In the latest development of the Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease, HFMD, in Brunei Darussalam,seven more cases of the disease were reported Monday, all of which are from the Brunei Muara District. Out of the number, one patient is currently admitted at the RIPAS Hospital and reported in a stable condition. Since March 1st, 579 cases of HFMD have been reported.

This was stated by the Deputy Minister of Health, Pehin Dato Paduka Haji Hazair in a media briefing, Monday. The Pehin said in percentage, out of the 579 cases, 58 percent were children aged up to 5 years old, 20 percent among 6 to 11 years old and 6 percent involved children aged 12 years and above. He said it’s the Ministry of Health’s concern that the public give particular attention to children aged 5 years and below, as children under this age group are more susceptible to infection. Those infected can suffer complications that can be fatal as what had happened to a five-year old patient.

The total number of Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease cases still exceeds the number of those reported. However in general, the number of cases tends to decrease. Nevertheless as an on-going precautionary measures towards preventing the spread of the disease, the Ministry of Health has advised members of the public to observe self-cleanliness and practise good hygiene at all times, such as by using soap and clean water when washing hands. This habit should be inculcated among children at the earlier age. The cleanliness of public utilities such as toilets too should be observed and upgraded. Referring to children who are asked by the school to undergo examination at the hospital or health centres, the Pehin suggested that the parents also take their other children along for the health examination. This is to ensure that the Hand, Foot and Mouth disease does not spread among members of the family and community.

The Deputy Minister of Health also expressed his appreciation to the media and others
involved for their cooperation with the ministry in disseminating health information to the public. The Pehin also appreciated the media’s role in educating the public to always be aware and to take the appropriate steps towards preventing the spread of the Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease.

Parents are advised not to take their children especially those of five years and below to public places. They are also prohibited from taking their children to public swimming pools. And as a precautionary measure, swimming pools at schools are still closed. Anyone with inquiries pertaining to the Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease should call 2227785 or 2242424 extension 393.
 

Writers must be aware and concerned with happenings around them which can help them in producing stories based on fictions. But the task of creating such stories from various sources based on everyday life will not be properly realised with mediocrity and without the relevant knowledge. As a result, the end-products will be just for easy-reading and easily forgotten. The Minister of Culture, Youths and Sports was speaking at a prize presentation ceremony for a competition on writing novels for teenagers, Monday.

Retired Major General Pehin Dato Seri Pahlawan Haji Mohamad said viewing this fact from one aspect, it will give rise to competition which will entice teenagers to continue reading and help in cultivating a reading culture among them. The Minister added that literature for teenagers should be viewed as a platform in extending the message that could encourage teenagers to have pure values and to have open minds, enriched with the feeling of compassion and tolerance, wide and comprehensive world view, along with well-directed and complete education. It is hoped that with these qualities, they will be aware of their national identity and become a successful member of the society.

The function coincided with the launching of six newly published books by the Language and Literature Bureau. Three of the books are anthologies and the other three are on children stories written by local authors.

Winners of the competition received their prizes from the Minister of Culture, Youth and
Sports. Dayang Hajah Lizawati binti Hassan with her manuscript entitled – “Bila Rindu Menyapa” was adjudged first and won a 7 thousand dollar honorary prize.

Also present were the Deputy Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, Dato Paduka Haji Yakub and the Permanent Secretary, Awang Haji Jemat bin Haji Ampal. The competition was organised by the Language and Literature Bureau in conjunction with the 45th Year of the Malay Language Embodiment in the Brunei Darussalam’s Constitution.
 

The Brunei Tourism Board is committed to working closely with both the government and private sector, in contributing to the nation’s economic diversification efforts, as well as generating future employment opportunities for Brunei’s citizens. The board held an informal meeting on Second Away Day, Monday at the Empire Hotel and Country Club in Jerudong.

The Second Brunei Tourism Board Away Day attended by 12 members of the board aims to create greater awareness for members and stakeholders of projects being undertaken by various government departments, especially those related to the tourism industry. The meeting was chaired by the Deputy Minister of Industry and Primary Resources, Dato Paduka Haji Hamdillah. Also attending the informal meeting were key members of the various chambers of commerce in Brunei, the Brunei-Japan Friendship Association and the Brunei-China Association.

The informal and interactive session was conducted by two members from the Faculty of Business, Economics and Policy Studies of University Brunei Darussalam and a tourism expert. The Brunei Tourism Unit of the Tourism Development Department, Ministry of Primary Resources, acts as the Secretariat of the Brunei Tourism Board, in charge of the international promotion and marketing of Brunei as a tourist destination.