Thirteen children were born on 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’s 77th birthday on Saturday.
Nine births were recorded at Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha (RIPAS) Hospital while one was born at Jerudong Park Medical Centre (JPMC), and three at Suri Seri Begawan (SSB) Hospital in Kuala Belait.
The first baby was born on 1.18am on July 15 at RIPAS Hospital while the last was at 8.41pm at SSB Hospital.
Children born on the day of His Majesty’s birthday have traditionally been offered gifts and blessings to mark the auspicious occasion.
This year, the children received a BND50 Simanja account with Perbadanan Tabung Amanah Islam Brunei (Perbadanan TAIB), BND130 worth of essentials for newborns and a portrait of the parents with their baby, contributed by the National Committee for His Majesty’s 77th birthday celebration.
Spouse of the Minister of Home Affairs Pengiran Datin Hajah Norzana binti Pengiran Haji Rosli, the guest of honour for the gift presentation and blessing ceremony at RIPAS Hospital, handed over the gifts to the newborn’s parents. Meanwhile, spouse of the Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Minister of Defence II Datin Hajah Khalsom binti Haji Suhaili also presented each parent with souvenirs from Perbadanan TAIB.
Similar ceremonies were also held at JPMC and SSB Hospital.
At JPMC, spouse of Permanent Secretary (Municipal and District) at the Ministry of Home Affairs (MoHA) Hajah Siti Ainun Jariah binti Haji Mohd Ja’afar handed over the gifts.
At SSB Hospital, spouse of Deputy Permanent Secretary (Laws, International and Research) at the MoHA Hajah Mahyun binti Dato Paduka Haji Manan was the guest of honour.
Stephanie Chin Wan Yun and Hee Siang Min, parents of a newborn baby boy in Kuala Belait, expressed gratitude for the gifts. The couple were exceptionally delighted as the child is their firstborn. – James Kon & Daniel Lim
