Borneo Bulletin articles from March 2010

Borneo Bulletin archives from March 2010

Workshop to enhance productivity levels.
March 31, 2010... The Tutong District Office yesterday held a ceremony to mark the end of a workshop that aimed to steer participants towards a successful path. Held at the official residence of the Tutong District officer, the event saw the presentation of...

24M facelift for Jln Residency.
March 31, 2010... A four-lane dual carriageway to alleviate the frequent traffic congestion from Bubungan Dua Belas to Sungai Lampai costing $24.4 million is currently being carried out by the Roads Department under Public Works Department, Ministry of...

'Hands off' approach by NCB working wonders.
March 31, 2010... From the days when washing clothes meant stomping on them with bare feet in a bucket filled with water and detergent to using high tech automatic washing machines, the Narcotics Control Bureau has made major changes in improving drug...

Help always there for drug abusers.
March 31, 2010... Drug abusers are assured that help is available should they wish to turn their lives for the better. The Al-Islah Centre, funded by the government of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, aims at producing better...

MIPR officers, staff visit Brunei HeidelbergCement.
March 31, 2010... Officers from the Ministry of Industry and Primary Resources, headed by Hajah Suriyah binti Haji Umar, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Industry and Primary Resources yesterday visited Brunei Heidelberg Cement Sdn Bhd (BHC), a local...

Second national committee meeting for His Majesty's 64th b'day.
March 31, 2010... The national committee members for His Majesty's birthday celebration were reminded of last year's titah that called for the celebration to be held in a prudent manner without burdening the people. Last year, His Majesty the Sultan and Yang...

FBBA to mark its 10th anniversary.
March 31, 2010... One of the most active business associations in Brunei Darussalam, French Bruneian Business Association (FBBA) will be celebrating its 10th anniversary this year. The executive committee members of FBBA held its annual general meeting...

Kampong Kiudang Mosque nears completion.
March 31, 2010... Construction works for the new Kampong Kiudang mosque, which is built on a land opposite the cemetery at the village, are nearing completion. The new mosque will cater to the needs of worshippers from Kiudang, Pengkalan Mau/Bekiaun as well as...

Exploring better financial horizons with HSBC Advance.
March 31, 2010... HSBC has once again reached a milestone by launching a new global personal banking convenience for the growing affluent population in Brunei. The newly introduced HSBC Advance offers customers a simple and efficient banking experience and at the...

LLS to hold charity walkathon.
March 31, 2010... In support of the United Nation's (UN) initiative to promote autism awareness, the Learning Ladders Society (LLS), a registered non- profit organisation involved with children with neurological disorders, will be organising a four-kilometre...

Tajik president to visit Brunei.
March 31, 2010... Tajikistan's President Emomali Rahmon will make a two-day state visit to Brunei Darussalam beginning Saturday, April 3, 2010. Arches and flags of both countries have been erected along the Hassanal Bolkiah highway and at Mile I in Jln Tutong. ...

Students gain insight on doing business in LiveWIRE talk.
March 31, 2010... Students and teachers of St John's School recently attended a talk conducted by LiveWIRE. The talk was delivered by Mr Steven Song, where he provided the students insight on the opportunities of venturing into the career of businesses and he...

UBD undergraduates visit Pusat Ehsan.
March 31, 2010... Nineteen undergraduates from Universiti Brunei Darussalam's BEd Primary Education programme yesterday went on an educational visit to the Pusat Ehsan centre in Bengkurong. The delegation was greeted upon arrival by Hj Abd Hamid Maaruf, Head...

Police force attends talk on integrity.
March 31, 2010... Issues of integrity within the law enforcement constantly gets the media's attention particularly on matters involving abuse of power, corruption and violence among others. Therefore, the issues were discussed among police officers and...

Water woes at Kampong Perpindahan Mentiri.
March 31, 2010... Kampong Perpindahan Mentiri residents on Monday had no water supply from 3pm until 8pm. An hour after water supply was restored, it was cut off again until 5.45am yesterday. Clean water was not available immediately because the water was murky...

Gathering at Tasek Lama Recreational Park.
March 31, 2010... MTSSR Surau committee members with their families recently had an exercise session at Tasek Lama Recreational Park in the capital. The purpose of the exercise was to strengthen the ties amongst the committee members and their families. In...

SCB Recreation Club hosts 'Talent Night' and AGM.
March 31, 2010... Standard Chartered Bank recently hosted a "Talent Night" and Annual General Meeting for members of the bank's Recreation Club (SCBRC) recently, according to a press release. More than 200 staff attended the event, which was filled with...

S'pore Police Commissioner on official visit to Brunei.
March 31, 2010... The Commissioner of the Singapore Police Force, CP Ng Joo Hee is in the country with a delegation for his first official visit to since holding the rank. He took over the helm from CP Dato Seri Pahlawan Khoo Boon Hui on February 1, this year. ...

Tutong bikers visit their Temburong counterparts.
March 31, 2010... Some 26 members of the KEKAL Motorcycle Club of Tutong, led by Haji Mohd Yussof bin Haji Siput, organised a goodwill visit to the Temburong's Bikers Association (PTB). Upon their arrival in Temburong, the entourage was welcomed by a...

Malaysian professor holds lecture at UBD.
March 31, 2010... A religious lecture entitled 'Returning to the Quranic Paradigm on Knowledge', was presented by Professor Mohd Kamal Hassan of the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM), recently. The lecture was held at the Senate Room, University...

Natl al-quran recital quarterfinals today.
March 31, 2010... The quarterfinals of the National Adult Al-Quran reading competition will be held for three consecutive days commencing today at the Kampong Salambigar mosque in Jalan Muara. The announcement of results and prize presentation will be held on...

Ladies group explore Korea.
March 31, 2010... A group of 10 women enjoyed the sights and sounds of South Korea on an eight-day trip to the country recently. The trip, which was organised and managed by Darussalam Holdings, saw the group of women, led by tour consultant Ms Gek Lim, visit...

Joint operation near Sg Tujoh border control post.
March 31, 2010... A joint operation in the Belait District over the weekend succeeded in foiling attempts to bring in dubious meat products, while a cargo truck driver was compounded for road traffic violation and booze activities and liquor were found. The...

LTD goes hi-tech with e-services.
March 31, 2010... Vehicle registration, renewal of vehicle licence and renewal of driving licence can now be done online by the public through the Land Transport Department (LTD) e-Services system called the Land Transport System or "Sistem Pengangkutan Darat"...

Brunei to celebrate World Health Day with walkathon.
March 31, 2010... Brunei Darussalam will be celebrating the World Health Day 2010 on Sunday, April 4, starting from 6.30am at the Taman Sir Omar Ali Saifuddien, BSB. The Ministry of Health, in its press release yesterday invited members of the public to join...

Learning science the fun way at OGDC.
March 31, 2010... Brunei Shell Petroleum's Oil and Gas Discovery Centre (OGDC) is dedicated to the promotion of science and technology, through a series of amazing activities, and launching exciting exhibits for students and members of the public. To kick-off...

Two men escape unharmed as 4WD plunges into river.
March 31, 2010... Two men were lucky to escape unharmed after a self-accident at Seria-Mumong bypass at 1am yesterday. The four-wheel drive vehicle they were travelling in reportedly went out of control and plunged into a river below a bridge along the bypass....

Fire damages bedroom in Kg Bolkiah A.
March 31, 2010... The Fire and Rescue Department and the police are investigating the cause of a fire that ravaged a house's bedroom at Kg Bolkiah 'A' in Kampong Ayer yesterday morning. Fortunately, a woman, Hjh Aliah bte Hj Besar, 75, who was relocated to the...

Witness retracts statement.
March 31, 2010... IlhamRizal After the fourth time asking for adjournment, the first witness in the "Death in Custody" trial got confused with what was meant in giving evidence in court and under oath when he quickly decided to retract his statement that he...

Man denies stealing $5,000 from boss.
March 31, 2010... A 35-year-old Bangladeshi man, earlier brought to court for allegedly stealing $5,000 from his employer, was in court again yesterday to face an additional charge of giving false information to a police officer. Sumon Shahjahan Miah pleaded...

Shop fined $200 for dumping rubbish indiscriminately.
March 31, 2010... The BSB Municipal Board's Law Enforcement Unit yesterday slapped a $200 fine on a convenience store at Kg Pelambaian after it was found to have practised indiscriminate dumping of rubbish. Under the Minor Offences Act, any person/company...

United Asia Fund offers opportunities in fast growing Asia.
March 31, 2010... The United Overseas Bank Asset Management (B) Sdn Bhd launched, in 2009, the United Asia Fund in Brunei Darussalam. The United Asia Fund aims at achieving long-term capital growth mainly through investing in securities of corporations in, or...

His Majesty lauds close relations with Thailand.
March 30, 2010... His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam lauded the lasting ties of friendship between Brunei Darussalam and the Kingdom of Thailand. His Majesty delivered a titah at the official luncheon in honour of the official...

Car turns turtle in Temburong.
March 30, 2010... A saloon vehicle turned turtle after it skidded off a road in Kg Buda-Buda in Temburong at around 5.30pm yesterday. According to eyewitnesses, the saloon vehicle veered off the road while avoiding collision with an oncoming vehicle. Fortunately,...

Accident along highway.
March 30, 2010... An accident involving two vehicles yesterday occurred along Kilometre 12 of the Muara-Tutong Highway. No further details on the incident were immediately available. As a precautionary measure, motorists are advised to switch on their...

Households get helping hand from Brunei-Muara DO.
March 30, 2010... The prayers of a small family and an unemployed couple were answered when the Brunei Muara District Office stepped forward to lend them a helping hand, courtesy of donations from the business community as well as from the public. Dyg Zunaidah...

His Majesty grants audience to Prime Minister of Thailand.
March 30, 2010... His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam yesterday morning granted an audience to Abihisit Vejjajiva, the Prime Minister of Thailand. Also present in the audience ceremony were His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee...

Brunei Hotel to undergo renovation.
March 30, 2010... The country's first and oldest existing hotel situated in the capital will undergo major renovation works starting Thursday, under its new ownership and management. Brunei Hotel is scheduled to reopen again in July 2010, once the major...

Police record unauthorized ATM withdrawal, suicide.
March 30, 2010... An unauthorised cash withdrawal of B$200 from an ATM, the suicide of a 41-year-old man, another death involving a 44-year-old female worker and an extortion case were among the cases reported to the police over the past three days. Other...

UMS undergraduates visit Information Department.
March 30, 2010... Some 30 undergraduates from the Social Science Undergraduates Association, Students Affairs, Universiti Malaysia Sabah made an educational visit yesterday to the Information Department. The undergraduates were led by Fazly bin Abd Hamid, a...

Khairunnisa to pursue her dream in Japan.
March 30, 2010... Khairunnisa binti Yaakub's dream came true after she was chosen as one of the successful applicants for the Monbukagakusho: (MEXT) Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Scholarship 2010. Out of nine applicants, two...

Titian Travel & Tours briefing for Umrah pilgrims.
March 30, 2010... Umrah, sometimes referred to as the 'Smaller Haj', is a ritual practised by Muslims all over the world, following the traditions of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) that stress the need for it. However, Umrah is actually part of the Haj...

Fire drill at Sea View Hotel.
March 30, 2010... The growth of multi-storied buildings in the country and the effectiveness of its fire emergency plan prompted the Operation 'B' Fire and Rescue Services in Belait District to conduct a fire drill at Sea View Resort Hotel in Kuala Belait...

UBD students hear talk on ACB's strategic plan.
March 30, 2010... The Anti-Corruption Bureau presented its strategic plan recently for more than 70 undergraduates at the Chancellor's Hall of UBD, according to a press release. In attendance to hear the lecture was Her Royal Highness Paduka Seri Pengiran Anak...

Thai state energy company plans to invest in Brunei.
March 30, 2010... PTT Public Company Limited (PTT), Thailand's state owned energy company, is planning to invest in Brunei Darussalam's energy sector. Thailand's Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva revealed this yesterday in an interview with the media. ...

PTA of SMJA Secondary School visits Miri.
March 30, 2010... The Parents-Teachers Association of SMJA Secondary School made a leisure visit to Miri during the recent school holidays. The delegation was led by Chairman Pg Datin Hjh Mariam Pg Hj Matarsad. Some 30 people took part in the programme,...

BIBD teaches Financial Planning at PTE.
March 30, 2010... Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam Berhad (BIBD) yesterday held a financial planning talk for students at Pusat Tingkatan Enam (PTE) in Meragang. Some 100 Form Six, 'A' Level students attended the talk presented by Chartered Financial Consultant Nurul...

UBD students on study visit to Narcotics Control Bureau.
March 30, 2010... A group of 25 UBD students pursuing their degrees in General Science Education, went on a study visit to the Narcotics Control Bureau located at Jalan Tungku Gadong. The aim of the visit was to learn specifically the types of drugs most commonly...

TAP counters to close tomorrow.
March 30, 2010... Tabung Amanah Pekerja (TAP) announced yesterday that their service counters for payment and registration will be closed tomorrow. The closure is due to the closing of its financial year 2009-2010. The management apologised for any...

Students hold charity food sale at UBD.
March 30, 2010... The Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences Student Body (BPM FASS) of Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD), recently held a charity food sale, which took place at its foyer located at the FASS building. Present during the food sale were UBD...

KUPU SB holds sports tournament for students, staff.
March 30, 2010... The third annual sports tournament for the Kolej Universiti Perguruan Ugama Seri Begawan (KUPU SB) kicked off recently at the university's multi-purpose hall. The tournament was officiated by the Deputy Ra'es of KUPU SB, Dr Hj Abdullah bin Hj...

UBD students conduct visit to Fisheries Station.
March 30, 2010... Eighteen Universiti Brunei Darussalam students recently visited the Fisheries Station in Muara. The visit was organised by the Student Affairs Section led by three of its officers, Awang Asmadi bin Hj Ahmad, the Counsellor, Hjh Rosinah bte Hj...

Experience the flavours of Johor at Food Festival.
March 30, 2010... Johor specialties such as 'pulut kuning' and nasi briyani were among the many food items introduced during the launching of the Johor Food Festival yesterday at Season's Restaurant. Three Johor chefs led by the Director of Culinary Chefs,...

Abhisit optimistic.
March 30, 2010... Thai Prime Minister, Abhisit Vejjajiva, who ended his one-day official visit to Brunei yesterday, in a press conference at the Empire Hotel and Country Club prior to his departure, said he was hopeful in finding an "agreeable solution" to the...

Thailand looks to set up private hospital here.
March 30, 2010... Thailand is looking towards Brunei in the hopes of finding possible avenues to establish a private Thai-based hospital in the country. This was revealed by Thai Ambassador to Brunei Darussalam Phithak Phrombubpha in an exclusive interview...

Brunei renews Thai rice contract.
March 30, 2010... The Minister of Industry and Primary Resources Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Utama Dato Seri Setia Haji Awang Yahya bin Begawan Mudim Dato Paduka Awang Haji Bakar returned from a five-day working visit to The Kingdom of Thailand, from March 21 to 26. ...

Students lend a helping hand in community service.
March 30, 2010... Twenty-three students from the Health Awareness Club Maktab Duli (Duli Pengiran Muda Al Muhtadee Billah College) yesterday started their community service work at the Persatuan Kanak-Kanak Cacat (KACA) Centre. The first batch of students out...

Intracorp warehouse sale.
March 30, 2010... Akira warehouse sale is offering daily specials and hot deals from March 26 until March 31 at Kg Madewa, Jalan Tutong. The sale comprises Akira products including LCD TVs, air conditioners, washers, fridge, portable DVD players, and other...

Students set for spell in Singapore.
March 30, 2010... The Ministry of Education (MOE) is set to begin its student exchange programmes with Singapore's Education Ministry in the area of technical education this year. This was just one of the issues discussed during the 4th Joint Working Group...

Pizza Hut adds more flavour to menu.
March 30, 2010... Pizza Hut launched their new product, Golden Sesame Crust, yesterday. As described in a promotional flyer, the Golden Sesame Crust is a "golden crunchy crust with aromatic garlic butter and sprinkled sesame seeds". The new product was...

'Death in custody' trial: First witness cross-examined.
March 30, 2010... The "Death in Custody" trial continued yesterday with the first witness, Mohd Saiful, cross-examined by the defence counsel. Four officers, Inspector Hj Azwan Dato Paduka Seri Haji Abdul Rahman, L/CpI 3567 Sofian Jumat, PC 4482 Andrew Anak...

School increases safety measures after drowning.
March 30, 2010... The tragic drowning of a 17-year-old student on Sunday has prompted a school to heighten security and safety measures. The school authorities clarified that the water containment area where the student drowned is actually an irrigation pond...

Business resumes at DST's revamped airport branch.
March 30, 2010... After being closed for renovations since December 30, 2009, DST has reopened its branch at the arrival hall of Brunei International Airport. According to Wilson Ang, the manager of counters in DST Group, the revamped branch at the airport...

Mosque officers told to be prepared for internal audit.
March 30, 2010... Mosque Affairs officers were told to prepare their internal audits and any overdue financial statements. In this context, internal auditing is not necessarily confined to financial matters but also "physical properties" at the mosque. For...

Have you seen her?
March 30, 2010... The Royal Brunei Police Force is seeking public assistance in locating a local woman who has been missing since March 24. According to the police, Noorizan binti Md Kunal is skinny and has dark short hair. She is around five feet tall. Her...

BI614 lands, tourism takes off.
March 29, 2010... Byline: James Kon & Siti Hajar Ninety Chinese tourists touched down at the Brunei International Airport last night on board the Royal Brunei Airlines' (RBA) direct flight from Shanghai (BI614) after a two-year break, marking a big boost...

Families treated to a day of fun.
March 29, 2010... Following the success of last month's Family Fun Day, Jerudong Park Polo Club once again invited the public to join in on the fun at Tarindak D'Pantai Jerudong yesterday. Entrance for the event was free. A wide variety of stalls were set up...

Recycling to make world a greener place.
March 29, 2010... In a bid to encourage more people to take proactive steps to combat climate change, the Indonesia Community Association in Brunei Darussalam recently launched its recycling campaign. Over 50 members from the association, including its president,...

Learning more about local produce, handicraft.
March 29, 2010... Twenty-seven officers and heads of department recently went on a familiarisation trip to Kampong Bukit in Mukim Ukong, where they learnt more about fresh local produce and handicraft made by the local community. The trip to Kampong Bukit was...

Busy start to 2010 for Immigration & National Registration Department.
March 29, 2010... Between January 1 and March 11 this year, 328 surveillances and 42 routine inspections were carried out, according to statistics recently released by the Immigration & National Registration Department. Within this period, some 46 "CEKAP...

Baiduri takes a stand against climate change.
March 29, 2010... Earth Hour 2010 continues to be a global call to action to every individual, every business and every community. The objective of Earth Hour is to get as many individuals, households and businesses around the world to turn off their lights and...

RBC organizes Family Fun Day.
March 29, 2010... Royal Brunei Catering (RBC) Sdn Bhd yesterday held a "Family Fun Day" at the Royal Brunei Recreation Club in Berakas, bringing together parents and children while offering a chance for them to spend the final day of the first-term school break...

University of Edinburgh to hold interviews at HRD.
March 29, 2010... In its effort to ensure the smooth entry of prospective Brunei students, the University of Edinburgh has sent in a representative to hold individual student counselling sessions with interested citizens and residents in the country. HRD...

Show of talents at KACA sports meet.
March 29, 2010... One hundred and two KACA (Association of Handicapped Children of Brunei) members yesterday gathered at the Belait branch to showcase their talents at the 2nd National Annual Sports Meet. KACA President Pg Hj Mohd Yassin bin Pg Hj Ahmad was...

New SCB staff gain HIV awareness.
March 29, 2010... Standard Chartered Bank (SCB) continued to share its HIV awareness programme with the bank's new staff in a session carried out by the SCB HIV Champion. The educational programme was held at the SCB Organisation Learning Centre in Bunut and...

Over $1 million in zakat handed over.
March 29, 2010... A ceremony was recently held to witness the handing over of 'zakat' (tithe) between Perbadanan TAIB and Majlis Ugama Islam Brunei (MUIB). The ceremony was held at the Ministry of Religious Affairs Building in Jalan Menteri Besar. The...

Sony Alpha DSLR cameras come with top class features.
March 29, 2010... With the release of the eagerly awaited α DSLR range in Brunei, photography enthusiasts now have a reason to celebrate. Multitrons Sdn Bhd, local distributor of Sony products, have introduced three entry-level Alpha cameras - the...

Exciting 'OGH Double Food Promotion'.
March 29, 2010... For one week only, the Orchid Garden Hotel will showcase its latest promotion of dining experiences for the month of March at its Goldiana Cafe and Lounge with the 'OGH Double Food Promotion 2010'. Beginning last Friday (March 26) until this...

MIPR goes online to realise 'customer-centric' vision.
March 29, 2010... The initiative of Ministry of Industry and Primary Resources (MIPR) has now gone online to facilitate the 47 types of services more efficiently and deliver faster notifications on outcome of applications via e-MIPR, which is in line with the...

National Day Logo colouring competition in Temburong.
March 29, 2010... The National Day Logo Colouring Competition, organised by the Language and Literature Bureau of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, took place yesterday at the open area of Bumiputera Shopping Complex in Pekan Bangar. More than 100...

UBD undergraduates back from Johore and Singapore.
March 29, 2010... Eight undergraduates of Universiti Brunei Darussalam currently undertaking their Post-Graduate Diplomas in Counselling, are back from a study trip to Universiti Teknologi Johore, Malaysia as well as the Counselling Centre in Singapore, during...

Brunei's NDP on study visit to Sabah.
March 29, 2010... A group of 13 people from the Consumers Bureau of the NDP, led by Awg Hj Metussin bin Hj Ibrahim, recently made a courtesy call to the Deputy Chief Minister of Sabah cum the Minister of Agriculture and Food Industry, Datuk Seri Panglima Yahya...

Heriot-Watt University officer to meet prospective students.
March 29, 2010... Student consultants, James Hon Marketing, will be inviting an international recruitment officer of Heriot-Watt University to meet prospective students keen on furthering their studies in Scotland. Often referred to as Scotland's International...

Eira on song; end of road for Daniel.
March 29, 2010... The third season of 'Paspot to Fame' or P2F continued as it held its second concert Saturday Night. This time, the theme was 'Fast Songs', and contestants were expected to dance and move a lot more than in the previous concert. It was...