Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Lela Cheteria Sahibun Najabah Pengiran Anak Haji Abdul Aziz bin Pengiran Jaya Negara Pengiran Haji Abu Bakar at the event. PHOTO: RAFI ROSLI
A Dikir Maulud ceremony was held at Baitur Rahmah Hall, Istana Nurul Iman last night.
Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Lela Cheteria Sahibun Najabah Pengiran Anak Haji Abdul Aziz bin Pengiran Jaya Negara Pengiran Haji Abu Bakar was present at the event that began with the recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah led by Begawan Pehin Khatib Dato Paduka Haji Hamidon bin Begawan Pehin Siraja Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Haji Abdul Hamid.
It continued with the recitation of Dikir Syarafil Anam and 21 cannon shots fired by Royal Brunei Armed Forces personnel.
This was followed by recitation of Doa Dikir by Begawan Pehin Khatib Dato Paduka Haji Hamidon.
A Doa Selamat read by Pehin Orang Kaya Paduka Seri Utama Dato Paduka Seri Setia Haji Awang Salim bin Haji Besar concluded the event.
Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran-Pengiran Cheteria, Cabinet ministers, members of Councils, deputy ministers, Pengiran-Pengiran Peranakan, Pehin-Pehin Manteri, permanent secretaries, deputy permanent secretaries and distinguished guests were present. – Azlan Othman
Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Lela Cheteria Sahibun Najabah Pengiran Anak Haji Abdul Aziz bin Pengiran Jaya Negara Pengiran Haji Abu Bakar at the event. PHOTO: RAFI ROSLIABOVE & BELOW: An overview of the event; and Cabinet ministers during the ceremony. PHOTO: RAFI ROSLIPHOTO: RAFI ROSLI
Progresif Sdn Bhd Chief Administration Officer Abdul Hakeem bin Haji Basir leads the procession. PHOTO: PROGRESIF
Progresif Sdn Bhd joined thousands of Muslims in a procession through the capital to mark Maulidur Rasul, the birth anniversary of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) yesterday.
The Progresif team comprising senior management and employees was led by Chief Administration Officer Abdul Hakeem bin Haji Basir.
The participation underscored the company’s commitment to community, cultural and religious values. This display of respect for the life and teachings of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) also illuminated the company’s dedication to fostering a harmonious society.
Progresif’s involvement in the event was a testament to its commitment to aligning with Brunei’s identity as a Zikir Nation and its devotion to Allah the Almighty.
Progresif Sdn Bhd Chief Administration Officer Abdul Hakeem bin Haji Basir leads the procession. PHOTO: PROGRESIF
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 at the religious ceremony. PHOTO: PMO
As the nation celebrates the birth anniversary of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) yesterday, various local communities and organisations held religious ceremonies to enliven Maulidur Rasul, adding further significance to the occasion.
On Wednesday night, the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) and its departments held a ceremony to conclude 12 nights of Dikir Maulud.
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 was the guest of honour.
Also present were senior officials, executives and staff of the PMO and its departments.
Meanwhile, the Royal Brunei Police Force (RBPF) held a closing ceremony following 12 nights of dikir at the surau of the RBPF Headquarters in Gadong. RBPF Commissioner Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Mohammad Irwan bin Haji Hambali was the guest of honour.
At Kampong Mentiri Mosque, village heads of Zone 3 in the Brunei-Muara District celebrated Maulidur Rasul with 12 nights of dikir. The dikir troupe came from RPN Kampong Mentiri and the Kampong Mentiri Village Consultative Council’s Women Bureau also enlivened the religious gathtering with selawat praising the Prophet (pbuh).
Yesterday, a women’s gathering was held in the Tutong District on the sidelines of the Maulidur Rasul celebrations, which featured a special religious lecture. The spouse of Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Minister of Finance and Economy II, Pengiran Datin Noor Yashimah binti Pengiran Anak Haji Hashim, was the guest of honour.
Some 400 women attended the gathering, comprising Muslimah groups from mosques and village communities in the district as well as the Senior Citizen’s Activity Centre. – James Kon, Azlan Othman & Rokiah Mahmud
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 at the religious ceremony. PHOTO: PMORBPF Commissioner Dato Paduka Seri Haji Mohammad Irwan bin Haji Hambali at the religious ceremony. PHOTO: RBPFParticipants of the religious event at Kampong Mentiri Mosque. PHOTO: AZLAN OTHMANSpouse of Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Minister of Finance and Economy II Pengiran Datin Noor Yashimah binti Pengiran Anak Haji Hashim at the religious gathering in Tutong District. PHOTO: NURDIAYAH R
Participants of the religious ceremony at the Royal Mausoleum. PHOTO: AZLAN OTHMAN
The Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Mosque’s takmir committee members marked the 65th anniversary of the mosque’s official opening with a recitation of Tahlil and Doa Arwah 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.
The ceremony took place at the Royal Mausoleum, before moving on to the Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Mosque where the anniversary celebration continued with Dikir Maulud and Doa Kesyukuran. – Azlan Othman
Participants of the religious ceremony at the Royal Mausoleum. PHOTO: AZLAN OTHMAN
Commander of Armed Forces in French Polynesia, Commander of the Pacific Experimental Center, Commander of the Pacific Ocean and Polynesian Maritime Zones and Commander of the French Polynesia Defence Base Rear Admiral Geoffroy d’Andigné delivers a talk. PHOTO: JAMES KON
France is looking to further strengthen defence and military ties with the Sultanate following the recent four-day visit of Commander of armed forces in French Polynesia, Commander of the Pacific Experimental Centre, Commander of the Pacific Ocean and Polynesian Maritime Zones and Commander of the French Polynesia Defence Base Rear Admiral Geoffroy d’Andigné.
It was the first time that the French Rear Admiral had visited the country and was granted an opportunity to meet 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.
He also met with senior officials of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF).
Rear Admiral Geoffroy d’Andigné in an interview, said, “We have a long-standing cooperation with the Sultanate on various fields, especially defence.
“I am the commander of Asia-Pacific for the French forces and is working to foster cooperation with countries in the region. This is a global partnership and we are discussing with the Sultanate on more cooperation at the operation level.”
The rear admiral also said, “Brunei is a very supportive and friendly country to France. I am grateful for our cooperation and maritime security.”
He also delivered a talk on ‘The Actions of the French Armed Forces in the Indo-Pacific’ during a command and staff course at the Defence Academy RBAF.
Commander of Armed Forces in French Polynesia, Commander of the Pacific Experimental Center, Commander of the Pacific Ocean and Polynesian Maritime Zones and Commander of the French Polynesia Defence Base Rear Admiral Geoffroy d’Andigné delivers a talk. PHOTO: JAMES KON
The visiting French rear admiral also explained to the participants about France’s Pacific Command (ALPACI).
He said, “I am based in French Polynesia with military assets of 1,200 personnel with frigates, planes and regiments.
“The asset can be mobile to fulfil missions comprising three areas – protection of our territory and French citizens, including the largest exclusive economic zone (EEZ) in the Pacific, to assist Asia-Pacific countries in the security aspects and humanitarian relief missions by providing assistance if needed during disasters.
“I also receive assistance from assets in New Caledonia and France.”
On maritime security, he said, “The sea in this region is the most populated sealine communication in the world. There are many fishermen, ships activities and undersea cables.
Therefore, it is strategically important for Europe and France to keep the line of communication open and respect free of navigation.”
In terms of ASEAN, he said, “I hope to establish friendly and fruitful cooperation with ASEAN member countries to help in improving security in the region.”
A French ship surveillance frigate Prairiald and two F200 Guardian patrol planes will be making a stopover in the country next week before heading to Japan for the Enforcement Coordination Cell (ECC) Mission. – James Kon
Royal Brunei Armed Force recruits during the cake-cutting ceremony. PHOTO: RBAF
Officers and members of the 129th Royal Brunei Armed Force (RBAF) male recruit recently held a sports event in conjunction with its 18 years of service in the RBAF at the Royal Brunei Air Force Sports Complex.
The event also saw a ball match, a special 4×100-metre relay race between platoons using sarong cloth, carrying ping pong balls using spoons, carrying cups filled with water and finally blowing up balloons and taking it to the finish line.
Royal Brunei Armed Force recruits during the cake-cutting ceremony. PHOTO: RBAF
Products containing pork lard found at the eatery. PHOTO: MORA
A halal certificate and halal handling certificate of a cafe and restaurant in Gadong’s commercial area have been cancelled after a 25-litre barrel of pork fat (refined lard), 35 solid packets of duck blood and 58 other types of food items were found and used as cooking ingredients.
The Ministry of Religious Affairs (MoRA), through the Syariah Affairs Department, said the Halal Food Control Division, on behalf of the Brunei Islamic Religious Council (MUIB), in exercising authority under Section 6 (3) of the Halal Certificate and Halal Label Order 2005, has cancelled the eatery’s halal certificates issued by MUIB.
The cancellation of the certificates was the result of a routine inspection by the enforcement officers of the Halal Food Control Division on holders of halal certificates and Brunei Islamic Religious Council permits on September 26.
The department said the discovery of non-halal ingredients is a serious violation, thus the case was investigated under Section 37 of the Halal Certificate and Halal Label Order 2005, which, if convicted, is punishable by imprisonment not exceeding two years or a fine no more than BND8,000, or both.
Holders of halal certificates and Brunei Islamic Religious Council permits are also reminded to comply with the regulations and provisions under the Halal Certificate and Halal Label Order 2005, including the requirements and conditions of halal certification set by the MUIB.
Products containing pork lard found at the eatery. PHOTO: MORA
The MoRA reminded holders of halal certificates and permits to always ensure food ingredients are halal and not mixed with non-halal and dubious origin.
Fraudulent acts and violations of conditions against halal certificates and permits granted by the MUIB have to be snubbed out to maintain the well-being of the people, especially the Muslim community, the agency said.
Enforcement officers of the Halal Food Control Division will continue to carry out inspections to ensure no violations are made against the provisions of the law, requirements and conditions of halal certification.
Complaints and reports on the use or sale of non-halal products by businesses can be forwarded to the Halal Food Control Division at its hotline 7166222 or any of its branches in all four districts. – Azlan Othman
Acting Director of Information Department Siti Bismi Nuruliman binti Haji Emzah with participants, senior officers and officers of the department. PHOTO: INFORMATION DEPARTMENT
Some 43 youth from the Minda Youth Movement and the Belait District completed their two day information literacy programme recently.
Acting Director of Information Department Siti Bismi Nuruliman binti Haji Emzah presented certificates to the participants.
During the event, youth attended briefings by religious development officer at the Islamic Da’wah Centre Norhayati binti Haji Abdul Rahman, who spoke on ‘Strengthening Religious Faith in Youth’. The participants also attended a briefing on ‘Beauty of Sign Language’ by National Association for the Hearing-Impaired (OKP) adviser and Special Education Association (FITRAH) Deputy President Dr Hajah Norbayah binti Haji Shahminan.
They were also briefed on ‘Development of Voluntary Movement in Brunei Darussalam’ by Assistant Youth and Sports Officer Dr Mohd Nuriskandar bin Mohd Hasnan.
The participants also visited Lentera Makmur gallery and Pelita Brunei Division at the Information Department.
Acting Deputy Director of Information Department Sastra Sarini binti Haji Julaini, senior officers and officers at the department were present during the visit. – Azlan Othman
Acting Director of Information Department Siti Bismi Nuruliman binti Haji Emzah with participants, senior officers and officers of the department. PHOTO: INFORMATION DEPARTMENT
Participants during the blood donation drive. PHOTOS: BRUNEI YOUTH COUNCIL
A blood donation drive was organised by the Brunei Youth Council in collaboration with the Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha Hospital Blood Donation Centre on Wednesday at the Mid Valley Shopping Mall.
Forty individuals participated in the event. According to organisers, the initiative aimed to encourage healthy individuals to join the blood donation drive in response to declining supplies in the country.
The organisers said the goal was not only to collect blood but to also encourage others to donate, promote kindness and community responsibility.
“Donating blood is essential because it saves lives and supports our healthcare system. The demand remains constant as blood transfusions are needed for medical treatments, emergencies and people facing serious illnesses.”
Participants during the blood donation drive. PHOTOS: BRUNEI YOUTH COUNCIL
Baiduri Bank has a promotional offer for visitors to the Sabre Brunei Travel Fair over the weekend if they sign up for its Royal Brunei Visa cards during the two-day event at OneCity Shopping Centre.
New customers who apply for a Royal Brunei Visa Infinite credit card and Royal Brunei Visa Platinum credit card are entitled to a four-year annual fee waiver and 2,000 Royal Skies miles as a sign-up gift, while those opting for balance transfers will receive 1,000 Royal Skies miles.
Meanwhile, Royal Brunei Visa Platinum debit card sign-ups can also enjoy the four-year annual fee waiver, with a two-year annual fee waiver available for Visa or Mastercard credit and debit cards.
Existing Baiduri credit or debit cardholders spending a minimum of BND300 in a single receipt at the travel fair are entitled to an instant lucky dip for a chance to win a variety of prizes.
Additionally, Baiduri cardholders will stand a chance to win a Samsonite luggage set as part of the daily grand draw and will also get three entries in the Sabre lucky draw.
Baiduri Bank’s Head of Retail Banking Lim Kian Chiong said, “Now that we can enjoy the privilege of travelling without restrictions again, we want to encourage our customers to explore and be rewarded for it – either through saving on travel purchases or prizes that complement our partners’ offerings.”
