Daniel Lim
One thousand recipients from the Belait District gathered at Pusat Insani, Seria yesterday to receive the Kurnia Peribadi (personal gift) from 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.
His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Malik, present as His Majesty’s personal representative, was welcomed by Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Minister of Defence II Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof.
Aqil Syukri bin Asri, who arrived at the venue at 7.20am with his two siblings, said he was grateful to receive the personal gifts. Receiving the Kurnia for the first time, he shared how he plans to use the funds to help his family in preparation for Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebration.
Similarly, Jainah binti Sarah, a mother of three, expressed happiness on receiving the Kurnia for the first time. She said her excitement translated into her arriving at the venue as early as 4.30am.
“I am planning to use the funds to prepare for Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebration and buy more supplies for my children,” she said.
The ceremony commenced with the recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah and Doa Selamat led by Haji Johar bin Haji Muhammad, followed by the handing of the Kurnia by His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Malik.
Following His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Malik’s departure, the handing of Kurnia continued into the afternoon at the counters and will continue today.
The annual Kurnia serves to demonstrate His Majesty’s generosity and solicitousness for special needs individuals, orphans, destitute persons and welfare recipients, especially in preparation for the Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebration.
