His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam yesterday morning consented to witness the Baram Regatta, Marudi 2011 in Marudi, Sarawak.

His Majesty was in Marudi, Sarawak at the invitation of Tun Datuk Patinggi Abang Haji Muhammad Salahuddin bin Abang Barieng, Yang Di-Pertua Negeri Sarawak, as the guest of honour for the Baram Regatta, Marudi 2011.

His Majesty was welcomed upon arrival at the Marudi Airport by Tun Datuk Patinggi Abang Haji Muhammad Salahuddin; Pehin Sri Haji Abdul Taib bin Haji Mahmud, Chief Minister of Sarawak; Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr Alfred Jabu Numpang, Deputy Chief Minister (II) of Sarawak; and State Ministers of Sarawak, as well as Heads of Community.

Prior to leaving for the Government Wharf, the venue of the Baram Regatta, a doa was recited by Ustaz Joji bin Haji Sulaiman, the State Imam of Sarawak.

Upon arrival at the Government Wharf, the monarch boarded a raft to the middle of the Marudi River to witness the procession of decorated floats. His Majesty later boarded a special boat and sailed upstream to start-off the "Unlimited Men's category B" race to vie for the His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam's Cup.

His Majesty sailed back to the Government Wharf to witness the rest of the regatta. His Majesty later presented the His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam's Cup to the winner of the "Unlimited Men's category B" race. The ruler also presented the "Charles Hose Trophy" to the overall winner of the Baram Regatta.

His Majesty consented to receive a pesambah from Tun Datuk Patinggi Abang Haji Muhammad Salahuddin. His Majesty later attended a luncheon at the Dewan Suarah.

During the luncheon, His Majesty received a pesambah consisting of an array of local fruits from the local Sarawak community, presented by Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr Alfred Jabu Numpang.

After the luncheon, His Majesty left for the Marudi Airport. Before departure, a doa was recited by Ustaz Joji bin Haji Sulaiman.

Present to bid farewell to His Majesty were Tun Datuk Patinggi Abang Haji Muhammad Salahuddin and his wife Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Hajah Norkiah; Pehin Sri Haji Abdul Taib and his wife Puan Sri Raghad Kudri Taib; Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr Alfred Jabu Numpang and his wife; State Ministers of Sarawak and wives, as well as Heads of Community.

Accompanying His Majesty at the Baram Regatta were Pehin Orang Kaya Laila Setia Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Abdul Rahman bin Haji Ibrahim, Minister of Finance II at the Prime Minister's Office; Pehin Datu Singamanteri Colonel (Rtd) Dato Seri Setia Dr Awang Haji Mohammad Yasmin bin Haji Umar, Minister of Energy at the Prime Minister's Office; Major General Dato Paduka Seri Haji Aminuddin Ihsan bin Pehin Orang Kaya Saiful Mulok Dato Seri Paduka Haji Abidin, Commander of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces; and Pehin Orang Kaya Pendikar Alam Dato Paduka Seri Awang Haji Hasrin bin Dato Paduka Haji Sabtu, Commissioner of the Royal Brunei Police Force. - Borneo Bulletin (3rd Octopber 2011)