Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebrations will be more meaningful and joyous for 17,352 recipients of the personal gift or Raya Kurnia bestowed by 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 Majesty consented for the distribution of the personal gift, in the form of cash, nationwide on Wednesday. In the Brunei-Muara District, the distribution was held at Istana Nurul Iman, while in the Tutong and Temburong districts, it was conducted at respective community halls. For the Belait District, the ceremony took place at Pusat Insani Seria.
At Istana Nurul Iman, a joyful atmosphere prevailed as 2,000 recipients gathered at the Reception Hall and Baitur Rahmah to receive their Kurnia.
His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office, graced the ceremony as the personal representative of His Majesty. Also present was Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Rashidah Sa’adatul Bolkiah as His Majesty’s personal representative.
Upon arrival at the Reception Hall, His Royal Highness was greeted 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. The ceremony commenced with the recital of Surah Al-Fatihah and a Doa Selamat led by Yang Dimuliakan Pehin Orang Kaya Paduka Seri Utama Dato Paduka Seri Setia Haji Awang Salim bin Haji Besar.
Meanwhile, Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Minister of Finance and Economy II Dato Seri Setia Dr Awang Haji Amin Liew bin Abdullah greeted the arrival of Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Rashidah at Baitur Rahmah, where the ceremony also began with the recital of Surah Al-Fatihah and a Doa Selamat led by Yang Arif Haji Hasan bin Haji Metali.
In the Belait District, His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Malik was present as His Majesty’s personal representative and was welcomed by Minister of Home Affairs Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Ahmaddin bin Haji Abdul Rahman. The ceremony, held at Pusat Insani, Seria, began with the recital of Surah Al-Fatihah and a Doa Selamat led by Dato Seri Setia Dr Awang Haji Japar bin Haji Mat Dain @ Maidin.
While the distribution commenced in the morning, the event continued into the afternoon and will proceed tomorrow (March 20), with a total of 2,424 recipients in the Belait District receiving the Kurnia Peribadi.
In Tutong District, His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Wakeel attended as His Majesty’s personal representative and was welcomed by Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Dato Seri Setia Haji Nazmi bin Haji Mohamad.
A total of 1,000 recipients received the Kurnia at the ceremony, which began with the recital of Surah Al-Fatihah and a Doa Selamat led by Dato Seri Setia Dr Awang Haji Mazanan bin Haji Yusof.
Meanwhile in Temburong District, Her Royal Highness Princess Ameerah Wardatul Bolkiah was the personal representative of His Majesty.
Her Royal Highness’s arrival at the Community Hall at Pekan Bangar was Minister of Education Datin Seri Setia Dr Hajah Dayang Romaizah binti Haji Md Salleh. A total of 805 recipients from the Temburong District received the gift.
The personal gift, arriving just in time for the festive season, brings immense joy and meaning to the recipients, including individuals with special needs, orphans, the less fortunate, and those receiving monthly welfare assistance in conjunction with Hari Raya Aidilfitri.
The ceremony, now in its sixteenth year, underscores His Majesty’s generosity and deep concern for the well-being of the underprivileged, ensuring that they receive equal attention and support, particularly in alleviating their hardships. – Lyna Mohammad & Daniel Lim
More details on Thursday’s Borneo Bulletin
