Year 2023 is almost upon us. On the news front, there has been quite an interesting array of stories that have captured the public’s imagination.
Here are a few news stories that have garnered the most attention on our social media platforms:
Announcement of royal wedding
By the command of 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, the Yang Di-Pertua of Adat Istiadat Negara announced the royal wedding ceremony for Her Royal Highness Princess ‘Azemah Ni’matul Bolkiah and Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Muda Bahar.
The royal wedding will commence with Majlis Istiadat Bersuruh Diraja on January 8, followed by Majlis Istiadat Membuka Gendang Jaga-Jaga and Majlis Istiadat Menjunjung Kurnia Gendang Jaga-Jaga on January 9; Majlis Istiadat Menghantar Tanda Diraja dan Pertunangan Diraja and Majlis Istiadat Menerima Tanda Diraja dan Pertunangan Diraja on January 10; Majlis Istiadat Berbedak Pengantin Diraja on January 11; Majlis Istiadat Akad Nikah Diraja on January 12; Majlis Istiadat Bersanding Pengantin Diraja on January 15; Majlis Persantapan Diraja on January 16; and Majlis Istiadat Membaca Doa Selamat dan Menutup Gendang Jaga-Jaga on January 17.
Miracle baby onboard Flight BI008
One of the most talked about miracle stories has got to be the unexpected plus-one in the cabin of a Royal Brunei Airlines aircraft.
On June 16, a woman prematurely gave birth to a baby boy on Flight BI008 from Dubai to Bandar Seri Begawan. It was a stroke of good luck that one of the guests happened to be a doctor.
Dr Mulfi Ibrahim Alkhinjar, who volunteered to help deliver the baby, said, “When we delivered the baby, that was when I realised that I just delivered a baby in the sky.
“When I held him, I felt very proud and honoured to have helped bring another person to life.
“The head crew member was very organised, and the staff seemed very well trained for this type of situation.
“They acted and responded accordingly to the proper measures. It was a smooth experience because of their assistance.”
Disturbing peace
There have been dozens of viral videos in the past year but none as prolific as the ones that involved a group of youngsters sampling drinks directly from the display shelf of a supermarket in Kuala Belait.
The two videos were circulated so widely on social media that it prompted the Royal Brunei Police Force to issue a reminder that causing disruption to the peace of the nation is a violation under the Public Order Act.
Ain’t no mountain high enough
If anyone knows how to properly flex his muscles, it is strongman Wadud bin Haji Abu Bakar.
The bodybuilder bagged one gold and two silver medals at the Multinational Mortal Battle Pro/Am Competition in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
What made it so impressive is the fact that a mere two weeks prior, he took the top spot in the ‘65kg and above’ category and came in second place in the ‘168cm and above’ category of Mr Boulevard Bintulu in Sarawak.
What’s next for our strongman? The Fitness International Federation Worldwide Classic Pro/Am in Singapore in February 2023.
Paramedic student to the rescue
There is no better way to test your knowledge than to apply it in a real-life situation.
Nineteen-year-old Haziq Dasuki training to become a paramedic proved that he was on the right trajectory when he saved a choking baby at a restaurant in Gadong on December 2.
He admitted that he was nervous but knew that “as a paramedic student, I must be confident”.
On the thought of having saved a baby’s life, he was quick to say: “I don’t think I am a hero. A paramedic’s job is to save lives. I am proud of what I did but not overly so.”
The second-year paramedic student also believes that at least one member of each household should have basic life support skills as an emergency situation can occur anytime, anywhere.
He also shared with the Bulletin the reason behind him wanting to become a paramedic.
“Three years ago, I joined a cruise and an incident happened.
“An elderly man was choking and no one could help him.
“I felt helpless, and (there and then), I decided I wanted to become a paramedic to help people in emergency situations.”
Haziq’s story went viral after his college, Politeknik Brunei, posted his heroic act on social media.
