Rokiah Mahmud
The Public Works Department (JKR) announced that Mukim Labi and its surrounding areas faced water disruptions and low water pressure yesterday, which were due to emergency repairs of a damaged ductile iron pipe. The ductile iron pipe measuring 350 millimetres in diameter near overcrossing No 32 at Jalan Labi is being repaired and the department advised the public to conserve water.
For complaints, contact Darussalam Line 123.
Lyna Mohamad
Minister of Development Dato Seri Setia Ir Awang Haji Suhaimi bin Haji Gafar officiated and led a tree planting ceremony to mark Global Surveyors’ Day (GSD) 2022 at the Tanjung Batu Recreational Park in Muara yesterday.
Legislative Council (LegCo) members Yang Berhormat Khairunnisa binti Haji Ash’ari; and Kampong Masjid Lama, Pekan Muara, Sabun and Pelumpong Village Head and Acting Mukim Serasa Penghulu Yang Berhormat Pengiran Haji Mohamed bin Pengiran Haji Osman @ Othman were also present.
Deputy Minister of Development Dato Seri Paduka Ar Haji Marzuke bin Haji Mohsin also joined the tree planting event. The activity started with a group photo session followed by the recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah and Doa against COVID-19 and an aerobic session.
The event continued with the minister initiating the tree planting.
The tree planting event is the last of a series of activities to mark GSD 2022. A total of 300 saplings were planted to support the Green Protocol to achieve the national target set out by Brunei Darussalam National Climate Change Policy (BNCCP).
The event concluded with the distribution of gift packs and certificates to Virtual Run 22km participants held from March 1 to 25.
CARACAS (AFP) – Venezuela has been in recession for eight years, suffered four years of hyperinflation and endured a currency in free fall.
But the beleaguered bolivar has, against all odds, managed to stabilise since October.
It is thanks to a USD2.2-billion investment by the state in a bid to slow down inflation in the South American nation.
Last year ended with inflation at 686 per cent – the highest in the world.
But that was a significant improvement on the 130,000 per cent in 2018, 9,585 per cent in 2019 and 3,000 per cent in 2020.
According to consultancy Aristimuno Herrera and Associates, Venezuela’s central bank has injected USD2.2 billion into the internal market in 2021-2022.
Banned for 15 years by the government, the US dollar was once scarce and highly prized, exchanging hands on the black market for signficantly more than the official exchange rate.
Suffering a cashflow crisis, the government was forced to lift the ban in 2019.
“Offering more dollars than there is demand generates stability in the exchange rate,” director at Aristimuno Herrera and Associates Cesar Aristimuno told AFP.
The bank acknowledged 29 “interventions” since October 2021, although without giving details of the amounts.
Last October, the bank slashed six zeros off the bolivar – making one new bolivar worth a million old ones – with the government saying this would improve faith in the
local currency.
At the same time, authorities imposed a three per cent tax on foreign currency transactions and cryptocurrencies.
Since October, the exchange rate against the dollar has moved from VES4.18 to VES4.32, a depreciation of just 3.24 per cent.
That compares favourably to the depreciation of 76 per cent in 2021 and more than 95 per cent in each of the previous three years.
After shrinking by over 80 per cent during eight years of recession, Venezuelan gross domestic product (GDP) grew by four per cent in 2021, the government claims.
MARATHON, FLORIDA (AP) – A juvenile bottlenose dolphin has been flown to the Florida Keys for permanent sanctuary after spending nine months healing at a Texas-based marine rehabilitation centre.
The orphaned male calf, named ‘Ranger’, arrived on Friday at the Florida Keys-based Dolphin Research Center. He was rescued in June 2021 after being discovered stranded in waters around Goose Island State Park in Texas suffering from an underlying respiratory infection and dehydration.
He was found near his dead mother and was transported to the Texas State Aquarium Wildlife Rescue Center.
The National Marine Fisheries Service determined the dolphin could not survive in the wild and chose the Dolphin Research Center to care for the marine mammal for the rest of his life.
“We provide sanctuary for any dolphins in need of a forever home,” said DRC’s vice president of animal care and training Linda Erb.
“Often times when a dolphin like this is found at such a young age, he has not learned the skills to catch his own fish.”
Operations coordinator for Texas State Aquarium Sarah Zigmond was at DRC for Ranger’s arrival.
“I’ve been with Ranger since his rescue and so to see the culmination of his entire rescue and rehabilitation come to fruition in his new forever home made me quite emotional, but it was all happy emotions,” Zigmond said.
After an initial monitoring period in a medical quarantine pool to build up his immune system, Ranger will be slowly introduced to other resident dolphins and acclimate to the dolphin lagoons in Florida Bay.
JAKARTA (BERNAMA) – Sabah and Sarawak are set to benefit from Indonesia’s decision to shift its capital city from Jakarta to Kalimantan, which is expected to commence in the first quarter of 2024.
This was revealed during a briefing by the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KADIN) Jakarta during a roundtable session with Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Sabah and Sarawak Affairs) Datuk Seri Dr Maximus Ongkili and Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Economy) Datuk Seri Mustapha Mohamed (Bernama pic right).
“The shifting of Indonesia’s capital city is expected to result in economic and development spillovers that will trickle down to Sabah and Sarawak through border economy,” Ongkili said.
Also present at the session was Chargé d’affaires of the Malaysian Embassy in Indonesia Adlan Mohd Shaffieq.
KADIN is an umbrella organisation comprising Indonesian business chambers and associations that focusses on matters related to national and international trade, industry and services.
With 34 regional chambers and 524 branches, it is the only nationwide business organisation mandated by the Indonesian authorities to speak on behalf of private businesses, liaise with government officials and cover relevant sectors.
Ongkili, who led a Malaysian delegation for a week-long official visit to Indonesia, highlighted that KADIN is already working on a few matters with the Malaysian government to boost bilateral and economic relations.
He said there is a need to develop better infrastructure as well as the establishment of better security control such as the setting up of the Customs, Immigration, Quarantine and Security complexes at all entry points along the Kalimantan – Sabah and Sarawak borders.
He added that Sabah and Sarawak must take advantage of the opportunities that will be made available in light of both states’ proximity to Indonesia’s new state capital.
“Bilateral cooperation between Malaysia and Indonesia has long existed, but there is still room for improvement,” he said.
Ongkili and his delegates are scheduled to meet up with top officials in Indonesia to discuss various matters, especially those related to bilateral relations, the economy and other international issues.
The team of delegates include Sabah Deputy Chief Minister cum Industrial Development Minister Datuk Dr Joachim Gunsalam and Sarawak Deputy Chief Minister cum state International Trade, Industry and Investment Minister Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan.
Describing the week-long visit as ‘timely and strategic’, Ongkili said the team aims to get first-hand information on the location of the new Indonesian capital and its likely impact on the border economy between Kalimantan and Sabah and Sarawak.
“We also hope the visit would enhance existing ties between the two countries, so that we can work closely, economically, socially and politically in the future,” he said.
CNA – If you’ve always thought Birkenstock was orthopaedic or geriatric footwear, you might just change your mind with this version of the German sandals.
The Manolo Blahnik for Birkenstock features a bling-encrusted, velvet version of the two-strapped Arizona and Boston clog that even SATC’s Carrie Bradshaw, who is often seen traipsing in Manolo heels in the hit series, would approve.
Covered in fuchsia or blue velvet, or made of a smooth black leather, the footwear is embellished with Manolo’s signature crystallised buckles.
“I am always looking for new pieces of jewellery or accessories to decorate our shoes with and it was such fun to add sparkle to Birkenstocks making them truly eye-catching,” the godfather of stilettos told Vogue.
The collaboration may seem offbeat but considering Blahnik’s long-time penchant for the Boston, the connection isn’t that far-fetched.
“I have worn them most of my life!” said Blahnik. “My niece Kristina (the CEO of the company) and I featured in the 2020 Personality Campaign, which was wonderful fun. This collaboration was a natural next step – I’m totally thrilled with the result.”
The Manolo Blahnik for Birkenstock range is dropping online and at all Manolo Blahnik retail locations worldwide from March 24, according to People.
Rokiah Mahmud
The Islamic Economics and Finance Faculty (FEKIm) at Universiti Islam Sultan Sharif Ali (UNISSA) organised the seventh edition of Ziarah Mahabbah Programme (PZM) at Utama Mohammad Salleh Mosque in Temburong District yesterday.
The programme was coordinated by the Islamic Finance and Economic Student Society (IFESS) in collaboration with Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam (BIBD) and Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah (Yayasan).
Guest of honour UNISSA Rector Dr Haji Norarfan bin Haji Zainal handed over the assistance.
FEKIm Dean Dr Abdul Nasir bin Haji Abdul Rani said the community service project was entirely carried out by Years 1 and 3 students and guided by IFESS.
He added that with access available via Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Bridge, the programme was carried out for the first time in Temburong District.
The dean shared that the recipients ranged from senior citizens, people with different abilities, Muslim converts and lower income families to those with no fixed income.
Some 15 families in Temburong District were selected to receive this year’s assistance in the form of cash and daily essentials.
The annual welfare project is aimed at community service and outreach while exposing FEKIm students to more knowledge and experience.
The event also saw a religious lecture by FEKIm lecturer Professor Dr Razali bin Mat Zin on ‘Membahagiakan hati orang lain dengan rezeki kitani’, which was also attended by UNISSA Acting Deputy Rector Dr Arman bin Haji Asmad, acting Temburong District officer and UNISSA officials.
Fadhil Yunus
Brunei Darussalam’s national football team marked their return in the regional scene with a narrow 3-2 loss to Laos during an international friendly match at the New Laos National Stadium in Vientiane last night.
The country’s rising star Hakeme Yazid bin Said marked his international debut for the senior team with a stunning free-kick goal, following in the footsteps of his brothers Shahrazen Said and Adi Said.
The hosts got off the mark in the sixth minute after Laos defender Phoutthavong Sangvilay curled his free-kick beating Brunei’s debutant goalkeeper Ishyra Asmin Jabidi.
Despite the early setback, Brunei were found to be in an advanced position in Laos’ half as Abdul Azizi Ali Rahman tested the home goalkeeper Keooudone Souvannasangso from outside the box with a fierce drive.
The attentive Azizi Ali Rahman bested a Laotian defender in the box but his ensuing effort ended wide much to the relief of Souvannasangso.
His forward teammate Hakeme Yazid also had an effort on target after seizing an opportunity from a misplaced pass.
After a promising spell for the visitors, Laos doubled the lead as forward Chony Wenpaserth coolly slotted home a crisp pass from his teammate in the 27th minute.
Laos forward Visith Bounpaseuth managed a shot but Ishyra Asmin made a good save.
The Million Elephants, buoyed by fervent home supporters, made it 3-0 after midfielder Phithack Kongmathilath tapped the ball home in the 33th minute from a Phoutthasay Khochalern assist.
However, the Wasps reduced the deficit as Azwan Ali Rahman – one of the more experienced players in the national team – scored his fifth international goal six minutes later.
The opening stages of the second half saw Brunei enjoy a fair share of possession as near misses in the box prevented them from inflicting potential damage.
Brunei came within a goal of finding the equaliser as Hakeme Yazid, who recently turned 19, marked his arrival in the international scene with a stunning free-kick in the 72nd minute.
The teenage sensation was one of seven players who made their international debut alongside Ishyra Asmin Jabidi, Alinur Rashimy Jufri, Amirul Hakeem Kasim, Abdul Hariz Herman, Nazhan Zulkifle and Eddy Shahrol Izzat Omar.
The Wasps nearly tied the match after the ball was deflected off a Laotian defender in the latter stages of the game.
MIAMI (AFP) – Daniil Medvedev is thriving on the pressure of being the man to beat after dispatching Andy Murray in straight sets at the Miami Open yesterday to edge closer to regaining his world number one ranking.
The Russian top seed served superbly against the 34-year-old three-time Grand Slam champion to ease to a straightforward 6-4, 6-2 triumph at Hard Rock Stadium and will face Spain’s Pedro Martinez next.
Medvedev lost his number one ranking after just 18 days, having failed to go deep in Indian Wells, but will regain it once again from the absent Novak Djokovic if he reaches the semi-finals in Florida.
With Djokovic and Rafael Nadal both missing, the 26-year-old is the favourite to claim his first Miami Open title and his performance against Murray showed he’s in the kind of form that will cause the rest of the field a multitude of problems.
“For sure, guys going against you are going to have more motivation if you are the top seed,” Medvedev told AFP.
“It could be the biggest win of their season but I like to be in this position. The more pressure you have, the more you expect from yourself.
“At the beginning of my career, I would be really happy when I was in the third round for the first time but now I want to achieve more. So yeah, there’s definitely more pressure but also more motivation to continue doing well.”
Medvedev was delighted to briefly reach the pinnacle of men’s tennis but is determined to ensure his next spell at the top won’t be as short.
“It felt good to touch it,” smiled Medvedev. “Reaching number one is something that nobody can take away from me even if it was for two weeks. But when I did lose it, I just headed back to the practice court and knew I had to get to the semis in Miami to get it back again.
“I have a lot of motivation to stay at the top for a long time.”
While Medvedev is at the top of his game, Murray is still searching for answers.
The Scot, playing with a metal hip after two operations to fix the problem which almost forced him to retire, has reintroduced Czech legend Ivan Lendl into his coaching team for a third time and hopes he can arrest a run that has seen him fail to back up first-round wins at his last six tournaments.
“My level of tennis wasn’t good enough to win matches like that but Ivan will bring clarity over the right way to play,” said Murray, who will spend time working with Lendl in Florida before skipping the clay court swing of the ATP Tour to ensure he’s prepared for Wimbledon later this summer.
“I don’t think I have been practising the right things for 18 months or so, it’s difficult to sort of undo that space.
“That’s one of the reasons why I’m taking a big period of training to change some of those things and hopefully get my game to a place where it’s more competitive against the top players again.”
THE STRAITS TIMES – Shanghai became China’s biggest virus hot spot after reporting another record increase in daily COVID-19 infections.
The financial hub overtook the north-eastern province of Jilin, which reported 2,078 cases for Saturday.
Shanghai has 2,676 new infections, a jump of 18 per cent from a day earlier, according to data from the municipal health commission.
COVID-19 cases in Shanghai kept hitting records in the past week, though a vast majority are asymptomatic.
Shanghai has seen infections grow rapidly in the past month, with scores of buildings and apartment blocks locked down and residents confined at home.
While the financial hub’s officials have ruled out fully isolating the city, parts of it will be sealed off and further tested. Officials on Saturday launched a new round of city-wide screening using both nucleic acid and antigen testing.
The health authorities started using differentiated screening tactics in all the sub-districts and townships according to their risk levels to find all infections and stop the transmission in communities, said director of the Shanghai municipal health commission Dr Wu Jinglei.
The more sensitive nucleic acid screening applies to key areas in the outbreak, totalling 23 sub-districts, while antigen testing applies to non-key areas, Dr Wu told a press conference on Saturday.
The local authorities are imposing closed management over the key areas where people are banned from going out before the results of their nucleic acid testing come out.
The authorities have renovated seven venues, including hospitals and stadiums, to quarantine mild cases and asymptomatic carriers, according to Dr Wu.
He also ordered hospitals to take scientific and targetted control measures to reduce the impact on the availability of medical services to other sick people.
China reported 5,550 local COVID-19 cases for Saturday.
