A total of 128 cars were inspected and 50 compound fines issued during a roadblock conducted by authorities in the Brunei-Muara District recently.
Royal Brunei Police Force and personnel from the Muara Police Station conducted the roadblock along the road leading to Serasa beach.
Compound fines were issued for installing curtains or plastic film on the windows, illegal modifications of the car and many more. – James Kon
A local man pleaded guilty yesterday of secretly capturing indecent photos of women at his workplace.
Twenty-four year old Mohammad Nurhafiz bin Haji Bogaibah admitted to taking photos of his female colleagues in the toilet between July 10 and August 10.
Deputy Public Prosecutor Nurul Fitri binti Kiprawi revealed that a complaint was made by female employees who saw the defendant entering the female toilet.
An internal inquiry was launched and four female colleagues identified themselves through photos in the defendant’s mobile phone. The victims lodged a police report leading to the defendant’s arrest.
Magistrate Syaffina binti Shahif is considering a fitting punishment.
Under Section 377H of the Penal Code, Chapter 22, the defendant is liable of maximum penalties of up to three years’ imprisonment. – Fadley Faisal
Baiduri Bank maintained its long-term credit rating of A-/A-2 with Stable Outlook from Standard & Poor’s (S&P) Global Rating in July 2023.
This achievement marks the second year running where the bank achieved an A- rating.
According to S&P, the credit rating is two notches higher than the stand-alone credit profile which can be attributed to a strong business position in the country and a very strong capital and earnings rating.
The rating reflects S&P’s expectation that the bank will maintain its sound business stability and franchise, maintaining about 20 per cent of the banking system’s deposits and having the second-largest branch and ATM network in the country.
S&P also cited that the bank’s retail business is likely to grow on the back of digitalisation of customer onboarding and servicing, as well as the development of wealth management and insurance products.
According to Baiduri Bank’s Chief Executive Officer Ti Eng Hui, “We have a professional management team that focuses on corporate banking, retail banking, consumer financing and securities trading and investments. Through our combined expertise and extensive local market knowledge, we are able to strengthen our competitive standing in the country.”
S&P anticipates that the bank will see credit growth of four per cent to five per cent over the next 12 to18 months likely to come from wholesale customers as the government looks to boost the economy and support local firms through contracts from government-linked companies, foreign direct investment projects, energy sector and infrastructure development.
A child at a stall during BandarKu Ceria at Bandar Seri Begawan. Most of the main roads are closed for traffic to allow visitors to jog, walk and cycle as well as shop at the stalls offering a variety of goods. – Khayr Zakariyya
The case involving an 18-year-old daycare worker who pleaded guilty to causing injuries to a one-year-old toddler is a confirmation of every parent’s nightmare.
As a mother of three, I read with trepidation of the details of the case fearing for the life of the child and the agony of what the parents had to go through. My kids are now in their teens and growing up. I had the help of a very efficient Indonesian maid, who spent a good 10 years with us.
For couples without the privilege of having a domestic helper, most resort to sending their children to a daycare establishment. It doesn’t help if employers show no empathy for working parents who usually are less punctual at office. Some leave their kids under the care of trusted family members or grandparents. But choosing the latter is always the last option because no one wants to burden the elders who should be spending retirement in ease.
Parents hope daycare establishments can provide a safe and conducive environment for their children while they are at work. Even the process of selecting the right daycare is a tedious one.
Parents have to consider their budget, location and other related factors. One thing often overlooked is to get to know the daycare helpers responsible in taking care of the child.
One daycare centre might have four to five helpers and each would be assigned to take care one or two children, depending on the number of children at the centre. Daycare owners should hire qualified helpers who show compassion towards children, and not hire by random.
As a parent, it’s fair to ask for these daycare establishments to employ qualified helpers to assist in caring for the kids.
I understand they also play a part in providing employment, especially among the locals, but maybe a period of one-month probation under supervision will suffice.
Parents are paying a good sum hoping for a trusted service and the daycare owners should reciprocate by ensuring the safety and well-being of kids under their care. Some parents even request for CCTVs to be installed at these daycare establishments to monitor and review any untoward incidents, which could be use as further evidence.
This could also deter any of the daycare helpers to harm or mistreat the children knowing that they are constantly under surveillance.
We usually hear of abuse cases at daycare establishments in neighbouring countries, some with tragic endings, and it is somewhat disturbing to know that it also occurs in our very own country.
Some of my friends now have second thoughts on sending their kids to their regular daycare while a few even consider not to send them anymore. It is time for the authorities to take action by regulating proper rules and guidelines at daycare establishments for the safety of our children.
Mama Bear
The front page news on August 20 of the Sunday Bulletin headlined ‘Croc capture efforts to tackle reptile presence in Brunei waters’ is both crucial and promising.
The safety threat on crocodiles against the public is at least now being addressed by the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism (MPRT) through its Wildlife Division.
The action team under the division for the last five years have to deal with crocodiles in Brunei waters.
Looking at some of the measures and initiatives undertaken, mostly of firefighting in nature, it appears as if such efforts are not fundamentally grounded in any research-based study of the concerned locale.
Although it remains incomplete at this time, conducting this study holds significant importance and should be authorised to provide essential information to the relevant authorities regarding the population, growth rate, spatial distribution, breeding grounds, abundance, unique habitat characteristics, position in the food chain, crocodile farming, conservation efforts, and necessary regulatory actions. Undertaking this study requires dedicated time, funding, and expertise.
A possible collaboration between a related research institution, such as Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD), and MPRT through its Forestry Department is recommendable. The study would provide a strong basis for any requisite plan, control, safety and security measures.
Jerantut
Brunei Darussalam swimmers left the country to participate in the 45th Southeast Asian (SEA) Age Group Championships 2023 at the Aquatic Stadium Gelora Bung Karno in Jakarta, Indonesia from August 24 to 26.
The delegation comprised four elite swimmers and an additional four swimmers headed by Pengiran Abdul Farid bin Pengiran Idrus as team manager and accompanied by national coach Wu Na and international technical official Harjimmy Zainal.
The swimmers are Hayley Wong Ann Yue, Dylan Wong Wei Shen, Abbey Wong Ann Wen, Joel Ling Thai Yu, Zeke Chan Zhi Yue, Danniel Chan Zhi Zhen, Matthias Jordan Narcis, and Sharmeen binti Mohammad Mharvin.
For Hayley, Zeke and Joel, this will be their third major swimming competition of the year following appearances in the 2023 World Aquatics Championships in Fukuoka, Japan and the Commonwealth Youth Games in Trinidad and Tobago.
The prestigious regional meet for junior swimmers will also mark Sharmeen’s second overseas outing of the year after joining the trio at the Commonwealth Youth Games.
Brunei’s Joel Ling will be hoping to add a SEA Age Group medal to his resume in four events – 50 metres (m), 100m, and 200m backstroke; and 50m freestyle events.
Last September, the national sensation made history after winning the country’s first ever medal in swimming at the 20th Malaysia Games (Sukma) at the Bukit Jalil National Aquatic Centre in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Hayley, the country’s leading female swimmer, will set her sights on a major overseas medal in nine events – 50m, 100m, and 200m breaststroke, 50m, 100m butterfly; 50m backstroke; 50m freestyle and 100m freestyle; and 400m individual medley (IM). – Fadhil Yunus
The Civil Service Club (KPA) organised a bowling tournament on Sunday in conjunction with its 33rd anniversary.
Thirty club members from various ministries and departments participated.
Murni bin Haji Ahmad was the champion for the male category, followed by Haji Zakaria bin Haji Liman and Mohamad Raduan bin Zaman. Meanwhile, Sabarina binti Haji Mohd Saat was placed first in the female category, followed by Hamisah binti Zaini and Siti Mariam binti Haji Simat.
The tournament’s objectives were to strengthen bonds and enhance sporting spirit among members.
Held at the Airport Mall, Berakas, Acting Deputy Director General of Civil Service Department Haji Rusdi bin Haji Judin, the guest of honour, presented prizes to the winners. – James Kon
Belait frisbee team Vikings won the HYSM Frisbee Tournament at the Jerudong Sports Complex on Sunday. Meanwhile, Troopers and Hurricanes came in second and third place.
The team’s participation was ahead of the international World Flying Disc Federation Asia Oceanic Ultimate and Guts Championship from September 6 to 10 in Manila, Philippines.
Captain Muhammad Daniel bin Muhammad Shafiq will lead the 20 members comprising 11 males and nine females. – Daniel Lim
