Energy SOS

(Top) Diesel fuel costs less than half the price of a litre of bottled mineral water in Brunei.(Above) Gadong power station is one of the five power stations operating to supply electricity to the nation. On May 24, the nation's electrical usage will be highlighted for the SOS campaign from 9am to 9pm.

SWITCH off unnecessary lights, turn off your water heater when not in use and set your air conditioners to 24C or at least one degree Celsius higher than you would normally do.

These are the three steps the Energy Division at the Prime Minister's Office is promoting under the government's latest campaign to save energy, "Switch Off & Set" or SOS, for the upcoming Energy Day 2010 on Monday.

The Energy Division is calling on individuals and organisations to pledge their participation online at www.esavingday.com, and promise to practise at least one of the three steps, if not all, as part of efforts to foster the habit of energy saving.

"The campaign would also be an exercise to show how much of a difference the people of Brunei can make by taking simple action steps to save energy," the website stated.

"With the development of the energy-saving habit, we hope that the people of Brunei can change their mindset from living an energy wastage lifestyle to an energy-conscious one," it added.

The nation's electrical usage over a 12-hour period on May 24 will be highlighted for the campaign, which runs from 9am to 9pm, said the deputy permanent secretary (Energy) at the Prime Minister's Office during a press conference on Energy Day 2010 yesterday.

Hj Ismail POKPS DP Hj Hashim added that the day's electrical consumption would also be publicly announced every three hours via graphs on the SOS website, "TV ticker" on local television and radio.

"The readings will be benchmarked with the average electricity consumption readings taken on May 10 2010, and May 17, 2010," the website said. However, a rise or decline in electrical usage on the day would also factor in other aspects, as a senior officer from the Energy Division pointed out.

Ahmad Hj Mohamad, head of the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Unit, said that factors such as weather on the day will affect the results.

"For example, if it's a hot day, we might see an increase in electricity consumption as people might be switching on their air-conditioners. So, we have to take into account these things as well," Ahmad said.

The eSaving SOS campaign is the third that the government has introduced since the country celebrated its first energy day in 2007.

During Energy Day 2008, the Sultanate experienced an increase in electrical consumption during a 12-hour period, against the same period on April 19, 2008. The authorities had attributed the rise to "hot weather".

Brunei Hall remembered as the 'birthplace' of leaders

Brunei Hall located at Norfolk Square in London, UK is celebrating its 35th anniversary this Friday. Picture: Courtesy of Brunei Hall.

FORMER residents of Brunei Hall in London are organising a reunion to celebrate the 35-year anniversary of the hostel's establishment this Friday, May 21.

The event, which will be held at the Jerudong Park Country Club, is expected to draw over 100 people, comprising former students from the 1975-78 batch.

"The gathering is an 'excuse to meet' and to reminisce nostalgic moments of the good old days," said Hj Azahari Hj Mohamad Ali, former president of the Brunei Students Union.

The present Brunei Hall, located at 35/43 Norfolk Square, Paddington, is the only place that the students considered as a "home away from home".

That was also when Brunei started to send scholarship students abroad, in particular to the UK, for them to come back and help develop the country.

"It was the late Sultan Omar 'Ali Saifuddien's vision of memandaikan (educating) Bruneians," said Hj Azahari. The former president added, "The ministers are the product of the '70s."

According to him, they considered Brunei Hall a personal gift from His Majesty to the Bruneian students in the UK.

Prior to the new building, the students in London were housed at an 11-bedroom house in Bayswater which was no longer able to accommodate the growing number of students.

"It was getting crowded especially when we had to organise events like Hari Raya celebrations. On a particular day, we paid a visit to Al-marhum Begawan and His Majesty when they were in London. Al-marhum asked us whether we had any problems," Hj Azahari said looking back.

The group then presented their requests on the need for a new hostel; increase in allowances; a Bruneian warden, a welfare officer and a religious teacher.

"He told me to ask the Sultan who gave a positive signal." This was a portrayal of their concerns on the welfare of Bruneian students studying abroad."

The titah was presented to Pehin Jawatan Dalam Seri Maharaja Dato Seri Utama (Dr) Hj Mohd Jamil Al-Sufri Begawan Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Seri Paduka Hj Umar, the national historian who was the Chairman of Scholarship Council back then; Pehin Orang Kaya Laila Wijaya Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Hj Abdul Aziz Begawan Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Seri Paduka Hj Umar who was the State Secretary; and Pengiran Dipa Negara Laila Diraja Pg Hj Abdul Momin, who was the Chief Minister.

"If they didn't begin what they did, we (Bruneians) wouldn't be where we are now. We wouldn't have achieved our independence," Hj Azahari said. He elaborated, "We wanted to be independent but back then we didn't have the (qualified) people to run the country."

"They realised that there were certain positions which had to be filled. They knew what they wanted," he continued.

Education was already identified as the key driving factor.

"Now, Al-marhum, His Majesty and our old visionaries have more or less achieved what they wanted - not all objectives but it's (an ongoing) journey."

With His Majesty's consent, Hj Azahari along with two other people - a welfare officer and a Brunei representative, went scouting for potential buildings to turn into a hostel. Their choices revolved around the need for this new hostel to have a hall so it would be easier to hold gatherings.

They decided on a building called Sheridan Hotel, which at that time was still in operation.

The intention to purchase the building which was at a strategic location, was met with objections but the Brunei representative who was a former British resident in Brunei managed to secure the approval by assuring the Privy Council that it was "not going to be an ordinary hostel".

The assumption was that having a hostel at the location would be disruptive but the Bruneian students proved to be a well-attired, orderly and organised group said Hj Azahari.

"The needs of the students were fulfilled. The Brunei Hall is more than just a place to stay. It's where we trained ourselves to become leaders," said Hj Azahari.

To the first residents of Brunei Hall, the building is the centre where the Bruneian students gathered and strengthened bonds which was very close. "It was like a little Brunei.

Fishing village residents get guidance from MIPR

RESIDENTS of Kg Batu Marang fishing village yesterday received guidance from the Ministry of Industry and Primary Resources (MIPR) and its Fisheries Department on how to ensure that their catch of the day remains top quality when they go to market.

Under a one-day programme on proper fish handling and responsible fishing at the residence of the penghulu of Mukim Mentiri and Kg Batu Marang village chief Pengarah Hj Abd Rahman Hj Naim, the residents witnessed a demonstration by Fisheries personnel on the recommended method of storing fish to keep it fresh and undamaged in the transit to the wet markets.

Minister of Industry and Primary Resources Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Utama Dato Seri Setia Hj Yahya Begawan Mudim Dato Paduka Hj Bakar officiated the demonstration and the programme, and was joined by senior ministry officials and Fisheries Director Hjh Hasnah Ibrahim.

The minister highlighted that the programme was aimed to "increase the quality of the fish caught, by maintaining its freshness throughout the journey to the market and minimising damage to the fish". He said that by doing this, the fish can fetch higher prices, giving greater returns to the fishermen.

"Presently, we are seeing a number of local fisheries products starting to be sold at supermarkets throughout the country. Nonetheless, what we are aiming for is that the local products are of the same quality as that of foreign products, from the aspect of packaging and presentation," Pehin Dato Hj Yahya said.

He felt that there was still room for improvement in the local seafood processing and capture fisheries industries so that production can fulfill the country's demand.

He added that this would decrease the need to import seafood products as a percentage of the country's seafood products are still supplied from overseas.

In helping to increase local supply, the minister proposed that the residents of Kg Batu Marang upgrade their business from operating within their own homes to a more suitable layout that complies with the Fisheries Department's guidelines for seafood processing.

The minister also urged everyone to take care of Brunei's waters, especially shore-side areas where fish spawn grow to ensure the continuity of this resource for future generations.

Pehin Dato Hj Yahya advocated the practice of responsible fishing through selective fishing methods such as using fishing poles and bubu, a traditional wire mesh and wood-framed cage with an opening at one end to catch certain-sized fish while letting smaller fish swim through safel

Poor Malay not due to bilingual education

Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Hj Badaruddin Pengarah Dato Paduka Hj Othman said that the bilingual education system should not be blamed for poor Malay proficiency, but authorities should take proper steps to improve students' Malay language instead.

During the National Storytelling Competition final, he said that the bilingual system, which was introduced in 1985, has produced generations that have succeeded in various fields.

"And now, it is producing generations that will continue to be educated through the bilingual education. From the naked eye, the new generations that are still studying are the English language generation. They are strongly influenced by English and not Malay language."

"Therefore, the concern expressed by relevant authorities on the decline in Malay language usage among students should think of the proper steps to take," he added.

English is the medium of instruction in core subjects, excluding Malay and Islamic Religious Knowledge.

Under the constitution, Malay language is the country's main language, but it also states English language as an official version for matters pertaining to the council or any written law and council regulations which must be printed and written in a version that is equal to the official version in Malay to be accepted as a valid document.

"Nevertheless, this does not reduce the value and importance of Malay language as the official language because it also states in the constitution that if there is a doubt or conflict between both documents, then the document which is printed or written in Malay language should be used," said the deputy minister.

Due to its importance, previous education policies up until the present SPN21 has given priority to Malay language by making it a core subject and requisite to pass major examinations.

Pehin Dato Ustaz Hj Badaruddin said that the poor proficiency level of students in Malay language should be deliberated by "important people in the culture and language sector".

"If there is indeed a decline in the learning of Malay language, especially if it is the students who are our youths who cannot master the Malay language, then it is difficult for us to depend on them to use and become Malay language speakers in the future," he continued.

According to him, the negative effects will be obvious in the language and cultural aspects of Brunei.

The deputy minister further suggested that the national storytelling competition be followed with other competitions that stimulate the use of Malay language "not only among children, but also their parents, individuals, government and non-government bodies".

"The significance of this matter is to further support the aim and spirit of the constitution to uphold the Malay language as the official language, so that the future of Malay Islamic Monarchy Brunei will not be affected if one of its components, Malay, is no longer used in the lives of people and the nation."

Hidayah Tul Fitri Hj Masri from Paduka Seri Begawan Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Primary School in Belait District emerged as the 2010 champion of the storytelling competition.

The first and second runner-up title went to Hafizuddin Danny Sumbahan Iwanan from Pengkalan Batu Primary School and Md Hassanul Hadi Ikram Hj Dayang of Seri Mulia Sarjana Primary School.

Organised by the Language and Literature Bureau, the competition was conducted in Malay at Radio Televisyen Brunei.

His Majesty leaves KL

His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam yesterday left Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, after attending the Sixth World Islamic Economic Forum. Before departure at the Subang Airforce Base, State Mufti Pehin Datu Seri Maharaja Dato Seri Setia Ustaz Hj Abdul Aziz Juned read the 'doa selamat'. Present to bid His Majesty farewell were Malaysian Foreign Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Anifah Hj Aman (R) and High Commissioner of Brunei to Malaysia Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General Dato Paduka Seri Hj Halbi Hj Md Yussof.

La Liga goes to wire as Barca and Real both win

MADRID - The Spanish league title will go down to a thrilling final day of the season with champions Barcelona holding a one-point lead over Real Madrid after a tense 3-2 win at 10-man Sevilla on Saturday. Real defeated 10-man Athletic Bilbao 5-1 at the Santiago Bernabeu although it was not as easy as the scoreline suggested with three goals in four minutes turning the tide. Barcelona have 96 points, a point ahead of Real, and host Valladolid at Camp Nou on the final day of the season while Real travel to Malaga. As well as the point lead Barcelona have the superior head-to-head record after beating Real in both 'El Clasicos' meaning they would win the league if the two sides finished level on points. "This was a big step but we do not think we are champions," said Barca coach Pep Guardiola. "We have it in our hands at Camp Nou next week and that is what we wanted. "However, we are playing against a team (Valladolid) that are fighting for their lives." Lionel Messi scored a fifth minute opener for Barca for his 32nd goal of the season and Bojan Krkic bagged a second on 28 minutes. Pedro Rodriguez added a third in the second half before Frederic Kanoute (68) and Luis Fabiano (71) stunned the visitors, who had an extra man after the dismissal of Abdoulay Konko on 56 minutes, with quick goals and Barca had to hold on. Fortunately for Sevilla they hold on to fourth a point ahead of Real Mallorca who lost 1-0 at Deportivo La Coruna. Real went past 100 goals for the season with a 5-1 rout of Bilbao although they were helped by the dismissal of Fernando Amorebieta after 21 minutes. Cristiano Ronaldo made it five goals in three games with a 22nd minute penalty for his 26th goal of the season only for Francisco Yeste to equalise before half-time. A goal blitz saw Gonzalo Higuain, Sergio Ramos, Karim Benzema and Marcelo score in the final 13 minutes as Real prevented Barcelona from winning the league for one more weekend. "Barcelona can celebrate whatever they like as there is still one game left to go," said Real coach Manuel Pellegrini. "It is difficult but Valladolid are fighting to stay up and anything is possible in football." With five minutes gone Barca got the dream start with Maxwell releasing Messi who was just onside and the Argentine fired in for his 32nd goal of the season. Xavi then slipped a pass to Bojan who shrugged off his marker to fire home. Messi missed a sitter to make it 3-0 before the interval but at half-time Barcelona knew they would be champions with Real locked 1-1 against Bilbao. Andres Palop pulled off a wonder save to deny Messi in the second half and Sevilla then shook the champions with Kanoute and Fabiano scoring inside a matter of minutes. Real knew they couldn't slip up against Bilbao and Guti, 33, started in what could be final appearance at the Bernabeu with reports that he will end his 15-year association with the club and join Galatasaray. All eyes were on Ronaldo after his hat-trick against Mallorca and he headed over a good chance early on. Ronaldo was involved again on 21 minutes as his goalbound shot was handled by Amorebieta and Bilbao were handed a double punishment as Amorebieta was red-carded and Real were awarded a penalty. Ronaldo converted for his 26th league goal and Bilbao were expected to cave in with one man less. However, four minutes before half-time Yeste jinked his way past four stagnant Real defenders before dispatching the ball past Iker Casillas. Brazilian Kaka was introduced after the interval and Real found their shooting boots with Higuain, Ramos and Benzema scoring three times in a matter of minutes to down Bilbao. Incredibly no side has yet to be relegated with Xerez defeating Real Zaragoza 3-2 to survive until the final day of the season. Xerez are only in the division due to their superior head-to-head record with Malaga who are one of four teams - along with Racing Santander, Malaga and Tenerife - on 36 points.

About 1,063 tonnes of rubbish collected in Kg Ayer clean-up

A TOTAL of 1,063 tonnes of waste was collected at Kampong Ayer alone from June to September 2009.

The figure from the first phase of the Brunei River clean-up project, which began in December 2008 and is expected to be completed next year, has further highlighted the need for an integrated waste management system to reduce the amount of waste the nation produces.

Speaking at the public briefing on the progress of the phase one of Brunei River clean-up project, Mohd Noor Hj Mohd Salleh, environment officer at the Department of Environment and Recreational Parks (Jastre) said that implementing the integrated system will require participation of all sections and stakeholders. It will include institutional framework, waste generation, treatment and disposal, collection which focuses on the 3R concept (Reduce, Reuse and Recycle).

"With this system, the amount of waste that goes to the dumping ground (landfill) will be less, Insyallah", he added.

A research study conducted in 2005 projected that in the year 2024, Brunei will have an estimated 526,000 population and will produce 4.5 million tonnes of waste (estimated waste will be managed in 20 years projection).

In the four-month period of the clean-up project, it was noted that paper and plastics formed the top categories of collected waste products, said Hj Mohd Noor. "Plastic is an issue (for us). Burning it (plastic) will emit toxic gases and it is non-degradable. The use of biodegradable plastic or reusable bag will be promoted through projects under Jastre," he said.

He added, "From Jastre's observation, many public areas are polluted with plastics. We received a lot of complaints on this. Such actions threatened the ecology of the place where the plastics are discarded."

He said, "The Brunei River clean-up project have shown good results so far. It looks clean but the public awareness campaign has to continue, so that we can continue to take care of the river".

Science Competition was organised in conjunction with World Earth Day 2010 celebration themed

Saint John's School in Kuala Belait has emerged as the champion in the Science Competition among Government and Non-Government Secondary Schools in the Belait District. The competition aims to enhance students' interest in environmental issues and encourage them to interact as well as instill responsible attitude towards the importance of recycling. Prizes were presented by the Director of Curriculum Development, Awangky Abdullah bin Pengiran Haji Tengah. The second prize winner was the Anthony Abell College, Seria, while the third prize went to Chung Hua Secondary School. Eleven educational institutions in the Belait District took part in the competition.

18 babies get gifts on RTB's 53rd anniversary

EIGHTEEN babies born on the day Radio Brunei celebrated its 53rd anniversary on May 2 this year were presented with gifts at an event held at Giant Hypermart yesterday.

Out of the total, 15 are from Brunei-Muara and one each in Tutong, Belait and Temburong districts. The gifts were in the form of baby clothes and accessories.

Also receiving a gift was Ramlee Hj Omar, who was born in Kg Sumbiling Lama on the same day as the launch of Radio Brunei in 1957.

Ramlee told The Brunei Times that he was a listener of Harmoni FM, one of Radio Brunei networks, because it played classical songs which he said were more his kind of music. He also remarked on the changes Radio Brunei have encountered over the past 53 years such as the introduction of English music and the additional radio channels.

Forty-six people also received prizes for winning a radio contest held on all five Radio Brunei networks. On hand to present the gifts and prizes was the Acting Director of Radio Televisyen Brunei Hj Idris Hj Md Ali.

Radio Brunei first aired in 1957 with the words, "Inilah Radio Brunei" (This is Radio Brunei) and a Hari Raya message from Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddin III.

There was one studio which broadcast for 45 minutes each evening from 8pm to 8.45pm. The range of the single 1.2Kw transmitter was only five miles around the capital what was known then as Brunei Town.

The following year it began to air programmes in three languages, English, Malay and Chinese.

In 1960, it introduced the Bintang Radio (Radio Star) competition and the studio in Kuala Belait was built two years later.

In 1965, Radio brunei could be heard all over the country and even in the Asia Pacific area.

The station started broadcasting from 4.30 in the morning in 1990 and in 1994 it extended its broadcasting hours to 12midnight.

The Pelangi FM, Harmoni FM and the NurIslam Networks were launched in 1995, 1996 and 1997 respectively.

In addition to Nasional FM and Pilihan FM, Radio Brunei now broadcast through five radio channels all over the country.

Man loses his temper at mobile repair shop: staff

A man who was allegedly unhappy with his repaired mobile phone reportedly went berserk and caused damage to the WYWY service centre in Seria, yesterday afternoon. According to the staff at the centre, the customer came into the shop to collect his repaired mobile phone, and found that all the data previously stored in the phone were gone. "We explained to the customer that due to the water damage, all the data on his phone had been lost," said one staff member. "However he (refused to) accept the explanation." Apparently unhappy with the explanation, the man then allegedly went berserk and pushed a computer off the counter, causing it to crash onto the floor. "He then put his phone down on the counter desk and demanded that we recover the phone (data), or else we would be in big trouble," the staff member said. "It is not the first time such incident has happened. Staff in other branches have also come across temperamental customers." The case has been forwarded to the Royal Brunei Police Force, and they are currently investigating the case.

Cleaning campaign at Tungku Beach

A beach cleaning campaign at Tungku Beach was organised as part of the Ministry of Development's "Hari Mesra Pelanggan" programme. It was also held to mark Earth Day and World Water Day. Among those who took part in the campaign were Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Development Dato Paduka Dr Awg Hj Mat Suny bin Hj Mohd Hussein, Permanent Secretary (Admin and Finance) Awg Hj Mohd Rozan bin Dato Paduka Hj Mohd Yunos, Acting Permanent Secretary (Technical and Professional) Hj Mohd Zin Hj Awg Salleh, heads of departments, heads of units, officers and staff at the ministry, village heads, penghulus, village residents as well as the 'Beach Bunch' volunteers.

Body found on Jerudong beach

Body of a man, believed to be wearing a diving suit was found floating near a beach in Jerudong. Police confirmed the victim was a white male. According to an informed source, it was a contract worker relaxing near the beach during his break time that had alerted him after noticing the body floating just near the shore. Rushing to the scene, the witness had helped get the body ashore before alerting the Jerudong police. The police are investigating.