Latest news with #Bruneians
Borneo Post
6 days ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
Pontianak-Kuching flights to resume Sept 12, boosting tourism and connectivity
Abdul Karim (centre) speaks to reporters. – Photo by Henrietta Liza KUCHING (July 25): The long-awaited resumption of the direct Pontianak-Kuching flight route is set for this Sept 12, a move expected to significantly enhance regional connectivity while boosting Sarawak's medical tourism and live entertainment sectors. Sarawak Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, has confirmed that although the final official confirmation is pending, initial indications suggest the route will operate two flights daily. 'It's about RM180 for a one-way trip, if I'm not mistaken,' he told reporters at the launch of Air Supply's 50th anniversary concert, here today. Abdul Karim highlighted the strategic timing of the flight resumption, coinciding with the concert scheduled for Sept 24. 'The event is expected to attract a sizeable number of fans from Indonesia, particularly from Pontianak. 'There are a lot of rich people down there (in Pontianak). Every time we host a concert, many of them come by road. 'During last year's countdown event, the Tebedu CIQS (Customs, Immigration and Quarantine Complex) was jammed for three hours,' he said. The minister also cited encouraging performance of the Jakarta-Kuching direct flight, which had maintained a passenger load factor consistently above 80 per cent, driven by demand from Indonesian travellers. According to Abdul Karim, the Singapore tourist arrivals are showing an upward trend, while Brunei remains a significant market for Sarawak's tourism industry. 'More than 100,000 Bruneians enter Sarawak every year, whether for entertainment, marathons, extreme sports, or 4×4 rallies. 'Brunei has always been a strong supporter of our tourism,' he said. Abdul Karim also reaffirmed Indonesia's position as the primary source of foreign medical tourists to Sarawak, especially from Pontianak and Jakarta. According to him, many of these patients travel overland for up to five hours, while others opt to fly via Jakarta before arriving in Kuching. 'With direct flights now available from both Pontianak and Jakarta, we anticipate a significant increase in medical tourist arrivals from Indonesia,' he said. Additionally, Abdul Karim hinted at the potential for a future direct flight route between Balikpapan and Kuching. 'Probably in the future, we never know – Balikpapan might be… (having direct flights from Balikpapan to Kuching),' he said with optimism. Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah flights Kuching Pontianak
The Star
21-06-2025
- The Star
Brunei cracks down on int'l drug cartel
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: Brunei's Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has thwarted an international drug syndicate which recruited five Bruneian men, local media reported on Thursday (June 19). The local men were recruited as drug couriers smuggling drugs into Europe via Brunei's neighbouring country, NCB said in a press release on Thursday. According to local daily Borneo Bulletin, those local men earned a total of 21,000 Brunei dollars (US$16,354) from smuggling Cannabis weighing 68 kg worth over a million Euros. The NCB expressed concern over the troubling trend of Bruneians being recruited for drug smuggling activities and urged them to resist being swayed by the enticing offers from the syndicate. - Xinhua
Malaysia Sun
20-06-2025
- Malaysia Sun
Brunei cracks down on int'l drug cartel
Xinhua 20 Jun 2025, 07:45 GMT+10 BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, June 20 (Xinhua) -- Brunei's Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has thwarted an international drug syndicate which recruited five Bruneian men, local media reported on Thursday. The local men were recruited as drug couriers smuggling drugs into Europe via Brunei's neighboring country, NCB said in a press release on Thursday. According to local daily Borneo Bulletin, those local men earned a total of 21,000 Brunei dollars (16,354 U.S. dollars) from smuggling Cannabis weighing 68 kg worth over a million Euros. The NCB expressed concern over the troubling trend of Bruneians being recruited for drug smuggling activities and urged them to resist being swayed by the enticing offers from the syndicate.
The Star
19-06-2025
- The Star
Five Bruneians arrested for role in international drug syndicate
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: Five Bruneian men aged between 22 and 38 have been arrested for their involvement in a cross-border drug smuggling operation orchestrated by an international drug syndicate, the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) revealed in a statement on Thursday (June 19). The suspects were apprehended at various locations across the country during the final week of May 2025 as part of Operasi POTTER, a targeted enforcement effort led by the bureau. Investigations found that the individuals had been recruited by a foreign-based syndicate to act as couriers for delivering cannabis to destinations in Europe through third countries. Four of the suspects had reportedly completed multiple successful smuggling trips, handing over the drugs to syndicate members at pre-arranged locations abroad. One suspect, meanwhile, served as a recruiter, enlisting locals into the syndicate's operations in exchange for commissions for each successful delivery. NCB estimates that the total financial gain from their smuggling activities amounted to approximately BND21,000, while the total volume of cannabis trafficked reached 68 kilogrammes, with a street value exceeding BND1 million at the destination countries. The syndicate's modus operandi involved concealing drugs in specially modified luggage and fully covering all travel costs — including accommodation, airfare, and ground transport — as an incentive for locals to participate. Recruits were also encouraged to bring in new members to ensure the continuity of the trafficking operation. NCB expressed deep concern over the involvement of Bruneians in serious criminal activities abroad and reminded the public to remain vigilant against offers of quick financial gain, which could ultimately lead to severe legal consequences, imprisonment, or personal harm overseas. 'Participation in criminal activity, whether knowingly or unknowingly, is not a defensible excuse under foreign laws,' the bureau warned. The NCB also extended its appreciation to both local and international intelligence and enforcement agencies for their collaboration in ensuring the success of this operation. - Borneo Bulletin/ANN
The Star
14-06-2025
- Sport
- The Star
Nine Bruneians conquer seven mountains in Central Java in seven days
The nine Bruneian climbers from diverse backgrounds during the adventure to conquer seven of Central Java's most prominent mountains. Photo: supplied BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: A group of nine determined Bruneians from diverse backgrounds embarked on an extraordinary adventure to conquer seven of Central Java's most prominent mountains within a span of just seven days. The ambitious expedition began on May 24 and concluded successfully on May 30, showcasing both the physical endurance and mental resilience of the team. Over the course of the week, the group scaled Gunung Lawu, Gunung Merbabu, Gunung Sumbing, Gunung Prau, Gunung Bismo, Gunung Sindoro, and the imposing Gunung Slamet. These peaks are among the most challenging and scenic in Central Java, each offering unique landscapes, varying terrain, and unpredictable weather conditions. The goal of the expedition was to reach the summit of all seven mountains in just seven days, a feat that required careful planning, teamwork, and determination. The climbers faced steep ascents, rugged trails, and the physical strain of consecutive climbs, yet their shared passion for mountaineering and adventure kept them motivated throughout the journey. This expedition not only tested their physical limits but also fostered camaraderie and a deep appreciation for nature's grandeur. The team's successful completion of this challenge reflects their commitment to pushing boundaries and exploring the natural wonders of the region. - Borneo Bulletin/ANN
