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Civil service personnel attends Al-Quran guidance programme
By Jon Tampoi 
Participants register prior to the programme. - JON TAMPOIThe programme on guidance in accordance to the al-Quran continued yesterday and was attended by tworepresentatives from each ministry and department at the Dewan Pencapaian, Civil Service Institute Buildingin Gadong.The event, which commenced on Sept 22 and will conclude on Oct 9, is being held by the Civil ServiceInstitute of the Prime Minster Office, coordinated by Pg Ali Noor Pg Hj Ismail and Asdianah Ahmad andassisted by Hjh Arnie Hj Alli and Hjh Noor Rashidah Hj Hitam.
Present to speak at the event were Ustaz Mohd Hashim bin Hj Abdullah from the Sultan Hj Hassanal BolkiahTahfiz Al-Quran Institute and Ustaz Hj Noralizam bin Hj Ali Akhbar from the Islamic Dakwah Centre.
The programme is one of the Civil Service Institute's efforts in carrying on His Majesty's wish to uphold theal-Quran in the administration system and daily operation of the civil service.
The civil service is also one of the organisations that play a main role in shaping and creating civil servicestaff towards excellence in accordance to the guidance presented in the al-Quran. |
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New centre to lend unemployed youths a hand
By Liza Mohd 
Head of Youth Development Centre Dayang Hajah Fatimah delivering a speech at the roadshow. - LIZA MOHDIt is difficult to secure employment without proper qualifications. Therefore, with the establishment of theYouth Development Centre, it is hoped that local youths will take advantage of the opportunity provided bythe government.This was said by Head of Youth Development Centre Dayang Hajah Fatimah binte Pehin Penyurat HajiMohd Salleh in her speech at a Youth Development Centre roadshow at the Belait District Office yesterday.
She also said the roadshow was aimed at disseminating information on the centre and the various courseson offer.
Youths should nurture themselves so they will not overlook the development in the era of globalisation as itcould be a major problem to the country to have unproductive youngsters, she added.
The centre is planning to hold a similar roadshow in various mukims in the four districts, she said. At theroadshow, youths can interact with the centre's officials and staff, who are on hand to answer all queries.
Meanwhile, present at yesterday's roadshow as the chief guest was Assistant Belait District Officer AwangShahminan bin Haji Tengah.
Also in attendance was Assistant to the Head Officer of Youth and Sports Department Awang Haswandi binHaji Osman, who delivered a talk on the functions and roles of the Youth Development Centre.
Before the Youth Development Centre was launched, a pilot project under the Youth and SportsDepartment, "Youth Training and Development Scheme", was implemented at the Youth Centre in BandarSeri Begawan, from 1992 to 1995.
On May 11, 1996, the scheme was renamed "Youth Development Programme", and the administrationmoved to the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports.
On June 2, 1996, it was relocated to the current Youth Development Centre building.
The objectives of the establishment are: to train youths to prepare for employment; to increase skills of theseyoungsters; to create opportunity for them to acquire experience; to provide advice on work-relatedinformation; and to coordinate with respective employers on work allocation.
Five courses are available at the centre: computer and office management; cakes and pastry making;cookery and catering; makeup and hair styling; and basic stitch and embroidery.
Youths who are interested in enrolling in the programme can obtain the application forms at the YouthDevelopment Centre, and for those living outside the Brunei-Muara District, forms are obtainable at theYouth Centres in other districts.
There are currently 152 youths undertaking various courses at the centre. |
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Thieves turn their attention to cars
By Azlan OthmanSixteen cars and house break-ins were recorded in the last three days in the second week of Ramadhanwith a Playstation game console among the list of electrical goods stolen, the police said.Two cars were broken into where two mobile phones and a lap-top have gone missing, while another car, awhite Toyota Corolla bearing the registration number BJ 6589, "disappeared".
Three theft cases happened at Kg Jangsak, Kg Kiarong and housing site in Lorong 3 in Seria. Itemssnatched were a cable wire, $1,945 and a crane battery.
Another 10 thefts were reported where five wrist watches, $1,112, important documents, window slidingdoor, two mobile phones, jewellery, TV set, an amplifier, digital camera, a Playstation and lap top wentmissing.
The incidents occurred at Kg Manggis II, Jln 11 and Jln 31 in Kg Perpindahan Lambak Kanan, Kg TanjongBunut, Kg Jangsak, a restaurant in Mile I in Jln Tutong, Jln Tungku Link, Kg Mata-Mata and Taman PermataHijau in Kg Lambak Kanan. A 19-year-old man was detained in one of the cases, while another two werealso questioned.
The police also said two women were detained in two fraud cases, while a man was questioned fortrespassing.
Another three men were detained over three assaults and two men were questioned for vandalism.
Two local men were detained for amisuse of drugs, while four foreigners were apprehended for immigrationoffences.
The police also recorded 10 car collisions and nine self-accidents with three minor injuries.
Meanwhile, the police reiterated the need for drivers to be extra alert when leaving their vehicles unattendedor for a quick stop to withdraw cash. They also advised motorists not to leave valuables inside their cars. |
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108 receive Zakat money
By Amin Hosni 
Guest of honour overlooking an individual receiving the Zakat. | 
Guest of honour. | 
Waiting to collect their Zakat. |
For the year 2007, an estimate $9.72 million in proceeds from the collection of Zakat (tithe) Fitrah and Hartawill be distributed to 16,186 people in need, consisting 3,747 heads of families and 12,439 family members.More than 98 per cent of the 3,747 will receive their tithe through their bank accounts.
Statistics showed that in 2006, the Zakat Harta collected in Brunei Darussalam totalled $8,815,145.57, whilethe Zakat Fitrah amounted to $804,575.10.
In 2005, however, a total of $18,956,006.76 was collected from Zakat Harta, and $780,789.97 was collectedthrough Zakat Fitrah.
To date, the highest amount collected for the Zakat Harta was in 2002, amounting to $18,956,006.76, whilethe highest recorded collection for the Zakat Fitrah was $1,492,110.70, back in 2003.
The statistics were revealed during a get-together for the distribution of Zakat Fitrah, which was held at theJame Asr' Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque.
Present as guest of honour was Acting Minister of Religious Affairs Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka SeriSetia Ustaz Haji Awang Badaruddin bin Pengarah Dato Paduka Haji Othman.
Also present at the event was Permanent Secretary at Majlis Ugama Islam Haji Abdul Wahab bin Haji Sapar.
The function opened with a surah al-Fatihah, following which a speech was delivered by the guest of honour.
In his speech, the guest of honour said the allocation of Zakat Fitrah for this year is only $268,632.84 - to bedistributed to 16,186 people in need - while the total amount should stand at $747,870.
To meet that figure, $479,237.16 will be taken from other allocations, including from Majlis Ugama Islam.
As for the Zakat Harta, only $2,956,070.54 was collected this year. The total amount should stand at$8,974,440.
Hence, the remaining $6,018,369.46 will also be taken from other allocations, including from Majlis UgamaIslam.
The guest of honour also noted that the collection of Zakat in 2006 had increased by 3.05 per cent from theprevious year, increasing by $23,785.
However, the Zakat Harta collected right up until August 31, 2007 had decreased by 41.43% from theprevious year, with the total amounting to $8,868,211.54, which is a decrease of $6.27million.
Statistics on the zakat distribution for all individuals who have received it were also shown.
In 2006, $16,371,169.18 was distributed to people in need. In 2005, the zakat distributed to people in needdropped to $8,546,883.75, while in 2004, a sum of $14,604,718.72 was distributed.
In 2003, a sum of $10,547,239.47 was given, while in 2002, at its lowest, only $7,705,387.78 was distributed.
The distribution from the Zakat Fitrah collection is $100 for each family and $30 for each family member,while for the Zakat Harta, $1,200 is given to each family and $360 for each family member.
Of the 3,747 heads of families who will receive the Zakat, a large number will receive it through accountbooks from Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam (BIBD) and Perbadanan Tabung Amanah Islam Brunei (TAIB) inmonthly payments for 12 months.
The event yesterday allowed the guest of honour to mingle with 108 people in need from the Brunei-MuaraDistrict, who do not yet have their account books.
The 108 individuals yesterday received the zakat money. The total amount distributed for the first paymentwas $41,460.00.
In the Brunei-Muara District, there are a total of 9,839 people consisting of 2,144 heads of families and 7,695family members.
In the Belait District, the figure stands at 3,167, of which 792 are heads of families and 2,375 are familymembers.
In the Tutong District, there are 2,360 people in need, consisting of 565 heads of families and 1,795 familymembers, while in the Temburong District, there are 820 people in need, consisting of 246 heads of familiesand 574 family members.
Zakat is also given to the 'muallaf' or those who have converted to Islam. There are currently 3,001 muallafconsisting of 2,292 heads of families and 709 family members.
Each head of family will receive $300 and each family member will receive $230.
In the Brunei-Muara District, there are 1,151 muallafs, while in the Belait District there are 649. In the Tutongand Temburong districts, there are currently 971 and 230 muallafs respectively.
In 2006 alone, Majlis Ugama Islam distributed Zakat to a total amount of $16,371,169 as followed: FakirMiskin - $13,544,890.39, Amil - $142,102.01, Muallaf - $1,400,295.76 and Al-Gharimin - $1,283,881.02. |
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New Asst CEO at the BEDB
By Yazdi YahyaThe Brunei Economic Development Board announced yesterday that HisMajesty The Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam hasconsented to the secondment of Dr Haji Abdul Manaf bin Haji Husseinfrom the Department of Economic Planning and Development, PrimeMinister's Office to the BruneiEconomic Development Board starting from October 1, 2007.According to a press release from the Brunei Economic Development Board (BEDB), Dr Haji Abdul Manafwill hold the position of Assistant Chief Executive Officer responsible for stakeholder relations at the BruneiEconomic Development Board.
He will also be a member of the BEDB's senior management team, which comprises of the Chairman, theChief Executive Officer and three other Assistant Chief Executive Officers responsible for InfrastructureDevelopment, Investment Promotion and Corporate Affairs.
Dr Haji Abdul Manaf, who has a PhD in Management from the University of Kent, United Kingdom, ispresently the Director of Policy and Coordination at the Department of Economic Planning and Development,Prime Minister's Office and was a former Deputy Dean at the Universiti Brunei Darussalam. |
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Malaysian star hopes to visit Brunei during Hari Raya
By May Ling 
SiSerina relaxes at DeRoyalle Caf |
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Carnival Sale at Indoor Stadium
By Za'im Zaini 
Various items sold include laptops, books and reading material. | 
Carpets and rugs get a lot of attention. |
Crowds flocked to the Ramadhan Carnival Sale at the National Indoor Stadium yesterday that sellseverything from accessories, carpets to laptops and offering good bargains.The 10-day carnival which opened its doors to the public yesterday, will be on till Oct 7 (open 10am to10pm).
According to Capt (R) A.H. Amran bin Haji Aman, Managing Director of A.M.F. Mas Event ManagementServices, the organizers of the carnival, said the Ramadhan Sale Carnival has 30 booths participated by 22companies.
The National Indoor Stadium was chosen as it is in a quite densely populated area and with Ramadhan stallsnearby, it is strategic.
The carnival's concept is that it does not only sell Hari Raya items.
The response from local entrepreneurs has been overwhelming.
Among those spotted there, NurSabrina Haji Said, 25, said: "The carnival does offer really good bargainsplus booths that showcased laptops and IT products, it adds to the attraction of the carnival."
She also noted that this is not the only carnival she has come across but could be her fifth or sixth andobserved that compared to last year, there are more carnival sales this time.
[ Last edited by holmes at 1-10-2007 08:53 AM ] |
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More accidents recorded in Belait
By Hanni ABD 
The saloon car which swerved into the swamp area along Lorong Lima in Jalan Tengah, Seria. | 
The 4WD vehicle at the scene of the accident. - PHOTOS: HANNI ABD |
A number of road accidents have been reported in the Belait District during this Ramadhan month so policepersonnel are cautioning road users not to speed and exercise patience when driving, particularly during thewet season.In Badas along the Lumut bypass area, a 4WD vehicle collided with a lorry while in another mishap, a salooncar lost control and swerved into the swamp along Lorong Lima in Jalan Tengah Seria. |
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One-stop shopping for Raya needs
By Suria Rina PHA & Huraizah Ahmad 
A booth selling 'tudongs' of various designs and styles at the expo. - HURAIZAH AHMADMari Beramadhan Expo which was officiated yesterday offers basic necessities for the upcoming Rayacelebrations. The expo is held at the Atrium Hall of The Mall in Gadong and participated by more than 20exhibitors.The expo features a wide selection of Raya necessities such as artificial flowers, household products,brooches for the ladies, carpets, Raya biscuits and cakes, ready-made baju melayu and kurong, scarves andmany more.
According to the organiser, the expo is aimed at giving an opportunity for the small and mediumentrepreneurs in the country to promote their products.
One participant at the expo said that the expo is a better and easy way for them to market their products andit is an opportunity to meet buyers face-to-face.
The "Mari Beramadhan Expo" is open to all the members of the public from 10am to 10pm. |
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Local SMEs invited to attend 4th China-Asean Expo in Nanning City
By Rosli Abidin YahyaThe Federation of Brunei Malay Entrepreneurs (PPPMB) will be organising a trip to China to attend the 4thChina-Asean (the Association of Southeast Asian Nations) Expo to be held in Nanning next month.Members of the federation who wish to join the trip can contact secretary general Duraman bin Kassim(8118097), permanent chairman Hj Muhammad bin Mokti (8650024) or Treasurer General Hj Abd Hamid binHj Abdullah (8648694).
Duraman said members will be departing from Brunei on Oct 26 and will be in China for about 10 days.
The 4th China-Asean Expo will take place in Nanning City, Guangxi Province, China from Oct 28 until 31.
The expo will feature four outdoor pavilions - namely commodity trade, investment cooperation, agriculturalapplicable technology and cities of charm - with 3,000 international standard booths comprising 2,500 indoorand 500 outdoor booths.
About 2,000 booths will be occupied by domestic enterprises in China including enterprises of foods andpacking machinery, power equipment and construction materials.
The CAEXPO secretariat in its website said five of the 10 Asean countries have reserved individualexhibition halls.
Selected Brunei companies will also exhibit their products under the pavilion of the Ministry of Industry andPrimary Resources.
Exhibits from Asean countries will include metals and minerals, automobiles and auto accessories,handicrafts, agricultural and food products.
The six main Asean ports - Port Singapore of Singapore, Port Jakarta and Port Surabaya of Indonesia, PortSwettenham of Malaysia, Port Subic of Philippines and Port Da Nang of Vietnam - will also be taking anactive part in the 'China-Asean Port Development and Cooperation Forum', a side-event at the expo.
Other side events of CAEXPO include promotion conferences of the 10 Asean countries, business matchingprogrammes for investment projects of the 4th CAEXPO and cocktail party for Asean investment andcooperation project releasing and business matching.
There will also be promotion conferences on agricultural applicabletechnological projects of China, China-Asean forum on state farmcooperation, business matching programme for the development &constructionof coastal city and port industry in Hebei Province, seminar on"Greatly Upgrading the Innovation Capabilityof Equipment Manufacturers", China-Asean Forum on Development ofBuilding Material & Household WareMarket, Business Matching Programme, Exhibitor's Rostrum, seminar onInvestment Risk Management inthe Asean Region and networking programme for women entrepreneurs ofChina and Asean.
[ Last edited by holmes at 1-10-2007 08:58 AM ] |
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BATA advises tourists to keep receipts when travelling
By Azaraimy HHBrunei Association of Travel Agents (BATA) said they are looking into the matter following a news report"Tourist Fleeced by Agents" published on the Weekend, Sept 15.In this regard, BATA have advised all tourists who visit Brunei to ask for an official receipt for all payments.So, it is clear what the payment is for, BATA said in a letter sent to the editor on Friday.
In the article, the Bulletin reported that tourists from China said they were charged an additional $80 fee perperson for processing their travel documents upon arrival at the Brunei airport, even though they claimed toalready have visas. In the report, Brunei Tourism Chief, Sheikh Jamaluddin Sheikh Mohamed, saidovercharging tourists could dampen Brunei's effort to promote tourism. The tourism chief observed that thetravel agent may have had a valid point as to why they charged the extra fee. However, adding that if it wasonly for visa, $80 per individual could be way too much.
A senior official for the Immigration Enforcement Unit also told the Weekend that if tourists want to enter thecountry they must pay for a visa, which may just cost from $20 to $30, saying that it depended on the travelagency and how they put together their travel package. He added that if they only charged them this feewhen they arrived in Brunei, the cost could be higher than $20 because there could be other additional costsas well.
A travel agent, however, in response to the complaint, said in the report that the whole affair could havebeen a misunderstanding, especially due to language problems.
He told the Weekend in the report, that they would usually charge $100 for one or two individual tourists ifthey arrived without a visa - $20 to get the visa stamped and another $80 to cover the costs involved.
Any concerns in respect of tourists should be addressed to either the Tourism Department at the Ministry ofIndustry and Primary Resources at tel: 2382822 or the Brunei Association of Travel Agents at tel:2237935/2237838 - President or 2423983 - Secretary. |
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$1 notes in high demand for Raya
By Azlan OthmanOne-dollar notes fresh from the Brunei Currency Board is high on the list of bookings among customers whogive them away during the upcoming Hari Raya celebrations, bank sources said. Trailing from behind are thenew and crispy $5 and $10 notes."As the festive Hari Raya is about 13 days away, customers are calling for the new dollar notes for 'duit raya'and orders have been made from the government currency board.
"However, since the notes are in high demand, it would be on a first-come, first-served basis," the sourcesaid.
It has been a tradition to give 'duit raya' green packets not only to children but also to adults.
Meanwhile, banks across the country no longer offer 'holiday loan' or 'deferred payment' promotion forcustomers with personal loan during this month to cater the increasing expenditure during Hari Raya.
Banks, including TAIB, BIDB and HSBC, said they did not offer such service to their customers.
One bank staff said several banks used to offer such service where the customers would receive full salaryscale during such festive season, but this has been stopped. During those days, those who requested forsuch deferred payment had their personal loan deducted twice during year-end annual bonus.
"As the government servant started to receive their annual bonus at the end of December and not at the endof January, the annual bonus would be used to buy school accessories for the start of the new school term,"the source said.
Several observers lauded such moves made by the bank. This would also discourage over-spending for HariRaya, especially when crossing the border and encourage the attitude of saving. |
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Royalty at National Nuzul al-Quran
By Aemy Azlena & Yazdi Yahya 
His Majesty at International Conference Centre's Plenary Hall. - H MEGA | 
His Majesty presenting a trophy to the Category B winner. - AZROL AZMI | 
His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, HRH Prince Abdul Malik and HRH Prince Abdul Mateen. - AZROL AZMI | 
Category A winner gives her recital. - AZROL AZMI | 
A special talk from Senior Special Duties Officer at Ministry of Religious Affairs. - H MEGA |
The National Nuzul al-Quran is one of Brunei's most important Islamic events. it was held last night at theInternational Conference Centre's Plenary Hall. Consenting to attend the celebration was His Majesty theSultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam and other members of the Royal Family.Also consenting to attend were His Royal Highness Prince Hj Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince andSenior Minister at Prime Minister's Office, HRH Prince Abdul Malik and HRH Prince Abdul Mateen.
Upon arrival, His Majesty and the Royal Family were welcomed by Pehin Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz HjBadaruddin Pengarah Dato Paduka Hj Othman, the Acting Minister of Religious Affairs cum DeputyChairman of the Executive Committee for Important Days in Islam.
For the year of 1428 Hijrah, the grand Islamic celebration's theme is "Memperkasa Iltizam KehidupanBerugama". It was jointly organised and managed by the Ministry of Religious Affairs, the Ministry of HomeAffairs, as well as the Fire and Rescue Department.
The evening began with a reading of the al-Fatihah led by Pehin Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Hj Abd AzizJuned, the State Mufti. This was followed by a welcoming speech from Pehin Dato Paduka Seri Setia UstazHj Badaruddin Pengarah Dato Paduka Hj Othman, the Acting Minister of Religious Affairs, who commentedon the changes and improvements that have been made to the competition, as well as thanking thecontributors.
His Majesty then consented to deliver a Titah, which focused on the Holy Quran and its role in the life ofpeople for guidance.
The event was enlivened with a special talk entitled "Memperkasa Iltizam Kehidupan Berugama: ConductingReligious Affairs with the Guidance of al-Quran", which was presented by Ustazah Zasia Sirin, the SeniorSpecial Duties Officer at Ministry of Religious Affairs.
The highlight of the celebration was the announcement of winners of the Finals of the Citation andUnderstanding of the al-Quran in conjunction with the Nuzul al-Quran Celebration, which was done by UstazMohd Hasyim Hj Abdullah, with the accompaniment of a video clip.
The winners for Category A for children 10 years of age and below included first place winner MujibatunnNuhaa Hj Sadini, followed by Afiq Haririe Hj Md Daud and Nur Nadhirah Sh'minan in second and third placesrespectively.
In Category B, for participants between the ages of 10 and 15, the winners were Nor Azriah Hj Abdul Aziz infirst place, followed by Siti Musfirah Misli and Siti Hafizah Al-Haziqah Aripin@Arifin in second and thirdplaces respectively.
In Category C, for those 30 years and below, Mohammad Huzailan Hj Kassim took first place, who wasfollowed by Aqilah Hj Ayop and Ak Khairul Ikhwan Pg Alit in second and third places respectively.
As for Category D, which was an open category, there was no first place or second place winner due tobelow-par performances, but coming in third place was Md Khairul Anuar Hj Ahmad.
The evening was further enlivened by performances from two of the first place winners in Categories A andB. His Majesty then consented to present the competition's winners with their prizes, which included trophiesand certificates of participation.
The finals took place on Sept 6 at the Multipurpose Hall of the Fire and Rescue Department with 17participants for the four categories.
To bless the event, a doa selamat was read by the State Mufti. His Majesty then consented to meet andgreet the winners, who were accompanied by their parents and guardians. |
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Kite floors British chopper in Seria
By Liza Mohd 
Picture shows cord from a kite entangled in the helicopter's main rotor head and tail rotor.A British Army helicopter undergoing an air Op in Seria last Sunday had to make an emergency stop, only todiscover a cord from a kite entangled in the helicopter's main rotor head and tail.The Sept 23 incident occurred at about 3.15pm when the British Army helicopter based at Lorong Dua Seria,was hovering over the Seria bypass during training.
The helicopter flying at 1,000 feet was disembarking four passengers to Medicina Lines and lifting two otherpassengers when the pilot felt an obstruction at the tail rotor. The pilot had to make an emergency landing atScoutbase.
A thorough inspection found a cord believed to have come from a kite, was entangled in the helicopter'smain rotor head and tail rotor, making it difficult to take off.
The pilot believed that the incident took place earlier when the helicopter was hovering at the Seria bypassas he spotted several people flying kites in the area.
The pilot had noticed the kites flown at an estimated height of 400 to 1,000 feet and stressed that if anaccident had happened, the helicopter could have crashed in the school area.
The British Army pilot stressed that it is illegal to fly a kite above 30 metres within the air traffic control zoneand for zones outside, kites can only be flown at a maximum height of 60 metres. Due to the incident, policeare urging the public to fly their kites within safe areas and the legal height to prevent mishaps.
[ Last edited by holmes at 1-10-2007 09:04 AM ] |
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ISD detainee freed
With the consent of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, a detainee, who washeld under the Internal Security Act, has been released yesterday, RTB reported.The detainee, Awang Noordin bin Awang Hj Mohamad Noor has been detained since February 4, 2004 forhis involvement in selling and leaking government secrets.
He was freed after completing their detention and recovery programmes at the Detention and RehabilitationUnit in Jerudong.
In taking his oath, he regretted and showed remorse for the wrongdoings and swore allegiance to HisMajesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam and the Government of His Majesty.
He also pledged to abide by the laws and regulations of the country.
The pledging of vows took place at the Sultan Sharif All Mosque in Kampong Sengkurong.
Present to witness the event was the Acting Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Home Affairs, DatoPaduka Awang Hj Adnan bin Hj Hanafiah. |
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Record crossing of 2,000 at border
|  | By Liza Mohd 
Long queue at Sungai Tujoh border. - Liza Mohd The Sungai Tujoh border was congested as early as 6am yesterday morning as people took the opportunity of the longholiday and payday to head to Miri, Sarawak and other neighbouring states.
An Immigration controller officer said the number of people could easily be the highest one recorded, with more than2,000 people crossing the border until 11am yesterday morning.
Meanwhile, Sungai Tujoh recorded at least 1,000 vehicles yesterday, which is double the average number of vehiclesdaily.
A queue of more two kilometres long built up as people rushed to the border to shop for the Hari Raya festivity, whichis less than two weeks away, or just for a quick vacation.
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Storm wreaks havoc in Kuala Belait
| | By Liza Mohd 
Stalls and equipments damaged because of the storm. Photos: Liza Mohd | 
A stall operator showing his damaged grinder machine | 
The Belait Municipal staff setting up new tents
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Strong winds and heavy rain wreaked havoc in Kuala Belait and Seria for the past few days. They also caused anincrease in traffic accidents in the districts.Stall operators at Tudong Saji, Belait, lost hundreds of dollars when their stall equipments, such as barbeque/grillingpit, water dispenser, ice-grinder machine and gas burner, were damaged in the wake of a fast-moving storm, whichreportedly occured around 6.15 pm on Friday, when Muslims in Belait are about to break their fast.
In the incident, stall operators and their workers took shelter in the Tudong Saji building as they tearfully watched theirtents falling apart, tables turned upside down and their food stuffs being blown away.
Stall operator Awang Ahad Selamat said he suffered a loss of over B$200 as his gas burner, furnitures and fixtureswere damaged. He added that this is the second storm to hit Kuala Belait, the first one being a minor on the first day ofRamadan with no major destruction.
A fourteen year-old girl, Siti Nuramalina Mohd Saffari, was also injured in the storm when she was struck on the backby tent handles and canvas as she sought shelter from the fierce winds and heavy downpour.
Her mother, Dayang Wan Zauriana Julaihi, rushed Siti Nuramalina to the hospital where she was treated for minorbruises.
Firefighters and police personnels were later called to the site to control the situation.
To lend a helping hand, an officer from the Belait Municipal Department said new tents have been set up toaccommodate 148 operators registered to run the Ramadhan bazaar at Tudong Saji.
However, a number of stall operators took matters into their own hands by moving their furnitures and equipmentsinside the Tudong Saji Building, despite being informed that the building is inadequate to accommodate all stalloperators.
A disagreement ensued yesterday morning when Belait Municipal staff took action bymoving out equipments of a stall operator from the building back to the parking lot. Thematter was subsequently brought to police's attention.
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Shopping traffic
| | By Rosli Abidin Yahya
Road leading to a commercial establishment jammed with vehicles. Photos: Rosli Abidin Yahya All roads leading to commercial establishments were seen jammed with vehicles as festivity shoppers took advantageof the public holiday yesterday to throng shopping complexes and establishments to purchase their preparations for theauspicious day of Hari Raya Aidilfitri.
Many shoppers headed straight to the groceries to purchase food and titbits which are needed to offer to Raya visitors.
They could afford to that as civil servants and workers of the private sector have received their pay cheques this week.
Shoppers were buying biscuits, cakes, drinks, sweets and chocolates ready to entertain their visitors in less than twoweeks from now during the festivity.
Shops were selling almost everything needed by people to brighten up Hari Raya.
Stores specialising in Baju Melayu, songkok and songket seemed to be the favourite as men searched frantically fortheir Hari Raya attire.
"We men are not as fashion-conscious as our women and that's why we waited until the last minute to purchase ourclothes. Unlike women, we do not mind using our yesteryear's Baju Melayu which is still in good condition," saidsome of the men.
Locals were also heading to neighbouring towns to purchase their Raya needs.
Some Muslims also headed to the cemeteries to pay homage to their loved ones who departed earlier.
They brought with them scented water to be poured on the graves after the usual recitalof Surah Yaasin.
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No ban on veggies to Brunei, says Sarawak
| | Brunei has not imposed a ban on vegetables from Sarawak, Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr George Chan said, theMalaysian Star reported yesterday.He said earlier press reports of the ban, said to be due to the high levels of pesticides used, are not correct.
"Over the last 14 years, the Brunei government has not relayed to us any complaints of excessive pesticide residue invegetables imported from the state," he told a press conference.
He said the state exported 809 tonnes of vegetables worth RM1.87mil to the sultanate between January and August thisyear.
Dr Chan, who is also state Modernisation of Agriculture Minister, said the state government maintained strict controlsover vegetable and fruit farms to ensure that they use permissible levels of pesticide set out by the Malaysian PesticideBoard.
"From January to July this year, we took 508 samples of vegetables (for testing). Less than five per cent of themexceeded the permissible level of pesticide residue," he said.
He said consumers could reassure themselves further by buying vegetables from farmsaccredited under the Agriculture Department's vegetable certification scheme, goodagricultural practices scheme or organic scheme.
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[ Last edited by holmes at 1-10-2007 09:23 AM ] |
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Category: Negeri & Negara
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