Ramadhan marked with religious activities

National

March 22, 2025

Ministry of Religious Affairs

In taking advantage of the blessed month, a delegation from the Ministry of Religious Affairs (MoRA) continued the Tedarus ceremony at Kampong Batu Apoi Mosque in Temburong District on Thursday.

Acting Deputy Permanent Secretary (Policy and Religion) at the MoRA Haji Shamshol bin Haji Omar was the guest of honour.

The ceremony began with the recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah led by the guest of honour, followed by the Tadabbur Al-Quran presented by Mosque Affairs Officer Muhammad Syahmi bin Haji Zaini at the Utama Mohammad Salleh Mosque, Pekan Bangar, Temburong District.

It continued with the Tedarus Al-Quran followed by the recitation of Tahlil and Doa Arwah led by imam of the Kampong Batu Apoi Mosque Mohammad Salehuddin bin Haji Suhaimi.

The ceremony concluded with the recitation of Doa Peliharakan Sultan dan Negara Brunei Darussalam by imam of the Kampong Batu Apoi Mosque Shamsuddin bin Haji Azahari,.

The MoRA Tedarus delegation will hold another Khatam Al-Quran ceremony at the An-Na’im Mosque, Kampong Panchor Mengkubau on Monday. Temburong District Chief Religious Officer at the Temburong District Religious Office Harris Hamdilah bin Haji Masri, directors, senior officers and staff from MoRA as well as residents of the surrounding villages were also present. – Lyna Mohamad

Acting Deputy Permanent Secretary (Policy and Religion) at the Ministtry of Religious Affairs Haji Shamshol bin Haji Omar at the event. PHOTO: MORA

Institute of Brunei Technical Education

The Institute of Brunei Technical Education (IBTE) held a Khatam Al-Quran ceremony and a special talk in conjunction with Nuzul Al-Quran at the IBTE headquarters yesterday.

Director of Technical Education/Chief Executive Officer of IBTE Dr Haji Mohd Zamri bin Haji Sabli was the guest of honour. IBTE top management officers, management officers and staff of IBTE Headquarters were also present.

The ceremony began with the recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah by the guest of honour. It continued with the recitation of the verses of Al-Quran by the Khatam participants and was further enlivened by the Dikir Marhaban and a special talk in conjunction with thecelebration of Nuzul Al-Quran by lecturer at the Faculty of Usuluddin at the Seri Begawan Religious Teachers University College Haji Mohammad Azmi bin Haji Omar.

The ceremony ended with the presentation of souvenirs to the speakers and Doa Selamat. – Lyna Mohamad

Director of Technical Education/Chief Executive Officer of Institute of Brunei Technical Education Dr Haji Mohd Zamri bin Haji Sabli at the ceremony. PHOTO: MORA

Universiti Brunei Darussalam

A Khatam Al-Quran Ceremony and Special Tadabbur Al-Quran session at Universiti Mosque, Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD), brought together the UBD community in a celebration of Nuzul Al-Quran for 1446 Hijrah.

UBD Vice-Chancellor Dr Hazri bin Haji Kifle was the guest of honour.

The event commenced with the recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah and Surah Adh-Dhuha. The collective recitation of Al-Quran verses marked the completion of the Khatam Al-Quran ceremony. Members of UBD’s Dikir, Nasyid, and Tausyeh Club also recited Takhtim.

Following the recitations, the imam led the congregation in the Doa Khatam Al-Quran and Doa Kesyukuran, offering prayers of gratitude for the successful completion of Al-Quran recitation and reflecting on the blessings of the occasion.

Assistant Ra’es (Student Affairs Section and Alumni) at the Seri Begawan Religious Teachers University College Dr Haji Mohammad Shahrol Azmi bin Haji Abdul Muluk delivered a Special Tadabbur Al-Quran session, offering insights in commemoration of Nuzul Al-Quran.

The event also included the presentation of donations by the guest of honour, for orphaned children from all four districts.

The ceremony concluded with the recitation of Doa Selamat.

Vice-Chancellor of Universiti Brunei Darussalam Dr Hazri bin Haji Kifle at the ceremony. PHOTO: UBD

Da’ie Youth Volunteer Body

The Da’ie Youth Volunteer Body with support from the Youth Religious Programme Secretariat, Islamic Da’wah Centre (PDI) continued the Tadabbur Al-Quran 8.0 Series Programme for the third week of Ramadhan.

The programme was held at the Conference Hall, Kampong Pulaie on Thursday with 79 people attending the programme, comprising NBD Asatizah, government officials, retirees, youth from non-governmental organisations, university students, Dakwah Academy alumni and individuals.

With the title ‘Allah Sayang, Allah Rindu, Allah Tunggu’ an excerpt from Surah Al-Ahzab, verse 43, was delivered by Assistant Lecturer, Seri Begawan Religious Teachers University College Pengiran Norizzati binti Pengiran Haji Kasharan.

Among the contents of the Tadabbur emphasised that Allah the Almighty always pours out His mercy and love to His servants, bringing them out of darkness into the light of true guidance and those who remember, pray, and worship sincerely will always be close to Allah the Almighty, and He will reward their every effort with greater mercy.

Although humans are often forgetful and tested, Allah the Almighty never closes the door of repentance, but rather always waits for His servants to return to Him full of love.

“Allah the Almighty’s love is limitless and infinite. Therefore, as servants who are loved by Allah the Almighty, we must also spread love to others and help them return to Him”.

The programme continued with a segment of a reflection workshop session organised by the Da’ie Youth Committee members to strengthen the public’s knowledge and understanding of the verses and how to apply them in the daily lives. – Lyna Mohamad

Assistant Lecturer at the Seri Begawan Religious Teahers University College Pengiran Norizzati binti Pengiran Haji Kasharan during the programme. PHOTO: PDI

Security guards treated to sungkai meal packs

National

March 22, 2025

Executives and officers from Aegis Secure Solutions Sdn Bhd (Aegis) and Sphere Secure Solutions Sdn Bhd (S3) upheld their tradition of distributing sungkai meal packs to security guards.

This year, Aegis and S3 collaborated with local vendors to prepare the sungkai meals, delivering 223 meal packs to Aegis and S3 security personnel in Bandar Seri Begawan, Tutong District, Temburong District and Kuala Belait. Aegis and S3 initiated the effort as a token of gratitude and support. It aims to ensure the well-being of security guards as they manage their responsibilities under challenging conditions, including intense heat and demanding schedules.

“We truly appreciate the unwavering commitment of our security personnel, especially during Ramadhan,” said Chief Executive Officer Jorge Vega.

“Their role in safeguarding our communities is invaluable, and this is our way of expressing our heartfelt thanks for their dedication.”

This initiative not only reflects the company’s commitment to employee welfare but also reinforces the values of compassion and solidarity.

Aegis Secure Solutions Sdn Bhd COO Rhyme Bakri and MSS Supervisor Kamarul deliver meal packs. PHOTO: AEGIS

Women’s associations gather for Khatam Al-Quran

National

March 22, 2025

Over 100 members of the PERTIWI Association from four districts attended the Khatam Al-Quran ceremony at the Kampong Kilanas Mosque yesterday.

The ceremony began with the recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah by PERTIWI Association Vice President Hajah Ramlah binti Haji Abdul Ghani, followed by the mass recitation of Khatam Al-Quran and the recitation of Takhtim and Doa Khatam, led by Hajah Fatimah binti Haji Ahmad.

The ceremony also saw the recitation of Dikir Asyrakal, led by Hajah Sufiani binti Haji Sulaiman and the recitation of Doa Peliharakan Sultan dan Negara Brunei Darussalam by Hajah Hajidah binti Haji Abdul Wahab. The event served to instil a sense of love for Al-Quran, while increasing practices in the blessed month of Ramadhan and strengthening ties among association members. Members of the administrative committee of the Council of Women of Brunei Darussalam and representatives from associations under the council were also present. – Lyna Mohamad

The Khatam Al-Quran ceremony in progress. PHOTO: RAFI ROSLI

Faith, generosity unite as orphans receive assistance

National

March 22, 2025

Some 16 orphans from Kampong Madang and Kampong Manggis I and II received donations during the Khatam Al-Quran ceremony at the Suri Seri Begawan Raja Pengiran Anak Damit Mosque in Kampong Manggis/Madang on Thursday.

Brunei Islamic Religious Council (MUIB) member Pehin Orang Kaya Paduka Setia Raja Dato Paduka Seri Setia Haji Awang Suhaili bin Haji Mohiddin as the advisor of the mosque takmir committee, the guest of honour, presented the donation.

The ceremony commenced with the recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah, led by the guest of honour, followed by the recitation of Khatam Al-Quran, Takhtim and Tahlil, led by bilal Razman bin Haji Ramlee, who also recited Doa Khatam.

The event also saw the recitation of Dikir Marhaban, Doa Selamat and Doa Peliharakan Sultan dan Negara Brunei Darussalam by imam Muhammad Khaizuran Amali bin Haji Kamsani. – Lyna Mohamad

ABOVE & BELOW: Photos show Brunei Islamic Religious Council member Pehin Orang Kaya Paduka Setia Raja Dato Paduka Seri Setia Haji Awang Suhaili bin Haji Mohiddin presenting donations to the recipients. PHOTO: MUIZ MATDANI

ABOVE & BELOW: Pehin Orang Kaya Paduka Setia Raja Dato Paduka Seri Setia Haji Awang Suhaili; and the participants during the Khatam Al-Quran ceremony. PHOTO: MUIZ MATDANI

1,024kg of paper waste collected in recycling campaign

National

March 22, 2025

A total of 1,024 kilogrammes of paper waste was collected during a recycling campaign hosted by Jerudong Park Medical Centre (JPMC) on Thursday, in conjunction with Global Recycling Day.

The initiative, organised by the General Administration Department in collaboration with Daikyo Environmental Recycling Sdn Bhd, saw participation from JPMC Acting Chief Operating Officer Bun Pei Ling, senior management and staff, highlighting the importance of collective efforts in promoting sustainability.

The campaign aimed to raise awareness about recycling and sustainability, with a focus on paper waste.

The initiative underscored the environmental benefits of reducing paper waste, such as curbing deforestation, conserving energy, and reducing landfill waste.

Staff members contributed by bringing paper materials from their offices, warehouses, and homes, including cardboard, magazines, books, newspapers and other paper products.

The achievement reflects the centre’s commitment to supporting Brunei Darussalam’s sustainability goals and contributing to the nation’s collective environmental responsibility efforts. – James Kon

ABOVE & BELOW: Photos show the collected paperwaste by the participants. PHOTO: JPMC

Lucky draw rewards customers

National

March 22, 2025

Pengiran Metali bin Pengiran Metami was all smiles yesterday after winning a return air ticket for two to Bangkok, Thailand, in a lucky draw campaign.

The event, held at the Premier Motors showroom, also saw Siti Asnuni binti Haji Ahmad rewarded with return tickets to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, while Lim Fun won a three-day, two-night stay at The Empire Brunei.

Over 80 customers gathered for the event, which was open to those who purchased Wuling vehicles between October 2024 and January. The prize-giving ceremony followed immediately after the draw, with the winners presented in the presence of Wuling Motors Brunei Operations Manager Teng Chee How. – Lyna Mohamad

The winners with their prizes in a group photo. PHOTO: RAFI ROSLI

When influencers become bullies

Opinion

March 22, 2025

Upon reading the opinion letter on ‘Call for accountability in social media misuse’ published in the Bulletin dated March 19, I couldn’t help but agree with what has been stated by Concerned Citizen.

I am currently witnessing firsthand the impact this situation is having on the victim’s workplace, livelihood, and even worse, their family.

When I read about how this person has become the next target, with her grandmother in tears over their family name being tarnished – all because of two bullies who lack the ability to understand English – it was deeply disheartening.

Instead of showing gratitude for the kind help they received (which I made sure to fully read and understand from all perspectives), they chose to twist the situation and mercilessly bullied her during Ramadhan.

This truly reflects how far Brunei has strayed from the values it once upheld. These so-called influencers, fully aware of their large following, are using their platform to bully others without consequence.

The authorities must take action, or it will send the dangerous message that this behaviour is acceptable.

People should be aware of how social media is influencing others to become indifferent, even cruel, toward one another – causing harm without remorse.

If actions were being taken, why have these toxic individuals continued to thrive on platforms like TikTok for the past five years, influencing others to behave in such a horrible manner?

My prayers go out to the woman affected, and I sincerely hope she does not succumb to depression or worse.

Disheartened

Japan panel drafts response plan for Mount Fuji eruption

World

March 22, 2025

TOKYO (AFP) – A Japanese panel of experts issued guidance to greater Tokyo residents yesterday in the event Mount Fuji erupts, telling them to stay indoors unless the ashfall becomes severe.

The guidelines were issued to the region’s more than 44 million residents by experts, convened by the Cabinet Office.

The panel also called on municipalities and households to maintain emergency supplies like food and water in case the 3,776-metre volcano were to erupt.

Mount Fuji last erupted in 1707.

In the worst-case scenario, a massive eruption of Japan’s highest peak could spew 30 centimetres of ash or more over Tokyo, about 100 kilometres northeast of the volcano, the panel said.

This amount of ashfall could destroy wooden houses, particularly if combined with rain, the report said, urging residents to evacuate in such cases. Even with less severe ashfall, damage to large buildings is expected, like school gyms that are often used as evacuation centres, the report said.

“The basic rule is to stay inside the ashfall area as much as possible and continue living at places like home,” the panel said.

“Evacuation and other actions should be considered in case of danger to life such as severe damage to houses,” it added.

The importance of stocking up on emergency supplies was stressed by the panel as ashfall could disrupt deliveries of supplies.

Power outages and disruption to mobile signals are expected, particularly when ashfall mixes with rain, the report said.

The water quality could also worsen, and vehicles would be unable to drive on ash-covered roads, the panel said.

The panel stressed their report did not suggest the timing or the possible scale of the volcano’s next eruption or ashfall.

Snowcaps seen on the peak of Mount Fuji, Japan. PHOTO: AFP

Blessings shared through annual charitable initiative

National

March 22, 2025

The Brunei Darussalam Red Crescent Society (BRC) through its Brunei-Muara District Branch organised the Iftar Kasih Ramadhan 2.2 programme in collaboration with Perbadanan Tabung Amanah Islam Brunei (TAIB) and Samima Sdn Bhd Group of Companies at the RPN Kampong Lambak Kanan Mosque.

The event aimed to share blessings with the underprivileged, including poor and needy families, single mothers, senior citizens and individuals with special needs residing in Area 1 of RPN Kampong Lambak Kanan.

Deputy Minister of Religious Affairs Pengiran Dato Seri Paduka Haji Mohd Tashim bin Pengiran Haji Hassan attended as the guest of honour. The ceremony began with the recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah and Sayyidul Istighfar, followed by Tahlil and Doa Arwah led by Chief Imam of RPN Lambak Kanan Mosque Haji Julazni bin Haji Zaini. BRC Secretary General Haji Suhaimi bin Haji Ibrahim delivered the welcoming remarks.

The Iftar Kasih Ramadhan 2.2 programme followed the Iftar Kasih Ramadhan 2.1 programme, held earlier on the 15th of Ramadhan at Kampong Selangan Mosque in Temburong District, organised by the BRC Temburong District Platoon.

During the event, 20 recipients received basic food baskets donated by Samima Group, presented by the deputy minister and Managing Director of Samima Group of Companies Haji Hidayathulah Thajudeen.

The deputy minister also presented waqaf items, including a blower and a water jet from BRC for the mosque’s use. The event concluded with the breaking of fast, with meals contributed by Perbadanan TAIB.

Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Religious Affairs Haji Mohammad Rosli bin Haji Ibrahim, representatives from TAIB, Managing Director of Samima Sdn Bhd group of Companies, members of the mosque takmir committee and congregants were also present. – Lyna Mohamad

ABOVE & BELOW: Photos show Deputy Minister of Religious Affairs Pengiran Dato Seri Paduka Haji Mohd Tashim bin Pengiran Haji Hassan presenting donations to the recipients. PHOTO: MUIZ MATDANI

Dishonest practices tarnish buying experience at Gerai Ramadhan

Opinion

March 22, 2025

As a regular visitor to Gerai Ramadhan, I can relate to the concerns expressed in the letter titled ‘Ensuring quality, honesty at Gerai Ramadhan’ published on March 15.

Like the writer, I have also encountered disappointing experiences while purchasing food during this holy month.

To highlight some of the issues I have faced, the roti john happens to be my son’s favourite, so imagine his disappointment when he discovered that what was supposed to be a flavourful treat was nothing more than a plain bun with mayonnaise and a thin layer of egg.

As we were craving soto hati buyah, we bought two packets from a vendor, only to find that the dish had gone bad, evident from the unpleasant smell of the noodles.

As for the beef kebab – it should be renamed cucumber kebab instead. The presence of beef was barely noticeable, hidden beneath an overwhelming amount of chilli sauce and mayonnaise.

I sincerely hope food vendors uphold honesty in selling their products. As consumers, we are not looking to criticise unnecessarily, but we do expect quality, especially during the holy month of Ramadhan, when integrity should be at the forefront of business practices.

Another disappointed buyer

Borneo Bulletin OnlineThe Independent Newspaper in Brunei Darussalam, Sabah and Sarawak

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