We would like to express our deep frustration and disappointment regarding the ongoing low water pressure issue at Simpang 370, Kampong Sungai Tilong.
Some days, we are left with no water at all, forcing us to resort to requesting our tanks to be filled by the authorities multiple times a month.
Despite numerous complaints lodged and repeated promises of resolution received, the issue has remained unresolved for over a year, leaving us in a constant state of distress.
There have been several visits from the authorities to run tests on the water pressure at both our home as well as the neighbourhood itself.
However, instead of addressing the root cause of the problem, the conclusion is always the same: low pressure from the main pipe.
Water is a basic necessity, and it is disheartening that all the complaints lodged have not prompted any significant action from the authorities. We thus call for the authorities to devise a lasting solution to put our year-long woes over water pressure in our neighbourhood, once and for all.
Members of the Welfare Body of Police’s Wives and Families (PEKERTI) of the Royal Brunei Police Force (RBPF) and the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF) Wives Welfare Body (BAKTI) came together for a goodwill bowling event at Golden Bowling, Airport Mall, Berakas recently.
President of BAKTI Datin Ummisyafinah binti Haji Zaini, the spouse of RBAF Commander, and President of PEKERTI Pengiran Datin Hajah Zauyah binti Pengiran Haji Sulaiman, the spouse of RBPF Commissioner attended the event.
The event aimed to foster close ties between members of PEKERTI and BAKTI. – James Kon
Regarding the authorities’ response letter, ‘New resolution over industrial site in the works: BEDB’, I want to highlight the importance of engaging with key stakeholders, which are the tenants on the proposal, and how to help those who are on the verge of closing shop due to revoked licences.
Since 2016, the Tanjong Kajar industrial site members have been constantly engaging with the authorities to reach a resolution.
However, the demands from the authorities are not holistic and sustainable for those of us, who developed the area out of our pockets.
We have sounded the alarm that the rental fees that were proposed by the authorities would wipe us out, as the nature of our business requires high space utilisation for bulky plants, machinery and stockpiles, but low in revenue.
Despite many discussions with the authorities, we were met with backlash while they advised us on how to run our brick-and-mortar operations, such as downsizing the plants and stockpiles.
Limiting our capacity will affect the revenue. Coupled with the already-hefty rental, sustainability of our businesses is shaky at best.
We have called for an all-party dialogue for years but it has fallen on deaf ears. The issues dragged on for so long that the business licences were revoked due to the absence of land lease. As such, I would like to call on the authorities to consider future engagements to involve all relevant stakeholders.
At 26 years old, clinical admin Abdul Qawi bin Haji Shaharuddin Khairul is like any other hot-blooded young man.
He enjoys going to the gym, and when he’s not lifting weights, you can find him at the latest local café that’s just popped up, enjoying a cup of coffee either with his two younger brothers or close childhood friends.
“I like coffee. It’s kind of a trend, and I try to visit a new café each week,” said Qawi during an interview with the Weekend Bulletin, beaming widely as he sat in his wheelchair. His spectacles often tilt a bit lopsided with each rise of his cheeks.
In many ways, Qawi is just like you and me. He wakes up every day with great optimism, makes his bed and does his daily stretches.
But unlike us, these stretches are essential because of his medical condition – cerebral palsy (quadriplegic).
Cerebral palsy is a neurological disorder that affects movement, muscle tone and posture. It is a spectrum, meaning no two people with cerebral palsy are the same; each individual’s experience and abilities are unique.
In Qawi’s case, quadriplegia affects all four limbs, thus making daily stretches crucial to maintaining mobility and well-being. It also affects his speech due to the constant neck and spine pain.
“When I have my good days, I can move smoothly without any pain, whereas on bad days, I usually struggle with daily activities, like wearing my clothes (or)… transferring from my chair. So during those days, I normally have someone to help me so that I won’t slip or fall,” he said. “The most difficult part about it is that I can’t control it (but) I am independent on my own, most of the time.”
Abdul Qawi bin Haji Shaharuddin Khairul at the gym. PHOTO: IZAH AZAHARI
A SERENDIPITOUS CONNECTION
Fortunately, Qawi’s zest for life keeps him from being idle. For the past two years, he has maintained a part-time job, working five days a week for at least half a day – a significant achievement for the coffee lover, considering he initially started on a trial basis, working just a day or two a week at most.
Qawi loves his job, especially because he works at an occupational health clinic that specifically caters to children.
For him, the work offers a sense of normalcy. Recently, it occurred to him that his mere presence at the office has become a source of inspiration for clients, particularly parents with children who may face similar challenges. Occupational therapist Vanessa, who is also Qawi’s employer, shared the story of their journey together, reflecting on how Qawi was once her client before she set up her practice, OT4Kids.
“I first met Qawi back in 2015 when he was a teenager. He was my patient, and I was his occupational therapist,” she explained.
They reconnected years later when Vanessa opened her clinic and Qawi’s name came up – recommended by a peer for an assistant position – as he was looking to continue his studies.
Occupational therapist Vanessa and Abdul Qawi. PHOTO: IZAH AZAHARI
Starting a business naturally brought challenges, particularly in managing Qawi’s occupational training. Vanessa admitted that in the rush of maintaining a start-up, it was difficult to give Qawi the focused attention he needed.
However, they began with a slow, steady approach to training, gradually dedicating more resources to his development.
“It’s called vocational rehabilitation,” Vanessa said, referring to the process that helps individuals with different abilities overcome barriers to finding, keeping, or returning to work and other meaningful activities. She believes the approach gives people like Qawi a real chance at leading a normal life with meaningful employment.
“If I, as a small business owner, can do it, anyone else can too. Vocational rehab isn’t difficult; it’s not rocket science,” she said. “Just because Qawi is in a wheelchair doesn’t mean he can’t do anything. He can do so much.”
She continued, “Like anyone else, he has strengths and weaknesses, and it’s about addressing the weaknesses and leveraging the strengths. It’s not difficult; it just takes time and effort from both sides.”
FAMILY MATTERS
When asked what keeps him motivated, Qawi credited his family for providing the encouragement he needs to live his life fully.
“When I’m doing my hobbies, I normally have my family with me, and also my friends. It’s a bit easier for me if I have them around because here in Brunei, it’s a bit difficult to go to places due to the lack of facilities and wheelchair accessibility.
“I just want to have fun like everybody else and cope with daily life, so having my family and friends helps to motivate me on a daily basis. They encourage me to do things I haven’t done before, so their support means a lot. I don’t think I could do it without them.”
He recalled the hurdles his family had to overcome to ensure he received the best care, including trips to Singapore and Australia for treatment, and even traditional medicine.
Whatever could alleviate Qawi’s condition, his parents would try it.
“Growing up, they treated me just like everybody else. I wouldn’t be able to have a life if it weren’t for my parents. They sent me to school, to physiotherapy, and they spent so much money (on me) so that I could have a good life.
“I just want to make my parents happy. I think they’ve gone through a lot, so I want them to be happy and worry less about me.”
PHOTO: IZAH AZAHARI
IN SEARCH OF NORMALCY
Qawi shared the struggle to lead a normal life, even just by continuing his education, let alone finding employment. Surrounded by able-bodied people, he had always dreamed of being like everyone else.
When he graduated from secondary school, like most of his friends, he wanted to continue his studies and attend a local college, preferably one where his friends had enrolled.
“I tried several colleges in Brunei with my friends. They were all scattered around, so they recommended theirs,” he said. “But I wasn’t accepted to any. I applied for over a year, but the answer was always ‘no’. The reason was usually a lack of facilities.”
Initially, Qawi was discouraged by the rejection, but he’s not one to simply accept things as they are – a quality instilled in him by his supportive family and workplace.
“Even though I have disabilities, that doesn’t stop me from pursuing my desire to achieve things. I want to show people there’s no limit to what I can do and also to inspire others to try to achieve what they want.”
In fact, one of Qawi’s favourite activities is weightlifting, which he sees as a stress reliever as well as a healthy way “to build my upper limbs so that it’s easier for me to transfer (to a wheelchair) because that requires a lot of strength and effort”.
He also has a fondness for coffee, even though caffeine isn’t exactly beneficial for his condition – a fact he acknowledges with a cheeky smile.
“Caffeine can also affect my movement in a bad way. It tenses up the muscles, especially the strong ones. But I love coffee. I think it’s a part of my daily routine, so I really enjoy drinking coffee.”
Regardless of what others may think is best for him, Qawi is dedicated to living his life as fully as possible, embracing the activities that many Bruneians his age enjoy. “Right now, I’m exploring various sports. I’d like to try playing pool and am also interested in bowling,” he said.
More importantly, he wants to inspire a better world. “I don’t want people to look at me with pity… more towards empathy instead of pity. (Ultimately) I want people to be more open-minded and treat people equally.” – Wardi Wasil
Brunei Darussalam experienced strong gusty winds and rain yesterday, with the highest wind speed of 72 kilometres per hour (km/h) recorded at 1.09pm at the Meteorological Observation Station, Brunei International Airport, the Brunei Darussalam Meteorological Department said.
The department recorded 288.5 millimetres of rain from August 1 to 29, which is slightly above the normal amount. Squally showers are still expected for the next few days until Tuesday, especially along coastal and sea areas of the country that can potentially spread to the inland areas.
Wind speeds may reach up to 60-75km/h during or near gusty showers, the department added.
Over Brunei waters, sea state is generally slight to moderate, between 0.8-1.3 metres.
The department advised the public to take precautionary actions as there is a risk of trees falling and landslides during heavy showers and gusty conditions. Flash floods may also occur, especially at low-lying and flood-prone areas, as well as near river banks during continuous heavy rain and high tide.
The public, road users and fishermen are also advised to stay up-to-date with the latest weather forecast, advisory and warning issued by the department.
The damage caused by strong winds. PHOTO: MUIZ MATDANI
The Brunei Chainblock tuggers team received a boost in its bid to bring home championship at the upcoming International Tug Of War Championship 2024 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
The Brunei tug-of-war team received a personal sponsorship from Muhammad Benny Ar-Rayyan bin Abdullah to compete in both the heavy weight and light weight categories of the competition. – James Kon
The Brunei Chainblock tuggers team in a group picture with the sponsor. PHOTO: JAMES KON
This picture taken on August 13, 2024 shows Macquarie University biologist Anthony Waddle placing bricks inside a sauna to keep the frogs warm against Sydney’s winter chill and rain at the research centre of Macquarie University in Sydney. PHOTO: AFP
SYDNEY (AFP) – Hundreds of endangered Australian Green and Golden Bell frogs huddle inside a sauna, shielded from Sydney’s winter chill.
The sauna – a small greenhouse containing black-painted bricks warmed by the sun – may be pleasant, but it also protects the frogs from a deadly chytrid fungus that would otherwise drive them to extinction.
Macquarie University biologist Anthony Waddle holds one frog – no bigger than a credit card – in his hand as its green and gold colours become more vibrant in the heat.
“Chytrid is the worst pathogen ever”, he told AFP.
It is a water-borne disease that burrows into the frogs’ skin, attacking their bodies and eventually killing them.
Waddle said that globally, the disease has caused the decline of 500 amphibian species and driven 90 to extinction – six in Australia.
A green and golden frog, an endangered specie, hiding between bricks inside a sauna at the research centre. PHOTO: AFP
“Nothing has ever caused this much devastation,” he told AFP. “In Australia, we have frogs that only live in glass boxes now. This is a huge, ongoing problem.”
But Waddle’s dollhouse-sized saunas could change that.
In their warm interiors, the deadly chytrid fungus cannot grow on the frogs, allowing them to fight off the infection and survive.
No one solution
Frogs play a vital role in the environment and are known as bioindicators, which are used to assess the health of ecosystems.
Without the amphibians, entire ecosystems can collapse.
Macquarie University biologist Anthony Waddle placing bricks for a sauna to keep the frogs warm against Sydney’s winter chill and rain at the research centre. PHOTO: AFP
Globally, 41 per cent of frog species are threatened with extinction, making them one of the most vulnerable invertebrate groups, a recent study by the International Union for Conservation of Nature found.
Some of the biggest drivers include loss of habitat, climate change and the chytrid disease.
These drivers are difficult to tackle, but in the absence of a cure, Waddle hopes his frog saunas can help limit the losses.
“This might be the first evidence that we could cheaply and feasibly reduce that nasty yearly die-off of frogs,” Waddle said.
“For Green and Golden Bell frogs, that could mean the difference between a population going or persisting.”
He said the saunas show that creative solutions ranging from the complex — such as identifying genes that could make individuals resistant to chytrid — to more simple are needed if frog populations are to survive.
“Not one solution is going to work for everything. Frogs are so different,” Waddle added.
But the beauty of Waddle’s saunas is that they cost AUD70 (USD50) to assemble, and he has helped dozens of citizen scientists build their own backyard versions.
Green and golden frogs, endangered species, huddling up inside a sauna at the research centre. PHOTO: AFP
This has not only provided valuable data about endangered frog species but also saved some from the deadly fungus.
Jodi Rowley, an amphibian biologist from the Australian Museum, said the saunas showed how creative solutions could have real-world benefits.
“It’s easy to feel helpless in the face of biodiversity declines, but this study gives us a tangible way we may be able to help frogs battling a devastating fungal disease,” she told AFP.
ANN/THE STATESMAN – India’s Ministry of Women and Child Development on Thursday launched the new SHe-Box portal, a centralised platform for registering and monitoring complaints of sexual harassment of women in the workplace.
A screen capture of the SHe-Box portal. PHOTO: BORNEO BULLETIN
Union Minister Annapurna Devi also launched the new website of the Ministry during the event.
The new She-Box portal serves as a centralised repository of information related to Internal Committees (ICs) and Local Committees (LCs) formed across the country, encompassing both the government and private sectors.
It offers a common platform to file complaints, track their status, and ensure time-bound processing of complaints by ICs. It provides assured redressal of complaints and a streamlined process for all stakeholders. The portal through a designated nodal officer will enable real-time monitoring of complaints.
Speaking at the event, Annpurna Devi stated, “This initiative is a critical step forward in providing a more efficient and secure platform for addressing workplace-related sexual harassment complaints. It furthers the government’s commitment to creating a safer and more inclusive working environment for women across India.” She expressed confidence that the portal will ensure that complaints can be safely registered without personal information being publicly accessible.
As India approaches its centenary in the next 25 years, the government has placed significant emphasis on women-led development over the past decade, recognising the pivotal role of women’s leadership in driving inclusive economic growth.
A cornerstone of this initiative to enhance women’s participation in the workforce is ensuring that workplaces are safe and secure, enabling women to thrive and succeed. The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition, and Redressal) Act, 2013, protects women from sexual harassment in the workplace and addresses their grievances. In line with this commitment, the new SHe-Box portal represents a significant step forward in addressing and managing complaints of workplace sexual harassment.
In addition to the SHe-Box portal, the ministry launched a newly-developed website tailored to meet the needs of the government. This website aims to establish a cohesive visual identity across digital platforms, enhancing the government’s engagement with national and global audiences. As digital platforms become the primary point of contact for citizens, maintaining a strong and compelling brand presence is essential.
BRASÍLIA (AFP) – A standoff between a Brazilian Supreme Court judge and Elon Musk intensified Thursday as the billionaire’s Starlink company said its assets had been frozen in the country amid a feud over the fate of his social media platform X.
The episode began Wednesday when Brazilian Supreme Court Judge Alexandre de Moraes threatened to suspend X, formerly known as Twitter, unless Musk named a new legal representative for the company in Brazil within 24 hours.
South African businessman Elon Musk and Brazilian Supreme Court’s Judge Alexandre de Moraes. PHOTO: AFP
Then on Thursday, Musk’s satellite internet operator Starlink said it had received an order from Moraes that “freezes Starlink’s finances and prevents Starlink from conducting financial transactions” in the country.
Starlink, which operates in Brazil, particularly in the Amazon, alleged that the order “is based on an unfounded determination that Starlink should be responsible for the fines levied – unconstitutionally – against X.”
The company said on X that it intended “to address the matter legally”.
Moraes, who also presides over Brazil’s Superior Electoral Tribunal, has spearheaded a battle against disinformation in South America’s largest nation, clashing with Musk along the way.
Several of the X accounts he ordered suspended belonged to supporters of Brazil’s former far-right president Jair Bolsonaro, who tried to discredit the voting system in the 2022 election, which he lost.
Moraes’s Wednesday decision escalated the months-long feud.
Already in April, Moraes had ordered an investigation of Musk, accusing him of reactivating some of the banned accounts.
Musk and other critics accuse Moraes of stifling free speech.
Censorship orders
In the order made public Wednesday, Moraes told Musk “to appoint the company’s new legal representative in Brazil within 24 hours.”
“In the event of non-compliance with the order, the decision provides for the suspension of the social network’s activities in Brazil,” it said.
Following the order, the hashtag “O Twitter morreu” (“Twitter is dead”) went viral in Brazil, and leftist President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva posted a message on the platform with the addresses of his other social media accounts.
Musk responded to the order by accusing Moraes of having “repeatedly broken the laws he has sworn to uphold”.
He also posted a sarcastic message and doctored photo depicting Moraes as “Voldemort and a Sith Lord,” an allusion to the villains of the Harry Potter and Star Wars sagas.
Musk shut X’s business operations in Brazil earlier this month, claiming Moraes had threatened the company’s previous legal representative with arrest to force compliance with “censorship orders”.
Brazilian users, meanwhile, have continued to be able to access the social media site.
Musk is also the subject of a separate judicial investigation into an alleged scheme where public money was used to orchestrate disinformation campaigns in favor of Bolsonaro and those close to him.
The proliferation and amplification of misinformation and conspiracy theories on social media has sparked debate over the need for content moderation and to strike a balance between calling out falsehoods and veering towards censorship or curbing free speech.
That debate has intensified with France’s recent arrest of Telegram chief Pavel Durov, who faces a possible trial related to illegal content on his messaging app.
Musk, who has reduced content moderation on X since taking over the former Twitter in 2022, has voiced support for Durov, posting comments under the hashtag #FreePavel.
After the charges, Musk posted a meme on X of a surveillance camera attached to buildings inscribed with France’s motto, “liberty, equality, fraternity.”
