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02nd September 2011
Warm Raya Handshake at the Istana Nurul Iman
The warm handshake from RCED was led by Controller of Customs, Yang Mulia Tuan Haji Muhammad Juanda bin Haji A.Rashid. Senior officers and about 100 customs officers were also in attendance. The ceremony, which was taken place in the morning, has become an annual activity for RCED.
MAJLIS KHATAM AL-QURAN
Ramadhan 1432
Majlis Khatam Al-quran bagi bulan Ramadhan 1432 telahpun dilaksanakan pada petang Khamis 24hb Ramadhan 1432 bersamaan 25hb Ogos 2011 bertempat di Dewan Pengiran Lela Cheteria, Ibu Pejabat Kastam dan Eksais Diraja.
Majlis tersebut di mulakan dengan bacaan Surah Al-Fatihah yang dikepalai oleh Yang Mulia Tuan Haji Muhammad Juanda bin Haji A.Rashid, Pengawal Kastam dan Eksais Diraja.
Bacaan Khatam telah dipimpin oleh Yang Mulia Tuan Haji Ibrahim bin Haji Abd Rahman sementara Doa Khatam telah dibacakan oleh Yang Mulia Tuan Haji Ibrahim bin Haji Mohammad. Doa Tagkuk tekag dipimpin sendiri oleh Yang Mulia Pengawal Kastam dan Eksais Diraja.
Dalam kesempatan ini Pengerusi Majlis merakamkan setinggi penghargaan dan terima kasih kepada semua anggota kerja yang telah memberikan kerjasama sehingga majlis yang berkebajikan ini Berjaya baik dari sudut material, Kewangan, tenaga dan lain-lain.
GREEN AND RED LANE CHANNELS IN BRUNEI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
Bandar Seri Begawan - Effective July 1, 2011, the Brunei International Airport (BIA) will have red and green channels for passengers arriving in the country to facilitate the inspection of items that are brought into the Sultanate.
The Ministry of Finance yesterday announced that His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam has consented for Royal Brunei Customs and Excise Department to enforce and implement red and green channel system at the Brunei International Airport as stipulated under Section 99 of Customs Order 2006 effective July 1, 2011.
The ministry said the implementation and enforcement of the channel system is to facilitate inspection on items brought into the country in a transparent and systematic manner in accordance with World Customs Organisation (WCO) and to fulfill the international standards.
It is also to support the government's aspiration to facilitate the entry of visitors without ignoring and affecting security aspects as well as to give choice to passengers to declare their goods.
Selecting red channel means that a visitor or passenger is considered making statutory declaration on goods brought into the country that are controlled customs items for which taxes need to be paid or need special customs or other agencies' approval.
Green channel means that a passenger is declaring that he/she is not bringing any items for which tax has to be imposed under customs control or prohibited items.
To declare goods brought into the country, passengers arriving at the BIA are required to fill up special forms that can be obtained in the aircraft or at the airport arrival hall.
In line with Section 99 of the Customs Order 2006, the Customs has the right to stop and inspect any passenger if doubts arise pertaining to goods brought into the country, be it in red or green channel.
Making a false declaration is an offence under the Customs Order and is liable to a fine of up to $40,000 or one-year imprisonment or both.
If a passenger has doubts, he/she could get assistance and information from the officer-in-charge at the international airport. The public is welcome to deal directly with the department for further information.
It is hoped that the enforcement of red and green channels would facilitate and smoothen passengers' arrival. Support from all parties is highly appreciated to make the system a success especially in adhering to the Customs regulations and in giving cooperation to the officer-in-charge, the press release stated. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin
5th BILATERAL OF ROYAL CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT, BRUNEI DARUSSALAM AND ROYAL CUSTOMS MALAYSIA
03 - 04 Rabiulakhir 1432H / 08th - 09th March 2011
Delegation from Royal Customs and Excise Dept. Brunei was led by the Acting Controller Yang Mulia Haji Muhammad Juanda bin Haji Abdul Rashid and the Royal Malaysian Customs Dept. delegation was headed by Yang Berbahagia Dato' Sri Hj Mohamed Khalid bin Yusuf, the General Director of Royal Customs Malaysia.
In a speech during the official opening, the Acting Controller of Royal Customs and Excise said that "customs control system have shifted from transaction based controls to the audit-based controls that require the use of innovative technologies to ensure the effectiveness of customs duties."
The topics include capacity building which focuses on the development of human resources and also equipments with latest technology to enhance the capacity, enforcement and border controls cooperation between Royal Customs and Excise and Royal Customs Malaysia such as exchanging intelligence's information and also coordinated enforcement operation.
INTEGRITY DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOP
17 - 18 Rabiulawal 1432H / 20th - 21st February 2011
The unlawful activity of accepting bribes and giving in to corruption has become a topic of discussion among several government departments, especially those that are highly susceptible to the under-the-table trade, the Acting Controller of Royal Customs and Excise said.
In a speech during the official opening an Integrity Workshop held for Customs officers from Brunei and the nine other ASEAN Member States, the Acting Controller of Royal Customs and Excise said that "corruption exists in the lethal combination of administrative monopoly coupled with the necessity for wide discretion", even more so in a work environment that lacks proper control and accountability systems.
"A customs administration infected with corruption is going to be seriously dysfunctional and the impact of the corruption will be felt throughout society," he added. Sixteen Customs personnel are currently taking part in the three-day workshop. Organised with the cooperation of the World Customs Organisation, the workshop is aimed at promoting a corruption-free working environment, while at the same time upholding the image of the Royal Customs and Excise Department.-- Courtesy of The Brudirect
8th CUSTOMS CAPACITY BUILDING WORKING GROUP (CCBWG) MEETING
14-16 Rabiulawal 1432H / 17th -19th February 2011
The meeting was held in Bandar Seri Begawan, attended by representatives from Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam and representatives of the ASEAN Secretariat.
The meeting was officially opened and chaired by Mr. Ali Rahman, Assistant Controller of Customs, Royal Customs and Excise, Brunei Darussalam.
6th MEETING OF THE ASEAN HARMONISED TARIFF NOMENCLATURE (AHTN) TASK FORCE
06 - 11 Rabiulawal / 09th - 14th February 2011
The Royal Customs and Excise Department as a host held the meeting with inputs from Member States and the consultant and preparatory by the ASEAN Secretariat. The meeting was attended by representatives of Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam and ASEAN Secretariat officers.
The meeting was chaired by Mr. David Foo, Head of Tariffs and Trade Services, Singapore Customs. The common objective of the review is to develop a more comprehensive nomenclature, so that all Member States can use the same common tariff nomenclature for trade purposes and produce a quality AHTN 2012.
World Customs Day and Launch of SOP Guidebook
21 Safar 1432H / 26th January 2011
The Royal Customs and Excise Department has incorporated a set of standards to their operating procedures through the launching of a guidebook yesterday morning at a celebration in RCED headquarters in conjunction with World Customs Day.
In the guidebook that was released, Standard Operating Procedures will essentially consolidate all normal customs operating procedures to ensure uniform practices across the board.
Specific work processes for everyday customs operations are now clearly provided in the documented guide, which marks the first time an all-inclusive set of standards have been established.
Despite previous practices, adhering to what is now the standard, the book will ensure that custom officials incorporate due diligence in the tasks required on an accurate and consistent basis.
As customs inspections will be more secure through thorough and meticulous standards, the smuggling of any harmful or dangerous goods should decline, which in turn will help improve public safety.
The guidebook, in terms of trade, will also help establish a greater degree of safety and security in the supply chain of goods, and this can further promote trade activities.
Present at the World Customs Day to officiate the launching of the Standard Operating Procedures guidebook was Hj Hamdan Hj Abu Bakar, Permanent Secretary at the Prime Minister's Office.
Following his arrival, he inspected a guard of honour mounted by 36 Royal Customs and Excise personnel. Hj Hamdan then delivered a speech in which he stressed the importance of commitment of law enforcement agencies to continuously improve skills and knowledge to preserve stability and maintain the welfare of the people and state.
This year's world customs day is celebrated under the theme "Knowledge, a Catalyst for Customs Excellence" which, as stated in a press advisory, is "timely for rapid development and facing global challenges" are testing effective security screenings and responsibilities.
A presentation of certificates was also organised to acknowledge and honour officers, "who were selected as Outstanding Officers during the Civil Service Day in 2010".
The world customs day is celebrated on January 26 annually to mark the anniversary of the first convention of the Customs Cooperation Council in 1952.
The Customs Cooperation Council is now referred to as the World Customs Organisation and currently represents the customs authority of 177 member countries.
The Royal Customs and Excise Department, Brunei Darussalam became a member of the World Customs Organisation on July 1, 1996 to be the 141st member.
The World Customs Organisation (WCO) collectively controls 99 per cent of world trade through all its member countries. The mission of the WCO is to provide the framework of international trade as well as to facilitate the implementation of security commitments. -- Courtesy of The Brunei Times
BRUNEI CELEBRATES WORLD CUSTOMS DAY WITH PRAYERS
16 Safar 1432H / 20th January 2011
It was held at the Al-Ameerah Al-Hajjah Maryam Mosque in Kg. Jerudong, the annual event began shortly after a mass Maghrib prayers with the Sunat Hajat prayers, followed by the Do Kesyukuran and the recitation of the Surah Yaasin, tahlil prayers. The event concluded with the congretation performing the Isya' prayers.
Present at the ceremony was Hj Muhammad Juanda bin Haji A Rashid, Acting Controller of the Royal Customs and Excise Department, Ministry of Finance and other senior officers and staff from the department.
TAHLIL AND DOA SELAMAT AT ROYAL MAUSOLEUM
Bandar Seri Begawan - In conjunction with the World Customs Day, the Royal Customs and Excise Department, Ministry of Finance held mass maghrib and isyak prayers as well as a thanksgiving ceremony at the Jerudong Mosque.
The guest of honour was Hj Muhammad Juanda bin Haji A Rashid, Acting Controller of the Royal Customs and Excise Department, Ministry of Finance.
The event began with a maghrib prayer followed by a hajat prayer led by the imam of mosque for the safety and well being of the officers and staff of the Royal Customs and Excise Department. The surah yaasiin was recited before the mass isyak prayer.
Also in attendance was Pengiran Haji Alidin Ansari bin Haji Jaafar, Deputy Controller of the Royal Customs and Excise Department, Ministry of Finance as well as top officials and senior officers to celebrate this year's World Customs Day with the theme "Ilmu Pemangkin Kecemerlangan Kastam' or 'Knowledge is the catalyst for custom excellence'. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin
TAHLIL AND DOA SELAMAT AT ROYAL MAUSOLEUM
In conjunction with the World Customs Day, around 100 officers and staff from the Royal Customs and Excise Department under the Ministry of Finance held a tahlil and doa arwah at the Royal mausoleum for Al-Mahrum Sultan Haji Omar Ali Saifuddien Sa'adul Khairi Waddien and Al-marhumah Duli Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Damit.
Attending as the guest of honour was Hj Muhammad Juanda bin Haji A.Rashid, Acting Controller of the Royal Customs and Excise Department, Ministry of Finance.
The tahlil and recital of the doa arwah was led by Abdul Rahim bin BPSKDSS Haji Mohd Tamin, Senior Superintendent of the Royal Customs and Excise Department.
His Majesty's father, Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar 'Ali Saifuddien Sa'adul Khairi Waddien passed away on September 7, 1986, while His Majesty's mother Al-Marhumah Duli Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Damit passed away on September 13, 1979.
Also in attendance were Pengiran Haji Alidin Ansari bin Haji Jaafar, Deputy Controller of the Royal Customs and Excise Department as well as top officials and senior officers from the Royal Customs and Excise Department.
The event is held annually and this year coincides with the World Customs Day with the theme "Ilmu Pemangkin Kecermalangan Kastam" or 'Knowledge is the catalyst for customs excellence'.
Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin
CUSTOMS - BUSINESS PARTNERSHIP HIGHLIGHTED IN BRUNEI
11th - 12th November 2010
Report
At the invitation of Acting Controller Juanda Rashid of Brunei Customs, Secretary General Mikuriya visited Brunei Darussalam on 11 and 12 November 2010. They discussed the recent changes in the global environment and the way Customs responds at a meeting with senior government officials and at a dialogue session with business.
On 11 November Mr. Mikuriya visited the Ministry of Finance to see Vice Minister Dato Bahrin and then talked to a group of permanent secretaries and other senior officials from the Ministries of Finance, Trade, Foreign Affairs and Transport. This meeting was a follow-up to the WCO diagnostic mission dispatched last month upon receipt of a letter of intent to implement the SAFE Framework of Standards from Brunei earlier this year.
Conscious about protecting its cultural aspects and consumer health, Brunei Customs enforces a variety of controls at its borders including the fight against cigarette smuggling. Acknowledging the recent progress in the e-Customs initiative, Secretary General Mikuriya encouraged the direction of Brunei Customs towards a risk management approach.
On 12 November at Customs headquarters Mr. Mikuriya had a dialogue session with business, where he underlined the need to develop trust between Customs and business through mutual understanding of respective needs and the benefits of cooperation in jointly gaining national competitiveness. This is one of the three partnership approaches of Customs with business, other government agencies and other Customs administrations in supporting trade facilitation and security through risk management, advocated by the WCO’s Customs in the 21st Century vision. He also stressed the importance of basing Customs procedures on WCO standards, thereby ensuring the connectivity of regional integration through ASEAN and BIMP-EAGA (Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines East Asia Growth Area), with other sub-regional integration initiatives, and with the rest of the world.
Source from World Customs Organization website. "Customs-business partnership highlighted in Brunei" Brunei, 11-12 November 2010
Photo by : Shana Karim's Photos
ROLL CALL AND PRESENTATION OF DEPUTY SUPERINTENDENT OF CUSTOMS EPAULETTE
16 Syawal 1431H / 25 September 2010
Venue: Kyoto Hall, Royal Customs and Excise Department
The September 2010 Roll Call event was chaired by Assistant Controller of Customs, Awg Ali Rahman bin Hj Tasim, and the Guest of Honor was the Acting Controller of Customs and Excise, Awang Haji Juanda bin Haji A. Rashid.
The event starts off with the singing of National Anthem, followed by the recitation of surah Al-Fatihah led by Assistant Superintendent of Customs, Awg Hj Junaidi bin Duhai. Then the welcoming speech was made by the event’s Chairman followed by the Guest of Honor’s speech.
The Guest of Honor then presented Deputy Superintendent of Customs epaulettes to two Assistant Superintendent of Customs, Haji Ahmad bin Awang Bakar and Awang Ibrahim bin Haji Kamis. The Guest of Honor also present spy equipment sticks to the Head of Preventive and Intelligence, Haji Yassin bin Haji Ibrahim.
This was followed by the speech made by Awang Ibrahim bin Haji Kamis mentioning some of their achievements including their involvements and encouragements from Senior Officers which led them to success.
The event ended with the recitation of thanksgiving prayer led by Awg Hj Junaidi bin Duhai.
11 Ramadhan 1431H / 21 August 2010
The Senior Special Duties Officer, Security and Enforcement Section, Prime Minister's Office, Yang Mulia Awang Haji Juanda bin Haji A. Rashid has been appointed as the Acting Controller of the Royal Customs and Excise at the Royal Customs and Excise Department as of 19th August 2010.
25 Rejab 1431H / 8 July 2010
By Command of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, the Prime Minister's Office announced that Awg Yahya Hj Idris, controller of Ministry of Finance's Royal Customs and Excise, has been appointed as deputy permanent secretary (performance and compliance) at the Ministry of Finance. His appointment is effective today
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