KiMiGaYo A.K.A Lumut Crew

Australian teenager safe after bomb scare

2011-08-04T08:01:00.000-07:00

Police patrolling the streets as bomb squad officers work to defuse a suspicious device in the home of an 18-year-old woman in Burrawong Avenue at Mosman, Sydney, yesterday.

AUSTRALIAN bomb squad officers yesterday safely removed a teenager from a "suspicious device" media reports said had been strapped around her neck, ending a 10-hour drama.

Police were alerted by the 18-year-old schoolgirl, said to be a member of one of Sydney's wealthiest families, in the exclusive suburb of Mosman in the early afternoon and fire crews and paramedics were placed on standby.

The Sydney Morning Herald said a balaclava-clad man had earlier entered the house and placed the device on the girl, although police would not confirm the suggestion that it was strapped to her or if it was indeed a bomb.

Other reports said a ransom note was attached to her neck and it was a case of extortion, with the Sydney Daily Telegraph citing a senior police officer referring to the device as a "collar bomb ".

Assistant Commissioner Mark Murdoch later told the Australian Associated Press (AAP) that the girl had been freed from the device, which was intact, and reunited with her parents. "We still don't know if it was explosive," he said, declining to say if the incident had been an extortion attempt.

UN, Asean targets of cyber spying

2011-08-04T08:00:00.000-07:00

File photo shows US Department of Homeland Security analysts work at the National Cybersecurity & Communications Integration Center (NCCIC) located just outside Washington in Arlington, Virginia. Security experts have discovered the biggest series of cyber attacks to date, involving the infiltration of the networks of 72 organisations.

THE governments of the United States and several other countries, US defense contractors, the United Nations, Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) and the International Olympic Committee have been targets of a massive global cyber spying campaign, US computer security firm McAfee said yesterday.

California-based McAfee did not identify the "state-actor" believed to be behind the sophisticated hacking effort dubbed "Operation Shady RAT," which it traced back to at least 2006, but analysts pointed the finger at China.

The report identified 72 "compromised" parties including the governments of Canada, India, South Korea, Taiwan, the United States and Vietnam.

Others included computer networks of the United Nations, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean), the International Olympic Committee, Asian and Western national Olympic committees, the World Anti-Doping Agency, a Department of Energy Department lab, and around a dozen US defense firms, McAfee said.

McAfee vice president for threat research Dmitri Alperovitch, the lead author of the report, said "Operation Shady RAT" was a "five-year targeted operation by one specific actor."

"What we have witnessed over the past five to six years has been nothing short of a historically unprecedented transfer of wealth," Alperovitch said.

"What is happening to all this data - by now reaching petabytes as a whole - is still largely an open question," he said.

"However, if even a fraction of it is used to build better competing products or beat a competitor at a key negotiation (due to having stolen the other team's playbook), the loss represents a massive economic threat," he said, "not to mention the national security impact of the loss of sensitive intelligence or defense information."

James Lewis, a cybersecurity expert at the Washington-based Center for Strategic and International Studies, said the evidence may not be "conclusive in a legal sense," but suspicion points towards China.

"You can think of at least three other large programmes attributed to China that look very similar," Lewis told AFP. "It's a pattern of activity that we've seen before. It's in line with other activities."

In June, Google said that a cyber spying campaign originating in China had targeted Gmail accounts of senior US officials, military personnel, journalists and Chinese political activists.

In January of last year, Google announced it was halting censorship of its Internet search engine in China after coming under attack along with 20 other companies from hackers based in China.

In February, McAfee said in another report that hackers in China have penetrated computer networks of global oil companies, stealing financial documents on bidding plans and other confidential information.

McAfee said it had discovered the "Shady RAT" series of cyber attacks by gaining access to a command and control server used by the intruders and examining their logs. "After painstaking analysis of the logs, even we were surprised by the enormous diversity of the victim organizations and were taken aback by the audacity of the perpetrators," McAfee said.

"In all, we identified 72 compromised parties," McAfee said, although "many more were present in the logs but without sufficient information to accurately identify them."

McAfee said attacks on Asian and Western national Olympic committees, the International Olympic Committee and the World Anti-Doping Agency occurred in the lead-up and immediate follow-up to the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

It described this as "particularly intriguing and potentially pointed a finger at a state actor behind the intrusions, because there is likely no commercial benefit to be earned from such hacks."

Other targets included a private Western organization focused on promoting democracy, two US national security think tanks, South Korean steel and construction firms, a Danish satellite communications company, a Singapore electronics company, a Taiwanese electronics firm, Vietnam's government-owned technology company and US state and county governments, McAfee said. It said a major US news organisation - identified as the Associated Press by The Washington Post - was "compromised at its New York headquarters and Hong Kong bureau for more than 21 months."

"The longest compromise was recorded at an Olympic Committee of a nation in Asia; it lasted on and off for 28 months, finally terminating in January 2010," McAfee said.

McAfee said the attacks involved sending infected emails to employees of the targeted companies. When opened, the emails implanted malware and established a backdoor communication channel to the command and control server.

Tailors rush to finish Raya orders

2011-08-04T07:57:00.002-07:00

MANY tailors and dressmakers have already stopped taking orders for baju kurong and baju cara Melayu (Malay traditional attire), with less than a month away from Hari Raya Aidil Fitri.

Orders for dresses and baju melayu for Hari Raya had been coming in as early as three months ago, said Tika, an Indonesian seamstress at a small tailor shop in Kg Madang.

She said they have been working on customers' orders specifically for Hari Raya over the past three months with each order bringing in at least three to four dresses.

The Hari Raya rush is an annual experience for local tailors and dressmakers and is considered the most lucrative time of the year.

Another Indonesian seamstress working at the same tailor shop in Madang said that since they started working on the Hari Raya orders three months ago, they have accepted about 400 orders.

Even with five other seamstresses working on the orders with her, the shops still operate around the clock to make sure that they complete their customers' orders within the deadline, and preferably provide ample time for customers to test the finished item and make any necessary adjustments.

The owner of a tailoring and dressmaker shop in Lambak who only wanted to be known as Raymond, said women usually tend to go all out to make their Hari Raya clothes as cost was not a problem.

He said the women who come in to order dresses will usually run up a hefty bill as each dress with its own specific style and design can cost several hundreds of dollars.

Most tailor shops during this time of the year will be operating around the clock as they need to finish as soon as possible just to satisfy their customers, said Raymond.

He added that the long hours and sleepless nights spent working on the dresses is worth it as even the employees do not complain since they too receive an added bonus for their extra time working during the Hari Raya rush.

GREEN TURTLE GETS TLC

2011-08-04T07:57:00.001-07:00

An endangered sea turtle, known locally as Penyu Kangkam/Penyu Hijau or Green Turtle (scientific name Cheloniamydas), rescued by fishermen in the Pelompong waters. The turtle is being treated and quarantined at the Fisheries Department before it is released back to sea.

Brunei globetrotter plans to set up driving school

2011-08-04T07:56:00.000-07:00

Global trekker Norhayati Abu Bakar sharing her experiences about her previous expedition to WBC-BD members during the NGO's 10th anniversary recently held at the Hadfa Recreational Garden.

GLOBETROTTER Norhayati Abu Bakar is planning to set up a driving school in the country which will not only teach Brunei residents technical and practical aspects of driving, but also "aquaplaning" which she says has led to numerous road accidents.

According to a website,"hydroplaning or aquaplaning" by tires of a vehicle occurs when a layer of water builds between the rubber tires and the road surface, leading to the loss of traction and thus preventing the vehicle from responding to control inputs such as steering, braking or accelerating.

It added if aquaplaning occurs along all four wheels, the vehicle becomes, in effect, an uncontrolled sled.

Norhayati told The Brunei Times that if she was given the green light to set up the driving school, they will be teaching skidding practices, where water will be placed in an area to teach new-learners in tackling aquaplaning.

"The driving school will also include basic knowledge of the car's engine, car repairs and how to change tyres," she said, adding lessons will be charged at a reasonable price.

She said that driving lessons did not merely mean the school will only cater to new road-users, but for those who already have driving licenses.

"These lessons can be for those who already have a license and want to know more about the car. We will teach them all they need to know about driving, which is common in Europe," she said.

Norhayati said the purpose of setting up the school was for road-users to know to react to aquaplaning, so "horrible accidents" caused by it could hopefully be avoided.

She added the driving school will also generate employment to some Bruneians, as driving instructors.

Asked how she came up with the idea of setting up a driving school,she said it was something she thought would help Bruneians, when she went to the Land Transport Department in March to sit for her international driving license test.

"So I applied to open the driving school in March, and in July I received a reply saying that my application would still be open, but according to the Land Transport Department, the demand for driving schools are sufficient at the moment, " she explained.

Nevertheless, Norhayati said if setting up the driving school is approved, she would attend all courses necessary to qualify as an instructor.

She related that after travelling on her four-wheel drive Toyota Land Cruiser, "Jambo", across over 60 countries during her expeditions over the last few years, both Norhayati and her husband have gained experience with aquaplaning and that they had not involved in accident during their travels.

'Bukit Teraja can start promoting ecotourism in two years

2011-08-04T07:52:00.000-07:00

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One of the 39 mapped waterfalls that can be found at the proposed Teraja Conservation Forest. Picture: Courtesy of Panaga Natural History Society

ECOTOURISM in the yet-to-be-gazetted Teraja Conservation Forest is planned to kick off in two years, provided that a dedicated and full-time project manager is appointed to oversee its progress and can facilitate dialogue between the government and the indigenous longhouse community.

"We think that is realistic, if the project manager is there to really steer and drive it," said Peter Engbers of the Panaga Natural History Society (PNHS).

The environmental non-government group proposed for the 27.11 square kilometre area in Belait district to be protected and allow scientific, educational and ecotourism activities to be carried out there. The government has recently approved the proposal.

Now the area is being gazetted, Engbers said, adding that this "might take a few years", involving several government agencies discussing issues such as land ownership rights in the area.

An action plan, the outcome of an "opportunity framing" workshop participated by stakeholders from the government and the private sector, anticipated that the gazette will be issued in August 2013, the same time which "Teraja ecotourism" was expected to be launched.

They expected to draft a business plan, which was required to secure initial funding for the project manager post, in November this year.

Engbers was speaking at a Heart of Borneo talk on the Teraja conservation initiative yesterday at the Ministry of Industry and Primary Resources, which the Minister, Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Utama Dato Seri Setia Hj Yahya Begawan Mudim Dato Paduka Hj Bakar attended.

The workshop participants were looking at "external sponsors" to fund the position, with an MoU planned to be drafted in March 2012. The appointment of the project manager is planned for July that year.

When asked whether the project manager had to be a government official, Engbers said, "not necessarily but can (be)".

"I think it should be a Bruneian who has good connections to the government and to the longhouse, and the local community. (Someone) who can be a bridge between the two," he said.

"He has to be dedicated, full-time, somebody who can manage it properly, steer it and build the bridge, and both (the) longhouse and government has confidence in trusting him."

In the meantime, other agencies such as the tourism authority will be training the local community in "green guiding" and homestay programmes, while also working with the natives in developing ecotourism products for the future Teraja Conservation Forest.

The area boast some 39 waterfalls, and is home to a host of plants and animals, some of which were unrecorded and unique to Brunei or the island.

Once appointed, the project manager will be responsible for leading the establishment of a masterplan for the area and the initial small-scale work such as setting up signages as well as establishing an operational organisation for guides, forest rangers and administration.

It was my time to work hard: Kawashima

2011-01-26T03:23:00.000-08:00

Doha: Japan goalkeeper Eiji Kawashima said he knew it was his time to shine as he saved two penalties in a shootout against Korea Republic on Tuesday to send his side through to the AFC Asian Cup final.

Hwang Jae-won had sent the game at the Al Gharafa Stadium to penalties when he levelled the score for the Koreans at 2-2 with just seconds left in extra-time.

But Kawashima emerged as Japan’s hero, stopping spot kicks by Koo Jae-cheol and Lee Yong-rae while Hong Jeong-ho shot wide as the Blue Samurai won the shootout 3-0 to advance to meet Australia in Saturday’s final at the Khalifa Stadium.

The Lierse goalkeeper was feted by his teammates for his heroics in the shootout but he felt that he was simply doing his job on the pitch.

“Over 120 minutes, every player worked really hard so I was thinking that when it came to penalties, it was going to be my time to work,” the 27-year-old said.

With his team having allowed the Koreans to get back on level terms so late on, Kawashima was determined to lift his side in the shootout.

“I saw that everybody’s head was down and the atmosphere was a bit strange because we had conceded the goal so close to the end of the game. But I knew it was not finished so I just focussed on the penalties.

“Everybody on my team was coming and saying things but I just kept my mind on what I had to do. We are a team and we all work for each other and it was my time to work.”

Forward Kesiuke Honda had failed to dispatch a penalty in extra-time although he was bailed out by teammate Hajime Hosogai, who followed up to put the Japanese 2-1 up. But Honda kept his nerve in the shootout and put his side ahead with an unstoppable effort into the top right corner before Shinji Okazaki and Yasuyuki Konno also converted to send
Japan through.

“I feel good and I’m very happy,” said the CSKA Moscow player, who was named the Man of the Match.

“I don’t think we could have given any more than we gave today. It was a very difficult game so we can take great satisfaction with this victory.”

Japan 2-2 Korea Republic AET - Pen 3-0

2011-01-26T03:22:00.000-08:00

Japan players celebrate scoring a goal against Korea Republic.

Doha: Japan sealed their place in the final of the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2011 with a dramatic penalty shoot-out win over Korea Republic following a 2-2 draw after extra time at Al Gharafa Stadium on Tuesday.

A Ki Sung-yong penalty had put the Koreans ahead in the 23rd minute but Ryoichi Maeda equalised nine minutes before the break.

Neither side could add a second in the second half meaning extra time was needed where Japan took the lead for the first time in the 97th minute through Hajime Hosogai.

Hwang Jae-won scored a dramatic leveller seconds before the whistle to force penalties but Korea Republic failed to convert any of theirs while only Yuto Nagatomo missed for Japan to keep Alberto Zaccheroni’s side on course for a fourth Asian title.

Shinji Okazaki was looking lively for Japan from the outset and he was the first to threaten after nine minutes when he headed just wide, and the Shimizu S-Pulse striker went even closer in the 18th minute as his powerful downward header was pushed onto the post by Korea Republic keeper Jung Sung-ryong.

It proved a crucial save as the Koreans took the lead five minutes later when Yasuyuki Konno pushed Park Ji-sung in the area and the referee immediately pointed to the spot. Ki stepped up to confidently convert the penalty beyond the reach of the diving Eiji Kawashima.

That goal opened the game up considerably and Keisuke Honda directed a powerful header from Atsuto Uchida’s cross straight into the hands of Jun while Koo Ja-cheol headed over from a Korea Republic free-kick soon after.

But Japan were back on level terms nine minutes before the break when Honda’s smart ball sent Yuto Nagamoto through on the left of the area before the defender cut a pass back to Maeda, who fired home from the middle of the box for his third of the tournament.

Koo had Korea Republic’s first chance of the second half when he was picked out by Ji Dong-won inside the area and the Jeju United midfielder wrestled his way between two defenders, but could only stab his shot into the sidenetting.

But the second period failed to match the pace of the first with Lee Yong-rae’s 71st minute free-kick curling inches wide of the upright and Okazaki’s shot at Jung the only efforts of note before the end of normal time.

Japan took the lead seven minutes into extra time when Hwang needlessly pushed Okazaki inside the area and the referee awarded the penalty, and though Honda’s weak spot kick was denied by Jung the alert Hosogai rushed in to smash the loose ball into the roof of the net.

It seemed as though that strike would be enough to send the Japanese through but the Koreans equalised in dramatic fashion when a Ki free-kick with seconds remaining was headed back into the danger zone by Kim and Hwang swept home in the ensuing goalmouth scramble.

Consequently penalties were needed to separate the two and Kawashima twice pulled off saves while Hong Jeong-ho sent his side before Konno converted to send Japan through to the final.

Thousands ordered to evacuate as Indonesia on volcano alert

2010-10-25T19:25:00.000-07:00

Mount Merapi spews gas as seen from Cangkringan village, Yogyakarta, Indonesia yesterday. Indonesia's Volcanology and Geological Disaster Mitigation Centre has increased the volcano's alert status to the highest level following its increasing volcanic activities.

INDONESIA ordered thousands of people to evacuate from around Mount Merapi yesterday as it raised the alert for its most active volcano to red, warning of a possible imminent eruption.

Seismic activity has escalated dramatically at the volcano on the densely populated island of Java, with increasing lava spurts and about 500 multi-phased volcanic earthquakes recorded over the weekend, officials said.

The state office of volcanology had upgraded its alert level to red at 6:00 am (2300 GMT), signalling an eruption could be imminent.

"The magma has been pushed upwards due to the escalating seismic energy and it's about a kilometre (mile) below the crater," government volcanologist Surono said.

About 19,000 residents have been ordered to evacuate a danger zone of 10 kilometres (six miles) from the crater of the 2,914-metre (9,616-foot) mountain.

About 3,000 have already moved to makeshift camps, officials said.

"The evacuation has been under way since this morning. We put a priority on children, women and elderly," field coordinator Widi Sutikno of the main Sleman district on the southern slopes of the mountain told AFP.

Merapi — whose name means "Mountain of Fire" — has been blanketed with clouds since the morning.

Local resident Yanto, 38, said he would remain in his village to tend his sheep.

"I haven't seen any visible threats from Merapi. It is better for young men like me to stay here to look after our livestock. If the volcano does erupt, we can escape quickly," he told AFP.

"Let the children and old people go first to a safer place," he added.

Central Java Governor Bibit Waluyo called for residents to stay calm.

"Procedures are in place to deal with the disaster if it happens so people need not panic," he was quoted as saying by Antara state news agency.

The volcano is the most active of 69 volcanoes with histories of eruptions in Indonesia, which straddles major seismic fault lines in a region known as the "Pacific Ring of Fire".

The archipelago has more active volcanoes than any other country.

Mount Merapi, which lies around 25 kilometres north of the town of Yogyakarta in the centre of Java, last erupted in June 2006 killing two people.

Its deadliest eruption occurred in 1930 when more than 1,300 people were killed.

Heat clouds from another eruption in 1994 killed more than 60 people.

"It currently has more energy than before the 2006 eruption. We haven't found strong indications that it will erupt explosively as it did in 1930 but there is still a possibility," Surono said.

In August, the 2,460-metre (8,100 foot) Mount Sinabung on the island of Sumatra erupted for the first time in 400 years, sending thousands of people into temporary shelters and disrupting flights.

Mount Sinabung is near Lake Toba, a 100-kilometre long volcanic crater that some archaeologists believe almost wiped out the human race when it erupted 69,000-77,000 years ago.

Blind elderly needs aid to care for ailing blind hubby

2010-10-25T19:23:00.000-07:00

Abdullah (above), 71, lying on his bedroom floor. Blind, he lives with his blind wife in Kg Tanjong Maya, Tutong.

Hamidah talking about the difficulty of caring for her husband in a house on stilts.

THE smell of urine wafted throughout the house of the visually-impaired elderly couple's house in Tanjong Maya. Traces of human faeces were on the floor.

Unable to walk to the toilet, Abdullah Kudi, 71, has been bedridden since July and suffers from diabetes and hypertension. He and 67-year-old wife Hamidah Bidin have been relying on the government's welfare support.

While the couple has no complaints about government support, they are hoping that the government would provide a domestic helper to help care for Abdullah, as the less than five-foot Hamidah could not help and carry her husband to the toilet.

"I can only clean him with a towel because I cannot carry my husband to the toilet. He cannot walk," Hamidah said.

With no children helping to ease her burden, she said she purchases diapers for her husband, much to his annoyance. "I have been buying diapers for him, but he does not like to wear them."

Staff from home-based nursing at Pengiran Muda Mahkota Pengiran Muda Hj Al-Muhtadee Billah Hospital in Tutong have been coming over to the house once a month to draw blood samples from her husband, as well as to check his blood pressure.

Twice a week, both their family members visit them. However, Hamidah said they need a domestic helper to help them with the daily needs of her husband like bathing and other personal hygiene needs.

"I would like help from the government by providing a wheelchair for my husband, so I can move him around," Hamidah said.

When The Brunei Times asked Abdullah how could his living conditions be improved, he said, "I would like the government to help by paying for a maid for us, so the maid can help me and my wife. The money we both get a month ($1,000) from the government, is not enough for us to hire a maid ourselves."

They both receive $250 in blind pension, and another $250 in old-age pension.

Hamidah said their monthly expenses were about $300 a month on groceries, $20 for electricity, $17 for the house phone bill.

"The diapers cost $6.50 for eight pieces, and I usually buy two sets every two weeks."

"At the end of the month, it is not enough for us to pay for a maid," she said.

Asked whether he had approached their village head to put in a request to the government in hiring a helper, Abdullah said, "I knew if I asked the village chief for help, at the end of the day I still need to pay for a maid which I cannot afford. So I never asked him for help."

He explained that having a helper was important when he needed to go to the toilet.

Hamidah also requested for help in constructing the lower part of their house on stilts, so they both could move downstairs.

Living on top of the stilts was difficult, she said, as she had to climb 13 steps to the house. "Living downstairs will provide easier accessibility for us."

After visiting the couple, The Brunei Times relayed the couple's requests to Deputy Minister at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports Datin Hjh Adina Othman in hiring a domestic helper, providing a wheelchair and constructing the lower part of their stilt house.

She said: "We went to visit them a few days before Hari Raya. They were one of the four houses we were visiting in Tutong."

Datin Hjh Adina explained that at the time of the visit, she spoke to the couple's family members and suggested to them that with the amount of financial support, the couple could hire a maid to help them with their daily activities.

"I also suggested to them that we (the ministry) could build an extra room for them below their house for the maid to stay, because the wife said they only had one room upstairs," she added.

The deputy minister said she asked Hamidah to persuade her husband to accept the proposals, as he was unwilling at that time. "Everything we propose is ultimately subject to their approval," Datin Hjh Adina said.

She added: "When we went to visit them, we mooted the idea of them employing a maid. When we found out they only had one room, we offered to construct a room for them downstairs. However, we have not received a response on the proposal yet."

She said the ministry had "no problem" in giving a wheelchair as soon as possible.

"We will help them in every way, but it is subject to their approval. Any requests made by the couple, the government will consider, taking into account all considerations and reports about them from our social workers," she said, adding that the ministry "is concerned" about the welfare of the couple.

837 CIVIL SERVANTS RECEIVE MEDALS

2010-10-25T19:22:00.000-07:00

HRH Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah (R), the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister's office, handing over one of the 837 medals at the state investiture ceremony yesterday at Istana Nurul Iman.

EIGHT hundred thirty-seven civil servants were bestowed medals at the second day of the investiture ceremony at Istana Nurul Iman.

The award ceremony yesterday put the total number of award recipients at 1,681 after 844 civil servants were given medals on Saturday. The ceremony was part of activities marking His Majesty's 64th birthday celebration.

His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister's Office, as representative of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, presented the Pingat Jasa Kebaktian (PJK) or Meritorious Service Medal, Pingat Indah Kerja Baik (PIKB) or Excellent Service Medal and Pingat Kerja Lama (PKL) or Long Service Medal to the 837 civil servants, among them 207 women.

A total of 94 civil servants received the Meritorious Service Medal. The medals were awarded to civil servants for their undivided loyalty to His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, the nation, as well as to the religion.

The Crown Prince awarded the Excellent Service Medal to 441 people. Recipients have impeccable long-term track records in their service to His Majesty's Government, including from the perspective of national security.

The Long Service Medals are bestowed on civil servants who have served the government for 20 years or more. The ceremony saw 302 civil servants receiving the medal.

The ceremony, which lasted for 90 minutes, concluded with a recital of doa selamat by State Mufti Pehin Datu Seri Maharaja Dato Paduka Seri Setia Dr Ustaz Hj Abdul Aziz Juned.

More medals will be awarded today and on November 1.

In 2008, a total of 1,742 recipients were recognised for their contributions beyond their service to the state and its people.

A total of 1,948 civil servants were awarded the medals in 2009.

In attendance at the ceremony were Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran-Pengiran Cheteria, Cabinet Ministers, Legislative Council Members, Deputy Ministers and Manteri-Manteri Pedalaman, members of diplomatic corps, permanent secretaries as well as heads of department.

YOU'LL BE IN MY PRAYERS, GRANDPA

2010-10-25T19:20:00.000-07:00

A Bruneian pilgrim plants a kiss on a child before departing for the Holy City of Mekah. He was among the 264 Haj pilgrims who took a Royal Brunei Airlines flight that was chartered for the first of five groups of 1,370 Muslims performing the fifth pillar of Islam this year.

An emotional farewell

2010-10-25T19:19:00.000-07:00

A father holds back his tears as he bids goodbye to his daughter before leaving for Haj in the second batch at Brunei International Airport, Berakas, yesterday.

India eyes more oil from Brunei

2010-10-25T19:18:00.000-07:00

India's oil purchase plan

INDIA, one of the fastest growing economies in the world, is planning to increase its crude oil imports from Brunei.

In an interview with The Brunei Times yesterday, High Commissioner of India to Brunei Darussalam LD Ralte said the plan was based on India's expectation to further expand its trade and economic activities with the Sultanate.

No figures were available as of yesterday, but India has been buying only one million tonnes of Brunei crude oil.

Annually, India imports 160 million tonnes of crude oil from various countries, mostly from the Middle East.

"If Brunei has spare capacity (of crude oil), we can always buy more," the new envoy to Brunei said.

He added that India would also look into the opportunity to set a long-term contract on importing crude oil from Brunei.

"That's the target, it is our hope. We have already built very good people-to-people relations and we need to improve our relations by increasing trade and economic activities with Brunei."

The envoy said that there was still a lot of room for both nations to enhance their cooperation in trade areas, such as textiles, jewellery, fruits and food packaging.

The visit by His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam to India in 2008 had opened the path to future bilateral cooperation in sectors, such as agriculture and information and communications technology (ICT).

There are currently about 150 local ICT companies and 10 IT training centres in the Sultanate, and Brunei has allocated about $500-$600 million for over 200 IT projects in the country.

Over the past two decades, India has experienced rapid development in its ICT sector. The country's software exports currently stand at about US$47 billion (about $66.25b), or 17 per cent of the country's total exports, up from US$1 million in 1991.

The two nations established diplomatic relations on May 10, 1984.

The envoy presented his credentials before His Majesty at Istana Nurul Iman last Tuesday and on the same day paid a visit to His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade at Balai Penghadapan Bukit Kayangan.

The envoy's last posting prior to Brunei was Hong Kong. He joined India's Ministry of External Affairs in 1983 and has been assigned to different posts such as in Beijing, Shanghai, Washington DC and Nairobi. Ralte's predecessor was Riewad V Warjri.

EIA to be carried out for Blue Flag eco-label bid

2010-10-25T19:17:00.000-07:00

Beach Bunch President Rizan Latif (R) emptying out sand from the plastic bottles and cups before collecting them into the bags in a cleaning campaign earlier this year. The NGO will conduct an environmental impact assessment in its bid to get the internationally-recognised Blue Flag eco-label for Meragang Beach.

THE president of Beach Bunch has given an assurance that an environmental impact assessment (EIA) will be carried out before any development work is done in the non-government organisation's bid to get Meragang beach the internationally-recognised Blue Flag "eco-label" by the end of next year.

The beach in Brunei-Muara district will be the first of the Sultanate's five public beaches which the local environmental NGO is vying to develop over the next three years to be worthy of the coveted Blue Flag.

The Blue Flag emphasises on its stringent standards for environmental conservation and education, as well as the provision of facilities, services and safety for visitors to beaches and marinas.

Beach Bunch President Rizan Latif conceded that there are "potential complications" in developing Meragang beach.

"We do not know what is the current (environmental) situation there," he told The Brunei Times.

He explained that as Meragang beach was still "owned" by the Ministry of Development's Department of Environment, Parks and Recreation (Jastre), the Beach Bunch were unaware if the beach was a habitat for endangered animal species such as if it was used as a turtle hatching site.

Therefore, an environmental impact assessment will be carried out prior to any development, said Rizan, who is an environmental consultant engineer by profession.

"EIA goes before doing any development project. That's the standard practice," he said.

The Beach Bunch president recalled that His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam highlighted in his titah delivered during this year's National Day on the importance of carrying out EIAs, particularly given Brunei's advocacy of environmental protection and conservation.

If any "environmentally-sensitive area" was identified on Meragang beach, then it has to be included into the development plan for the Blue Flag, Rizan explained.

"Either we can zone it or leave it as it is. It depends on the impact assessment," he answered when asked how Beach Bunch intended to protect these "environmentally-sensitive areas".

The Blue Flag bid received its first form of government backing when the Brunei Tourism Development Department presented a "Letter of Support" to the Beach Bunch last Tuesday.

The NGO is currently working on the "detailed planning" for Meragang beach, while preparing for a national level workshop hoped to convince Jastre to approve of the project, as well as garner additional support from stakeholders and potential sponsors.

If successful, Meragang beach stands to become the first Blue Flag beach in Asia, a status that is expected to draw tourists from all over the world to Brunei.

Prince William wants to serve on Afghan front line

2010-10-20T03:54:00.001-07:00

Britain's Prince William at Westminster Abbey, England, on September 19, 2010.

BRITAIN'S Prince William has said he is determined to serve on the front line in war-torn Afghanistan, following in the footsteps of his younger brother, in comments revealed yesterday. The 28-year-old prince, who is second in line to the throne, completed his first shift as an RAF search and rescue co-pilot a few weeks ago.

In a documentary about his visit to Botswana earlier this year, William said he wants to head to Afghanistan where Britain has some 10,000 troops as part of a Nato-led force fighting a fierce Taliban insurgency. His brother Prince Harry, 26, served with the British army in Afghanistan for 10 weeks but was withdrawn in 2008 after media reported the deployment, triggering security fears.

William expressed his desire to go to Afghanistan when he talked of a time that as an officer in the Household Cavalry regiment some of his unit were deployed there. "My heart was in the army and that's why I first joined them," he told the documentary for Sky 1 television.

Justin Bieber Reportedly Under Investigation For Laser Tag Scuffle

2010-10-20T03:52:00.000-07:00

Justin Bieber (file)

Teen superstar Justin Bieber is reportedly involved in an investigation in his native Canada for an alleged assault at a Richmond, British Columbia laser tag center.

Royal Canadian Mounted Police confirmed Sunday (October 17) that an investigation was underway regarding an incident at a “Richmond entertainment facility” just before 5:30 p.m. on Friday. The father of a 12-year-old boy told authorities that his son was assaulted by another young male at the facility. The tween didn’t need medical attention and walked away with “minimal injuries.”

Since the suspect is under 18, police have not released the name of the accused party. However, many reports have stated that 16-year-old Bieber is being pegged as the attacker and the RCMP has stated, “We are aware of speculations concerning the identity of one of the parties allegedly involved.”

A rep for Bieber did not respond to MTV News’ request for comment at press time. Bieber, an avid tweeter, has not yet addressed reports either.

Unnamed sources have told TMZ that the incident went down at Planet Lazer, a laser tag chain that has a location in Richmond. The website, however, paints a different picture of the incident, reporting that Bieber was targeted by an overzealous laser tag participant who lobbed an anti-gay slur at the teen idol. When the 12-year-old stuck his hand out toward Bieber, the pop sensation apparently batted it away and then left the center.

The incident comes during a busy time for the “Baby” crooner. The singer announced Friday that his buzzed-about 3-D flick “Never Say Never” will be released in February. His illustrated memoir, “Justin Bieber: First Step 2 Forever: My Story,” just hit shelves and he is helming a nail polish line. His chart-topping music continues to make an impact and the singer is up for four American Music Award trophies.

Midday fire devours 2 houses

2010-10-20T03:51:00.000-07:00

Fire and Rescue personnel working hard to put out the fire that engulfed three houses at Kg Delima.

TWO houses, one with an extension, were destroyed in a huge fire that occurred at around noon yesterday at Simpang 188, along Jalan Muara in Kg Delima.

While there were no casualties, the Fire and Rescue Department estimated that there were at least 24 people whose lives were affected by the fire, including a local Malay family of seven who owned one of the houses with the extension that was rented by a number of foreign families.

Loveria Villa and her husband had all their belongings lost in the flames.

"I was on my way home from work when I saw the smoke,"said Loveria who was on the verge of tears when The Brunei Times interviewed her.

"We lost all of our possessions, the TV, fridge," she added.

Another victim, also a Filipino, Franklin Pacris, was not at home when the fire struck the extension where he lived with his wife and baby son.

"I rushed back home as soon as I got called," he said. His wife was also working at the time of the incident and they were both relieved that their son, who was being cared for by another tenant in another building, was safe. However, they had lost everything in the fire, including important documentation such as their passports.

"I only have my bag now," Franklin said, showing the backpack he took with him to work.

Their neighbour, Judy Toniacao, also from the Philippines, was at home looking after her son and Franklin's boy.

"When I heard people shouting about the fire, I took the two babies and ran," said Judy who added that she was terrified and so did not stop to pick up any of her own belongings.

Judy and her family, consisting of six people also living within that building, said that they had no idea where they were going to go. "We need help," said Judy's mother. "We have lost everything."

The entire family and other victims stood there in shock as they watched firemen continue to extinguish the flames.

Another victim, Abdul Mannan, a worker from Bangladesh, was inside one of the houses when the fire occurred.

"I had just finished lunch," said Abdul, "then my brother shouted that there was a fire and told us to run."

Abdul only managed to retrieve two clothes that he bought for Hari Raya, and lost everything else in the flames.

"I don't even have sandals now," said Abdul who was standing barefooted with his brother. Both looked unsure at what to do next.

Officials from the Fire and Rescue Department stated that they received a distress call from the public at approximately 12.28pm, and responded immediately.

Three separate sections from Berakas, the Women's Operation Unit in Berakas and Lambak Kanan responded to the fire with around 20 firefighters. The first unit arrived within two minutes of receiving the alert and extinguished the fire within 16 minutes of arrival.

According to the officials, the fire was made worse by the windy weather and the fact that one of the houses was made of wood.

Eyewitness reports said that the fire spread from the second level of one of the house to the adjacent house. The cause of the fire is still under investigation by the Fire and Rescue Department.

Social workers from the Community Development Department (Japem) who were also on site said that Japem will provide rations for one week which include blankets, pillows and mattresses to the victims. As of press time, providing temporary shelter was not included in the list.

However, according to the social workers, they will be conducting investigations to determine how they can provide further assistance.

Brunei unfazed by doomsday US$ talk

2010-10-20T03:50:00.000-07:00

Japanese cars traded in yen could see prices rising in the event the US dollar continues to weaken.

DOOMSDAY scenarios for the US dollar do not appear to have fanned fears in Brunei's business and economy. Traders and analysts, however, see the possibility of the pummelled currency adversely affecting the Sultanate via higher prices of some Japanese car brands and lowered export earnings from oil which is traded in US dollars.

The US dollar remains to be one of the world's main trading currency. The majority of goods and services imported by Brunei are traded in the US currency. Hence, should the US dollar continue to depreciate, the Brunei economy would be affected in four main areas both imports and exports, the government budget and inflation.

Over the past few years, the US currency has depreciated from an exchange rate of $1 (Brunei dollar) to $1.3. Market analyses predict a US dollar collapse in the first quarter of next year.

Brunei imports over 80 per cent of its food needs. Bulk of its export receipts come from its hydrocarbon industry.

Pg Hjh Nirmala Pg Hj Mohammad, assistant director of planning at the Department of Economic Planning and Development (JPKE), said a weak US dollar could translate to cheaper prices of many imported goods in Brunei.

"Normally when the US dollar weakens, the Brunei dollar, which is tied to the Singapore dollar, would strengthen. So with most of our imports coming from Singapore and other countries (and) the trade value for these items would be in the US dollar which would mean that we are able to import more items at a cheaper price," she said.

However, with oil and gas being Brunei's main export and contributor to its revenues, the weakened US currency would also mean that exports would be affected.

"(The hydrocarbon) products are valued acording to the exchange rates, which is traded in the US dollar, (so) if the US dollar weakens, it would not necessarily be a good thing for Brunei," she added, explaining that this would lead to modifications in the nation's government budget.

"Depending on how much the US dollar weakens, by percentage, you can count that the national budget will also be amended by that percentage," she said.

"The basic thing is also that if some goods suddenly become more expensive, because producers are increasing their prices to suit the dropping US dollar, it would result in a high inflation (rate)," she added.

Tareq Muhmood, HSBC (B) chief executive officer, on the other hand, sees no tremendous impact on Brunei. "The truth is that Brunei has already been living with the US dollar weakening for the past few years," he said in an interview. "When I first came to Brunei about four or five years ago, the US dollar was valued at $1.6 (Brunei dollar) or $1.5 and it has dropped a lot already, down to about $1.3."

From a financial point of view, normally when the US dollar weakens, commodities such as steel, copper, grain and so on, that are traded in the US dollar, start to rise in value, he explained.

"I don't see that there will be a tremendous impact on the economy because Brunei has already been living with the weakening (US) dollar for the past few years, and (this) is normally offset by the rise in commodity prices," he said.

"During these times when the US dollar weakens, the demand for grain and steel will go up."

Asked about how banking clients would be affected should the US dollar collapse, Tareq said the banks have come up with tools and products to help protect clients should anything happen. "These tools are ... called hedging."

Car dealers that are likely to be affected in the event the US dollar is pummelled further also resort to hedging. Brunei's automotive market remains one of the largest that is affected by swings in the value of the US dollar.

"If the US dollar goes down, the Japanese yen will go up, and that would mean that Japanese distributors will have to pay a higher price," said an industry insider.

He added that there is a method to overcoming the rising yen. Some car distributors "buy forward" their stocks, for example.

"If I notice that the Japanese yen is now at this value, and I predict that it will rise in the next few months, what a distributor can do is to say that they will take the risk and buy $10 million worth of Japanese yen so that when they do trade in the future, they will be trading at the old rate," he said.

He explained that this has its upside and downside because the yen could shift both ways.

"At the end of the day it is speculation on how the currencies will move, but there will always be ways to counter the risk in business," he said.

Adam Lambert Encourages Gay Fans In ‘It Gets Better’ Video

2010-10-20T03:48:00.000-07:00

Adam Lambert in his "It Gets Better"

Adam Lambert is the latest celebrity to lend his voice to the “It Gets Better” project, aimed at sending strong, positive messages to LGBT youth in light of recent gay teen suicides.

The singer — one of the few openly gay major pop stars — encourages his fans to be who they are and not let bullies win. “It gets better,” the “American Idol” runner-up says in the black-and-white clip that appears to have been filmed backstage at one of his shows, as evidenced by the rack of glam-tastic clothes behind him.

“It seems hard,” he says. “I think being different is always going to be a tough climb. There’s always going to be people that are going to be scared of it. But at the end of the day, if you give those bullies and those people that are so ignorant and fearful of your lifestyle, if you give them the power to affect you, you’re letting them win, and they don’t deserve that. What you’re doing by being who you are is you’re keeping it real and being really brave.”

In the 90-second clip, Lambert encourages viewers to have pride in themselves and tells them that he loves them just that way. Lambert is the latest star to post a video in the series, started by “Savage Love” columnist Dan Savage in response to the suicide of a 15-year-old Indiana boy who took his own life after being taunted by classmates for being gay. Ke$ha, Nicki Minaj and Aubrey O’Day have also posted clips or spoken out against bullying over the past few weeks.

“I believe in you. I think it’s great,” Lambert says. “There are a ton of us out here in this world that are just like you, that believe in you.” He goes on to say that despite his success since leaving “American Idol,” which has included world tours, a hit album and big-budget videos, he still struggles with homophobic bullying.

“Even someone like me, someone that has recently come into some success in his career,” he says. “I’m touring the world, I have a CD out, I do music videos, I’m living my dream. Even I get bullied. You look under any comment section on any article, and there’s bullies in there telling me that I’m a f—-t, that I’m ugly, that I’m gross — ‘Ew, gross, nasty, he’s a girly’ — all this crap. I’m singled out and it’s all ‘gay, gay, gay, gay, gay,’ even though there is so much more to me than just who I choose to sleep with. …

“So the thing at the end of the day is, ladies and gentlemen, that you are so much more than your orientation,” he continues. “You know it and I know it. So don’t let those bullies and those ignorant, fearful, small-minded people prove you wrong. You have to be strong, and you have to pay attention to the positive. And in doing so, you will push through and you will rise up and you will live your life to the fullest. It gets better, but it’s up to you.”

The Biggest H-Artistry Party of 2010 Is Finally Here!

2010-10-20T03:47:00.000-07:00

After months of resonating through clubs around Kuala Lumpur, Penang and even Kota Kinabalu, H-Artistry “The Global Art of Mixing” looks all set to end the year with a bang! Its annual highlight event will be creating waves across the country as more than 4,000 party-goers can look forward to being treated to one incredible night where sights, sounds, and tastes will collide to form an eclectic and explosive clubbing experience.

And as previous years around this time where H-Artistry’s famed contemporary clubbing platform is elevated on to a whole new level, 2010’s big bash will be no different. Come this Saturday, October 23, the H-Artistry “The Global Art of Mixing” will see the capacious Malaysia International Exhibition & Convention Centre (MIECC) at Mines Resort City transformed into one enormous club where revelers can expect to be blown away in what will undoubtedly be one of the largest and most sophisticated clubbing events the country has ever seen.

Completely revolutionizing the arena into a classy world-class club set-up, the hall will feature countless plasma screens displaying head-turning visuals and futuristic bars that will be serving delectable concoctions of Hennessy V.S.O.P signature long drinks such as: Hennessy Apple, Hennessy Berry, Hennessy Ginger, and Hennessy Citrus.

Dubbed as the H-Artistry party of the year, the event will see a blend of musical talents from Malaysia, Taiwan, Canada and the USA belting it out on a night that promises to be bold, daring, and fresh, ultimately, culminating in a blend of urban sounds and cultures that come together through electrifying performances that will leave guests awestruck and craving for more.

Leading the line-up at the upcoming H-Artistry party is Canadian Hip-Hop icon, Kardinal Offishall. Having started rapping at the age of eight and winning competitions by the time he was 12, Kardinal is the result of a mix of pure talent and an obsessed passion for music. Credited as Canada’s “hip-hop ambassador” Kardinal teamed up with iconic music mogul, Akon and released the infamous “Dangerous” track that echoed around the globe peaking at No. 5 on the Billboard 100. Now back with his latest Mr. International album, Kardinal Offishall is ready to infect the dance floors once again with his blend of dancehall reggae and hip-hop mesh.

Justin Bieber To Release Acoustic Album

2010-10-20T03:46:00.000-07:00

Justin Bieber (Photo: Gerardo Mora/ Getty Images)

Justin Bieber has revealed that this holiday season he’s going to release an acoustic album. He made the announcement via Twitter.

“Curious…What is your favorite song on MY WORLD and MY WORLD 2.0?? If you could remix any song with another artist which would it be? And who would you want me to duet with?? and on which song?? Thanks,” he initially tweeted before spilling a few more beans about the forthcoming release.

In addition to old tunes, it seems this album will feature a brand-new song as well. “hey dankanter I think it’s time to make an UNPLUGGED album for the fans for the holidays….or maybe we already did…hmmmm,” he then tweeted to Dan Kanter, the singer’s musical director and guitarist. “Maybe we need to give everybody an UNPLUGGED acoustic album with that new song I cut in Hawaii for the holidays…thoughts???”

Bieber, who plays acoustic guitar during many of his live performances, then revealed that he has already recorded songs for the album. Further information, including the release date and the album’s title, was not available at press time. “So I’m thinking about breaking out the acoustic guitar and having some fun… …so an UNPLUGGED album for the HOLIDAYS????” he wrote. “Listening to tracks from the new UNPLUGGED acoustic album. feeling really good about it. dankanter u excited. back to the roots.”

Kanter tweeted about the vibe of the album. “@justinbieber Loving the percussion… Cajones and congas!” he teased. “Definitely an influence from our travels around the world!”

At the VMAs, Bieber revealed that he is working on an album of all-new music as well. “[It'll] probably [come out] fourth quarter next year,” he said. “Drake is gonna be on that album; I’m not sure [who else]. I’m gonna ask him if he can get [Lil] Wayne on there.”

Kristen Stewart Describes Picking ‘Breaking Dawn’ Wedding Dress

2010-10-20T03:39:00.000-07:00

Kristen Stewart (Photo: Stephen Lovekin/Getty Images)

Will it be lacy or silky, modern or vintage? Will there be sleeves, a long train or a plunging neckline? Maybe a bodice, buttons or a bustle?

These are just a few of the pressing questions fans have about easily the most important wardrobe choice in the entire “Twilight” series: Bella Swan’s wedding dress. Production on the two parts of “Breaking Dawn” is about to begin, and everyone’s wondering what Bella will be wearing when she finally ties the knot with Edward Cullen.

We put that very question to Kristen Stewart on the red carpet for “Welcome to the Rileys” Monday night. Turns out that the 20-year-old actress has, in fact, gone through a fitting, but they haven’t yet selected the exact gown she’ll be wearing in front of the camera when the shoot gets under way.

“I haven’t put the one on yet,” she said.

Though she didn’t delve into detail about what she’s looking for in Bella’s dress, Stewart did admit that it’s a hugely important choice — for herself and for fans — and that she’s happy to have the opportunity to make her preference known about the dress she feels is the right fit.

“To be honest, it’s such a big deal. It’s such a big decision. I have a little hand in having a decision — or having an opinion more — but I think it’s pretty much up to Stephenie,” Stewart said, referring to “Twilight” author Stephenie Meyer.

“I’m not quite sure exactly what it’s going to look like, but it will be beautiful, I’m sure,” she added.

Justin Bieber Displays His Rap Skills In New Twitter Video

2010-10-16T21:07:00.000-07:00

Justin Bieber

Having given fans a taste of his rapping skills during live performances of “Baby” when he tackles the verse Ludacris recorded for the tune, Justin Bieber is now displaying his keen spitting prowess in a new video posted on his Twitter. In the grainy clip titled “Speaking in Tongues,” Bieber raps his own lyrics over Cam’ron and Vado’s “Speakin Tongues,” and in a message posted on the webpage, he announced that his rap alias is Shawty Mane.

“Speaking in tongues freestyle… who knew I could rap lol,” he wrote. “My alter ego rap name is Shawty Mane… hah.”

The video features shots of Bieber in the studio and hanging out in the streets rocking some glasses. Early on, he gives a shout-out to Lady Gaga: “Call up Lady Gaga on my on my telephone/ Hello doll/ You’re my girl/ Beats no metronome.”

He then talks up his own capabilities, rhyming, “So I’m raptor/ Tearing it up like a tractor/ Matter fact you’re not feeling this track, you’re a slacker.” Later, he raps, “Stop, drop and roll/ Justin Bieber’s on fire/ It’s time to realize it’s time to call me young sire.”

At the end of the clip, Bieber — who hangs out with such hip-hop heavyweights as Drake, Kanye West and the aforementioned Luda — has a little message for those listening to the track. “You guys might know me as the guy who sings ‘Baby’/ You know, uh, I’m a singer, pop singer/ I’m white/ But, um, you know I just wanted to do this just to prove that/ You know I got skills, on, on, on the rap game.”

Last December, Bieber’s pal, rapper Asher Roth, defended his buddy’s rapping skills to MTV News. “He lived like a block away from me. Watching him is like watching your little brother. It’s crazy,” Roth said, referring to their time in Atlanta together. “He can rap. I put him on a remix, but I don’t think his mom would like that very much.”

Christina Aguilera Files For Divorce

2010-10-16T21:01:00.000-07:00

Christina Aguilera and Jordan Bratman in 2006

Christina Aguilera has filed for divorce from her husband of nearly five years, Jordan Bratman. The singer filed papers on Thursday (October 14), according to TMZ, citing “irreconcilable differences.”

On Tuesday, the singer confirmed the couple was splitting. She issued a statement after rumors about the couple’s marriage began to circulate earlier that day. “Although Jordan and I are separated, our commitment to our son Max remains as strong as ever,” Aguilera said.

The petition notes the existence of a prenuptial agreement that maintains “earnings and accumulations of [Aguilera] before marriage, during marriage and from and after the date of separation” be considered separate property. The singer is being represented by powerhouse lawyer Laura Wasser. September 11, 2010 is reportedly listed as the date of separation. The petition also seeks to block any attempt by Bratman to receive child support from the singer, who is seeking joint physical and legal custody of their 2-year-old son, Max.

After meeting the music marketing executive at her music management firm, Azoff Music Management, in 2002, Aguilera and Bratman married in November 2005 in Napa Valley. They had their son, Max, in January 2008. Before the release of her album Bionic earlier this year, Aguilera talked about married life and gave no indication of the impending split, noting that she and Bratman still enjoyed “naked Sundays.”

“I think it’s important that [Max] sees mommy not be ashamed for her sexuality. … We’re art collectors, there are a lot of female nudes around the house. Max will be growing up in a house where it’s just the norm. … It’s only weird when you shame it,” she said. “I’m more confident and comfortable in my own skin. I think I’m even a more sexual Christina.”

Fruitful games show India's weaknesses

2010-10-16T20:47:00.000-07:00

Indian workers carry a small staircase as they pack up at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, the main venue of the Commonwealth Games.

INDIA'S Commonwealth Games ended on a triumphant note, but analysts say the event still fell short in its bid to showcase the strengths and aspirations of an emerging global power.

An impressive last-ditch, round-the-clock effort to put the Games back on track was largely successful, but only after shambolic preparations and months of negative publicity had raised the humiliating spectre of cancellation.

But several analysts argued that relief at having staved off looming disaster was a sentiment that highlighted India's weaknesses, rather than its strengths.

"It's a classic example of management by crisis, which is precisely the sort of stereotype of India that these Games were supposed to dismantle," said Robinder Sachdev, head of the New Delhi-based Imagindia Institute think-tank.

"The idea of being able to 'get it right in the end' is an image India neither needs or wants to perpetuate in corporate boardrooms overseas," Sachdev told AFP.

"If it wants to grow, it has to prove that large scale projects can be planned and executed on time and on budget," he added.

The final cost of the 12-day event has been estimated at around six billion dollars the most expensive Commonwealth Games ever and Sachdev estimated that it could cost billions more in lost investor confidence.

Poor infrastructure is a drag on Indian growth and the haphazard implementation of a major upgrade of Delhi's transport system underlined the difficulties in executing large projects to high standards.

A footbridge next to the main stadium collapsed days before the opening ceremony, a train link to the airport remained unopened, and many new venues, metro stations and road flyovers were shabbily finished.

Newspapers were filled with stories about treadmills hired for 20,000 dollars, toilet paper bought for 80 dollars a roll, and contractors feasting on the multi-billion-dollar budget.

Samuel Paul, founder of the Bangalore-based Public Affairs Centre, which lobbies to improve government standards in India, said the Games had exposed India's problems with governance, transparency and accountability.

"All this is not unexpected, but what amazes me is the systematic problems that exist even at the highest levels," he said.

Under the headline "I declare the games shut. Let the audits begin", Times of India columnist Rajesh Kalra on Thursday called for all venues to be sealed for a count of what had actually been delivered against what had been paid for.

"The list of mismanagement, misappropriation of funds, nepotism, favouritism, goes on and on," he said.

Foreign media coverage of the Games, which had been extremely critical in the run-up to the opening ceremony, was far more positive in its final verdict.

Despite the incompetence displayed by the organisers, Delhi had picked up the pieces and shown that "even the biggest mess can be cleaned up ", The Sydney Morning Herald said.

"They've pulled it off admirably and deserve better than the carping, nit-picking and borderline racism that has masqueraded as informed coverage of the Games," wrote journalist Peter Hanlon.

As to whether the whole event was worth it, analysts said the enduring legacy of the Games in terms of infrastructure, image and prestige would only become apparent with time.

"If we really learn lessons from this and if it leaves public opinion more demanding of our business and political leaders, then yes, I think then it will have been worth it," said Sachdev.

Who's on Inter's wanted list? €250m Messi

2010-10-16T20:46:00.000-07:00

Inter Milan were only half joking about Lionel Messi (L) bid.

INTER Milan are considering bidding for Barcelona forward Lionel Messi, even though the European champions may have to offer a world record €250 million.

Inter president Massimo Moratti joked to a group of school children last weekend that he would sign the mercurial Argentine as a present for them in January.

However, yesterday's Gazzetta dello Sport quoted him as saying: "On Sunday I was joking, but now we'll see."

Inter coach Rafael Benitez was also in a playful mood in a news conference ahead of today's Serie A game at Cagliari.

"If the president wants to do something with Messi, I certainly wouldn't oppose it," the Spaniard said smiling.

He sounded more serious though when asked again.

"If the president wants to take Messi, I would not say no."

Messi, 23, has spent his career at Barca having been picked up by the Catalans as a youngster in Argentina and has been quoted as saying he wants to stay at the Nou Camp for good.

The World Player of the Year has a contract with Barca until 2016 which includes a €250 million buyout clause.

Treble winners Inter did not invest in players in the close season with Moratti saying he would buy in January if needed.

Benitez played down potential moves for Real Madrid pair Karim Benzema and Kaka, who has also been linked in the media with former club AC Milan.

Rooney-less Red Devils suffer Baggies backlash

2010-10-16T20:43:00.000-07:00

Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand reacts after a 2-2 draw with West Bromwich Albion in the English Premier League yesterday.

MANCHESTER United squandered a two-goal lead to draw 2-2 with West Bromwich Albion as Sir Alex Ferguson's decision to leave Wayne Rooney on the bench backfired yesterday.

United looked to be cruising to victory after goals from Mexican international Javier Hernandez and Nani fired the Red Devils into a 2-0 lead after 25 minutes at Old Trafford.

But the Baggies pulled a goal back on 50 minutes when Patrice Evra deflected a Chris Brunt free-kick into his own goal, before an Edwin van der Sar howler five minutes later gifted Somen Tchoyi an equaliser.

It was the third time this season United failed to take all three points after leading and Ferguson admitted his team needed to rediscover their killer instinct after an "unacceptable" loss of two points.

"We created some really glorious chances in the first half to kill the game off," Ferguson told Sky Sports.

"It's frustrating because it turned a really top performance into one where we've dropped two points. It's not acceptable for anyone the supporters, myself, the players.

"We really need to dig a little bit deeper when we get chances to kill teams off."

Ferguson, meanwhile, refused to point the finger at van der Sar after the veteran Dutch goalkeeper's blunder.

"You've just got to forgive him that," Ferguson said. "I said to him probably the last time he made a mistake like that was at primary school. It's just inexplicable."

Ferguson did not comment about the other major talking point of the day his decision to bench Rooney.

The move came amid heightened speculation of tension between Ferguson and Rooney, who last week openly contradicted the United boss' claims he was injured by defiantly stating he was fully fit.

Elsewhere, Arsenal recovered from an early goal to reignite their league campaign with a 2-1 victory over Birmingham City at the Emirates.

Nikola Zigic had fired Birmingham into a 33rd minute lead before Samir Nasri levelled from the penalty spot four minutes before half-time.

Marouane Chamakh then steered home a close range effort two minutes after the restart to put the Gunners ahead.

Arsenal prodigy Jack Wilshere was sent off shortly before full-time for an ugly lunge on Zigic.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger admitted Wilshere deserved to see red for a challenge which will earn him a three-match ban.

"He mistimed his tackle and got a red card, which he deserved," Wenger said.

"Jack has acknowledged he deserved it, but he did not spend his whole game trying to kick people, he was one of the best players on the pitch today (Saturday).

"It was more of frustration and did not want to hurt the player, but we do not complain about the red card."

The win moved Arsenal up to second with 14 points, ahead of United, Manchester City and Spurs on goal difference.

Tottenham also came from behind to defeat Fulham 2-1 at Craven Cottage in controversial circumstances, with referee Mike Dean over-ruling his linesman to allow Tom Huddlestone's 63rd minute winner.

A sublime piece of skill from in-form Rafael van der Vaart earlier set up Roman Pavlyuchenko's equaliser after Diomansy Kamara's 30th minute opener.

Newcastle, meanwhile, needed an injury-time goal from Fabricio Coloccini to snatch a 2-2 draw with Wigan at St James Park after two goals from Charles N'Zogbia had given the Latics a 2-0 lead.

Shola Ameobi's 72nd-minute effort had launched the fightback.

In the battle of the basement clubs, Wolves and West Ham fought out a 1-1 draw. Mark Noble grabbed a share of the points for the Hammers, thundering in a 53rd-minute penalty after a blunder by Robert Green had gifted Matthew Jarvis a 10th-minute opener for Wolves.

At the Reebok Stadium, Stoke midfielder Rory Delap scored from close range to force a 1-1 draw with Bolton after Lee Chung-Yong put the hosts ahead on 22 minutes.

OIC slams new Israeli plans in East Jerusalem

2010-10-16T20:41:00.000-07:00

Palestinian Muslim worshippers attend Friday prayers near a protest tent in the mostly Arab neighbourhood of Silwan in east Jerusalem on October 15, 2010.

THE Organisation of the Islamic Conference yesterday condemned Israeli plans to build hundreds of new settler homes in East Jerusalem as sabotaging Palestinian-Israeli peace talks.

The resumption of settlement construction was a provocative move contemptuous of the will of the international community and an act of sabotage against international efforts to revive the peace process, OIC secretary general Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu said in a statement.

The OIC believes that such behaviour requires action by the international community to put a halt to Israel's arrogance, he said.

Ihsanoglu said the United Nations had the responsibility to stop Israeli aggression.

Israel's Ynet news website reported on Friday that plans for 238 new homes in the settlement neighbourhoods of Pisgat Zeev and Ramot in East Jerusalem were approved the day before by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

M'sia, Brunei simplify border checks for patients

2010-10-16T20:40:00.000-07:00

Royal Brunei Police officer stand guard at Kuala Lurah border post.

MALAYSIA and Brunei have agreed to simplify the procedure of cross-border checking of patients during medical emergencies, said Malaysian Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai.

He said an average of 120 cases of cross-border patients were recorded per year, mainly involving those who lived in Limbang, Sarawak, who had been referred to Miri for treatment.

Malaysians staying in Limbang would have to pass through Brunei to get to Miri.

Hence, he said, the decision was made to ensure that the patients could get their treatment immediately, without having to face the difficulty of cross-border checking.

"As we know, a lot of Malaysians stay in Limbang and, to go to Miri, they have to pass through Brunei. So, both countries agreed to simplify the procedure of cross-border checking," he told reporters after the 5th Bilateral Meeting of Health Ministers of Malaysia and Brunei Darussalam, here. Also present was Brunei Darussalam's Health Minister Pehin Orang Kaya Johan Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Hj Adanan Begawan Pehin Siraja Khatib Dato Seri Setia Hj Md Yusof. Liow said a standard operating procedure (SOP) would be prepared and 24-hour reachable officers would be appointed by either ministry for the purpose.

On another matter, Liow said both parties also agreed to venture into new areas of cooperation, including health tourism.

He said Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council committee members would work closely with officials from Brunei in discussing attractive packages.

"We'd like to offer packages so that more Brunei patients will come to Malaysia," he said.

Brunei Halal eyes wider market

2010-10-16T07:34:00.000-07:00

Brunei Halal products on display.

BRUNEI Halal brand's marketing and trading agency is looking at two countries within the region as potential markets following the initial success of its entry in the Singapore market.

Noel Shield, interim chief executive officer of Ghanim International Food Corporation Sdn Bhd, said: "We are still negotiating with other companies, but to get in a country is not an easy task.

"You can't just turn on the tap as there are a lot of negotiations and hard work involved," he told The Brunei Times. "Most importantly, you have to have the right products."

Ghanim launched products under Brunei Halal on October 8 this year. The goods are now available at one of the city-state's largest retailers, NTUC (National Trade Union Congress) FairPrice Cooperative Ltd. Agency executives are "happy with the sales for all the products" so far, Shield said.

The brand's presence in Singapore marks another significant step for the Sultanate, as efforts to leverage on Brunei's stringent halal certification is now coming to fruition.

This, Shield said, reinforces what Ghanim has believed all along that the brand has got a lot to offer, as product sales across the board have been good.

Asked how the response from Singapore's consumers has been, Shield said: "The public's response is way beyond what we expected. The communities are very much behind the brand and product sales across the range have exceeded (our) expectations."

He did not give sales figures although he said, "Currently, we've got more orders on the way. Most of the products are available, but we haven't gotten permission to bring in a few into Singapore."

He said the positive market response further confirms that the perception of Brunei's halal standards is high. One of the possibilities why the products are selling so well is the fact that consumers have the confidence and trust in Brunei Halal brand and its accreditation system, he added.

This is Ghanim's first export and Shield said it is something that they have been planning for and are pleased that they have achieved the target. No figures were available.

NTUC FairPrice is the exclusive partner for the Brunei Halal Brand in Singapore.

Minister of Industry and Primary Resources Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Utama Dato Seri Setia Haji Yahya Begawan Mudim Dato Paduka Haji Bakar in June this year expressed concerns on getting global acceptance for Brunei's standards and certification.

"It is a challenge for others to recognise our certification because other countries have their own standards, but they may not accept ours so it's quite difficult," he said.

However, Pehin Dato Hj Yahya said Brunei's intention is not out of obligation, but is out of sincerity and the country's religious duty.

"Halal products and ways, according to our principles. Those are all ideas of Brunei Halal's point of view and those are all stringent, strict and thorough processes. We don't leave it to commercial entities or private sectors to certify for us.," he said.

Hunger 'almost nil' in Brunei

2010-10-16T07:30:00.000-07:00

Volunteers from Sounds of Hope cleaning the interior premises of a home belonging to a family in poverty in Kg Lumapas.

A POVERTY study conducted last year found hunger to be almost non-existent in Brunei Darussalam.

The study was conducted by Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) and the team surveyed 100 houses of families identified to be living in poverty.

Student Mohd Anwar Hj Mohammad, who led the study, said in an interview with The Brunei Times that members of the study team did not come across any poor families living in hunger in the Sultanate.

Mohd Anwar and his team conducted their surveys among poor families mostly in Brunei-Muara and Tutong districts due to time constraints. In Temburong, they only managed to survey 10 houses.

Many of these families relied on welfare and most of the money was spent on food, he said.

"Ten dollars per day would be the average amount spent on food," Mohd Anwar said.

The children of these poor families also received welfare, provided they were under 18 years of age. They get $60 every month and used this to help their families to buy food.

If members of the poor families did not have money, they would do odd jobs such as selling scrap metals. The money would then be used to buy food, said Mohd Anwar.

Mohd Anwar explained that there were times these families had to ask neighbours or relatives for rice.

"This is what's good about Brunei, there is always someone helping (the poor)," Mohd Anwar said.

It appeared that getting food was not really the problem; knowing how to apportion the food was. Mohd Anwar said the poor had to know how to apportion their food to make it last until the next time they replenish their cupboards.

While it is known that there are families living in poverty in Brunei, more information about people living in hunger is needed.

The study's findings do not support discussions in social networking sites on the existence of families in Brunei who lived on water for a few days until they had enough money to buy instant noodles.

'All housing projects on schedule'

2010-10-16T07:28:00.000-07:00

A few of BEDB's 2,000 houses at Kg Panaga, Belait, which is nearing completion. The project is scheduled to be completed in 24 months.

HOUSING projects undertaken by the Brunei Economic Development Board (BEDB) are all on schedule but the agency is fully committed to finishing on time, its acting chairman said.

"All our housing projects are on schedule, but in all fairness to everyone, the test comes in the end," said Dato Paduka Timothy Ong.

Speaking to The Brunei Times earlier this week, Dato Ong said the agency is "very happy" about the progress so far but stressed that its full commitment goes to finishing on time.

"It's like when you run a marathon, in the beginning you could be very impressive, but it's what happens at the finish line that counts. At BEDB, we are fully committed to finishing on time, but when a project is four years away, it's now too early to tell," he said.

With regards to the housing project in Kg Panaga, Belait, the acting chairman said, "if you drive past you can see it's almost (completed)".

Dato Ong believes the reason why these projects have been given to them is because they are expected to deliver on time, otherwise frankly, "why would be asked to do this"?

The board is mindful of the responsibility that they have been given and the acting chairman is determined not to let the people who have entrusted them with this responsibility down.

"We understand the official waiting list of number of people waiting for houses is at 17,000. So our approach (for Kg Bukit Beruang) is to move as quickly as possible," he said, adding that the sites of these houses are identified by the Housing Development Department (HDD).

He explained that the board has to follow the HDD's specifications for houses and the sites for all the other districts were assigned to them.

When asked if there are any concerns regarding the housing projects, Dato Ong was confident to say that there are none.

"Our focus always, is that we deliver on time and to quality. When you are talking about such large projects, obviously you worry about this all the time, but no, there are no specific concerns. So far so good," he said on Wednesday in a telephone interview.

He also assured that the board is pleased with the contractors they have appointed.

"We award our contracts based on competitiveness and each time we tender, the prices get better and better. What that means for us is, we are saving money with each of these projects. So long as the contractors are financially sound, and have the ability to deliver, that's what we care about," he stated, adding that another concern, is the process is transparent and fair.

As to the public's concerns of an unfavourable land conditions at Kg Mengkubau in the Brunei-Muara district, Dato Ong said: "the Kuala Belait site before we built on was a swamp, we view these as challenges, but we still deliver the best as we can."

In Kg Panaga, Kuala Belait, 60 per cent of the development will be terrace houses while the remaining 40 per cent are semi-detached units, in accordance to the requirements of the National Housing Scheme.

Kg Mengkubau's 4,000 houses will comprise of detached, semi-detached as well as terrace houses, while in Kg Bukit Beruang, Tutong, 1,000 of the 1,500 houses are terrace units, while the rest are semi-detached.

Thus far, all contracts have been awarded to foreign listed companies, two from Malaysia and one from Singapore.

"All our tenders are open an international. For the latest tender (Tutong), we had 11 companies from Brunei, Singapore, Malaysia, China and South Korea taking part," said Dato Ong, further adding that the tender process has become "very competitive".

These houses build are targeted at low income families under the National Housing Scheme under His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam's government's vision, who are committed to a policy where every eligible Bruneian is allowed access to affordable housing.

Currently, the number of houses BEDB are in charge of stand at 7,500.

Women's council honours Her Majesty

2010-10-16T07:27:00.000-07:00

Her Majesty Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha (L) and other members of the royal family, accompanied by Brunei Women's Council (BWC) president Pg Datin Paduka Hjh Mariam Pg Hj Matarsat (R) welcomed by ballet performers during Her Majesty's 64th birthday celebration at ICC.

Her Majesty (L) receiving a souvenir from BWC president Pg Datin Hjh Mariam.

BRUNEI Darussalam's Women's Council (BWC) threw a celebration in honour of their Royal Patron, Her Majesty Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha's 64th birthday last night at a ceremony held at the International Convention Centre (ICC). Her Majesty was greeted upon arrival by the president of BWC and chairperson for the celebration, Pg Datin Paduka Hjh Mariam Pg Hj Matarsat.

Accompanying Her Majesty were Her Royal Highness Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Zariah, Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Bini Hajah Faizah, Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Rashidah Sa'adatul Bolkiah, Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Majeedah Nuurul Bulqiah and Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Masna.

In an interview on the sidelines of the occasion, BWC President Pg Datin Paduka Hjh Mariam and Vice President 1 Datin Hjh Masni Hj Mohd Ali told The Brunei Times that hosting yesterday's function for Her Majesty was "very important" to show their love for their patron.

"Raja Isteri is our leader and we want to show her that we love her. She is also our role model as a mother, and as the wife of the Head of State and government. So this is a very important function for us," they said.

The president and vice president 1 added, "Raja Isteri is our patron, and its very important, not only socially, economically and politically. So we have a very important guest. We want to show that we are collectively united, because all women and NGOs must be connected. This is a very important effort by the Women's Council and it is nice to work together with all the women." In her opening speech, Pg Datin Paduka Hjh Mariam said one of the objectives of the establishment of the council was to tackle family and community issues.

In conjunction with Asean Women's Day this year, she said the council carried training programmes from July 5 to 7, which were participated by 50 members from different associations under the council as well as the public sector.

"This sort of activity is a contribution and social responsibility towards welfare efforts that have been executed by relevant agencies and NGOs," she added.

The BWC president further announced that the Women's Council, as a member of the Asean women associations, will be attending the 14th Asean Confederation of Women's Organisations (ACWO).

The conference themed "Encouraging participation of women towards a peaceful Asean society" will be held in Hanoi, Vietnam from October 19 to 20.

She also noted that Brunei had previously hosted the conference twice.

On the international level, Pg Datin Paduka Hjh Mariam said they will be sending a representative of the council to the International Council of Women (ICW-CIF) Assembly in Auckland, New Zealand from November 7 to 9.

The highlight of last night's ceremony was the cake-cutting event which was followed by the handing over of the specially prepared "pesambah" as a token of affection and love for Her Majesty from various women's associations.

The evening also saw a line-up of singing and dancing performances which celebrated Brunei's both locally and internationally diverse culture.

The ICC plenary hall echoed with the resonance of traditional songs and vibrant colours and the performances were executed and choreographed by respective association members and their children.

The celebration was jointly organised by BWC, the Brunei Shell Ladies Association, Brunei Association of Nurses (Penjuru) and Women's Association for the Welfare of Police Families and Children (Pekerti).

Brunei to join bid to break sport stacking record

2010-10-16T07:26:00.000-07:00

Jerudong International School students trying out sport stacking.

SPORT stacking enthusiasts here are calling on Bruneians to join in the World Sport Stacking Association's (WSSA) bid to break the Guiness World Record for "Most People Sport Stacking at Multiple Locations in One Day" on November 18.

WSSA has succeeded in consecutively breaking the record for the past four years, and the association's Malaysia-Singapore-and-Brunei coordinator is hoping to include the Sultanate in this year's attempt to surpass the 276,053 mark achieved in 2009.

"We still have about one month to go. Our target this year is 300,000 ("stackers") from all over the world" Ng Kock Seong told The Brunei Times yesterday. "We hope that Brunei will join us this year."

About 217,000 people from around the world have already registered to participate in the "2010 WSSA Stack Up!" so far, the association posted on its website on August 10. The WSSA is asking stackers to register and sport stack for at least 30 minutes on November 18, regardless of local times in the countries participating.

Last year, WSSA said that 1,252 schools and organisations from 24 countries took part in breaking the world record. All 50 states in the US, where the sport of stacking specially-modified plastic cups in pre-determined sequences originated, were represented.

Ng said that if the record would be successfully beaten this year, registered participants would receive certificates.

Dionysius Wee, the manager of My Small World said the toy store in Gadong, the only place in Brunei where the public can get Speed Stacks merchandise was preparing for Brunei's involvement in the world record attempt.

Wee said they were still planning how to coordinate the event here, along with the training scheme to prepare Brunei's stackers for the international bid.

The toy shop manager remarked that sport stacking was not new to Brunei, that about a fifth of the population were aware of the sport and that a small group of university students were practitioners.

Wee and Ng were promoting sport stacking to students of Jerudong International School yesterday, bringing along with them the current world record holder for the "Masters Two" division, a category for stackers aged 34 to 44, to perform for the students.

Alan Lim Joon Tatt, 38, achieved a time of 9.31 seconds on the "cycle stack", one of the competitive sequences in sport stacking, during the 2010 WSSA Times Square Sport Stacking Fair in Kuala Lumpur in February.

Lim, who is also director of WSSA Malaysia, claims that he has managed to achieve a "personal best" unofficially at 7.97 seconds.

He said that he has been sport stacking for more than three years and took up the sport after watching videos online. Asked if he had initially set out to be a record-holder in the sport, Lim said, "I wanted what all stackers want: to be the fastest and to break the record."

The sport stacking enthusiast practices everyday for at least an hour.

He also spoke of the 2011 World Sport Stacking Championships to be hosted in London. "If Brunei has a fast stacker, then Brunei should also send a representative," Lim said.

In developing the sport in the Sultanate, the world record holder hoped that Brunei would eventually produce a national team of stackers.

Sibutramine in capsule can cause stroke, blood pressure

2010-10-10T04:27:00.000-07:00

THE US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Friday advised consumers who have Slimming Beauty Bitter Orange Slimming Capsules not to use the product.

The FDA warns that the capsules contain the active pharmaceutical ingredient sibutramine, a prescription-only drug which is a stimulant.

Sibutramine is not listed on the product label and could harm consumers.

FDA lab tests reveal that the product contains excessive amounts of sibutramine that may be dangerous to people who have a history of cardiovascular disease, because it can lead to elevated blood pressure, stroke, and heart attack.

Consumers who are otherwise healthy and who take the amount of sibutramine found in Slimming Beauty capsules can experience anxiety, nausea, heart palpitations, a racing heart, insomnia, and elevated blood pressure. Sibutramine also may interact with other medications and can cause serious side effects. Xinhua

Hungary villages evacuated amid new toxic flood fear

2010-10-10T04:26:00.000-07:00

An aerial view of rescue team members crossing a pontoon-bridge replacing the original bridge which was washed away by a sludge flood in Kolontar, 167km southwest of Budapest, Hungary, last Friday.

HUNGARIAN police and soldiers evacuated 800 villagers yesterday as authorities said a second flood of toxic sludge from a chemicals plant was likely after new cracks appeared in a dyke.

The villagers were evacuated at dawn from Kolontar, which is close to the reservoir that burst in western Hungary last Monday, killing seven people, injuring scores more and poisoning rivers in the country's worst ecological disaster.

Security forces also warned thousands of residents in the nearby village of Devecser to be ready to be moved if necessary, officials said.

"The reservoir is so damaged that it is likely that it will give way for a second time," Prime Minister Viktor Orban said.

"If the dyke of the reservoir gives way, about 500,000 cubic metres will be released. Several cracks are visible from the north side of the reservoir," he said.

The first flood on October 4 released 1.1 million cubic metres of foul-smelling red toxic sludge into villages and rivers.

"The evacuation of Kolontar began at six in the morning after we noticed that the dam started weakening at tank number 10," Disaster Relief Team chief Tibor Dobson told AFP.

One of the new cracks was seven centimetres (three inches) wide, officials said.

The entire area was under surveillance, with helicopters with heat-detecting cameras in the air and 650 policemen on the ground co-ordinating rescue operations, the national police's website said.

"The police's primary tasks are keeping peace and order in the villages and the sealing off of the surrounding areas," it said.

The Kolontar villagers were taken by bus to Ajka, the nearest major town which is 160km from the capital Budapest.

Some were to stay with friends and relatives and those with nowhere else to go would be put up in the town's sports complex, officials said.

"There is despair and sadness, but no panic," said Orban in Ajka.

Police and army personnel were in Devecser, with a population of about 5,400, to urge people to pack all they need in one suitcase so they could leave quickly if necessary, Dobson said. Dozens of army trucks and buses were on standby.

"We are prepared for the worst and we can save the residents of Devecser in case of a new spill," the prime minister said.

Work was under way to build a new dam in Kolontar, in case of a new flood, to save those houses that were undamaged in the previous disaster, the Hungarian News Agency MTI reported.

The dam would be four to five metres (around 13 to 16 feet) high and made of earth and rocks, and would be ready in 48 hours.

The death toll rose to seven last Friday, with one person still missing. The dead include a 14-month-old girl.

Brunei must cut waste output

2010-10-10T04:25:00.001-07:00

Hj Mohd Rozan Dato Paduka Hj Mohd Yunus (R), Permanent Secretary (Administration and Finance) at the Ministry of Development officially handing over recycle bins to the Business School. Picture: Courtesy of the Business School

DUE to limited land area, Brunei needs to take waste reduction seriously as the country's waste production is higher than other countries in the region.

Hj Mohd Rozan Dato Paduka Hj Yunus, Permanent Secretary for Administration and Finance at the Ministry of Development (MoD), emphasised this in his opening speech at yesterday's launch of the Business School's "3R's programme"of Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.

The programme launched by the Department of Environment, Parks and Recreation (Jastre) aimed to raise awareness on the importance of orderly waste management and recycling.

In his opening speech, Hj Mohd Rozan cited a 2005 study by Jastre that Bruneians on average produce 1.4 kgs of waste a day.

In contrast, many countries within the region only produce one kilogramme or less of waste daily.

Some of these countries have even taken waste management to a new level unobserved by Brunei. The countries that produce less waste than Brunei actually commit to recycling 10 to 20 per cent of their total waste disposal, whereas Brunei's waste collected for recycling is estimated at less than five per cent each year.

He added that due to the country's limited land area, the people need to take waste minimisation seriously.

To date, 70 per cent of the nation's total waste is actually able to be recycled as 36 per cent is organic, 18 per cent paper and 16 per cent plastic, the permanent secretary said.

He then warned those present of the hazards of disorderly waste, noting that plastic takes years to breakdown and could produce toxic substances, while organic food waste when decomposing lets off methane, a greenhouse gas widely accused of catalysing global warming.

Spearheading the awareness campaign, MoD through Jastre has vowed to "continue to implement strategies and programmes on 'waste minimisation' to achieve the waste production level of 'one kilogramme per person per day'," said Hj Mohd Rozan.

The focus of such programmes will be activity-based to garner as much participation and involvement as possible to make a population practising the three R's a reality.

The green initiative is part of a unit for final year students taking Business and Finance and Secretarial Studies programmes at the Business School.

Yesterday's activity was part of the social responsibility unit, which will teach the students the social issues that businesses might address. It was also hosted in a lead up to the students' "main event", which would take the form of a "Green Carnival" to be held on October 30 and 31.

Royalty at musical drama

2010-10-10T04:23:00.000-07:00

Her Royal Highness Princess Fadzilah Lubabul Bulqiah (L) is being accompanied by Deputy Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Datin Hjh Adina Othman upon HRH arrival at The Empire Theatre.

His Royal Highness Prince Haji 'Abdul 'Azim (C) and Her Royal Highness Princess Fadzilah Lubabul Bulqiah (L) talking to Deputy Minister of Development Dato Paduka Hj Ali Hj Apong (R).

THE Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports held the debut of musical theatre performance of "Tragedi" at The Empire Theatre.

Present at the evening were His Royal Highness Prince Haji 'Abdul 'Azim and Her Royal Highness Princess Fadzilah Lubabul Bulqiah for the curtain-raising event and charity dinner.

Also present were Pehin Orang Kaya Pekerma Laila Diraja Dato Paduka Hj Hazair Hj Abdullah, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports (MCYS), Deputy Minister Datin Hjh Adina Othman, Dato Paduka Hj Jemat Hj Ampal, Permanent Secretary of the ministry.

The musical drama was preceded by a three course dinner while in the background, a gulingtangan troupe entertained the audience with their musical performance.

The musical drama "Tragedi" brought together elements of traditional music, traditional dance and silat, which included Bruneian songs such as "Ya Maulai". The story behind the musical was based on the local romantic legend, Puteri Lela Menchanai.

It was jointly organised by the Culture and Arts Section, Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports and the Empire Hotel and Country Club. The one-night performance was sold out.

Haj pilgrims call on His Majesty

2010-10-10T04:22:00.001-07:00

His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam (L) and His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah (R), Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister's Office, receive in audience Haj pilgrims at Istana Nurul Iman yesterday.

A TOTAL of 1,370 Bruneians bound for the Holy Land for this year's Haj pilgrimage called on His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam yesterday.

The pilgrims also met His Royal Highness Prince Hj Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister's Office, who accompanied His Majesty in receiving the male pilgrims while female pilgrims called on Her Majesty Raja Isteri Pg Anak Hjh Saleha, Her Royal Highness Pg Anak Isteri Pg Anak Sarah and Her Royal Highness Princess Hjh Rashidah Saadatul Bolkiah.

This year's intending Haj pilgrims comprising 677 men and 693 women include new 26 converts (muallaf) who are going on the trip free of charge courtesy of His Majesty through the Religious Council.

Abu Bakar Hj Abd Rahman, a 36-year-old Traffic Police Officer, who is part of this year's batch of intending pilgrims, yesterday expressed his deepest gratitude towards His Majesty for providing him with the means to perform the Haj under the government Haj airfare sponsorship for civil servants.

Performing the Haj is the fifth and final pillar of Islam and for those who have the means to do so even once in their lifetime is considered a blessing, said Abu Bakar who only recently became eligible for the government Haj airfare sponsorship.

Abu Bakar, who is scheduled to leave for the Holy City of Mekah along with the fifth group of Haj pilgrims this coming October 29, will be performing the Haj together with his wife and mother-in-law. Seventy-seven-year-old Ahmad Ismail accompanied by his son-in-law said he was grateful that he is finally able to fulfill his life-long dream of performing the Haj after so long.

Even though he may need assistance to perform several tasks, said Ahmad, "knowing that I am able to do this even at my age is good enough for me". After greeting the royal family, the intending pilgrims were each given a bag of ihram (worn during the pilgrimage to the plains of Arafah) for the males and telekong (female prayer attire) for the women upon exiting the room.

Energy SOS

2010-05-20T23:30:00.001-07:00

(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

2010-05-20T23:28:00.002-07:00

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

2010-05-20T23:28:00.001-07:00

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

2010-05-20T23:27:00.001-07:00

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

2010-05-20T23:26:00.000-07:00

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

2010-05-08T22:29:00.000-07:00

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

2010-05-08T22:23:00.000-07:00

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

2010-05-08T22:17:00.000-07:00

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.