The flooding situation in Tutong and Belait Districts has raised the concern of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam who yesterday made a surprise visit to some of the flood-affected areas.

His Majesty wound up his visit to the flood affected areas in Tutong District and made his way towards Jalan Bukit Puan and Jalan Bukit Sawat, Labi - the rural areas of Kuala Belait.

In a convoy, His Majesty led the entourage comprising Minister of Home Affairs, Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Badaruddin bin Pengarah Dato Paduka Haji Othman and Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, Pehin Orang Kaya Pekerma Laila Diraja Dato Paduka Awang Haji Hazair bin Haji Abdullah as well as Deputy Minister of Home Affairs, Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yusof from Tutong District to Kuala Belait.

Upon arrival at Bukit Puan Community Hall in Labi, His Majesty was briefed by the Belait District Officer, Awang Matusin bin OKS Haji Tuba prior to making his way to Jalan Bukit Puan and Jalan Bukit Sawat that are affected by the flood.

Meanwhile in an interview, the Officer Commandant Operation B, Kuala Belait Fire and Rescue Department, Senior Superintendent Officer of Fire and Rescue, Awang Abdul Azis bin Haji Mohamad said, "A few amenities like a vehicle operated by the Third Battalion Royal Brunei Armed Forces has been stationed at Lumut to assist residents whose vehicles cannot be used to cross the roads.

"Royal Brunei Armed Forces is also proving assistance while tents have been set up by the Public Works Department. Routine inspections are carried out by the Fire and Rescue Department."

According to him, the flood situation in inland areas is not that bad. The main concern is the water level in places such as Bukit Puan reaching 0.2 to 0.3 metres, forcing them to use trucks to transport children to school and residents to their workplace.

His Majesty concluded his visit upon arrival at the flood centre along Jalan Bukit Sawat where His Majesty checked the surroundings and the assistance facility that has been provided at the area. - Borneo Bulletin (20th January 2011)