Borneo Bulletin Opinion
| JTB regrets e-speed
glitches With reference to the letters from: Espeed 2 user (dated BB5th Oct), Patient E-speed user (dated 17th Oct), TBM and Yakob (dated BB 10th Sept). In response to these letters, JTB would like to ensure our valued customers that JTB is committed to continuously improve our services. JTB apologises for the writers' unfortunate experiences where admittedly the procedures may not have been thoroughly exercised. In addressing this issue, JTB will further strengthen our customer services and technical support team to ensure that complaints can be dealt with effectively. Once again, JTB would like to request our valued customers to contact us or send an email to the address below so that we can assist in solving the issues that you are currently facing. - Corporate Communication - Jabatan Telekom Brunei - Direct line : 2384888 - Email : jtbpr@brunet.bn |
| Prompt action on
dangerous Anduki junction I would like to take this opportunity to thank the relevant authorities by taking very prompt action on a concern expressed in an opinion entitled "Dangerous 'U-turn' Act at Anduki Junction", published in BB Opinion dated 01/10/05. The traffic policemen were seen standing by that area the following Monday to catch any irresponsible drivers after the publication of the article. Barriers were later put at the mentioned 'No-U-turn' to prevent illegal u-turn. Hopefully the barriers will be there permanently to prevent accidents. Now I feel very safe while driving across that junction. - Concerned Driver |
| Just because we
employ people it does not mean we own them I refer to Saturday's letter from 'Observer KB'. There are many Bruneians who would also feel that $11,000 is a lot of money. Yes, the law should change but not merely as has been suggested. $200 is a pittance and to say that is a lot to some people is arrogance. Many foreign workers are not fed properly (where food is provided), not given any time off, are not allowed out of the building in which they work and in general have personal freedoms removed. There are also those who do the work and do not get paid. Just because we employ someone does not mean we own them. How would you feel if the government said you had to work at least 12 hours a day seven days a week? As it is, those in their first year of work are not entitled to any leave - this is a time when they probably need it more than any other as ones first year of work is especially tiring. There should be a minimum wage and conditions enforced in Brunei. This should apply to all workers and should be vigorously monitored regardless of who the employer is. - Independent Person |
| How can these
students prepare for exams? A relative of mine is sitting for her 'O' Level this year at an all girls school in Lambak. She has been attending extra classes almost everyday, some on Fridays and even during school holidays. What worries me is that she hasn't finished her syllabus (except in two subjects) yet. When other students are on study leave or doing revision with their teachers, my relative is still learning new topics which I do not think she has enough time to assimilate properly or worse revise when the written exam is just in a few weeks. So is this a problem that should be looked into don't you think? - Concerned Relative |
|
Awestruck by a sparkling lake in
the jungle |
| Spg 112 Jln Pulaie
needs urgent attention The area next to my place along Spg 112-2, Jln Pulaie is a huge marshy land with thick vegetation. There is no proper drainage system. As a result, the storm water and the wastewater from the septic tank just flow out and is stagnant. I am very much concerned as the dengue fever has already hit Brunei. Could the relevant authorities take immediate steps to improve the drainage system? Also, the short stretch of road along the simpang is in very bad shape. Could the relevant authorities do something to improve the condition of the road? Thank you. - Concerned Resident - 2020 Image |
| Smart IC too
expensive for poor expats Posessing an IC is mandatory for all here in Brunei Darussalam. We were paying two dollars for the old IC and now we pay 20 dollars for the new KPP/Smart IC. Citizens pay 15 dollars only twice i.e at the age of 12 and and they have to renew once more at the age of 17 or 18. There ends the matter. What about expatriates holding green IC? Some times in a contract period of two or three years, whether you are a private or Govt. employee, you may have to apply for IC two or more times due to passport expiry, visa expiry due to conract expiry, some times the wife and three children, have similar problems, contract employees -whether labourers or officers, in both private and public sectors have to considerably spend few hundred dollars for self and family. Above all, these new so called KPP/smart IC has no additional advantage . The old IC for two dollars is more than enough as it served the same purpose. Neighbouring countries like malaysia give the My Kad for free for all and it is used and linked in many useful ways for the people holding it. They can access many consumer related systems like water billl, electricity bill, telephone bill, some bank accounts, exit the country-emigration, etc. - Poor Green IC |
| Filling stations
conveniently located Well done BSM for having Filling Stations conveniently throughout the country. With the many newly renovated station, it's really does build up in line with international standards. I would also like to congratulate BSM on the recent Road Campaign "Don't play with fire" as well. - Motorist |
| Why would such a
small country like ours need trains? It is not ideal to build a railway network in Brunei for a few reasons. First of all, it is very costly to build a railway track and railway stations and trains linking all the districts especially when raw materials are expensive, lack of skilful labour and engineers, as well as maintainence of the stations and safety of running the trains. Even after the whole costly project is set up and ready for utilisaton, how long will it be before the investors will manage to make a profit? The number of people using trains would only be early mornings and late evenings for commuting. When it is not peak hours, hardly anyone will be taking the trains when stores and shops are readily available nearby to most homes in each district. Most people can afford to buy cars especially with bank and government loans. An hour driving to KB and back might seem a long time but really most developed countries do that. They commute for an hour to and from. Besides having trains travelling every half an hour is just not beneficial as Brunei has a small population. Not everybody will take the trains and the trains will be empty at most of the other times. If the charges on the train tickets are expensive to keep up operational costs, most people will not want to hop on, while others may prefer to drive at their own comfort. Sure, the trains will provide comfort and perhaps create more job opportunities for the locals but for such a small population, there is just not enough people to generate sufficient profits in order to keep the trains going. Also if low wage people were to take the trains, then the fares would have to suit them or you will need to raise wages to account for their transport cost. As most tourists concentrate on the capital there may not be enough travelling each day on trains. - Anti-Train |
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