BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

A NEW transforcer station will be built in Kg Selapon at Mukim Batu Apoi allowing Temburong District residents to receive digital television broadcasts.

The project for the transforcer station is in the works as state broadcaster Radio Televisyen Brunei (RTB) aims to widen its coverage nationwide, Yang Berhormat Pehin Datu Singamanteri Colonel (Rtd) Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Hj Mohd Yasmin Hj Umar said at the 10th Legislative Council (LegCo) session yesterday.

With the new transforcer station, digital television broadcasting is expected to reach rural areas and areas obstructed by tall hills in Temburong District.

The Minister of Energy at the Prime Minister’s Office also disclosed that television transmitter stations in Bukit Subok, Brunei-Muara District, and Andulau, Belait District, have begun transmitting digital signals since January this year.

Both stations are currently undergoing field testing to identify areas that are lacking coverage.

A report detailing the results of the testing is slated for completion towards the second quarter of 2014.

In response to a question put forward by LegCo member Yang Berhormat Hj Jumat Akim, the minister further urged residents to switch to digital receivers in line with RTB’s move from analogue to digital television broadcasting in 2009.

On the subject of some daily-paid staff of RTB who are still awaiting to qualify for monthly salaries, the minister said all RTB employees are subject to the same job promotion guidelines set by the Civil Service Department (JPA).

He added RTB is providing human resource development programmes as well as relevant training to ensure that personnel at the state broadcaster are ready for career progression.

The Brunei Times