UTHAI SAWAN, Thailand (AP) – Hundreds of mourners and victims’ families gathered to watch flames burn from rows of makeshift pyres at cremation ceremonies for the young children and others who died in last week’s mass killings at a day care centre in Thailand’s rural northeast.
Families bid their final goodbyes at a temple a short distance from the Young Children’s Development Center in the town of Uthai Sawan, where a former policeman, who was fired from his job earlier this year for using drugs, barged in last Thursday and shot and stabbed children and their caregivers.
Four memorandums of understanding (MoUs) are scheduled to be signed during 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’s first ever state visit to Bangladesh, said Bangladesh High Commissioner to Brunei Darussalam Nahida Rahman Shumona in an interview with the Bulletin.
“People in Bangladesh have great interest in the Sultanate. Bangladesh, a country with the majority of its population being Muslims, admire Brunei’s beautiful mosques and its religious lifestyle. This is the reason why His Majesty is respected in Bangladesh and the state visit is a huge event,” the high commissioner added. The first MoU signing is an agreement for establishing and operating air services between and beyond the territories of the two countries. It is set up in recognising that efficient and competitive international services will enhance economic growth, trade, tourism, investment and the welfare of consumers.
It also acknowledges the importance of air transportation as a means of creating and fostering friendship, understanding and cooperation between the two countries and designing to facilitate the expansion of international air services opportunities.
Another MoU signing between the Government of His Majesty is to be represented by the Maritime and Port Authority of Brunei Darussalam (MPABD), and the Government of Bangladesh, represented by the Department of Shipping, Ministry of Shipping.
This signing is on the recognition of certificate issued under the provisions of the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) for Seafarers.
The MoU between the Government of His Majesty and the Government of Bangladesh will also cover the employment and recruitment of Bangladesh workers, taking into account cordial ties and existing cooperation between both countries in various fields.
This will include the strengthening of the existing ties and cooperation based on principles of mutual benefits, mutual respect, fairness and transparency and recognising the need to ensure rights and obligations of both workers and their employers are respected in accordance with the laws and regulations of both parties.
Bangladesh High Commissioner to Brunei Darussalam Nahida Rahman Shumona during the interview. PHOTO: LYNA MOHAMAD
On the air services, it will help Bangladesh as currently the only route to go home or to come to the Sultanate is through Singapore, Bangkok or Kuala Lumpur, which is time consuming and costly.
On the cargo side, it will hasten the process of bringing in imported goods from Bangladesh directly to Brunei, especially agro-based produce such as fresh fish, as the usual period is between 24 to 72 hours.
The high commissioner also hopes to follow up with the signing of the agreement on direct sea connectivity from Bangladesh to Muara Port for the import of fertiliser from Brunei to Bangladesh to save costs and time through a direct sea connectivity.
“I personally feel that this visit will open up more areas of cooperation. We will work on more agreements and more memorandums. Agriculture is one area I think is promising.
“I believe there have been virtual meetings between agriculture departments of both countries. In a few months I will be able to bring in a high level delegation from Bangladesh,” the high commissioner said.
Education is another sector that the two countries have opportunities to cooperate in, especially technical education, medical science and nursing. Bangladesh also offers scholarships to Bruneians.
She shared that a Bangladeshi has composed an English song about Brunei upon hearing about His Majesty’s state visit, despite never having visited the country, which has been shared on social media.
“This shows how the people are looking forward to the occasion.”
A press release, issued in Bangladesh, stated that His Majesty will make a state visit to Bangladesh from October 15 to 17 at the invitation of President Md Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
His Majesty will be received at the airport by the President of Bangladesh and will be accorded with a ceremonial Guard of Honour along with a 21 gun salute. The monarch will meet with President Md Abdul Hamid at the Bangabhaban, who will host a state banquet in His Majesty’s honour.
His Majesty will also hold official bilateral talks with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, during which the two sides will review the entire gamut of the bilateral relations.
While cementing further the existing excellent bilateral relations between Brunei and Bangladesh, His Majesty’s visit will usher in a new chapter in bilateral relations, stated the press release.
Brunei continues to experience active weather conditions which is expected to last until Saturday due to the influence of a low pressure system developed over the South China Sea.
This condition is expected to cause occasional gusty showers, especially at sea and may at times affect the land areas. Wind speed may increase up to 50 kilometres per hour (km/h) at land areas and 60km/h at sea, during or near gusty showers.
The latest weather update was issued by the Brunei Darussalam Meteorological Department (BDMD) under the Ministry of Transport and Infocommunications yesterday.
The Sultanate is in the inter-monsoon period, where local wind effects play an important role in governing the daily weather. For the past few days, frequent showers and thunderstorms occurred over inland during the afternoon, spreading and affecting coastal and sea areas at night, and persisted to early morning of the following day.
Meanwhile, over Brunei waters, sea is at rough state between two to three metres, starting today until Friday.
The department advised the public to take precautionary action with respect to the active weather conditions.
The risk of falling trees and landslide is possible during heavy showers and gusty conditions.
The department stated of the risk of flash floods, especially at low-lying and flood prone areas as well as near the river banks during heavy rain and also during high tide, while rough sea conditions are dangerous to all small crafts, and sea recreational activities and sports.
The public, road users and fishermen are advised to be up to date with the latest weather forecast, advisory and warning issued by the BDMD, and to take action to ensure safety.
A man holding an umbrella as he walks. PHOTO: MUIZ MATDANI
Two business premises were slapped with compound fines by the Authority for Building Control and Construction Industry (ABCi) following an inspection by the enforcement officers yesterday.
The companies were compounded under Regulation 12 of the Building Control (Advertisement, Billboard and Signboard) Regulations 2016.
Both companies were fined BND500 each for displaying a business signboard without a permit and were given a grace period of 14 days to settle the fines. The public is advised to appoint legally registered advertising companies.
Business signboards or advertising boards displayed outside business premises must be according to the Building Control (Advertisement, Billboard and Signboard) Regulation 2016.
ABOVE & BELOW: Enforcement officers during the inspection. PHOTOS: ABCI
The children at the Society for the Management of Autism Related issues in Training, Education and Resources (SMARTER) Brunei’s EDGE Centre in Kampong Mata-Mata yesterday showcased their musical talent during a visit by Indian High Commissioner to Brunei Darussalam Alok Amitabh Dimri and YMRM Group of Companies members.
This was Alok Amitabh Dimri’s first visit to SMARTER Brunei Edge Centre, where he had the chance to mingle with the children.
SMARTER Brunei and the Indian High Commission in Brunei Darussalam have a strong, long-standing relationship. SMARTER Brunei said it was grateful for the support from the Indian High Commission over the past years and for India’s honouring of SMARTER Brunei’s late president and founder, Malai Haji Abdullah, who was bestowed the prestigious Padma Shri Award in 2018.
A welcoming speech was delivered by 11-year-old Muhd Rafiq Irfan bin Mohd Affendy, while Wan Dzul Al-Fahmi bin Md Zakwan joined the children for the Million Dreams song performance.
SMARTER Brunei President Pengiran Zamri bin Pengiran Haji Bujang, Vice President I cum CEO Sharifah Adila Surya binti Malai Haji Abdullah, Secretary Hajijah binti Haji Moktal and Secretary I Nipah binti Haji Moktal welcomed the delegation, led by YMRM Group of Companies founder and Chairman Ramesh Jiwatram Bhawnani and Managing Director Hitesh Ramesh Bhawnani.
Sharifah Adila Surya led the visitors on a tour of the centre’s programmes and facilities. YMRM Group of Companies has also supported SMARTER Brunei through various events.
The visit also saw YMRM Group of Companies presenting financial aid to SMARTER Brunei, which will be used to purchase new air conditioners and a portable sound system at the centre.
SMARTER Brunei conveyed its appreciation to the high commissioner for stopping by, and to YMRM Group of Companies for its contribution to help provide improved services for autistic individuals.
Students of the Society for the Management of Autism Related issues in Training, Education and Resources (SMARTER) Brunei’s EDGE Centre showcase their musical talents yesterday. PHOTO: BAHYIAH BAKIRABOVE & BELOW: Indian High Commissioner to Brunei Darussalam Alok Amitabh Dimri with YMRM Group Chairman Ramesh Jiwatram Bhawnani and Managing Director Hitesh Ramesh Bhawnani in a group photo; and Alok Amitabh Dimri is briefed while touring SMARTER Brunei. PHOTOS: BAHYIAH BAKIR
Alok Amitabh Dimri witnesses YMRM Group Chairman Ramesh Jiwatram Bhawnani and Managing Director Hitesh Ramesh Bhawnani handing over a donation to SMARTER Brunei
Brunei Darussalam’s under-17 team returned home following their stint at the recently-concluded Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Under-17 Asian Cup in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.
The Young Wasps were drawn in Group ‘J’ alongside designated hosts Uzbekistan and South Korea in a bid to qualify for the finals next year.
Brunei began their campaign with a 14-0 loss to Uzbekistan before losing to South Korea 10-0 in their final group match.
The 23-member strong squad was led by Admirulrizal bin Arbi as Head Coach, while Team Manager Haji Abdul Razak bin Haji Ibrahim led the delegation and assisted by Assistant Team Manager Morni bin Haji Zakaria.
It was their first competitive appearance in the continental scene since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The last time the under-17 team represented the country was in the Asian qualifiers in September 2019 in Jakarta, Indonesia.
Football Association of Brunei Darussalam (FABD) Executive Committee members Pengiran Haji Aliudin bin Pengiran Haji Tajudin; Pengiran Haji Mohd Waslimin bin Pengiran Setia Jaya Pengiran Haji Abdul Momin and Bujang Japar greeted the players and management at the Brunei International Airport.
FABD Technical Director Paul Christopher Munster was also present.
Meanwhile, the second batch of the national under-17 team arrived home at a later time last night.
Brunei Darussalam’s under-17 team in a group photo. PHOTO: INFO DEPT
The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan (METI) and the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) of Brunei Darussalam yesterday emphasised their shared values and close relations, commitment to ambitious action towards achieving Paris Agreement goals, and determination to further collaborate to achieve a net zero emissions future.
According to a joint media statement released by the PMO, both sides recognise the urgency of addressing climate change as a common global challenge, acknowledging that all countries must play their part in the global response.
They also acknowledge the need to explore a variety of options and utilise all fuels and technologies to ensure secure and a stable supply of energy to achieve both goals of economic growth and lowering greenhouse gas emissions, sharing the view that there is no single pathway to achieve carbon neutrality, but rather there are unique and diverse paths for each country.
The importance of long-standing energy relations between Brunei Darussalam and Japan was also highlighted, with agreement to explore possible opportunities on energy transition efforts and cooperation to further enhance bilateral relationship between both countries. Both sides also recognised the importance of achieving sustainable economic growth and a reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and that innovation plays an indispensable role in the pathway toward carbon neutrality.
METI expressed its commitment to comprehensively support energy transition through the Asia Energy Transition Initiative (AETI). Both sides agreed to initiate discussions at the working-level to formulate a roadmap of energy transition in Brunei Darussalam, in cooperation with Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA) and Institute of Energy Economics, Japan (IEEJ).
METI will provide a wide range of support for the realisation of this roadmap, such as the introduction and dissemination of decarbonisation technologies and human resource development.
VJ Mix 22sq emerged champions of the 2nd Veteran Football Association (VFA) 9-a-side Football Championship 2022 at the Temburong Sports Complex in the Temburong District last weekend. Al-Idrus finished runners-up while Mumtaz Veteran and V90s shared third place.
Meanwhile, Suni bin Mat Jerah scooped the top scorer award after managing five goals.
Acting Temburong District Officer Pengiran Muhammad Ameer Mubaarak bin Pengiran Haji Hashim presented the prizes.
Organised by the Veteran Football Association, the tournament saw the participation of 13 teams.
In July 2022, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) decreased by 0.1 per cent compared to June 2022. This was driven by the decrease in Non-Food Index by 0.3 per cent.
The Food and Non-Alcoholic Beverage Index, on the other hand, has increased by 0.9 per cent.
As compared to July 2021, the CPI had increased by 4.1 per cent. The rise in the CPI was in line with the increase in food and non-alcoholic beverages and non-food prices by 6.8 per cent and 3.5 per cent respectively.
The increase in food and non-alcoholic beverages was due to the rise in prices of food such as oil and fats 25.7 per cent; meat 13.2 per cent; and fish and seafood 7.1 per cent. The rise in the price of oil and fats was primarily due to an increase in the price of cooking oil from producing countries.
Chicken meat was the main contributor to the increase in meat prices, due to the increase in the cost of chicken feed.
Meanwhile, the increase in the price of fish and seafood was due to shortage of fish supply caused by unfavourable weather conditions.
The increase in the non-food component was driven by miscellaneous goods and services 14 per cent; transport 4.3 per cent; and housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels 2.3 per cent.
Brunei’s Go player Lee Jin Quan finished in the 47th place out of 52 at the recently concluded 17th Korea Prime Minister Cup International Baduk Championship 2022 at Bitgoeul Gymnasium in Gwangju, South Korea.
Accompanying Lee Jin Quan is President of Brunei Darussalam Go Association Chin Sin Voon who also attended the Asian Go Federation Annual General Meeting.
Chin said, “The Asian Go Federation Annual General Meeting touched on plans and future Go events in the Asian region as well as facilitation of Go’s adoption as an official event in the Asian Games or the Olympics.”
Lee said, “I am excited to meeting new friends from different countries and they have different play styles. In my games against Argentina and Australia, they played very differently and I lost.”
Lee Jin Quan with other Asian participants. PHOTO: BRUNEI DARUSSALAM GO ASSOCIATION
