22 Nov
The Ministry of Communications has appointed Megamas Training Co to assist in the ministry’s plans of upgrading the standards of driving in Brunei, by enhancing the driving education curriculum.
Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Communications Dato Paduka Hj Alaihuddin Pehin Orang Kaya DiGadong Seri Lela Dato Seri Utama Hj Mohamad Taha (pic) said in a telephone interview with The Brunei Times that this improvement would be through a series of certified programmes conducted by Megamas.
“Improvement will also be in terms of the environment of the driving schools such as where the classes are conducted and vehicle standards,” said the permanent secretary. “The courses will also help to improve the instructors’ driving skills which we hope will be passed on to the students.”
The official contract signing confirming the collaboration between the ministry and Megamas is expected to take place on Saturday, November 27
Following this move, driving schools will be required to meet the standards set by the ministry if they wish to continue to provide driving lessons to Brunei’s population.
The permanent secretary also added that they are looking for more driving school representatives to join the Jawatankuasa Sekolah Memandu (Driving School Committee) so they can work closely to discuss strategies to improve driving education and testing in Brunei.
The standard for driving tests is constantly being reviewed, said Dato Alaihuddin but the ministry would like to see other organisations provide input on how to increase and improve the standard as well as help identify other road safety issues.
Today marks the start of “Road Safety Week” hosted by the Brunei Darussalam National Road Safety Council (NRSC), where the values of road safety for the next generation of road users will be the main focus.
Statistics from the Royal Brunei Police Force (RBPF) have shown that from 2008 to 2009 the number of accidents has risen from 4,561 to 5,086. Whilst up to August this year there have been 3,703 road crashes or incidents.
“A growing population means more drivers, we must act now to lower the rate of road mishaps,” said Special Duty Officer Grade II Ahmad Amsyar Hj Ariffin.
Apart from improving Brunei’s driving schools, the NSRC has already taken the initiative to educate teenagers about safe driving through lectures at various Form Sixth centres and even primary schools.
“It has always been our focus to teach the younger generation so that they’re responsible for not only their own safety but also for other road users,” Ahmad Amsyar added.
Educating children, teenagers and young adults will help implement a progressive idea towards road safety and consciousness in the future when building a centre where a research centre and exhibition gallery could be accommodated on top of conducting classes on road safety.
“If we can keep reminding them that driving on the road is dangerous, our vision for the future may become a reality,” said Executive Officer Nora Hj Mohd Salleh.
“Instead of just waiting for road safety week that comes by once a year, the centre would be like an education centre for road safety all year round,” she added.
On November 25, the NRSC will conduct a mass prayers (Maghrib and Isya’), Doa Kesyukuran and recital of Surah Yassin in conjunction with “World Day of Remembrance For Road Traffic Victims”.
The Brunei Times
Wardi Buntar and Zareena Amiruddin
Bandar Seri Begawan
Monday, November 22, 2010