| Rokiah Mahmud |

THE safety of the Radio Television Brunei (RTB) building in Bandar Seri Begawan (BSB) was stressed by His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam in a titah delivered yesterday.

His Majesty delivered the titah at the RTB Broadcasting Complex in Sungai Akar during a surprise visit.

The monarch said that after visiting both RTB complexes in BSB and Sungai Akar yesterday, he learnt that most sections were located at RTB BSB.

All sections play a key role in broadcasting. Not having a safe and proper building could affect broadcasting, His Majesty said.

His Majesty urged all stakeholders and related parties of RTB to take action in ensuring the building was safe.

“However, even if the building is considered safe, maintenance work still needs to be prioritised,” the monarch said.

His Majesty was informed that based on findings after inspections on the building by Fire and Rescue Department personnel, the RTB BSB building was in an obsolete condition and had safety issues which should not be taken lightly.

RTB plays an important and challenging role, especially serving as the medium which channels information. Therefore, RTB officers and staff contributed directly as its driving force.

“If the workforce is strong, RTB is also strong. This is what we want and one way to strengthen RTB is by recruiting officers and staff according to their skills,” His Majesty said.

His Majesty in his titah also raised the issue of transportation at RTB.

The monarch was concerned that most vehicles could no longer be used.

His Majesty pointed out that most RTB vehicles were not managed properly.

His Majesty said if this was true, the concerned parties needed to be taught how to manage and maintain government property.

If not the damage will continue, His Majesty said.

His Majesty also said that there were also complaints from RTB officers on the pressing working environment as they get less support from their superiors of the Media and Cabinet Division of the Prime Minister’s Office who are yet to conduct meetings and discussions with them.

“This is related to work ethics. A superior should not avoid meetings with officers and needs to listen and discuss problems and issues and address them accordingly.”