His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam yesterday consented to present personal gifts or 'Kurnia Peribadi' to 12,654 orphans, poor, those receiving monthly welfare assistance, those with financial hardship and people with special needs residing in the Brunei-Muara District.

The presentation aimed to lessen the burden and in preparation for the upcoming festive Hari Raya is held for two days.

Today, it will be held in the three other districts in the presence of His Majesty's Princes.

Representing His Majesty at the ceremony held yesterday at Istana Nurul Iman were His Royal Highness Prince Hj Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister's Office, and Her Royal Highness Princess Hjh Rashidah Sa'adatul Bolkiah.

Also present were His Royal Highness Prince 'Abdul Malik and HRH Princess Hjh Majeedah Nuurul Bolkiah.

Present to greet His Royal Highness upon arrival at Baitul Rahmah, Istana Nurul Iman was the Minister of Finance II at the Prime Minister's Office, Pehin Orang Kaya Laila Setia Dato Seri Setia Awg Hj Abdul Rahman bin Hj Ibrahim.

The ceremony began with the recital of surah al-fatihah and 'doa selamat' read by Pehin Datu Imam Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Hj Awg Abdul Hamid bin Bakal.

Meanwhile at reception hall, Her Royal Highness Princess Hjh Rashidah Sa'adatul Bolkiah was welcomed upon arrival by the Minister of Energy at the Prime Minister's Office, Pehin Datu Singamanteri Col (Rtd) Dato Seri Setia Dr Awg Hj Mohammad Yasmin bin Hj Umar.

Prior to the event, the al-fatihah and 'doa selamat' were read by Pehin Orang Kaya Paduka Seri Utama Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Hj Awg Salim bin Hj Besar. (28th August 2011)