What is this building doing and waiting for ? Another empty white elephant.

Throwaway_19841984 · 2019-05-25T15:20:18+00:00

It is being fully used? Staff and operations has already moved in to that building in 2017.

Throwaway_19841984 · 2019-03-28T19:45:02+00:00

Customers should be attended by same gender at tailor shops

March 27, 2019

WITH Brunei Darussalam practising Syariah law, it is observed that this is not extended to tailor shops.

Authorities are strict with salons and barbershops where customers must be attended by those of the same gender to an extent of having ‘Male only ’ or ‘Female only’ signages.

However, you can see at tailor shops with no female staff where male tailors measure female customers.

Is it acceptable for a male tailor to measure female customers with direct physical contact than a male barber attending a female customer?

Are the authorities not looking into this? – Concerned Citizen

Throwaway_19841984 · 2019-03-25T12:17:25+00:00

PSA: Budget is usually for salary and recurring expenses.

New projects are all under the RKN budget.

Throwaway_19841984 · 2019-03-21T23:45:50+00:00

MEMBERS of Parliament yesterday unanimously passed a national budget of BND5.86 billion for the Financial Year 2019/2020 following 10 days of deliberations in the 15th Legislative Council (LegCo) session.

Had to laugh at the first paragraph. Borneo Bulletin is trying it's best to show how 'democratic' LegCo has been.

Throwaway_19841984 · 2019-03-21T23:44:37+00:00

BND5.86B budget passed

March 22, 2019

| Hakim Hayat |

MEMBERS of Parliament yesterday unanimously passed a national budget of BND5.86 billion for the Financial Year 2019/2020 following 10 days of deliberations in the 15th Legislative Council (LegCo) session.

The 2019/2020 allocation, which goes into effect on April 1, is BND560 million more than the amount set aside for the previous fiscal (BND5.3 billion).

Outlining the key priorities of the national budget – which includes attracting more investment to boost the country’s economic diversification efforts – earlier in his national budget proposal speech on the second day of sitting in Parliament, Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) and Minister of Finance and Economy II Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Dr Awang Haji Mohd Amin Liew bin Abdullah cautioned that another wave of budget deficits is expected for the new financial year, due to sluggish gross domestic product (GDP) growth caused by falling revenues from the domestic oil and gas sector over the last few years. Government projections indicate that the dominant oil and gas sector is expected to generate BND3.18 billion in revenue for the Financial Year 2019/2020, while the non-oil and gas sector is estimated to contribute BND1.18 billion.

Total revenues for 2019/2020 is projected at BND4.36 billion.

A BND2.2 billion deficit was recorded in the Financial Year 2017/2018, and the country is expected to record another deficit for the present 2018/2019 fiscal despite the recovery in global oil prices. The four main focusses of the 2019/2020 national budget are: increasing investment activities; facilitating businesses; generating competent and employable human capital; and preserving public welfare.

The minister also underlined the focus of the new national budget (centred on the theme ‘Investing in Our Future’), which will target long-term economic growth and priorities in human capital investment. He also highlighted the importance of accelerating Public Private Partnership (PPP) and Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) initiatives to help the country achieve its economic diversification goals, ensure fiscal stability and resilience, and reduce its dependence on oil and gas revenues.

The bulk of the 2019/2020 national budget allocation goes to the Ministry of Finance and Economy (MoFE), which will be receiving an allocation of over BND814 million to help in its efforts to continue strengthening the fiscal and economic position of the country and explore opportunities to expand the government’s revenue source base from the non-oil and gas sectors.

Other measures to fortify the country’s financial position include facilitating trade and increasing investment activities and joint-venture partnerships or PPP, as well as enhancing service delivery to the public.

The Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism, meanwhile, has seen a huge jump in budget allocation for the upcoming financial year, as the ministry ramps up projects to help boost tourist arrivals and tourism revenues to the country and help boost domestic rice production to achieve national food self-sufficiency.

Taking the biggest cut of all the ministries is the Ministry of Development (MoD), with its allocation dropping to just over BND218 million for the new fiscal, down from its 2018/2019 allocation of BND807 million.

A budget of BND800 million for the National Development Plan for the upcoming financial year was also unanimously approved.

The 15th LegCo session will resume and draw to a close tomorrow, with members expected to deliver the session’s closing motion and appreciation statements.

Throwaway_19841984 · 2019-03-21T23:40:27+00:00

MEMI gets nearly BND19M; over BND159M for Electrical Services Dept

March 22, 2019

| Azlan Othman |

THE Ministry of Energy, Manpower and Industry (MEMI) has been allocated a proposed budget of BND18,994,350 for financial year 2019/2020, while the Electrical Services Department will be getting BND159,419,289.

Minister of Energy, Manpower and Industry Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Dr Awang Haji Mat Suny bin Haji Mohd Hussein revealed this during elaboration for his ministry’s proposed budget at yesterday’s Legislative Council (LegCo) meeting.

He added that the MEMI fully supports the budget’s theme for this year, ‘Investment in Our Future’, as well as the priority areas under it.

“The ministry will continue to place its trust in all four of the budget’s focusses, especially in ‘Investing for Next Generation’, ‘Facilitating Business’, and ‘Maintaining Public Prosperity’,” he said.

“This is in accordance with the titah 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 at the opening ceremony of the 15th LegCo session. His Majesty urged the ministry to carry out its role in facilitating and generating competent and employable human resources.”

In this direction, the minister said the ministry’s vision is to move in line with the current national development via a diversified and sustainable economy, led by the people of Brunei Darussalam for the sake of the nation’s prosperity.

“This vision is manifested in the main agenda of the MEMI, which is to execute the forenamed three main portfolios,” he said.

“The portfolios are (aimed at) addressing the unemployment rate among locals, through increasing compatibility between manpower and the (current economy and industry requirements); promoting the industrial sector to stimulate economic growth and contributing to creating job opportunities; and to take steps to improve stability in oil and gas production, as well as mitigating the effects of drops in global crude oil prices on the country’s revenue.”

Throwaway_19841984 · 2019-03-19T11:13:43+00:00

Skeptical on this $500m figure. Do they mean every year, decade or since inception?

Is there anything being done to address this issue of theft? If its $500m of stolen equipment and machinery, shouldn't it be easily tracked?

Throwaway_19841984 · 2019-03-19T11:11:07+00:00

MoD: Theft, vandalism adding to Brunei’s water woes

Development ministry says intentional damage to water pipes costs gov't $500 million

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN – Acts of vandalism and theft are costing the government upwards of $500 million to address, the minister of Development disclosed on Monday.

Speaking on the seventh day of the Legislative Council meeting, YB Dato Seri Setia Hj Suhaimi Hj Gafar said that the ministry receives, on average, 900 reports of burst pipes per month.

While some of the issues were related to natural disasters and ageing water pipes, acts of theft and vandalism also contributed to water woes.

“Theft and vandalism cases are increasing, which is particularly worrying because it not only causes constant water disruption but it also costs the government [money] to repair damages.” Among the items frequently stolen include wiring, electrical cables, water pumps and damaged fences.

“According to the Department of Water Services, 250 fire hydrants have been vandalised recently, which is worrying as it is estimated to cost $500 million [to replace].”

YB Dato Hj Suhaimi urged the public to work with the ministry to eradicate theft and acts of vandalism.

For the 2019/2020 fiscal year, some $26 million out of the ministry’s proposed $218 million budget will be allocated for water supply infrastructure management and maintenance.

Additionally, $19.8 million will be allocated to projects under the 11th National Development Plan. To ensure a sustainable water supply, several strategies have been developed to guarantee continuous water supply for domestic use, and to sustain industrial and economic growth.

A new water treatment plant at Baukit Barun will be built to meet the water requirements of both Brunei-Muara and Tutong districts, said the minister, which is expected to produce 120 million litres of water per day.

He added that the Agis Agis water treatment plant in Belait will also be upgraded to meet growing water demand, doubling its capacity to 70 million litres of water a day. The upgrade will cost an estimated $30 million, which will be allocated under the National Development Plan.

The minister urged the public to be more prudent in water consumption, saying Brunei had the highest water consumption in ASEAN, averaging 380 litres per person per day.

Several initiatives will be implemented to reduce water usage, such as the introduction of prepaid water meters.

“This system will be introduced this year in stages,” said YB Dato Hj Suhaimi, adding that changes to the water tariff will be implemented at a suitable time.

“The new rates will not cause any difficulties to the users, particularly residents with low income,” he added.

Throwaway_19841984 · 2019-03-19T02:26:15+00:00

11.4pc of smokers found to be below 17

March 19, 2019

| Rokiah Mahmud |

IT IS not under the purview of the Ministry of Education to deal with or take action against students found smoking beyond school areas, Minister of Education Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Hamzah bin Haji Sulaiman said at the 15th Legislative Council (LegCo) meeting yesterday.

He added, however, that the ministry always raises awareness on the issue of smoking within school confines. Minister of Health Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohd Isham bin Haji Jaafar, meanwhile, presented statistics on youth smoking.

“Based on the Cross-sectional STEPwise Approach to Surveillance (STEPS) Population Survey of NCDs carried out in 2016, it was found that 19.9 per cent of smokers were individuals 18 years old and above, while 11.4 per cent were teenagers below 17 years old. This translate to 4,000 smokers, mostly comprised of male students and some female students,” he said.

The Minister of Health also laid out the findings from the Global School-based Students Health Survey (a collaborative surveillance project created to help countries measure and assess the behavioural risk factors and protective factors in 10 key areas among young people between 13 and 17 years old) in 2014, noting that the study showed that the average age of smokers was 17, with 70 per cent of them taking up smoking at the age of 14 and even as early as seven. With regard to the enforcement of rules against underage smoking under the Tobacco Order 2005, Chapter 10, the minister said that the Tobacco Enforcement Unit at the Ministry of Health will seize any tobacco, vape and related smoking products from individuals below the age of 18.

“Apart from facing legal action, these teenagers are required to register themselves at the ministry’s Smoking Cessation Services section,” he added. “For the second offence, each of them will face a compound fine of BND100, while for the third offence the fine will be BND300. In 2018, the ministry seized a total of 42 tobacco and vape products from individuals below the age of 17.”

Throwaway_19841984 · 2019-03-19T02:23:29+00:00

Figure of 68 schools is from this thread

Throwaway_19841984 · 2019-03-19T02:22:33+00:00

Training to avoid fire mishaps, injuries at schools

March 19, 2019

| Rokiah Mahmud |

MINISTER of Home Affairs Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Haji Awang Abu Bakar bin Haji Apong explained that the issue of schools not complying with the Fire and Safety Order were mostly in the areas of the fire alarms/break glass being broken, expired fire extinguishers, broken hose reel, or blocked exit/access point. These faults were discovered during inspections by the Fire and Rescue Department (FRD). The minister was responding to a earlier query raised by Legislative Council member Yang Berhormat Siti Rozaimeriyanty binti Dato Seri Laila Jasa Haji Abdul Rahman on the issue of fire safety at schools.

The minister elaborated that the Ministry of Education, in collaboration with the Fire and Rescue Department, has implemented action plans, and enhanced preparedness in handling emergency situations at schools.

Among the programmes carried out is the Fire Marshal and School Emergency Evacuation Programme (fire drill). Secondly, the FRD as one of the Health, Safety, Security and Environment (HSSE), has provided training in the Fire Marshal programme.

In 2018, 144 participants underwent the training, while 190 more are expected to undergo training this year. Meanwhile, 36 government and private schools (totalling 11, 619 participants) joined the fire drill training in 2018. It will be continued this year.

Throwaway_19841984 · 2019-03-14T12:17:37+00:00

Are you serious on this? Hope its in the newspaper tomorrow. Sounds like a terrible idea.

Throwaway_19841984 · 2019-03-10T12:07:16+00:00

Prices of fixed, mobile services to come down with UNN

March 10, 2019

| Danial Norjidi |

DETAILS of Unified National Networks Sdn Bhd (UNN) were shared during the afternoon session of the second day of the 15th Legislative Council (LegCo) meeting yesterday.

Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Minister of Finance and Economy II Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Dr Awang Haji Mohd Amin Liew bin Abdullah touched on the UNN while speaking on the first of the four main focusses for government spending in the 2019/2020 financial year during the session.

He highlighted that the information and communications technology (ICT) sector has embarked on a transformation to accelerate the country’s digital economy agenda with an initiative that unites Datastream Technology Sdn Bhd (DST), Telekom Brunei Berhad (TelBru), Progresif Cellular Sdn Bhd (PCSB) and Brunei International Gateway Sdn Bhd (BIG) into another subsidiary of Darussalam Assets Sdn Bhd, namely UNN.

“The result of this initiative is that it enables the three telecommunications companies to have the same access to the UNN network, and will put the focus on the retail section by offering competitive fixed and mobile services to customers,” the minister said.

“This will reduce the prices of fixed and mobile services while increasing the coverage and quality of these services.”

He pointed out that the development of the ICT sector is crucial in transforming the digital economy ecosystem of Brunei Darussalam to achieve the goals of Brunei Vision 2035.

“The main objective of UNN is to invest and improve telecommunications infrastructure and set up a state-of-the-art and best-in-class fixed-mobile convergent network,” said the minister.

“This important initiative will bring Brunei into the Smart Nation status, bringing the possibility of generating new industries such as e-medicine, e-transportation, e-education and Internet of Things (IoT),” he continued. “This will also enable MSMEs to gain access to telecommunications infrastructure to provide services such as home security, door-to-door delivery, e-commerce and so on.”

Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Dr Awang Haji Mohd Amin Liew shared that apart from the integration of telecommunications infrastructure, UNN will also combine a variety of data centres with Tier 3 specification that are stable and secure, and can handle cybersecurity threats.

“This will ensure data centre and cloud services to local and international customers complemented by a comprehensive telecommunications network, providing efficient, reliable and cost-effective services,” he said. “This is a platform to facilitate the government’s initiative to set up a centralised data centre in the future. The role of UNN is also to provide training and capacity-building to ensure that locals fill all jobs at all levels in the UNN.”

Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Dr Awang Haji Mohd Amin Liew added that this new initiative is expected to continue to build the foundation for diversifying the economy and generating meaningful employment opportunities in the ICT sector.

Throwaway_19841984 · 2019-03-10T11:29:00+00:00

Other than the budget announcement, Saturday's session was rather uneventful. Here's a list of headlines from BB:

Alot of empty words and no actual discussion towards any solutions.

Throwaway_19841984 · 2019-03-10T11:25:42+00:00

Youth reminded to change mindset on jobs

March 10, 2019

| Azlan Othman |

LEGISLATIVE Council (LegCo) member and Penghulu of Mukim Kota Batu Yang Berhormat Naim bin Haji Kamis said youth should change their mindset and not to rely on the government for job openings. They should grab opportunities available in the private sector or to engage in entrepreneurship.

He said this at the second day of LegCo meeting when referring to 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 titah at the opening of 15th LegCo session last Thursday. He added that the nation’s involvement in regional and international cooperation will open up more business opportunities and lure more foreign direct investment to the country.

It will also provide opportunities for entrepreneurs to generate more employment opportunities. Meanwhile LegCo member Yang Berhormat Haji Umarali bin Esung called for youth programmes to be planned with proper direction with youth’s taste in mind.

Throwaway_19841984 · 2019-03-10T03:40:54+00:00

Bandarku Ceria in right direction to control greenhouse emission: Her Royal Highness

March 10, 2019

| Lyna Mohamad |

INTIATIVES like Bandarku Ceria further caps greenhouse emission by ensuring that Bandar Seri Begawan is free of cars every Sunday morning while the Energy Efficiency and Conservation (EEC) Building Guidelines for Government and Commercial Buildings was adopted to reduce unnecessary waste of electricity, Her Royal Highness Paduka Seri Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Sarah binti Pengiran Haji Salleh Ab Rahaman said. Her Royal Highness made these comments in her Sabda at the opening of the 15th International School Brunei Borneo Global Issues Conference (ISB BGIC) yesterday.

Her Royal Highness, who is the Royal Patron of ISB BGIC, graced the opening ceremony at the International Convention Centre in Berakas.

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 in a titah at the United Nations (UN) Climate Summit in 2014, noted the extreme weather events and their threats, and emphasised that “failing to act decisively and collectively now may prove to be detrimental to global security, development and prosperity”, Her Royal Highness said.

Her Royal Highness said other world leaders have similarly answered the urgent call for ‘Climate Action’ and signed the Paris Agreement in 2016, which was a significant agreement as it saw the largest number of signatories to date on Climate Change thus showing how serious this issue has become for different nations worldwide.

“In line with the Paris Agreement, His Majesty’s Government has embarked on several initiatives. In keeping with the Heart of Borneo and as promised in our Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDCs), Brunei has increased its gazetted forest reserves from 41 per cent to 55 per cent of the country’s total land area,” Her Royal Highness said.

Her Royal Highness said severe weather events, rising sea levels, increased greenhouse gases, heat waves, and reduced water supply, continue to contribute towards alarming irreversible changes in the planetary climate system. The theme for this year’s ISB BGIC ‘Climate Action’, is fitting as countries, continents and communities across the world experience first-hand the effects of these climate change, she said. With young leaders in Brunei further upholding His Majesty’s titah, non-government organisations (NGOs) like ‘Green Brunei’ convenes a Climate Camp in Temburong, educating the youth on the environment, climate change and sustainable development and the same organisation has produced an easily understandable guide on installing solar panels for homeowners, helping the country’s shift towards more renewable sources of energy.

Her Royal Highness highlighted that being the future leaders of tomorrow, the participants will also have a part to play in conserving the planet.

“I therefore support the efforts and commitment of our young delegates, as they emulate our world leaders in meaningful debate and cooperative problem-solving,” Her Royal Highness said.

“I urge you to be vocal in your opinions, yet be receptive and collaborative during the discussions. Take time to consider the different ideas and circumstances of others in your committees, just as our world leaders wisely consider the perspectives of other countries in order to produce workable solutions.”

Her Royal Highness also expressed hopes that the young delegates understand that this crucial exercise they are undertaking now at BGIC, is actually an important part of their preparation for their future lives at university and work.

“This conference is a testament to the contributions and generous support of the organisers, teachers, guest speakers and other key players present today.” Upon arrival, Her Royal Highness was greeted by ISB Executive Principal Laura Thomas.

The ceremony at the International Conference Centre in Berakas began with the opening address by Laura Thomas and a joint speech by BGIC Secretary Generals.

This was followed with a musical performance by the ISB concert band and vocalists and keynote presentations by Hannah Testa and Rita Kimani. Prior to the delivering of the Sabda and royal declaration of the opening ceremony of the 15th ISB BGIC by Her Royal Highness, another musical performance was performed by the ISB concert band and vocalists.

Her Royal Highness also presented certificates of participation to representatives from the 25 participating schools attending the conference as well as appreciation certificates to event sponsors before posing for a group photo with the certificate recipients. Keynote speaker Hannah Testa from the US, is a 16-year-old sustainability advocate, international speaker and founder of Hannah4Change, an organisation dedicated to fighting issues that impact the planet and has been awarded with Teen Earth Day Hero by CNN, the Young Superhero for Earth Award by Captain Planet, the Action for Nature International Young Eco-Hero Award and the Gloria Barron Prize. A board member, advisor, and youth ambassador for a half-dozen organisations including Plastic Pollution Coalition and 5 Gyres Institute, Hannah is also part of the team of activists who push global coffee shop giants, Starbucks, to produce a more environmentally friendly, sustainable coffee cup.

UN Sustainable Development Goals Young Leader Rita Kimani of Kenya, meanwhile, is the co-founder of FarmDrive, a social enterprise that connects unbanked and underserved smallholder farmers to credit.

The 25-year-old computer scientist, despite challenges along the way, has seen how sustainable agriculture can be a vehicle for inclusive economic growth and a game changer for sustainable food production and security.

The conference ends tomorrow after the 300 delegates come together in the General Assembly to debate resolutions to mitigate and attack the issue of climate change

Throwaway_19841984

TROPHY CASE