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His Majesty the Sultan of Brunei
Sultan To Visit Japan
By Azaraimy HH
Bandar Seri Begawan - His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam will be visiting Japan for three days beginning June 17, the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.
His Majesty is scheduled to hold summit talks with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on June 18. The two leaders are expected to take up various issues of bilateral and multilateral concern such as their nations' energy cooperation, UN reforms and the North Korean nuclear standoff, Japan's foreign ministry officials were quoted as saying by Kyodo news agency.
His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam will be hosted to a luncheon by Their Majesties, the Emperor and Empress of Japan on June 19. Brunei established diplomatic relations with Japan in April 1984.
Japan remains Brunei LNG's main customer accounting for about 11.1 per cent of Japan's total LNG imports with buyers including Tokyo Electric Power,
Tokyo Gas and Osaka Gas. More than US$2 billion worth of gas were supplied to Japan in 2005 alone. Brunei LNG has already successfully made the 5,000th delivery of LNG to its customers in Japan.
Brunei's economic ties with Japan have also shown signs of strengthening. An agreement in principle on the main elements of the Brunei-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (BJEPA) was reached last year after six months of full-scale discussions. An outline towards the Economic Partnership Agreement was already agreed upon during discussions between Brunei and Japan in February and April 2006.
The Fourth Round of Negotiations for the BJEPA to discuss and seek to finalise the texts for all fields of negotiations towards the signing of the agreement was held in March this year in Tokyo.
The BJEPA has been discussed previously during the sidelines of the 11th Asean summit in Kuala Lumpur and the Japan-Asean Summit in December last year between His Majesty and then Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi. Japanese Ambassador to Brunei Darussalam Mr Hashimoto Itsuo recently said that Japan-Brunei relations would develop further after the successful conclusion of the EPA.
Locally, the Brunei National Petroleum Company Sdn Bhd (PetroleumBRUNEI) has signed an agreement with two major Japanese companies, Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Company Inc (MGC) and ITOCHU Corporation (ITC), to construct a methanol plant at the Sungai Liang Industrial Park in the Belait District aimed at catering to the booming Asian market.
The $500million plant is estimated to produce 800,000 tonnes of methanol per annum, and is also crucial for the development of small and medium enterprises in spin-off industries.-- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin |
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Royal Wedding Ceremony Ends With Gendang Jaga-Jaga
By James Kon, Yusrin Junaidi & Azaraimy
Bandar Seri Begawan - The two-week-long royal wedding ceremony between Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Majeedah Nuurul Bulqiah and YAM Pengiran Anak Khairul Khalil bin Pengiran Syed Hj Jaafari, has officially come to an end following the recital of a doa selamat and the closing ceremony for Gendang JagaJaga at Darul Karamah and Istana Nurul Iman yesterday.
At the Istana Nurul Iman, the ceremony began with the arrival of YAM Pengiran-Pengiran Cheteria, Cabinet Ministers, members of the Privy Councils, Deputy Ministers, Pengiran-Pengiran Peranakan, Pehin-Pehin Manteri, Manteri-Manteri Hulubalang and ManteriManteri Pendalaman, Ambassadors, Foreign High Commissioners, Permanent Secretaries and Heads of Departments and other guests.
First, YDM Pehin-Pehin Khatib, YDM Begawan-Begawan Pehin Khatib and YM Mudim-Mudim entered the ceremony. After which, Pehin Dato Seri Paduka (Dr.) Haji Awang Hussain informed YAM Pengiran Lela Cheteria
Sahibun Najabah Pengiran Anak Haji Abdul Aziz that the ceremony was all set to commence. Then, Pehin Dato Seri Paduka (Dr.) Haji Awang Hussain went to seek consent from His Majesty the Sultan to commence the ceremony.
After receiving consent, the ceremony began. The recital of a doa selamat and closing of Gendang Jaga-Jaga subsequently began with the recital of Zikir Syarafil Anam (Zikir Marhaban). And when the Zikir reached the words of "Ya Habibi", the royal cannon fired 21 shots.
Meanwhile, Pehin Penyurat Awang Maidin YDM Pehin Penyurat Haji Awang Osman, YDM Pehin Bendahari Haji Awang Abu Bakar and Awang entered the room carrying `Anchie (perfume) to give to guests according to priorities.
While Doa Zikir was read by Pehin Khatib, YDM Pehin Penyurat Haji Awang Osman, YDM Pehin Bendahari Haji Awang Abu Bakar and Awang-Awang once again entered the room to give `Kurnia sedekah' to guests.
Pehin Datu Seri Maharaja Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Abdul Aziz, the State Mufti, then recited the Doa Selamat.
Towards the end, Pehin Dato Seri Paduka (Dr.) Haji Awang Hussain once again went to seek consent from His Majesty for the ceremony to close. After receiving consent, the ceremony was then ended. The closing ceremony for the Gendang Jaga-Jaga at Darul Karamah took place in the present of His Royal Highness Prince Haji Sufri Bolkiah.
The ceremony began after Pehin Orang Kaya Maharaja Kerna Dato Paduka Seri Awang Hj Yaakub informed YAM Pengiran Maharaja Setia Laila Diraja Sahibul Irshad Pengiran Anak Haji Abdul Rahim that the ceremony was ready to begin.
YAM Pengiran Maharaja Setia Laila Diraja Sahibul Irshad Pengiran Anak Haji Abdul Rahim then requested Pehin Orang Kaya Maharaja Kerna Dato Paduka Seri Awang Hj Yaakub to notify His Royal Highwss Prince Haji Sufri Bolkiah that the ceremony is ready to proceed.
After receiving the message, His Royal Highness Prince Haji Sufri declared for the ceremony to begin.
The recital of a doa selamat and closing of Gendang Jaga-Jaga ceremony subsequently began with the recital of Zikir Syarafil Anam (Zikir Marhaban). And when the Zikir reached the wording of "Ya Habibi", the royal cannon was fired 17 times which is according to the status of the person hosting the ceremony.
After concluding the recital of Zikir, a doa selamat was read by Pehin Orang Kaya Paduka Seri Utama Dato Paduka Seri Setia Hj Awang Salim.
Pehin Orang Kaya Maharaja Kerna Dato Paduka Seri Awang Hj Yaakub then notified YAM Pengiran Maharaja Setia Laila Diraja Sahibul Irshad Pengiran Anak Haji Abdul Rahim that the recital of a doa Selamat and closing ceremony for Gendang Jaga-Jaga were successfully carried out.
YAM Pengiran Maharaja Setia Laila Diraja Sahibul Irshad Pengiran Anak Haji Abdul Rahim then informed Pehin Orang Kaya Maharaja Kerna Dato Paduka Seri Awang Hj Yaakub to notify His Royal Highness Prince Haji Sufri Bolkiah that the ceremony had been successfully completed.
His Royal Highness Prince Haji Sufri Bolkiah then announced that the ceremony has officially been carried out to mark the end.-- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin |
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Brunei Capital
Ministry Warns On 4 Products
By Azaraimy HH
Bandar Seri Begawan 朳/color] The Ministry of Health (MoH) has warned the public against using a traditional medicine and three cosmetic products as they have been found to be contaminated with substances, which are controlled under the Poisons Act. The products are:
- Asmur Asam Urat Flu Tulang Plus Ginseng manufactured by PJ Serbuk Sari Cilacap in Indonesia. It is found to contain Phenylbutazone.
- Ains Beauty Care
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Bomoh (left) and his student
Another Deviant Activity Busted
By Azlan Othman
Bandar Seri Begawan - Aqidah Enforcement Officers of the Syariah Affairs Department Wednesday night busted an alleged bomoh activity believed to contain deviant elements and against the Islamic belief.
Twenty-eight officers joined hands with Immigration Department personnel to conduct the operation at Kg Pengkalan Sibabau and detained the bomoh, for practising "Bapak Baginda Mukhtar", and his female student.
According to the head of the enforcement operation, during, the check the bomoh was conducting a 'spiritual transmission' to his lady student. Initial investigations revealed that the 'practitioner' is a foreigner from the neighbouring country and claimed that he acquired the knowledge from his teacher known as "Bapak Baginda Mukhtar".
He confessed to conducting the ritual for four years in Brunei and that many students have been taught. The manic also claimed what he practised was only "Dua Kalimah Shahadah" done three times a day. He reportedly charged students $100.
Deviant activities are strictly prohibited in Islam and also according to the country's rules and regulations as stated in the Islamic Religious Council Act, Chapter 77, as well as against "Ahli Sunnah Wal Jamaah".
The raid was part of efforts by the Aqidah Control Section, Syariah Affairs Department, to rid the country of deviant activities or influences that could tarnish the teachings of Islam. The section reminded the general public, especially Muslims, not to get involved in activities that are deviant in nature and against the teachings of Islam.
The Aqidah Control Section welcomed public tip-off on such activities. The public can call the Aqidah hotline at 8980055 and 8980311 or 2221422 during office hours.
Recently, the enforcement officers stumbled upon a deviant activity where congregants were dressed in black and allegedly being duped by a leader, known as "Ayahanda Putera", suspected to he involved in a bomoh activity called "menarik duit" or claim to make money out of leaves. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin |
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Sibu Road Accident Victims Buried
By H Bat & Zai
Bandar Seri Begawan - The bodies of five Bruneians, who were killed in a road accident after their car collided with a bus at Kilometre 38, Jalan Sibu Bintulu in Sarawak last Tuesday afternoon, were flown back to Brunei Darussalam on board the Royal Brunei Armed Forces Blackhawk helicopter.
The bodies arrived around 7.30pm last night at the Air Force base in Kg Rimba and were received by family members with help from army personnel.
The five family members husband and wife and their three children died on the spot and their bodies were taken to the Sibu General Hospital for autopsy.
According to a family member, the bodies were buried last night at the Jame Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Cemetery in Kg Kiarong.-- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin |
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Brunei Will Sign Free Trade Pact With Japan
Bandar Seri Begawan - Bninei will sign a free trade agreement next week with Japan aiming at cutting tariffs and ensuring a stable supply of natural gas to Japan, an official said Friday.
The accord will he finalised Monday in Tokyo by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, said Satoshi Hamaguchi, an official at Japan's Ministry of the Economy, Trade and Industry. Abe's Cabinet approved the accord with Brunei Friday, Hamaguchi said. His Majesty is scheduled to begin an official visit to Japan, tomorrow, Sunday.
Japan and Brunei, had been in free-trade negotiations for a year, Hamaguchi said.
Japan currently gets about 10 percent of its total natural gas requirements from Brunei.
The accord also calls on Japan to eliminate tariffs on tropical fruits such as mangos and durians immediately after the
accord is put into effect. It will also gradually abolish tariffs on imports of other agriculture and forestry products. While Brunei may abolish a 20-percent tariff imposed on automobiles and auto parts from Japan within three years of the implementation of the agreement, Hamaguchi said. Tariffs on electronics and machinery products, currently set at in a range of 5-20 percent, will be eliminated within five years.
Japan exported 11.5 billion yen (US$93.50 million; euro70.28 million) worth of products to Brunei in 2005, with automobiles and auto parts accounting for 71 percent of the total, according to Japanese government figures. It imported 252.5 billion yen (US$2.05 billion; euro1.54 billion) worth from Brunei, mostly natural gas and crude oil.
The accord with Brunei will be the seventh free-trade deal for Japan. The world's second-largest economy has already struck similar agreements with Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, the Philippines, Mexico and Chile. Japan is pursuing additional trade agreements with Vietnam, India and Australia. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin |
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Imam delivering his Friday sermon
Imams Frown On Errant Lifestyles & Baby Dumping
By Azlan Othman
Bandar Seri Begawan - Irresponsible youth came into focus yesterday as Imams condemned those who led permissive lifestyles wearing revealing clothing, leading unruly lives that culminated in teenage pregnancies and dumping of babies. They appealed to parents to play a more important role in shaping their children's lives.
This culture full of bad habits that seem to emerge today could have been picked up by the fast changing world, they observed.
However as today's youth are the future leaders of tomorrow one has to tread cautiously to encourage them to get back on track as other wise our society will end up in a mess, the religious leaders observed.
Imams highlighted bad habits plaguing the sultanate such as misuse of drugs and teenage pregnancies. Such concerns were supported by the statistics highlighted previously in the Weekend.
Imams said since youths were the future leaders of tomorrow, the rise and fall of the nation relied upon them. If they were spoilt, then the nation would fall in the future. Likewise, if they were good, then the nation would shine.
The advancement in rapid pace of the information technology changed the lifestyle and exerted pressure that kept on changing. The ever-changing ways of thinking and lifestyles becomes a trend nowadays. Like it or not, we must face it as a challenge.
The community nowadays is more inclined towards what's hip and new without .taking into consideration religion and norms, the Imams said.
For instance, our community has been facing social ills especially among teenagers and youths such as misuse of drugs, consuming alcohol, loafing, unlimited socialising, men wearing earrings, revealing clothes exposing flesh, free sex, homosexuality, and worst of all the irresponsible act of abandoning babies and so on.
Such social ills affect our lives, demoralising one's morale and give a bad name to the nation. Vice activities anger Allah as stated in the Quran. Statistics showed among obvious wrongdoings plaguing the country were the misuse of drugs and free sex as culminating in teenage pregnancies and children born out-of-wedlock.
In 2005, there were 95 teenagers aged below 18 years who gave birth to children out of the wedlock, up from 35 teenagers in 2004. It is saddening to note that majority of them were Muslims involving 92 teenagers.
In mid April this year, Bulletin carried a story whereby the number of illegitimate children recorded an all time high two years ago (2005) in the sultanate when 95 teenagers aged below 18 years gave birth, up from 35 in 2004 and 26 in 2003. There were 28 cases in 1 999, 27 in 2000, 23 in 2001 and 24 in 2002.
Out of the 95 children born out of wedlock, 52 were girls and 43 boys. It was also revealed that 75 of those were not legally authenticated while the rest were of "unknown status". Eighty-eight of the teenage mothers were Malays while seven were non-Malays. In terms of religion, 92 were Muslims and the rest non-Muslims.
Imams added that among the causes of such social ill was unlimited socializing activity that set aside values, norms and religious laws, influence by their peers, misuse of drugs curiosity as well as unlimited freedom by the parent.
In this context, parents or guardians should scrutinise the movements of their child and not get dragged into such social ills. The role of parent is vital is shaping their children by emphasizing on religious and social education as early as in the tender age.
One of the ways to shape them to gain strong faith and moral values was through youth programmes that were beneficial such as youth campaigns, fora, engaging in recreational activities, youth Quran reading, domestic science and so on.
Besides, there are programmes useful to the youths such as enrolling in activities held by the mosque.
The religious leaders called on parents, government and private sectors and organisations and the community to shoulder and multiply efforts against combating the social ills happening in the country to answer the call made by his Majesty in his recent titah during the South East Asia youth Quran reading competition on April 13, 2007. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin |
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Kuching, Sarawak
Kuching Flights To Boost Tourism
By Za'im Zaini
Bandar Seri Begawan - A signing ceremony was held between Brunei Association of Travel agents (BATA) and Sarawak Tourism Federation (STF).
The signing ceremony, which was witnessed by the Sarawak Assistant Tourism Minister, Haji Hamden Ahmad, is part of preparations for the resumption of flights to Kuching by Royal Brunei Airlines. Also present was the Malaysian High Commissioner to Brunei, Datuk Ali Bin Abdullah.
President of STF, Wee Hong Selig, told the press that, "Previously since the suspension of Royal Brunei Airlines flights to Sarawak, it was difficult to promote tourism but hopefully with the resumption of flights to Kuching soon by Royal Brunei, probably this year, it will help promote tourism". He said with the possible air linkage, the bilateral ties between the two countries can only get better in order to achieve a win-win situation in tourism.
He said "we have proposed with the kind agreement of BATA to have a memorandum of understanding" covering the following areas and services:
Both BATA and STE will smartly plan, promote and collaborate in any proposed joint tour packages and tourism events covering Brunei and Kuching/ Miri, Sarawak, in the spirit of BIMP RAGA;
Both BATA and STF will jointly plan, promote and initiate proposal for an integrated and better tourism-linkages between Brunei and Kuching for increased tour mobility as a springboard to spearhead the BIMP EAGA tourism destination and promotion;
Both BATA and STE' will jointly plan, promote and cooperate to encourage more inter-regional exchange visits between people of Brunei and Kuching, Sarawak;
Both BATA and STF will jointly plan and collaborate to increase better understanding and cooperation between members of tourism industry encompassed within the BIMP-EAGA areas of co-operation;
Both BATA and STE will jointly encourage and coordinate the promotion and development of tourism between the above mentioned regions;
Both BATA and STE will jointly encourage, coordinate and further exchange the promotion and development of educational exchange programmes and the overall education tourism between the above mentioned regions; and
Both BATA and STE will give support and cooperation towards the harmonisation of the process and regulating border crossing and security initiated by both the Brunei Darussalam and Malaysia governments. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin
[ Last edited by TheHawk at 16-6-2007 05:15 PM ] |
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Networking And Workshop At iCentre
By Kartika Rahman
Bandar Seri Begawan - The Brunei Economic Development Board is opening the SME Innovation Centre (iCentre) to the public with a half-day workshop and networking event on June 29, 2007.
This is a prelude to the launching of the first iCentre in Brunei Darussalam and is a follow-up to the Think Big Forum held in May.
The Think Big Workshop and Networking target those who are interested in becoming incubatees for the iCentre specifically and wishing to pursue opportunities in ICT.
The programme will include talks on business plan preparation and intellectual property protection. There will also be a presentation by the iCentre management company, KR Consulting, on the incubation selection process and criteria followed by a networking session.
The (Centre is a BEDB initiative, set up as a centre to support the development of new stream of economic growth from ICT through the provision of skills workshops, mentoring and guidance, networking sessions, linkages with organisations and incubation facilities. It also aims to cultivate incubatees to support Brunei's e-government initiatives.
To register and for more information on the Think Big Workshop and Networking event, visit the BEDB website on www.bebdb.com.bnisme. -- Courtesy of The Brunei Times |
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Reply #629 TheHawk's post
mcm2 sudah ada... it really shows IT is getting the lead... |
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Police Commissioner...motorists
going long-distance should not
carry excess petrol stored in containers
Hit-List: Metal Crooks, Driving
By Liza Mohd
Bandar Seri Begawan - In the light of scrap metal and copper thefts plaguing the country, Police Commissioner of the Royal Brunei Police Force, Pehin Dato Paduka Zainuddin bin Jalani, has urged relevant government sectors or private companies to boost security and network to jointly combat related crimes.
The Police Commissioner said this in relation to the recent copper cable thefts at two different substations in Kampong Lumut last week where police made swift arrest of two local suspects. He noted that high market prices for copper and aluminum are enticing thieves to steal metal to sell for scrap as people are going through tough economic times.
The police are therefore playing its role by increasing patrols in isolated areas and the Police Commissioner noted in an exclusive interview with Sunday Bulletin that members of the public should also play their part as crime prevention is a shared responsibility for all.
In relation to the recent fatal accident in Sibu in which five family members perished, Pehin Dato Paduka Zainuddin said investigations are still ongoing and
Brunei police are awaiting the report of findings based on investigations from its counterpart. Therefore, the Police Commissioner is taking the opportunity to remind motorists to take extra precaution when driving long-distance and also not to carry excess petrol stored in containers, as well as to take stopovers to overcome fatigue.
It is also vital to ensure that their vehicles are roadworthy and drivers abide by traffic rules in the neighbouring states while travelling outside the country during the ongoing school holidays.
The Police Commissioner also commented on the increasing number of road traffic accidents in the country and highlighted that police are taking extra measures by installing weekly speed traps, joint roadblocks and promoting public awareness through the road safety campaign.
He added that most accidents when investigated were attributed to recklessness and the mechanical conditions of their vehicle. Drivers should also take into account the slippery road condition by slowing down.
The Police Commissioner further issued reminders to road users to abide to the speed limit and not to jump traffic lights. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin |
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Brunei Court
Two Officers Pay Dearly For Cheating
By Malai FadleyRizal
Bandar Seri Begawan - Two, police personnel were sentenced to jail yesterday alter they pleaded guilty to charges of cheating before the Bandar Magistrate's Court.
Muhammad Azimuddin bin Hail Jais, 21, was imprisoned for three years and Noor Muhammad Yassri bin Haji Jais, 22, was jailed for two years.
Both defendants used one credit card belonging to a woman for several transactions at different shops in one day. All the offences were committed on May 29, this year. Azimuddin used the credit card to purchase car accessories and pay the labour charge for a total of BND$1,258 at Seng Hoe Huat Auto Accessory Service Company.
On the same day, Noor Muhammad cheated the same company by using the card to purchase car accessories and pay labour charge amounting to $800.
Then, Azimuddin again used the card to purchase clothes for $83.80 at Hua Ho Department Store. Noor Muhammad later purchased a Sony PSP worth $468 from EGM Trading Company.
Lastly, Azimuddin used the credit card to buy hair accessories worth $31.80 at Sin Kew Hin Department Store. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin |
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Surge In Food Production
By Azlan Othman
Bandar Seri Begawan - There has been an increase in rice, livestock and poultry production in the Sultanate over the years.
But other main crop production like vegetables and fruits was down, statistics from the Department of Economic Planning and Development (JPKE) revealed.
A similar increasing trend was also reported in the production of forestry products such as 'Bakau' poles and charcoal but there was a decreasing trend in the production of round timber and sawn timber.
In terms of fishery production, local production has also increased, so too the capture industry (commercial and small scale), aquaculture (fish in cages, farm prawn and fresh water fish) and processing industry.
Rice production was up by three per cent from 851 metric tonnes in 2005 to 886 mt in 2006. Brunei still imports rice from Thailand. For cattle and goats, production rose by 45 per cent from 5.1 mt (2005) to 9.4 mt (2006) and 59 per cent from 1.5 mt (2005) to 3.7 mt respectively.
For poultry production like broilers chicken, it was up by 13 per cent from 15,419.2 in 2005 to 17,886.3 in 2006. Meanwhile, chicken egg production surged from 103.7 million in 2005 to 118.4 million last year, an increase of 12 per cent. Recently, the nation was struck by a shortage of eggs which resulted in a hike in egg prices, and the Agriculture Department under the Ministry of Industry and Primary Resources is taking steps to allow the import of eggs from a neighbouring country.
The department said it was aware of the shortage of eggs in the local market for over a week and attributed the shortage to technical problems, especially relating to the management faced by local egg producers at the moment.
Meanwhile, overall, there was an increase of 12.77 million in all agriculture commodities production last year compared to 2005. The agriculture commodities range from broilers to chicken eggs, meat products, fruits, vegetables and rice, Agricultural Department figures revealed.
The Department revealed that Brunei recorded 100 per cent self-sufficiency in chicken egg production and over 95 per cent self-sufficiency in broilers and day-old chicks. Vegetable production recorded almost 60 per cent self-sufficiency, fruits (20 per cent), rice (2.88 per cent), beef (1.44 per cent) and fresh milk (14.36 per cent).
A total of 9,500 tonnes of vegetables and 3,700 tonnes of fruits were produced locally last year. To ensure adequate supply in the local market, about 6,500 tonnes of vegetables and fruits were imported last year. Half of this came from Sabah and Sarawak alone. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin |
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Immigration official speaking
with a woman during the operation
Boss Busted For Hiring Immigration Offenders
By Za'im Zaini
Bandar Seri Begawan - A Recent raid by the Law Enforcement Section found a commercial premises owner who has consistently employed immigration offenders for the business.
The two-hour raid codenamed "Ops Bongkar 75" inspected commercial premises in Pekan Muara and rented houses in Sungai Urok, Kg Salambigar last Thursday.
The operation, led by the Acting Assistant Director of Immigration and Chief Immigration Officer, involved 24 personnel.
The officers issued five special passes and a summons letter to a local, while two people were detained a female Filipino and a male Indonesian.
At the commercial premises of the owner who had consistently hired immigration offenders, the official found several immigration offenders whose expired immigration passes had not been dealt with.
Three people with visit passes were issued with special passes.
One of the holders of the visit pass, a 23-year-old Filipino woman, has been detained at the BSB Police Station.
Meanwhile at a rented room, an Indonesian man was apprehended after the officials found that his immigration pass had expired for 152 days.
The Indonesian, in his 50s, claimed that he had no money for the journey back to his country. -- Courtesy of The Brunei Times |
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Sultan Arrives In Japan
By Azaraimy HH
Bandar Seri Begawan - His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam last night arrived in Japan to begin a three-day visit to the country.
His Majesty will sign a landmark free trade agreement with Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe today aimed at slashing tariffs and ensuring a stable supply of natural gas to Japan. Present at the Brunei International Airport to bid farewell to His Majesty yesterday were HRH Prince Hj Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister's Office, HRH Prince Mohamed Bolkiah, HRH Prince Hj Surfi Bolkiah and HRH Prince Abdul Malik.
His Majesty will be hosted to a luncheon by Their Majesties, the Emperor and Empress of Japan on June 19. His Majesty is accompanied by HRH Prince Abdul Azim.
On June 15, the Government of Japan decided at its Cabinet meeting to sign the "Agreement between Japan and Brunei Darussalam for an Economic Partnership",
called JBEPA. Based on the Cabinet decision, Prime Minister Abe and His Majesty will sign the JBEPA and its implementing agreement, as well as the Joint Statement, at a Japan-Brunei Summit Meeting which will be held in Tokyo today.
It is expected that the JBEPA will promote the liberalisation and facilitation of trade and investment between the two countries and invigorate the economies of both countries through the establishment of a reciprocal economic partnership in various fields.
The accord would call on Brunei to abolish a 20-per cent tariff imposed on automobiles and auto parts from Japan within three years of the implementation of the agreement. Tariffs on electronics and machinery products, currently set at in a range of 5-20 per cent, will be eliminated within five years.
In return, Japan will eliminate tariffs on tropical fruits such as mangoes and durians immediately after the accord is put into effect. It will also gradually abolish tariffs on imports of other agriculture and forestry products. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin |
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Number Of Muslim Converts On The Rise
By Azaraimy HH & Hj Minor Absah
Kuala Belait - The number of people embracing the Islamic faith continues to rise, with 174 new conversions in the first four months of 2007 alone, according to statistics released by the Islamic Conversion and New Muslim Guidance Unit, Islamic Dakwah Centre under the Ministry of Religious Affairs.
The report also noted that between January and April this year, the Brunei-Muara District recorded 70 conversions, while Tutong saw 47, Belait 28 and Temburong three.
Atheists made up the biggest group that was attracted to the Islamic teachings, followed by Christians, Buddhists and Hindus.
Thirty-four foreigners converted to Islam, followed by 31 citizens and five permanent residents.
Meanwhile, May alone saw 26 conversions, with Christians making up the biggest group. More Filipinos at 11 - embraced Islam than any other groups, including the Iban, the Chinese and the Dusun.
In Brunei, people accept the Islamic way and embrace the faith for various reasons.
Many see Islam as the perfect religion. The word "Islam" means "peace" - peace within a human being, peace of mind, peace in the society, and peace in the world.
Islam continues to be the fastest growing religion in the world. About one-fifth of the world populations are Muslims. Every year, some 130,000 people in America alone convert to Islam.
In Brunei, the conversion procedure is quite simple; individuals need only to participate in the Shahada, which is a declaration of faith.
Meanwhile, a conversion ceremony was held over the weekend at Kampong Lamunin, Tutong District, which saw RIPAS officer Lo Pei Yeen @ Sharon Lo embrace Islam.
She is now known as Nadira binti Abdullah Lo.
Present as the guest of honour was YB Orang Kaya Bijaya Haji Othman bin Uking.
Also in attendance were religious officials and members of the community.
The ceremony began with a mass recital of Surah alFatihah, followed by Lafaz lkrar Pengislaman (Islamic conversion vow).
Following a welcoming speech from Dakwah Head in Tutong District Awang Adol bin Haji Tinggal, Dikir Marhaban was recited by the Jemaah of Kampong Lamunin Mosque.
A doa selamat was read to mark the conclusion of the event. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin |
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RBA's Boeing 777 Coming Soon
By Hadi DP Mahmud
Bandar Seri Begawan - In its continuing drive to expand its travel destinations, Royal Brunei Airlines will soon be adding a Boeing 777-222 ER aircraft to its fleet. Reliable sources from the airline industry could not confirm when delivery will take place.
However, reports on the internet (airlinersgallery.com) have stated that the airline has already acquired its first Boeing 777-200 last month. According to the report, a Boeing 777 has been repainted in full RBA livery from American flag carrier United Airlines, which is awaiting delivery at Fort Worth Alliance Airport in Texas.
Royal Brunei Airlines (RBA) is also looking into expanding its fleet, with the new Boeing 787 Dreamliner touted as one of the possible future choices, and stated the paper. The sultanate's flag carrier is considering new destinations as part of expanding and enhancing its operations in preparation to serve a larger airport, stated economical and political intelligence publisher Oxford Business Group. Their latest publication entitled "Brunei: Transit Opportunities", stated that the Boeing 787 aircraft will be scheduled to arrive in 2009.
The period 2003 to 2004 saw the beginning of RBA's 'refleeting programme', with two Airbus A319s and two Airbus A320s added to its fleet of six Boeing B767-300s.
OBG's latest paper cited an airport master plan proposal for the Brunei International Airport, which is "reaching its capacity", said Department of Civil Aviation (DCA) director Abdul Rahman Ismail. The paper also stated that the project, expected to begin in late 2008, will be focusing on three primary areas: the creation of an airline hub, an airport city with hotels and other amenities; and a cargo village. -- Courtesy of The Brunei Times |
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Importance Of Research In Policymaking Process
By Warn Abdul Gapar
Tutong - Research coordinators and educators were called upon to identify research issues that could enhance; policymakers |
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Time for parents, youth to unite
Sobrina Rosli
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
18-Jun-07
Social misconduct among teens is a shared burden
PARENTS and youth need to come together soon and sort out ways to stem the tide of social ills affecting young people that have become increasingly worrisome, an authority on social development said yesterday. There is a need for concerted efforts between parents and youth to combat misconduct among youth today, said Datin Hjh Adina Othman, Director of Community Development Department of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports. In a telephone interview, Datin Hjh Adina also pointed out the need to integrate studies on moral values in the educational curriculum. She was reacting to last Friday's sermon, which highlighted social ills among youth today, including drug abuse, alcohol consumption, free sex, homosexuality and cases of young mothers abandoning newborns. "The factors highlighted during the Friday sermons have shown an apparent decline in moral values among youth. "As we are dealing with youth and we want to get the message across, the youth themselves have to be involved in the development of youth programmes," she said. A father of four who is involved in youth work said, "With regards to social problems, it is a global problem. They need to know the consequences of their decisions and they have to remember the values that we teach them." It is crucial, however, to at least keep the communication lines open between parents and children to ensure that teenagers are receptive to ideas that elders impart to them, he said. "Parents act as pillars of efforts in trying to battle social ills. A healthy relationship between the parent and child is essential. Parents should be transparent in educating their children whilst instilling proper values (in them)," he said. He also pointed out the importance of parents being approachable to their children and for them to listen and understand the youth. "Parents should be able to sit down and discuss with their children, sharing input to raise a child with positive values. Parents should be the person a child should approach," he said. Whether parents have the ability to communicate with their children, it is essential to learn or seek advice to have effective communication with their children. "The question is, how to be a good parent, and are they doing enough?" Read by imams in mosques in the sultanate, the sermon stated that in efforts to battle a social malady, both parents and youth will be challenged by such factors such as information communication technology and changing lifestyles sweeping youth across continents. The prevailing problem of the increasing number of babies born out of wedlock was among the issues raised in the sermon. Parents are also warned against giving teenagers "unlimited freedom" without monitoring their social activities. The Brunei Times |
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Category: Negeri & Negara
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Post time 15-6-2007 09:47 AM
Author
