Stories by Ain Bandial on The Scoop

Ain Bandial

Ain is co-founder and editor of The Scoop. She previously worked as a journalist for The Brunei Times covering diplomacy and security in Southeast Asia, as well as national issues related to the economy, trade and gender inequality. Ain’s work has also appeared in Reuters, AFP, The Jakarta Post, The Straits Times, among others.

HM urges public to heed health guidelines as Hari Raya festivities begin Customary open houses will not be allowed, gatherings must be limited to immediate family

May 24, 2020

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN – As Hari Raya festivities kick off on Sunday, the monarch urged all residents to abide by health guidelines set…

Spectre of COVID-19 casts shadow over Ramadan Monarch says mosques will remain closed and Hari Raya traditions will have to be curtailed

April 25, 2020

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN – Although Brunei has seen early success in containing the spread of coronavirus, the threat of a widespread outbreak still…

Brunei mulls curbing oil output in line with OPEC+ pact As COVID-19 pandemic slashes energy demand, oil producers seek to shore up crude prices

April 22, 2020

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN – Brunei will consider cutting oil output in cooperation with OPEC, the second minister of finance and economy said Tuesday,…

HM announces special $400 monthly allowance for healthcare workers Brunei's monarch acknowledges sacrifices made by frontline personnel; also announces financial aid for market vendors, taxi drivers

April 14, 2020

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN – His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah on Monday announced a special $400 monthly allowance for healthcare workers who have…

Elderly man charged with bludgeoning puppies to death Animal welfare groups call for 'strong message' from courts

April 7, 2020

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN – An 80-year-old man was charged with animal cruelty on Tuesday after videos of him allegedly bludgeoning seven puppies to…

RB in dire straits with 95% of flights cut, staff put on compulsory leave National carrier faces unprecedented crisis with COVID-19 pandemic

April 1, 2020

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN – Royal Brunei Airlines could suffer hundreds of millions in lost revenue as the coronavirus pandemic poses an unprecedented crisis…

Brunei records first death from COVID-19 A 64-year-old man has died from complications due to COVID-19, the first death in the country linked to the global coronavirus pandemic

March 28, 2020

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN – A 64-year-old man has died from complications due to COVID-19, the first death in the country linked to the…

COVID-19 cases more than double to reach 25 Friday prayers shortened, universities suspend classroom learning as coronavirus cases climb

March 13, 2020

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN – The total number of COVID-19 cases in Brunei reached 25 on Thursday, with positive test results more than doubling…

Coronavirus fear grips Brunei, as number of cases rise to 11 within days Malaysian authorities say 10,000 people potentially exposed to COVID-19 at religious gathering, which is believed to be the source of infection

March 12, 2020

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN – Brunei reported five new cases of coronavirus on Wednesday, bringing the cumulative tally to 11. The new cases involve…

Five more test positive for COVID-19, bringing national tally to 6 Source of infection believed to be religious gathering in Kuala Lumpur attended by more than 100 people, including 90 Bruneians

March 11, 2020

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN – Preliminary tests show five more people have tested positive for COVID-19, a day after the Ministry of Health (MoH)…