Borneo Bulletin articles from December 2008

Borneo Bulletin archives from December 2008

Three die in gas explosion.
December 31, 2008... A gas explosion at a seafood factory in Serasa at noon yesterday left three people dead and 16 injured, while nearby residents were shaken by the blast. According to the Royal Brunei Police Force, the incident involved 19 foreign...

Booze smugglers nabbed.
December 31, 2008... Limau Manis police personnel were able to foil another smuggling attempt on Monday, the second in less than 24 hours. This time, three locals - aged between 22 and 30 years of age - were detained at the Bebuloh Control Post bordering...

OGH Sports and Social Club helps stock up blood bank.
December 31, 2008... The Orchid Garden Hotel (OGH) Sports and Social Club recently held a blood donation campaign at it premises, which drew the participation of 80 staff members. "Blood is life. To donate your blood is very rewarding and it helps save human...

Brunei celebrates birth of babies on auspicious date.
December 31, 2008... Twelve lucky babies born on the 1st of Muharram 1430 were given prizes yesterday at the Delivery Ward of Ripas Hospital to celebrate the auspicious birth, which coincides with the first day in the Islamic calendar. Five of the newborns...

Lucky babies born on 1st Muharram awarded with prizes.
December 31, 2008... A total of seven newborn babies were welcomed into the world on the first day of Muharram, 1430 Hijrah in Kuala Belait. To celebrate the birth of the newborns, a gift presentation ceremony organised by the Ministry of Religious Affairs in...

RBC holds appreciation high tea.
December 31, 2008... Royal Brunei Catering (RBC) held an annual appreciation high tea reception for its loyal customers at Emperor's Court at Hua Ho Manggis Mall yesterday. The event began with the recital of the surah Al-fatihah followed by a welcoming...

MoH withdraws import restriction on M'sian biscuits.
December 31, 2008... The Ministry of Health has rescinded its recent import and sale restriction on Malaysian biscuit products after receiving a satisfactory food safety report from the Malaysian Ministry of Health, the ministry said yesterday. Amid recent...

TAP holds 2-day roadshow at The Mall.
December 31, 2008... The Tabung Amanah Pekerja (TAP) held a two-day roadshow starting yesterday as part of its initiative to update information about customers at The Mall Gadong. The roadshow will open from 11am to 6pm for members of the public to update...

Mexican Fiesta continues at Sheraton.
December 31, 2008... Following the extremely well received 10-day Mexican Fiesta Food Festival organised by Sheraton Utama Hotel last month, a prize presentation ceremony was held for the Grand Prize Lucky Draw winner at the hotel in the capital. Present at...

4WD vehicle skids into the drain.
December 31, 2008... A four-wheel drive vehicle skidded into the drain near the Bebatik- Mulaut petrol station on Monday at a time when the road was slippery. Fortunately, the driver was not injured but such a mishap caused a slight traffic jam in the area. ...

RTB, Sunlit Advertising ink agreement for CF3.
December 31, 2008... Radio Television Brunei (RTB) signed a Media-Partner Agreement with Sunlit Advertising Sdn Bhd yesterday at its premises for the upcoming Consumer Fair 3 (CF3). Signing on behalf of RTB was the Acting Director Hj Mahrub Hj Murni, while...

His Majesty among dignitaries at passing of Negeri ruler.
December 31, 2008... His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam in prayers during Monday's funeral of the late Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan Tuanku Ja'afar ibni Almarhum Tuanku Abdul Rahman who passed away last Saturday....

Royal Brunei Marine Police personnel awarded for saving two.
December 31, 2008... After saving the lives of two Indonesian nationals, who drifted out to sea while taking a swim at Muara Beach on Dec 9, four Royal Brunei Marine Police's officers and personnel were yesterday presented with certificates of appreciation in a...

1st big meeting for upcoming Silver Jubilee National Day.
December 31, 2008... The first Chairman Working Committee Meeting for the Silver Jubilee National Day Celebration 2009 was held yesterday at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports' Dewan Digadong. It was chaired by Dato Paduka Hj Jemat Ampal, Permanent...

MSBCA hosts series of programmes in Vancouver.
December 31, 2008... The Malaysian Singapore and Brunei Cultural Association (MSBCA) based in Canada recently hosted a children's Christmas party at the Diary Queen restaurant in Vancouver's Hastings St and a Boxing Day potluck at its clubhouse. They also...

RBC to hold cooking classes.
December 31, 2008... Royal Brunei Catering will be organising a cooking class on January 3 and 30, 2009 to showcase three of its most popular dishes at the Royal Brunei Recreational Club. Both sessions will be held between 9.45am and 12noon on their...

Landslide behind school poses hazard.
December 31, 2008... Danger lurks over a school canteen, as what used to be a small landslide on a back hill is starting to pose a real hazard. As the new school term will begin shortly, parents are expressing their concerns. The landslide has been left as it...

Health advisory for Philippine pork products to be removed.
December 31, 2008... Brunei's Ministry of Health and Agriculture Department, Ministry of Industry and Primary Resources have reported that the number of pigs carrying the Ebola-Reston virus in the Philippines have been increasing and has issued a precaution to...

His Majesty at passing of Negeri ruler.
December 31, 2008... His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam on Monday attended the funeral of the late Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan Tuanku Ja'afar ibni Almarhum Tuanku Abdul Rahman who passed away last Saturday. Following the...

Mamma Mia! Fireworks too on NY Eve at Empire.
December 31, 2008... The new Year Eve bash at the Empire Hotel to usher in 2009, promises an evening that will pay tribute to the 'Melodies of Yesteryears.' 'Mamma Mia!' will be screened and the movie's melodies will echo throughout the Atrium Lobby,...

Shahbandar Park again - but happy ending as missing man found in crack time.
December 31, 2008... The fate of a man who was reported missing at Shahbandar Recreational Park in the last few days of 2008 turned out well as he was found by a search party comprising of eight personnel from the Fire and Rescue Department and the Royal Brunei...

Cyclists injured during training.
December 31, 2008... Three cyclists were involved in an accident during routine training at the Tungku-Link Highway yesterday evening. One of the 15 cyclists in the group lost control of his bicycle and caused a chain reaction. The lead cyclist promptly...

BSB's Commercial Building Tax to be enforced next year.
December 31, 2008... Following the expansion of areas under the jurisdiction of the Bandar Seri Begawan (BSB) Municipal Board from a total of 1,2087 hectares to 10,036.24 hectares on August 1, 2007, owners of commercial buildings under the newly expanded area...

Brunei-Malaysia meet on education.
December 31, 2008... The Second Joint Working Group Meeting between the Ministries of Education of Brunei Darussalam and Malaysia took place yesterday at the Rizqun International Hotel, Gadong, which was hosted by Brunei Darussalam. Heading the Bruneian...

'Riadah Hijrah' walkathon to commemorate Islamic New Year.
December 30, 2008... A 'Riadah Hijrah' walkathon was held yesterday in the vicinity of Sultan Omar 'Ali Saifuddien (SOAS) Mosque in the capital that was organised to collect proceeds for charity. It was organised by the Mosque Affairs Department and Syiar Islam...

Untong to get new home.
December 30, 2008... Mohd Azri bin Wahid, 35, who is also known as Untong, has been lucky enough to have a new house to be constructed by the Government of His Majesty the Sultan and Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, through the Belait District Office, to replace...

Local star Milin eyeing fame with new album.
December 30, 2008... Brunei's very own talented music star Milin has launched his first album entitled "Milin" during the launching ceremony officiated by Hans Anuar and Joe M at the CheezBox in Gadong yesterday afternoon. Proudly presented by the label of...

Year-end special treats at OGDC.
December 30, 2008... The Oil and Gas Discovery Centre (OGDC) has been giving out presents to lucky visitors as part of an 'End of Year' special treat. The first giveaway present was won by 11-year-old Kee Guo Gen while Hong Fui Yaw, 15, emerged as the second...

Marine Police catch duo with contraband items.
December 30, 2008... The Marine Police recently organised a crime prevention operation in the waters of Sungai Brunei. During the operation, police discovered a boat loaded with goods without the possession of essential travel documents. Upon investigation,...

YEAB Beach Fun Sale for charity.
December 30, 2008... The Young Entrepreneurs Association of Brunei (YEAB) held its annual Beach Fun Sale yesterday in its bid to raise funds for various charity organisations as well as the needy. YEAB President Hjh Mazrina Haji Md Yussof said Muara Beach was...

Shanghai hairy crabs set to rock local food lovers.
December 30, 2008... Freshwater crabs from Shanghai, China have reached the shores of Brunei Darussalam. Known as big binding crab or Shanghai hairy crab, it is famous for its content, which is believed to have a "yin effect" on the body. Some 200...

Influx in weddings on last day of Hijrah 1429.
December 30, 2008... Many young Malay couples tied the knot on the last Sunday of 2008 and the last day of Hijrah 1429 by exchanging vows of akad nikah and holding the ceremony of majlis bersanding yesterday. According to a local, "we have to move from one...

Temburong bags 'Asean's Most Environmentally Sustainable City' award.
December 30, 2008... from BORNEO BULLETIN, December 30, 2008 The Temburong District was presented with the prestigious award for 'Asean's Most Environmentally Sustainable City', last Sunday, during the closing ceremony for the Temburong 2008 Year-End...

Police catch alcohol smuggler during roadblock.
December 30, 2008... Alert Royal Brunei Police Force (RBPF) personnel at the Limau Manis Police Station intercepted a local driver on Sunday evening for attempting to smuggle 120 cans of Tiger beer into the country. An 18 year-old man was detained after he...

Mall outing turns to terror in Miri.
December 30, 2008... Three Bruneians who went shopping in Miri last weekend will think twice about going down south again, after becoming victims of an alleged beating outside one of the malls there. According to a relative, the man and two women were just...

His Majesty attends funeral.
December 30, 2008... His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam yesterday consented to attend the funeral of the late Yang Di- Pertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan Tuanku Ja'afar ibni Almarhum Tuanku Abdul Rahman who passed away last Saturday....

Bundles of joy on Hijrah new year's day.
December 30, 2008... As of yesterday morning, three babies were safely delivered coinciding with the first day of Muharram, 1430 Hijrah. The first baby - an adorable baby girl - was born at 2.43am, the fourth child to Ko Pei Leong and Kong Keh Dong from Jalan...

Family Day at Lambak Kanan.
December 30, 2008... The initiative - Family Day - by the Consultative Council Members of the Mukim Berakas 'B' Area IV, was a success although the turn-out was small. It is believed many families left for vacations abroad, especially Sabah, during this long...

Kg Bebuloh Religious Activity House celebrates 10th anniversary.
December 30, 2008... In conjunction with the 10th anniversary of the Kg Bebuloh Religious Activity House, the Takmir Committee of the Religious Activity House, New Converts Welfare Body and the village council, with the cooperation of the Islamic Dakwah Centre...

KB clock tower under renovation.
December 30, 2008... One of the prominent landmarks of Kuala Belait, the clock tower, located at the heart of town is under renovation. The upgrade will significantly improve the look of the clock tower and at the same time enhance the look of the town. Sham

Sultan's 1430 Hijrah wish.
December 29, 2008... Monday - His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam underscored the need for the nation to attain a higher self-sufficiency level in agriculture than presently which the monarch hopes to achieve in this new Islamic...

Demo in syniumatic oil draws crowd.
December 29, 2008... Monday - A demonstration on Tinggi Mega Sdn Bhd's new syniumatic engine oil, which forms a protective layer for the car engine, attracted a large crowd yesterday at its premises in Kampong Kiulap. The shield protects the car engine from...

Berakas 'B' Family Day to strengthen ties.
December 29, 2008... Monday - Mukim Berakas 'B' Family Day was held at Dewan Kemasyarakatan 1 Negara, Lambak Kanan, yesterday. The event began with a health screening, organised by the Ministry of Health. Other activities lined up for the day included a...

His Majesty ushers in 1430 Hijrah with prayers nationwide.
December 29, 2008... Monday - His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam welcomed the arrival of the new Islamic year of 1430 Hijrah with a celebration that was held yesterday at the Jame' Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque in Kg Kiarong. The...

Dental woes due to lack of manpower.
December 29, 2008... Monday - Dental practices in hospitals, clinics and community health centres in the country need more manpower in the dental workforce, which currently only employs 28 dental officers to cater for the 10 dental clinics for the Primary Oral...

KB immigration sweep nets two offenders.
December 29, 2008... Monday - Some 120 foreign nationals had their travel documents and working papers checked in a massive operation codenamed "Ops Pintas 180/2008" that was conducted by the Kuala Belait Enforcement Section of National Registration and...

Tasek Merimbun gets timely new facelift.
December 29, 2008... Monday - After driving for almost an hour from the capital, passing numerous kampong houses and having to endure the rough patches of gravel and potholes that still desperately require repairs in the rural areas of the Tutong District, it was...

KFC's Chicky Carnival at Yayasan.
December 29, 2008... Monday - In conjunction with Yayasan's family festival, KFC organised a Chicky Carnival aimed at creating a memorable family day where parents and children can spend the whole day together to play games before the end of the school holidays....

Celebrating the return of haj pilgrims.
December 29, 2008... Monday - The Village Consultative Council of Mukim Pengkalan Batu held a ceremony to celebrate the return of the haj pilgrims from Kg Batong recently. The event began with the recital of al-Fatihah led by Awang Haji Abd Rahman bin Tuah and...

New Year countdown promotions at Riverview Hotel.
December 29, 2008... Monday - With the New Year just round the corner, many hotels and restaurants in the country are putting up their New Year's Eve dinner and New Year's Day lunch and hi-tea promotions. The Riverview Hotel will be having the New Year's Eve...

PERLU holds Youth Festival.
December 29, 2008... Monday - The Lumapas Youth Association (PERLU) recently held a Youth Festival 2008 at Kampong Lumapas Primary School. The highlight of the two-day festival was the Cultural Night that was held on Saturday night. The Cultural Night was...

Curtains up for our music industry.
December 28, 2008... "Paspot 2 Fame" (P2F) 2008 - the biggest reality TV singing competition ever staged in Brunei Darussalam - exceeded everyone's expectations. The show was a runaway success. In the three weeks leading up to the grand finale, the unfamiliar had...

Philippine Ambassador's X'mas visit to Jerudong Prison.
December 28, 2008... The Philippine Ambassador to Brunei Darussalam, Virginia H Benavidez, yesterday visited the Filipino inmates at the Jerudong Prison Institution in conjunction with Christmas Day. The ambassador along with 19 other officials from the...

Association of Overseas Chinese marks 31st anniversary.
December 28, 2008... The Association of Overseas Chinese, Chinese Taipei celebrated its 31st anniversary recently in a reception in Kuala Belait. The president of the association, Mr Lim Tiong Tin, conveyed his appreciation to those who attended the event....

State Mufti holds lecture on child-parent relationship.
December 28, 2008... In conjunction with the new Islamic year or Hijrah, the State Mufti's Office held a dawn lecture yesterday at the Kampong Sungai Buluh Mosque. The State Mufti, Pehin Datu Seri Maharaja Dato Paduka Seri Setia Dr Ustaz Haji Awang, touched...

Minister of Home Affairs conducts working visit to Kg Ayer.
December 28, 2008... Brunei's most treasured historical heritage - Kampong Ayer has long been the fascination of many and a tourists attraction for decades. Its legacy survived through the years and has become one of the significant identities for the sultanate....

More raids conducted in bid to rid nation of illegal immigrants.
December 28, 2008... The Immigration Law Enforcement Unit continued to conduct raids in its vigilant duty to enforce the immigration laws in the sultanate. The operation codenamed Ops Pintas 181 and 182, conducted on the evenings of December 24 and 25,...

Overwhelming demand for foreign currencies.
December 28, 2008... The demand for foreign currencies especially the Malaysian ringgit and British pounds has reached its peak this holiday season. Bruneians are now searching for the best exchange rates in town before embarking on their holidays. The Pound...

Local man convicted of raping 13-year-old sister.
December 28, 2008... The High Court will pass the verdict on a local man convicted of raping his 13-year-old sister on January 8 at 2.15 pm next year after pleading guilty to the charges yesterday. The local man admitted to the charges before Judge Dato...

Tears of joy & sorrow shed at P2F finals.
December 28, 2008... Dk Nur Qistina Pg Hassanan (better known as Ina) was shocked to find out that she had made it to the top three spot of the 2008 P2F talent competition during last night's grand finale at the Jerudong Park Amphitheatre. Early yesterday...

Minister officiates launching of Malaysia Kitchen.
December 28, 2008... The launching of the Malaysia Kitchen promotion was held at the songket ballroom of the Rizqun International Hotel yesterday. Dato' Ku Jaafar Ku Shaari, High Commissioner of Malaysia to Brunei Darussalam said that Malaysia Kitchen aims to...

Berakas 'B' Village Council visits Info Dept.
December 28, 2008... As part of the Family Day celebration of the Mukim Berakas 'B' residents, a delegation of 40 members of the Berakas 'B' Village Council led by the Penghulu, Awg Hj Ismail Hj Apong, made a working visit to the Department of Information...

Asean Quiz winners awarded.
December 28, 2008... The prize presentation ceremony for the Asean Quiz organised in conjunction with the 41st Anniversary of Asean establishment was held at the Pehin Orang Kaya Shahbandar Conference Room of the Information Department in Berakas. The quiz...

RBA ticket fares nosedive with slashed oil prices.
December 27, 2008... The sharp global economic downturn that has slashed the world's demand for energy has led the price of crude oil to collapse by about 75 per cent since hitting records high above 147 dollars per barrel in July. Royal Brunei Airlines also...

Brunei Hotel staff helps replenish national blood stocks.
December 27, 2008... As the year draws to a close, the Blood Bank of the Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha Hospital (RIPAS) continues to receive more blood donations to help stock up their much-needed supply in order to help save lives. One such blood drive...

Kg Pudat Co-op set to develop aquaculture.
December 27, 2008... For the sake of its own livelihood, business cooperatives have been advised to properly chart and follow its own course, as well as set rules with their committee members in order not to discard their statutory obligations. This was said...

Faceshop promises you the perfect 'in' look, always.
December 27, 2008... The recently opened FACESHOP, a beauty and cosmetic business premise under the flagship of the Livewell Company, has opened its very own make-up studio, located at the same premises of its business outlet at The Mall, Gadong. Apart from...

New Mitsubishi Pajero Sports unveiled.
December 27, 2008... GHK Motors yesterday unveiled its latest Mitsubishi model, the Pajero Sports, powered with 3.2cc 4WD seven-seater sports utility vehicle (SUV) at its showroom in Beribi. The tough-rugged look SUV was introduced by the GHK Managing...

Paddy farmer expresses his gratitude.
December 27, 2008... A member of Koperasi Setia Kawan Bekas Tentera (KOSEKA) expressed his gratitude to the Government of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, through the Agriculture Department, Ministry of Industry and Primary...

I-Lotus New Year offer.
December 27, 2008... I-Lotus Restaurant has a tempting offer for diners this New Year. Until January 3, 2009, customers can enjoy sampling from four different set menus starting from B$328 for 10 pax, comprising of dishes such as braised shark's fin soup with...

Tenderly Touch offers rejuvenating health retreats.
December 27, 2008... Unwind, relax and rejuvenate your body and mind with the luxurious treatment offered by the newest spa and massage house in town - The Tenderly Touch. Upon arrival at the spa, one can relish at the sound of soothing music combined with...

New and promising Jeruton Hotel opens.
December 27, 2008... Kg Jerudong, located not very far from the capital, has in recent years proven to be one of the Sultanate's fastest developing commercial areas with numerous business establishments erected. The escalating number of businesses in the...

Passing of armed forces' pioneer recruit mourned.
December 27, 2008... The first-intake cadet officers and recruits of the Sultanate's armed forces mourned the passing of one of their pioneer recruits during the first intake of 1961, Major (Rtd) Pg Momin Pg Tajuddin, at the RIPAS Hospital at about 1am last Dec...

YSHHB ends 2008 with Family Weekend Fun.
December 27, 2008... The Family Weekend Festival began yesterday with a line up of fun- filled activities for the young and old alike at the Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah (YSHHB) Complex premises in the capital. The three-day event was organised by the...

One food van too hot for the road.
December 27, 2008... A van catering meals for a gathering at Kg Perpindahan Lambak Kanan was overheated at the cross junction in Berakas late yesterday afternoon. This prompted personnel from the Fire and Rescue Department and Police to rush to the scene....

The Empire Broadway Starlets to usher in 2009.
December 27, 2008... The Empire Hotel and Country Club will conjure up a Broadway performance, the famous 'Mamma Mia', to usher in the New Year. Several talented performers, who have named themselves The Empire Broadway Starlets, are all set for the big event...

Longest ever queue to Sabah this month.
December 27, 2008... The completion of a long stretch of road between Mesapol and Beaufort, which was under construction between 1998 and 2000, has enabled tourists and business people (including those from BIMP- EAGA) to travel more easily to and from Brunei, as...

Service with a smile.
December 27, 2008... It took much longer than I thought. And, by the time the good doctor had given me a somewhat clean bill after a thorough check that rainy afternoon, I realised I was surely running late. I guess I became a little jumpy because of...

Back To School promo for Baiduri and Hua Ho H2 card members.
December 27, 2008... In preparation for the new school term in January 2009, Baiduri Bank and Hua Ho Department Store, once again will be holding an exclusive weekend special for all Baiduri card members and Hua Ho H2 card members from 26th till 28th December...

Steering the country forward.
December 27, 2008... The nation's youth, health, food security and education were among the highlights of the titahs made by His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam throughout 2008. To welcome the New Year 2008, His Majesty called on...

Journalist's car vandalized.
December 27, 2008... A Chinese reporter's car was vandalised and his rear car window smashed to pieces yesterday. Having parked near his office in Gadong, Mr Voon found that his rear window was damaged when he went down to start his car after a meeting. ...

Japanese car prices start climbing.
December 27, 2008... Several Japanese auto dealers in Brunei Darussalam are contemplating increasing their prices come next year in view of the continued rise in Japanese yen. Such a move could prove costly to Brunei consumers. According to an Executive...

It's called a Lesser Adjutant.
December 27, 2008... The Lesser Adjutant, otherwise known as the Leptoptilos javanicus, can frequently be sighted feeding on fish and frogs at Kampong Lubok Pulau Lama. The stork - which has dark, slaty-grey wings, white underparts and upper back, a massive horny...

Muslims urged to 'migrate from darkness'.
December 27, 2008... The historic event of Prophet Muhammad's (pbuh) 'hijrah' or migration from Mecca to Medina along with his companions should be assimilated, set as an example and practiced in our daily lives as Muslims so that we can become an exemplary,...