Day: March 21, 2023

24 participants presented their iqra reading at the Iqra Book Reading Competition for Male and Female Adults. The competition was held at the RPN Kampung Rataie Mosque, Mukim Bokok.

The competition was divided into three categories namely Category 'A' for Iqra 1 and 2, Category 'B' for Iqra 3 and 4 and Category 'C' for Iqra 5 and 6. Prizes were presented by Awang Reza Masdi bin Haji Mamit, Acting Head of Takmir Division Unit, Mosque Affairs Department. The competition which was opened specifically for adults who attended the Iqra Class at the mosque was one of the efforts to further motivate participants to be skilled and interested in reading Al-Qur'an

Source: Radio Television Brunei

As preparation for the upcoming Ramadhan specifically among the muallaf or new converts, a Marhaban Ya Ramadhan 2 point zero Forum was held yesterday afternoon at the Paduka Seri Begawan Sultan Omar 'Ali Saifuddien Religious School, Belait District.

Some One Hundred Twenty individuals including members of the Muallaf associations in the four districts attended the forum which was conducted by three invited panelists. The forum aimed to produce high-calibre new converts who have the potential to be a good example and influence as well as improve the preparation in performing fasting. The Forum was organised by the Da'wah Unit Office of the Belait District in collaboration with the Da'wah Development Division and Muallaf Development Division, Tarbiyah Muallaf as well as the Da'wah Unit Office of Tutong District and Temburong District.

Source: Radio Television Brunei

Towards enhancing and maintaining good relations with stakeholders and the surrounding community, Brunei LNG Sendirian Berhad, organised a Muzakarah or discussion to raise awareness on Brunei LNG's operations and projects, particularly with the approaching maintenance pit-stop campaign which will commence from 1st May until 15th June 2023.

Present was Awang Haji Amirol Hafidzin bin Haji Muhammad, Acting Belait District Officer. The Muzakarah served as an assurance to Brunei LNG's neighbours and communities that the safety of its employees, business partners and the community as well as protecting the environment remains a priority to the company in all its activities. The event was held at the Sungai Liang Industrial Park, SPARK.

Source: Radio Television Brunei

A charity activity to complete a new wooden bridge leading to Mengaris Islamic Cemetery, Kampung Menunggol, Mukim Kota Batu was held yesterday afternoon.

The activity was joined by Awang Misle bin Haji Abdul Karim, Brunei Muara District Officer. The charity activity was organised to replace the old bridge that was worn out and could no longer be used to enter the Islamic cemetery. Also held was the Launching Ceremony of Menunggol Village Landmark Gate.

Source: Radio Television Brunei

25 participants presented their memorisation at the Final of the National Musabaqah Al-Quran Memorisation and its Understanding for 1444 Hijrah that was held for 2 days. Yesterday afternoon, a Certificate Presentation Ceremony took place at yesterday afternoon at the International Convention Centre in Berakas for the musabaqah participants and judges.

The certificates were presented by Pengiran Dato Seri Paduka Haji Mohammad Tashim bin Pengiran Haji Hassan, Deputy Minister of Religious Affairs. The musabaqah is an annual activity organised by the MABIMS Centre for Al-Quran Studies and Dissemination and the Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Tahfiz Al-Quran Institute, aimed to instil love towards Al-Quran especially among children and the youth. The Musabaqah result will be announced at the National Level Nuzul Al-Quran celebration that will be held this Ramadhan.

Source: Radio Television Brunei

For the last 20 years, about 10 children were born with Down Syndrome each year in the country. According to data from the Child Development Centre, there are approximately 415 Down Syndrome individuals listed at the Centre, of which 4 were born in 1971.

The Minister of Health in a message in conjunction with World Down Syndrome Day 2023 said that there are many approaches that have been proven to help children reach their potential as best as possible. Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Dr. Haji Mohammad Isham bin Haji Jaafar explained that this includes effective health care, parenting skills, positive family life, early intervention that supports and stimulates development from birth and the best education.

According to Yang Berhormat, in terms of healthcare, the Ministry of Health prioritises routine and universal healthcare for all Down Syndrome individuals. Apart from that, the Department of Pediatrics is always vigilant when a child with Down Syndrome is born to detect as early as possible the occurrence of any complications such as heart, intestinal, hearing and others. Towards this goal, the Child Development Centre not only provides regular health monitoring services, but also provides various services to support the early development of children with Down Syndrome.

This year's World Down Syndrome Day carries a theme "With Us, Not For Us". The theme emphasises how important it is to take into account the basic rights of all individuals with disabilities and give equal opportunities to achieve the main goal of improving the quality of life from all aspects.

Source: Radio Television Brunei

Scientific studies have found that exposure to the forest environment can bring benefits to mental and physical health, including reducing stress level. This was underlined by the Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism in a message in conjunction with the International Day of Forests 2023 which carried the theme 'Forest and Health.' Apart from that, a healthy forest also brings various benefits to the economy, and has the potential to develop ecotourism.

Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Doctor Awang Haji Abdul Manaf bin Haji Metussin, Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism shared that this year's theme highlighted the connection between the forest and its importance to human's mental health. Yang Berhormat explained that this is relevant with the Wawasan Brunei 2035. In this regard, the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism through the Forestry Department has taken the initiative to maintain recreational parks in the country to encourage recreational activities within the community. This efforts involved providing basic facilities such as huts, parking areas and public restrooms. It also aimed to encourage the community to practise a healthy lifestyle aside from appreciating the beauty and diversity of nature.

As a leading agency for Strategy 2: Forest Cover under the Brunei Darussalam National Climate Change Policy, the ministry through the Forestry Department will remain committed to preserving and conserving the forest. This includes organising tree planting programmes throughout the year, and implement sustainable forest management. Hence, it is hoped that other agencies including private companies, non-governmental organisations and the public can together play a role specifically in carrying out tree planting activities towards upholding the policy's implementation to achieve the set target.

Source: Radio Television Brunei

The First Meeting of the 19th Session of the Legislative Council on its 14th day yesterday continued with an introduction of the proposed budget allocation for the Ministry of Health. The morning session commenced with a clarification by Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Muhammad Juanda bin Haji Abdul Rashid on building development approval. According to the Minister of Development, every plan and development should follow regulations that protect and maintain the environment with emphasis on safety, health and well-being.

In the effort to help agriculture entrepreneurs, the ABCi and Department of Agriculture and Agrifood, Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism have provided blanket approvals not requiring buildings to apply to ABCi for approval as listed under Per-schedule Regulations 5 Insignificant Building Works Building Control Regulations 2014 or Building Control Amendment Regulations 2018.

Source: Radio Television Brunei

The Brunei Darussalam Mosque Construction Fund was established as a permanent platform for Muslims to reap Allah's blessings by contributing towards the construction of mosques. Yesterday morning, a Short Message Service, SMS was launched for the fund. The event was held at the Ministry of Religious Affairs Annexe building.

The launch was officiated by Yang Berhormat Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Badaruddin bin Pengarah Dato Paduka Haji Awang Othman, Minister of Religious Affairs as Chairman of Brunei Darussalam Mosque Construction Fund Collection and Withdrawal Committee. Also in attendance was Pengiran Dato Seri Paduka Haji Mohd Tashim bin Pengiran Haji Hassan, Deputy Minister of Religious Affairs. Up to February 2023, $29,019,404.24 have been collected by the Brunei Darussalam Mosque Construction Fund.

Donations can be sent to the fund via short message service or SMS for nine months by typing MASJID followed by 1, 5, 10, 15, 20, 50 or 100 without space and send to telephone line 38111 for DST and Progresif subscribers and 39999 for Imagine subscribers. Since its establishment, 3 construction projects, 3 maintenance and 1 building extension projects have been implemented with total expenditure of $7,640,026.94.

Source: Radio Television Brunei

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, yesterday morning graced the Commissioning Ceremony of Patrol Vessel KDB As-Siddiq. The ceremony was held at Jetty Bravo, Muara Naval Base.

Upon arrival at Jetty Bravo, His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam was greeted by Yang Berhormat Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General Retired Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof, Minister at the Prime Minister's Office and Second Minister of Defence, and His Excellency Doctor Ng Eng Hen, Minister for Defence Republic of Singapore.

Shortly after arriving, His Majesty received the Royal Salute and inspected the Guard of Honour comprising one hundred and ten members of the Royal Brunei Navy, led by Lieutenant Commander Ahmad Afifi bin Awang Antin.

The ceremony commenced with the recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah led by Commander Haji Ainolnizam bin Haji Ibrahim, Royal Brunei Navy, Director of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces Religious Directorate, Jama'at.

Lieutenant Commander Haji Mohammad Arnold bin Haji Osman, Royal Brunei Navy, Commanding Officer of KDB As-Siddiq in his briefing explained the meaning of As-Siddiq.

His Majesty made a Titah Commissioning the KDB As-Siddiq.

His Majesty then awarded KDB As-Siddiq with its Commissioning Pennant presented to the Commanding Officer of KDB As-Siddiq.

This was followed by the inaugural hoisting of the Commissioning Pennant and Royal Brunei Navy Ensign on the KDB As-Siddiq.

The Azan or call for prayer resounded to seek blessings for the commissioning of KDB As-Siddiq.

Doa Selamat was read by the Jama'at Director.

His Majesty was then invited to tour the KDB As-Siddiq.

The handing over of the Republic of Singapore Navy patrol vessel, is a symbol of appreciation and close collaboration between the two Armed Forces and Navies.

From Jetty Bravo, His Majesty proceeded to the Officers Mess, Royal Brunei Navy for a luncheon.

The Commissioning Ceremony of KDB As-Siddiq was an important historical development of the Royal Brunei Navy and the RBAF.

Source: Radio Television Brunei