Day: October 27, 2021

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Courtesy Calls

The Minister of Religious Affairs recently received separate courtesy calls from Brunei Darussalam envoys to other countries.

 

Yang Berhormat Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Badaruddin bin Pengarah Dato Paduka Haji Awang Othman received separate courtesy calls from His Excellency Awang Haji Ismail bin Haji Abdul Manap, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Brunei Darussalam to the Islamic Republic of Iran and His Excellency Pengiran Abdul Samad bin Pengiran Haji Metassan, Brunei Darussalam High Commissioner to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.  The courtesy calls took place at the Ministry of Religious Affairs, Jalan Dewan Majlis.

 

 

Source: Radio Television Brunei

 

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Breast Cancer Awareness Month

 

More than 100 women are diagnosed with breast cancer every year in Brunei Darussalam. Of the total, over 60 percent are detected at stage 2 or higher, in which the cancer has already spread to the LYMPH NODES and other organs. The Minister of Health in a message in conjunction with Breast Cancer Awareness Month underlined that, like other diseases, if the cancer is detected at an early stage, it will enable patients to receive a more effective treatment and increase the patient’s survival rate. Thus, early detection of breast cancer is very critical.

 

Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Doctor Haji Awang Mohd Isham bin Haji Jaafar said, intermittent breast self-examination or through diagnostic breast imaging such as mammograms or ultrasound can detect breast cancer in the early stages. In this regard, it is important for all women of all ages to be aware of the condition of their breasts and do their own breast examination every month. He added that early detection of breast cancer risks through genetic testing on certain patients can also highlight one’s risk of having the disease, especially individuals with a family history of breast cancer.

 

According to the Minister of Health, the National Breast Examination Programme which was implemented in November 2019 can help detect more breast cancers in the early stages, even before the appearance of lumps in the breast. The programme, the Health Minister explained, is targeted for women who do not have any breast problems, aged between 40 to 69 who are registered at the Women’s Health Clinic. The examination is recommended to be done every 3 years unless there are other risk factors that can cause a high risk of breast cancer.

 

 

Source: Radio Television Brunei

 

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43rd AMAF meeting

The impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic to the food, agriculture and forestry sectors were discussed at the 43rd Meeting of the ASEAN Ministers on Agriculture and Forestry, AMAF held virtually. Joining the meeting was Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Ali bin Apong, Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism. During the meeting, the ministers agreed that agriculture is one of the key sectors severly affected by the pandemic COVID-19 outbreak.  Apart from that, the meeting also agreed to exert efforts in the implementation of recovery measures, to ensure continuous food supplies and the functioning of business activities and services to the food and agricultural systems.

 

The meeting also discussed the progress, achievements and recommendations of the Food, Agriculture and Forestry Cooperation in 2020-2021 in particular the priority actions under the ASEAN Integrated Food Security, AIFS Framework and Strategic Plan of Action on ASEAN Food Security, SPA-FS 2021 to 2025 in order to ensure long-term food security and nutrition, and to improve the livelihoods of farmers in the region, especially in facing future challenges.

 

The Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism also joining the 21st Meeting of the ASEAN Ministers on Agriculture and Forestry Plus Three, 21st AMAF PLUS 3 via video conference. At the meeting, the ministers were pleased with the progress made in ASEAN PLUS 3 Cooperation Strategies on Food, Agriculture and Forestry, 2016 to 2025 in strategic areas, such as strengthening food security and sustainable forest management.  The 43rd AMAF Meeting and 21st AMAF PLUS 3 Meeting was chaired by His Excellecy Doctor H Syahrul Yasin Limpo, Minister of Agriculture, Republic of Indonesia.

 

 

Source: Radio Television Brunei

 

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Considerations for Essential Travel Is Allowed

 

By the consent of His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam and based on the Ministry of Health’s risk assessment on the COVID-19 pandemic regionally and globally from time to time, the Minister Of Home Affairs stated that, the COVID-19 Steering Committee informed that the considerations for essential travel entry into Brunei Darussalam from The Republic of India and Four Countries in the Indian Subcontinent and the Republic of Indonesia are now allowed, effective from Monday, 1st of November 2021.

 

The Entry and exit-country travel approvals for foreign nationals travelling to and from five countries of the Indian Subcontinent, namely the Republic of India; the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal, the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and the People’s Republic of Bangladesh is for:

 

Entry travels of all foreign nationals departing from or through any airport in the Indian Subcontinent.

 

Entry travel approval for foreign nationals departing from any airport in the Republic of Indonesia via direct or transit flights. Foreign nationals who have been granted pre-approval to enter Brunei Darussalam from the above-mentioned countries and were then suspended due to previous announcements are required to re-submit their entry travel applications prior to entry into Brunei Darussalam. Essential travellers referred to in this statement are for holders of a valid Work Pass or had been issued a Foreign Worker License by the Department of Labour as well as holders of Business and Professional Visit Visas supported by the Ministry or Authority regulating their respective sectors.

 

The conditions for the consideration of entry and exit travels mentioned above are subject to review by the COVID-19 Steering Committee and Cross-Border Affairs Task Force from time to time as well as in accordance with the Ministry of Health’s Standard Operating Procedures, SOPs. For further information, visit www.pmo.gov.bn/travelportal or contact the travel hotline 120 during working hours or via e-mail at travelapplication@jpm.gov.bn.

 

Source: Radio Television Brunei

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Vaccination Consent Form for Adolescents

 

In preparation for the implementation of vaccination among adolescents aged 12 to 17, vaccination consent form has begun to be distributed to parents and guardians through the Ministry of Education.

 

An example of the vaccination consent form for the children is as shown on the screen. Parents and guardians are requested to complete the form and to bring it along during the vaccination session for their children. It is hoped that this will contribute to a smooth administration of the COVID-19 vaccination when the programme commences in the near future. Meanwhile, for adolescents aged 12 to 17, who do not follow the official school system, a special vaccination session will be arranged at the end of the implementation of the vaccination programme for those aged 12 to 17, in which the method of implementation will be announced at a later date.

 

Meanwhile, the outcome from multi-agencies enforcement monitoring that was carried out last night during the out-of-house restriction directive from 8 in the evening until 4 o’clock this morning, a total of 6 violations of the directive nationwide were issued with compound fines, whereby 5 of them are violations of the out-of-house restriction directive. In regards to former COVID-19 patients who have completed their self-isolation and have been confirmed recovered from the COVID-19, the Ministry of Health advised all employers that the former patients do not need to undergo swab test before being able to resume work. Former patients who have been confirmed recovered at this time will not infect others.

 

Source: Radio Television Brunei

 

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9th ASEAN-United States Summit

His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, as ASEAN Chair for 2021, chaired the 9th ASEAN-United States Summit, held virtually via video conference from Baitul Mesyuarah, Istana Nurul Iman. At the 9th ASEAN-United States Summit, His Majesty in a titah reaffirms Brunei Darussalam’s commitment to working closely with the United States to advance ASEAN-U.S. relationship, uphold multilateralism and enhance regional development, peace and stability.

 

In the titah, the Monarch welcomes His Excellency President Joseph Biden to his first ASEAN-U.S. Summit and expresses pleasure with the United States’ proactive engagement with ASEAN since the start of his presidency. His Majesty then underscores the importance of preparing the future generation with the right skills that are relevant to the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Aside from that, the Monarch calls for ASEAN-U.S. cooperation in digital technology, innovation and economy to help build ASEAN’s capacities in utilising digital solutions for sustainable development of the region, as well as to advance COVID-19 recovery efforts.

 

Meanwhile, His Excellency Joseph Biden, President of the United States in his statement reaffirmed the US’ commitment to ASEAN centrality and hoped to deepen the longstanding relationship between ASEAN and the US through the exploration of new avenues of cooperation. Furthermore, His Excellency looked forward to advance shared interests, values and vision for maintaining resilience and security in the region.

 

His Excellency Joko Widodo, President of the Republic of Indonesia delivered the ASEAN Common Statement as Country Coordinator for ASEAN-US Dialogue Relations, which outlined the need for ASEAN and the US to strengthen peace and stability in the region; the prioritization of economic integration and cooperation to promote sustainable development; as well as the hope for the US to become a key partner in ASEAN’s new health architecture.

 

Source: Radio Television Brunei

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1st ASEAN-Australia Summit

At the First ASEAN-Australia Summit, His Majesty Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam in a titah is pleased that negotiations to upgrade the ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement are progressing well, and looks forward to its conclusion in a timely manner. The Monarch in the titah highlights that the inaugural Annual ASEAN-Australia Summit marks a new chapter in ASEAN’s relations with Australia, ASEAN’s first Dialogue Partner.

 

His Majesty recognises that the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic has greatly affected our people, such as their livelihoods, lifestyle and well-being, including their mental health. The Monarch also acknowledges Australia’s strong support in working with both Brunei Darussalam and Malaysia, to bring the mental health agenda to the forefront in our region. In this regard, His Majesty looks forward to capacity building initiatives and the sharing of expertise and experience amongst officials and youths to address mental health issues. His Majesty notes that ASEAN continues to face regional and global economic uncertainties while recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

Meanwhile, The Honourable Scott Morrison, Prime Minister of Australia underscored that ASEAN’s regional stability is fundamental to Australia, leading to the enduring partnership that is open, inclusive and resilient. With ASEAN at the center of the Indo Pacific, Australia reaffirmed its commitment and support for the four priority areas, namely maritime cooperation, connectivity, sustainable development and the economy, in line with the ASEAN Outlook for the Indo-Pacific. His Excellency Phankham Viphavanh, Prime Minister of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic delivered the ASEAN Common Statement as Country Coordinator for ASEAN-Australia Dialogue Relations which, among other things, welcomed the elevation of ASEAN-Australia relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership; appreciated Australia’s participation in ASEAN-led mechanisms and its commitment to ASEAN centrality; supported the implementation of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership agreement and upgrading of the ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement; and socio-cultural flagship programmes including people-to-people exchanges and education.

 

Source: Radio Television Brunei

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ASEAN Leaders Extended Appreciation for Japan’s Assistance in Supporting ASEAN’s Recovery from the COVID-19 Pandemic

ASEAN Leaders extended appreciation for Japan’s assistance in supporting ASEAN’s recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, including contributions to the ASEAN COVID-19 Response Fund and training of researchers and experts for the ASEAN Center for Public Health Emergencies and Emerging Disease. Leaders also encouraged opportunities to intensify cooperation in areas including digital economy, quality infrastructure, green growth as well as the facilitation of trade and investment towards sustainable development and recovery.

 

Source: Radio Television Brunei

 

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24th ASEAN-Japan Summit

His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam chaired several meetings on the second day of the 38th and 39th ASEAN Summits and related Summits held virtually via video conferences from Baitul Mesyuarah, Istana Nurul Iman. Yesterday morning, His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam as the ASEAN Chair for 2021 chaired the the 24th ASEAN-Japan Summit. At the said Summit, His Majesty in a titah encourages the Japan International Cooperation Agency to continue developing programmes to build the capacity of the people to address current issues such as cybersecurity, in view of the uncertainties faced as a result of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

 

Such initiatives, His Majesty says, will contribute towards building greater human security and resilience in the region to safeguard the peoples’ shared progress, development and prosperity. The Monarch highlights that over the years, Japan has been an invaluable partner to ASEAN and has helped ASEAN develop and progress in many areas. His Majesty acknowledges Japan’s support and assistance for the region in addressing the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly through the contribution of vaccines to ASEAN Member States, including Brunei Darussalam.

 

Meanwhile, His Excellency Fumio Kishida, Prime Minister of Japan welcomed the opportunity to raise ASEAN-Japan relations to new stages with a proposed Special ASEAN-Japan Commemorative Summit in 2023 to celebrate 50 years of friendship and cooperation. In the period of post-pandemic recovery, His Excellency encouraged to further enhance cooperation in climate change, health, disaster risk reduction, digital transformation and quality infrastructure investment.

 

His Excellency Prayut Chan-o-cha, Prime Minister of Thailand as Country Coordinator of ASEAN-Japan Dialogue Relations delivered the ASEAN Common Statement, among other things, supported the stepping up of collaborations in public health; increased cooperation in transnational crime, counter-terrorism, and cybersecurity; improvements to the regional supply chain as well as enhancement of regional connectivity and partnership in socio-cultural linkages.

 

Source: Radio Television Brunei

 

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115 New Cases, 4 New Clusters, 228 Recovered

 

115 new COVID-19 cases were confirmed yesterday, bringing the total number of COVID-19 cases to 12,710. Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Doktor Haji Awang Mohd Isham bin Haji Jaafar, Minister of Health stated the matter during the media conference on the latest COVID-19 situation, yesterday afternoon at Dewan Al’Afiah, Ministry of Health. Joining the press conference was Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia Dr. Haji Awang Abu Bakar bin Haji Apong, Minister of Home Affairs.

 

There are 46 additional new cases to 16 of the existing active clusters who were previously close contacts with several positive cases. Meanwhile, four new clusters were detected that involved 14 cases. All of the new clusters are residence clusters, with one of them, Makmur Jaya Construction Staffhouse Cluster being a housing cluster where the company’s employees are residing. Therefore, the current total active clusters stand at 174. 55 new cases are still being investigated to determine the source of the infection.

 

Meanwhile, 228 cases have recovered, bringing the total number of recovered cases to 10,275 cases, with 2,352 cases remaining active. Among the cases, nine are in Category 5 and are being treated at the Intensive Care Unit. All of them require assistance of artificial ventilation with three cases requiring additional heart/lung machine, or ECMO. Twenty-two cases in Category 4 require oxygen assistance and are under close monitoring. In the past 24 hours, 5,135 samples have been tested for the SARS-CoV-2 virus which brings the total number of lab tests carried out since January 2020 to 487,898 tests.

 

Source: Radio Television Brunei

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24th ASEAN Plus Three Summit

 

At the 24th ASEAN-Plus Three Summit, His Majesty in a titah reiterates that the continued relevance of the ASEAN Plus Three mechanism as the engine of growth for the development of the East Asian region, and the success of the ASEAN Plus Three is due to close cooperation and the ability to come together in times of crisis. This has been further demonstrated by the swift response to the COVID-19 outbreak and collective efforts towards regional recovery. His Majesty raises a few points during the Summit. His Majesty firstly highlights the importance of ensuring that COVID-19 vaccines are sufficiently produced and distributed to all those in need, given the emergence of COVID-19 variants in the ASEAN region.

 

His Excellency Moon Jae-in, President of the Republic of Korea as Country Coordinator for the Plus Three countries in his remarks supported inclusive recovery of APT through the equitable and timely distribution of vaccines, coordination of relevant mechanisms, as well as the alignment of strategies under the New Southern Policy Plus and the ASEAN Comprehensive Recovery Framework. The Republic of Korea affirmed its commitment to scale up overseas development aid in areas of climate change, healthcare and digital economy. His Excellency hoped for the APT Work Plan for 2023 – 2027 will incorporate ways to promote inclusive growth to build back better.

 

This was followed by a statement from His Excellency Li Keqiang, Premier of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China, in which he noted with appreciation on APT’s firm resolve to work together and progress of joint efforts in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. China expressed its support for the supply of vaccines and anti- COVID materials to prevent the shortage of supplies as well as green lanes. His Excellency hoped to further increase the stability of supply chains in the region through regular COVID-19 containment measures.

 

Meanwhile, His Excellency Fumio Kishida, Prime Minister of Japan encouraged for further medical support amongst the APT towards achieving universal health coverage, as well as the necessity of economic  revitalisation through expanded investments in quality infrastructure and the diversification of supply chains. His Excellency also highlighted that the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific shares common fundamental principles with the Free and Open Indo-Pacific, which are important for regional peace, stability and security.

 

 

Source: Radio Television Brunei

 

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Leaders Expressed Gratitude for the US’ Contributions of Vaccines and Medical Assistance

 

The Leaders expressed gratitude for the US’ contributions of vaccines and medical assistance in efforts to advance multilateral cooperation. Regional economic integration and connectivity via the increase of trade activities and investment flows can help to enhance sustainable development in the region. Leaders also supported efforts to bridge the digital divide by enhancing digital transformation and addressing cybersecurity threats. At the end of the Summit, the ASEAN-United States Leaders’ Statement on Digital Development was adopted.

 

Source: Radio Television Brunei

 

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