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Brunei has potential to become home of eco-tourism in Asean
By James Kon
Mr Fumihiro Sakakibara delivering his presentation during the seminar.
Attendees present at the event. - PHOTOS: JAMES KON
Brunei Darussalam has the opportunity to become a hotspot in eco-tourism in the region thanks to its untouched and pristine forests.
Mr Fumihiro Sakakibara, the President of Mile Post Consultants Sdn Bhd highlighted this yesterday during an interview with the Bulletin after conducting a successful two-day seminar on Japanese Tourism.
"I like Brunei very much. Countries in the region such as Sarawak, Sabah, Indonesia and Mindanao in the Philippines basically share the same kind of forests. However, Brunei has the upper hand as it has no history of logging. The forest is still pristine and untouched. The distance to the forest is subtle and located on good roads," he said.
Mr Sakakibara also emphasised that since the population of the sultanate is rather small, it is easy to educate the people on the importance of an eco-tourism concept. If there is a heightened awareness, Brunei can be the home of eco-tourism in Asean. However, he also warned of the inevitable, "We have to prepare ourselves for a downturn in the tourism market this year due to the global financial crisis. The sultanate's tourism industry might be adversely affected if it continues to depend on South Korean tourists," he said.
He further added that the Korean won dropped tremendously and it will be very difficult for many Koreans to travel overseas. If Brunei continues to rely on the Korean market, the nation's tourism industry will face a major problem.
When asked about the Japanese market, he said, "The market trend changes every 10 years and the market is currently shifting from youths to elderly people. To attract the Japanese market, one has to shift to selling elderly products."
He also touched on the gender and working population issues. "The marriage age in Japan has increased and women are not getting any younger. According to the statistics in 2005, almost 60 per cent of females aged between 25 and 29 years are not married. These people are the good segments to be targeted.
"Traditional and popular Japanese tourists destinations such as USA, Hawaii, Singapore, France, Switzerland, UK and Hong Kong saw a decrease in the number of tourists. Statistics from the year 2000 to 2007 reveal that there was a 3,000,000 reduction in the number of Japanese people who decided not to visit these popular destinations. Fresh destinations such as Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Turkey are among the new tourist destinations on the rise. Japanese tourists have been venturing to these states during the same period," Mr Sakakibara said.
The president of Mile Post Consultants Sdn Bhd also stated that Japanese people are looking for new travel destinations and Brunei is still very new and unknown to them. If the sultanate can implement good marketing strategies, it can attract a slice of the Japanese market.
Through TV programmes, inviting journalists as well as travel agents to visit Brunei can help promote and expose the country.
He also said, "The Japanese market changes very quickly and the need to observe such changes is essential in order to keep up with the market trends." |
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Flood-hit cars make beeline to workshops
By Ben Ng
Partially-submerged vehicles. - PHOTOS: JASON LEONG
Car trapped in muddy floodwater in Jerudong.
Residents affected by the recent flooding are not the only ones busy cleaning up. Workshops and vehicle service centres are spending extra hours drying out seats and cushions from vehicles that were caught in last month's severe downpour.
Just like any other property subjected to flood damage, a person's car will probably be among the most expensive damaged property, second only to his home.
Your car can be in the garage or on the streets during a flood. Neither of these places can protect your car from being damaged by floods.
"We had a lot of cars coming in at one time, mainly because they (were submerged in floodwater). So we're spending a lot of time drying seats and carpets out," said a service manager of a well-known car dealership in the country, who recorded a sudden increase in the number of cars coming in for repairs.
"It's a hard job for the guys in the workshop because there's a lot of work to be done," he told the Bulletin. "It's very time consuming."
He said that repair costs vary with the age of the vehicle, as the newer ones tend to have a lot of electronic components in them that malfunction once it comes in contact with water.
Most of the vehicles that were brought in were totally submerged in water.
Meanwhile, a workshop manager of another car dealership told the Bulletin that they have so far received 16 vehicles that require repairs.
"The vehicles' computer system - ECU - is our main concern," he said. "Once water gets in, it stops functioning."
According to him, a malfunction in the ECU would lead to a complete failure in many of the vehicles' functions, from the airbags to the engines.
"It would take us about three to four weeks to order a new ECU, which unfortunately, isn't cheap either," he said, adding that an ECU would usually cost around $1,000. "There's a lot of work involved. We have to check and reconnect the wiring as well, to make sure there is no water or mud present."
Apart from critically damaging a vehicle's internal components, the water also causes damage to its upholstery.
According to a service centre representative, more than 10 units came to him for damages to the vehicles interior, resulting in costs of up to $300 in damaged seat cushions and carpets.
"It takes us about four to five days to completely dry out the seats and cushions. We also have to change the engine oil to make sure no water has entered either," he said.
"The most damaging to the car can be the rising water. There is no amount of rain that can penetrate a decently sealed car (a new car for example). However, the car is not made to be waterproof from underneath," said the representative.
"And that's where most of the damage occur. If the water in the garage, or on the streets, gets too high, it will seep into the engine bay go through the exhaust system, and even get inside the cabin through the bottom of the doors. Damage to the cabin may require carpet replacement or even a whole replacement of the upholstery." |
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Floodwater rises in mukims Labi, Bukit Sawat and Sukang
By Md Haslen
Personnel manning the Sungai Mau Operation Centre.
Several roads are flooded and inaccessible to vehicles.
A house under several feet of floodwater. - PHOTOS: MD HASLEN
The Sungai Mau Operation Centre reported that there has been a rise in water level due to rain in remote areas in Belait District, particularly in Mukim Labi and Mukim Bukit Sawat and Sukang.
Station Officer cum Head of Operation Centre, Mohd Rosdy bin Haji Abdul Halim, said that several areas in Mukim Labi have been submerged in water since 8am. The Beluhor area was under 1.46 metres of water, the Bukit Puan area recorded a water level of 1.50 metre and Sungai Petani 0.88 metre.
In Mukim Bukit Sawat, the affected areas are in Kampong Merangking and Sungai Kagu, where roads are inaccessible because water levels have reached up to 1.5 metres.
The river water level in Kampong Sungai Mau yesterday was recorded at 1.44 metres and in Kampong Sukang, it was three metres.
Mohd Rosdy said no vehicles are able to pass through the flooded routes except for boats.
He also said a landslide had affected several families who could not be evacuated from an area. Food is being shipped to them by helicopter, boat as well as vehicles from the RBAF, he added.
"Yesterday, members of the Operation Centre of Sungai Mau helped in moving 10 families (flood victims). They also helped to move the victims' belongings from their houses to their relatives' houses."
He said that about 35 personnel are on standby around-the-clock at the Sungai Mau Operation Centre to provide assistance. The personnel are from government agencies such as the Fire and Rescue Services Department, Royal Brunei Police Force, the Public Works Department, Electric Services Department and the Ministry of Health. |
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'Barrier' to protect tunnel from floods
By Yusrin Junaidi
Officials covering the plastic road dividers with pieces of canvas.
The 'barrier' between the drain and road. - PHOTOS: YUSRIN JUNAIDI
A "barrier" has been built in a bid to stop water from overflowing drains going into and flooding the road tunnel near the Jame' 'Asr Hassanil Bolkiah in Kiarong.
The move was taken as a precautionary measure by the Public Works Department in view of the recent incident in which the tunnel was flooded and closed to traffic due to heavy rains in the capital.
A Senior Officer from the Public Works Department said yesterday that canvas has been placed over plastic road dividers located between the drain at the Pasar Malam Gadong and the road leading to the tunnel.
"We have learnt from the previous disaster (flash floods) and with this precaution measure, we hope we can avoid the flood."
Meanwhile, precautionary measures are also taken by the Ministry of Health through the Contamination Control Unit of Environment Health Department to ensure that the water supply is clean so that the public is free from diseases such cholera and diarrhoea.
The ministry has increased its observation to detect cholera, typhoid, diarrhoea and other diseases in flood-prone areas.
The observation is done to ensure that there is no breeding ground for disease-carrying mosquitoes as well as other diseases.
The public are reminded to always boil the water before drinking, give priority to self-cleanliness, specifically washing hands with soap, and keeping toilets clean.
If anyone experiences symptoms such as stomach pains and vomiting, he or she is advised to seek treatment as soon as possible.
For more information, the public can contact the relevant authorities such the Ministry of Health, Natural Disaster Management Centre, Fire and Rescue Services Department and Royal Brunei Police Force. |
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Working around the clock to restore order
By James Kon
Workers replacing the damaged pipe in Jalan Kota Batu. - PHOTOS: JAMES KON
Water canisters available at the Water Services Department in Jalan Tasek Lama.
Construction of a temporary structure that holds cables near the Gadong power station.
The Public Works Department under the Ministry of Development is continuing its efforts to restore numerous infrastructures hit by a series of heavy downpours.
Works are currently underway to repair water pipes and roads, as well as clearing of debris from landslides in affected areas nationwide.
Yesterday, the Bulletin visited Jalan Kota Batu, where works are being carried out to repair a major water pipe damaged, which supplied water to Kampong Buluk, Jalan Mentiri, Kampong Salambigar, and Kampong Kapok.
According to the Public Works Department, the replacement of the water transmission pipe took longer than usual to repair as it needed to be pre-fabricated.
Water supply to affected areas was expected to return late yesterday evening.
Water tanks are available at Sungai Hanching School and Kampong Mentiri Mosque for residents affected by the damaged pipe.
Present to oversee the progress of the repair work was Acting Assistant Director of Water Services Department Dayang Nor Imtihan binti Haji Abdul Razak.
Those who seek water tanker services are advised to contact the Water Services Department's hotline at 140.
The department is also distributing containers of water at its premises in Jalan Tasek Lama.
Meanwhile, in Gadong, work to temporarily strengthen the foundation of the electrical cable lines are underway.
The structure that held cable linkage next to the Gadong power station was damaged during inclement weather conditions last month.
The Public Works Department is also carrying out repair works at Ban 4, Ban 5 and Ban 6 of Kampong Sungai Tampoi, Jalan Mulaut, Kampong Lumapas, Kampong Kasat, Kampong Menglait, Kampong Kumbang Pasang and Kampong Katimahar/Kulapis in the Brunei-Muara District, and Kampong Penapar in the Tutong District. |
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Donations pour in for Fund for Flood and Landslide Victims
By Edwin Eng
Minister of Home Affairs receives a mock check worth $50,000 from BSP and BSM.
Minister receives $33,700 from the Chinese Chamber of Commerce.
Minister receives $30,000 from DSTCom. - PHOTOS: AZARAIMY HH
The newly established Fund for Flood and Landslide Victims has so far received more than B$280,000 from benevolent individuals, as well as the private sector and government agencies. The fund was recently established in the midst of worsening weather conditions, which have affected over 800 houses.
At a ceremony to hand over the donations yesterday, the Minister of Home Affairs cum co-advisor of the fund's working committee, Pehin Orang Kaya Johan Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Adanan bin Begawan Pehin Siraja Khatib Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Md Yusof, said he was touched by the initial response from generous contributors.
The Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Home Affairs, Pengiran Abdul Haris bin Pengiran Haji Shabudin, said the fund will "lighten the burden of the victims of the devastation".
Floods and landslides have been the bane of much of the population since January 20.
According to the permanent secretary, the committee held its first meeting on February 3 and agreed to set up the fund until March 19.
The permanent secretary also conveyed the ministry's hopes that members of the public will continue to make donations to the fund. He also said that another ceremony to receive donations would be held on February 12 at the Rizqun International Hotel. Members of the public can also make their contributions through SMS.
Meanwhile, other organisations have made their own contributions to the nationwide call for aid. Brunei Shell Petroleum and Brunei Shell Marketing both contributed a total of $50,000 for the families directly affected by the floods and landslides.
"We are deeply concerned for the victims of the flash floods and landslides and we all want to join hands to show how much we care. We hope our gesture will help the community and reduce the hardship that the families are experiencing in these difficult times," said Hjh Masni Hj Munir, Corporate External Affairs Advisor Of Brunei Shell Petroleum.
Also present at the ceremony were the heads of government departments, representatives from the private sector and also the senior government officers |
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Mass prayers at Jame Asr mosque
By IlhamRizal & Azaraimy HH
As heavy rains continue to batter the country causing floods and landslides, the National Disaster Management Centre (NDMC) announced that a mass sunat hajat prayer will be held at the Jame' 'Asr Hassanil Bolkiah after mass Maghrib prayers. The public is welcome to join the congregation.
More than 35 new landslides were recorded February 4. The NDMC recorded 21 cases in the Brunei-Muara District and another 14 in Tutong.
A total of 14 sets of satellite phones are available as DSTCom provided the NDMC with 10 more satellite phones yesterday, which have been supplied to focal points of Kg Mendaram Besar and Kg Mendaram Kecil.
An amateur radio has also been set up at Kg Teraja, Belait District.
Health centres in the Tutong District, Sungai Liang and Labi in the Belait District have begun 24-hour operations commencing yesterday. An ambulance will be stationed at the Lamunin Health Centre, Tutong District as well.
More information or help can be obtained by calling the operation room of the Ministry of Health at 2384158 or 2380170.
Relief in the form of food rations are being supplied by the Department of Community Development to residents affected by flash floods in Kg Tanjung Maya, Tutong District yesterday.
As welfare assistance, a number of mattresses have been delivered to Kg Tanjong Maya Mosque.
Meanwhile, the Royal Brunei Armed Forces has also joined the relief team of the Department of Community Development in distributing food rations to residents affected by the flash floods in Kg Penapar, Tutong District.
Electrical supplies at Kg Pak Bidang have been cut off since February 4 as efforts to reach the area have been hampered due to the flash floods.
Parts of Simpang Penapar Ukong have also not been receiving power supply since February 4 as a sub-station has gone under water.
Kg Sungai Damit is also out of power since two days as a cable snapped but restoration works are not possible due to transportation problems.
Five electrical posts were toppled in Rempayoh/Teraja plunging some of the areas into darkness.
As preventive measures to deal with flash floods, particularly for governmental agencies, more than 1,000 sandbags are made available at the NDMC. These sandbags will be distributed should the need arise.
Meanwhile, a number of sandbags will be distributed to the Agriculture department to prevent water from entering their agricultural laboratories.
Water supply in Kg Tanah Jambu, Kg Sungai Buloh, Kg Kapok, Kg Salar and parts of Kg Mentiri, Kg Serasa, Pekan Muara and the surrounding areas has been disrupted due to a pipe burst on the main transmission pipe supplying the Kapok and Mile 12 Bukit Sibanging Service Reservoirs from the Mangkubau Water Treatment Works.
The leak was caused by soil movement around the pipeline route near the Jalan Muara/Kota Batu junction.
The Department of Water Services is making continuous efforts to complete the repair works, and partial water supply has been restored to Kg Tanah Jambu, Kg Kapok, Pekan Muara, Kg Sabun and Kg Serasa since yesterday morning.
Dato Gandi Religious School has been closed as it has been declared unsafe due to a landslide.
High tide was estimated at 2.2 metres between 5pm and 7pm yesterday. |
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Road to Belait cut off by landslides
By Liza Mohd
Mud and debris washed up on the road. - LIZA MOHD
A massive landslide in Sg Liang totally cut off the Belait District from the rest of the country for several hours last night when the only major road was not passable for traffic.
The National Disaster Management Centre quickly initiated a major clean up operation to clear debris from the road when the call was received around 7pm.
Emergency personnel worked relentlessly around the clock to re-establish the highway communication link.
According to eyewitnesses, the traffic on either way stretched for more than four kilometres. Those from BSB heading to KB told the Bulletin that the traffic was at a standstill up to Telisai in the Tutong District. Residents had to wait for more than three hours before vehicles started to move again on either side.
Besides working with the NDMC personnel, the clean up crew comprised mostly of private construction companies with heavy vehicles located near the affected area.
In the pouring rain, those clearing the route not only had to contend with mud and soil but also large trees brought down by the force of nature.
At around 10.30pm, the road was opened and vehicles were able to go through though at a slow pace.
No injuries were reported and the landslide luckily did not hit any houses. Power supply to 10 houses in the vicinity has been cut off due to some damages to cables.
A warning has also been issued to the owner of a house located on top of the hill to evacuate. According to officials, there is a high possibility that the house will collapse too.
The heavy downpour the country is currently experiencing has affected many areas. As the wet spell is expected to continue until the end of the month, the authorities are on alert around the clock.
Meanwhile, Sha'ari HZ from Tutong reported that Tutong District officer Awang Haji Idris Haji Md Ali visited badly affected areas like Tanjong Maya, Penapar, Layong and Lubok Pulau yesterday. Water levels in these areas have reached up to two metres.
The Fire and Rescue Department, Royal Brunei Armed Forces, Royal Brunei Police Force and the Four-Wheel Drive Association, Tutong along with the Gemilang Association lent a helping hand in evacuating five families whose houses have been inundated with floodwater.
Temporary housing has been set up at the Tanjong Maya Corporation Building (Bangunan Korperasi Tanjong Maya) and Bangunan Masjid Tanjong Maya for the flood-affected.
A number of private companies and individuals also pitched in by donating two boats to transport residents affected in Mukim Tanjong Maya. |
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Published on The Brunei Times (http://www.bt.com.bn/en)
200 houses in Kg Tg Maya damaged, 1,000 people displaced
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
Sunday, February 8, 2009
ABOUT 200 homes have suffered damage by the flashfloods which hit in Kampung Tanjong Maya, Tutong in the past few days. More than 1,000 residents belonging to three affected villages in the mukim have been displaced and moved to safer areas as their homes were declared "unsafe".
According to reports received by the active response team formed under the National Disaster Management Centre (NDMC), some 87 houses in Kg Tanjong Maya have been damaged by the floods, while 46 and 53 homes in Kg Penapar and Kg Lubok Pulau respectively.
Residents had no choice but to leave the place. Displaced people have been put up in two temporary shelters, namely the Tanjong Maya religious hall and Tanjong Maya cooperative store hall.
With assistance from the Royal Brunei Armed Forces, food rations were also transported to Tanjong Maya, where Fire and Rescue personnel, village heads and volunteers helped in distribution. Some 2,700 rations of food are being distributed daily to the affected residents of the three villages.
Pg Hj Abd Harris Pg Hj Shahbudin, the permanent secretary at the Ministry of Home Affairs, was among those present yesterday to oversee the relief operations in Mukim Tanjong Maya. Medical officers from the Ministry of Health were also on hand to offer assistance and treatment to residents who were complaining of fever, dizziness and cough. Residents suffering from ailment have been given top priority by the relief agencies. In an interview with state broadcaster RTB, Ripas hospital officers said that they were offering whatever assistance they could at the moment and added that they will increase their efforts once more medical supplies are dispatched to the affected area.
In Belait, floodwaters have cut off communications, isolating remote areas in the district, forcing a number of schools to shut down and inundating several agricultural plantations, causing damage to crops. At the weekend open market in Kuala Belait, fruits and vegetables on sale were noticeably less than usual. Most of the produce sold at the market are from farms in Kg Labi.
Late last night, Belait's flood operations centre reported that floodwaters in low-lying areas in Mukim Labi have not receded while in other areas of the district, water level was still rising. Many residents have sought shelter at the homes of their relatives, waiting for the floods to recede. Parts of Mukim Labi have been rendered inaccessible to vehicles as roads are still flooded, making travel by boat as the only mode of transport in the area.(ODM1)
The Brunei Times
Source URL:
http://www.bt.com.bn/en/en/home_news/2009/02/08/200_houses_in_kg_tg_maya_damaged_1_000_people_displaced |
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Published on The Brunei Times (http://www.bt.com.bn/en)
US team to hold talks on disaster management, energy security
Assistance offer: US Ambassador William Todd (L) and US Department of Energy senior official, William N Bryan (C) during the meeting with Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Dewa Major General (Rtd) Dato Seri Pahlawan Hj Mohammad Hj Daud (R) yesterday. Picture: BT/Zamri Zainal
Hadi DP Mahmud
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
Sunday, February 8, 2009
THE US Embassy in Brunei is planning to send a team to hold talks with staff from the Energy Division at the Prime Minister's Office on the Sultanate's "unique" situation in dealing with disaster management and energy security, US Ambassador William Todd said.
Plans for talks between the two parties surfaced following a visit by a senior US Department of Energy official, William N Bryan, to the Energy Division's headquarters in Jalan Menteri Besar yesterday, where he met Energy Minister Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Dewa Major General (R) Dato Seri Pahlawan Hj Mohammad Hj Daud. Bryan, who is the deputy assistant secretary for Infrastructure Security and Energy at the US Department of Energy's Office, offered Pehin Dato Hj Mohammad an opportunity for a discussion between his staff and a team of US experts "to talk about the unique situation here in Brunei" in dealing with natural disasters and securing power supply.
The senior US official told The Brunei Times following the meeting that it was "premature to make a recommendation" to the Brunei party at this point, saying discussions need to be held first before any suggestions can be put forward.
Bryan, who oversees the collection, analysis and dissemination of vital information to all involved in energy response and restoration efforts, has been conducting meetings with countries from Southeast Asia and the Middle East.
"Globally, the issue we have is with infrastructure, the reliability of energy grids, survivability and resiliency |
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Published on The Brunei Times (http://www.bt.com.bn/en)
Higher education institution admissions to go online
Open day: Permanent Secretary (Higher Education) at Ministry of Education, Hj Mohd Daud Hj Mahmud (2nd L), talking to UBD Vice Chancellor Dr Zulkarnain Haji Hanafi (L), at one of the booths during the launching of open day for higher education scholarship at Room J2, International Conventional Centre Berakas. Picture: BT/Raul Padernal
Hana Roslan
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
Sunday, February 8, 2009
THE Ministry of Education in collaboration with DST Communications has launched an online service which would make the application processes easier for students who want to further their education in higher institutions.
The public-private partnership launched an online service called HECAS or Higher Education Centralised Admission System during the "Open Day for the Scholarship Unit and Higher Education of the Ministry of Education Brunei Darussalam" held yesterday at the International Convention Centre.
Through the online service, applications to study Undergraduate courses, Higher National Diploma and Diploma programmes offered by the local institutions namely Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD), Sultan Sharif Ali Islamic University (Unissa), Institut Teknologi Brunei (ITB) as well as government scholarships will now be made over the internet.
Additionally, applicants are allowed up to six programmes at the rate of $5 per programme whereas those applying four to six programmes are charged in a flat rate of $20 that will be deducted from their mobile phone.
However, those who have no access to computer facilities and want to apply for the service can do so at Pengiran Muda Al-Muhtadee Billah College (Maktab Duli) for the Bandar District, Sultan Hassan Secondary School in the Temburong District, Sayyidina Othman Secondary School in the Tutong District and Sayyidina Ali Secondary School in the Belait District.
Permanent Secretary(Higher Education) of Ministry of Education, Hj Mohd Daud Hj Mahmud said in his speech that as of yesterday all applications including the Brunei Shell Petroleum scholarship will be made online.
Furthermore, he also stated that both scholarship programmes are not only for overseas studies but also applicable for local educational institutions.
He said the undergraduate programmes offered locally are based on the country's human resources and advised the scholarship applicants to be wise in their choices and make a decision on picking out courses that are absolutely suitable to them.
Hundreds of students attended the open day where 18 institutions set-up information booths assisting the visitors to know how to obtain the scholarship and the type of courses available.
Also present on the occasion were the Vice Chancellor of UBD, Dr Zulkarnain Hj Hanafi, Hj Azis Hj Nayan, the assistant director of the Scholarship Department of MOE as well as other senior of officials of MOE and Unissa. The two-day event will conclude today.
The Brunei Times
Source URL:
http://www.bt.com.bn/en/en/home_news/2009/02/08/higher_education_institution_admissions_to_go_online |
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Published on The Brunei Times (http://www.bt.com.bn/en)
Paddy farmers facing bleak future as floods destroy crops
Double loss: A farmer looking at his paddy crops submerged under floodwaters. Picture: BT/Zamri Zainal
Syed Rory Malai Hassan
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
Sunday, February 8, 2009
THE farmers of Kampung Tanjong Maya have been caught between rock and hard place as the recent floods have not only inflicted heavy damage to their homes but also taken away their source of livelihood by destroying their crops.
About 63 hectares of paddy fields belonging to 48 farmers in Kg Tg Maya, Tutong, have been completely destroyed by the floodwaters. "Not only has the flood wrecked our homes, but it has also taken our means of livelihood and with little or no money to fix our place, what are we supposed to do?" asked one of the farmers .
Hj Mohd Yunos Hj Mohd Aliuddin, another farmer, who owns a hectare of land in the Tg Maya Paddy Fields, said that one hectare normally brings in about $2,500 per harvest on a good day and a minimum of $800 in the event of a flood.
However, the floods have been devastating this time around, there is no way to recover even a little bit of the crops that were supposed to be harvested in early March this year, said Hj Mohd Yunos who lamented on the spate of bad luck that befell not only the residents of Tg Maya but also to almost every other farm land in the country.
He added that if the rain continues for longer period, Kg Tg Maya along with the rest of the farms in the country such as Kg Lalit in Mukim Sg Liang, Kg Malayan in Mukim Labi and around Wasan would suffer heavy losses.
Hj Hanafi, the head of paddy farmers in Tg Maya, said yesterday that normally someone from the Agriculture Department visits during such times and assesses the damage to the farms. However, with access roads being cut off, so far nobody from the department has been able to reach here, he added.
The authorities namely the Agriculture Department has assured all help to the farmers, including repairs and reconstruction of the infrastructure along the affected areas and donations in kind to help them tide over this natural calamity.
The Brunei Times
Source URL:
http://www.bt.com.bn/en/en/home_news/2009/02/08/paddy_farmers_facing_bleak_future_as_floods_destroy_crops |
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Landslide risk high
By Syafiq Affendy
The National Disaster Management Centre (NDMC)'s Ops Hikmat Sepadu last night announced that the areas of Kampong Tanah Jambu, Kampong Sungai Buloh, Kampong Kapok, Kampong Mentiri and Kampong Salar in the Brunei Muara District are receiving water supplies, except for those located on high areas.
In the Tutong District, water supply to Kampong Talat, Kampong Rampau, Kampong Bukit and Kampong Ukong have also resumed.
Meanwhile electrical power supply to Kampong Panapar, Kampong Tanjung Maya and Kampong Sibakit which had been cut due to safety precautions have returned by 6.20pm yesterday.
According to a press release the NDMC has also received calls from members of the public regarding the occurrence of landslides and flashfloods.
35 landslide distress calls from the Brunei Muara District, seven from Tutong district and three from Belait district were received, totaling up to 45 calls.
Two cases of receding water were received, one each in the Brunei Muara district and Belait District respectively.
Forecast for the weather has been light to moderate rain-showers occasionally spreading onshore from the sea.
The National Disaster Management Centre would like to remind members of the public that despite the weather being generally fine, precautionary measures should be taken, as risks of landslides are still considered to be high. |
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Bridge down in Sungai Liang
By Liza Mohd
What remains of the collapsed bridge. - PHOTOS: LIZA MOHD
High-voltage electrical pole that is leaning towards the side of a road.
Following the heavy downpour in Belait District this week, a concrete bridge at Simpang 1183-71, Jalan Kampong Tunggulian in Sungai Liang collapsed at around 8pm Thursday evening, leaving more than 40 people whose houses are located on the other side stranded.
They could not get their vehicles out since the incessant rains had eroded much of the soil underneath the collapsed bridge. A water pipe, which was located at the side of the bridge, was also badly damaged and this disrupted water supplies to a number of houses.
The Penghulu, Haji Abdul Hamid, lauded officers from the Public Works Department for their quick action. It was learnt that they had temporarily fitted PVC pipes, and water supplies resumed within several hours.
He also extended his appreciation to Mukim Consultative Council member, Mr Loo Soon Keong, who contributed timber wood, as well as other members of the community who joined hands to build a temporary bridge.
Haji Abdul Hamid pointed out that there were 10 landslide incidents in the Mukim between January 21 and February 5, 2009, mostly at Kg Sungai Liang and Kg Lumut 1. Nine houses in the Mukim were also badly hit by flash floods.
Meanwhile, two roads along Jalan Kechil Sungai Liang and a junction at Kg Tunggulian were also cut off.
The Penghulu hoped that the relevant authorities would carry out repair works in the area, particularly a high-voltage electrical pole that is leaning towards the side of a road. |
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Close to $1M in damages to crops
By Amie PDH Ishak
The heavy rains since January 20 this year have led to nearly a million dollars in damages to crops and livestock throughout the country with the Brunei-Muara District bearing the brunt of the nature's fury.
The Agriculture Department of the Ministry of Industry and Primary Resources has recorded several agricultural areas in the four districts that have been affected and hit by heavy losses.
Areas that have been affected in the Brunei-Muara District are in the Batumpu and Si Bongkok Agricultural Development area, while in the Tutong District, Tanjung Maya/Belungus, Benutan, Rambai and Kuala Unggar have been hit hard by the rains.
In the Belait District, the affected areas are the Lot Sengkuang area, Malayan, Sungai Mau and Lumut, while the Temburong District suffered the least damage as only Tanjung Belayan has been affected with B$300 in losses.
In the Batumpu area, 108 vegetable farms covering 216 hectares were submerged in water and the approximate loss in the area is B$648,000. In the same area, a chicken farm was also submerged in water and 4,500 chicks perished. The estimated loss for the chicken farm is B$6,000.
Flooding in Si Bongkok, Parit/Masin area destroyed a two-hectare fruit and vegetable farm with an estimated loss of B$6,000. The floods also affected the Si Bongkok, Pengkalan Batu area where 16 vegetable farms covering 32 hectares were submerged in water leading to B$96,000 in losses.
The Minister of Industry and Primary Resources along with Permanent Secretaries and Deputy Permanent Secretaries at the MIPR and the Director of Agriculture and Senior Officers at the Agriculture Department recently visited some of the affected areas.
Following the visit, excavation works to widen and deepen the drainage in the Batumpu area are currently under way. Some of the affected farmers have been reimbursed in kind.
His Majesty's Government through the Ministry of Industry and Primary Resources and the Agriculture Department is planning to give free seeds and fertilisers to farms that have been affected.
Meanwhile, for the flooded chicken farms replacement of chicks is also being considered.
Flooding in the Tutong District damaged a 40-hectare paddy field with an estimated loss of B$64,000. The affected area could not be visited as the roads leading to the paddy field are still submerged in water.
The Agriculture Department will ensure that the affected farmers will receive assistance and 'end product subsidy' is also being considered for farmers whose paddy fields have been damaged.
The floods to some extent will affect the revenues of the agricultural sector for the year 2009.
The Ministry of Industry and Primary Resources will continue to monitor the food supply for the residents of the country to ensure that food security is guaranteed.
The ministry will also continue to monitor the affected farms and ensure that assistance and advice are provided. |
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Families ordered to leave landslide-hit homes
By James Kon
Parts of Ang Sik Chuan's house collapsed following the landslides.
'Do not enter' sign put up by Fire and Rescue Department. - PHOTOS: JAMES KON
Chinese New Year celebrations came to an abrupt end for two families staying in Spg 139 of Kg Subok after they were ordered to move out after their homes were deemed unsafe.
The houses located next to each other at a hillside were evacuated on February 1, 2009, a week after landslides hit the area.
The soil underneath the house started moving and is slowly "tearing down" the houses.
One of the houses was occupied by Ang Sik Chuan and his family of 12.
In an interview with Borneo Bulletin, he said, "This year we won't be celebrating Chinese New Year. Our house is gone and we have no permanent place to stay.
"We have to move to one of my relatives in Jln Muara for temporary shelter."
Recalling the devastating night, he said, "We were ordered to evacuate after the Fire and Rescue Department deemed my house unsafe.
"(Debris from) a landslide from the hillside came tumbling down to the back of my house and the soil beneath the house is slowly destroying the house."
The state of his home has worsened during the last three days when parts of his house collapsed and the ground became unstable. Parts of the garage floor also "bulged" upwards and cracks on the floor were evident.
"Do not enter" signs have been put up by the Fire and Rescue Department in front of the houses and a street in the area.
Ang Sik Chuan's family is hoping for assistance from the authorities in providing a place to stay. His only hope of a permanent home lays in his application for a house in a national housing scheme. He made the application in 1994. |
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Giant flag hoisted to mark celebrations National Day
By Rohani Hj Abd Hamid
Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports handing over the giant flag to a Royal Brunei Navy personnel.
Personnel from the Royal Brunei Navy holding the flag before it is hoisted.
Guest of honour giving the flag to the Brunei-Muara District Officer.
Some of the government officers. PHOTOS: SYAFIQ AFFENDY & ROHANI HJ ABD HAMID
The giant flag was hoisted yesterday to mark the Brunei Darussalam Silver Jubilee National Day 2009 celebrations held in the vicinity of Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah business complex.
The guest of honour was Pehin Orang Kaya Setia Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Dr Hj Awg Ahmad bin Hj Jumat, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, who also handed over the national flags and posters to four district officers.
In his speech Pehin Dato Dr Hj Ahmad said, "We are already independent for 25 years, and the nation and citizens are already mature. This is in accordance to the Silver Jubilee National Day 2009 theme "Kedewasaan Bernegara". The theme is the manifestation of our maturity on every aspect.
"As usual the National Day Celebration will begin with the giant flag hoisting as a message to the nation on the history of the National Day. The Brunei National Flag is a matter of pride and honour as it symbolises our dignity and instils the spirit of patriotism.
"All residents and people of Brunei Darussalam should have a positive attitude, high spirit of patriotism in hoisting our National Flag either in kampong or mukim, housing or business establishments nationwide," the guest of honour added.
The gigantic flag, which measures 24 by 12 feet, was hoisted by 30 navy personnel led by Major Bahrin accompanied by 30 army cadets.
The event was also highlighted by the patriotic song performed by the choir group comprising 50 students from SOAS College and STPRI and 60 personnel from the Royal Brunei Police Band.
Some 500 youthh from the youth associations under the National Youth Council and Women's Council also participated in the event.
Also present were Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Penggawa Laila Bentara Istiadat Diraja Dalam Istana Pg Hj Alauddin bin Pg Paduka Tuan Pg Hj Abu Bakar, Pehin Jawatan Dalam Seri Maharaja Dato Seri Utama (Dr) Hj Awg Mohd Jamil Al-Sufri bin Begawan Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Hj Awg Umar, and Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Hj Awg Badaruddin bin Pg Dato Paduka Hj Awg Othman, as well as members of the Royal and State Legislative Council, permanent secretaries, district officers, penghulu-penghulu and ketua-ketua kampong and other senior officers. |
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teruk juga kesan hujan berterusan beberapa minggu ni di brunei yea ...
tanah runtuh berlaku di mana mana
banyak kerja dlm bidang kejuruteraan awam dan tanah ni kan ...
simpati bj pada mereka  |
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Brunei DPMM FC is 12th team for S.League 2009 season
Posted: 10 February 2009 2305 hrs
SINGAPORE : Brunei DPMM FC will be the 12th team in the 2009 S.League competition. They will replace Chinese side Dalian Shide Siwu when the new season kicks off on Monday, February 16.
S.League CEO Winston Lee said: "We are delighted to welcome DPMM FC to the S.League. We were impressed with their proposal, including their management capabilities.
"Our clubs playing their away games against DPMM FC in Brunei will definitely add to the excitement of the league and will also provide greater exposure and branding opportunities for the S.League and our partners."
Brunei DPMM FC will be based at the 30,000-capacity Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium in the country's capital, Bandar Seri Begawan.
And in a first for the S.League, matches will be played outside of Singapore, with the other 11 teams flying to Brunei to take on DPMM FC at least once each during the season.
Brunei DPMM FC's vice-chairman, Pengiran Anak Abdul Rahim, said: "The idea of playing in the S.League came about a couple of seasons ago. The S.League is very competitive and DPMM FC are looking forward to the challenge of playing in one of Asia's top 10 leagues.
"The inclusion of teams from Japan and Korea makes the S.League very exciting too, so it was a simple choice for us to want to be a part of this."
Brunei DPMM FC will make their S.League debut on February 27, when they take on the Young Lions at the Jalan Besar Stadium.
Their first S.League home game at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium will be on March 5 against 2008 runners-up, Super Reds. - CNA/ms |
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Category: Negeri & Negara
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Author
Post time 11-2-2009 03:24 AM
![[KUIZ PERUBATAN MINGGUAN VOL. 7]: Mudah aje, ilmu harian! VOL.7](https://uf.cari.com.my/forumx/mforum/block/ca/cafa22106bf87ee6a0ff6b0584fea8d8.jpg)
