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No Revelry On New Year's Eve
By Azlan Othman

Bandar Seri Begawan - Brunei marking Hari Raya Aidiladha, a major event in the Islamic calendar on New Year's eve, has urged general New Year countdown celebrants to seek permission from the Ministry of Home Affairs before holding such events.

Any person who holds or assists any public entertainment without approval could face a maximum fine of $10,000 for first offence. For the subsequent offence, the penalty will be doubled, where the offender could be imprisoned for not more than two years.

The Ministry of Home Affairs maintains the fact that they have to discuss the matter with the Islamic Religious Council first before granting approval to any party seeker.

Speaking to the Weekend, an officer from the Public Relations Department at the Ministry of Home Affairs said it was necessary, as the 'Takbir Hari Raya Aidiladha' ceremony is held on December 31 to glorify the Feast of Sacrifice.

The officer pointed out that most Bruneians would usher in the New Year by organising barbeques and other such celebrations.

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However, it was stated in the guidelines-that if more than 10 people gathered for an event, they will have to inform the police as stated in the Society Act, he added.

He said that the ministry would usually find out about events that were organised without approval through the media. Organisers who knowingly violated the rules and guidelines of the Public Entertainment Act will have their licence revoked, the officer warned.

The Ministry of Home Affairs outlined the Emergency Order (Public Entertainment) 1997 effective June 1, 1997, which aims at controlling the activities at entertainment places of the public and allows the Ministry, Municipal Department and District Offices to. license the entertainment outlet to control public entertainment.

Public entertainment including musical performances, singing, dancing, film shows, and commercial shows will need approval. And approval will not be granted unless they are held at a place satisfactory to the licence issued by the Licensing Officer.

Meanwhile, appropriate forms must be used when applying for a public entertainment licence. Application will involve two copies, where each form will cost five dollars.

The Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Home Affairs will process public entertainment licences for seasonal entertainment, while the Municipal Board Chairman as the Licensing Officer will process public entertainment that is carried out continuously (annually) at premises and shops under the municipal's jurisdiction. As for those who live outside the municipal jurisdiction, their respective district offices will process the licence. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

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