The official launch of the distribution of personal gift of dates from His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Almarhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, in conjunction with Ramadhan 1446 Hijrah / 2025, took place Tuesday at Dewan An-Naura, Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Complex.
His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Malik, Chairman of the Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Committee of Governors, officiated the ceremony.
The event commenced with the recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah by Begawan Pehin Khatib Dato Paduka Awang Haji Mustapa bin Haji Murat, Imam of Jame’ Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque, followed by welcoming remarks from Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Minister of Defence II Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Awang Haji Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof, who is also the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah.
His Royal Highness then delivered a sabda before presenting His Majesty’s personal gift of dates to representatives from uniformed personnel, civil servants, private sector employees, and associations for new converts.
The uniformed personnel representatives included commanders of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF) and directors of the Royal Brunei Police Force (RBPF), while civil servants and private sector employees were represented by directors from respective government departments and human resource management divisions. District Officers and village heads accepted the dates on behalf of the general public.
The ceremony concluded with a Doa Selamat.
With the launch, the nationwide distribution of the Sultan’s personal gift of dates for Ramadhan officially begins. This year, a total of 159.5 metric tonnes of ‘Safawy’ dates will be distributed to all Muslims in Brunei, regardless of age or nationality. Each recipient will receive a 300-gram box of dates.
The distribution will be carried out through various channels: RBAF and RBPF will distribute to their personnel through respective commanders and department heads; District Officers will oversee the distribution to village heads, who will ensure the dates reach their respective residents; Government ministries and departments will manage the distribution to civil servants; and private sector employees will receive their dates through their companies, while some will receive them via their village heads based on their residence.
The Sultan’s annual gift of dates reflects his care and generosity towards the people of Brunei. Muslims in the country are encouraged to express their gratitude for this benevolent gesture.
Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah called for the cooperation of all parties to ensure the smooth distribution of the dates so that every Muslim in the country can enjoy them for iftar during the holy month of Ramadhan. – James Kon
