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The Book Fair Will Go On, Despite H1N1 Concerns
Last Updated on Wednesday, 17 February 2010 07:53
Written by The Brunei Times Wednesday, 17 February 2010 06:24
Bandar Seri Begawan - The Language and Literature Bureau (DBP) is optimistic that the Brunei Book Fair 2010 will draw strong attendance despite concerns over further spread of Influenza A (HIN1).
At a press briefing at the department's headquarters at the Old Airport yesterday, DBP Acting Director Hjh Aminah Hj Momin said she hoped that the usual crowd that throngs to the annual fair would not be affected by the epidemic.
The DBP had initially decided to not hold the book fair this year, she said, but then withdrew the decision due to high public demand and in light of the DBP's mission to promote a reading culture in the Sultanate, particularly by spurring on the retail book industry in Brunei.
"If the DBP did not hold it this year, apart from not providing the public access to (a host of) reading material under one roof, it would have been a great disadvantage to the (participating) companies that usually benefit, and thus encouraging the industry of selling books (to thrive)," she said. "Therefore, the book fair must be held."
"The DBP is working together with the Ministry of Health in this regard and hopefully, Insyallah, the book fair will proceed smoothly and successfully without unwanted interruptions," she added.
Hjh Aminah said that the Health Ministry had advised the DBP on the necessary precautions to prevent the spread of H1N1 during the book fair, particularly as it is expected to be attended by thousands of students.
However, she added that given the circumstances the bureau had not set a target for the number of visitors to the fair this year, and "because there is a possibility that some schools will not be sending their students to the book fair because of concern over HOD".
Last year, the book fair attracted more than 80,800 visitors and some 60,000 visitors in 2008, the acting director said.
However, she said that if this year's book fair manages to draw a response similar to that of last year, the DBP would already consider it a success.-- Courtesy of The Brunei Times
Last Updated on Wednesday, 17 February 2010 07:53
Written by The Brunei Times Wednesday, 17 February 2010 06:24
Bandar Seri Begawan - The Language and Literature Bureau (DBP) is optimistic that the Brunei Book Fair 2010 will draw strong attendance despite concerns over further spread of Influenza A (HIN1).
At a press briefing at the department's headquarters at the Old Airport yesterday, DBP Acting Director Hjh Aminah Hj Momin said she hoped that the usual crowd that throngs to the annual fair would not be affected by the epidemic.
The DBP had initially decided to not hold the book fair this year, she said, but then withdrew the decision due to high public demand and in light of the DBP's mission to promote a reading culture in the Sultanate, particularly by spurring on the retail book industry in Brunei.
"If the DBP did not hold it this year, apart from not providing the public access to (a host of) reading material under one roof, it would have been a great disadvantage to the (participating) companies that usually benefit, and thus encouraging the industry of selling books (to thrive)," she said. "Therefore, the book fair must be held."
"The DBP is working together with the Ministry of Health in this regard and hopefully, Insyallah, the book fair will proceed smoothly and successfully without unwanted interruptions," she added.
Hjh Aminah said that the Health Ministry had advised the DBP on the necessary precautions to prevent the spread of H1N1 during the book fair, particularly as it is expected to be attended by thousands of students.
However, she added that given the circumstances the bureau had not set a target for the number of visitors to the fair this year, and "because there is a possibility that some schools will not be sending their students to the book fair because of concern over HOD".
Last year, the book fair attracted more than 80,800 visitors and some 60,000 visitors in 2008, the acting director said.
However, she said that if this year's book fair manages to draw a response similar to that of last year, the DBP would already consider it a success.-- Courtesy of The Brunei Times
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