✰ Brunei Darussalam ~ NEWS & HILITES ✰

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NDP members pay Aidilfitri visit to Istana Nurul Iman

By Rosli Abidin Yahya NDP members including deputy president (right) waiting for their turn to greet the Sultan and members of the royal family. NDP members in a group photo with the Commissioner of Police. Some 380 members of National Development Party (NDP) went to Istana Nurul Iman on Tuesday morning to convey festivity greetings to His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam and members of the royal family. According to the trip organiser, Malai Hassan Othman, members from as far as Belait and Temburong, travelled in six buses for an opportunity to meet His Majesty to personally to convey Aidilfitri greetings. Led by the NDP President, Yasin Affandy, its Deputy President Hj Mahmud Morshidi Othman and members of its executive committee also joined in the trip to the palace. Hj Mahmud Morshidi said he was pleased to see members turned out in great number to greet His Majesty and members of the royal family. He said since the party was approved on August 31, 2005, it has made the journey three times, accounting it as its annual activity. "We hope more members will join the visit next year. "Personally, it's an overwhelming experience to see the large number of people who made the Istana trip. "This demonstrated the loyalty of the people to their ruler as they did not mind queueing for hours waiting for their turn to meet His Majesty and members of the royal family," he said. In a separate event, NDP president led the party's executive members in attending the open house of the Commissioner of Police Pehin Datu Kerma Setia Dato Paduka Seri CP Awang Zainuddin Jalani at his official residence at Rumah Seri Aman in Gadong on Monday. At the open house, the Commissioner of Police, who is also the Registrar of Societies, advised the party to continue operating within the law and regulations of the country.

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New boy band launches debut album in M'sia

By Huraizah Ahmad Jackson Darren Lance Desmond Fahrenheit is huge in the Taiwan music scene.Local talent Desmond hopes to one day make it big, following in the footsteps of Wu Zhun, a Bruneian who is a member of Fahrenheit - a group that has achieved success in the Taiwanese entertainment industry. Desmond has join three others to form the BOYZ礫/font]FRENZ. The four-piece boy band are signed with Summer Ho. Previously discovered by a Brunei artiste management company, the group is now making its way up the music industry in Malaysia, with the release of its debut album, 'Oh! My Honey Boyfriend.' The boys - all in their early 20s - are Jackson from Malaysia, Darren from Singapore, Lance from the Philippines and Desmond from Brunei Darussalam. After four years of hard work, the four young lads from different backgrounds hope to prove their musical talents in the music industry. Their mission is to further develop the music culture of Asean countries. The group hopes to spread the message of love and unity in cultural diversity through their colourful music. BOYZ礫/font]FRENZ's debut album compiles a number of popular hits from the Philippines. The album has 12 tracks, which also features solo performances by each of them. Bringing together producers like Tang Xiao Kang, Peng Xue Bin and Zhang Jue Long from Malaysia, Music Arranger Takumi from Singapore and Composer Carman Tao from Brunei, the album boasts songs recorded mainly in Mandarin and English. Additionally, there are a handful of lyrics in Cantonese, Malay, Hindi, Tagalog, Japanese and Korean. Prior to their debut album release, the group was appointed as the cover artistes for the 'Red Mag' Magazine by 'Green Box,' a renowned karaoke chain in Malaysia. But, the lads of BOYZ礫/font]FRENZ - whose talents the Chinese media has compared to the likeness of successful Taiwanese band Fahrenheit - still has a lot more to prove in order to get to the top. In fact, three members of the group have already received training from Wu Zhun, as they are all under the same artiste management company in Brunei. Despite his busy working schedule, Wu Zhun still keeps in touch with the three, as they encourage each other through frequent phone calls. BOYZ礫/font]FRENZ is hoping their album will be well received in Malaysia, eventually allowing them to penetrate the Asian market.

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World-famous orchestra ready to thrill Bruneian music lovers

By Yusrin Junaidi The Spanish Cadaques Orchestra.The renowned Spanish Cadaques Orchestra will be taking centre stage in the Toyota Classics 2007 at 8.30pm, on November 9 at the International Convention Centre in Berakas. Music enthusiasts are sure to be thrilled by an unforgettable evening of the world's finest music with the arrival of the much-anticipated event. The concert is expected to be a sell-out due to the quality and reputation of the orchestra. In addition, all proceeds from the ticket sales will be donated to two deserving charities, Pusat Ehsan and the Community for Children with Special Needs (KACA). The popular and much-anticipated biennial Toyota Classics series is co-sponsored by Toyota Motor Corporation of Japan and NBT (Brunei) Sdn Bhd. This year, discerning classical music lovers can enjoy an audiovisual feast imbued with the passion of Spain's colourful zarzuela lyric dramas, featuring the Cadaques Orchestra made up of musicians from all over Europe. The orchestra will be conducted by award-winning conductor Pablo Gonzalez, and features renowned tenor, Francisco Vas, with a special guest appearance by rising Asian star vocalist, Sean Ghazi. Sean Ghazi is one of Malaysia's most talented artistes, a genuine "triple threat" who sings, dances and acts. He is a rising star who made his international debut in the Twentieth Century Fox Film "Anna and The King" and has played leading roles in West End hit musicals such as "The King and I", "Miss Saigon" and "Rent".

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Sailing smoothly towards friendship and cooperation

By James Kon A group of Bruneian participants in SSEAYP. - PHOTOS: JAMES KON Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports speaking with a few participants. Mr Hashimoto Itsuo presenting the tickets to Awang Muhammad Hafiy bin Abdullah. Mr Hashimoto Itsuo, the Ambassador of Japan to Brunei Darussalam, hosted a dinner for Brunei's delegation to SSEAYP (the Ship for Southeast Asian Youth Programme) 2007 at his residence yesterday evening. Also present at the dinner were the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Dewa Major General (Rtd) Dato Seri Pahlawan Awang Hj Mohammad bin Haji Daud, and other foreign dignitaries. Mr Hashimoto Itsuo, in his welcoming speech, said, "This year marks the 34th year of the Asean Japan Youth Ship programme, SSEAYP, which is dedicated to the idea of promoting friendship and understanding between Japan and Asean countries through various exchanges by the youth on board the ship." He added, "This programme was initiated in 1974 under the leadership of the Prime Minister of Japan at that time. In the following 34 years, the scope and participation of the programme has expanded with the growth of Asean, and consequently, we are now witnessing a huge network of alumni members and solid friendship between Asean countries and Japan." The Japan ambassador said, "In 1977, the then-Prime Minister, Mr Takeo Fukuda put forth Japan's basic stance towards Asean countries, which included 'Heart-to-Heart contact' as one of its key principles. Throughout its history, the Asean-Japan Youth Ship has embodied this spirit, and efforts to preserve this are being continued by his son, the recently-appointed Prime Minister of Japan, Mr Yasuo Fukuda. "Under Mr Yasuo Fukuda's leadership, the government of Japan will continue to expand ties with Asean countries, not just through this programme. The Japan East Asia Network of Exchange for Students and Youths is another venture, in which 27 Bruneians from high school and three teachers are going to visit Japan in December as the first delegation this year." Awang Muhammad Hafiy bin Abdullah, the National Youth Leader for the Brunei's delegation to SSEAYP, received the air tickets to Japan from Mr Hashimoto Itsuo. Prior to the ceremony, Awang Muhammad Hafiy bin Abdullah also introduced the 28 members of the delegation to the invited guests. This year's, the Ship For Southeast Asian Youth Programme will commence in Yokohama, Japan, on November 1, and move on to Singapore, before proceeding to Jakarta, Indonesia. It will next sail to Port Klang of Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, and finally return to Japan. During the ship's journey, participants will join a discussion programme, which is conducted to promote friendship and mutual understanding. Representatives from each country will also have to introduce their own respective countries through presentations and cultural and traditional dance performances. Among the highlights of the programme is the homestay activity in Japan, as well as in other Asean countries.

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More open houses as Raya enters 5th day

By H Bat & Cedrina Norlaila Abd Clark Awang Aidil in a group photo with his wife and children during an open house. - H BAT Taking group photos is customary at open houses amid the festivities. - H BAT Awang Zulkader in a group photo with his family. Wasim Raza is fourth from the right. - CEDRINA NORLAILA ABD CLARK Awang Zulkader treats his guests to an array of Northern Indian cuisine and sweets. - CEDRINA NORLAILA ABD CLARK Both Muslims and non-Muslims in the country are taking the opportunity to visit their families and friends at open houses to mark the Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebrations. Not only is this month a time to rejoice, but also a chance to forgive past mistakes. It has been nearly a week since the start of Raya, and the atmosphere is still very much festive as people flock to open houses to greet their families and friends. Many, like Awang Aidil, also take the opportunity to take photos for remembrance during these open houses. Meanwhile, Awang Zulkader held a double celebration at his residence for his family and friends. His open house coincided with his grandson Wasim Raza's birthday. Among the sumptuous dishes he had prepared for his guests was an array of Northern Indian cuisine and sweets, as well as birthday party favourites such as an ice-cream cake and beverages.

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UNISSA holds its first Raya celebration

By P Marilyn Guest of honour with lecturers and other invited guests. Guest of honour delivering his speech. - PHOTOS: H MEGA Enjoying a sumptuous buffet at the Chancellor Hall. Sultan Sharif Ali Islamic University (UNISSA), which was established earlier this year, held its first Hari Raya celebration at the Chancellor Hall of Universiti Brunei Darussalam yesterday. Present as the guest of honour was Pg Dato Seri Setia Dr Hj Mohammad bin Pg Hj Abd Rahman, the Acting Minister of Education and UNISSA Rector. The guest of honour shared some words of wisdom with the students who attended the celebration. He encouraged them to work hard and to play a more active role in community development. More than 100 people including students, lecturers and staff of UNISSA attended the celebration.

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Kendo players back from tourney

By Azaraimy HH Brunei kendo delegates returning from Bangkok. Muhd Ali Rashid Alipah. - PHOTOS: AZARAIMY HH Local swordsmen returned from the Asean Kendo Tournament in Bangkok after experiencing their first competitive international meet. Muhd Ali Rashid Alipah won a medal for sporting spirit in the Japanese martial art of fencing. He said the Brunei players fought against much tougher and experienced competitors, some of whom had participated in the world Kendo tournament and trained by high level sensei with 15 years experience. The tournament gave the Brunei delegates lots of experience and knowledge. He said although the local players scored just one or two points, given their competitors' skills, who were in much higher levels, they returned to Brunei feeling assured. After the tournament, the Brunei delegates had a few sparring sessions with senior high-ranking sensei from Japan. Muhd Ali Rashid said this had given them a deeper insight into the art of Kendo, the way of the sword. They attended Kendo seminars and learned how to judge a competitive Kendo tournament. He said training by high-level sensei is lacking in Brunei. He hoped local players would get high-level sensei to provide much better training. Mohammad Azry, team manager, said Brunei Kendo has around 200 members. Thailand came first while Indonesia came second in the tournament. The Asean Kendo Tournament (AKT) is a competition held every three years among Asean Kendo players. After the first AKT in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia in 1998, there were seven AKT events, which rotated the host among participating Asean nations. The 8th Asean Kendo Tournament was the second time Thailand hosted, after the 3rd AKT on August 24, 1991. Thailand Kendo Club, a member of the International Kendo Federation, welcomed 150 competitors from Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam and Thailand. There were also senior high-ranking Kendo sensei (instructors) from Japan who supervised and supported the competition. It was the second time Brunei participated and the first time it competed in the tournament. The seven members from the Kendo Federation Brunei Darussalam were led by its President, Pengiran Alimin bin Pengiran Hj Metussin, as delegation leader. Mohammad Azry @ Ben HJT was team manager. Brunei Kendo players said it was a challenge and a sacrifice when they should have been celebrating Hari Raya with family and friends. Deputy Minister of Tourism and Sport, Dr Nat Indrapana, said " this year marks the 120th anniversary of Japanese and Thailand diplomatic relations". He welcomed "all the participants who have travelled from their home countries to participate and to best use the skills, ability and knowledge of Kendo along with good sportsmanship and fair play".

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Kuala Lurah opens 4 lanes for return of holiday-makers

By Rosli Abidin Yahya Motorists wait to enter the Sultanate. - PHOTOS: ROSLI ABIDIN YAHYA Immigration Officer Yakub directing the traffic to one of the four lanes. About 10,000 vehicles entered the Sultanate through Kuala Lurah yesterday after Hari Raya Aidilfitri stints in Temburong, Limbang and Sabah. A large number of the vehicles were driven by foreign workers returning to work after their holidays in Limbang and Sabah, said Immigration Officer Awang Yakub bin Hj Abd Hamid yesterday in Kuala Lurah. He said the control posts at Kuala Lurah had to cope with about 700 vehicles per hour yesterday, making it necessary to open all four lanes to enter the Sultanate. "Since a small number of cars was going out of the Sultanate, we converted two of the outgoing lanes to facilitate vehicles entering the country. "We had a hectic time but I believed the motorists must be in a difficult situation as they needed to wait in their cars for a long time while queuing for their turn to enter the country. "We have done our best to facilitate their return as fast as possible," he said, adding that the situation has been going on for a few days only. Meanwhile, motorists highlighted the issue of queue-jumping by some impatient drivers. "Something must be done to stop this irresponsible act. This made the rest of us wait as long as four hours for our turn to enter the Sultanate," groaned some motorists. Other motorists crossing the Malaysian division of Limbang on their way to Temburong highlighted the urgent need to build a direct link from Brunei to the district. "It is high time for us to have a convenient direct link to Temburong bypassing Limbang to stop our suffering as we wait as long as four hours to enter the Sultanate," they said. The other direct link from Brunei to Temburong is by boat.

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'Poor Kuching Woman' targets open houses

By Amin HosniThe "Poor Kuching Woman" is still out there looking for people gullible enough to fall for her story that her ATM card had been swallowed by an ATM machine and that she needed money to pay for a bus fare back to Kuching. The story came to light again when the so-called "Poor Kuching woman" came to an apartment in the capital hoping to get some money, especially in view of the festive season. Around 11am yesterday, the woman came to a government apartment in the capital. She knocked on the door and was welcomed by guests at the apartment who thought she was there to celebrate Raya. To their surprise, the woman told them the story of her ATM card that had been swallowed by an ATM machine and that she needed money for a bus fare to return to Kuching. However, an alert guest, who was at the apartment for a Raya visit, warned Amy, the owner of the apartment. She retold her story to Amy, who knew about the "Poor Kuching Woman" published in the Borneo Bulletin's opinion page some two weeks ago. (In the opinion page, a couple fell victim to the "Poor Kuching Woman" and gave her $10. The couple later found out that other people had also encountered the same woman with the same story.) Amy told the "Poor Kuching Woman" that she had read the story in the papers and she was not going to fall for her story. Amy told the woman that she'd call the police. The woman turned pale and said, "Selamat Hari Raya" and left the building. In a telephone interview with the Bulletin, Amy said that the woman had changed her tactics of asking for money at commercial areas to going to residential houses. "I advise people out there not to fall for this woman's story. She is very good in making up stories and some people may fall for her sad story," said Amy.

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Brunei ready for China-Asean Expo

By Rosli Abidin YahyaThe Ministry of Industry and Primary Resources (MIPR) is now making final preparations to attend the fourth China-Asean Expo in Nanning. Some of its officers will depart on Oct 24 to arrange for the arrival of its formal delegation, including exhibitors and entrepreneurs, by chartered flight on Oct 26. Dayang Irni Susila bte Hj Mahir, an officer of MIPR, said she could not accept anymore requests for passes to the expo as it has been closed with effect yesterday. "Our secretariat will be at Nanning International Hotel, so trade visitors who have registered with us can collect their passes there. "The secretariat will also facilitate any trade visitors from Brunei who may request assistance from us," she said. Meanwhile, Wing On Travel Sdn Bhd, which is facilitating the specially-arranged chartered flight, said that trade visitors, who booked to travel with the official delegation, need to settle their travel costs by tomorrow. The travel agent said that traders and visitors, who do not settle their accounts, will see their flights automatically cancelled. "Their bookings will be taken by those who are on waiting list. Therefore, please pay by tomorrow to avoid cancellation," said the manager. Meanwhile, members of Federation of Brunei Malay Entrepreneurs led by Jeffery Duraman Kassim are making arrangement to go to Nanning via Hong Kong and Shenzen to attend the fourth China-Asean Expo in Nanning for a chance to explore business cooperation and opportunities as well as raise their profile and be exposed to more business and investment breaks in China and Asean. The CAEXPO, co-sponsored by the departments in charge of economy and trade of China and the 10 Asean countries and Asean Secretariat, is an international event at state level for economic and trading exchange, which is staged annually in Nanning, Guangxi, China. The China-Asean Expo aims to complement developments in the realisation of the China-Asean Free Trade Area (CAFTA), which is deemed as the biggest FTA in terms of population with a market of 1.85 billion consumers and a combined Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of almost US$2.5 trillion. The goal of CAEXPO is also to reinforce cooperation of China and Asean in industries and commerce to build a huge platform and to set up a mechanism to promote the building of CAFTA, and to drive up trade, economy, technology and investment between China and Asean countries. Since 2004, the CAEXPO has concluded with great success for three consecutive years. Driven by the full support of governments of the 11 countries and backed by the huge market and favourable policies generated by the CAFTA, the CAEXPO is highly credited by political and business communities of the 11 countries, and emerges as a superb platform to promote the cooperation between China and Asean in the fields of trade, investment and tourism. CAEXPO is fully endorsed by 11 countries governments and it is one of the top 10 expositions in China and honourably crowned as "2006 Top 10 Most Influential Government-led Expositions".

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32 accidents in first four days of Raya

As many as 32 road accidents have been recorded through out the country from the first day of Hari Raya until Tuesday, according to the Royal Brunei Police Force. However, with the exception of a male pedestrian who sustained serious injuries and another six (five men and a woman) being slightly injured, no fatalities were reported, RTB reported. Brunei-Muara District topped the list with 21 accidents in four days, while Belait and Tutong Districts recorded six and five cases respectively. No accidents were reported in Temburong District. Yesterday, a speed trap was set up near the Damuan Recreation Park, scene of two fatal accidents in a span of three days last month, and many speeding motorists were fined. The police are taking serious efforts to curb the rise in road accidents. Motorists too need to do their part in driving carefully, especially during wet weather conditions.

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Surge in oil prices boosts Brunei's growth

By Azlan OthmanThe steep rise in oil and gas prices in the world market has stimulated Brunei's economy, increasing revenues and GDP per capita, local analysts said. Crude oil prices have soared nearly 10 per cent in just eight days to hit an all-time high of nearly US$88 a barrel Tuesday. Investors have cited rising tensions between Turkey and Kurdish separatists in northern Iraq, steady world energy demand, tight inventories in consumer nations heading into winter and unprecedented weakness in the US dollar as reasons for the spike. Last year, the oil hit a peak of US$78 per barrel in July 2006 due to global political turmoil and a rise in oil inventory position in the US. However, two months later the price fell drastically to US$52 per barrel, the lowest in two years. The fall in oil price coupled with the fall in the US dollar would affect the country's income in local currency value, the 2007/2008 Sultanate's budget deliberations heard early this year. The deliberations highlighted that the changes which occurred within the short period showed the volatility of the world oil prices and its effect on the country's income that rely heavily on the sector. Hence, such developments give a clearer picture on the need for the nation to give special attention to strengthen the private sector, intensify the economic base and the country's revenue. In fiscal aspect, the country was able to increase reserves and investments thanks to the high oil price in 2006. With such volatile oil prices and fall in US currency, the government should continue to practise the fiscal consolidation policy to strengthen the country's finance to be competitive in facing the ever-changing and unpredictable global situation, while at the same time the nation would continue to enjoy balanced and sustainable growth in the long term, analysts said. Taking into account such volatility and currency exchange, the country's income for 2007/2008 was based on the oil prices in the long term, which was by taking into account the stable world oil prices not influenced by outside factors that exert pressure on world supply and demand, production capacity, especially spiralling exploration costs and a more appropriate Brunei/US exchange rate. Nearly 90 per cent of the government's estimated $5.7 billion income came from oil and gas. Meanwhile, the Department of Economic Planning and Development (JPKE) last week stated that the higher average oil and gas prices in first and second quarter of this year would continue to maintain the government's revenue and fiscal surplus balance and overall trade balance surplus with a moderate inflation rate. The annual national account 2006, published by JPKE, stated that the oil and gas sector improved its performance by growing 5.7 per cent compared to one and 2.6 per cent in 2004 and 2005 respectively.

TheHawk

Two Killed In Tragic Crash
By Liza Mohd

Bandar Seri Begawan - A 16-year-old boy was killed when a salon car he was driving was involved in a head on collision with another car at Km 30, Kampong Sungai Bakong Lumut, Seria Sunday evening, which also killed a 56-year-old woman, who was in the front passenger seat of the other salon vehicle.

The woman worked at Suri Seri Begawan hospital, according to police in Kuala Belait. The underage driver, a secondary school student residing in Kampong Lumut, was driving alone to Bandar Seri Begawan when the horrendous accident took place.

In another vehicle, the husband, 21-year-old and 14year-old children of the deceased suffered grave injuries as a result of the serious accident.

The family was on its way back to Seria, the Bulletin was told and the injured are currently receiving medical attention in RIPAS Hospital.

The police said that the accident took place at about 9pm.

Police are still investigating the cause of the accident and added that the fatal crash has brought the death toll on the road in Belait District to 10. Meinwhile, 25 road accidents have been recorded at all police stations throughout the country over the past three days (not including the fatal Sunday crash).

Of the number, 14 cases were reported in the BruneiMuara District, five in Belait District and six in Tutong District, while no accidents were reported in Temburong District.

According the police, nine accidents involved vehicleto-vehicle collisions, 15 were self-accidents and one involved a motorcyclist. One person, a man aged 30, was killed, while a few sustained injuries. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

TheHawk

41 Motorists Slapped With Stiff Fines
By Azlan Othman

Bandar Seri Begawan - As many as 41 drivers were slapped with stiff fines ranging from $1,000 to $4,000 and possible jail sentence for violating road traffic acts and regulations as the Land Transport Department and Traffic Police are tightening the screws on errant motorists following a spate of road accidents in the country.

Yesterday morning, a joint operation was conducted by the two resulting in 41 drivers facing tough penalties.

The drivers were slapped with compounds and summons for various road traffic offences during the spot check conducted at the overhead bridge of Tungku Link road near the capital.

The police fined seven drivers for offences including suspension modifications in cars that violated regulation 23 of the Road Traffic Regulation 1995, one case of driving without a valid licence that violated Section 8 (1) of the Road Traffic Act, Cap 68.

Other offences included a case of using mobile phone while driving, which is an offence under Section 29 (a) (1) of the Road Traffic Act, Cap 68, and a case of using tinted glass, which violates regulation 18 (4, of the Road Traffic Regulation 1955.

Meanwhile, the Land Transport fined 34 vehicles including two foreign-registered cars.

The offences were under Section 76 (1) of the Road Traffic Act for failing to bring along the certificate to drive commercial vehicles and faulty speed warning (SWD) devices, a violation under Regulation 10.

Other offences were vehicles with bald tyres (that violates regulation 31), which included foreign-registered vehicles, carrying loads that were deemed dangerous to other road users (which violates Regulation 27 of the Road Traffic Regulations 1995).

Other violations recorded by LTD included a faulty mud-guard flip that could endanger other road users (violates Regulation 25) and vehicles that were not in good condition such as being unstable and vehicles with holes in the body, which is an offence under Regulation 26.

The operation was conducted from 9am to 11am. Eleven personnel from the Traffic Police of the Traffic and Investigation Department led by Cpl 2770, Ibrahim B Hj Saili, and 10 personnel from the LTD led by its Chief of Enforcement, Hj Suaib B Hj Md Taib, were at the scene.

The enforcement officer said at least five other spot checks would be held in the coming weeks leading to the end of the year. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

TheHawk

DST To Go 3G Next Year
By Za'im Zaini

Bandar Seri Begawan - Ericsson has been selected by DataStream Technology Sdn Bhd (DST) to deploy DST's new nationwide WCDMA/HSPA (High-Speed Packet Access) network, according to SDA Asia Magazine.

According to a spokesperson from DST, the contract was awarded to Ericsson in preparation for DST's 3G network, which is expected to be available to its subscribers in Brunei sometime in the 2nd quarter of 2008.

Dr Hj Mohd Amin Liew Abdullah, the Group Chief Executive Officer of DST was quoted by SDA as saying, "DST is committed to provide our customers with high quality telecommunication services. Our plans to drive the evolution in Brunei telecom industry are certainly in line with our government's vision to leverage on advanced info-communications to diversify and to create a vibrant knowledge-based economy in this region".

The HSPA network is expected to be fully deployed nationwide sometime next year.

With the implementation, DST expects its new network to considerably increase mobile data download speeds in Brunei, with speeds initially up to 3.6Mbps and in the future up to 14.4Mbps.

Such high speed will enable DST mobile users to have access to an even more exciting range of media-rich broadband services such as video telephony, music and video entertainment, mobile TV streaming via their mobile devices, as well as mobile broadband Internet access using PC cards.

"We are very honoured to be selected by DST to provide advanced HSPA technology for Brunei Darussalam. Mobile broadband offers bandwidths similar to what DSL and cable offer today

TheHawk

Brunei Health Expo Set To Be Grand Affair
By Azaraimy HH

Bandar Seri Begawan - Initiated by the Ministry of Health in celebrating 100 years of caring, the 1st Brunei Health Expo (BHE) 2007 is set to be the biggest health expo the Sultanate has ever held.

As the BHE will be featuring over 110 booths from some 73 government and private agencies at the International Convention Centre, it could match the size and scale of the annual Brunei International Halal Products Expo.

This was revealed by Sunlit Advertising, the event management of the BHE, during a press conference yesterday.

Speakers will be invited to present cutting-edge technological advancements.

The project is designed to enrich Brunei's medical industry with studies conducted by the best in the health profession.

With it comes an array of service oriented facilities and institutions whose life-saving technologies and techniques have been gathered from all over to answer the need of each and every individual in the Sultanate.

The upcoming event is the realization of the drive of the government through the leadership of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam to provide world-class health care to its citizens and neighbours in Southeast Asia.

The four-day event, which will be launched on Nov 15, will be open to the public from noon to 6pm on the first day and 10am to 6pm on other days. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

TheHawk

Facelift, Hill Park In The Works For Kg Ayer
By Khairunnisa Ibrahim

Bandar Seri Begawan - Kampong Ayer will receive a facelift and a hill park if plans by the Town and Country Planning Department (TCP) on developing the water village are approved for implementation.

Two of 13 of TCP's completed plans - the Kampong Ayer Improvement Plan and the Kampong Ayes Hill Park Plan - are focused on improving the living and working environment of the water village and on preserving its natural landscape.

The Kampong Ayer Improvement Plan, completed in January 1997, focuses on making life and work easier for residents of the water village.

Such improvements are to be made without bringing adverse effects on the traditional lifestyle and social cohesion found in the community.

Some of the proposals under the plan include upgrading Kampong Ayer's water-based settlement and community facilities.

Residents of Kampong Ayer live mainly in houses built on stilts, connected to one another by wooden walkways.

Many of these houses are made from wood, but the more modern ones, provided by the government, are made from concrete.

Settlements are equipped with their own mosques, clinics and schools, among other community facilities.

The plans also look to improve accessibility to the world's largest water village. A new water-based settlement is also being proposed, to be established near Pulau Sibungor.

Meanwhile, the Kampong Ayer Hill Park Plan, completed in December 1996, focuses on preserving a natural landscape backdrop to Kampong Ayer.

Details on this plan are scant, but there is mention of the proposed creation of a conservation zone, estate zone and community facilities zone within the hill park area.

Also proposed are the upgrading and expansion of existing infrastructure and utilities, presumably to support the operation and maintenance of the hill park once it is complete.

These plans are included in TCP's third and latest Planning Journal, published yesterday during the launch of the World Town Planning Day celebration at the Ministry of Development headquarters.

The journal lists out a number of completed, ongoing and proposed plans by the TCP.' Among the completed plans, covering Brunei's four districts, include the Mulaut Local Plan, the Tutong Coastal Recreation Plan, the Mumong Local Plan and the Batang Duri Local Plan.

These and other plans have ambitious targets for the areas involved.

For instance, the Mulaut Local Plan seeks to transform the Mulaut area into a dominant urban satellite settlement, with enhanced opportunities for private-sector involvement and investment, particularly in agriculture and horticulture.

The TCP also has a number of other plans currently undergoing review and feasibility study.

One of it is the review of the 1987 Negara Brunei Darussalam Master Plan, to be renamed the National Land Use Master Plan 2005 - 2025. The plan is expected to be completed by the end of the year.

Also to be completed by next month is the Land Availability Study Plan, which provides a comprehensive land inventory and land bank for Brunei and makes recommendations of, among others, how best to manage land sustainably.

Meanwhile, a number of other plans are in the pipeline. These include the Brunei Muara District Plan and the Tutong District Plan, which are both awaiting the appointment of consultants.-- Courtesy of The Brunei Times

TheHawk

Should Brunei Turn To The Sun For Energy?
By Asnawi Yakib

Bandar Seri Begawan - Energy conservation is now a global interest. Fortunately, Brunei Darussalam has been blessed with an abundant amount of energy in the form of oil and gas. Economically, the country relies on the export of oil and gas in order for the country to generate revenue. As the world knows, oil and gas are resources that can be exhaustible and will come to a point of depletion. It is a mission for Brunei to search for other energy alternatives.

With the awareness of global warming as well, many countries are focusing their priorities on finding a substitute to reduce pollution and depleting resources. People's mentality is also being changed into conserving energy and to try to use natural resources such as solar power to generate electricity.

In Brunei, households are filled with various kinds of electrical appliances, such as air conditioners and lighting fixtures, which are electricity intensive. The electricity consumed by these households is fuelled by domestically produced natural gas and the consumption of electricity is vastly growing.

One of the main causes of global warming is carbon dioxide which is generated by many kinds of activities that require the burning of urban-based fuel such as fossil fuel. Daily Bruneian routines such as driving, air travel and power generation encourages the emission of carbon dioxide.

According to statistics provided by the office of the Minister of Energy under the Prime Minister's Office, Brunei's annual carbon dioxide emission is 5.12 million tons. It also indicates that 15kg of carbon dioxide is emitted per person. Statistics also show that Brunei Darussalam has the second largest consumer of electricity after Singapore amongst the Asean countries.

Hamidjojo Development has stepped up to the call of providing Brunei with a cleaner energy source and supply Brunei with greener power in line with the government's policy.

The company has ventured into a project of building a plant to manufacture "solar clusters" which enables generating electricity by using the sun as a source of energy. This will be available for both commercial buildings, industries and households.

"We believe that Brunei can benefit by taking part in this project because by using solar power it can provide Brunei with an alternative energy source to generate electricity and reduce global warming," says Rubyanto A Hamidjojo CEO of Hamidjojo Development.

In addition, he mentioned other benefits include job opportunities for the community to work at the plant and provide raw materials for new companies interested in manufacturing solar panels themselves.

Currently the project is invested only by the company itself and is expected to be completed approximately around 2010.-- Courtesy of The Brunei Times

TheHawk

Brunei抯 Iron Lady Takes A Break From World Voyage
By Rosli Abidin Yahya

Bandar Seri Begawan - Brunei Darussalam's iron lady Norhayati Abu Bakar is currently in the Sultanate for a break before she and her husband, Harun Kurt Eichbauer Abdullah, head to Germany next February for the second part of their nerve-wracking Africa-Europe-Asia expedition.

"We hope to fly to Germany next February, that is, if we manage to obtain our visas. We are having a break here to wait for the winter season to pass as well as renew our vehicle and personal documents," she said yesterday at Brunei International Airport while seeing off her workers.

Arriving home a fortnight ago, she said by putting off travelling during the winter in Europe will save them money as they need not purchase winter tyres for their vehicle as well as warm clothing.

"Our 4WD is now hibernating in Germany while waiting for our arrival next February to continue the expedition," she said.

Norhayati and her husband left for Cape Town, South Africa last April 9 for the first leg of their expedition.

Present to see the couples off at Brunei International Airport were Brunei Tourism boss Sheikh Jamaluddin as well as member抯 of the Women Business Council, the Malay Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and the 4WD Association.

Meanwhile, in February 2008, the duo will visit Europe, the Middle East, India, the Himalayan countries and Malaysia.

"From Port Klang, we will pass the Straits of Malacca and cross the South China Sea to reach Kuching before continuing our journey back to Brunei," she said. "We expect to reach home next November, or even much earlier."

In December 31, 2001, Norhayati led a group of women to reach the summit of Africa's highest peak, 5,895-metre Mount Kilimanjaro.

Her memoirs, published in the Bulletin, can also be found at www.overthehorizon.net. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

TheHawk

Call For Study To Eradicate Poverty
By Aemy Azlena

Bandar Seri Begawan - A call for a comprehensive investigation, taking into account the successful experience, information, programmes and projects from abroad that can be used in handling and exterminating the problem of poverty in Brunei was made by the Deputy Minister of Home Affairs.

Pehin Orang Kaya Dewa Pahlawan Dato Paduka Awang Haji Dani bin Haji Ibrahim spoke yesterday at the opening of the 'Seminar on Brunei Japan Local Administration' held at the Conference Room of the Empire Hotel and Country Club. "This seminar with the theme 'Towards Establishing a Welfare Safety Network and Community Services' is appropriate and accurate in the context of Brunei, which places great importance on the welfare and safety of its people and residents," the deputy minister said.

He added that the government has and will carry out various programmes and projects of development via the National Development Plan for the welfare and safety of the people and these include those who reside outside the city and in the outskirts.


According to the deputy minister, among the conveniences made available to ensure the people and residents of this country may be able to enjoy a quality standard of living are free education, health services, electric provisions, and telecommunications. Despite these, there is still a portion of the community who are less fortunate, poor, victims of accidents and disasters who are in need of help to continue with their daily lives, said Pehin Dani, who also expressed his gratitude to those who have come forward to assist both in cash and kind.

"I believe that in overcoming the problem of poverty, there needs to be a more effective project of poverty exterminations by focusing on a long term plan that is sustainable which makes recipients not dependent on assistance forever and additionally they will be able to make their own efforts in looking after themselves and their family."

In this regard, it is important for educational and awareness programmes to be carried out to encourage people to be more responsible and active in their participation in helping the community to be productive and independent, thus exterminating poverty, he added.

The deputy minister hoped that the seminar would result in the creation of practical resolution of relevance which can be used in planning and carrying out actions such as more comprehensive and effective working papers specifically for handling poverty in Brunei and related topics connected with it so that it can be used as the basis and foundation in creating an effective and sustainable programme of assistance that could be provided to those who are in need of it. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin