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Starbucks coffee opens its door in style BorneoPost Online | Borneo , Malaysia, Sarawak Daily News » Brunei - New 2 Borneo

Starbucks coffee opens its door in style

Posted: 16 Feb 2014 04:53 PM PST

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: Starbucks Coffee opened the doors to its first store in the Sultanate yesterday officiated by Her Royal Highness Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Zariah who together with Hansberry, Quays and Dato Francis Lee, CEO of Berjaya Food Berhad, cut the ribbon signifying the grand opening of the store, Brudirect reported.

Also present were YAM Pengiran Anak Hajah Taiyibah Qalbul Bolqiah and Pengiran Haji Mohammad Hakimmuddin bin Pengiran Haji Hashim, YAM Pengiran Anak Hajah Ruqiyah Mataul Bulqiah and YAM Pengiran Anak Mansurah Izzul Bolkiah. Ricky Ho, Director of Berjaya Food Supreme Sdn Bhd was also present to witness the ceremony.

The store was located in the heart of Brunei's Capital at the bustling hub of the Mabohai Shopping Complex in Bandar Seri Begawan.

With 43 years of coffee heritage and expertise, the store experience is built on sourcing the highest quality Arabica coffee and operates more than 4,000 stores across 15 markets in its China and Asia Pacific region.

The ceremony witnessed the store featured the traditional coffee bar and also a 'slow bar' which allows customers to savour the taste of coffee using the 'pour-over' brewing method. The 'slow bar' was first of its kind in the Southeast Asian region.

President of Starbucks China and Asia Pacific Jeff Hansberry said they were pleased to bring the unique Starbucks experience to Brunei.

Managing Director of Starbucks Coffee Malaysia and Brunei Sydney Quays said they are looking forward to being a part of the growing coffee culture in the country.

The launch saw invited guests, including those from Brunei's business community and the customer, were also given the opportunity to savour their first sip of coffee from this latest Starbucks store and owned the limited edition of Starbucks Brunei merchandise.

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RB announced flights suspension following Mount Kelud eruption

Posted: 14 Feb 2014 05:27 PM PST

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: Following a volcanic eruption of Mount Kelud in the Republic of Indonesia, Royal Brunei (RB) airlines has announced on its website and Facebook page that it has suspended three of its flights: BI795 BSB-Surabaya 2005hr, February 14; BI737 BSB-Jakarta 0010hr and BI738 Jakarta-BSB 0450hr (Jakarta time), both on February 15, today, Brudirect reported.

RB advised its passengers affected by the disruptions 'not to proceed to the airport' and that RB's online check-in service has been temporarily suspended.

"Royal Brunei will waive administration and change fees for customers confirmed to travel on a disrupted flight, or defer the travel for up to one week without penalties" it stated.

The waiver is valid for tickets traveling to and from Surabaya and Jakarta from February 14 to 21 2014. According to authorities in Indonesia, all flights to the aforementioned airports have been canceled, and other flights, including some between Australia and Indonesia have been rerouted, citing that it is too dangerous to fly near the plume since vision, performance and equipment could potentially be compromised.

A volcanic eruption of Mount Kelud in Indonesia on late Thursday night has prompted the authorities in the Republic to enforce temporary closures of international airports in three cities, namely Surabaya, Yogyakarta and Solo.

The eruption subsequently claimed the lives of three victims. As such, several airlines have issued statements explaining to their passengers that they have cancelled a number of routes, stressing that concern for safety is their main priority.

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$4,000 fine and one year imprisonment for cross-dressers

Posted: 13 Feb 2014 05:22 PM PST

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: A fine of up to BND$4,000 and a maximum of one year imprisonment or both will be the punishment for cross-dressers who engage in activities deemed 'immoral' by the authority, Brudirect reported.

'Cross-dressing' refers to a man posing as a woman and vice versa. The Syariah Law states that cross-dressing "without reasonable cause" can lead to a punishment of three months in jail or BND$1,000 fine or both. One has to remember that these two punishments are exclusively allocated for person or persons who cross-dressed without valid reasons.

The offence comes under the chapter dubbed "General Offence" in which the punishments are 'not mentioned' in Al-Quran and As-Sunnah or in Syariah term called Ta'zir. The scope for Ta'zir offence is wide reaching and covers all types of offences that are not Qisas (retaliation or retribution) or Hudud. This goes without saying that it is the government who determines the penalty for Ta'zir as long as it is permissible in Hukum Syarak.

Awg Hj Hardfadhillah Hj Md Salleh, Senior Syariah Legal Officer from the Ministry of Religious Affairs briefing the topic yesterday before a crowd comprising formal private education institutions from Belait and Tutong Districts.

He explained that Al-Quran does not specifically address 'cross-dressing' although it urges its followers to dress modestly. Other general offences highlighted during the briefing include khalwat (being in close proximity with the opposite sex or even same sex that would potentially lead to sexual activity), indecent behavior, practicing occultism and Satanic black magic and other related offences.

Some three hundred representatives comprising members from both private and formal education institutions attended the briefing organized by the Private Education Section at the Ministry of Education (MoE), where it is held at the Main Hall, Tutong Civic Complex.

During Q&A (question and answer) session, the officials were asked what constitutes indecent clothing.

In Islam, both men and women should cover their aurat (physical body parts that must be covered as required by Islam). However, it is not an offence under the Syariah (Penal Code) not to do so.

The panel clarified that the law of men and women who fail to cover their aurat does not constitute punishment under Hudud but instead comes under Ta'zir; which means that the government is responsible for designing the punishment. As of date, there is no law that punishes people on the matter. This quells initial concern among members of the public who are afraid they will be forced to wear burqa while engaging in sports and recreational activities such as jogging as the latter is a daily sight in the Sultanate before sundown.

A student asked whether the Syariah Law will be imposed on foreigners in Brunei. In response, the panel said foreigners will be subjected to the laws of the Sultanate just as how Bruneians are subjected to the laws of a foreign country.

A teacher came up with a rather good question; why corruption does not fall under any of the Syariah Law guidelines. The panel first explained that corruption in Brunei has its own regulation called the Prevention of Corruption Act (Chapter 131) which is enforced by the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB). Corruption offenders will not be punished under Hudud as it is considered to be an offence under Ta'zir.

On October 22 2013, the government of Brunei Darussalam gazetted the Syariah Penal Code Order 2013 (the Order) with a view, in brief, to introduce Hudud and Qisas punishments in the country.

The order will be implemented in stages, starting with Ta'zir offences this April. In the meantime, the provisions of the Penal Code will continue to be enforced and the offences tried by the Civil Courts because the work of updating laws relating to procedure, evidence and others is incomplete.

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His majesty meets republic of Singapore leaders, treated to airshow

Posted: 12 Feb 2014 03:37 PM PST

SINGAPORE: His Majesty the Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah, Sultan and the Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam consented to attend a four-eye meeting with Lee Hsien Loong, the Prime Minister of the Republic of Singapore last evening, ©BRUDIRECT.COM reported.

His Majesty and Her Majesty Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha then attended a dinner banquet hosted by the Singaporean Prime Minister and his spouse, Ho Ching.

Earlier, Their Majesties attended afternoon tea hosted by Dr Tony Tan Keng Yam, President of the Republic of Singapore, and his spouse, Mary Chee Bee Kiang.

Upon arrival at the Istana last evening, Their Majesties were welcomed by the Singaporean Prime Minister and his spouse. Their Majesties later had a photo session with the Singaporean Prime Minister and his spouse.

While His Majesty held a four-eye meeting with the Singaporean Prime Minister, Her Majesty held a separate meeting with Ho Ching in the State Room. Their Majesties later proceeded to the pool side together with the Singaporean Prime Minister and his spouse to attend a dinner banquet.

Earlier, upon arrival at the Istana for afternoon tea, Their Majesties were welcomed by the Singaporean President and his spouse. After the monarch signed the visitor's book, Their Majesties had a photo session with the Singaporean President and his spouse. Their Majesties later proceeded to the Yusof Room for the afternoon tea.

The monarch also attended the Singapore Airshow 2014 at the Changi Exhibition Centre. Upon arrival at the Centre, His Majesty was greeted by Dr Ng Eng Hen, Singapore's Minister for Defence.

His Majesty took a closer look at the exhibits at the exhibition hall as well as the outdoor exhibition showcasing static displaying of various aircraft.

The monarch also viewed aerial displays by "Black Knights" aerobatic team from the Republic of Singapore Air Force, YAK130, "Jupiter" aerobatic team from the Indonesian Air Force, MV22, and Airbus A350.

His Majesty later attended a luncheon hosted by Singapore's Minister for Defence.

Accompanying His Majesty to the airshow, afternoon tea and the dinner were Pehin Orang Kaya Pekerma Dewa Dato Seri Setia Lim Jock Seng, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade II, and Pehin Datu Singamanteri Colonel (Retired) Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Awg Hj Md Yasmin Hj Umar, Minister of Energy at the Prime Minister's Office.

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More than a decade in prison, canning for thieves of three

Posted: 11 Feb 2014 07:54 PM PST

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: Three local men behind the strings of mosque thefts in the Sultanate were sentenced to lengthy imprisonment and several lashes of the cane yesterday after the High Court took into careful consideration the gravity of the offences and mitigating factors of the defendants, ©BRUDIRECT.COM reporetd.

Hj Jumat Hj Jaya, 39, was sentenced to eleven years in prison and eight strokes of the cane. Thirty-two-year-old Mohammad Sediken Bujang received twelve years and nine strokes of the cane while Sahri Jarudin, 45, the oldest of the three, was sentenced to eleven years imprisonment and eight strokes of the cane.

Justice Dato Paduka Hairol Arni Hj Abd Majid in passing the sentences said the court has taken into consideration the facts that the defendants had pleaded guilty at the very earliest opportunity when the charges were put to them.

The Justice added that by pleading guilty, the defendants earned themselves discounts in sentences as this saved the court considerable time without having to call witnesses to give evidence in a full trial.

Justice Dato Hairol said, "after careful consideration of the facts of this case and having considered the principles enunciated and the sentences passed in (preceding cases cite by the court), I believe that the circumstances of these offences were so serious that it warrants deterrent sentence to appropriately represent the criminality and overall culpability of the defendants." The Justice also noted that no restitutions of the money have been made.

"These are perhaps the worst offences of housebreaking with an intent to commit theft, theft in dwelling and mischief causing damage to a place of worship, in this case mosques, ever brought before this court" said the Justice considering the case prior deciding the sentence.

All three faced twenty eight charges, alternating, of stealing donation boxes containing cash from mosques and breaking-in by night into the mosques, causing mischief by damaging the donation boxes and breaking into the mosques' rooms and rummaging through items.

The mosques involved in the thefts were Paduka Seri Begawan Sultan Omar 'Ali Saifuddien Mosque in Kg Katimahar, Kg Belimbing Mosque, Kg Serdang Mosque, Pengiran Muda 'Abdul Mateen Mosque, Zainab Mosque in Kg Lumut, Pintu Malim Mosque, Kg Tanah Jambu Mosque, Lumapas Mosque, Kg Perpindahan Lambak Kanan Mosque, Rashidah Sa'adatul Bolkiah Mosque in Kg Sg Akar, Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha (RIPAS) Mosque in Kg Rimba, Kg Kapok Kanan Mosque, Kg Bukit Udal Mosque and Kg Beribi Mosque in Jalan Bunga Jasmine.

The trio traveled in a vehicle armed with tools to target destinations.

The court stated that the offences were committed between November 30 2013 and January 9 2014 but the full disclosure reveals that only the first and second offences were committed on November 30 2013 whilst the other twenty six offences were committed within a space of ten days from December 28 2013 to January 9 2014 before the defendants were eventually arrested.

Justice Dato Hairol believed that the defendants would have continued their criminal activity had they not been caught, adding that "these are relentless attacks on mosques, premeditated and well planned, if not ruthless in their execution".

The court also considered that the defendants were devoid of conscience when they committed the offences given that they were places of worship and all the monies collected were meant for various permanent and temporary charitable donations.

Describing the modus operandi of the trio, Justice Dato Hairol stated that the defendants simply attacked the mosques at the early hours when they were vulnerable, in complete absence of mosque officials and the public. The statement of facts clearly revealed that the break-ins were reported to the police and these had been going on for almost daily. The Justice was also shocked to learn that no precautions were taken by mosque officials or for that matter other relevant enforcement agencies to stand guard to secure the safety of these mosques.

The three defendants were arrested on January 9 2014 after they broke into Kg Beribi Mosque.

A helper at the mosque had learnt there was a break-in and while in hiding he contacted the imam of the mosque who then contacted the police.

Police saw Hj Jumat suspiciously coming out from the jungle area near the Kg Beribi Mosque before dawn on January 9 2014. The police gave chase but the defendant ran away after seeing police approaching him where he was eventually subdued and subsequently apprehended.

Mohammad Sediken was arrested at Kebajikan Flat where he was hiding in a room that morning along with Sahri who also holed up in another unit that same morning.

DPP Karen Tan and DPP Dk Hazirah Pg Md Yusof appeared for the Public Prosecutor.

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Drivers nabbed by Police after drinking near border

Posted: 10 Feb 2014 04:38 PM PST

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: Six motorists, three of whom were driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol, were recently arrested in an operation targeting traffic offenders, ©BRUDIRECT.COM reported.

Eighteen personnel from the Department of Investigations and Traffic Control (Jabatan Siasatan dan Kawalan Lalu Lintas; JSKLL) of the Royal Brunei Police Force (RBPF) conducted the operation near Kuala Lurah border from 8.30pm until 10.30pm.

Under Section 26(1)(b) of the Road Traffic Act, Chapter 68, any driver found guilty of drunk-driving can be fined up to BND$10,000 and receive a two-year jail term. Under SiKAP (Driver Safety Practice System), the driver will incur eighteen demerit points.

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