major trading partners of Asean, the launch of this negotiation is also well timed.

Among the technical cooperation initiatives undertaken are Trans Regional EU-Asean Initiative (TREATI); AseanEU Programme for regional integration support (APRIS); Asean-EU Regional Cooperation Programme on Standards, Quality, and Conformance Assessment; Asean-EC Intellectual Property Rights Cooperation Programme (ECAP II) and Asean-EC Energy Cooperation Programme I EC-Asean Energy Facility (EURASEF).

In a media release from the Ministry of International Trade and Industry of Malaysia "Malaysia supports the negotiations between Asean and EU towards establishing an Asean-EU free trade agreement (Asean-EU FTA). EU is both Asean's and Malaysia's major trading partner."

On the sidelines of the meeting, Mr Ong Keng Yong Secretary General ofAsean told the press, "With the FTA, trade and investment flow is expected to rise by 10-18 per cent, depending on the general climate of trade, this is the first step, it will take some time.

He also mentioned on the Doha Development Agenda Negotiations and said" the meeting raised the issue of Doha, he urged to look at the other issues and not only focus on agricultural issues that will delay the Doha round from completion."

After the press conference, Asean Economic Ministers had an informal consultation with Japan's Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry.

Representing Brunei at the 13th Asean Economic Ministers Retreat was Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade II Pehin Orang Kaya Pekerma Dewa Dato Seri Setia Awg Lim Jock Seng. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

TheHawk

Labour Day Call On Pay & Worker Safety
By Azlan Othman

Bandar Seri Begawan - The Minister of Home Affairs urged employers to look after the welfare of employees and abide to the regulations such as the Labour Act and Workers Compensation Act, along with the provision of proper accommodation, payment of wages within the period to their workers and not to abuse the work pass.

An employer's failure to pay wages within the time frame to employees upsets the worker, his lamily, jeopardises harmony of the company and disrupts public order. Pehin Orang Kaya Johan Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awg Hj Adanan made this observation at the inaugural Labour Day celebration at the International Convention Centre yesterday.

He also called on private sector employers to be more committed in hiring locals to reduce the number of job seekers and unemployment in the country.

Workers on the other hand are urged to acquire multiple skills, acquire more knowledge and be willing to multi-task in line with development and future challenges.

May 1 marks Labour Day and is celebrated by member nations of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) worldwide in accordance to their respective environment and appropriateness. Speaking on the inaugural Labour Day, Pehin Dato Hj Adanan said Brunei was accepted as the 180th member of the ILO and observed Labour Day 2007 for the first time in jointly appreciating the contributions and services of workers especially in the private sector.

The theme for this year's Labour Day reads `Health and Safety Awareness for All Workers'. The ILO reported that work-related accidents and illnesses claimed 2.2 million lives annually while 270 million workers suffer injuries at workplace and another 160 million workers bear workrelated illnesses annually. The ILO emphasized on the importance of decent work and its relation to occupational safety and health.

Pehin Dato Hj Adanan said in Brunei, statistics from the Compensation, Workers Safety and Health of the Labour Department stated that compensation were given to 123- cases last year (2006) compared to 130 in 2005 and 110 in 2004.

Most accidents occurred in the construction sector, he said. Meanwhile, the Safety Unit of the Ministry of Development recorded three deaths in 2004 in construction sites, the highest to date.

"Though the figure is small, we should not be complacent, but to j ointly shoulder the responsibility with the government through the relevant agencies to take safety at workplace seriously and continuously monitor and protect workers from accidents," Pehin Dato Hj Adanan said.

"Realising the importance of safety and health at workplace, the government of His Majesty through the Labour Department and relevant agencies are striving in the provision of laws relating to occupational safety and health. In addition, the provision of Safety and Health Standards is in the pipeline to ensure adequate protection to the workers," he said.

Pehin Dato Hi Adanan urged employers to be alert to their employees' needs including providing a conducive working environment and comfortable accommodation. The culture of worker safety and security should be assimilated through awareness programmes like the provision of manuals and guidelines, hands-on and practical experience sharing.

The celebration was also highlighted with a talk presented by Mr Gob Chye Guan, Deputy Director of Industry Capability Building Department, Occupational Safety & Health Division of Singapore's Ministry of Manpower. An exhibition participated by 14 ministries and companies are open to the public for three days (May 5-7) from 8.30am to 4.30pm at the ICC.-- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

TheHawk

Prince Mohamed Talks Trade With Japan Minister
By Za'im Zaini

Bandar Seri Begawan - His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, yesterday received Mr Akira Amari, Japan's Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, at the Balai Penghadapan Bukit Kayangan.

His Royal Highness welcomed Mr Akira and discussed cooperation in trade and investment. His Royal Highness welcomes Japan's investment in the downstream oil and gas industries in Brunei Darussalam and encouraged more investment by Japan in other areas as well.

Mr Akira is in the country leading the Japanese delegation to the Asean Economic Ministers' informal consultation meeting with Japan, which took place on Friday. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

TheHawk

Brunei Methanol Co Signs Project Financing Documents
By P. Marilyn

Bandar Seri Begawan - The Brunei Methanol Company Sdn Bhd (BMC) reached another milestone yesterday with the signing of financing agreements necessary to fund the construction of the first methanol plant in the Sultanate.

The construction of the world-class methanol plant, which has a production capacity of 850, 000 metric tonnes/year, will cost approximately USD$ 400 million. The entire project involves a total investment of more than half a billion US dollars.

As the project involves a significant amount of investment, BMC, through its financing advisor, Bank of Tokyo Mitsubishi UFJ, Ltd (BTMU) has successfully negotiated for the project to be financed on a limited recourse 慞roject Finance' basis.

This international project financing is the first of its kind for Brunei Darussalam. Yesterday's signing ceremony was held at Rizqun International Hotel in Gadong.

Present as the co-guests of honour at the signing ceremony were Brunei's Minister of Energy, Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Utama Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Yahya and Japan's Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, Mr Akira Amari.

The ceremony saw the signing of the common terms agreement between Mr Kinya Tsuji, CEO of BMC, Mr Koji Tanami, Deputy Governor and Managing Director of Japan Bank of International Cooperation (JBIC) and Mr Tetsuo Iwata, Managing Executive Officer of BTMU. Representatives for the shareholders from BMC - Mr Akira Ohira, Chairman of Mitsubishi Gas Chemicals Company Inc (MGC); Haji Mohd Ja'afar Hj Awang Bakar, CEO of Brunei National Petroleum Company (PetroleumBRUNEI); Haji Iskandar HajiYahya, Chairman of PB Petrochemical (PetroleumBRUNEI's subsidiary); and Mr Uichiro Niwa, Chairman of ITOCHU Corporation (ITC) - were also signatories of the agreement.

Formal negotiations between the representatives of the project shareholders, comprising MGC, PetroleumBRUNEI, ITC and JBIC started in 2005, following the signing of the shareholders' joint venture agreement.

The development of the project is to be financed via approximately 65 per cent of project financing facility led by JBIC who provides 70 per cent of the total project loan amount, whilst the remaining 30 per cent is provided by a syndication of commercial banks comprising BTMU, Mizuho Corporate Bank, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC) and Standard Chartered Bank.

During the signing ceremony, Japan's Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry highlighted the long working ties between Brunei Darussalam and Japan noting that Brunei Darussalam has been a major supplier of oil and gas to Japan, arid has been supplying LNG to Japan longer than any other country.

"Japan is pleased that both its government and private sectors are able to play a role in the establishment of a new industry in Brunei Darussalam, in the form of technology from Japanese private enterprise and financing from JBIC and private sources," he added.

Meanwhile, the CEO of PetroleumBRUNEI in his speech underscored the importance of the cooperation offered by JBIC to share its knowledge and skills in project financing. "Such cooperation is important in the development of our people to meet our ambitious plans. The plan includes expanding our business in the upstream, midstream and downstream areas of the petroleum industry both in the domestic and international arena," he added.

"This is just the first step of many exciting things to come. We will also explore other opportunities arising from this project such as derivatives and shipping," he continued. Mr Koji Tanami, Deputy Governor and Managing Director of JBIC, said the project is also important from the Japanese perspective, since it contributes to the stable supply of methanol resource to Japan.

"With the Brunei Methanol project taking the very first step forward, JBIC is ready to provide support for the successful construction and operation of the project, jointly with the Brunei government and the sponsors, by utilising a variety of manners," said IvIr Tanami.

Mr Niwa, Chairman of ITOCHU Corporation, stressed the importance of efforts, cooperation and understanding between the Japanese counterpart and Brunei Darussalam as a host country, as a key factor to making the collaboration a huge success. Just recently, BMC has signed several project operational agreements required for the physical construction and operation of the plant.

Yesterday's signing of the project financing documents signifies the successful achievement of the final component, that is, the necessary funding for BMC to commence with construction works towards realising Brunei Darussalam's first worldclass methanol plant, and bringing it fully into commercial operation by 2010.-- Courtesy of Borneo Bulleti