The Brunei Council on Social Welfare (MKM) concluded its 15-day sungkai distribution project for this year, providing relief to those in need across Brunei.
The annual initiative, which began in 2015, ensures that MKM’s beneficiaries receive nourishing sungkai meals during the holy month of Ramadhan.
This year’s distribution began on March 3 and concluded yesterday. A total of 503 sungkai packs were distributed daily in the Brunei-Muara District, amounting to 7,545 packs. In the Belait District, 193 packs were distributed daily, totalling 2,895, while in Temburong District, 165 packs were distributed each day, making a total of 2,475. Altogether, MKM provided 12,915 sungkai packs to those in need throughout Brunei this Ramadhan.
Beyond Brunei, MKM extended its compassion internationally by distributing 1,000 sungkai packs daily at the Unchiprang Rohingya Refugee Camp in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh. This initiative, which began in 2018, serves both Rohingya refugees and homeless Bangladeshis.
In that year, MKM established a school in the Unchiprang camp, providing education for approximately 500 refugee children and has successfully produced 37 hafiz and hafizah to date. MKM President Yusof Halim said, “We are grateful to our donors for making it possible to carry out our charitable projects, including our annual Ramadhan sungkai initiative. May all who contribute be rewarded in this world and the hereafter.” – Fadley Faisal
ABOVE & BELOW: Photos show programmes organised by Brunei Council on Social Welfare. PHOTO: MKMPHOTO: MKM
Approximately 70 people, comprising youth from Kampong Bukit, Kampong Bukit Mosque Takmir Committee and the Muslimah group, attended the Youth Charity Programme v3.2 recently. The event was organised in conjunction with the fasting month of Ramadhan.
Legislative Council member and Mukim Ukong Penghulu Yang Berhormat Haji Mohamad Danial @ Tekpin bin Ya’akub attended the event held at Kampong Bukit Mosque in Tutong District.
Youth Charity Programme v3.2 is an annual programme organised by the Tutong District Youth and Sports Department. Youth and villagers collaborated to provide ingredients, cook and pack the food for distribution. A total of 120 containers of bean porridge and 150 packs of noodles were prepared.
Among the objectives of the programme was to increase the involvement of mukim and village consultative councils in general and the involvement of youth in community activities. – Lyna Mohamad
ABOVE & BELOW:: Legislative Council member Yang Berhormat Haji Mohamad Danial @ Tekpin bin Ya’akub; and participants at the event. PHOTO: LYNA MOHAMADPHOTO: LYNA MOHAMADPHOTO: LYNA MOHAMAD
Concepts Group of Companies hosted an iftar get-together with over 70 guests in attendance, including staff, family members and friends.
Concepts General Manager Vincent Pao and spouse Alice Chan welcomed the guests at the annual event strengthening ties and celebrating the holy month of Ramadhan. “The yearly tradition of having an iftar get-together is something everyone at Concepts always looks forward to. With nearly 100 per cent of our staff being Malay Muslims, Concepts’ strength lies in the strong ties we have with our Muslim staff and customers,” said Pao.
Staff and their family members from across the group of companies, were in attendance. – Lyna Mohamad
Concepts General Manager Vincent Pao and spouse Alice Chan in a group photo. PHOTO: MUIZ MATDANI
Some 60 members from the Young Scouts Troop 3036 and the Girl Guides of Belait Arab School participated in a Qiamullail and iftar programme at the school hall recently.
The programme featured various religious activities, including congregational Maghrib and Isyak prayers, Sunnat Tarawih and Sunnat Witir prayers as well as Sunnat Hajat and Sunnat Tahajud prayers. Participants also engaged in Tedarus Al-Quran and shared iftar and sahur meals.
Organised to enliven the month of Ramadhan, the initiative sought to instil a sense of discipline in students, particularly in performing prayers, while also strengthening bonds of friendship and providing exposure to essential life skills beyond the classroom. – Fadley Faisal
ABOVE & BELOW: Photos show participants at the event. PHOTO: JPIPHOTO: JPI
The Alumni of Brunei Government Hostel in Singapore (AKBS) hosted a donation ceremony for orphans and underprivileged children in conjunction with Ramadhan.
The event ‘Majlis Penyampaian Derma Kepada Anak Yatim dan Anak Dhaif 1446H/2025’ took place at the Digadong Hall of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports (MCYS) building yesterday. Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Nazmi bin Haji Mohamad was the guest of honour.
The ceremony began with the recitation of Al-Quran, a welcoming speech, the recitation of Surah Yaasiin and Tahlil, followed by the guest of honour handing over the donations.
The event concluded with a group photo session and the distribution of gifts. – Fadley Faisal
Photos show Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Nazmi bin Haji Mohamad in a group photo; and presenting the donations. PHOTO: FADLEY FAISALPHOTO: FADLEY FAISALPHOTO: FADLEY FAISAL
Charity iftar
The Brunei Breast Cancer Support Group (BBCSG) hosted an event to honour orphans, featuring a Tahlil ceremony and iftar gathering at a hotel on Sunday.
The event, held in conjunction with Ramadhan, began with welcoming remarks from the group’s president and a donation presentation to 33 orphans.
A group photo session was also held prior to the Tahlil and Doa Arwah.
The gathering aimed at fostering a sense of community and support, particularly for those in need, while strengthening bonds during Ramadhan.
BBCSG President Hajah Aminah binti Haji Momin was the guest of honour. BBCSG Vice President Hajah Linda Aini binti Abdullah and Honorary Treasurer Associate Professor Dr Hajah Masriana binti Haji Abdul Hamid were also present. – Fadley Faisal & Lyna Mohamad
ABOVE & BELOW: Photos show the donation presentation; and the attendees in a group photo. PHOTO: BBCSGPHOTO: BBCSGPHOTO: BBCSG
Lending a helping hand
Jigsaw Primary School (JPS) hosted its inaugural charity drive in collaboration with Persatuan Kereta Tahan Lasak Brunei (PKTLB) to support the Kampong Ayer community during Ramadhan.
The event was organised with the support of local leaders, including Welfare and Community Affairs Chairman Abidin bin Haji Musa, Mukim Zone II of Kampong Ayer Penghulu Raimi bin Rashid and Village Head Zone III of Kampong Ayer Rahman bin Haji Kassim. Perdana Wangsa Haji Mohammad Mosque also provided its facilities for the distribution of donations.
Chief Executive Officer and Principal of JPS Helen Chin emphasised the importance of giving, especially during Ramadhan. Senior teacher Hilmi Zaini also highlighted the value of community support in strengthening relationships and seeking divine blessings.
The initiative aimed at providing aid while fostering the spirit of generosity and unity. – James Kon
Photos show Jigsaw Primary School Chief Executive Officer and Principal Helen Chin and recipients during the donation presentation. PHOTO: JIGSAW PRIMARY SCHOOLPHOTO: JIGSAW PRIMARY SCHOOL
Head of the Brunei Malay Teachers Association (PGGMB) Women Group Pengiran Hajah Rakiah binti Pengiran Haji Abu Bakar shared that the involvement of women’s committees in the management of religious events is not only focused on activities by PGGMB itself, but also helps the Council of Women of Brunei Darussalam (CWBD) to carry out religious activities.
She said this during a Tedarus ceremony, organised by the PGGMB Women Group at the PGGMB building in the capital yesterday. The Tedarus ceremony in Ramadhan is also conducted by associations under the CWBD umbrella, which will conclude with the CWBD Khatam Al-Quran ceremony on March 22. Yesterday’s event was also in commemoration of Nuzul Al-Quran. CWBD Vice President I Datin Paduka Hajah Mariam binti Pengiran Haji Matarsat was present. – Lyna Mohamad
The Tedarus ceremony in progress. PHOTO: MUIZ MATDANI
Nine foreigners including six women suspected of offering sexual services and three men believed to be customers were detained by personnel of the Anti-Vice and Gambling Suppression Unit of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the Royal Brunei Police Force (RBPF) following a raid at a hotel in Gadong on March 15.
The RBPF said following checks, the personnel seized mobile phones, Brunei and foreign currency amounting to around BND8,000, condoms and lubricant.
The evidence and the suspects were brought to the CID for investigation under Section 294A, Penal Code, Chapter 22 related to the offence of offering sexual service.
The Human Trafficking Investigation Unit will also investigate to ensure the women are not human trafficking victims. – James Kon
ABOVE & BELOW: Photos show the raid and the investigation in progress; and the seized items. PHOTO: ROYAL BRUNEI POLICE FORCEPHOTO: ROYAL BRUNEI POLICE FORCEPHOTO: ROYAL BRUNEI POLICE FORCE
A company was issued a BND2,000 compound fine after officers of the Licensing and Enforcement Division, Brunei-Muara District Office found the company had violated Section 12 (1) (a) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act (Chapter 30) during a patrol and inspection in Kampong Jerudong, Mukim Sengkurong.
The company was given seven days to settle the fine. The failure to do so will lead the suspects being produced in court under Chapter 30 of the Miscellaneous Offences Act.
The suspects if found guilty, can be fined BND30,000 or imprisonment of 12 months or both.
The department requested the public to share information related to the illegal disposal of rubbish by enclosing the location address and pictures through the department’s WhatsApp line. – Lyna Mohamad
ABOVE & BELOW: Photos show the illegal waste disposals. PHOTO: BRUNEI-MUARA DISTRICT OFFICEPHOTO: BRUNEI-MUARA DISTRICT OFFICEPHOTO: BRUNEI-MUARA DISTRICT OFFICE
I write this letter with an urgent plea – not just to share concerns but to advocate for dedicated attention to a pressing issue. Our society is undergoing rapid transformation, and it is crucial that we engage in meaningful conversations about the changes we need to make.
The COVID-19 era has left lasting effects, shaping behaviours that now require re-examination – particularly in social media use. Many habits formed during that time, including harassment, defamation and inappropriate online conduct, have now crossed legal and ethical boundaries. The rise of TikTok in Brunei has only amplified these issues, with individuals engaging in reckless and harmful behaviour for online validation.
Despite repeated Friday sermons emphasising respect and accountability, these warnings have largely been ignored.
Sermons alone are insufficient; there must be visible consequences for those who break the law. Authorities must take stronger action to address social media misconduct, demonstrating that such behaviour will not be tolerated.
Online harassment and defamation have real-world consequences – damaging careers, businesses and lives. Yet, these offences are often dismissed as less serious than other crimes. In 2025, we must demand stronger enforcement of existing laws and hold offenders accountable.
Furthermore, businesses and educational institutions must include social media policies in contracts to prevent misconduct. Irresponsible behaviour online should not go unchecked, as it affects individuals and society as a whole.
The social media landscape has become a platform for troubling behaviours, including:
Exploiting mental instability – Some individuals rebrand themselves under the guise of personal growth while continuing harmful behaviours.
Hypocrisy and narcissism– Self-proclaimed moral authorities engage in the very misconduct they condemn.
Vigilantism and harassment– Users justify threats and bullying, even under fake identities.
Attention-seeking at others’ expense – Livestreams incite viewers to attack individuals without regard for consequences.
Exploiting victimhood – Some defame others online for content creation, worsening mental health crises.
Irresponsible online sales – Unauthorised businesses bypass health and religious safety regulations.
Unfounded attacks on businesses – Influencers damage reputations with baseless claims.
Underage social media use – Children create accounts using false information, exposing themselves to risks they don’t fully understand.
Stronger regulations, enforcement and education are needed to combat these issues. Public awareness campaigns should emphasise social media responsibility, targeting both youth and adults.
We must also reconsider the role of platforms like TikTok in our society, taking steps to mitigate their negative influence – especially on young minds.
One of the most concerning effects of social media is its impact on children’s cognitive development.
The pursuit of online validation is replacing critical thinking and intellectual growth, leading to a generation more focused on attention-seeking than learning.
We cannot ignore the harm caused by social media misuse. Now is the time for collective action to create a more safe and respectful digital environment.
Let’s work together to protect our society and future generations from the damaging effects of irresponsible online behaviour.
A total of 52 members of the Women’s Bureau of Kampong Sengkurong ‘B’ Village Consultative Council (MPK) participated in a Khatam Al-Quran ceremony yesterday, in conjunction with the holy month of Ramadhan.
The ceremony was followed by the presentation of donations at the Mukim Sengkurong Community Hall.
The donations were distributed to 33 orphans, 12 underprivileged individuals, and three members of the Women’s Bureau. The assistance included cash and food supplies.
Dato Seri Setia Haji Yusoff bin Haji Ismail officiated the distribution of contributions to the orphans and the underprivileged from Kampong Sengkurong ‘B’.
The donations were collected from members of the Women’s Bureau and their families, showcasing a spirit of communal giving during Ramadhan.
The event commenced with the recitation of Sayyidul Istighfar and Selawat Tafrijiyyah, followed by the collective recitation of selected Al-Quran verses, Takhtim and Khatam Al-Quran prayer.
The ceremony was further enlivened by a Dikir Marhaban performance.
The Al-Quran recitation sessions or Tedarus, took place from the 2nd to the 16th of Ramadhan 1446 Hijrah at Balai Ibadat Baitul Mal in Kampong Selayun Sengkurong, and at the members’ residences.
Photo shows the ceremony in progress. PHOTO: MUIZ MATDANIABOVE & BELOW: Photos show members of the Women’s Bureau at the event. PHOTO: MUIZ MATDANIPHOTO: MUIZ MATDANIABOVE & BELOW: Photos show Dato Seri Setia Haji Yusoff bin Haji Ismail presenting the donations. PHOTO: MUIZ MATDANIPHOTO: MUIZ MATDANIPHOTO: MUIZ MATDANIPHOTO: MUIZ MATDANI
