A screenshot from the CCTV footage shows perpetrators in the vandalising act. PHOTO: LAU SHIEW CHOI
Proprietor of a long-standing family goldsmith business Lau Shiew Choi woke up to a shocking discovery after finding his storefront fell victim to an act of vandalism perpetrated by an unknown group. The incident occurred in the early hours of August 21, marking an unfortunate turn in the business’ nearly five decades of operation in the Belait District.
“Never in the 50 years of running our humble shop have we encountered such an incident,” Lau shared during an interview with the Bulletin.
Lau recounted the distressing moment he learned of the incident, describing how a barrage of messages from friends alerted him to the presence of red paint splattered across the front barriers of his store and his vehicles. Both acts were captured by the store’s CCTV system, providing vital evidence for the investigation.
“At around 8am, my friends messaged me about the paint. Upon reviewing the CCTV footage, we determined that the incident had occurred around 3am. The masked and hooded perpetrators were clearly visible,” Lau recounted.
Lau reported the incident to the local police station the same morning. Authorities have since investigated the matter to identify and apprehend those responsible. While the physical damage to the storefront was not extensive, Lau pointed out the unexpected repercussions. The incident garnered significant attention on social media platforms, often accompanied by inaccurate information. This online frenzy generated discomfort for Lau, his family, and concerned well-wishers.
“Numerous social media posts went viral, spreading misinformation. Unfortunately, this has caused friends and family to worry. Regrettably, I haven’t been able to address all the concerns personally. I extend my heartfelt appreciation and apologies to those concerned for me and my family’s well-being,” Lau expressed.
When questioned about the possible motives behind the vandalism and the identity of the perpetrators, Lau responded, “To the best of my knowledge, we haven’t been involved in any disputes or conflicts that could explain this. Nonetheless, we can’t entirely discount the possibility of individuals with short tempers being involved. Judging people solely based on appearances is challenging.”
Lau voiced his hope for a resolution to the incident through established channels. “I have faith in Brunei’s peaceful nature. I trust that the legal system and authorities will bring those responsible to justice. This would bring a sense of closure to this unsettling event.” – Daniel Lim
A screenshot from the CCTV footage shows perpetrators in the vandalising act. PHOTO: LAU SHIEW CHOILau Shiew Choi holding a police report at his store. PHOTO: DANIEL LIM
Minister of Education Datin Seri Setia Dr Hajah Romaizah binti Haji Mohd Salleh presents the certification of scholarship to a recipient. PHOTO: RAFI ROSLI
The Ministry of Education (MoE), through the Department of Scholarship Management, held an award ceremony for the recipients of His Majesty’s Government Overseas Scholarship Scheme to pursue undergraduate studies abroad as well as the Special Scholarship Scheme to pursue secondary and pre-university education at Jerudong International School (JIS) and International School Brunei (ISB) for the 2023/2024 academic session.
The ceremony was held at the Main Conference Hall, International Convention Centre yesterday.
Minister of Education Datin Seri Setia Dr Hajah Romaizah binti Haji Mohd Salleh, as the guest of honour, presented the awards.
The ceremony began with the recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah and Doa Kesyukuran led by Mosque Affairs Officer Mohammad Zahid Zakhwan @ Mohammad Thaib Hasbullah bin Mohd Said.
The event proceeded with a welcoming speech by Department of Scholarship Management Acting Senior Special Duties Officer Rosimah Sumaimah binti Haji Matassim, in her capacity as the chairperson of the ceremony.
She highlighted the rigorous selection process to identify the best to qualify for the scholarships and reminded them of their roles in developing the nation’s goals.
A total of 92 students were awarded His Majesty’s Government Overseas Scholarship to pursue undergraduate studies abroad.
Minister of Education Datin Seri Setia Dr Hajah Romaizah binti Haji Mohd Salleh presents the certification of scholarship to a recipient. PHOTO: RAFI ROSLIABOVE & BELOW: Photos show Minister of Education Datin Seri Setia Dr Hajah Romaizah binti Haji Mohd Salleh presenting the certification of scholarships to recipients. PHOTO: RAFI ROSLI & JAMES KONPHOTO: RAFI ROSLI & JAMES KONPHOTO: RAFI ROSLI & JAMES KONPHOTO: RAFI ROSLI & JAMES KONScholarship recipients Kon Chai Eshyn (left) and Aneeza Delaila binti Mohammad Shamsul. PHOTO: RAFI ROSLI & JAMES KONABOVE & BELOW: Scholarship recipients with their guarantors sign the agreement during a ceremony at the International Convention Centre in Berakas. PHOTO: RAFI ROSLI & JAMES KONPHOTO: RAFI ROSLI & JAMES KONPHOTO: RAFI ROSLI & JAMES KON
Meanwhile, 20 students at the secondary level and 20 at the pre-university level were awarded His Majesty’s Government Scholarship under the Special Scholarship Scheme.
Permanent Secretary (Higher Education) at the MoE Dr Haji Azman bin Ahmad, Deputy Permanent Secretary (Higher Education) at the MoE Dr Chin Wei Keh, Deputy Permanent Secretary (Core Education) at the MoE Aliuddin bin Haji Abdul Rahman were also present for the award ceremony.
A signing ceremony for the scholarship recipients took place after the award ceremony.
The scholars, accompanied by two guarantors, signed the agreement with the government, which was represented by Acting Special Duties Officer Rosimah Sumaimah.
Dr Haji Azman also witnessed the signing.
One of the recipients, Kon Chai Eshyn will be heading to Australia to pursue medical studies at Monash University.
“I have a strong passion for medicine,” she said in an interview. “I am intrigued by the human anatomy and physiology, and I also wanted to contribute back to the country.”
She said she felt lucky, and was grateful to have received the scholarship and a chance to study overseas.
Meanwhile Aneeza Delaila binti Mohammad Shamsul, who will travel to University College of Dublin, Ireland to study medicine, said she felt the field will let her have a career that has a lot of variety and every single day would be different. “It also combines my passion for science and helping people,” she said. – James Kon & Adib Noor
ABOVE & BELOW: Minister of Development Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Muhammad Juanda bin Haji Abdul Rashid at the opening ceremony of 17th AMME and Related Meetings; and handover ceremony of the signed establishment agreement of the ASEAN Centre for Climate Change. PHOTO: SECRETARIAT
Brunei Darussalam’s air quality was slightly affected by transboundary haze pollution in the fourth week of July due to the smoke haze from neighbouring hotspot activities that led to changes in our air quality.
The PSI recorded from all the air quality monitoring stations escalated higher than usual, with the highest PSI 50. The occasional downpours have helped to reduce and prevent hazy conditions from persisting in the country.
However, with the potential hot and dry weather of El Nino developing in the coming months this year, all ASEAN member states are urged to continue working closely together, united in its shared responsibility, to address the issues of transboundary haze pollution and to protect our environment.
The statement was delivered by Minister of Development Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Muhammad Juanda bin Haji Abdul Rashid, during the 17th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on the Environment (AMME) and the 18th Meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the ASEAN Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution held on August 23 and 24 in Vientiane, Laos.
On another note, Brunei also aims to achieve environmental sustainability that supports the Brunei Vision 2035 and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which includes Brunei Darussalam’s Voluntary National Review 2023 (VNR 2023) reported during the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF) of the United Nations (UN) held in July 2023.
Other initiatives include the implementation of increasing excise duties tax for the importation of plastic products and the national scale marine debris clean-up campaign – Coastal Marvel – which aims to empower the society to instil a sense of responsibility towards protecting and conserving the environment through proper waste disposal methods; drive for climate change with the newly launched Mandatory Reporting Directive as part of the Sultanate’s commitment to fulfilling the obligations under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Paris Agreement; and the establishment of the ASEAN Centre for Climate Change in Brunei Darussalam. The biodiversity conservation is also aimed at supporting the climate change mitigation programme through tree planting, whereby as of June 2023, 42,928 trees have been planted nationwide.
ABOVE & BELOW: Minister of Development Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Muhammad Juanda bin Haji Abdul Rashid at the opening ceremony of 17th AMME and Related Meetings; and handover ceremony of the signed establishment agreement of the ASEAN Centre for Climate Change. PHOTO: SECRETARIATPHOTO: SECRETARIAT
Also representing the Sultanate were Acting Permanent Secretary (Planning, Land Use and Environment) at the Ministry of Development (MoD) Aldila binti Haji Mohamad Salleh and officials from the Department of Environment, Parks and Recreation, Brunei Climate Change Secretariat (BCCS), Prime Minister’s Office and the MoD.
The meetings looked forward to the conduct of the Horizontal Learning for ASEAN Sustainable Cities on Indonesia, which will provide a platform for ASEAN countries to share experiences and lessons learned in sustainable cities development, enhance knowledge and better understanding of Sustainable Development Goals, especially on the waste management and urban development topics, and build networks and potential collaboration between policymakers, private sectors and civil society in initiating sustainable cities in ASEAN.
The meetings also congratulated the recipients of the 4th ASEAN Eco-schools Awards and the 2nd ASEAN Youth Eco-champions Awards. The meetings commended the awardees’ achievements and encouraged other schools and citizens to learn from their best practices and adopt more sustainable environmental practices.
For Brunei Darussalam, the 4th ASEAN Eco-schools Awards were presented to Pengiran Setia Negara Pengiran Mohammad Yusof Primary School for the primary school category and Paduka Seri Begawan Sultan Science College for the secondary school category.
The 2nd ASEAN Youth Eco-champions Awards were presented to Shaima binti Haji Misli (Country Hub Leader for Sustainable Ocean Alliance (SOA) Brunei) for the junior category and Noor Hafizah binti Rashid (Founder of Big BWN Project) for the senior category.
The meetings acknowledged the achievements and progress of regional cooperation efforts in addressing several environmental issues.
The Meeting commended Indonesia’s 2023 ASEAN Chairmanship priorities for fostering regional cooperation in advancing climate action, promoting biodiversity conservation, combating marine plastic pollution and realising sustainable cities.
The meetings endorsed the ASEAN Joint Statement on Climate Change to 28th Session of the Conference of the Parties to the UNFCCC (UNFCCC COP28) for consideration of the 43rd ASEAN Summit.
The meetings commended Indonesia’s initiative on the ASEAN Community-based Climate Action to share experiences, build capacity, promote best practices, and enhance multi stakeholder participation in implementing community-based climate actions in ASEAN countries.
The meetings agreed to meet again in Thailand in 2024 for the 19th Meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the ASEAN Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution and in Malaysia in 2025 for the 18th AMME and the 20th Meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the ASEAN Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution.
The Ministry of Education (MoE) in collaboration with Datastream Digital Sdn Bhd (DST), Progresif Sdn Bhd, imagine Sdn Bhd and Mach Telecommunications Systems Sdn Bhd (MachTel) will be offering short messaging service (SMS) for the upcoming Brunei-Cambridge GCE ‘O’ Level and International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) May/June 2023 Examination results.
Parents or guardians and students can register via SMS by typing MOE<space>REGO<space> [centre code]<space>[candidate number]<space>[candidate IC number] and sending it to 8885555 for DST subscribers, 38666 for Progresif subscribers and 39966 for imagine subscribers.
No charges will be imposed for registration made through the SMS. Parents or guardians and students may begin subscribing to this service starting today.
The examination results will only be sent to subscribers via SMS upon approval from the Department of Examinations, MoE to release the results. Subscribers will be charged BND3 for each SMS result received.
ABOVE & BELOW: Photos show the Asian Pigeonwings flower and a variety of products made by students. PHOTO: UNISSA
Universiti Islam Sultan Sharif Ali (UNISSA) students demonstrated food and non-food uses of the Butterfly Pea flower, also known as the Asian Pigeonwings during the Product Innovation Event held at the UNISSA Sinaut Campus yesterday, organised in conjunction with the university’s 13th Mahrajan Hafl Al-Takharruj ceremony.
The students from the UNISSA Faculty of Agriculture presented an array of food products which included powders, syrups, jellies and nasi kerabu.
Meanwhile, Halalan Thayyiban Research Centre’s students showcased the creation of bar soap with the flower, using a mixture of olive coconut, and palm oil.
The students also showcased extraction techniques and the flower dehydration process which amplifies colour vibrancy of the material.
ABOVE & BELOW: Photos show the Asian Pigeonwings flower and a variety of products made by students. PHOTO: UNISSAPHOTO: UNISSAPHOTO: UNISSAPHOTO: UNISSAPHOTO: UNISSA
ABOVE & BELOW: Head of the Tanweer group Ismayadi Sugara bin Asrul Hayati presents a portable spotlight to a mosque officer; and the Tanweer group members of the 34th Executive Development Programme for Middle Management Officers in a group photo with mosque officers and contributors at the ceremony. PHOTO: AZLAN OTHMAN
Mosques in Brunei-Muara District received portable spotlights for Muslim burial arrangementsin a handover ceremony by the Tanweer group, participants of the 34th Executive Development Programme for Middle Management Officers (EDPMMO-34), at Sepakat Room 5, International Convention Centre, Berakas yesterday.
Head of the Tanweer group Ismayadi Sugara bin Asrul Hayati presented the spotlights to the heads of imam from three mosques that have been providing funeral arrangement services – Jame’ ‘Asr Hassanil Bolkiah; Kampong Pulaie Mosque and Perpindahan Lambak Kanan Mosque.
The Projek Infaq Lampu bagi Pengurusan Pengebumian Jenazah, or Provision of spotlights for Muslim burial arrangements project, was selected by the Tanweer group as their community outreach programme under the 34th EDPMMO and carried out in collaboration with Perusahaan Din Al-Islam, a company that supplies funeral preparatory sets.
The project aimed to facilitate Muslim burial arrangements held at night as well as to inculcate a sense of caring and fostering a culture of giving amongst people in the country. – Azlan Othman
ABOVE & BELOW: Head of the Tanweer group Ismayadi Sugara bin Asrul Hayati presents a portable spotlight to a mosque officer; and the Tanweer group members of the 34th Executive Development Programme for Middle Management Officers in a group photo with mosque officers and contributors at the ceremony. PHOTO: AZLAN OTHMANPHOTO: AZLAN OTHMAN
Head of Islamic Eminence Division at the Ministry of Religious Affairs Hassan Baha bin Haji Umar in a group photo with the students at the Brunei International Airport. PHOTO: AZLAN OTHMAN
Muhammad Adi Syazani @ Muhammad Izz Raziq bin Shahri and Ahmad Huzaifah bin Haji Hasbi left the country yesterday for the 43rd session of the King Abdulaziz International Competition for Memorising, Reciting and Interpreting Al-Quran from August 25 to September 6 in Makkah, Saudi Arabia.
Second-year Bachelor’s degree student at Universiti Islam Sultan Sharif Ali Muhammad Adi Syazani will compete in the memorisation of 30 juzuks of Al-Quran category.
He is a former ‘Aliyah Qira’at Diploma student from Institut Tahfiz Al-Quran Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah (ITQSHHB) and the first runner-up in the memorisation of 30 juzuks of Al-Quran at the finals of Al-Quran Memorisation and Its Understanding Competition held recently. He also passed a test to memorise 30 chapters of Al-Quran.
Meanwhile, first-year student also taking the ‘Aliyah Qira’at Diploma course at ITQSHHB Ahmad Huzaifah will compete in the memorisation of 15 juzuks of Al-Quran.
He was also a champion in the recitation of 15 juzuks of Al-Quran category at the recent finals of Al-Quran Memorisation and Its Understanding Competition and passed the test to memorise 10 juzuks of Al-Quran.
Head of Islamic Syiar Development Division at the Ministry of Religious Affairs Hassan Baha bin Haji Umar; ITQSHHB Principal Pengiran Haji Amiruddin bin Pengiran Haji Damit; Dean of Usuluddin Faculty at UNISSA Professor Dato’ Dr Mohd Fakhrudin bin Abdul Mukti; and Acting Head of Public Relations, International and MABIMS Pengiran Muhammad Azrin bin Pengiran Jarail were at the Brunei International Airport to send the students off.
The two students are accompanied by ITQSHHB Education Officer Muhammad Najib bin Haji Aliakbar as the instructor. – Azlan Othman
Head of Islamic Eminence Division at the Ministry of Religious Affairs Hassan Baha bin Haji Umar in a group photo with the students at the Brunei International Airport. PHOTO: AZLAN OTHMAN
Awarded students in a group photo. PHOTO: AZLAN OTHMAN
Hasna Basirah and Professor Beston Nore from Universiti Teknologi Brunei (UTB) took first place and won BND300 in the 3rd Halal Product Innovation Competition 2023 with their project ‘Development of Halalan Thayyiban Plant-Based Cheese Formulations’.
Second place went to Universiti Islam Sultan Sharif Ali (UNISSA) students Md Haziq Aiman bin Azri Irwandy, Nabilah Ulfah binti Haji Jopry, Nur Jeslina binti Hasnal, Radi’atul Ewana Shafina binti Abdul Rahman and Hajah Yumni Syakirah binti Haji Othman with their project ‘KATA Pocket Translator Device’, taking home BND250.
Meanwhile, Nur Atikah Fariah binti Muhammad Asrul, Nor Husna ‘Afifi binti Zulhilmi, Dayangku Noorwatriyah Thaqifah binti Pengiran Haji Asri Sukaimi, Hajah Nur Munawwarah binti Haji Brahim, Nur Nabiilah binti Haji Ramlli, Nur Ilya Maisarah binti Haji Mohd Yassin, Nurul ‘Izzati binti Haji Kamri and Nurzianatul Rasyidah binti Nasib won third place and received BND200 cash for their project ‘Preserving Consumer Rights through Brunei Halal Scanner’.
The competition, organised by UNISSA through the Halalan Thayyiban Research Centre (PPHT), came to a close with a prize presentation ceremony at UNISSA’s Sinaut Campus, Tutong District yesterday.
PPHT Director Pengiran Dr Hajah Norkhairiah binti Pengiran Haji Hashim was the guest of honour.
The competition was coordinated by Assistant Lecturer Nor Surilawana binti Haji Sulaiman in conjunction with the 13th Mahrajan Hafl Al-Takharruj (convocation festival) of UNISSA and featured students from the Sultanate’s higher education institutions. – Azlan Othman
Awarded students in a group photo. PHOTO: AZLAN OTHMAN
Darussalam Enterprise (DARe) is set to launch the Temburong Farmer’s Market tomorrow and on Sunday at Supertree and Bumiputera Complex in Temburong District.
The concept echoes the essence of community spirit and cultural diversity found in the Temburong District, DARe said in a press release. The event is a pilot event aimed at bolstering entrepreneurial activities in the district, initiated by DARe in collaboration with the Temburong District Office.
The event will bring together local farmers, artisans, and producers to showcase their fresh produce, handmade goods, and other products directly to consumers.
Objectives of the event include providing a platform for existing entrepreneurs to attract new talents in the Temburong District and provide them with an avenue to showcase their products and services, to draw visitors to experience the district’s offerings, and promote local micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises.
The public can visit the market from 9am to 9pm tomorrow and from 8am to 6pm on Sunday. – Lyna Mohamad
ABOVE & BELOW: Officers during the operation. PHOTO: SDT
Weights and Measures (SDT) Unit officers during a recent joint operation found several retail stores failing to display the nett weight on packaged products such as vegetables, fruits, dry food and meats and placing misleading weight marks as stated on the package.
SDT Unit officers have shared the proper and correct practice on packing and weighing procedures to the management and packing workers.
Meanwhile, the Department of Economic Planning and Statistics (JPES) officers issued two warning notices and three compounds of BND500 and BND700 for offences under the Chapter 142 of the Price Control Act, particularly selling above the maximum price for cooking oil and failure to display prices on some of the items in the business premises.
The joint operation was conducted by Industry and Business Ecosystem Division (IBE) through SDT Unit and JPES through Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) under the Ministry of Finance and Economy (MoFE) at several business premises at Kampong Sungai Liang and Kampong Lumut, Belait District on August 15.
According to SDT, officers found 20 units of weighing machines used for trading purposes were verified, accurate and registered in accordance to Weights and Measures Act 1983 Chapter 151 and Weights and Measures (Verification) Regulations 1994 Chapter 3 (1) and (2).
ABOVE & BELOW: Officers during the operation. PHOTO: SDTPHOTO: SDT
The operation enforces acts and regulations to ensure weights and measuring machines used for business activities are registered and verified with SDT Unit; and Chapter 142 of the Price Control Act for price-controlled items under the Act to not be above the set maximum price and for items in business premises to be clearly price displayed and not mislead consumers.
Retailers are reminded to ensure that any pre-packed goods sold to consumers are required by the Act to carry a correct and clear indication of the nett weight or measure of the product in a position on the item which can be clearly seen. Failure to comply with or contravene with any provision of the Act is an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine of BND500 and imprisonment for a period of three months.
Retailers are also reminded to conduct business ethically and not to mislead consumers by complying with the Chapter 142 of the Price Control Act and its regulations.
Failure to comply with the Act will be liable to a compound not more than BND1,000 and for subsequent offence will be liable to maximum fine of BND20,000 and imprisonment for five years.
For any enquiries, public may contact SDT Unit via email: sdt@mofe.gov.bn or contact at 233 4092; and DCA via Darussalam Line 123 and PenggunaBijak app, or email: consumercomplaint@jpes.gov.bn. – James Kon
