6,000 people in Brunei-Muara pledge to cut electricity use

ABOUT 6,000 people in the Brunei-Muara District have pledged to cut back on their electrical use in the coming up to the Energy Week 2009, the deputy permanent secretary (Energy) at the Prime Minister's Office told reporters yesterday.

Speaking at a media conference on the annual event, Hj Ismail Pehin Orang Kaya Pekerma Setia Dato Paduka Hj Hashim said that the figure was very encouraging, noting that it did not include the pledges of residents from the other three districts.

Since April 27, the Department of Electrical Services introduced a campaign where individuals or companies can pledge to conserve energy in light of this year's Energy Week. The campaign was also held during the Energy Week 2008, but the difference this year is that participation is more on voluntary basis, he said.

Hj Ismail stressed that saving energy was as simple as switching off the light or air conditioning when going out of a room.

"Saving (energy) is an easy thing to do, but it reaps a lot of benefits such as cutting utilities costs," he said.

This year's energy week will revolve around the theme, "Save Energy, Our Responsibility". In this regard, he expressed his hope that the event would not just be seen as something "symbolic", but rather something that becomes a culture amongst Bruneians.

"We don't want people to just become aware (of energy conservation), but to practice it," he said, adding that the event aimed at encouraging the public to cement these eco-friendly habits into their everyday lives and not only practice it during the event.

The deputy permanent secretary stressed that everyone should adopt this responsibility and not assume that somebody else will do it for them.

"It is our own responsibility, not anyone else's," he said.

The Energy Week will kick off this Sunday at the Taman Haji Sir Muda Omar 'Ali Saifuddien (SOAS) in the capital. Energy Minister Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Dewa Major General (Rtd) Dato Seri Pahlawan Hj Mohammad Hj Daud will be on hand to officiate the Energy Week.

A bicycleton will be held from 7am, starting at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium and heading towards Taman Soas. The public is welcomed to join the bicycleton, but are urged to abide by traffic laws and to wear helmets.

The Energy Fair will also be launched on the same day, with a host of activities such as competitions and exhibitions. During the fair, the Energy Minister will also inaugurate the energy clubs in schools.

An energy forum will be held on May 26, where working papers such as electricity-saving tips will be presented and a panel will discuss changing the mindset on energy use.

Roadshows will also be held in Tutong, Belait and Temburong districts on June 3, 6, and 10, respectively. Belait District will also have an energy fair at the Oil and Gas Discovery Centre on June 7.

The Brunei Times

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24 schools set up energy clubs: Page 3