Saturday, November 16, 2024
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Brunei Town

Company achieves new milestone

The Octavia RS. PHOTO: TCY MOTORS SDN BHD

TCY Motors Sdn Bhd has been appointed as the exclusive importer and dealership for the Škoda brand of vehicles in the Sultanate.

The partnership with Škoda, a brand of the Volkswagen (VW) Group known for its innovation, quality, reliability, durability and driving pleasure, is a milestone for TCY Motors, said the company in a statement.

The dealership offers a diverse range of Škoda models, each designed with the latest VW technologies and a commitment to sustainability.

Inquiries and booking calls for servicing will begin on November 17 with the commencement of aftersales servicing on December 1 at the centre in the Lambak Kanan Industrial Area.

The Octavia RS. PHOTO: TCY MOTORS SDN BHD

Humanitarian fund for Gaza gets a boost

Minister of Religious Affairs Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Badaruddin bin Pengarah Dato Paduka Haji Awang Othman; Minister of Health Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohd Isham bin Haji Jaafar and Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Nazmi bin Haji Mohamad at the event. PHOTO: MUIZ MATDANI

The Humanitarian Fund for Palestinians in Gaza 2023 yesterday collected several donations from various agencies during a ceremony at the Digadong Hall, Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports (MCYS) yesterday.

Minister of Religious Affairs Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Badaruddin bin Pengarah Dato Paduka Haji Awang Othman and Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Nazmi bin Haji Mohamad received the donation.

Minister of Health Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohd Isham bin Haji Jaafar, in his capacity as Deputy Chairman of the Board of Directors of Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah, handed over the BND100,000 donation, as well as three field hospitals from the Government of His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, estimated to be worth BND2 million, to the Palestinian people in Gaza.

The field hospitals are air capsules that will be used to ease the suffering of Palestinians affected in Gaza due to the conflict that began on October 7.

Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam Junaidi bin Haji Masri handed over a donation of BND100,000.

Minister of Religious Affairs Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Badaruddin bin

Pengarah Dato Paduka Haji Awang Othman; Minister of Health Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohd Isham bin Haji Jaafar and Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Nazmi bin Haji Mohamad at the event. PHOTO: MUIZ MATDANI

Another BND100,000 was contributed by Perbadanan Tabung Amanah Islam Brunei, presented by its Acting Managing Director Edzwan Zukri bin Pehin Orang Kaya Johan Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Haji Awang Adanan.

Makan Ceria Sdn Bhd also donated BND100,000, presented by its general manager Mohammad Al-Fatah bin Haji Seruji.

The Brunei Youth Council (BYC) presented a donation of BND41,700, collected from the Palestinian Steps for Solidarity event held on November 5 at Taman Mahkota Jubli Emas, in the capital.

The donation was presented by event co-organiser of the activity, Mohammad Ashmeer  Imtiaz Ahmad.

The Humanitarian Fund for Palestinians in Gaza 2023 will continue until January 18, 2024. – Rokiah Mahmud

80 congregants rally for peace in Palestine

ABOVE & BELOW: The walk in progress; and the talk on Palestine. PHOTO: FADLEY FAISAL

Eighty people gathered for a walk in solidarity with Palestine at the Kampong Kapok Mosque recently.

Two Palestinian students studying at Universiti Brunei Darussalam also participated in the walk.

Legislative Council member Yang Berhormat Lawi bin Haji Lamat and Kampong Kapok Village Consultative Council Adviser and Kampong Kapok Mosque takmir Committee member Dato Paduka Haji Sofry bin Haji Gafor were also present.

The event began with mass Subuh prayers, followed by a talk on Palestine.

Kampong Kapok Village Head Shahminan bin Haji Abdul Rahman said the walk was held to create awareness among the locals and signal the call for peace in Palestine. – Fadley Faisal

ABOVE & BELOW: The walk in progress; and the talk on Palestine. PHOTO: FADLEY FAISAL
PHOTO: FADLEY FAISAL

More donations flow for Palestinians in Gaza

Minister of Religious Affairs Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Badaruddin bin Pengarah Dato Paduka Haji Awang Othman with Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Nazmi bin Haji Mohamad receive a mock cheque from Makan Ceria Sdn Bhd. PHOTO: MUIZ MATDANI

Makan Ceria Sdn Bhd, as a 100-per- cent locally owned corporate entity employing 100 per cent locals plays an active part in supporting the community, and especially those in need.

In an act of solidarity, Makan Ceria Sdn Bhd donated BND100,000 to the Humanitarian Fund for Palestinians in Gaza 2023.

The donation is to support the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports (MCYS), Ministry of Religious Affairs (MoRA) and Ministry of Home Affairs (MoHA) initiative to provide aid to the Palestinian people in Gaza.

The handing over of the donation was held yesterday. It was presented by Makan Ceria Sdn Bhd general manager Mohammad Al-Fatah bin Haji Seruji to Minister of Religious Affairs Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Badaruddin bin Pengarah Dato Paduka Haji Awang Othman and Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Nazmi bin Haji Mohamad.

McDonald‘s Brunei’s said in a statement yesterday that it is committed to making a positive impact on communities in need.

Minister of Religious Affairs Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Badaruddin bin Pengarah Dato Paduka Haji Awang Othman with Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Nazmi bin Haji Mohamad receive a mock cheque from Makan Ceria Sdn Bhd. PHOTO: MUIZ MATDANI

“The contribution reflects McDonald’s core values, which encompasses serve, family, community, integrity, and inclusion, and reinforces the company’s commitment to being a responsible corporate citizen.

“To engage the community and encourage additional support for the vital cause, McDonald’s Brunei will be placing donation boxes for the humanitarian fund at all of its branches in the Sultanate.

“By doing so, the company is providing an accessible and convenient means for the public to contribute to the fund, reinforcing its dedication to playing an integral role in supporting those in need,” said the company.

McDonald’s Brunei expressed its gratitude to the customers and the community for their support, making it possible to extend a helping hand to those in need. – Rokiah Mahmud

Ministry plants 127 saplings in green drive

Minister of Health Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohd Isham bin Haji Jaafar planting one of the trees. PHOTO: ROKIAH MAHMUD

The Ministry of Health yesterday planted 127 saplings at its Al-’Afiah Hall in an effort to support the Green Protocol in reducing carbon footprint.

Among the saplings planted were sakura, pokok doa, bereksa tree and eugenia tree. Minister of Health Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohd Isham bin Haji Jaafar was among those present at the event.

The tree-planting aimed to reduce the carbon print at government buildings, is one of the initiatives of the Brunei Climate Change Secretariat. – Rokiah Mahmud

Minister of Health Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohd Isham bin Haji Jaafar planting one of the trees. PHOTO: ROKIAH MAHMUD
ABOVE & BELOW: Photos show Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohd Isham during the aerobic session before the Green Protocol tree planting event; and Ministry of Health personnel during the tree planting. PHOTO: ROKIAH MAHMUD
PHOTO: ROKIAH MAHMUD
PHOTO: ROKIAH MAHMUD
PHOTO: ROKIAH MAHMUD
PHOTO: ROKIAH MAHMUD
PHOTO: ROKIAH MAHMUD

Up close and personal with MoHA

ABOVE & BELOW: A crew from Bukit Saeh Lumapas during a mock rescue mission involving an injured hiker as Minister of Home Affairs Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Ahmaddin bin Haji Abdul Rahman and Legislative Council (LegCo) members observe; and the minister joins a firefighting demonstration. PHOTO: AZLAN OTHMAN

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MoHA) Open Day is an open avenue for the public to learn about the functions, roles and responsibilities of the ministry’s departments, said Minister of Home Affairs Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Ahmaddin bin Haji Abdul Rahman in a speech  yesterday.

The three-day open day will continue until tomorrow, from 8am to 4.30pm at the multi-purpose hall of the Fire and Rescue Department (FRD) at Old Airport, Berakas.

Yesterday, the Strategic Plan of the MoHA for 2023-2027 and product catalogue named ‘Insaf’ by the Prisons Department were launched, along with a demonstration by the FRD on rescuing a man trying to commit suicide and a rescue mission by the Bukit Saeh crew involving an injured hiker.

The open day is also an opportunity for the ministry to disseminate the latest information such as new developments in delivering services, initiatives including the use of information technology, and enforced acts and regulations.

In addition, the public can also submit suggestions and questions related to the services provided, including the roles and responsibilities at the grassroots level. Talks are held throughout the three-day event. – Azlan Othman

ABOVE & BELOW: A crew from Bukit Saeh Lumapas during a mock rescue mission involving an injured hiker as Minister of Home Affairs Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Ahmaddin bin Haji Abdul Rahman and Legislative Council (LegCo) members observe; and the minister joins a firefighting demonstration. PHOTO: AZLAN OTHMAN
PHOTO: AZLAN OTHMAN
ABOVE & BELOW: The minister and LegCo members witness a briefing by the Fire and Rescue Department PRO team to students on fire safety; and the minister takes a closer look at the equipment used by the Prisons Department. PHOTO: AZLAN OTHMAN
PHOTO: AZLAN OTHMAN
ABOVE & BELOW: A demonstration by the Fire and Rescue Department; local delicacies ‘kipang’ for sale at the open day; and handicrafts by the Mendaram Longhouse. PHOTO: AZLAN OTHMAN
PHOTO: AZLAN OTHMAN
PHOTO: AZLAN OTHMAN

 

Embassy in effort to protect well-being of migrant workers

Ambassador of Indonesia to Brunei Darussalam Dr Achmad Ubaedillah interacts with the attendees. PHOTO: INDONESIAN EMBASSY

The Indonesian Embassy in Brunei Darussalam and the National Social Security Agency Employment (BPJS Employment) believe in the importance of comprehensive protection for Indonesian migrant workers (PMI), pre-placement as well as during and after placement.

“We and BPJS Employment have signed a statement of joint commitment to support each other in efforts to provide protection for Indonesian migrant workers in the Indonesian Embassy’s accreditation area in Bandar Seri Begawan,” said Indonesian Ambassador to Brunei Darussalam Dr Achmad Ubaedillah yesterday. According to the embassy, there are around 30,000 Indonesians residing in the Sultanate, with half of them migrant workers.

A statement was signed in early August by employment attaché Archimidiyanto Tjipto Martadi and Assistant Deputy PMI and BPJS Employment Construction Services Vinca Meitasari, where “we agree to implement the mandate of the law as well as possible”, said the ambassador.

He added, “The collaboration between the Indonesian Embassy and BPJS Employment is an inseparable part of the innovation to protect Indonesian citizens by strengthening efforts to develop an integrity zone towards a corruption free area within the Indonesian Embassy.”

The agreement is a preventative effort within a framework to protect PMI through regular outreach activities, both through the dissemination of information and counselling online and offline.

If a PMI sustains a work accident, they will receive treatment, home care, assistance if they are laid off and compensation if they experience disability due to the accident and financial assistance.

Benefits for PMI families include providing death compensation and scholarship for two children if a PMI dies, guaranteeing protection for PMI if they experience risks while working, and creating prosperity for PMI in Brunei Darussalam through social security protection. – Lyna Mohamad

Ambassador of Indonesia to Brunei Darussalam Dr Achmad Ubaedillah interacts with the attendees. PHOTO: INDONESIAN EMBASSY
Attendees at the event. PHOTO: INDONESIAN EMBASSY

Religious moderation is vital for its democracy, says ambassador

PHOTO: INDONESIAN EMBASSY

Religious moderation in Indonesia is the basis for advancing Indonesian democracy, said Indonesian Ambassador to Brunei Darussalam Dr Achmad Ubaedillah at the Maulidur Rasul celebration at the Indonesian Embassy Hall in Jalan Kebangsaan.

The celebration, which also coincided with Indonesia’s Santri Day and Heroes’ Day which falls on November 12, saw the attendance of some 200 Indonesian nationals.

The event was organised by the Special Branch Board of the Nahdlatul Ulama (PCINU) Brunei Darussalam in collaboration with the Indonesian Embassy.

Dr Achmad Ubaedillah also delivered a religious lecture and prayed for the Palestinians.

“Indonesia stands firmly with the Palestinian people and condemns Israel’s colonisation of Palestinian land,” said Ubaedillah.

The ambassador also reminded all Muslims to maintain their Islamic commitment and a sense of nationalism to avoid dispute and division. “The social cohesion that occurs in Indonesia cannot be separated from the role of the largest Islamic organisations in Indonesia, especially Nahdlatul Ulama and Muhammadiyah,” he said.

At the event, PCINU Brunei Darussalam distributed membership cards to members by its chairman KH Ahmad Dhofir. The membership can be used for transaction payments and sharia savings for hajj and umrah. – Lyna Mohamad

ABOVE & BELOW: Indonesian Ambassador to Brunei Darussalam Dr Achmad Ubaedillah during the celebration; and the presentation of the PCINU membership cards to its members. PHOTO: INDONESIAN EMBASSY
PHOTO: INDONESIAN EMBASSY

Chinese Chamber of Commerce elects new president

The newly-elected members during a meeting. PHOTO: CHINESE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Local businessman Lim Han Chiong was elected as the new President of the Chinese Chamber of Commerce.

During an election held recently, Goh Kok Leong was named deputy president, Tan Kah Boon will hold the position of executive vice president and Lim Tiong Han@Lim Peh Beng, Lee Eng Ching, Lim Ting Chai, Lim Mah Lik@Lim Peng Kok, Lim Sooi Tiong, Lo Wan Yee, Lim Ting Guan and Goh Kim Tian as vice presidents. The 12 executive Board members conducted the selection of leaders for various committees, which completed the formation of the 43rd term’s council with 46 Board of committee members.

“The newly-elected leadership is poised to collaborate over the next three years, diligently working towards achieving the Chamber’s vision and mission,” said the Chamber.

“Our focus is to foster development across various fields to steer the Chamber towards a promising future.” – James Kon

The newly-elected members during a meeting. PHOTO: CHINESE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

21 university army cadets climb the ladder

ABOVE & BELOW: Commanding Officer of the Royal Brunei Malay Reserve Regiment (ASMDB) Major Salehah binti Haji Alim presents an insignia to an army cadet; and a section of the gathering during the ceremony. PHOTO: KUPU SB

An insignia rank promotion ceremony for 21 army cadets of the Religious Teachers University College of Seri Begawan (KUPU SB) was held yesterday.

Commanding Officer of the Royal Brunei Malay Reserve Regiment (ASMDB) Major Salehah binti Haji Alim was present alongside KUPU SB Acting Ra’es Dr Haji Abang Hadzmin bin Haji Abang Taha.

From the total figure, six army cadets were promoted to staff sergeant, two to sergeant, seven to corporal and six to lance corporal.

Prior to the promotion, they were evaluated based on key criteria such as team spirit, general conduct, initiative, persistence, personality, physical strength, wisdom and academic performance.

The ceremony yesterday aimed to appreciate and recognise the active involvement as well as outstanding commitment of army cadets in activities organised by the university and the administration of the ASMDB Army Cadet. – Rokiah Mahmud

ABOVE & BELOW: Commanding Officer of the Royal Brunei Malay Reserve Regiment (ASMDB) Major Salehah binti Haji Alim presents an insignia to an army cadet; and a section of the gathering during the ceremony. PHOTO: KUPU SB
PHOTO: KUPU SB
The promotion ceremony in progress. PHOTO: KUPU SB
ABOVE & BELOW: Photos show Major Salehah binti Haji Alim presenting insignias to the army cadets. PHOTO: KUPU SB
PHOTO: KUPU SB
PHOTO: KUPU SB