Twenty-six families affected by fire, house collapse and strong wind incidents received financial assistance from Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah yesterday.
Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Nazmi bin Haji Mohamad, as a member of the Yayasan Board of Directors and Chairman of the Yayasan Aid Review Committee distributed the financial aid totalling BND49,500 at a ceremony at the multipurpose hall of the Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Complex in Bandar Seri Begawan.
One of the recipients, Haji Zinin bin Adi, expressed gratitude to Yayasan for the financial assistance.
He said, “Alhamdulillah, I would like to sincerely thank 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 and Yayasan for this much-needed financial aid. I hope to use it to alleviate the burden of repair costs.”
Haji Zinin recalled the strong wind incident in September, which resulted in the damage of 32 roof panels of his house in Kampong Menunggol.
Despite the incident, he and his family of five, including a four-year-old grandchild, escaped unharmed. He has made temporary repairs to the roof and continues to reside in the house.
Another victim, Hajah Sariah binti Timin from Kampong Bunut, experienced significant roof damage to her house due to strong winds. She recounted, “The roof from the bedroom to the living room was completely blown away. We were shocked by what happened, as it was an unprecedented event. Alhamdulillah, everyone is safe.”
Hajah Sariah expressing gratitude to His Majesty and Yayasan for the financial assistance, stated, “I didn’t expect to receive such help.”
Deputy Minister of Religious Affairs Pengiran Dato Seri Paduka Haji Mohd Tashim bin Pengiran Haji Hassan, a member of the Board of Directors and Acting Managing Director of Yayasan was also present. – James Kon
