Saturday, October 5, 2024
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Brunei Town

Munajat night highlights Prophet’s love, guidance

Minister of Religious Affairs Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Badaruddin bin Pengarah Dato Paduka Haji Awang Othman during the Munajat night. PHOTO: MORA

Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) deeply loved his ummah and always sought ways to help and guide them, his actions reflect his high standing with Allah the Almighty, reminding Muslims to be grateful for being part of his ummah.

This was highlighted by assistant religious development officer at the Islamic Da’wah Centre Abdul Muiz bin Haji Amat in a tazkirah during Munajat night from Kampong Bengkurong Mosque on Saturday.

Acting Chief Operating Officer at Royal Brunei Airlines (RB) Haji Badarudin bin Haji Bagol led the recitation of Sayyidul Istighfar and Surah Al-Fatihah from the RB Campus surau.

Leading the Munajat event were RB employees; Kampong Merangking Mosque youth in the Belait District; takmir committee members and congregants from Kampong Bengkurong Mosque, Utama Mohammad Salleh Mosque in Pekan Bangar, Pengiran Muda ‘Abdul Malik Mosque in Kampong Tungku/Katok and 71 other mosques, including suraus and religious halls nationwide; and the workforce of the Ministry of Religious Affairs (MoRA).

The event also saw the recitation of Surah As-Sajdah, Doa Munajat, Asmaa Ul-Husna and Doa Peliharakan Sultan dan Negara Brunei Darussalam.

The Munajat night, organised by the MoRA, invites the public to enhance their spiritual practices, seek forgiveness from Allah the Almighty, read Al-Quran verses and collectively pray for the Sultanate to be protected from calamities, disasters and diseases.

The public can participate virtually every Saturday night through the link, https://tiny.cc/munajatkheu, or https://www.facebook.com/pdi.kheu. – Azlan Othman

Minister of Religious Affairs Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Badaruddin bin Pengarah Dato Paduka Haji Awang Othman during the Munajat night. PHOTO: MORA

Youth shine in Dikir Syarafil Anam competition

PHOTO: KAMPONG PENANJONG MOSQUE TAKMIR COMMITTEE

Mosque youth from Kampong Penanjong Mosque, Tutong District emerged as the champion in the male category of the Dikir Syarafil Anam competition for mosque youth, while Duli Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Damit Mosque youth in Kampong Bebatik Kilanas triumphed in the female category.

The competition, organised by Kampong Penanjong Mosque takmir committee members, in collaboration with the Youth Affairs Division, Mosque Affairs Department of the Ministry of Religious Affairs (MoRA), was held in conjunction with the celebration of the birth anniversary of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) for 1446 Hijrah.

Acting Director of Mosque Affairs at the MoRA Haji Amir Hisham bin Haji Masri, the guest of honour, presented prizes to the winners. The competition aimed to provide guidance, exposure and opportunities to participants to improve the quality of Dikir Syarafil Anam recitation through the correct technique in terms of fashahah, song and voice.

It also reminded participants to always practise Selawat praising Prophet Muhammad (pbuh).

Dikir Syarafil Anam is a cherished tradition and has been part of Bruneian religious culture for generations. It includes blessings, praises, and the story of Prophet Muhammad’s (pbuh) life and character, highlighting the special qualities bestowed upon him by Allah the Almighty. – Azlan Othman

ABOVE & BELOW: Mosque youth from Kampong Penanjong Mosque, Tutong District and Duli Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Damit Mosque, the winners in the male and female categories of the Dikir Syarafil Anam competition for mosque youth. PHOTO: KAMPONG PENANJONG MOSQUE TAKMIR COMMITTEE
PHOTO: KAMPONG PENANJONG MOSQUE TAKMIR COMMITTEE

To teachers with love

The long service award recipients in a group photo at the ceremony. PHOTO: JAMES KON

 

Chiam Lay Kuan, who has been teaching the Malay language for 40 years at Chung Hwa Middle School, Bandar Seri Begawan, received a long service award from the Overseas Community Affairs Council in Taipei in recognition of her contribution.

She was one of the 16 teachers from local Chinese schools who received long service awards during a ceremony at a restaurant in Jerudong.

Representative of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office Vanessa Shih handed over the awards.

Chiam Lay Kuan in an interview credited her passion for teaching to her parents.

“I was interested in teaching because of my parents, who were teachers. My father was also the deputy principal of a government school,” she said.

“I started my teaching career at the age of 21. Things are very different compared to 40 years ago; the learning style has changed a lot,” she added.

“It is not easy to teach Malay language but I always put myself in the students’ shoes. I first try to understand their weaknesses before I help them to improve.”

The 62-year-old teacher also said the most memorable moment in her 40 years of teaching was receiving the Special Mention Teacher’s Day Appreciation Award in 2020, although the award was only presented in 2022, due to COVID-19.

The long service award recipients in a group photo at the ceremony. PHOTO: JAMES KON
ABOVE & BELOW: Chiam Lay Kuan speaks at the ceremony; and receives an award from representative of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office Vanessa Shih. PHOTO: JAMES KON
PHOTO: JAMES KON
ABOVE & BELOW: Photos show Shih presenting awards to the recipients. PHOTO: JAMES KON
PHOTO: JAMES KON

“With that award, I feel the country has recognised my hard work and sacrifice in the past decades. I really felt honoured to be chosen as a recipient,” she said.

“The award today is another highlight in my career.”

Kuan added that she will teach for as long as the school requires her service, and hopes that schools will continue to nurture young teachers with innovative ideas, so they “can continue to help the country produce future leaders”.

Meanwhile, Ho Hui Xian, Thien Koi Meng and Ruth Chong from Chung Ching Middle School, Seria as well as Chiew Jin Er and Chan Soon Khiong from Chung Hua Middle School, Kuala Belait received the five-year-long service awards at the ceremony.

The 10-year-long service award was presented to Lee Hang Ming from Chung Ching Middle School, Seria; Fatmawani Sulaiman from Chung Lian School, Sungai Liang; Lim Hua Khiong from Chung Hwa School, Tutong; Charlene Thien Chiao Ling and Yong Mei Chit from Chung Hwa Middle School, Bandar Seri Begawan; and Pang Khao Yin from Chung Hua Middle School, Kuala Belait.

Yong Chiah Foong from Chung Hua Middle School, Kuala Belait, was the only recipient of the 20-year-long service award.

Tang Kin Chin from Chung Hwa School, Tutong, Tan Been Tiem and Sim Man Ling from Chung Hwa Middle School, Bandar Seri Begawan were the three recipients of the 30-year-long service award. – James Kon

Traditional archery tournament draws old and young

ABOVE & BELOW: The participants in action during the tournament; and Setia Bersatu Archery Club president Haji Razali bin Haji Hashim presents an award to Ahmad Athery bin Haji Abdul Samad, PHOTO: JAMES KON

Around 58 participants, including some as young as eight years, joined the Traditional Archery Tournament Series 1 organised by the Setia Bersatu Archery Club at the sports field by the Department of Co-Curriculum Education yesterday.

Muhammad Syahirul Syazwan bin Azman finished in first place in the male beginner category with 125 points.

Second place went to Abdul Azhar bin Jafarudin with 95 points followed by Awangku Muhammad Waiz Haziq bin Pengiran Haji Abdul Hamid in third place with 86.Meanwhile, Siti Nurain binti Japar scored 46 points to take first place in the female beginner category. Four points behind her was Hajah Siti Nur Adibah binti Haji Mohammad in second place, while third place went to Siti Nuraneesa binti Japar with 39 points.

In the male open category, Ahmad Athery bin Haji Abdul Samad come in first place with a total of 216 points while Zailani bin Haji Mohamad took second place with 190 points and Haji Noor Azmey bin Haji Mohammad finished in third place with 180 points.

Meanwhile, Tee Siew Noy scored 148 points to take first place in the female open category.

Second place went to Suzidah binti Haji Mat Noor with 113 points and Hajah Amas binti Haji Yassin was in third place with 105.

The open barebow category saw Mohammad Azril bin Ramli snatching first place with 183 points while second place went to Muhammad Hasanuddin Abdullah with 126 points followed by Bahzi Damit with just a point behind in third place. Setia Bersatu Archery Club president Haji Razali bin Haji Hashim presented the awards. – James Kon

ABOVE & BELOW: The participants in action during the tournament; and Setia Bersatu Archery Club president Haji Razali bin Haji Hashim presents an award to Ahmad Athery bin Haji Abdul Samad, PHOTO: JAMES KON
PHOTO: JAMES KON
The participants in a group photo. PHOTO: JAMES KON

Not just another family outing

Muhd Noorizan bin Abdullah Manggai with his family. PHOTO: JAMES KON

A family of five showcased their archery skills in the traditional archery tournament organised by the Setia Bersatu Archery Club yesterday.

Muhd Noorizan bin Abdullah Manggai, his wife Dzohrinah binti Haji Mohd Daud and their children – eight-year-old Nur Umairah Zahra, nine-year-old Muhd Darwisy Aliuddin and 15-year-old Muhd Daniel Aliuddin – competed in various categories of the tournament.

Dzohrinah said, “This is my husband’s favourite hobby, so we decided to participate in archery as a family. Archery is also a sports activity encouraged in Islam.”

She added, “My children and I started practising archery last year, while my husband started earlier.”

Muhd Noorizan said, “My passion for archery began after I gave it a try in Sabah in 2018. I then joined the Setia Bersatu Archery Club and my passion continued to grow.”

Dzohrinah encouraged others to try the sport.

“Don’t be afraid to give archery a try. It’s a sport that trains patience and focus,” she said. – James Kon

Muhd Noorizan bin Abdullah Manggai with his family. PHOTO: JAMES KON

 

Royalty grace football match

His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah ibni His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office at the DPMM FC match against Tampines Rovers at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium in Berakas yesterday. PHOTO: INFOFOTO

His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah ibni His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office yesterday attended a match between DPMM FC and Tampines Rovers FC in the Singapore Premier League at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium in Berakas last night.

Also present were His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Malik, Yang Teramat Mulia Pengiran Muda ‘Abdul Muntaqim, Yang Teramat Mulia Pengiran Muda Muhammad Aiman and Yang Teramat Mulia Pengiran Anak Faathimah Az-Zahraa’ Raihaanul Bolkiah. – Fadhil Yunus

His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah ibni His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office at the DPMM FC match against Tampines Rovers at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium in Berakas yesterday. PHOTO: INFOFOTO
His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah ibni His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Malik at the DPMM FC match against Tampines Rovers FC at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium in Berakas yesterday. PHOTO: INFOFOTO

Two days of birdsong, fun as Kampong Lumut hosts special tamu

ABOVE & BELOW: Photos show the songbird showcase and competition. PHOTO: DANIEL LIM

The bright and cheerful chirps of songbirds filled the air as Kampong Lumut residents gathered at the village’s community hall for a two-day-long special tamu, which began yesterday.

Organised by the Joerose Family and Group in collaboration with the Village Consultative Council (MPK) of Kampong Lumut 1, the event serves to enliven the weekend by providing a local venue for residents to visit and spend time with friends and family.

The main activities included a songbird competition and showcase, with more than 80 entries brought together at the venue.

Acting Village Head of Kampong Lumut 1 and chairman of the event Taib bin Haji Salleh added that local entrepreneurs also set up booths and stalls across the venue, providing opportunities for them to promote their products and businesses.

“I hope that the songbird competition and special tamu will continue to receive support as we plan to host more activities in the future,” he said.

The special tamu is slated to continue today from 6am to 6pm. – Daniel Lim

ABOVE & BELOW: Photos show the songbird showcase and competition. PHOTO: DANIEL LIM
PHOTO: DANIEL LIM

DPMM FC win 3-2 against Tampines

Yang Teramat Mulia Pengiran Muda ‘Abdul Muntaqim, Yang Teramat Mulia Pengiran Muda Muhammad Aiman and Yang Teramat Mulia Pengiran Anak Faathimah Az-Zahraa’ Raihaanul Bolkiah at the DPMM FC match against Tampines Rovers FC at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium in Berakas yesterday. PHOTO: INFOFOTO

DPMM FC produced their finest performance of the season in the Singapore Premier League following a dramatic 3-2 victory against title-chasing Tampines Rovers FC at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium in Berakas last night.

The home side overturned a one-goal deficit and condemned Tampines Rovers to their first defeat of the season.

The hosts took the lead after forward Miguel Oliveira box struck tidy low finish following a darting run in the 14th minute.

It also marked DPMM FC’s first victory at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium this season, sparking a warm embrace between the DPMM FC officials.

The Brunei-based outfit were awarded a free-kick as Hakeme Yazid Said tried to beat Tampines goalkeeper Syazwan Buhari in the near post. 

Yang Teramat Mulia Pengiran Muda ‘Abdul Muntaqim, Yang Teramat Mulia Pengiran Muda Muhammad Aiman and Yang Teramat Mulia Pengiran Anak Faathimah Az-Zahraa’ Raihaanul Bolkiah at the DPMM FC match against Tampines Rovers FC at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium in Berakas yesterday. PHOTO: INFOFOTO
ABOVE & BELOW: Photos show DPMM FC and Tampines Rovers FC in action. PHOTO: INFOFOTO
PHOTO: INFOFOTO
PHOTO: INFOFOTO

The visitors missed a chance to draw level as an attacker met a fine cross from Seia Kunori but DPMM FC goalkeeper Haimie Anak Nyaring was equal to the task.

Tampines defender Shuya Yamashita sliced his effort wide after connecting from a Glen Kweh corner in another piece of threat from the visitors.

Oliveira tried to do all the work alone but his shot was well saved by Syazwan whilst on the other end Faris Ramli fluffed his lines following a delivery from Glen.

The Gegar Gegar men suffered a setback as foreign import Gabriel Gama was rushed off the field via an ambulance after sustaining a serious injury.

Glen put the visiting side on level terms just three minutes after the interval before Boris Kopitovic haunted the home side yet again with the winner in the 59th minute.

DPMM FC’s attacking threat was further diminished after star man Hakeme Yazid Said was subbed off.

Despite the exit of the attacking duo, substitute Nazirrudin Ismail rose to the occasion with the equaliser in the 84th minute, setting the blueprint for a thrilling finale as Oliveira bagged the winner two minutes later. – Fadhil Yunus

Green Day to return to Bangkok in February after 14 years

Green Day at Denver, the United States. PHOTO: GREENDAY.COM

ANN/THE STAR – Iconic American punk rock band Green Day is set to return to Thailand for the first time in 14 years in a concert at Impact Arena on February 12, 2025.

Rock legends Billie Joe Armstrong, Mike Dirnt, and Tré Cool will bring their hits like Basket Case, Boulevard of Broken Dreams, Good Riddance (Time of Your Life), When I Come Around and American Idiot to Thai fans, who have been eagerly waiting for their return since their last performance in 2010.

The band was scheduled to play in March 2020, but had to cancel due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Green Day’s first performance in Thailand was in 1996 at MBK Centre in Bangkok.

Green Day was formed in Rodeo, California, in 1987 by lead vocalist and guitarist Armstrong and bassist and backing vocalist Dirnt, with drummer Cool joining in 1990.

Before taking its current name in 1989, the band was named Blood Rage, then Sweet Children.

In 1994, their major-label debut Dookie, released through Reprise Records, became a breakout success and eventually sold more than 10 million copies in the United States (US).

Alongside fellow California punk bands Bad Religion, the Offspring, Rancid, NOFX, Pennywise and Social Distortion, Green Day is credited with popularising mainstream interest in punk rock in the US.

Green Day’s latest album Saviors was released this year with hit songs including The American Dream Is Killing Me and Dilemma.

Green Day at Denver, the United States. PHOTO: GREENDAY.COM

Temburong businesses inspected for pricing, equipment

ABOVE & BELOW: Photos show inspections on businesses to ensure compliance with Chapter 142 of the Price Control Act and Chapter 151 of the Weights and Measures Act 1983. PHOTO: JPES

Four business premises inspected at Bangar, Sungai Tanit and Kampong Amo were found to be in compliance with Chapter 142 the Price Control Act and its regulations.

Price-controlled items such as cooking oil and formulated powdered milk were sold within the set maximum price and the prices were clearly and accurately displayed on items offered for sale in the business premises.

Meanwhile, Weights and Measures Unit (SDT) officers found nine units of weighing and measuring machines used for trading purposes. One unit was unregistered, a violation under Chapter 151 of the Weights and Measures Act 1983 and its stipulated guidelines. The company was issued a seizure notice and was required to rectify the issue and present themselves to SDT Unit’s Office within seven working days. The machine was confiscated.

The Department of Economic Planning and Statistics (JPES) through the Department of Consumer Affairs together with the SDT, Industry and Business Ecosystem Division under the Ministry of Finance and Economy, conducted the joint operation at business premises in the Temburong District recently to ensure compliance with Chapter 142 of the Price Control Act and Chapter 151 of the Weights and Measures Act 1983.

JPES and SDT reminded businesses to operate fairly and ethically by ensuring price-controlled items are not sold above the maximum prices and that all products have clear, accurate price tags to avoid misleading consumers.

Additionally, businesses must ensure that their weighing and measuring tools used for trade are registered with SDT and remain valid for use.

ABOVE & BELOW: Photos show inspections on businesses to ensure compliance with Chapter 142 of the Price Control Act and Chapter 151 of the Weights and Measures Act 1983. PHOTO: JPES
PHOTO: JPES
PHOTO: JPES