Stay Calm Says MOE To Parents
By Azlan Othman

Bandar Seri Begawan - In view of two incidents of hysteria in the past two days at two secondary schools, the Ministry of Education seeks cooperation from various parties.

The Ministry in a press release said that they sought cooperation especially from parents by staying calm.

The Ministry in a statement said following the incidents that occurred at Menglait Secondary school on August 17, 2005 six students was affected while at Sayyidina Husain Secondary School on August 18, 25 students were affected.

The Ministry informed appropriate steps were being taken to stabilise the situation, `as best as possible'.

"Praise be to Allah, the situation is under control with the help of the school authorities and the students' guardians.

The control and surveillance efforts were - done with the cooperation of the Prime Minister's Office, State Mufti's Office, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Religious Affairs, the Royal Brunei Police Force, Internal Security Department and Sultan Hj Hassanal Bolkiah Tahfiz Institute," the Ministry added.

The Ministry also stated that in efforts to counter-act such an incident, the schools have drawn up guidelines and plans of action along with clear instructions for the school community.

Praise be to Allah, to date, parents and guardians have' given their cooperation to ensure stability of the students and smoothness of operation at the school. In this context, the Ministry seeks cooperation from all parties concerned especially parents and not to be alarmed and give continuos cooperation.

Meanwhile hundreds of curious onlookers, mostly men braved a heavy downpour to gather outside STPRI on Thursday night when SMS messages criss-crossed' about a ceremony to be held at the school to chase-out the spirits and that a gate, locally known as "Guris" would be opened.

Cars were parked at both sides of the roads and scores of policemen were seen at the scene. Some, armed with umbrellas brought along handycams, night vision binoculars and stationed even at the nearby bus stop, retail shops and overhead bridge. "It's like a festival going on here," said a curious on-looker,

The Principal and Deputy Principal of STPRI told Bulletin on Thursday afternoon that "there's no `Bomoh' or any ghostbusting activities carried-out as claimed by the public through SMS.

They also said that such activity is also beyond the knowledge of the school authorities. It was just an assumption to destabilise the school and parents".

Surprisingly, the road around the capital, Gadong and Kiulap were also quiet following the rumours asking people not to go around after midnight.

The police said on Thursday that anyone found guilty of spreading such malicious SMS would be dealt with accordingly.

It is an offence to spread false rumours under Section 34 and Section 35 of the Public Order Act, Chapter 148. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

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