✰ Brunei Darussalam ~ NEWS & HILITES ✰

TheHawk

Wednesday, 18th July 2007


Mr Liu Ning, a representative
from UNEP

Training Customs, Officers To Monitor, Control Ozone Depleting Substances
By James Kon

Bandar Seri Begawan - Twenty officers from the Royal Customs and Excise Department attended the National Train the-Trainers Workshop for Customs Officers on Monitoring and Controlling of Ozone Depleting Substances that kick-started yesterday at the Training Centre, Ministry of Development.

The three-day workshop is one of the training programmes conducted following the Memorandum of Understanding that was signed between Brunei Darussalam and the United Nations Environment Programme Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific (UNEP ROAP) in April 2007.

With the objective to facilitate the implementation of Ozone Depleting Substances regulations and to control the imports and exports of ODS and ODS containing equipment, the training programme is conducted by an international consultant from UNEP ROAP and an officer from the Customs Department, Malaysia.

The training programme is implemented in two phases. Phase one is where a group of 20 selected

Customs and senior Customs officers are trained as trainers by an international consultant from UNEP ROAP, while phase two is where the trained trainers from phase one will train a further 20 Customs officers and other stakeholders.

Haji Shaharuddin Khairul Hj Anuar, the Senior Environment Officer from Department of Environment, Parks and Recreation in his opening address said the workshop, which is also organised in other Asean member countries, is designed especially for the need of Customs officers with the focus on building knowledge and skills in the field of control, reduction and monitoring of Ozone Depleting Substances, as well as equipment that contain Ozone Depleting Substances.

He added, "The workshop represents a platform for UNEP to assist implementing agencies especially the Department of Environment, Parks and Recreation and the Royal Customs and Excise Department, as well as other relevant government agencies towards implementing the enforcement and control in the import and export of Ozone Depleting Substances and equipment that contain Ozone Depleting Substances more effectively."

He hoped the participants of the workshop would take the opportunity to build knowledge and skill in connection with the enforcement and control of Ozone Depleting Substances from the facilitator and expert.

In another speech by Mr Liu Ning, a representative of the UNEP, he said, "Environmental crime is a big and increasingly lucrative business. Local and international crime syndicates worldwide earn an estimated US$22 to US$31 billion annually from hazardous waste dumping, smuggling hazardous materials and exploiting and trafficking protected natural resources."

He added, "Illegal substances, toxic chemicals, hazardous wastes and endangered species are an international problem with serious consequences."

Mr Liu Ning also touched on the issues of CFC, a chemical component that is harmful to the ozone layer. He said, "The CFC problem is now under control, thanks to the Montreal protocol on substances that deplete the ozone layer."

He added, "Customs officers are at the frontlines of every country's effort to combat illegal trade. They must be empowered, equipped and trained if multilateral environment agreement is to become successful. They are the cornerstone of the national compliance and enforcement strategy for each international agreement since they are the front line in any controls on transboundary movements of controlled items."

Also present at the workshop were Haji Mohd Zakaria bin Haji Sarudin, the Director of Environment, Parks and Recreation; and Mohammad Jazam bin Mohammad Yassin of the Customs Department, Malaysia, as well as officials from the Ministry of Education and Land Transport Department. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

TheHawk

Thursday, 19th July 2007


HM Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah

Russian Author To Write His Majesty's Biography
By Asri Razak

Bandar Seri Begawan - A Russian writer is currently in the sultanate to write a biography on His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam.
According to a Liaison Officer from the Information Department, during his stay, Sergey Plekhanov will be conducting research for the book.
He hopes to get to meet several cabinet ministers for interviews and will be doing most of his research work at the Language and Literature Bureau and Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) library.
When asked what initiated Sergey to write a biography on His Majesty, the officer said that according to Sergey the decision was taken after a discussion between the governments of the two countries.
Sergey arrived in Brunei last Friday and expected to stay until later this month, said the Liaison Officer who wished to remain anonymous.
Educated at the institute of International Relations and Gorki Institute of Literature, Sergey Plekhanov is currently an Associate Professor of Political Science at York University in Toronto, Canada and a member of Russian Writers Association.
He is a well-known master of biography, writing a number of biographies and political essays on prominent statesmen, politicians and public figures.
The list of known figures include Qaboos bin Said, the Sultan of Oman; Vladimir Zhirinovsky, leader of the liberal-democratic party of Russia; Saddam Hussein, former president of Iraq; Aga Khan IV, Imam of Shia Ismaili sect.
Sergey was also involved in talk shows, script writing for fiction films and documentaries. He has published widely on issues of post-communist transformations in Russia, Russian foreign policy, US-Russian relations, and American politics.
The Russian journalist is also specialises in writing on issues in modern Islam, and as result has published articles on present-day political regime and religious situation in Iraq, Yemen, Brunei, Qatar and other issues on Islam faced by Islamic communities. His interests in traditional religions have lead to articles dedicated to the religions of the Orient, Africa and religious relics of ancient Mesopotamia, Arabian Peninsula and Tibet. -- Courtesy of Brunei Times

TheHawk

Thursday, 19th July 2007

Mushrooming Shop Houses Bring Rental Prices Down
By Za'im Zaini

Bandar Seri Begawan - Properties in Gadong, Kiulap and Kiarong in the capital are hot and continue to command a decent price due to the all round development.

But the general feeling among some of the businessmen is that too many shop houses have sprouted in these areas, which are having a direct impact on the value of properties.

While it's less the better for shop house owners, it's more the merrier for tenants.

Post economic crisis, property prices in Brunei, in general, have marginally increased due to a slight rise in the cost of construction.

Real estate agencies confirmed this to the Bulletin yesterday when asked about the trend of property prices for the past 20 years.

The prices especially depend on the location of the property with the business areas of Gadong, Kiulap and Kiarong being touted as the current hotspots.

The rentals being charged at these areas largely depend on the owner of the property aril the negotiating capacity of the potential tenant. However, established companies may find it easy to rent out shop lots in these areas than new SMEs, who arc considered as high risks.

As far as the rental value of houses, things are looking up again according to real estate agencies.

Unlike in the 1990s when there was a boom in the rental prices of houses because of a large number of expatriates in the country, the present scenario is still more of a challenge for house owners.

A prominent businessman, who told the Bulletin that rentals as well as the value of properties have gone down, said that the government should control the construction of shop houses in the country as too many of them have brought the value down.

A Legislative Council member during the March session said that due to a drop in the value of properties, the government should relax regulations to ensure local and foreign permanent residents are able to buy properties. This, he added, would enable them to reside and do business in the country.

Another real estate agency owner also told the Bulletin that property prices have been on a downward trend as there is a growing concern on increasing construction costs attributed to rise in prices of materials such as bricks and steel.

On a brighter note, he said there was a glimmer of hope that rentals could pick up with demand for residential properties and availability of better home loan interest rates.

Observers, meanwhile, have urged for control over the boom in shop houses. Some are still unoccupied for years as there are no takers.

There are also tenants who are moving from one location to another due to more attractive rentals, especially office spaces.

It has become common, of late, to see firms and restaurants move from one area to another.

One restaurant owner, who wished to remain anonymous, said as rentals usually make up the majority of the operating costs, failure to make profits usually means they either pack up or try to cut down the operating cost. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin



[ Last edited by  TheHawk at 22-7-2007 06:34 PM ]

TheHawk

Thursday, 19th July 2007


Group photo of delegates who
are taking part in the two-way meeting

Delegates Study Feasibility Of Asean-China Info Superhighway
By Kartika Rahman

Bandar Seri Begawan - The Authority for Info-Communications Technology (AITI) Industry of Brunei Darussalam and Ministry of Information Industry of the People's Republic of China hosted the 2nd Asean-China Information Superhighway Working Group Meeting at the Rizqun International Hotel in Gadong yesterday afternoon.
Several representatives from Asean member countries comprising those from the public and private sector, as well as representatives from Telekom Brunei Bcrhad (TelBru) and DST Group, were among those who attended the talk yesterday.
The aim of the two-day meeting, which ends today, is to discuss the Feasibility Study Report of the Asean-China Information Superhighway Project.
AITI Acting Deputy Chief Executive Pg Hj Mohd Salleh bin Pg Hj Aji hoped that the meeting would meet its objectives and continue the efforts in realising the development and expansion of cooperation between Asean and China.
Meanwhile, Qian Tingshuo, the Deputy Director General of Department of Planning, Ministry of Information Industry of the People's Republic of
China, said that once the China-Asean Information Superhighway is up and running, it could further promote the placement of communication infrastructure for both China and Asean member countries.
"Information technology and the (communication) industry represent one of the fields in the world that register the fastest growth," Tingshuo said, adding that the information infrastructure is an important catalyst for the social economic growth for every country.  -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

TheHawk

Thursday, 19th July 2007



Belait District Gears Up For Royal Visit
By Liza Mohd

Kuala Belait - As Tutong District celebrates today to mark His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan Negara Brunei Darussalam's 61st birthday, Belait District residents are preparing for their turn to welcome His Majesty this Saturday.
The Minister of Home Affairs, Pehin Orang Kaya Johan Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Adanan bin Begawan Pehin Siraja Khatih Dato Seri Setia Haji Mohd Yusof, was at the Taman Jubilee Recreational Park along Jalan Maulana yesterday morning to view the final preparations for the get-together event in the oil-and-gas town to celebrate the monarch's 61st birthday.
Over 2,050 performers swung into action during the Rill-dress rehearsal and final practice yesterday morning. The grand event is expected to draw over 30,600 people, who w ill get the chance to greet His Majesty.
The performers comprise people from various government departments and the private sector educational institutions, non-governmental organisations, Mukim and Kampong Consultative Councils and multi-racial communities living in the district.
The theme for this year's field performances in Belait is "Nostalgia Seni Klasik Silam-, which will he illustrated by seven classic dances that reflect the past lifestyles of people from various cultures and races living in the district.
It is hoped that the field performances will lead the district to victory this year after seven consecutive wins. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

TheHawk

Thursday, 19th July 2007

Missing Girl Comes Home Safe And Sound
By Nela Awang

Bandar Seri Begawan - The 16-year-old girl who was reported missing for the past two weeks, returned home safe and sound, yesterday.
Nor Diana Hj Ibrahim reported herself to the Kampong Ayer Police Station after she read an article in a newspaper about her being missing.
According to the police, apparently the girl was staying with her friend in Belait district. However, she failed to specifically to disclose to the police which part of the district she was staying at.
In her testimonial, Nor Diana said that she had already informed her sister about her being at a friend's house. But her mother who was worried about her not being home for two weeks, reported her as missing.
The Brunei Times was told that while the police were investigating the case, they heard from the girl's family that the she might be in Belait district, but were not sure of her whereabouts.
In addition, not knowing exactly where Nor Diana might be made it difficult for the police to seek assistance from the Belait police branch to look for her. While this was going on, the girl went to the station to report herself. -- Courtesy of The Brunei Times

TheHawk

Friday, 20th July 2007


Dato Hj Hamdillah, Deputy Minister
of Industry and Primary Resources

Heart Of Borneo Beats In Brunei
By Suria Rina, Lyna Mohamad and Liza Mohd

Bandar Seri Begawan - The Heart of Romeo vision is fast gaining momentum in the country. The declaration signed in Bali in February this year brought in the commitment of three countries, Brunei, Malaysia and Indonesia to work together to protect the unique rainforests of Borneo.

Considered to be the key centres of biological diversity in the world, it covers approximately 22-0,000 square kilometres of equatorial rainforests and numerous wildlife species shared by the three countries. The Deputy Minister of Industry and Primary Resources, Dato Paduka Hj Hamdillah bin Hj Abd Wahab stated that the HoB initiative is a big and complex task and it commits three countries to harmonize the implementation of their national efforts to conserve and sustainably manage approximately 240,000 sq km of mainly forested land.

Brunei's part in it will be 58 per cent of its land area, which compared to the total size of the country, is the biggest slice of the HoB.

At the First Tri-Country Implementation

Meeting on the Heart of Borneo

TheHawk

Friday, 20th July 2007


HM gets a colourful welcome as he arrives
in Tutong

Majestic Tribute By Tutong
By Aemy Azlena and Huraizah Ahmad

Tutong - The people and the community of Tutong District yesterday bestowed a great birthday tribute to His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan by attending the Royal Get-Together in their thousands with heartfelt hospitality.

The Seri Kenangan Community Field was filled with thousands from all walks of life as people congregated there for a chance to meet with His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darusalarn at the second Bersama Rakyat' or Royal Get-Together held in conjunction with his Majesty's 61' birthday.

Accompanying His Majesty were HRH Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister's Office, HRH Prince Mohamed Bolkiah, HRH Prince Hj Sufri Bolkiah, HRH Prince Abdul Azim and HRH Prince Abdul Malik.

His Majesty and the Royal entourage were greeted at the Helipad by Pain Orang Kaya Johan Pahlawan Dam Seri Setia Awg Haji Adanan, the Minister of Home Affairs, senior government officials and the Acting Tutong District Officer, Hj Jamain bin Momin.

Alter His Majesty's arrival, the National Anthem and `Allah Peliharakan Sultan' were played; after which "Daulat Kebawah Duli Tuan Patik" was chanted out three times.

This was followed by a speech delivered by the Acting Tutong District Officer, Hj Jamain bin Momin.

The highlight of the event was the special field performances made up of 700 individuals including students, ethnic communities and various groups who performed in their traditional and colourful costumes.

The show ended with the Grand Finale of the performers chanting out "Daulat Kehawah Duli Tuan Patik" followed by a Flip Card showing "Daulat Kehawah Duli Tuan Patik" and the theme "Raja Berdaulat Membawa Rahmat" as multi coloured confetti blasted into the air as balloons floated in the sky and performers let out cheers of joy.

At the end of the performance, His Majesty and the Royal entourage consented to receive greetings from the Tutong people who came from various kampongs and mukims, many of whom were eager and excited to meet the Royals.

His Majesty then consented to take a group photo along with various senior government officials.

Mukim and village heads, as well as the organising committee for the event prior to the Santap that was held at the Seri Kenangan Community Hall. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

TheHawk

Friday, 20th July 2007



Lethal 慦hite Rabbit

TheHawk

Friday, 20th July 2007


Plainclothes enforcement
officers check one of the
stalls at the Pasar Ria in the capital

Two Detained In Joint Raids At Festive Stalls
By Yusrin Junaidi

Bandar Seri Begawan - Two foreign workers were detained while 23 people were issued with special passes and another 16 handed summons letters in the latest operation conducted by the Municipal Board in cooperation with the Law Enforcement Section of the Department of Immigration and National Registration.

The operation codenamed "Operasi Bersepadu" was meant to coincide with the ongoing celebrations marking His Majesty's 61st Birthday.

The three-hour-long operation involved a team of some 23 personnel from the Enforcement Unit of the Municipal Board led by Acting Enforcement Officer Level I Hj Abdul Mutalip bin Hj Mumin, and another team of 23 enforcement officers from the Department of Immigration and National Registration, which pass headed by the Immigration Acting Head Officer.

The raiding party officials focused their efforts mainly on a number of stalls at the Pasar Ria in the capital, near the Royal Regalia.

Members of the Immigration enforcement team meanwhile ran inspections on foreign workers checking for proper documents and legal passes in their effort to ensure that no illegal immigrants were staying in the country. The two workers arrested in the operation

TheHawk

Saturday, 21st July 2007


Asoka trees

Ex-Forest Chief抯 Trouble Over Trees
By Ignatius Stephen

Bandar Seri Begawan - The mention of a minister's daughter and a hundred Asoka trees came up in the Brunei Intermediate Court this week.

In the dock is former Brunei Forestry Department Head Haji Abdul Rahman bin Haji Chuchu, 54, accused of cheating the government in 1999 and in the year 2000.

The court heard that Dayang Reeda Jasmine, the daughter of the then Minister of Industry and Primary Resources "borrowed" 100 Asoka trees which were planted at the minister's family home in Jerudong and another four Royal Palms which found their way to the D' Anggerek Hotel owned by the minister's family.

The charge against the former forestry director said that he on or about March 25, 2000 cheated the government of $392 buying four Royal Palm trees from Asri Landscaping Services, indented for Pusat Penhutanan Sungai Liang when in fact the trees were delivered and planted at the compound of the D'Anggerek Hotel to mislead government into approving payment for them.

He also faces similar corruption charges for other trees Supplied in April that year involving 14 Asoka trees and Criminal Breach of Trust charges involving 100 trees the following near valued at $6500.

Another charge of corruption, the court heard involved Hummingbird equipment costing $1,400 in October 1999.

The former director is pleading not guilty and is defended by Mr Roy Prabhakaran. Deputy Public Prosecutor Suhana Sudin is prosecuting. The case is heard before Judge Lim Siew Yen. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

TheHawk

Saturday, 21st July 2007

Runaway Teens A Worrying Trend
By Za'im Zaini & Azaraimy HH

Bandar Seri Begawan - "Good parenting with love, tender care and understanding could be the ideal antidote to deal with a rising trend among some teenagers to runaway from their homes.

Most importantly parents must cultivate the art of right communication with their teenage children said Datin Hjh Adina bte Othman, Director at the Department of Community Development. Speaking to the Weekend about runaway and missing youth as well as those gone astray, she urged parents to play a pivotal role in shepherding their children on the right path.

Reports of missing teenagers have become frequent these days with youngsters fleeing home to be with friends. Some people even call it a phase in the lives of their children, when the need to be with friends become more important than the need to be with their parents.

If the parents were wise enough they would understand the problem and deal with it gently instead of getting excited and punishing their offspring.

Datin Adinah said, the worst form of punishment parents mete out is prohibitting their children from seeing their friends. With harsh measures, parents stress the younger generation out and thus lose their respect.

"Young people would like being friends with their parents as they too have problems at their level and would really love to have a strong supporting figure on their side.

"Parents, instead of forcing themselves on the children must think up a strategy to earn their trust and respect in a friendly way. In this way parents can hear all about their child's otherwise unknown problems, friendships and even future plans.

"Parents must also ideally invite their children's friends into their home and in this way they can get firsthand information on which they mix with and could even subtly monitor their friendships."

The issue of runaways in the country stem from a broker communication between parents and their children and the failure to understand each other.

She said "Part of good parenting is good communication skills. Parents must have good communication skills' to understand their children and today's society".

She said that the Department recollected most runaways in Brunei lacked communication with their parents, and the child if in stress would turn to their friends instead. Therefore, lines of communication must always be kept open. In a research conducted by the department, among the factors found to have caused broken homes was mismanagement of finance and parents lacking communication skills.

Meanwhile the DCO of Brunei District Police also agreed that the line of communication between the parents and children was vital.

Knowing who their friends are, where they go and whether they have boyfriends or girlfriends is very important, they said.

The DCO further advised that before they reported on their missing child parents should also search for them first in case they were with friends and relatives and if the search still yielded no result then they have to immediately report the matter to the police.

Sources have told the Weekend that some of the missing people that were reported surprisingly were found at their friends' or relatives house.

In a random interview by the Weekend, some instances of broken communication have occurred within families due to busy work schedule of parents especially if both mother and father were employed.

One such example was 16yr-old Razib who claims to be an only child and studies in secondary school preferring to kill his time at shopping malls and loitering around instead of spending more time at home.

Meanwhile Haji Ismail, 48, a resident of Muara, with three children believed that young runaways can't be blamed solely on parents or the young themselves.

He added that there were different sorts of factors and among them the type of friends they associated with.

"Being young, they were easily influenced and duped. I don't know why they prefered to confide in their friends than parents. The parent - children bond is forged not only by bloodline but at an emotional level."

He added that it takes more than money to maintain a harmonious family. Parents were never taught how to bring their children up, plus the way we were brought up seems so different to the situation we face today with our children. "What worked then does not necessarily work now".

He concluded that flexibility, understanding and adaptability were necessary but most important was a consensus between parent and child. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

TheHawk

Saturday, 21st July 2007



Ministry Declares 慦hite Rabbit

TheHawk

Saturday, 21st July 2007

Rising Euro Hurts Sales Of Luxury Cars
By Azlan Othman

Bandar Seri Begawan - The good old days of luxury car market sales in the sultanate is fast becoming a thing of the past due to the currently appreciating Euro. Sales will surge if there is a new model in the local market, according to a management staff from the auto traders association speaking to the Weekend.

He said the Brunei Dollar remained low, about five to six years ago where it was traded at 1.65 against the Euro compared to about 2.13 at present. There is an appreciation of about 30 per cent. The rising Euro as well as the Sterling Pound affects the cost of the continental cars compared to Japanese currency, which has weakened against the US Dollar.

It also depends on the country's economy. If there's an increase in business activity, then the sales will also increase, for luxury marks including BMW, Mercedes Benz, Porsche, Audi, Volvo and Lexus.

"Luxury car market used to occupy about 4 per cent of the total market, but has dipped to about 2.5 per cent nowadays. It depends on the introduction of new models. New models of European cars will appear every six to seven years compared to three to four years for the Japanese models.

However, in between such six to seven year period, there are facelift models making their appearance".

"If there is a new Mercedes Benz or BMW model which captures the eyes of the buyers, then the sale will surge. BMW has just launched its new X5 model last month and it is expected that the new 7 series will enter the Brunei market next year", the management staff said.

Interestingly enough, he said that sporty look of Porsche would shift their attention by introducing its first ever saloon model to the world. It will appear in the local market in 2009 with its brand new four to five seater 'Panamera' model.

"It is shorter than the Mercedes S Class but broader and sports a lower body design. It is also the fourth member of the family and expected to be available in three variants, namely V6, V8 and V8 turbo."

Meanwhile Phil Myhre, General Manager of Jati Transport said the luxury car segment which contributes to about 10 per cent of the total market in the sultanate is a very competitive segment.

However the smaller engine (cheaper) car segment, accounts for the largest number of sales in the total market. "It is partly due to the Brunei economy at present. Exchange rates move up and down but rates are difficult to predict

TheHawk

Speed Warning For Commercial Vehicles
By Sonia K

Bandar Seri Begawan - The Department of Land Transport in its efforts to ensure people and goods travel is safe on Brunei roads is monitoring the use of the Speed-Warning-Device (SWD) for commercial vehicles.

Land Transport Department's statistics, according to Awang Haji Mohammad Alimin, showed some 460 offences involving commercial vehicles recorded throughout the country in 2006. The SWD, enforced in 1999, is a device used to warn commercial vehicle drivers from travelling over their speed permitted for commercial vehicles and from violating The Motor Vehicles (Speed Warning Device) Road Traffic Amendment Regulations, 1998, the regulation that governs the use of such a device.

The Director of Land Transport Department, Awang Haji Mohammad Alimin bin Haji Mohd Tanjong, in a statement said that all Public Service Vehicles, I Leavy Vehicles and Goods Vehicles are required to be installed with SWDs.

It is therefore an offence under the

regulation for any commercial vehicle to be operated without SWD approved by the Land Transport Department fitted to it. The Land Transport Department will not entertain any application of use of such vehicles on the road that do not have SWDs installed on them as such vehicles would he considered technically non-compliant.

The SW D. according to the Director of Land Transport Department,Awang Haji Mohammad Alimin bin Haji Mohd Tanjong in the regulation states that a Speed Warning Device, consisting of two External Warning Lights (EWL) of amber colour 60 millimetre in diameter is mounted on the top cap or roof of any commercial vehicles, a buzzer and Internal Pilot Warning Lights (IPWL) placed in front of the driver's dash board, speed sensor, transmission cable and electrical connection which together form a device that gives a visual and audio warning to the driver of the vehicles from violating the speed limit imposed on their vehicles.

In normal operation, for the first I0 seconds at 50 km; h, the buzzer will make an intermittent noise and the IPWL in front of the driver inside the vehicle and the F,WL will blink to warn the driver that the authorised speed limit has been reached. Upon exceeding this speed further and reaching a speed of 70 km/h for some 10 seconds, all warning lights and a sound will he activated until the driver brings the vehicle to a complete stop. The device according to the director resets completely once the vehicle is rested for about 15 minutes and the driver may operate the vehicle again.

It is also an offence under the regulation for such device to be tampered with or adjusted in any manner to prevent the device from operating normally. Any person who contravenes or fails to comply with proper installation and/or use of the device shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $500.

Enforcement carried out by the Land Transport Department and the Royal Brunei Police Force as well as complaints of speeding commercial vehicles and ignoring SWDs or offences of non-operational SW Ds due to tampering with the device to avoid detection of speeding have also been found. Actions against offenders have been taken.

While it is the duty of the Land Transport Department and the Royal Brunei Police Force to continuously monitor and control the matter, cooperation from all parties is very important to ensure any road mishaps due to people and goods handling be avoided. The director is therefore reminding all drivers to follow strictly the road traffic rules and regulations and avoid unnecessary rush and speeding by planning their travel.

The public may also direct any observation made with regard to commercial vehicles offences by approaching any of the Land Transport Department or Police stations throughout the country. Relevant information such as vehicle registration number, company name, time and place an offence was committed, would help them take action as required by law. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

TheHawk

Belait residents greeting His Majesty
in yesterday's get-together at Taman
Jubli Perak. Seen with him is HRH the
Crown Prince

His Majesty Greeted By Thousands In Belait
By Liza Mohd & Kartika Rahman

Bandar Seri Begawan - His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam was greeted by thousands of well-wishers at Taman Jubli Perak in Jalan Maulana yesterday morning during the Belait get-together.

Accompanying the Sultan was HRH Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister's Office, HRH Prince Mohamed Bolkiah, HRH Prince Hj Sufri Bolkiah, HRH Prince 'Abdul 'Azim, HRH Prince 'Abdul Malik and HRH Prince 'Abdul Mateen.

They viewed a field performance by some 3,000 participants. The union of performers signifies their spirit of festivity and commitment for the success of His Majesty's birthday celebration in the district. The performance carrying the theme "Nostalgia Son Klasik Silam" or "Classic Nostalgic Arts of Yesteryear," hopes to lead the district to eight consecutive victories for hest performance this year.

The get-together initiates

TheHawk

Dato Hj Hamdillah, Deputy Minister
of Industry and Primary Resources

Consensus Reached At HoB Meet
By AzIan Othman

Bandar Seri Begawan - Several agreements, ranging from formulating national project documents, proposal to set up a Heart of Borneo Secretariat, fact-finding mission offered by the Asian Development Bank, scientific expeditions, promotion of nature tourism, and organising a scientific conference, were reached at the end of a three-day Heart of Borneo's first trilateral meeting held in the country.

The event was opened last Thursday at Rizqun Hotel, Gadong.

One consensus reached underlined that the national project documents are crucial in realising the Heart of Bomeo's vision. In this regard, Brunei, Indonesia and Malaysia shall formulate their respective documents as soon as possible.

The target date for the completion for the documents will be set at the upcoming BIMP-EAGA senior officials/ministers meeting.

Another consensus highlighted that each country has identified priority themes for national and international collaboration. These themes will be further expanded in the formulation of the respective national project documents.

Thirdly, the two proposals to establish a Heart of Borneo Secretariat, made by Brunei and Indonesia, and views expressed by Malaysia respectively, shall he taken to the relevant authorities of their respective countries, and further tabled at the upcoming BIMP-EAGA meeting.

Another consensus is that Brunei will produce a paper that identities the functions that need to he carried out by a Heart of Borneo coordinating body or decision-making body in each of the three countries.

The trilateral meeting also welcomed Asian Development Bank's offer to undertake a fact-finding mission in the three countries in August 2007 to prepare technical assistance covering the Heart of Borneo initiative.

Another consensus is that a series of joint scientific expeditions shall be organised under "Heart of Borneo expedition series". Malaysia will organise the first expedition in Sarawak in June 2008, and invites counterparts from Brunei and Indonesia to participate.

A series of technical workshops on best management practices in conservation and sustainable development, including wildlife management, will be organised and the venues, rotated among member countries. Indonesia will host the first one in 2008.

There is an urgent need to undertake joint promotion of nature tourism within the Heart of Borneo and in this regard, the meeting proposed that the BIMP-EAGA formulates a strategy.

Other consensuses include organising a forum next year to deliberate the three national project documents roadmap, with special focus on transboundary cooperation, organising a scientific conference of the Heart of Borneo to promote better understanding of the biological richness of the Heart of Borneo. Brunei has volunteered to host it in early 2009.

Lastly, the meeting supported the Asean Peer Consultative Framework initiative, and the Heart of Borneo will benefit from the process.

The 2'9 Heart of Borneo trilateral meeting will be held in Pontianak, West Kalimantan in Indonesia in January 2008.-- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

TheHawk

Give Life Policy One Close Look: Bankers
By Debbie Too

Bandar Seri Begawan - Personal insurance policies have yet to increase their attractiveness to Bruneians, bankers said, noting that many who do enrol in their programmes drop out after a couple of years.

Only five of every 10 people aged 20 to 30 years old who buy a life insurance policy sustain their regular payments for a couple of years, said Elizabeth Sim, a senior personal banker at HSBC in Brunei.

Only three manage to commit to keeping the policy for its entire payment cycle, she said in an interview with The Brunei Times.

AIA Insurance, on the other hand, is seeing a higher percentage of people completing their insurance schemes, eight out of every 10, according top agency Betty Yeo.

"They are afraid of losing their income or they understand that insurance is a form of protection that helps secure them in times of sudden disability or loss of income," she explained in an interview.

"Insurance policies are a form of savings that cover health, disability and loss of income, as well as paying out the family members upon death," said Betty.

"Some people have to consider that when they take out a personal insurance, they have to think what happens when they are 40 years old with no work? At least when they take out an insurance policy when they were younger, the insurance would help them cover their loss of income."

Elizabeth said that it is better to start an insurance policy when the individual is younger because the premiums are much cheaper than when one hits 30 years and above.

"The concern for financial stability only happens when the individual has started to work between the ages 20 and 30 years old. Anyone younger has no concern or worry for finances," said Betty.

"It is better to take out an insurance policy when you're younger to take advantage of the cheaper premiums, instead of starting when you're older and thinking back about why you never started one sooner," said Elizabeth.

Asked about the necessity of having a life insurance policy, Elizabeth said: "There is no easy yes or no answer. The individual themselves will be able to see it.

TheHawk

Media Permata
Sabtu/Ahad, 21/22 Julai 2007

Sudah Terjebak Ketika 13 Tahun

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, Jumaat - Forum anjuran Persatuan Ibu Bapa Guru (PIBG) dikejutkan dengan pendedahan merisaukan mengenai masalah sosial membabitkan segelintir kelompok masyarakat yang terjebak ke lembah maksiat.

Yang lebih mengejutkan ialah pendedahan pembabitan remaja seawal 13 tahun dalam kegiatan seks bebas dengan beberapa lelaki dalam satu masa.

Pelacuran di kalangan pelajar sekolah berlaku di negara ini dan kebanyakan yang terlibat itu memberi alasan kononnya masalah ekonomi sebagai punca mereka terbabit dalam masalah itu, dedah Pegawai Penyiasat Unit Siasatan Jenayah Penderaan Wanita dan Kanak-Kanak, Ketua Inspektor Hajah Halimah Haji Nayan.

Menurutnya beliau pernah berhadapan dengan kes yang melibatkan seorang pelajar perempuan dan tiga orang pelajar lelaki yang semuanya berusia 13 tahun melakukan seks secara bergilir-gilir di rumah pelajar perempuan berkenaan yang kebetulan hampir dengan sekolah mereka.

Kes itu terbongkar apabila salah seorang pelajar lelaki itu menghidapi penyakit kelamin yang selepas disiasat rupanya turut dihidapi pelajar perempuan itu, katanya hari ini pada Forum Ke Arah Membentuk Pelajar Cemerlang anjuran PIBG Sekolah Menengah Pengiran Anak Puteri Hajah Masna.

Siasatan polis turut membongkar masalah itu bermula dengan melihat video lucah milik bapa salah seorang pelajar lelaki terbabit, yang menyebabkan mereka ingin melakukan adegan yang ditonton itu bersama dengan pelajar perempuan terbabit.

Hajah Halimah turut mendedahkan kes pelajar terjebak dalam sumbang mahram, membuang anak, menjatuhkan maruah dan penyalahgunaan dadah, di samping permasalahan lepak, lari dari sekolah, merokok dan meminum minuman keras.

Satu contoh mengenai kes sumbang mahram itu adalah mengenai seorang bapa yang sering mengambil atau membawa anaknya pulang ke rumah pertengahan waktu sekolah dengan alasan tiada orang menjaga anak-anaknya yang lain tetapi sebenarnya mengambil peluang sewaktu isterinya tiada di rumah untuk melakukan persetubuhan haram itu dengan anaknya.

Yang sedihnya, kata beliau, ada ibu-bapa yang tidak tahu langsung bahawa anaknya itu hamil sehinggalah anak mereka melahirkan anak damit dan itu menunjukkan betapa ibu bapa tidak peduli akan aktiviti serta keadaan anak-anak mereka.

Pengarah Jabatan Pembangunan Masyarakat (JAPEM), Datin Hajah Adina Othman pula mendedahkan pihaknya pernah menangani kes melibatkan pelacuran yang digelarkan "Kad Prabayar $10, Kad Prabayar $20" kerana khidmat seks pelajar perempuan itu dibayar dengan kad prabayar telefon $10 atau $20 oleh pelanggannya.

Beliau turut mendedahkan wujudnya kes pelacuran di negara ini seperti kes seorang pelajar menengah satu yang menawarkan bayaran $5 bagi "khidmat memegang tangan dan bercium dengannya".

Penceramah motivasi, Hajah Noor Haji Mohidi pula mendedahkan mengenai kes murtad yang terjadi di negara ini berpunca daripada perceraian ibu-bapa menyebabkan si ibu yang mualaf kembali semula kepada agama asalnya dan berkahwin lain.

Si ibu itu yang mempunyai hak penjagaan ke atas anak-anaknya yang Islam mendidik anak-anaknya dengan kehidupan bukan Islam menyebabkan anak-anaknya terang-terangan menyatakan mereka murtad.

Beliau berkata isu sosial yang ditangani Mahkamah Syariah terbahagi kepada tiga iaitu akhlak, halal-haram dan batin iaitu yang berkaitan dengan akidah.

Beliau mengingatkan setiap mereka yang didakwa dan sabit kesalahan di mahkamah syariah seperti kesalahan khalwat, rekod mereka akan tercatat pernah melakukan jenayah syariah dan catatan itu pastinya akan menghalang mereka mendapat biasiswa pelajaran atau pekerjaan.

Hajah Noor turut menyelar masyarakat yang memandang serong atau rendah terhadap anak luar nikah sehinggakan ada yang mengatakan mencium anak-anak berkenaan boleh mendatangkan kecelakaan.

"Semua anak damit dilahirkan suci, yang bersalah adalah penzina berkenaan," jelasnya lagi.

Pegawai Kaunselor Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD), Hajah Suhaina Haji Mat Ludin dalam forum berkenaan menjelaskan ada tujuh ejen yang menyumbang kepada isu sosial di kalangan remaja itu tetapi pada yang sama adalah juga perangsang ke arah kecemerlangan seseorang pelajar itu, bergantung kepada cara pembawaan setiap ejen berkenaan.

Ketujuh-tujuh ejen itu ialah ibu-bapa dan keluarga, rakan sebaya, media dan maklumat terutama Internet yang masuk ke ruang kamar tidur anak-anak, orang penting di sekeliling pelajar seperti guru, idola dan kekasih, persekitaran seperti rumah, tempat tinggal dan sekolah, pembelajaran/pendidikan dan akhir sekali ialah masyarakat yang termasuk juga jiran.

Ibu bapa selaku ejen utama mestilah mementingkan kuantiti dan kualiti masa bersama dengan anak-anak walaupun yang tinggal di asrama, jangan terlalu bermewah atau memanjakan anak sehingga membenarkan mereka hidup bebas tanpa peraturan rumah, jangan sesekali bersikap terlalu 'sporting' dan awasilah perlakuan serta aktiviti anak-anak, nasihat Hajah Suhaina.

Datin Hajah Adina menyimpulkan gejala sosial para pelajar itu hanya dapat ditangani dengan kerjasama padu kaum keluarga, masyarakat dan kerajaan.

Ibu bapa perlu turut mengenali rakan anak mereka dan membenarkan mereka ke rumah supaya senang dimata-matai kerana jika perjumpaan di luar, adalah lebih sukar untuk dikawal, tambahnya

TheHawk

His Majesty views the scale model
of the expanded Bandar Seri Begawan.

Brunei Capital To Become Nearly Ten Times Bigger
By Za'im Zaini & Sonia K

Bandar Seri Begawan - Residents of the Brunei-Muara District feted His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam with fanfare as the 揃ersama Rakyat