Crown Prince visits Mukim Labu in Temburong District
By Azlan Othman

His Royal Highness the Crown Prince Pg Muda Hj Al-Muhtadee Billah continued his working visit to various districts to view the socio-economic development of the country's citizens and residents, take a closer look at various infrastructures offered by the government and hear grievances and difficulties voiced out by penghulus and village leaders.

HRH's latest visit yesterday was to Mukim Labu, the second largest mukim in the Temburong District. Spread over an area of 292 sq km, Mukim Labu comprises three villages with a population of 694 people.

Upon arrival at the field of Kg Senukoh Primary School by helicopter, His Royal Highness was greeted by Special Adviser to His Majesty at the Prime Minister's Office-cum-the Minister of Home Affairs, Pehin Dato Awg Hj Isa and Deputy Minister of Home Affairs, Pehin Dato Awg Hj Adanan.

Also present were Deputy Minister of Education, Pehin Dato Awg Hj Suyoi; Permanent Secretary at the Prime Minister's Office, Pehin Dato Awg Hj Dani; Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Home Affairs, Dato Awg Hj Idris; and Acting Temburong District Officer, Awg Shahminan Hj Tengah.

Penghulu Mukim Labu, Orang Kaya Sura Hj Tengah in his welcoming remark said the mukim is supervised by a penghulu and two village leaders, who act as a channel between the public and the government. Kg. Senukoh is yet to appoint a full-time village leader and for the time being, the village leader's tasks are handled by the Penghulu of Mukim Labu.

Hj Tengah also said that 70 per cent of the population in the mukim are Malays, 16 per cent Murut and the remainder are categorised as 'others'. Around 65 per cent of them work in the government sector, 10 per cent in the private sector, 10 per cent are farmers, 2 per cent business people and the remaining 13 per cent categorised as others.

Like in other mukims, Mukim Labu is also experiencing rapid development including clean water supply, electricity and 100 per cent penetration of telephone lines. Three primary schools have been built in the mukim with a combined strength of 90 students. In addition, a mosque and a clinic are located in Labu Estate and a surau in Kg. Piasau-Piasau. There are three community halls located in Kg. Senukoh, Kg. Piasau-Piasau and Kg. Labu Estate.

His Royal Highness took a closer look at activities at the community hall in Kg. Senukoh including catching of tiger prawns, making of 'Kelupis' and 'Wajid', both of which are glutinous rice, 'Ketupat' (rice cooked in a packet), 'Amping' (oats) and 'Beras Pulut' (a type of sticky rice).

Located across the community hall is the wooden-structured Senukoh Primary School that accommodates 51 students studying pre-school to primary six under the guidance of 17 teachers.

HRH also toured the eight classrooms including the 'SENA' room meant for those requiring assistance in learning, ICT room, resource room and library before proceeding to the Piasau-Piasau Primary School.

HRH also toured the Senukoh Sawmill that is in operation since 1976. HRH consented to receive a donation of $2,200 for the Pg. Muda Mahkota Al-Muhtadee Billah fund for orphans.

Also included in the itinerary were visits to Mukim Labu cooperative shop, which has 100 members, Labu Estate Police Post, Labu Health Clinic, Labu Estate Primary School, the house of Penghulu of Mukim Labu, Bukit Patoi Recreational Park and Peradayan Agricultural Station.

The Pai Yuek Primary School in Bangar town was also visited by HRH. At the school, 80 of the 145 students are Malay, 30 Chinese, 20 Muruts, eight Ibans and seven others. There are 15 teachers, two of whom are provided by the government to teach Malay and Integrated Education.

HRH later performed the midday prayer at Utama Mohammad Salleh mosque in Bangar town, before proceeding to Sultan Hassan Secondary School for the luncheon. Also included in the itinerary were visits to the house of Penghulu Mukim Bangar, Awg Hamdan B. Hj Awg Besar and buildings around the Bangar town such as the Fire Station where HRH officiated a Charity magazine issued by 'G' Operation branch, Bumiputera Commercial Complex, Youth Centre.

During his visit to Islamic Bank of Brunei (IBB), HRH consented to receive a donation amounting to $50,000 for the Pg Muda Mahkota Al-Muhtadee Billah fund for orphans, which was presented by the bank's Managing Director, Awg Hj Mohd Roslan.

HRH also viewed facilities at Kg Ujung Jalan, Puni Customs, Immigration and SARS control post, Animal and Plant Quarantine at Puni Agricultural control post before ending his visit with an afternoon prayer at the Puni Mosque. - Borneo Bulletin (14th Apr 2005)


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