Sultan makes surprise visit to storm-hit areas of Kg Ayer
By By Azlan Othman, Azrol Azmi, James Kon, Aemy Azlena & Kartika Rahman

His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam yesterday made a surprise visit to villages in Kg Ayer - Mukim Peramu, Mukim Saba, Mukim Tamoi and Mukim Kota Batu - which were badly hit by the gale storm last week.

The monarch visited Kg Pekilong Muara, Kg Saba, Kg Peramu, Kg Bendahara Lama, Kg Pg Kerma Indera Lama, Kg Pg Tajuddin Hitam, Kg Tamoi and finally to Kg Pudak, where His Majesty inspected the roof of a mosque that was damaged.

The gale storm wreaked havoc mainly on houses on stilts at the water village.

Villagers rushed to greet His Majesty, who took time to speak with them.

The monarch enquired regarding the restoration works that were completed in five days.

Also present during the visit were Minister of Home Affairs Pehin Orang Kaya Johan Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awg Hj Adanan, Minister of Energy Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Utama Dato Seri Setia Awg Hj Yahya, Deputy Minister of Home Affairs Pehin Orang Kaya Dewa Pahlawan Dato Paduka Awg Hj Dani and other senior government officials.

The over 220 houses affected by the gale storm were fully restored within five days. Initially, the number of houses that were to be restored stood at 192.

Aside from Mukim Saba and Mukim Peramu, other mukims affected by the gale storm were Mukim Burong Pinggai, Mukim Sg Kedayan, Mukim Sungai Kebun, Mukim Kota Batu and Mukim Berakas. - Borneo Bulletin (1st August 2007)


close