REPUBLIC OF BETUTU LATEST NEWS, CURRENT AFFAIRS & EVENTS

[Betutu]

F&B factory fined 90,000 Betutu Talers for polluting Betutu river



GAGUK, Republic of Betutu, Dec 31 — The management of a food and beverage processing plant was fined 90,000 Betutu Talers (around US$18,000) by the Sessions Court here, after pleading guilty to two charges of polluting a river by releasing effluent in excess of the set standards.

Betutu Department of Environment (BDoE) Director General Ms. Phen Hock Kung, in a statement today, said under the first charge, the company admitted to releasing industrial effluent exceeding the standard limit of five parameters under Regulation 3 of the Betutu Environmental Quality (Industrial Effluent) Regulations 2001 on May 21, 2020.

Under the second charge, the company pleaded guilty to releasing industrial effluent exceeding the standard limit of one parameter under Regulation 4 of the Betutu Environmental Quality (Industrial Effluent) Regulations 2001, on the same date.

Ms. Phen, meanwhile, stressed that the BDoE would not compromise with environmental criminals.

“I call on the public to report any activity that pollutes the environment to the BDoE,” she said.

[Betutu]

Betutu's Islamic council and food safety agency looking into allegations over Malaysian meat cartel



GAGUK, Republic of Betutu, Dec 31 — The Islamic Council of Betutu (ICB) and the Betutu Food Safety Certification Board (BFSCB) are looking into allegations about a cartel's packaging and sale of halal-certified meat in Malaysia, to determine if the Betutu market is affected by the purported misconduct.

Recent media reports in Malaysia have alleged that the cartel smuggles, repacks and re-labels non-halal frozen meat items as halal-certified, the two organisations noted in a joint statement yesterday.

ICB and BFSCB said that only meat and meat products from BFSCB-accredited overseas establishments can be imported into Betutu, and these imported goods are also subjected to the agency's food safety surveillance programme to ensure that they meet import requirements and regulatory standards.

Meat which is imported for the Muslim market and ICB certificate holders also need to meet halal requirements.

"ICB assures the public that the halal-certified meat products which are legally imported into Betutu may be consumed with confidence," the statement said, adding that consumers are advised to exercise caution when purchasing meat products overseas.

Noting that messages have circulated on social media expressing concern that the frozen meat products could have been imported into Betutu, and that the alleged improprieties in importing and packaging halal meat could also be taking place in the Republic, ICB and BFSCB said that they are looking into the matter.

ICB also said it is seeking more information from the relevant authority in Malaysia, and urged people against spreading rumours and to verify that their information is from credible sources.

The cartel is being investigated by Malaysia's Special Investigation Unit.

[Betutu]

Betutu's Chief Justice spells out judiciary’s 2021 action plan for efficiency to save everyone’s time


Chief Justice Mr Harry Rajsmith

GAGUK, Republic of Betutu, Jan 1 — More time-saving measures will be adopted by Betutuan courts from tomorrow to improve the justice system, Chief Justice Mr Harry Rajsmith said today.

In his message in conjunction with the new year, he said the courts will be strictly enforcing measures to further increase efficiency and productivity starting from January 2021.

This includes directives previously issued by the judiciary via Practice Directions in 2017 and 2018 which require lawyers to file their written arguments 14 days before a case is heard in the court, with Mr Harry noting the reality that a majority of both private lawyers and government lawyers do not comply with this requirement.

“Most file their submissions a day before or even on the morning of the hearing,” he said in the 20-page new year message.

He pointed out the importance of giving judges sufficient time to read the written arguments to complement the verbal arguments during proceedings.

Mr Harry said the lawyers’ compliance with the Practice Directions and timeline will boost judicial efficiency and contribute towards judges delivering quality judgments.

“As such, we now seek to strictly abide by the timeline. All submissions filed outside the 14-day period without leave of court will be automatically rejected,” he said, but noted that lawyers who had their written arguments rejected for failing to comply with the 14-day period will still have the opportunity to present their arguments verbally in court.

Just 20 minutes in physical courts

In Betutu, those who wish to appeal to the Supreme Court do not automatically get to do so, as they have to first seek the leave of the Supreme Court in order to appeal and with leave granted based on the conditions under Section 88 of the Courts of Judicature Act — such as matters being decided for the first time or matters where the apex court’s decision would benefit the public.

For court hearings carried out physically for applications for leave to appeal to the Supreme Court, Mr Harry said judges will from January 2021 limit the presentation of verbal arguments to just 20 minutes per party via their lawyers, but with this time limit to exclude the time taken by judges to ask questions to the lawyers.

Pointing out that the hearing of applications for leave to appeal are not meant to operate as an actual appeal, the chief justice said that lawyers had on most occasions presented their arguments as if they were arguing on the actual appeal, and that it was “not uncommon” for lawyers to take more than half a day to argue on the leave application despite the law or principles relating to Section 88 being well settled.

“As I have said on many previous occasions, judicial time is far too precious for us. That said, this strict timing rule is subject to exceptions. There may be cases where the Court is minded to extend time if the circumstances so require,” he said.

“What we propose is not novel or extreme, and this approach is not unique to us,” he added.

Mr Harry noted that the Supreme Court in the US — the highest court there just like Betutu’s — strictly applies the rule of lawyers’ filing in of written arguments and a 30-minute time limit for verbal arguments in court for all appeals regardless of the cases’ complexity and including the time taken for judges there to ask questions to lawyers.

He also noted that the US judiciary’s website states that the US Supreme Court only accepts between 100 to 150 cases out of the 7,000 cases filed nationwide for review each year, contrasting the US experience with the 20-minute time limit to be imposed in Betutu’s Supreme Court next year onwards.

“What we propose to implement is thus a much more measured approach so that leave motions will no longer be confused for or treated like appeals. Further, this time requirement will only be imposed, for the time-being, on physical hearings and not on online hearings,” he said.

BONA’s check of the Betutuan judiciary’s website shows that both rules — the 20-minute cap on verbal arguments for leave to appeal to the Supreme Court and the 14-day deadline for filing of written arguments before court hearings in the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeal — will be enforced from January 4, 2021 onwards.

Three-judge panels at the Supreme Court

Even before next year’s measures to save court time, Mr Harry said Supreme Court panels have already been reduced to three judges per sitting or a three-member panel for all civil and criminal cases, with only public interest and constitutional cases having the maximum seven judges per panel.

As for leave applications due to interlocutory applications or on side issues to the main lawsuit, these are heard by a single Supreme Court judge, as allowed under Section 89 of the Courts of Judicature Act.

“The rationale behind this is to allow non-sitting judges greater latitude to balance their hearing schedule with their duty to write judgments while at the same time to increase the number of panels to hear cases on a given day.

“We hope to better strategize and manage the use of valuable judicial time to further enhance judicial efficiency,” he said.

Apart from that, Betutu is also looking at amending the Courts of Judicature Act to impose a higher threshold for the Court of Appeal to grant leave to appeal for decisions from lower courts, he said.

The chief justice also said that proposed amendments to the law is in the pipeline. These include limiting certain types of interlocutory appeals, and to bar appeals against dismissal of applications for summary judgment or striking out of pleadings.

“In prohibiting such appeals, we do not anticipate any prejudice or miscarriage of justice to the applicants as the matter would ultimately proceed to full trial where parties have the chance to prove their case. The right of appeal remains if such applications were allowed,” he said of the effect of the proposed amendment.

Mr Harry said the newly amended Rules of Court 2004 also now has rules that limit the postponement or adjournment of cases to a maximum of three times, unless parties in the court matter can satisfy the judge otherwise.

“The underlying reason behind these changes is to prevent inordinate delay in the disposal of full trials and to ensure that cases get started speedily,” he said.

He also highlighted the judiciary’s initiative to enhance efficiency to delegating the work of High Court judges to Sessions Court judges where it can be done, pointing out that trainings for Sessions Court judges to hear uncontested family law matters have been conducted and that those selected had been appointed as of November 1 to conduct court hearings for such family law matters.

[Betutu]

Pakistani pothole victim gets 50,000 Betutu Talers


High Court rules government cannot escape liability by delegating road maintenance to a third party.

GAGUK, Republic of Betutu, Jan 1 — The High Court here has allowed a foreigner’s appeal to claim 50,000 Betutu Talers (about US$10,000) for negligence against the government for injuries sustained after his motorcycle hit a pothole six years ago.

Pakistani Dijas Wardilkhan had argued that the accident occurred due to the failure of the director-general of the Betutu Public Works Department (BPWD) to ensure the road was in good condition for road users.

He said the government was vicariously liable for the negligence of the BPWD director-general.

Mr Dijas filed the action against the BPWD director-general and the Betutu government for injuries he sustained when he was thrown off his motorcycle after it hit a pothole along the Gaguk-Teow road on a rainy day at about 10am on Oct 27, 2014.

Two years ago, a Magistrates’ Court dismissed Mr Dijas’s claim against the BPWD director-general and the government, saying the accident had occurred as a result of a fourth party’s negligence to keep the road in good condition.

The government had earlier filed a third-party claim against Fateh Enterprise Pte. Ltd. to seek indemnity and contribution in the event Mr Dijas was successful in his suit in the lower court.

Fateh Enterprise which was appointed by the government to build and maintain the stretch of road where the accident took place, had maintained there was no pothole.

Fateh Enterprise had in turn brought in Guan Man Pte. Ltd. as the fourth party to seek indemnity and contribution in the event it was found liable.

The fourth party was the subcontractor appointed by the third party to carry out the maintenance of the road.

Guan Man had argued that Mr Dijas’s machine had skidded and he had fallen elsewhere but that he had attempted to link it to the particular stretch of road to help his case as there were roadworks at the site at that time.

Judge Florieta Galabus in her written judgment said the government was not protected by statutory immunity under Section 15 of the Government Proceedings Act 1956.

“They have a statutory duty to the plaintiff to keep the road in good condition. They cannot escape liability by delegating it to a third party,” she said.

Ms Florieta said the BPWD director-general and the government did not see to it that the third party covered the pothole or put up warning signs or cones near the pothole to warn road users of the pothole.

She said that it was not part of the government’s case that the third and fourth parties were independent contractors.

The court also allowed the government’s claim for indemnity from the third party and the third party’s claim for indemnity from the fourth party

[Betutu]

Higher education students in Betutu allowed on campus from March 1


Betutu Education Minister Mr. Mohammad Ali Pijo said students from red zones would have to come in 10 days earlier for isolation to ensure they are free of Covid-19.

GAGUK, Republic of Betutu, Jan 1 — A special meeting of the Betutu Security Council (BSC) on Dec 23 has approved a proposal of the Betutu Education Ministry (BMoE) to allow students of higher education institutions (HEI) to return to their campus in phases according to their respective institutions from March 1, 2021.

Education Minister Mr. Mohammad Ali Pijo said students from red zones would have to come in 10 days earlier for isolation to ensure they are free of Covid-19.

In a statement here today, Mr Mohammad Ali said the decision to allow the entry of students into HEI physically was to enable local and international students attend hybrid teaching and learning activities through face-to-face and online lessons.

The decision was in line with the desire of the government to ensure the quality of higher education in the country, he said.

Mohammad Ali said BMoE is also calling for the implementation of academic activities to be conducted in full compliance with the stipulated standard operating procedure (SOP) and to prioritise safety measures as well as practise the new normals such as wearing face mask, using sanitiser as well as observing physical distancing.

He said BSC had also approved the proposal of BMoE to allow the entry of all existing and new international students at public and private institutions of higher learning except those from the United Kingdom from Jan 1 2021. International students are required to meet the mandatory quarantine for 10 days before being allowed into the campus.

Students can contact their respective HEI to obtain further information on their entry date and schedule

[Betutu]

Betutu cops seize 16kg of meth



GAGUK, Republic of Betutu, Jan 1 — Betutu police arrested two men and seized methamphetamine weighing 16.74kg worth 669,803 Betutu Talers (about US$133,960) in a raid here on Tuesday (Dec 29).

Inspector General of Police Mr Filip Puralupa said in the 6.35pm raid around the high-end Sakura Condominium area here, the suspects, aged 28 and 31, were nabbed by police.

"Police managed to seize 17 plastic packages containing syabu in a four-wheel Ford Ranger vehicle. Each package was hidden in a neatly wrapped box believed to be distributed to buyers.

Mr Filip said in the same raid, police also seized four vehicles, namely a Mercedes Benz, a Toyota Hilux, a Honda City and a Benelli motorcycle, as well as three branded watches all worth almost 300,000 Betutu Talers (about US$60,000).

He said the case was being investigated under Section 31 of the Betutu Dangerous Drugs Act 1960 which provides for the death penalty upon conviction.

[Betutu]

Two Betutu pig farms told to clean up act or risk being fined


Picture for illustrational purpose only.

GAGUK, Republic of Betutu, Jan 1 — The operators of two pig farms in Baruis district linked to air and water pollution there, were warned to rectify the situation or risk being fined.

Betutu's Agriculture and Food Production Minister Mr Shao Ruo Lan said the owners were told to improve their waste management system after nearby villages highlighted that waste from the pig farms found its way into the river.

“While the government is supportive of the industry, farmers have the responsibility to ensure their farms would not become a nuisance to their neighbours.

“The industry must be supported because our ministry is all about food production, but at the same time, the situation must be improved.

“Even standing here, the stench is unbearable. I can only imagine what the villagers must endure every day,” he said in a statement following a visit to two farms on Thursday (Dec 31).

Mr Shao said the problem lies with the farms’ waste system where the ponds will overflow during heavy rain, carrying the smelly waste into the nearby streams and eventually into the main river.

Both farms have the minimal number of ponds to treat waste and the problem could easily be resolved by reducing the number of livestock and using the available land to build more ponds, he added.

“Another short-term solution would be to engage septic pumper trucks whenever any of the waste ponds are about to fill up.

“This is a responsible way of managing waste instead of dumping the excess into the river.

“This must be done immediately, and the Betutu Veterinary Services Department (BVSD) had already advised both owners.

“If they still fail to abide by the standard operating procedures (SOPs), they could be fined by the Department of Environment (DoE) or ordered to cease operation by the local authorities,” he said.

Mr Shao said his ministry through the BVSD will continue to monitor the situation, not only the two pig farms in Baruis but other such farms all over the island nation.

According to the ministry’s record, Betutu’s swine husbandry industry is worth around 200 million Betutu Talers (around US$40 million) annually and produces about 95% of the island’s needs.

In total, there are 42 registered pig farms of various sizes all over Betutu.

In the future, Mr Shao said there are plans to streamline the industry by centralising it in one area only.

“We already have 500 acres of land in Mayas district to be gazetted as a pig farming area.

“Betutu needs a major centre for pig farming, which would use modern pig farming technology that had been practised all over the world.

“It would provide the best possible environment for raising, feeding, housing, and caring for pigs throughout all stages of their lives,” he said, adding that more importantly, such a centre would ensure pollution would be minimal.

[Betutu]

Family of five in Betutu appeals for public housing after living in car for eight months


Mr Jusiah Kusen, his wife Harmina, and three young children have had to live out of his car after their house caught fire in April.

GAGUK, Republic of Betutu, Jan 1 — A family of five, whose home was razed in a fire, is appealing for a public housing unit after living in their car since April.

Security guard Mr Jusiah Kusen, his wife, Harmina, and three young children have been living in an old car as they could not afford to rent a place of their own with his low income.

“I tried looking for a place to rent but the rental for even a small flat unit is high, about 800 Betutu Talers (around US$160). I can’t afford it. My salary is only 1,200 Betutu Talers (around US$240),” he said.

The 34-year-old said their previous house in Manuwo district near here, burned down on April 6.

After the fire, the family was given shelter at a school hall but it was only a temporary solution.

“After the fire, we received some hampers and contributions, people came to give us food, took some photos, but that was it. After that, we were forgotten,” he said.

Mr Jusiah said he had submitted an application to the Betutu Housing Department for a Public Housing Programme (PHP) unit in April.

“I did not hear anything from them after that so we had to live in our car and use public toilets to bathe and wash our laundry,” he said.

He said the car, given to him by his mother, frequently breaks down so sometimes he spends a major portion of his salary on repairs.

“Sometimes, we won’t have enough money so we go for a day or two without food and only feed our children dry biscuits dipped in diluted coffee,” he said.

On days when they have enough money, he said they eat plain rice with an egg.

“The most luxurious meal for us is to add one piece of chicken,” he said.

The family has a portable gas stove so they rely on it to boil water for drinking.

Sometimes, they use it to cook instant noodles.

The couple and their three daughters, aged six years old, three years old and eight months old, have been living a nomadic life.

Mr Jusiah said they move about instead of staying parked at one spot.

“When I am on a night shift, I park the car near my workplace so that I can still watch over them,” he said.

During the day, they park near public toilets.

He said his wife had to spend her confinement period, after delivering their youngest child, and care for the new baby and their two other children in the car.

Ganesh said they are not asking for much — they only want a PHP unit to live in.

“It is not safe for my wife and small children to be left in the car when I go to work so all we need is a place to stay that I can afford,” he said.

Mr Jusiah approached Betutu Association to Fight Homelessness (BAFH) for help and the organisation arranged for a restaurant in Manuwo to provide the family with lunch for two weeks.

BAFH president Mr Arsat Yahyah said he enquired about Mr Jusiah’s PHP application on his behalf.

“I called them and they told me that his documentation was not complete so his application was not processed but they did not inform him,” he said.

He said BAFH helped Mr Jusiah to submit the necessary documents about two days ago.

“We are appealing to the government to consider his application and expedite it,” he said.

He also appealed to well-wishers to donate clothing, food items and basic furniture to the family.

“They lost everything in the fire. They only have the clothes they are wearing. I am sure the government will help them by offering them a PHP unit but they do not have any basic furniture,” he said.

Meanwhile, Free Betutu Press contacted Betutu's Housing Minister Mr Sanip Madran who said his office is always open to help genuine cases like Mr Jusiah.

“They can come to my office to apply for PHP housing. We are always open,” he said.

He added that in many such cases, the individuals had probably applied for PHP housing and their applications were being processed.

[Abhimanyuchopra69]

(Image)

Betutu cops seize 16kg of meth

(Image)

GAGUK, Republic of Betutu, Jan 1 — Betutu police arrested two men and seized methamphetamine weighing 16.74kg worth 669,803 Betutu Talers (about US$133,960) in a raid here on Tuesday (Dec 29).

Inspector General of Police Mr Filip Puralupa said in the 6.35pm raid around the high-end Sakura Condominium area here, the suspects, aged 28 and 31, were nabbed by police.

"Police managed to seize 17 plastic packages containing syabu in a four-wheel Ford Ranger vehicle. Each package was hidden in a neatly wrapped box believed to be distributed to buyers.

Mr Filip said in the same raid, police also seized four vehicles, namely a Mercedes Benz, a Toyota Hilux, a Honda City and a Benelli motorcycle, as well as three branded watches like best dress watches $5000 all worth almost 300,000 Betutu Talers (about US$60,000).

He said the case was being investigated under Section 31 of the Betutu Dangerous Drugs Act 1960 which provides for the death penalty upon conviction.

yes you are saying right i have also seen the papers about it, there was also written same.

[Betutu]

Betutu cop nabbed for driving drunk and against traffic


An off-duty policeman was arrested early this morning after he was found to be driving his car intoxicated.

GAGUK, Republic of Betutu, Jan 1 — An off-duty policeman was arrested early this morning after he was found to be driving his car intoxicated and against the flow of traffic in Rambat district, northeast from here.

Inspector General of Police Mr Filip Puralupa said the suspect was arrested shortly after police received a video of a car being driven opposite to the flow of traffic at around 12.30am.

He said a team from the Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Division was sent to the scene and managed to apprehend the suspect at a nearby petrol station.

“The 25-year-old suspect was arrested for dangerous driving and is suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol," said Mr Filip in a statement issued here today.

He said investigations revealed that the suspect, who is stationed at the Lindung district police station, near Rambat was not on duty at that time and was driving his personal car.

“The case is being investigated under Section 34 and Section 37 of the Betutu Road Transport Act 1979,” he said.

Mr Filip said the Betutu police will not compromise and will take stern action against all parties, including police personnel, who break the law.

“We will ensure the case is investigated in a transparent manner and the suspect will be charged in court,” he said.

Earlier today, a 96-second video clip of the incident went viral showing the suspect in a silver Toyota going against traffic along the busy Rambat coastal road.

The suspect continued doing so despite being honked at and putting other motorists at risk.

[Betutu]

Govt warning not stopping revellers from taking to Betutu streets to celebrate New Year


People celebrate New Year’s Eve at the City Park in Gaguk, December 31, 2020.

GAGUK, Republic of Betutu, Jan 1 — Despite a government warning, revellers still flooded Betutu's hot spots tonight to celebrate the New Year’s Eve.

Even as the island nation is still under conditional movement restriction order (CMRO) and all major celebrations have been cancelled, revellers still gathered in numbers with standard operating procedure (SOP) seemingly ignored.

At City Park’s esplanade here, a multitude of people from all walks of life have gathered, bedazzled by the lightshow put on display at the park’s Lake Symphony — 10,000 square feet a man-made fountain showcasing over 150 unique programmed animations in a magical performance of sound and water — which will stay on until midnight.

While fireworks display have been cancelled in light of public safety, many seemed unperturbed by the huge crowd that was present and sat in close proximity.

Not even a downpour which took place several hours to midnight could discourage Betutuans as most merely sought temporary shelter from the rain and continued loitering in even closer proximities.

At Gaguk’s Bravo shopping mall — usually one of the most happening countdowns sites — a sizeable crowd of teenagers and young adults began hanging about the mall’s main compound as early as 7.30pm, who could be frequently seen posing and taking turns photographing among each other.

Similarly, most if not all seemed to be flouting the government’s SOP on physical distancing as well.

Police personnel could also be seen on beat patrols at both locations, as police warned earlier today that it will take strict actions against those breaking the SOP tonight.

[Betutu]

Helicopter crash lands in Betutu, 2 hurt


The helicopter after it crashed landed on a vacant area near Gaguk Port.

GAGUK, Republic of Betutu, Jan 1 — A small helicopter crash landed near Gaguk Port this morning, leaving its pilot and co-pilot with minor injuries.

According to a report from the Betutu Fire and Rescue Department, the Robinson 66 helicopter crash landed at a vacant area on near Gaguk Port here, at about 10am.

“Both victims are in stable condition and are being treated by the ambulance service,” it said.

The pilot, identified as Kong Chee Teo, suffered injuries to his left hand while his co-pilot, identified as Haris Banik, escaped with light injuries.

[Betutu]

Coming soon in 2021: Betutuans will be able to plead guilty, pay fines online for traffic court cases


Betutu Chief Justice Mr Harry Rajsmith

GAGUK, Republic of Betutu, Dec 31 — Betutuans may soon be able to use online methods to admit their guilt for traffic offences and traffic summons in court cases and to pay the fines digitally for such cases under the Betutuan judiciary’s plans for 2021, the chief justice said today.

Mr Harry Rajsmith pointed out that a large bulk of the court cases in the Magistrate Courts are road traffic cases, where most of them end up with the accused person pleading guilty and fines being imposed, which means that such cases do not require judicial work as strenuous as other serious criminal cases heard in the Magistrate Courts.

“Regardless, given their sheer volume, traffic cases take up a considerable amount of judicial time,” he said.

The number of traffic cases registered in Magistrate Courts nationwide for 2019 is 116,349 cases, while a slightly lower number of 73,501 traffic cases in such courts were recorded between January to October 2020, possibly due to the lockdown measures amid the Covid-19 pandemic, he said.

With such staggering numbers of traffic cases, Mr Harry said this justifies the simplifying of the process to dispose of traffic cases by using digital methods.

“The Judiciary’s plan for 2021 is to digitalise the taking of guilty pleas in traffic cases and to allow the payment of fines electronically,” he said in his 20-page new year message.

Mr Harry said that there is currently an existing mechanism under the Betutu Criminal Procedure Code’s Section 129 where the accused person can plead guilty to a summons through a letter, with the magistrate allowed under this law to not require the accused person to personally attend the court proceedings and to convict him and impose a sentence of fine only.

But he said this mechanism of using a letter to plead guilty has hardly been used, with the Betutuan judiciary’s statistics not showing any cases recently where the accused has pleaded guilty through a letter.

“To reduce unnecessary foot traffic and to enhance access to justice and the efficiency of the Magistrate Courts, we propose, in addition to the guilty plea by letter method, to allow the taking of pleas and to impose the sentence of fines only, via a prescribed electronic system,” he said, adding that this online method of pleading guilty has been implemented in other places such as Singapore, Australia, England and Wales.

This planned digitalisation of traffic cases is on top of ongoing and upcoming use of online systems and digital innovations to improve the court process and experience in Betutu.

Mr Harry noted that the Betutuan courts have already implemented the e-Bail system which allows the online payment of bail, and is now looking into introducing a feature to allow an accused person to pay a court-imposed fine through e-Bail.

“This will save time and trouble for the accused to make payment,” he said of the proposed e-Bail feature for digital fine payments.

“We have fully expanded our e-Courts Finance, which is our online and cashless payment mechanism, throughout Betutu,” he added.

Once the electronic system to plead guilty is up and running, the Betutuan judiciary’s next project will be to integrate it with artificial intelligence (AI) as a guideline for the meting out of sentences in court cases, she said.

Currently, the use of AI in sentencing for certain common offences are already in use in the lower courts with the judiciary planning to do the same in the courts in for certain cases and aiming to pair it with the online plea system, he said.

“This project is in the pipeline for the later part of 2021 subject to the law regulating electronic system for guilty pleas, in place,” he said.

Beyond that, Mr Harry said the judiciary is proposing amendments to the law to allow for lawyers to deliver notices of appeal and records of appeal through online methods to the courts, in line with its commitments to fully use technology, cut down on expenditure and to be “completely paperless” for the sake of the environment.

The use of technology would mean that lawyers no longer need to carry loads of documents to court, and would only need to carry a laptop or an i-Pad, he said.

He noted that the judiciary has also implemented the use of QR codes to authenticate court documents in order to ease over-the-counter transactions.

“The use of QR Codes will assist the clerical staff in verifying the authenticity of court orders by scanning the QR code imprinted on the order while generally mitigating the risk of scams and forgeries of court orders,” he said.

Another project that the judiciary will embark on in 2021 is the e-CfO, which is a system to fully digitalise the process where one applies to be a Commissioner for Oaths.

“Applications will be submitted and processed online and examinations as well as selection interviews will also be conducted online. The results of the examination will be announced within the same day.

“The system is expected to be fully operational by 25 January 2021 and the public and lawyers may also browse for the nearest Commissioner for Oaths on the Judiciary’s website,” he said as part of the list of digital innovations by the judiciary.

[Betutu]

New e-hailing, delivery company plans to create 1,250 jobs in Betutu



GAGUK, Republic of Betutu, Dec 31 — Hantar, the latest player in the competitive e-hailing and delivery services market, aims to create nearly 1,250 jobs in the next six months.

Launched today, the service has already attracted 100 delivery riders and drivers in less than two weeks, and there are plans to grow exponentially over the next few months.

“We are targeting 375 to 450 delivery riders and 850 drivers,” said the company’s chief strategy officer, Mr Paul Villamon.

“This is the target for the new year. We are looking at a six-month time frame.”

Mr Paul said Hantar aimed to offer the most cost-effective services to passengers and customers, and hoped it would help alleviate the widespread job and income loss in Betutu because of the Covid-19 crisis.

He noted the surge in demand for e-hailing and delivery services during the pandemic, and was confident its policy of affordable, safe and hygienic rides would carve out a niche in the market.

He said the company’s Lending Hand programme did not charge any commission for food and beverage (F&B) deliveries, “a cost-effective proposition for providers which also makes deliveries more affordable for consumers”.

About 150 F&B merchants have come onboard with the company, which aims to increase it to 500 by the end of February.

Hantar is already active in the capital and there are plans to expand nationwide, which Mr Paul said were untapped markets for e-hailing and delivery services.

He said the company was not out to compete with the more established names in the industry, and was banking on quality service with courteous riders to stand out from the crowd.

“We aren’t going to compete in a price war,” he said. “If we do, all hell would break loose.”

[Betutu]

Seventy-two unauthorised factories near rivers in Betutu


Betutu Environment Minister Ms. Wilhelmina Simuh said the authorities will take stern actions against unauthorised factories that are still running their businesses this year.

GAGUK, Republic of Betutu, Jan 1 — Local authorities in Betutu have identified a total of 465 unauthorised factories operating in nine districts in the state.

Betutu's Minister for Environment Ms. Wilhelmina Simuh said of the total, 72 factories are located near the river which is also the main source of water in the island nation.

She said the highest number is recorded by Gaguk City Hall (46), followed by 13 in Kolopia Municipal Council, Lindung Municipal Council (6),Tembulu District Council, Kadurau District Council and Koiyonon District Council (2).

Katabi District Council, Nyapad District Council and Baruis District Council reported one unauthorised factory each.

“Most of the factories are located downstream or behind the plant inlet,” Ms. Wilhelmina said in a statement, Thursday (Dec 1).

Ms. Wilhelmina was responding to a query by opposition Koiyonon MP Ms. Bebelina Alwi Mohammad on the proactive action taken by the government in eradicating illegal factories.

Ms. Wilhelmina said there is confusion over the status of such a factory — which is always considered as an illegal outlet.

She said “unauthorised factories”, as explained, are factories with a temporary business licence.

“Factory without permission is not a factory carrying out illegal activities, but a factory that has a temporary business licence and has not met the technical requirements such as land status, zoning or planning permission.

“In contrast, illegal factories are facilities that do not have temporary business licences and run enterprises that could cause disturbance, pollution and harm to humans and the environment.

“The government is of the view that this unauthorised factory without permission should be given a chance to be legalised,” she said.

Ms. Wilhelmina said that in October 2019, the government had decided to come out with a programme to legalise unauthorised factories in the state. She said the government had also earlier set the deadline for this programme to end by September 2020.

However, due to the Movement Restriction Order, the government has decided to extend this to the end of 2020.

Ms. Wilhelmina said this will be the final legalisation programme by the state for the unauthorised factories.

The authorities will take stern actions to unauthorised factories that are still running their businesses in 2021.

Previously, Ms. Wilhelmina said unlicensed factories that posed a high risk of causing pollution, due to the nature of their business, must be moved.

The effort is pertinent following the series of river pollution this year, which had caused water treatment plants (WTPs) in Betutu to cease operations, affecting water supply to millions of households in the state.

Ms. Wilhelmina said two-thirds of the total 869 factories are located downstream, after the WTP locations.

Prior to this, the Betutu Department of Environment said the authorities were not able to audit any unregistered and unlicensed factories, making the tracing of pollution tricky.

[Betutu]

Betutu govt to restore 3 abandoned housing projects


State administration will continue to look for ‘rescue developers’ for the 15 white elephant projects, says President Mr. Dium Kimpos

GAGUK, Republic of Betutu, Jan 1 — The Betutu government will focus on restoring 3 private housing projects that have been abandoned by developers, so that they can be delivered to the original buyers.

President Mr. Dium Kimpos said the state administration will continue to look for “rescue developers” to redevelop or refurbish the 15 white elephant projects.

Mr. Dium said the reconstruction will also benefit the developers, as they would be incentivised to develop another parcel of land, so the profit could be used to complete the unfinished projects left by the previous developers.

“Each redevelopment or reconstruction scheme will have a different formula as they each have different problems.

“Usually, we would get rescue developers, but there are also cases where we give the land parcels to the owners to be completed (by) themselves,” Mr. Dium told a media conference after handing over 17 keys to home buyers of Warisan Park in Apaon district, near here, today.

All the units have been abandoned since 1999. In 2016, the government inked an agreement with the strategic consortium of Regency Holdings Ltd. and Takada Group Ltd. to renovate and rehabilitate the projects, formerly known as Arcadia Park here.

“As for strata houses, they have a more complex rule — with a higher repairing cost and smaller return.

“That is why it has a more tragic impact towards buyers, but we will try to settle them one by one,” Mr. Dium said.

According to the Betutu Housing and Property Board, since the start of the rehabilitation initiative in 2008, some 7 housing projects have been successfully restored.

However, the total number of abandoned housing projects is still high, as up until July 2020, there are still 15 abandoned projects in nationwide.

[Betutu]

Covid-19: Betutu ends 2020 with new record high of 210 cases, no deaths



GAGUK, Republic of Betutu, Jan 1 — Daily Covid-19 cases shot up to 210 today to reach a new record high the Betutu Ministry of Health (BMoH) reported today as Betutuans prepare to brace a new year hoping to put an end to the pandemic.

The cumulative number of cases now stands at 9,262 and with active cases surging to just under 2,000. Total number of fatalities remained at 38.

Still, the BMoH continues to report a high daily number of healed or discharged patients, at 123 today to make the total 7,412.

Health Director-General Dr Albert Idden said local transmission accounted for the bulk of reported cases today, with just 13 of them imported.

In a note to conclude his statement, he urged the public to continue adhering to health protocols outlined by the ministry.

“The BMoH would like to advise the public to heed the guidelines and health advises that we’ve ofte stressed on,” Dr Albert said in a statement.

Meanwhile five new clusters were reported today, raising the total number of clusters to 43. Minus the clusters declared defunct, 24, total number of active clusters is now 19.

[Betutu]

Health Ministry survey shows a third of Betutuans still fear, doubt Covid-19 vaccine



GAGUK, Republic of Betutu, Jan 1 — About a third of Betutuans polled said they are either scared or are suspicious of Covid-19 vaccines with most indicating fear of possible side effects, according to the findings of a Ministry of Health’s survey that aimed to gauge public sentiment of the serums.

The rest, or 67 per cent of the 212,006 respondents that participated in the survey, were more welcoming, with up to 95 per cent of them expressing confidence that the vaccines are safe for use.

This was followed by another 80 per cent saying it would work against SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes Covid-19. Meanwhile close to 70 per cent of those supportive of the vaccines had no doubts about the safety of its ingredients.

For those outside this category, 17 per cent of respondents said they are unsure, with over 83 per cent of them expressing fear of possible side effects.

Up to 78 per cent from those in the uncertain group were also less confident that the vaccines would work while 71 per cent felt they would be unsafe for use.

Those who totally rejected the vaccines accounted for 16 per cent of the respondents.

From this group, over 96 per cent said side effects were the primary reason for opposing vaccination while close to 85 per cent were suspicious of its ingredients.

More than three-fourth of the respondents also felt the serums are unsafe.

The survey was conducted on the internet between December 21 to 28 amid a raging debate between pro and anti-vaxxers, sparked by news that the government was already in the process of importing millions of doses of the Covid-19 vaccines from various manufacturers.

The survey’s findings were posted on the ministry’s social media accounts this evening.

Last week, the Betutu government had disclosed that it has secured vaccine coverage for another 10 per cent of the population and was on track to procure enough doses to vaccinate over 80 per cent of Betutu at an estimated cost of 160 million Betutu Talers (about US$21.2 million).

AstraZeneca also said it will supply 500,000 doses of its Covid-19 vaccine to Betutu in 2021 without profit.

[Betutu]

‘The cartel of dirty Betutuan cops’


Betutu Inspector-General of Police Mr Filip Puralupa says senior cops are grooming their own toadies to rise within the ranks before doing their ‘dirty work’ for them.

GAGUK, Republic of Betutu, Jan 1 — There is a “cartel of dirty cops” in the Betutuan police force and Inspector-General of Police Mr Filip Puralupa has vowed to get to the botttom of the problem and wipe out the rot within.

In an interview with Island Bulletin, the island nation’s top cop said middle-level senior police officers were behind the cartel.

Mr Filip said the cartel would ensure that their collaborators get promoted so they can dominate their teams and the police hierarchy in the future, making it easier for them to do their “dirty work”.

“I know this is happening, they create networks among themselves. In 10 to 15 years, when they are top officers and have power, they will start to do their dirty work, including collaborating with criminals.

“I view this seriously and I will make sure this is stopped and doesn’t happen in the force. I know there are those (in the force) who cannot wait for me to retire.”

Despite this, Mr Filip said teamwork in the force was good and he was grateful that members of the public had helped expose the wrongdoings of some police officers.

“I am prepared to hear complaints from the public on any wrongdoings by police personnel,” he said, adding he would ensure fair investigations into any complaints and that action will be taken.

[Betutu]

Chicken in Betutu now priced at 9 Betutu Talers per kg after 50 cent price hike


According to the Betutu Livestock Breeders Association, the price of standard chicken has been increased from 8.50 Betutu Talers per kilogramme to 9 Betutu Talers per kilogramme.

GAGUK, Republic of Betutu, Jan 2 — Consumers in Betutu are now expected to pay 50 cents more for every kilogramme of standard chicken as the cost of chicken feed has gone up.

According to the Betutu Livestock Breeders Association, the price of standard chicken has been increased from 8.50 Betutu Talers (about US$1.70) per kilogramme to 9 Betutu Talers (about US$1.80) per kilogramme.

The price increment is said to have taken effect today.

The association said members had been facing the rising cost of rearing chickens due to the global shortage supply of corn.

Because of the increasing cost of chicken feed, the association decided to review the price of standard chicken to 9 Betutu Talers (about US$1.80) per kilogramme.

The association disclosed that the cost of chicken feed was increased from 109 Betutu Talers (about US$21.80) per 50 kilogramme package early last year to the current price of 119 Betutu Talers (about US$23.80) .

It is observed that the global shortage supply of corn is still ongoing, and the cost of chicken feed is expected to continue rising.

The association revealed that the cost of chicken feed makes up about 70 per cent of the total cost to rear chickens.

It added that members were left with little choice but to review the price of standard chicken.

The association was also quick to point out that some chicken farms had been equipped with better facilities to enhance productivity, and labour costs continue to be a financial burden.

It is learned that the price of standard chicken has not been reviewed in the last couple of years.

In view of this, the association hoped that the community could understand the hardships of livestock breeders.

[Betutu]

Betutu to gazette more forest reserves as water catchment area


Picture for illustrational purpose only.

GAGUK, Republic of Betutu, Jan 2 — Betutu will gazette a further 3,790.54 hectares of its permanent forest reserve as water catchment areas under the Betutu Forestry Act 1976.

Betutu President Mr Duim Kimpos said in 2004, the Government had gazetted 6,288,295 hectares as water catchment areas under the Betutu Water Supply Enactment 1990.

He said it covered some 3,565 hectares of permanent forest reserve in which 70% was allocated to the preservation of water catchment forests since 2004.

“On December 2, 2020 the Cabinet meeting agreed to gazette permanent forest reserve areas as water catchment forests under the Betutu Forestry Act in which the total area for gazetting purposes also increased by 5%,” he told reporters here today.

Mr Duim said the Betutu Wildlife, Forestry and National Parks Department was currently in the process of gazetting, which should be completed and published by June 2021.

[Betutu]

Robber fleeing angry mob takes refuge... at Betutu police station



GAGUK, Republic of Betutu, Jan 2 — A man who committed two robberies using a 68-centimetre-long machete on Friday (Jan 1) was nabbed when he rode a hijacked motorcycle into the grounds of the Siut district police station, southeast from here to escape from a crowd in hot pursuit.

Inspector General of Police Mr Filip Puralupa said the suspect, aged 27, was detained by police at around 8.10am, 20 minutes after he robbed a man of his motorcycle in Siut district.

"The victim asked for help from passersby to chase the suspect, but the suspect, who had hijacked his motorcycle, managed to evade them until he entered the grounds of the Siut district police station and was detained," he said in a statement today.

He said the suspect had also robbed a man driving a four-wheel drive pickup truck also in Siut district, at about 7am.

"The suspect then escaped with the victim's vehicle, but the vehicle ran out of fuel forcing the suspect to abandon the vehicle at the side of the road," he said.

Mr Filip said a remand order would be made against the suspect under Section 109 of the Betutu Criminal Procedure Code at the Magistrate's Court here.

An initial investigation revealed that the suspect used the same modus operandi for both robberies, by brandishing the machete to force the victims to stop and hijacking their vehicles to make his escape," he said.

Mr Filip added that the suspect had been detained four times since 2014 for drug abuse.

[Betutu]

No changes in Betutu's electricity tariff until June 2021


Ms. Wilhelmina Simuh

GAGUK, Republic of Betutu, Jan 2 — The electricity tariff for domestic and non-domestic accounts will be maintained at 39.45 sen/kWj until June 30 this year.

Betutu's Energy Minister Ms. Wilhelmina Simuh said the government had agreed to give a two sen/kWj rebate to all Betutu Energy Corp.'s (BENEC) domestic and non-domestic electricity users for six months.

She said the cabinet had agreed to set the rates based on the Incentive Based Regulations (IBR) mechanism.

"This step was taken following the government's decision to extend BENEC's Second Regulatory period under the IBR mechanism until Dec 31, 2021," she said.

[Betutu]

New taxes only when economy recovers, says Betutu finance minister


Betutu Second Finance & Economic Affairs Ms. Christina Fayzen

GAGUK, Republic of Betutu, Jan 2 — The introduction of any new taxes will only be implemented when the economy has recovered, said Betutu's Second Finance & Economic Affairs Ms. Christina Fayzen.

She said besides the reintroduction of the Goods and Services Tax (GST), the government was also examining other new taxes that are appropriate.

"At this moment, when the country is in the process of an economic recovery, I don't think it is appropriate (for us) to implement a new tax.

"Maybe when the economy has recovered, we can review the study being carried out now and we will see what taxes are good for announcement (implementation)," she said during an interview with the Betutu Strategic & Integrity Institute (BSII) on 'Betutu Budget 2021: Covid-19 Budget Survival' that was telecast live on BSII's Facebook page tonight.

The committee to review the new taxation system was set up at end-2019, said Ms. Christina.

She said apart from increasing revenue, the government was also committed to reducing the country's debt from 60 per cent, expand the high-impact sector, as well as reduce the leakages in the shadow economy whose size is now estimated at 21 per cent of the gross domestic product (GDP).

[Betutu]

Betutu's current size of civil service is still ideal, says union


Betutu Public and Civil Service Employees Union (BPCSEU) president Mr Samson Kalani

GAGUK, Republic of Betutu, Jan 2 — The current size of the country's civil service numbering some 130,000 people is still ideal since it includes personnel from the public health and education sectors as well as those attached to security and enforcement agencies.

The Betutu Public and Civil Service Employees Union (BPCSEU) president Mr Samson Kalani said the actual number of civil servants was 50,000 people. This was if Betutu adopted the same approach as other developed countries by excluding the armed forces, police, education and health personnel in their definition of public sector.

"Taking into consideration the present challenges (brought about by the global Covid-19 pandemic) and the preparation for the future, we still need more people in the education, security and the public health sectors," said Mr Samson in a statement today.

He was responding to an Opinion piece written by Dr Marietta Justin titled "Is It Time To Trim Betutu's Civil Service?" published in the Betutu Times today.

Dr Marietta in her column pointed out that the pandemic had forced ministries and agencies to embrace the new normal and that more work could be done online.

Although the growth in civil service had provided more jobs, Dr Marietta said, it also resulted in the government having a bigger obligation to service pension.

Mr Samson described Dr Marietta's view that the civil service could still operate at 30 per cent capacity as inaccurate and that it could mislead the public.

"In actual fact, the civil service is still operating at 100 per cent capacity irrespective on the ground, at the office or from homes.

"The 30 per cent capacity (as pointed out by Dr Marietta) only involved civil servants who are required to be at their respective offices in selected states, during the implementation of the Conditional Movement Restriction Order (CMRO) in October last year.

"Civil servants who are not required to come to the office during the period are still performing their duties from home with the assistance of technology and equipment," he said.

The efficiency and effectiveness of the civil service, he said, had helped to ensure smooth government delivery services despite the movement restrictions resulting from the measures implemented by the government to stem the spread of the virus.

He said BPCSEU expressed hoped that Dr Marietta could use the right channel in the future by expressing her views with the Betutu Public Services Department and not on a public platform with facts that could be inaccurate.