Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Nazmi bin Haji Mohamad received BND25,000 from six companies for Humanitarian Fund for Palestinians in Gaza 2023 at a handover ceremony at the ministry’s building.
Samima Sdn Bhd contributed BND10,000, presented by Managing Director Haji Hidhayathullah bin Haji Tajudeen.
TM Majeed donated BND5,000 while TM Majeed Supermarket provided an additional BND2,000, handed over by General Manager Ferose Khan bin Abdul Ravo.
Aisha Afiqa Sdn Bhd made a donation of BND5,000 handed over by Director Haja Najirudeen.
Orbit Supermarket Sdn Bhd contributed BND2,000, presented by Chairman Anwar Ali bin Mohamed Yusuf. Daya Supermarket donated BND1,000, represented by Anwar Ali.
ABOVE & BELOW: Photos show Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Nazmi bin Haji Mohamad receiving the donations. PHOTO: RAFI ROSLIPHOTO: RAFI ROSLIPHOTO: RAFI ROSLIPHOTO: RAFI ROSLI
Community Development Department (JAPEM) Acting Director Fauziah binti Haji Mohd Salleh chaired the event.
The collection period for the Humanitarian Fund for Palestinians in Gaza 2023 has been extended for six months until April 18.
Individuals or organisations intending to conduct fundraising activities for the fund must obtain prior approval from JAPEM, which serves as the secretariat for the National Committee of the Humanitarian Fund for Palestinians in Gaza 2023. If a portion of the proceeds from public entertainment event is to be donated, approval must first be obtained from the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Donations can also be made online through Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam (BIBD) account number 00-001-01-0089051 or via BIBD QuickPay. Collection boxes have also been placed at mosques, prayer halls, banks, commercial buildings and public institutions nationwide.
Contributions can also be delivered directly to the fund’s secretariat at the JAPEM during office hours. – Fadley Faisal
The Orphans Fund, under the Community Development Department (JAPEM), yesterday received a donation of BND5,000 from the Group of Wives of Cabinet Ministers, Deputy Ministers, Permanent Secretaries, Deputy Permanent Secretaries and Affiliated Members in a ceremony at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports.
Permanent Secretary (Community) at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports Hajah Nor Ashikin binti Haji Johari received the donation from Group Chaperon II Pengiran Datin Hajah Nahriah binti Haji Hasbi.
Acting Director of Community Development Fauziah binti Haji Mohd Salleh was present at the event with group members. – James Kon
Permanent Secretary (Community) at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports Hajah Nor Ashikin binti Haji Johari receives the donation. PHOTO: JAPEM
The Paraplegic and Physically Disabled Association (PAPDA) received a donation of BND6,000 per year for three years from Premier Dental and Orthodontic Centre (PDOC) in a ceremony at PAPDA house in Kampong Kiarong.
PDOC Directors Dr Murali Raj, Dr Sumaya Rao and Dr Sia Lim Bee as well as Managing Director Dato Paduka Dr Haji Abdul Latip bin Haji Ibrahim, handed over the donation.
PAPDA Deputy Chair Haji Sahari bin Haji Tinggal received the donation.
The donation is expected to help PAPDA maintain and look after its house by recruiting a full-time caretaker and cleaner who will reside at the premises to prevent break-ins at the house. PAPDA has found a husband and wife, who are members of the association, willing to take on the roles of the caretaker and cleaner. Haji Sahari extended PAPDA’s gratitude to PDOC, adding that the association’s executive members met twice to identify programmes and activities that will begin soon.
“The programmes include tailoring training, where one of our wheelchair-bound members can start her business at the PAPDA house,” he said. “This will provide an opportunity to train PAPDA members, who can later join her as workers.”
Another programme is to build a workshop behind the PAPDA house, providing space to train members to repair damaged wheelchairs and make handicrafts for sale.
Haji Sahari also said PAPDA is also looking for individuals or organisations to teach PAPDA members to make cakes, biscuits or kueh using the kitchen at the PAPDA house. “We hope that our members can bake and make kueh to be sold as a source of income,” he said. – James Kon
Paraplegic and Physically Disabled Association Deputy Chair Haji Sahari bin Haji Tinggal receives donation from Premier Dental and Orthodontic Centre. PHOTO: JAMES KON
The Ministry of Religious Affairs (MoRA) held a donation ceremony for 15 orphans of the ministry staff yesterday at Multaqa Hall, Extended Building MoRA at Jalan Dewan Majlis in conjunction with the holy month of Ramadhan. Minister of Religious Affairs Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Badaruddin bin Pengarah Dato Paduka Haji Awang Othman, the guest of honour, presented the donations.
The ceremony began with the recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah led by Special Inspector from the Islamic Studies Department Haji Hendra bin Haji Meraji, followed by a Tahlil led by Assistant Religious Officer at the Haj Management Department Haji Muhammad Izzuddin bin Haji Abdul Rani.
The event aimed to ease the financial burden of the recipients while fostering a culture of generosity and social responsibility among ministry staff.
Deputy Minister of Religious Affairs Pengiran Dato Seri Paduka Haji Mohd Tashim bin Pengiran Haji Hassan, Permanent Secretary at the MoRA Haji Mohammad Rosli bin Haji Ibrahim; Acting Deputy Permanent Secretary (Administration and Finance) Misle bin Haji Abdul Karim; and Acting Deputy Permanent Secretary (Policy and Religion) Haji Shamshol bin Haji Omar were also present. – Fadley Faisal
Minister of Religious Affairs Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Badaruddin bin Pengarah Dato Paduka Haji Awang Othman hands over a donation to a girl during a donation ceremony for 15 orphans, organised by the Ministry of Religious Affairs. PHOTO: MORAMinister of Religious Affairs Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Badaruddin bin Pengarah Dato Paduka Haji Awang Othman presenting a donation to a recipient. PHOTO: MORA
The Brunei Darussalam Central Bank (BDCB) held a Khatam Al-Quran and donation presentation ceremony yesterday at Suri Seri Begawan Raja Pengiran Anak Damit Mosque in Kampong Manggis/Madang reaffirming its commitment to community support and social well-being during the holy month of Ramadhan.
The event began with the recitation of selected surahs from Al-Quran, followed by the presentation of donations to 20 recipients in need.
Deputy Minister of Finance and Economy (Economy) and BDCB Chairman Dato Seri Paduka Haji Khairuddin bin Haji Abdul Hamid along with other members of the Board of Directors of BDCB were present.
BDCB Managing Director Hajah Rashidah binti Haji Sabtu, officers and staff from BDCB and the Brunei Institute of Leadership and Islamic Finance (BILIF) also attended.
Through the initiative, BDCB aims to extend meaningful support, particularly to those facing financial challenges, while fostering a spirit of generosity and solidarity within the community. – Fadley Faisal
Deputy Minister of Finance and Economy (Economy) Dato Seri Paduka Haji Khairuddin bin Haji Abdul Hamid presenting a donation to recipient. PHOTO: MUIZ MATDANI
Royal Brunei Airlines (RB) completed a series of annual community support events focused on helping the less fortunate and RB orphans. The events were organised by the airline’s Welfare and Religious Committees.
The series of events began with the sungkai distribution for RB staff and all stakeholders at the Brunei International Airport on March 10.
This was followed by the ‘RB Family in Need’ event on March 14, aimed to support families facing challenges in the Kampong Katok area and Kampong Rataie in Temburong District.
The events were led by RB Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Captain Sabirin bin Haji Abdul Hamid alongside RB’s Executive Management team, distributing essential items packs to six families for Ramadhan and for the upcoming Hari Raya festivities.
A Tahlil recitation was held at the Royal Mausoleum in Jalan Tutong for Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Muhammad Jamalul Alam and Al-Marhumah Duli Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Damit binti Al-Marhum Pengiran Bendahara Pengiran Anak Abdul Rahman, the late parents of His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, and for His Majesty’s late son Al-Marhum His Royal Highness Prince Haji ‘Abdul ‘Azim.
Minister of Development Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Muhammad Juanda bin Haji Abdul Rashid, Deputy Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office Dato Seri Paduka Mohd Riza bin Dato Paduka Haji Mohd Yunos and Royal Brunei Airlines Chief Executive Officer Captain Sabirin bin Haji Abdul Hamid in a group photo. PHOTO: ROYAL BRUNEI AIRLINES
Minister of Development and RB Chairman Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Muhammad Juanda bin Haji Abdul Rashid attended as the guest of honour.
Deputy Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and RB’s Deputy Chairman Dato Seri Paduka Awang Mohd Riza bin Dato Paduka Haji Mohd Yunos also participated.
RB’s management and staff was joined by Mohamed Bolkiah Mosque and Kampong Serusop Mosque Affairs Officer imam Muhammad Amin bin Haji Salim who led the recitation of prayers.
On March 20, RB alongside Sabre Travel Network Brunei held an iftar event with orphans of former RB employees at Tarindak D’Seni followed with donation, where Captain Sabirin and General Manager of Sabre Abdul Halim bin Haji Abdul Rahman presented the donations to 41 recipients from 24 families.
The RB charity and religious events concluded on March 25 with a Khatam Al-Quran ceremony at Masjid Kampong Pelambayan at Kota Batu, in conjunction with the remembrance of Nuzul Al-Quran.
The minister, deputy minister and RB CEO were among those present. Meanwhile, 38 RB staff participated in the Khatam Al-Quran programme this year led by RB Acting Chief Operations Officer Haji Badarudin bin Haji Bagol.
The minister presented the waqaf from RB staff contributions to the mosque representative.
Al-Huffaz Management (GenQu), founded by Haji Md Loqman Al Hakim bin Haji Hamdan, in collaboration with the Secretariat of the Brunei Malay Chamber of Commerce and Industry, organised a donation event during Ramadhan to provide support to 33 orphans.
The event was held at Tiong Jaya Restaurant saw Haji Ameerolbahrynee bin Haji Abdul Hamid attend as the guest of honour. It was part of an effort to embrace the values of Ramadhan by fostering a sense of togetherness and reminding the community of the importance of extending kindness, especially to those in need.
Several local businesses contributed to the initiative, reflecting the shared responsibility of supporting the less fortunate. “This initiative is more than just providing assistance; it is about celebrating the holy month of Ramadhan by reinforcing the values of compassion, generosity, and unity,” said Haji Mohd Loqman Al Hakim.
The participants in a group photo. PHOTO: AL HUFFAZ MANAGEMENT
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MoHA) and departments under it held a Takreem Al-Quran ceremony at the ministry’s multi-purpose hall on Tuesday.
Minister of Home Affairs Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Ahmaddin bin Haji Abdul Rahman was the guest of honour at this year’s ceremony organised by the Prisons Department.
The ceremony commenced with mass Zohor prayer led by Prisons Department religious teacher Yusri bin Othman. The guest of honour presented donations to 31 orphans from the ministry staff. The ceremony continued with the recitation of Takhtim with Surah Al-Fatihah led by the minister.
It continued with the reading of Tahlil and Dikir Syarafill Anam. The ceremony concluded with the recitation of Doa Takhtim and Doa Peliharakan Sultan dan Negara Brunei Darussalam.
The ceremony was held in commemoration of Nuzul Al-Quran and to foster closer ties among officers and staff of the ministry and support for orphans in the holy month of Ramadhan. – James Kon
ABOVE & BELOW: Minister of Home Affairs Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Ahmaddin bin Haji Abdul Rahman at the ceremony, and presenting a donation to a recipient. PHOTO: JAMES KONPHOTO: JAMES KON
Hari Raya starts next week, marking the end of Ramadhan. Already we have been stormed with advertisements, sharing great deals on various items such as electronics, furniture, cars and food.
However, do we really need a set of new clothes, the latest 4K Android television and a modern looking sofa set to make our Hari Raya more joyous and meaningful?
Is there a way to celebrate Hari Raya without burning a hole in our pockets?
Here is a list of some money saving tips for you to consider:
CHANGE THE POSITION OF YOUR FURNITURE
Making a small change to your furniture arrangement will provide a new or different look to your house. Add or change the covers of your cushions instead of buying a new sofa set.
Hanging up new pictures and updating your family photos can also help change the look of your seating area.
MAKE YOUR OWN DECORATIONS
Instead of buying decorations for the festive season, consider making your own. There are many ideas of how to make flowers and various ornaments from inexpensive materials or better still, recyclable materials, readily available on the Internet.
This can be a pet project for your children during their school holidays. At the same time, working as a family to produce these beautiful handmade items will encourage quality family bonding time. Moreover, these self-made decorations will be one of a kind.
PHOTO: FREEPIKPHOTO: FREEPIKPHOTO: FREEPIK
REDESIGN YOUR CLOTHES
Sometimes all it takes is to add a different accessory to your outfit to make it look new or different.
You could wear your old baju kurung that you haven’t worn in years or have them redesigned by adding sequins or beads.
BUDGET ON FOOD AND DRINKS
Consider baking your own kuih-kuih Raya and plan a budget of how much you need to spend on food and drinks for your open house.
You could gather a group of friends during the weekends to bake together and have fun swapping recipes while learning new baking tips from one another.
Shop around for caterers and bakers to compare prices. Buy or order in larger quantities by sharing with a group of friends or family for a better and cheaper deal. Plan your shopping list and buy fruits and vegetables that are in season as they would be cheaper than buying those that are not in season.
Plan your list by looking at advertisements in newspapers of what is on sale and work your menu around it.
Consider buying frozen, canned or dried foods which are often less expensive than buying fresh produce. They are equally nutritious.
PLAN YOUR SHOPPING SPREE
If you do plan on buying a new set of furniture or a new car, consider buying these large items closer to the festive season as some shops will tend to offer attractive discounts during this period of the year.
Shop around and compare prices before you decide on purchasing the item. Most importantly, when making your various purchases, do ask yourself if it truly is a “need” or a “want”.
PLAN YOUR OPEN HOUSE VISITS
List down the houses you have to visit and group them into their respective locations. For example, spend one whole afternoon in Kuala Belait instead of driving there again on another day.
This will save on your fuel money and time too. If you have friends and family who are on the same visit routes, consider car pooling.
Most importantly, do stay safe on the roads by buckling up, driving within the speed limits and avoid using your mobile phone and at the same time, avoid texting while driving.
This article is for general information purposes only and while the information in it is believed to be reliable, it has not been independently verified by us. You are advised to exercise your own independent judgement with the contents in this article. – Standard Chartered Bank
The Department of Councils of State on Tuesday held a lecture in conjunction with the Nuzul Al-Quran celebration at the Legislative Council (LegCo) Hall.
Sultan Sharif Ali Islamic University assistant lecturer Haji Mohammad Khairul Nazif bin Haji Awang Damit in a special lecture focused on the theme ‘A sound mind through Al-Quran.’
The lecture emphasised the importance of self-education in becoming a good Muslim,
maintaining regular prayers, improving daily practices, and emulating the character of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), all guided by the teachings of Al-Quran.
The event aimed to commemorate the significant event of Al- Quran’s revelation, encouraging reflection on its guidance for personal development and noble character.
Speaker of the Legislative Council Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Lela Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Abdul Rahman bin Dato Setia Haji Mohamed Taib was the guest of honour.
Clerk to the Privy Council, Secretary to the Cabinet Ministers’ Council and Clerk to the Legislative Council Dr Hajah Huraini binti Pehin Orang Kaya Setia Jaya Dato Paduka Haji Hurairah and LegCo Secretariat members also attended. – Fadley Faisal
Speaker of the Legislative Council Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Lela Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Abdul Rahman bin Dato Setia Haji Mohamed Taib at the event. PHOTO: DEPARTMENT OF COUNCILS OF STATE
