Red Crescent Society vouch for climate change

RAFIDAH HAMIT

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

Monday, March 2, 2015

CLIMATE change refers to changes in the measures of climate lasting for an extended period of time, which include in temperature, precipitation or wind patterns, among others, that occur over several decades or longer.

It is an important issue that needs to be addressed in Brunei, said Harris Abd Latip, Director of Brunei Darussalam Red Crescent Society (BDRCS) of the Belait District.

“The public need to know what steps to take to prevent or help reduce climate change. However not a lot of people are aware of it, despite it being an important issue.”

The Belait BDRCS director recently attended a “Master Training for Southeast Asia Climate Change” course in Phuket, Thailand, titled and learned about climate adaptation and mitigation, early warning and early action.

“Since me and another member of the BDRCS have attended the talk, we feel that it is our role to disseminate information on this important issue.

“We will be compiling all the information we gained and produce a book. Members of the public can then read on the issue and know what steps to take to prevent it.”

It will be a challenging task to disseminate information to the public, said Harris.

“But we will try. Our strategy is to start with our members who mostly consist of students then we will raise awareness to village heads and government agencies.”

“Other countries already have an early warning system to warn them before a Tsunami happens.”

In Brunei, there have been efforts made he said, particularly on early prevention for flooding.

“Government agencies have already expanded drains and have machines that can pump water from the drains.”

“However I believe there are a few other things that need to be improved especially concerning remote areas – communication and accessibility. There have been cases where it was hard for relevant authorities to contact and access areas that were affected.”

Another member of the BDRCS who also went for the course, Ahmad Akbal Adiyusa Hj Mohd Yusuf said that Brunei should do more to prevent climate change from happening.

“One of the great things Brunei is doing is the “No Plastic Bag” campaign. This I believe helps a lot to save the environment.”

Ahmad Akbal Adiyusa said that more should be done including the banning of open burning.

“We should encourage the act of planting more trees. This will definitely help in decreasing the effects of climate change.”

The BDRCS member who is a fireman said that climate change awareness should also be emphasised more in schools.

“It’s better to start educating the younger generation early and to encourage them to help reduce climate change especially since they’ll be the future leaders of our nation.”

The Brunei Darussalam Red Crescent Society does not only focus on first aid but other factors including spreading the awareness of climate change.

The society launched a green project which involves youths through a programme called Youth Engagement that focuses on educating them about climate change, which leads to disasters.

The society’s Secretary General Sheikh Kadir Abdullah said they want to try and reduce the risk of disasters.

“One way is by educating our members and the public as we want them to understand that preserving the earth is important.”

In May, the society launched the green project with the Municipal Department and planted more than 100 trees in Jubilee Perak Park and started a public recycling campaign.

Students reciting a pledge during the Brunei Darussalam Red Crescent Society's election of new members at Dato Marsal Primary School. BT file

The Brunei Times

Mahad Islam Brunei under royal scrutiny

Khal Baharulalam

WITH the smooth conclusion of the house plaque presentation yesterday at Tutong District’s Mahad Islam Brunei, His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam consented to visit the Arabic boarding school’s dormitory, home to its 647 students.

Established in 1990 as an all-male boarding school, Mahad Islam Brunei reached a milestone this year having opened its doors to female students for Year 5 and Year 6.

The monarch was greeted at the school’s administration block by a performance in both Arabic and Malay language by students, who spiritedly chanted ‘Daulat Kebawah Duli Tuan Patik’ before His Majesty proceeded to tour through classrooms and labs.

Throughout his visits to classrooms and science labs, His Majesty took the time to speak to his subjects about their education and welfare during their studies and at times playfully mingling with the students.

The monarch also visited exhibitions by the school’s Red Crescent Society and Army Cadet Clubs set up at the assembly point.

His Majesty viewing a First Aid demonstration by Mahad Islam Brunei’s Red Crescent Society

The school came under strict royal scrutiny when His Majesty made his way through the school’s facilities, including the outdoor sports fields, canteen’s kitchen, hostel and warden’s quarters – expressing concern over the poor condition of certain areas in the school’s premises.

During a visit to the hostel block, His Majesty called for a more systematic access for wardens by suggesting the installation of a master-key.

His Majesty also took a closer look at the warden’s quarters and the hostel’s dining hall.

The caring monarch highlighted the need for action to be taken by His Government for the improvement of the school’s condition in general, particularly in the interests of the students’ safety and welfare.

- Borneo Bulletin Online - Sunday. March 01, 2015

Medical staff out in full force

AMANDA YAP

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

Tuesday, February 24, 2015

MEDICAL emergency team members tended to 149 patients yesterday during the 31st National Day celebrations at Taman Hj Sir Muda Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien (SOAS).

Speaking to The Brunei Times, head of Emergency Medical Ambulance Services (EMAS), Hjh Nora Hj Md Yusof, said that 14 of the patients were transferred to the hospital by ambulances. But she maintained that all cases were “manageable” and not serious.

As with medical emergencies handled by the team during previous rehearsal days, the bulk of cases yesterday involved patients suffering from heatstroke, low blood pressure or temporary respiratory problems, mainly because of patients’ existing underlying conditions like diabetes or asthma, or weak patients who had not eaten breakfast, said Hjh Nora.

According to Hjh Nora, some 400 emergency personnel – comprising paramedics, student paramedics, doctors, nurses, nursing students, technical and support staff, and volunteers from organisations such as the Brunei Darussalam Red Crescent Society (BDRCS) and the Humanitarian Emergency Aid Response Team (HEART) – were deployed around the capital as part of the team responsible for tending to medical emergencies.

Volunteers from the Brunei Darussalam Red Crescent Society (BDRCS)

The EMAS head said the medical team always aimed to improve every year and to fill in existing gaps as required.

For the first time this year, transport for emergency cases were available both on land and water.

“In previous years, we had nine ambulances around. This year, we added an extra two to make it a total of 11 ambulances stationed in strategic locations,” Hjh Nora said.

She added there were health clinics stationed at various vantage points – a main static clinic at Taman SOAS divided into two sections for males and females; one at the Royal Regalia area to facilitate the student drop-off area; one at the Dermaga Diraja (Waterfront) area to tend to the queuing parade participants; and one clinic manned by medical military members.

The team included an extra medical clinic this year to cater exclusively to royal guests where they were seated.

Medical Commander Dr Norazlina Suryani Hj Abd Rahman pointed out that the team had to be well-prepared as medical operations at Taman SOAS were different, compared to venues such as the National Stadium.

This is because the capital comprised of a “widespread area” which include locations like Edinburgh Bridge, Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah (YSHHB) Complex and Jln Kianggeh.

“The stadium is bigger but it’s a more confined area and we know the estimated number of people there, whereas people here (in the capital) are a lot more scattered,” she pointed out.

Hjh Nora added that the number of people yesterday far exceeded that of the rehearsals, with the addition of flag-wavers, tourists, and other guests.

Due to this, there were also two river ambulances on standby at the Waterfront to transport any potential patients to the Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha (RIPAS) Hospital.

Hjh Nora explained that such facilities were required as not everyone needs to be rushed to the hospital, as some medical cases were minor and could be treated on site.

“We have to think strategically about wider access, as there is no luxury of time during emergencies,” Hjh Nora said.

As with recent years, there was also a medical command vehicle to monitor and coordinate all radio messages and information that were shared through various radio channels by all the medical team members on duty.

“It’s like an information centre which coordinates and relays information to all medical personnel as well as the command post where members of the police force, fire and rescue department or military can be contacted to support us, if required,” Hjh Nora said.

She added the team needed such an “acoustic-oscillated” information centre which was away from the crowd and noise of the celebrations, so that all radioed messages between medical team members would not be missed.

“I am using an earpiece, but sometimes I might not hear all radio messages. The information centre acts as the eyes and ears for all senior officers so they can monitor, plan and coordinate for any medical emergencies,” she said.

Hjh Nora said that EMAS currently comprises close to 80 paramedics, who receive up to 600 medical emergency calls per month.

The Brunei Times

BRUNEI RED CRESCENT CHIEF ATTENDS MEETING

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

Thursday, February 26, 2015

THE president of the Brunei Darussalam Red Crescent Society, Hj Julaini Hj Latif, left for Phnom Penh, Cambodia on Tuesday to attend the 12th Annual South East Asia Red Cross and Red Crescent Leadership Meeting 2015.

At the two-day meeting, which started yesterday, leaders from the Red Cross/Red Crescent Societies from Southeast Asian countries, the International Federation of Red Cross/Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) will be discussing today’s humanitarian challenges as well as determining the future path of the movement.

A press statement from BDRCS said some of the key issues that will be discussed include the fast-changing humanitarian environment in Southeast Asia, the auxiliary roles of the Red Cross/Red Crescent, the relationship with the private and public sector and working with the government.

Other issues that will be discussed are organisational development/institutional building, resource mobilisation, migration and human trafficking and smuggling as well as intercultural dynamics in Southeast Asia and global humanitarian developments.

The meeting is co-hosted by the Cambodian Red Cross. - Rafidah Hamit

The Brunei Times

Brunei Darussalam Red Crescent Society Holds National General Meeting

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: The Brunei Darussalam Red Crescent Society (BDRC) yesterday held its 5th National Level General Meeting at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium's Lecture Theatre hall in Berakas. The event was launched by Haji Abdul Malik bin Haji Mohammad, Director of Youth and Sports, Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports.

The Director of Youth and Sports in his speech said that the Red Crescent Society was established following the resolution of the Medical Conference in Cannes, France, on May 5, 1918, and urged for more Red Crescent Societies to be formed worldwide. "I am confident the BDRC will continue its effort to achieve its objective and goals for the development of the nation," he said.

In 2014, the Red Crescent Society made efforts to change its policy and mindset through various means, especially through organisational restructuring at the national, regional and international level.

The restructuring included the formation of the society's National Executive Board to assist its national council in implementing its tasks and responsibilities in regards to its administration, policy and strategic plan at the national level.

Haji Abdul Malik noted that the BDRC was also active in youth engagement programmes in the community as well as in humanitarian works.

He lauded the BDRC's involvement with Bandar Seri Begawan Municipal Department's 'Green Initiatives Project', whereby Red Crescent Youth Cadets prepared flowers for planting at the Silver Jubilee Park.

Haji Abdul Malik hopes that such achievements will continue to inspire the BDRC to achieve its objective of becoming a successful organisation fully led by youth with vision, integrity and competitiveness.

The event was attended by BDRC's top leadership from the four districts, as well as its Brunei Darussalam Red Crescent Youth Volunteers.

The meeting also coincided with the hoisting of the national flag in conjunction with the upcoming National Day celebration by the Red Crescent Youth Cadet. Also present at the event was President of BDRC, Haji Julaini bin Haji Abdul Latip. ©BRUDIRECT.COM - Monday, 16 February 2015

Red Crescent brings Lunar cheer to Seria old folks

Wednesday, February 18, 2015

BELAIT - WIDE grins and happy chatter were the order of the day yesterday as members of the Brunei Darussalam Red Crescent Society (BDRCS) visited the residents of the Community Service Centre in Seria, bearing gifts and cheer to ensure the old folks weren’t forgotten coming up to the Lunar New Year tomorrow.

Despite being caught up in preparations for the auspicious Chinese celebrations, some 10 members of BDRCS led by its Vice President Chai Yum Fatt did their part to enliven the festivities at the community centre, where the majority of the residents are of Chinese descent.

Always happy to have visitors, the old folk traded tales and exchanged greetings with BDRCS members, many of whom were familiar faces.

In addition to hampers of food, including traditional Chinese biscuits and other edibles, the residents were also presented with token cash gifts as part of traditional custom. Even the home itself was not forgotten, as BDRCS also donated several botanical supplies such as fertiliser to help maintain the flowers and trees that provide shade for the residents in the surrounding garden.

BDRCS further renewed its commitments to the continued assistance and support of the centre, in line with its objectives of caring for the welfare of the local community.

On hand to receive the donations was Anna Chua, warden at the Community Service Centre.

Vice President Chai Yum Fatt (2nd R) and other members of BDRCS present donations to the residents of the Community Service Centre in Seria. BT/Daniel Wood

The Brunei Times

Red Crescent Society contributes food items to the underprivileged

|     Faza Suraj     |

THE Red Crescent Society of Brunei Darussalam presented contributions in the form of food items to 10 people yesterday in a handover ceremony that took place at the Belait branch of the Community Development Department (JAPEM).

In attendance were the society’s Vice-President, Chai Yum Fatt, Assistant Director, Lim Thian Ming and Chiam Toon Kwang, JAPEM officials as well as family members of the recipients. The ceremony was witnessed by the Head of the Belait branch of JAPEM, Noridah binti Haji Ishak.

The society in collaboration with the Belait branch of JAPEM expressed their hope that the donations would ease the burden faced by the recipients.

A recipient receives a food donation. – FAZA SURAJ

- Borneo Bulletin Online. February 11, 2015.

Brunei Darussalam Red Crescent Society Raises Funds for Flood Victims

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: Brunei Darussalam Red Crescent Society (BDRCS) is currently organising the '$1 of 150ml Mineral Water Pledge' to raise funds for flood disaster victims.

The initiative started on February 7 and will be ongoing until March 7, in which BDRCS is targeting to raise BND$5000 from sales of 5000 mineral water bottles.

A coupon value of BND$1 is available on sale to those who wish to donate to the project.

All proceeds from the donation will go to flood disaster victims in the country, as well as those affected in Sabah, Sarawak and West Malaysia.

BDRCS will collaborate with Malaysia's Red Crescent to present the donation to the victims as an initiative to help lessen the victims' burdens.

Those who wish to donate can purchase the coupons at Room 8, Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium from 9am to 4pm daily, or contact 711 7734.

This initiative is part of the main function of BDRCS as an independent international movement which is not only focused on first aid medical response, but also involved in humanitarian aid programmes for locals as well as abroad. ©BRUDIRECT.COM - February 10, 2015.

PBSM urged to focus on humanitarian needs

 Abdul Rahim Hj Ismail 

THE Brunei Darussalam Red Crescent Society (PBSM), with emphasis on its Brunei-Muara Secretariat, has been reminded that apart from being an emergency aid organisation, its members should also focus on humanitarian services.

During the association’s Fourth General Meeting that was held at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium in Berakas yesterday, the former Brunei Darussalam Red Crescent Society President, Datin Hajah Siti Hajar binti Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Setia Dato Paduka Haji Awg Mohammad Yusof, stressed that disaster management and community services, as part of their responsibilities, should also be made a priority.

The secretariat, she added, should also concentrate on the association’s strategic planning towards the development of model individuals, capacity development as well as competency especially when facing emergencies.

As part of yesterday’s ceremony, a total of eight senior association members received their respective accreditations whom, she reminded, should avoid abusing their status especially towards their younger peers.

“Distance yourself from misusing the phrase ‘I am your boss’ or ‘the boss is always right’ but rather, respect one another with an open mind,” she encouraged.

PBSM members lining up upon the arrival of Datin Hajah Siti Hajar binti Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Setia Da-to Paduka Haji Awg Mohammad Yusof at the event

Datin Hajah Siti Hajar Yusof delivering her speech

Datin Hajah Siti Hajar promoting one of the PBSM members

She explained that members who are still under the guidance of their seniors should be considered as partners in an association that has been categorised as ‘volunteers’ and as such, they should also keep in mind that activities conducted by the association should be handled with tolerance and understanding between leaders and members all of whom share the responsibility as a team.

With cooperation at the forefront for a successful organisation, she added that leaders should also be able to provide leadership at the ready as per the philosophy that a successful leader is one that is respected by its followers as opposed to a leader that instils fear. “Leadership through teaching and constructive criticism alongside exchanging of views among leaders and members are far more effective as leaders are mentors and teachers that should be respected and are approachable during times of need.”

The meeting, meanwhile, was described as being an important event filled with high hopes that leaders will carry out their responsibilities with commitment, dedication and honesty as per the teachings of Islam.

Borneo Bulletin. January, 5 2015.

Red Crescent members to get professional first aid training

Datin Hjh Siti Hajar POKSS DP Hj Awg Mohammad Yussof (L), adviser to the BDRCS Secretariat of Brunei-Muara district, placing a rank badge on Pg Yura Saiful Bahrin Pg Hj Yura Laila.

Datin Hjh Siti Hajar (L) inspecting the volunteers. BT/Rafidah Hamit

RAFIDAH HAMIT

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

Monday, January 5, 2015

TEN members of the Brunei Darussalam Red Crescent Society will soon get professional first aid training before obtaining accreditation from an international humanitarian organisation.

Sheikh Kadir Abdullah, secretary-general of the Brunei Red Crescent Society, said the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and the International Committee of the Red Cross will send first aid trainers to the sultanate in March.

Speaking during the society’s fourth annual general meeting at Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium yesterday, he said its members previously did not get any professional accreditation.

“Alhamdulillah, it was last year that we received accreditation from the IFRC (International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies) headquarters in Bangkok, Thailand,” he said.

The meeting also saw the appointment of eight officers for the Brunei-Muara secretariat. Hj Mohd Hilhamd Hj Johari was appointed as director of the Brunei Red Crescent Society of Brunei-Muara.

In his welcoming remarks, he hoped the officers and volunteers will always be committed to help improve the organisation.

“My vision and mission for this year is to maintain existing volunteers and increase the number of volunteers especially in community involvement.”

Present to appoint the members was former president of the society and adviser to the BDRCS Secretariat of Brunei-Muara district, Datin Hjh Siti Hajar POKSS DP Hj Awg Mohammad Yussof.

Other matters that were also discussed during the meeting included reports on training, events and activities, a financial report, and a duty report, which states that a total of 150 hours of duty were provided by the members from August to December 2014.

A total of 1,485 volunteers from 17 schools are members of the Brunei Red Crescent Society.

The Brunei Times