✰ Brunei Darussalam ~ NEWS & HILITES ✰

TheHawk

Parents Told To Keep Eye On Children As Social Ills On The Rise
By Azlan Othman

Bandar Seri Begawan - Cases of teenagers asking for $10 or $20 prepaid phone cards in exchange for sexual services have prompted the Community Development Department to call on parents to monitor their daughters' activities and uphold values.

"We received reports of such cases involving a Form five student and a school dropout," said Community Development Department Director, Datin Hjh Adina, adding that such issues have been highlighted many times in the past at talks and forums by the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports.

"Students nowadays carry hand phones even at an early age and the problem lies in maintaining such phones. It is easy to purchase such phones than to maintain them. Such social problems are not unique to Brunei. They have happened elsewhere," she said, adding that it is a global issue and in some nations things are even worse than in Brunei.

"Teenagers also use hand phones for chatting and to browse the Internet. In the old days, we could survive without the hand phone. Hence, there is a need now for parents to monitor their children and observe the friends whom they mingle with.

"We also need to balance the rapid pace of development and uphold our values to enhance our traditional support system, which is found lacking at some stages. Unlike the old days, the traditional extended family system is now slowly becoming diluted.

"Hence, an integrated approach must be undertaken by all the relevant agencies, including the media, for the teenagers to get the right message. Media too should also play their role to disseminate information on good moral values and in promoting our value system," she added.

She also said parenting skills are also crucial and such skills can be acquired from the pre-solemnisation course for intended brides and bridegrooms.

During the recent forum organised by the Parents-Teachers Association targeting secondary school students, the panellists comprising of Community Development Department, Women and Children Abuse Investigation Unit of the Royal Brunei Police Force and Ministry of Religious Affairs highlighted several alarming social ills affecting teenagers nowadays.

Besides the prepaid phone card for sex service, the panellists exposed a case of a teenage girl as young as 13 involved in free sex with several male students at the same time at a house near the school.

The incident came to the attention of the police when one of the male students suffered from a sexually transmitted disease.

Police investigations revealed that the source of the problem originated from an obscene videotape belonging to the father of the student, which led to the students watching the movie with the female student.

Another case involved incest whereby a father raped his biological daughter when no-one was at home.

The panellists also spoke about a secondary school girl student who asked for $5 just to kiss and hold her hands, as well as a mother, a convert, reverting back to her old religion after divorcing and marrying again, thus affecting the religious status of her children. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

TheHawk

Fly To Australia For Less Than $5

Bandar Seri Begawan - For less than AM10 ($4.41), passengers can fly from Kuala Lumpur to Australia come early September when low-cost carriers AirAsia X and Jetstar begin their separate operations, reported Malaysia's English daily The Star yesterday.

AirAsia X, Malaysia's first long-haul budget airline, is expected to start its first flight between here and an Australian east-coast city on September 8. stated the report.

Insiders told the daily that the Malaysian airline is expected to start its promotional one-way fare at RM9.90 ($4.37).

A day later on September 9, Jetstar - the low-cost subsidiary of Qantas - will start its operations from here to Sydney.

For starters, Jetstar is offering fares from RM88 ($38.84) for one-way travel in September and February. This does not include taxes and surcharges, which come to a total of RM409 ($180.56), Jetstars one-way fare for October and November is RM488 ($215.438) excluding taxes and surcharges.

Jetstar will also offer 36 business-class seats, and the one-way fare for the route is RM1,488 ($656.81), excluding taxes.

揙ur fares will be about 20 per cent cheaper than those offered by full-service carriers," Jetstar general manager for marketing David May was quoted as saying in a Tuesday press conference.

For comparison, the cheapest return economy fare on Malaysia Airlines is RM2,734 ($1,206.78). FAX chief executive officer Azran Osman-Rani told The Star: "On the average, our fare will be about 30 per cent to 50 per cent cheaper than the full service carrier." "AirAisa X is likely to announce its first destination tomorrow," he said when asked about the announcement of Jetstars' KL-Sydney flight. -- Courtesy of The Brunei Times

TheHawk

Education Minister Inspects 2 Schools

Bandar Seri Begawan - The Minister of Education, Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Lela Dato Seri Setia Awang Hj Abdul Rahman bin Dato Setia Hj Mohamed Taib yesterday visited two educational institutions as part of the ministry's effort to monitor and improve the quality of education in schools.
The schools visited were Sekolah Rendah Mulaut and Sekolah Menengah Sayyidina Husain, Jerudong.
The minister first visited Sekolah Rendah Mulaut where he was welcomed upon arrival by the headmaster, Cikgu Mat Salleh bin Hj Ahmad. The minister toured several classrooms and took a closer look at the facilities available.
Highlighting the importance towards the implementation of co-curriculum activities, the minister took the opportunity to interact with students who at the time were doing some co-curricular activities such as crafts, jawi writing, and dance classes as well as sports such as badminton, football and cricket.
These co-curricular activities are hoped to produce a balanced development in students.
At Sekolah Menengah Sayyidina Husain, the minister heard a briefing by the principal, Cikgu Hjh Rosni bin Hj MohdAmin.
The briefing touched on the background, achievements, activities and programmes implemented by the school. It also highlighted the issues and challenges faced by the school in its daily operation.
The briefing continued with a dialogue with the principal and head of departments.
Among the issues and challenges raised by the education minister included the provision of infrastructures and facilities that are sufficient and conducive. According to the minister, the ministry will always try to overcome any difficulties that are experienced by the schools at the moment.
Besides this, the minister also stressed on the continued effort and initiative in improving students achievements in their examinations. Also touched on was the importance of the school in handling disciplinary problems of students in a rational and effective way while following the guidelines that are set out.
After the dialogue, Pehin Dato Awg Hj Abdul Rahman launched a web site by the school's Anti Drugs Team (A Team). It proceeded with a tour of the school's facilities.
The Deputy Minister of Education, Pengiran Dato Seri Setia Dr Hj Mohammad bin Pengiran Hj Abdul Rahman, deputy permanent secretaries, directors and senior officers at the Ministry of Education were also part of yesterday's delegation. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

TheHawk

Friday, 27th July 2007


Replica on "Jenglot" on display

Focus On Dangers Of 慏eviant

TheHawk

Friday, 27th July 2007


Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports hands
over a mock cheque to the Minister of Home Affairs

More Donations For Storm Victims
By Yusrin Junaidi

Bandar Seri Begawan - The Community Development Department has been providing various types of assistance to the victims of the recent natural disaster.

And yesterday, the Minister of Home Affairs, Pehin Orang Kaya Johan Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awang Hj Adanan bin Begawan Pehin Siraja Khatib Dato Seri Setia Hj Awang Mohd Yusof, received $146,900 in donation from the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports.

Handing over the mock cheque was the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Dewa Major General

TheHawk

Friday, 27th July 2007


Pehin Dato Ustaz Hj Awg Yahya
delivering his speech

Parents More Concerned About Children's '0' Levels Than Religious Knowledge
By Za'im Zaini

Bandar Seri Begawan - Parent are these days more concerned about how well their children do in their math and science papers for the '0' Level exam, and less concerned about their children's understanding of 慒ardu Ain

TheHawk

Friday, 27th July 2007


Minister and his entourage
make a stop at a house that
was destroyed by the gale storm.

Minister Tours Storm-Hit Areas In Kampong Ayer
By Aemy Azlena

Bandar Seri Begawan - Minister of Home Affairs Pehin Orang Kaya Johan Pahlawan Dato Seri Sena Awang Haji Adanan bin Begawan Pehin Siraja Khatib Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Mohd Yussof yesterday paid a working visit to villages in Kampong Ayer that were affected by strong winds and heavy downpours on July 23.

The visit was aimed at overseeing the repair and recovery operations that are being carried out by uniformed personnel and affected residents.

Among the villages the minister visited was Kampong Pengiran Kemalndera, Kampong Pengiran Tajuddin Hitam, Kampong Bendahara Lama, and Kampong Tamoi Tengah.

The houses in Mukim Tamoi and Mukim Sungai Kebun were badly hit by the gale storm. Floors were soaked in water, and ceilings caved in.

The minister and his entourage visited the residence of Kampong Bendahara Lama village head I laji Hamid bin I tali Hussin to gain insight into the situation.

The day concluded with a visit to Kampong Ujong Kelinik and Kampong Sungai Siamas in Malin Sungai Kebun. There, the minister visited a number of houses that will soon be repaired by the Fire and Rescue Department personnel.

It is hoped that the affected houses will be fully repaired within the next few days.

Accompanying the minister on the visit were Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Home Affairs, Acting Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Home Affairs, Brunei-Muara District Officer, senior officials from the Ministry of Home Affairs and Brunei-Muara District Office, and officials from other government agencies. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

TheHawk

Car stranded in the flood

Inconvenient Storms Continue Unabated
BY M K Anwar

Bandar Seri Begawan - Rains, floods, thunderstorms, landslides, gusty winds and more rain played havoc this week. The unpredictable weather experienced in the country dampened many planned activities.

Though still considered 'small scale', the gale storm that struck on Monday night played its part in teaching a lesson or two on the management of natural disasters. The strong wind uprooted tress and the heavy rains flooded several areas and at the same time caused landslides. With more than 200 houses affected and many families losing the roofs of their houses, assistance was even more a priority. The Natural Disaster Management Center playing its part actively coordinated other agencies while the Ministry of Home Affairs rushed to assist those in need of help.

Further after effects of this freak storm has been the call by members of the public for the implementation of an early warning system. Understandably the recent storm happened so quickly that no warning was possible. A warning system is important in any disaster management plan to contain further damages and most importantly the loss of lives. At a time when mobile communication, radio, Internet and television are an essential part of society, it's only fitting that the relevant agencies fully utilise the capabilities of these assets.

Just before the storm, a mass forwarded SMS reading "Brunei Storm Warning: Major Mini Typhoon Approaching Brunei in 3-4 hrs. Fire Department on Standby so Stay Indoors!" stirred panic but also cautioned the public.

Ideas obtained from February抯 disaster simulation exercise tlikmat Bersatu were initiated. The disaster served as a litmus test for future eventualities.

As His Majesty said during the birthday Titah in 2005, security and enforcement agencies must be on full alert to take necessary measures and to face any threat, even if no, man made, that might undermine the peace and stability of the country.

"Even threats from unpredictable natural disasters which have already affected this region recently should bt included," reminded the Monarch.

This reminder really bore importance when the incident struck.

The country has so far been blessed with having n, lives lost even during natural disasters.

This however does not mean that we rest on our laurelit_ observers noted.

The incidents of landslides occurring during heavy rains put the limelight on the importance of proper planning in construction.

Poor planning and evaluation on the impact of construction have become a concern in the country.

"Evaluating the effectiveness of proper planning and construction of infrastructure in the country should be given utmost importance," His Majesty said in the recent birthday Titah. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

TheHawk

New look for Bandar

Make-Over For Bandar's Waterfront
By Azlan Othman

Bandar Seri Begawan - With Bandar Seri Begawan planning to capitalise on its water wealth as a tourist draw, the brave new look of the Brunei capital will soon be a dream come true.

It will truly be a wonderful way to lure regional neighbours looking for a change.

The planned make-over is tipped to generate economic vitality by attracting investment and important industries such as tourism, international financing and urban development along the Brunei River.

The waterfront plan was revealed at an exhibition depicting the development of the capital during the recent Get-Together Ceremony in the Brunei/Muara district. The idea was mooted nearly 10 years ago, highlighting Bandar Seri Begawan and Gadong improvement plan where BSB would be a center for culture, history and tourism.

At the exhibition, the intention of the concept was highlighted.

The redevelopment of the waterfront will create a space where the public can reflect on the meaning of the transition and realise the potential growth of tourism resources by recovering, restoring and fully utilising the cultural and historical significance of the capital.

The re-development of BSB waterfront will no doubt act as an integrative mechanism to initiate other proposed developments of similar nature such as Sg Kedayan river park, improvement and pedestrianisation of Jln Sultan and jln Roberts, Subok ridge heritage park and Kg Ayer activity centre.

Contrary to this, the planning and designing of the BSB waterfront redevelopment have now taken an acceptable design into consideration namely, the widening of the southern outer ring road should this be implemented in the

future, the redevelopment of Royal Customs and Excise building for Museums Department and the condition and location of existing structure and services within the vicinity of the site. A vital section in this transaction is to develop the riverfront by connecting it to the BSB town centre and the adjacent area by creating uninterrupted vistas of Kg Ayer on the Brunei River.

The main entrance of the waterfront shall be making use of the former Royal Customs and Excise building where the facade faces the length of Jin Sultan. There shall be a hay to drop off passengers at this limited access entrance, which may be used by public transportation.

The entire area at the junction of Jln Sultan and JIn Mc Arthur shall act as a damper for the passing traffic by raising the street surface in concrete print material. This measure is to take the safety of pedestrians going in and out of the waterfront into consideration and secondly to take the motive and ambience of the waterfront into account. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

TheHawk

BIBD Profit Surges 49% In Seven Months In Seven Months After Merger
By Izam Said Ya'akub

Bandar Seri Begawan - The merger of Islamic Bank of Brunei and Islamic Development Bank proved to be a success with the new financial entity - Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam (BIBD) - yesterday reporting a 49 per cent profit surge just seven months after the consolidation.

BIBD announced that it posted a total of $91.23 million of pre-zakat and pre-tax profit for its financial year ending December 31, 2006, up by $30.24, million from the $60.99 million profit which was accumulated by the two banks before the merger.

The post-tax and post-zakat profit was recorded at $49.95 million.

BIBD also announced that it will be paying 3.3 cents per share as dividends. This would mean that the bank will be dishing out a total of $24.98 million as dividend payouts.

A financial statement released by the bank also showed that BIBD has assets, worth a total of $4.3 billion.

These disclosures, which were announced during BIBD's inaugural annual general meeting (AGM) which was held at Universiti Brunei Darussalam, was generally welcomed by the 2,000-odd shareholders present.

The meeting was chaired by Pehin Orang Kaya Hamzah Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Haji Awang Abdullah, the Minister of Development at the Chairman of BIBD.

The industry experts said the figures have reinforced the belief that the merger between IBB and IDBB has allowed the nation's Islamic Financial industry to grow at a faster rate.

This is in line with the aim of the government to develop the country into an Islamic Banking hub for the region.

Islamic banking was first introduced in Brunei Darussalam in September 1991 to cater for its Muslim population.

However, Islamic banking is not mutually exclusive to Muslims, with non-Muslims also able to partake.

Since its formation in May 1996, BIBD has become a behemoth amongst banks in the country. It has several subsidiaries including Takaful Takaful, which provides insurance coverage and investments, and Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam Berhad At-Tamwill - which provides fixed deposits, vehicle hire purchase and consumer product financing. It has a total of 14 branches throughout the sultanate and is endowed with the country's largest distribution network of ATMs.

Although just formed recently, BIBD has gone to great lengths to introduce new, innovative and sophisticated Islamic Banking products and services to the public following the Syariah Concept.

Amongst them the introduction of the "Sukuk Al Ijarah BLNG" worth $100 million on August 23, 2006 whereby BIBD was given the trust by Brunei Liquified Natural Gas Sdn Bhd to be the underwriter and lead arranger for the sukuk (Islamic bonds).

BIBD also launched the BIBD Islamic Investment Certificate on September 23, 2006 which received an overwhelming response and successfully sold out on the first day of launching.

The Ministry of Finance has also selected BIBD as the lead manager for the government's Sukuk Al Ijarah (short term Islamic bond) worth $120 million.

Recently BIBD signed an agreement between Royal Brunei Airlines and BIBD for financing of new aeroplanes, whilst BIBD Musyarakah Musaaamah and Al-Bai Tradeable Musyarakah Certificate which were the first of their kind of Islamic Financial products to be introduced in this region. -- Courtesy of The Brunei Times

TheHawk

Recovered bullet casings

Surprise Find At Landslide
By Hj Minor Absah

Bandar Seri Begawan - The heavy rains continued this week causing several landslides. In Jalan Kebangsaan yesterday, a landslide near a housing area turned into a surprise discovery spot for Fire & Rescue Services personnel.

While clearing up the area, 34 bullet casings were found. The police were immediately called to investigate the origins of these bullet cartridges. No further comments however were made on the bullets.

Meanwhile the house where the landslide occurred has been considered dangerous for its occupants by officers of the Public Works Department.

The occupant of the house, Date Paduka Dr Hj Serudin told the Bulletin that he realised the landslide at about 8 am yesterday morning as he was cleaning his garden.

He was surprised to see a large gap behind his house and some trees were also missing.

The Fire & Rescue Services were called and a team of personnel led by Deputy Superintendent of Operation C, Hj Kassim lb Omar came to inspect the affected area.

Canvas had to be laid down on the exposed slope measuring 30 metres long and 20 metres wide. This was to help prevent further erosion during the current rainy season.

Monitoring the situation yesterday was the Acting Director of the Fire & Rescue Services, Yahya bin Hj Ahd Rahman.

The occupant of the affected house meanwhile expressed his gratitude on the quick action taken by the Fire & Rescue personnel and also their efforts in trying to minimise the erosion. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

TheHawk

Sunday, 29th July 2007


Brunei's Minister of Foreign Affairs and
Trade HRH Prince Mohammed Bolkiah
and HRHPengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran
Anak Hajah Zariah being met on their
arrival at Manila International Airport
yesterday

Terrorism, Nuclear Issues On Agenda
By M K Anwar

Bandar Seri Begawan - Terrorism and nuclear disarmament will be on top of the agenda at the 40th Asean Ministerial Meeting and 14th Asean Regional Forum in Manila.

The meetings will be opened by the President of the Philippines Gloria Macapagal Arroyo at the Philippines International Convention Centre on Monday.

The ministers will discuss areas of cooperation in Asean countries, including the progress on the Drafting of the Asean Charter by the High Level Task Force (HLTF).

Following the 40th AMM, the Asean foreign ministers are to meet with their counterparts from Dialogue Partner countries for the Post Ministerial Conferences and the 14th Asean Regional Forum (ARF).

Brunei is represented by His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade

The Associated Press reported yesterday that the foreign ministers have agreed to set up an ad hoc group to deal with urgent regional and international problems, including times of emergency and threats to regional peace and stability.

It was also reported that Russia is expected to discuss ways and means to further strengthen cooperation in combating terrorism and transnational crimes during the 14th ARF.

The ARF, which began in 1994, is considered one of the largest security forums in Asia, which includes the US, Russia, Australia, Canada, China, the EU, Japan, India, North and South Korea, Bangladesh, New Zealand, Mongolia, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Sri Lanka, East Timor, as well as the 10 Asean member countries.

Russia and Asean in 2003 signed a Joint Declaration on Partnership for Peace, Security, Prosperity and Development in Asia-Pacific.

Russia has proposed for the formation of Asean-Russia joint working groups on terrorism, illicit drug trafficking, money laundering and cooperation in prosecuting transnational crimes under the 2003 declaration.

The US will be represented by its Deputy Secretary of State, John Negroponte, while the EU is represented by Javier Solana, its Foreign Policy chief.

Besides terrorism, human rights will also be discussed during the meeting with the issue of Myanmar to again he raised as Asean foreign ministers discuss the country's effort to democratise.

The Myanmar junta is said to be slow in the implementation of a roadmap to democracy.

Appeals have been made by the Philippines for Myanmar to release pro-democracy leader Aung San Sun Kyi and human rights groups have been urging Asean members to push Myanmar for her release.

As for nuclear disarmament, Asean members are seeking to review the Treaty on the South East Asia Nuclear Weapon Free Zone (SEANWFZ) signed in 1995 in Bangkok, which only came into force two years later.

A five-yew plan is expected to be adopted by members to ensure compliance of members and other nuclear powers.

Philippine's Foreign Secretary, Alberto Romulo, yesterday said that Asean hopes to convince the five nuclear weapon states, the US, United Kingdom, China, France and Russia, to sign the treaty to better enforce the SEAN WFZ agreement.

The Associated Press reported that Asean will be setting up a safety watchdog to ensure that nuclear power plants in the region are not used to produce weapons or aid rogue groups. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

TheHawk

His Majesty, Her Majesty and HRH Pengiran
Isteri and other members of the royal family
stand to the national anthem upon arriving
at the Assara Hall last night for the RBAF
banquet in his honour.

His Majesty At RBPF Banquet
By Azrol Azmi & Amin Hosni

Bandar Seri Begawan - His Majesty the Sultan and Yang DiPertuan of Brunei Darussalam last night consented to attend a banquet hosted by the Royal Brunei Police Force in conjunction with His Majesty's 61st birthday at the Assarraa Hall in the capital.
His Majesty was greeted on arrival by the Commissioner of Police, Pehin Datu Kerma Setia Dato Paduka Seri Zainuddin Jalani, as well as other senior police officers.
Accompanying His Majesty to the banquet were Her Majesty Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha and Her Royal Highness Pengiran Isteri Azrinaz Mazhar.
His Majesty, who is also the Inspector General of the Royal Brunei Police Force, was welcomed with three shouts of 慏aulat Kebawah Duli Tuan Patik

TheHawk

Boosting Village Development Tops Nation抯 Agenda On Aug 7
By Khairunnisa Ibrahim

Bandar Seri Begawan - Mukim and village consultative councils nationwide will gather next month at the International Convention Centre for a three-day seminar and exhibition.

The event will be officiated by His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam on August 7. Thirty-seven mukim consultative councils and 168 village consultative councils from all over Brunei are taking part.
In a media conference yesterday, Acting Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Home Affairs Dato Paduka Hj Adnan Hj Hanafiah said that the event would be organised by the organising board of the mukim and village consultative council in conjunction with His Majesty's 61st birthday celebrations.

A special task force known as the Coordinated Committee for the Mukim and Village Consultative Council Assembly is given responsibility over the proceedings.

According to Dato Hj Adnan, among the objectives of the assembly are:

• to improve and empower the grassroots leadership of mukim and villages;
• to support His Majesty's leadership based on the national philosophy of Melayu Islam Beraja (Malay Muslim Monarchy);
• to empower the individual and promote a sense of self, patriotism and love for religion, ruler and nation;
• to improve cooperation, understanding and coordination among the leadership and membership of consultative councils throughout the nation;
• to raise awareness, understanding of, and commitment to, the importance of these councils as agents for the development of the society and the nation; and
• to provide relevant information pertinent to community and village development.

The assembly will carry the theme "Together Improving Community Development and Welfare" and is hoped to promote progress and growth of these consultative councils through management improvements and capacity building activities.

This is in line with the Ministry of Home Affairs' goals under its 2005-2025 Strategic Plan, said the permanent secretary, although he did not elaborate on the goals or plans.

He added: "With the assembly, we hope that the mukim and village consultative councils become more established, improved and active." Such an outcome is in accordance with the motto found in the national logo of the mukim and village consultative councils that emphasises grassroots leadership, added Dato Hj Adnan.

Ten papers will be presented at the seminar, focusing on various aspects of local leadership and community development. In addition to six locals, four invited speakers from Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore and Thailand will be featured. More than 3,500 individuals are expected to attend, not just from the councils but from government agencies, the private sector and nongovernmental organisations.  -- Courtesy of The Brunei Times

TheHawk

The Minister of Home Affairs,
far left, at the briefing.

Repairs On Affected Homes Almost Complete
By James Kon

Bandar Seri Begawan - With a total of 176 houses damaged during the heavy storm that battered Brunei Darussalam on Monday night, some 123 houses or 70 percent have already been repaired. It is expected that all affected houses would be repaired by this evening.

In a briefing by Awang Yahya bin Haji Abdul Rahman, the Acting Director of Fire and Rescue Services, who is also the Acting Director of the National Disaster Management Centre, revealed at Kampong Sungai Lampai's Fire Station that in Mukim Peramu, from a total of 72 houses damaged. 45 houses are completely repaired while 26 are still in the midst of repairs. One house has yet to be fixed.

15 houses out of the total o126 affected houses (56 per cent) in Mukim Saba are completely repaired. In Mukim Tempi, 25 houses out of the 29 affected houses (86 per cent) are completely repaired. The rest or the houses are still in the process or repair, which will be completed by this afternoon.

In Mukim Burong Pingai Air, only two houses still under repair while the rest of 18 houses have been completely repaired.
Seven affected housA in Mukim Sungai Kehun are fully-repaired while in Mukim Kota Batu and Mukim Berakas, repairs on nine affected houses are still ongoing and 13 houses are already completely repaired.

Present at the briefing were the Minister of Home Affairs, Pehin Orang Kaya Johan Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Adanan bin Begawan Pehin Siraja Khatib Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Mohd Yusof, and the Deputy Minister of Religious Affairs, Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Badaruddin bin Pengarah Dato Paduka Haft Othman, who is also the chairman of Yayasan. Also present were Dato Paduka Ali Hashim bin Hj Daud, the CEO of Yayasan, and Dato Paduka Hj Mohd Yusop bin Dakar, Brunei-Muara District Officer.

During the briefing on the progress of the repairs, the Minister of Home Affairs said that the target now is to complete all the repairs and for people to return to their houses.

He also conveyed his gratitude to all the involved Fire and Rescue personnel, Royal Brunei Armed Forces personnel, private contractors, Brunei-Muara District office personnel and other government agencies assisting in the repairs on the affected houses. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

TheHawk

New oil rig MLJ2-06 that will operate
in High Pressure and High Temperature
environment

Brunei Awaits Oil And Gas Bonanza
By Sonia K

Bandar Seri Begawan - Brunei Darussalam's oil and gas reserves are bound to increase with a new oil well ready to be drilled in a few days time. TOTAL E&P Borneo BV has taken a giant stride in exploration with its MLJ2-06 High Pressure and High Temperature (HPHT) project marking another milestone in Brunei's oil and gas development.

The Minister of Energy, Pehin Dato Awang Haji Yahya bin Begawan Mudim Dato Paduka Hj Bakar, was the guest of honour at the blessing ceremony of the MLJ2-06 well, which is located 50 kilometres offshore and approximately 25km close to the Champion Oil Field. Present to attend the ceremony were General Manager of TOTAL, Mr Louis Heuze, Ambassador of France to Brunei Darussalam, Mr Patrick Bonneville, Managing Director of Shell Deepwater Borneo Limited, Mr Vincent Liew, Managing Director of BLNG, Mr Fred Smeenk and representatives from the Ministry of Energy.

Sheikh Edham bin Sheikh Nikman was on hand to bless the well.

TOTAL E&P is forecast to spend a minimum of $65 million to a maximum of $95 million for a minimum of 140 days per well for its operations.

The estimated spending per day for its operations per well will be $450,000, according to Mr Heuze.

TOTAL has been in Brunei for 20 years and has contributed to the technological know-how of Brunei's oil and gas industry. With their work on the new MLJ2-06 oil rig, TOTAL can be considered in the industry as one of the most experienced operating company in HPHT environment.

According to the Minister of Energy, the MLJ2-06 well is certainly a world class well with reservoir conditions approaching 170 degrees Celsius and 17,000 psi.

He said that it is definitely one of the most challenging wells that has been drilled in this region and to reach the geological objectives of the well as well as to improve its drilling efficiency, advanced technological drilling equipment such as expandable liner or formation pressure while drilling will be used.

Pehin Dato Awang Haji Yahya added that the drilling rig that has been selected for this project is the Maersk Completer, which is modern and designed with the latest technology, and has largely automated equipment.

"TOTAL and the rig contractor Maersk have made very significant investments to prepare her for HPHT environment and to bring her to the highest safety environmental standards," the Pehin said.

The minister also congratulated TOTAL E&P Broneo BV's team for their dedicated efforts and their strong emphasis on safety and quality standards. He expressed his gratitude to TOTAL for sponsoring the Department of Petroleum Geosciences at Universiti Brunei Darussalam and by working together with the university in offering a one-year programme in Master of Science in Petroleum Geoscience as well as the newly introduced Bachelor of Science Programme in Geology and Petroleum Geology.

According to the Drilling Manager of TOTAL, Yannick Marcillat, "This is one of the most challenging wells in the region because the wells we are producing are shallower, and the pressures we have encountered previously were not so high. This particular well has a very high pressure with 17,000 psi and we have to be very careful when the pressure comes to the surface. Besides, it is hotter at 170 degrees Celsius so it is a bit complicated when we run electronic equipment as the temperature is very high for the equipment."

The drilling of the well should start sometime this week and at the moment the crew is positioning the rig. The rig has three legs and when the legs reach the bottom of the sea, the rig will be lifted above the surface of the sea.

"Right now, we are putting some weight on both legs because they penetrate into the bottom of the sea. One of them will penetrate 21 metres deep because there is a lot weight applied to it. This operation will finish in two days' time and then the drilling will start," explained Marcillat. They plan to go up to 22,000 feet deep.

The new rig built in Singapore was towed all the way by two ships and it took eight days for it to arrive to its location.

The duration of the operation of the well is 170 days, however, TOTAL has other wells to drill as they want to explore more areas of the field.

"At the moment, the contract of the rig is for one full year, at least we have one year of activities and for this particular well more than six months," Marcillat added. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

TheHawk

HRH Prince Mohamed Bolkiah (Left) with other
Asean Foreign Ministers before the SEANFWZ meeting

Asean Calls On Nuclear Powers To Sign On To Regional Treaty

Bandar Seri Begawan - His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, yesterday afternoon attended the Meeting of the Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapon Free Zone (SEANFWZ) Commission at the Philippine International Convention Centre in Manila, a press release from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade said.

The ministers reviewed the implementation of the Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapon Free Zone Treaty and endorsed a plan of action to strengthen the treaty.

Later in the evening, His Royal Highness and other foreign ministers of Asean attended an Informal Working Dinner hosted by Alberto G Romulo, Secretary of Foreign Affairs of Philippines and Chairman of the 40th Asean Committee at the ICC.

At the dinner, the ministers discussed outstanding regional and international matters.

Southeast Asian nations Sunday urged the world's nuclear powers to sign on to a regional treaty aimed at keeping their corner of the world free of atomic weapons, AFP reported.

Ahead of the Asian security summit, the 10-country Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) said the five nuclear powers that are permanent UN Security Council members should sign a protocol to the treaty.

The call came as Asean approved a plan to strengthen safeguards against proliferation as part of its review of the Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapons Free Zone treaty, 10 years after it came into force.

"The threats of nuclear weapons within and outside the region remain real," said Philippine Foreign Secretary Alberto Romulo, whose country is the outgoing chair of the Asean bloc.

The threat is coming from an increase in the number of countries possessing the atom bomb and "more alarmingly from the rise of non-state actors who might gain access to nuclear materials," he said.

Under the treaty, Asean members may not develop or test nuclear weapons and pledge not to allow the storage or transport within their territories of those weapons.

But diplomats admit that with some Asean members allowing warships from countries such as the United States to berth in their territories, there has been concern it would he difficult to determine whether any vessel is nuclear armed.

US naval ships also routinely pass through busy Southeast Asian shipping lanes, but Washington has refused to confirm whether its ships have nuclear weapons aboard.

Romulo warned of a new arms race and the increasing danger of peaceful nuclear technology being diverted for military purposes.

"With our world's insatiable hunger for energy, nuclear power has regained attention as an alternative energy source, increasing apprehension over the spread of fissile materials," he said.

"As we move the process of community building forward, it has become even more imperative for us to strengthen the mechanism that guarantee the peace, security, stability and prosperity of our region."

Indonesia and Vietnam, both Asean members, are considering building nuclear power plants.

All five nations that hold permanent seats on the Security Council - Britain, China, France, Russia and the United States - are nuclear powers. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

TheHawk

Coronary Diseases Hit Young Age Group
By Shareen Han

Bandar Seri Begawan - The prevalence of coronary artery diseases in Brunei has affected a younger age group, even though the chronic disease has shown signs of improvement with a reduction of death rates for the past two years.

The number of coronary artery diseases has decreased for the last two years because more people are now aware of the problem, Dr Hj Nazar Luqman, specialist cardiologist at Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha (Ripas) hospital, said at the sidelines of the Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, and Malaysia Medical Science Conference 2007.

"However, the average age of people affected from coronary artery diseases is below 50 years, which is ten years younger than that in the western world," he said.

He said that this is an issue of concern because statistics show that Brunei's populations over 65 years will more than double in the next ten years, thereby indicating that the elderly population of Brunei is fast increasing.

During his presentation on coronary artery disease in Brunei, he said: "the more developed we are, the more heart diseases we have."

A country's unprecedented economic growth, major changes in lifestyle, urbanisation have contributed to the increase in heart ailments, the specialist cardiologist at Ripas hospital said.

Dr Luqman pointed out that the cardiovascular death rate in Brunei Darussalam has surged from 80.24 out of 100,000 people in 1991 to 88.63 per 100,000 in 2001.

Figures show that Brunei-Muara district has the highest cardiovascular death rate of 89.98 per 100,000 people, while Temburong district registered 9.34 per 100,000 deaths.

Brunei's death rate is also comparable to other countries in the region, where Thailand recorded 52 deaths per 100,000, while Malaysia had 56 deaths per 100,000 people.

By the time coronary artery disease is detected, more than half of the patients have already developed severe coronary artery disease, Dr Luqman said, adding that the disease exists in its most severe form in the region.

Singapore had the highest death rate in the region, with a mortality rate of 180 deaths per 100,000 people.

Brunei's overweight problem is also fast catching up with Australia, whereby females account for 45 per cent of the total prevalence of overweight cases, he said. He added that published studies from Brunei showed a high prevalence of diabetes and hypertension in Brunei. 40.7 per cent of patients who have diabetes also develop hypertension.

Latest figures from the Ministry of Health show that heart diseases are the second leading cause of death in Brunei, with 176 people or 16.4 per cent accounting for the total number of deaths.

Early detection of the common risk factors is vital to control heart diseases and avoid the occurrence of other diseases, said the head of cardiology department at Ripas hospital.

He told The Brunei Times that there has been "aggressive campaigns by the hospital and the Ministry of Health" to combat the fatal effects of coronary heart diseases' risk factors, including diabetes, hypertension, smoking and unhealthy diet. -- Courtesy of The Brunei Times

TheHawk

Minister of Education (L)
presenting awards.

Over $200m Earmarked To Upgrade Schools
By Aemy Aziena

Bandar Seri Begawan - The Government of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam has earmarked about $211 million for a programme to upgrade the infrastructure of schools in the Sultanate.

Seventy-two primary schools and 27 secondary schools will come under the "Building Improvement of Schools and Infrastructure" programme, which is for schools that are more than I 3 years old and are in need of either maintenance or improvements.

This was stated by the Minister of Education, Pehin Dato Hj Awang Abdul Rahman bin Dato Hj Mohamed Taib, who was the guest of honour during last Saturday night's event to mark the Golden Jubilee celebration of Pengiran Raja Isteri High School (STPRI) at Manggis Mall.

STPRI is among the schools listed under the programme scheduled to be completed by 2010, he added.
According to the guest of honour, the high quality of educational services is the main focus of the Ministry of Education.

To achieve this, a number of initiatives have been carried out including upgrading the level of infrastructure of schools by providing conveniences for teaching, learning and co-curricular activities, he said.

Besides upgrading the infrastructure of schools in Brunei, developing the teaching manpower is another initiative that the Ministry of Education has given serious attention to, the Minister noted.

"A teacher with good calibre and high quality is not an easy thing to find. Additionally, the leaching profession is very challenging," he said.

Thus, an Advisory Board to Sultan Hassanal Institute of Education, UBD was founded to improve training for teachers, he said, adding that the aim of the board was to improve the level of professionalism in teachers.
Another point highlighted by the Minister was about `Structured Career Tracks', which is an initiative to give teachers with potential a chance to advance in their career.

He hoped that the initiatives and programmes of the Ministry of Education will result in something positive.
In concluding his speech, he urged all to work hard towards ensuring STPRI will continue to be known as a quality educational institution whose role is to fulfil the country's aspirations in producing people who are knowledgeable, skilled and morally strong.

The finale of the event saw the presentation of certificates and Golden Jubilee awards by the guest of honour. Among the recipients were STPRI principals from 1957 to 2007, ex-students of STPRI and the main sponsors of the STPRI Golden Jubilee.  -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

holmes

hom bnyk missed these news...thanks to Hawk.. karang hom browse thru..