Bandar Seri Begawan Indian Association (BSBIA) President N Murugesan in a group photo with winners of a game. PHOTO: FADLEY FAISAL
Over 200 Indian community members attended the Bandar Seri Begawan Indian Association’s (BSBIA) family day yesterday evening, featuring the celebration of Onam, one of the most significant festivals in Southern India, symbolising abundance, harmony and prosperity.
The event began with a speech from the association’s Assistant General Secretary Sowmiya, followed by a felicitation from President N Murugesan.
The organising committee also lined up several games for children, while the rest of the gathering was entertained by soulful Malayalam songs.
The celebration concluded with a vote of thanks, delivered by secretary M Bharathidasan.
The event’s highlight was the traditional Onam Sadya, a vegetarian feast served on banana leaves. This year’s family day and Onam celebration reflected the culture of the Indian community in the Sultanate, reinforcing the bonds of togetherness and shared heritage. – Fadley Faisal
Bandar Seri Begawan Indian Association (BSBIA) President N Murugesan in a group photo with winners of a game. PHOTO: FADLEY FAISALABOVE & BELOW: Attendees having the traditional Onam Sadya; and the BSBIA president with the winner of
a children’s game. PHOTO: FADLEY FAISAL PHOTO: FADLEY FAISALABOVE & BELOW: A performance in session; and attendees during a tug-of-war contest. PHOTO: FADLEY FAISALPHOTO: FADLEY FAISAL
Legislative Council (LegCo) member Yang Berhormat Chong Chin Yee receives a Chinese calligraphy memento from senior executive committee of the Chinese Calligraphy and Chinese Painting Cultural Society. PHOTO: JAMES KON
Richard Jong Ching Sheng looks to bring the Chinese Calligraphy and Chinese Painting Cultural Society to new heights after he was elected as president of the Chinese cultural association during an inauguration ceremony at its premises in Kampong Rimba yesterday.
Assisting Richard Jong is vice president Yu Chin Chai with three deputy presidents, namely Vincent Pao Ping Seng, Chong Yun Fatt and Michael Hii.
The post of secretary general went to Luke Lau and deputy secretary-general is Sabrina Chin Ai Ching. The treasurer is Karen Tang Siaw Ling.
Legislative Council Yang Berhormat Chong Chin Yee was the guest of honour.
Yang Berhormat Chong Chin Yee, in her remarks, said the Chinese Calligraphy and Chinese Painting Cultural Society can play a role in further promoting the Chinese culture in the Sultanate, to be inherited by future generations. – James Kon
Legislative Council (LegCo) member Yang Berhormat Chong Chin Yee receives a Chinese calligraphy memento from senior executive committee of the Chinese Calligraphy and Chinese Painting Cultural Society. PHOTO: JAMES KONThe LegCo member in a group photo with the new executive committee of the Chinese Calligraphy and Chinese Painting Cultural Society. PHOTO: JAMES KONThe LegCo member witnessing the signing of an appointment letter. PHOTO: JAMES KON
Universiti Islam Sultan Sharif Ali’s Rover Scout leader Dr Muhammad Alif bin Haji Sismat and Girl Guides leader Dr Mariam binti Haji Abdul Rahman in a group photo with the participants. PHOTO: UNISSA ROVER SCOUT CREW 110
Universiti Islam Sultan Sharif Ali’s (UNISSA) Rover Scout Crew 110 held a one-day basic camp for new Scout members for the August semester of the 2024 intake recently.
The camp hoped to provide basic knowledge and exposure on how to run camps while also improving the identity of its members.
A total of 35 Rover Scout members participated in a training at the National Scout Training and Activity Centre under the Brunei Darussalam Scouts Association (PPNBD) in Gadong.
The camp was also joined by 32 members of the Young Leaders from the UNISSA Girl Guide as a sharing of youth leadership and skills training. UNISSA Rover Scouts and UNISSA Girl Guide Team members also celebrated the World Cleanup Day 2024 and International Day of Peace 2024, celebrated every September 21, by cleaning the PPNBD’s Balai Ibadah as well as the areas of the National Scout Training and Activity Centre.
Prior to the camp, the Rover Scout members, under the supervision of UNISSA lecturer and the 1102 UNISSA Rover Scout leader Dr Muhammad Alif bin Haji Sismat, conducted a leadership and skills training for six weeks to obtain the World Scout membership badge.
Leading the camp training were UNISSA rover scout leader trainer, who is also National Training Commissioner Zainudin bin Haji Ishak with International Commissioner Ritchie bin Siabu and Temburong District Scout Commissioner Jurkarnain bin Hussin.
UNISSA Girl Guides leader Dr Mariam binti Haji Abdul Rahman was also present. – James Kon
Universiti Islam Sultan Sharif Ali’s Rover Scout leader Dr Muhammad Alif bin Haji Sismat and Girl Guides leader Dr Mariam binti Haji Abdul Rahman in a group photo with the participants. PHOTO: UNISSA ROVER SCOUT CREW 110
Disaster management officer at the Planning and Analysis Division of the National Disaster Management Centre (NDMC) Siti Joriahati binti Johari expressed her hope that the knowledge, ideas and experiences shared through the community leaders programme have equipped participants with valuable skills, strategies and fresh perspectives.
These, she noted, could enhance governance, boost resilience and strengthen the community’s capacity to efficiently prepare for and respond to disasters and emergencies.
She said this during the closing ceremony of the programme for the Brunei-Muara District yesterday.
Some 92 grassroots leaders from all four districts have completed the programme, with 44 in the Brunei-Muara District yesterday.
“Alhamdulillah, the first community leaders programme was held on April 22-23, at CAE-Brunei’s Multipurpose Training Centre in Kampong Rimba, with penghulus and village heads from Tutong and Temburong districts.
ABOVE & BELOW: Photos show Acting Assistant Brunei-Muara District Officer Md Khairul Sirajul Fikri bin Haji Jamaluddin presenting certificates to the participants who completed the community leaders programme during the closing ceremony for the Brunei-Muara District. PHOTO: JAMES KONPHOTO: JAMES KONPHOTO: JAMES KONABOVE & BELOW: Md Khairul Sirajul Fikri presents certificates to Legislative Council members Yang Berhomat Lawi bin Haji Lamat; Yang Berhormat Zainol bin Haji Mohamed; and Yang Berhormat Mohammad Ali bin Tanjong. PHOTO: JAMES KONPHOTO: JAMES KONPHOTO: JAMES KON
The second programme took place at the Belait District Officer’s residence from May 15-16, involving penghulus, village heads and members of the Legislative Council,” Siti Joriahati said.
She noted that the third programme, held from September 19-21, saw workshops and briefings on disaster management, as well as team activities and presentations. The dialogue session also allowed participants to interact with invited panellists.
Acting Assistant Brunei-Muara District Officer Md Khairul Sirajul Fikri bin Haji Jamaluddin, the guest of honour, presented certificates to the participants, including Legislative Council members Yang Berhomat Lawi bin Haji Lamat, Yang Berhormat Zainol bin Haji Mohamed and Yang Berhormat Mohammad Ali bin Tanjong.
The programme was organised by the NDMC with cooperation from all four district offices, the Fire and Rescue Department, the Brunei Darussalam Meteorological Department, the Community Development Department, the Technical Services Department under the Public Service Department, and Brunei Darussalam Climate Change Office. – James Kon
DPMM FC and Tampines Rovers FC players vie for the ball during a Singapore Premier League match. PHOTO: SPL
DPMM FC will look to produce their finest performance of the season in the Singapore Premier League when they entertain Tampines Rovers FC at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium in Berakas tonight.
The Gegar Gegar men face a tough test against the title contenders who are unbeaten so far this term.
Nevertheless, the Brunei-based outfit will come into the tie at the back of a three-game unbeaten run themselves though the last two had resulted in draws.
The Stags will be looking to get their title quest back on track having collected just three points in the last three games.
Their run of three consecutive draws have cost them their league position enabling title challengers Lion City Sailors FC to claim top spot by virtue of goal difference.
DPMM FC, who are realistically aiming for a top-five finish, will look to dent their title hopes and make a statement of climbing up the table.
The last encounter ended in a 3-0 victory in the favour of Tampines Rovers FC with Boris Kopitovic netting twice at the Jalan Besar Stadium in Singapore. – Fadhil Yunus
DPMM FC and Tampines Rovers FC players vie for the ball during a Singapore Premier League match. PHOTO: SPL
The participants of the solar-powered farming workshop in a group photo. PHOTO: UNIVERSITI TEKNOLOGI BRUNEI
Solar-powered farming is not just an environmental urgency – it’s an economic opportunity for farmers looking to reduce their energy costs and enhance efficiency, said Director of Centre of Research for AgriFood Science and Technology (CrAFT) Dr Syazana Abdullah Lim.
“As the global demand for food rises, it’s essential that we adopt innovative solutions that can increase agricultural productivity without further straining the Earth’s resources,” she said during the opening ceremony of the solar-powered for farming workshop focusing on sustainable solutions for sustainable agriculture.
The two-day workshop, which ended yesterday, was hosted by Universiti Teknologi Brunei (UTB) through CrAFT with the support of the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism. The workshop brought together farmers, agri-preneurs and governmental agencies to explore solar energy’s practical applications in agriculture. The workshop aimed to equip participants with technical knowledge to make informed decisions on implementing solar technology in farming.
The initiative is part of CrAFT’s sustainable development goals programme focusing on developing affordable and scalable solar technologies suited to small and medium-sized farms.
Participants gained hands-on experience and expert guidance on how solar-powered technology can lower costs, improve efficiency, and reduce agriculture’s environmental impact.
The participants of the solar-powered farming workshop in a group photo. PHOTO: UNIVERSITI TEKNOLOGI BRUNEI
Magistrate Qamarul Affyian bin Abdul Rahman recently handed fines to six local men after they pleaded guilty to entering a prohibited oilfield safety zone.
Haji Mohammad Yazid bin Haji Yussof was fined BND5,000, with a default sentence of five months’ imprisonment.
Mohd Rozaserdi bin Abdul Razak, Azrul Hisyam bin Haji Tasra, Haji Jalani bin Haji Kambar, Mohammad Salehudin bin Hassan and Abdul Syafiq bin Awang Rajid Osman were each fined BND3,000, with a default sentence of three months’ imprisonment.
In delivering the sentence, the Magistrate took into account the defendants’ mitigation, their guilty pleas, and the time saved for the court and prosecution. It was also noted that all six defendants were first-time offenders.
The court heard that the incident took place on July 9, 2023, when the defendants, using a fibreglass boat, entered the oilfield prohibited safety zone.
Haji Mohammad Yazid, who was the boat’s master, along with the five others who were onboard, were apprehended by the Marine Police. At around noon, Marine Police personnel spotted the boat near the oil platform, where the occupants were seen dumping traps into the sea.
Upon investigation, it was revealed that the boat itself belonged to Mohd Rozaserdi.
The other passengers, Azrul Hisyam, Haji Jalani, Mohammad Salehudin and Abdul Syafiq, were all serving members of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces at the time, except for Abdul Syafiq, who was unemployed.
The Marine Police discovered fish as well as fishing and diving equipment onboard, all of which were seized. A technical report from the Maritime and Port Authority of Brunei Darussalam confirmed that the boat and its engines were in good condition. – Fadley Faisal
The Ministry of Finance and Economy (MoFE) warned the public about the circulation of a fake document using the ministry’s logo.
According to a statement, the document falsely claims that cash donations to the Palestine Humanitarian Fund in Gaza can be made to the Independent Motorcycle Club/Association, Brunei Darussalam.
The MoFE reminded the public that distributing false information is a criminal offence under Section 34 of the Public Order Act, Chapter 148, that carries a penalty of a fine of BND3,000 and three years’ imprisonment. The unauthorised use of government logos is also a serious offence and the act of cheating by impersonation is punishable under Section 419 of the Penal Code, Chapter 22, carrying a penalty of imprisonment for a term not exceeding seven years and fine, upon conviction. With regards to the spreading of false information, a report has been filed with the authorities for further investigation.
The public can report any suspicious information to the MoFE’s Corporate Communications Unit at 2380999 or pr@mofe.gov.bn.
KUANTAN, 20 Sept -- Kedai Bakeri Ikhwan dipercayai milik Global Ikhwan Services and Business Holdings Sdn Bhd (GISBH) didapati tidak dibuka seperti biasa ketika tinjauan fotoBERNAMA kira-kira jam 11.30 pagi hari ini.
Tinjauan juga mendapati beberapa premis lain milik GISBH seperti villa, dobi dan restoran di Kuantan tidak beroperasi meskipun carian di laman sesawang Google memaparkan premis perniagaan tersebut dibuka kepada pelanggan.
--fotoBERNAMA (2024) HAK CIPTA TERPELIHARA
A bakery believed to be linked to Global Ikhwan Services and Business Holdings Sdn Bhd. PHOTO: BERNAMA
BERNAMA – Malaysian Inspector-General of Police Razarudin Husain announced that the raids on GISB Holdings Sdn Bhd (GISBH) since last Wednesday have led to 200 arrests so far.
He said 31 suspects are GISBH members and have been remanded for seven days to assist with investigations under Section 12 of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants (ATIPSOM) Act 2007.
He added that 17 out of these 31 suspects arrested in Kuala Lumpur, Pahang, Negeri Sembilan, and at the Malaysia-Thailand border in Kelantan and Kedah have been identified as holding senior positions within the organisation.
“Of the suspects arrested, 139 have had their remand extended, while 23 have been released on police bail for specific reasons,” he said in a statement today.
Earlier, Bernama reported that in raids at four different locations in Kelantan and Pahang, police arrested seven members of Remaja Pembela Ummah (RPU) under the company, including the son of a former senior al-Arqam leader.
Business premises believed to be linked to GISB Holdings Sdn Bhd (GISBH) in Pulau Pinang. PHOTO: BERNAMA
On Wednesday, it was reported that 24 key individuals linked to GISBH, including top management, were arrested in Kedah and Kuala Lumpur.
Razarudin stated that to date, the police have initiated 37 investigation papers, including three in Kuala Pilah, Negeri Sembilan, under Section 14(a) of the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017, and one in Sungai Kapar, Selangor, under Section 14 of the ATIPSOM Act 2007.
“Eight of these investigations have led to seven suspects being successfully charged on 29 counts,” he said.
He revealed that all victims aged 18 and above have been handed over to their families, while those under 18 have been placed in the care of the Social Welfare Department under Section 25(2) of the Child Act 2001.
“The police remain committed to conducting a thorough investigation of the case. The public is advised to refrain from speculations while it is ongoing.
“Anyone who has been a victim or possesses any information on the case is urged to come forward and file a report at the nearest police station to facilitate a comprehensive and accurate completion of the investigation,” he added.
During the Op Global raid on September 11, police rescued 402 children and teenagers from 20 charitable homes linked to GISBH in Selangor and Negeri Sembilan, who were suspected to be victims of sexual abuse and labour exploitation.
The raid also uncovered cases of neglect and abuse, leading to the arrest of 171 individuals, including 105 women.
