His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam has consented to bestow personal gifts to another 3,962 recipients comprising those with special needs, orphans, the poor, those facing financial hardships and those who receive monthly welfare assistance, on the occasion of Hari Raya Aidilfitri this year, in the Belait, Tutong and Temburong Districts.

On Tuesday, 8,156 individuals in the Brunei-Muara District received similar 'kurnia'. Yesterday brought the total number of recipients to 12,118 in all four districts.

The ceremonies to present His Majesty's kurnia were held simultaneously in all three districts following a similar ceremony that was held on Tuesday for the Brunei-Muara District at Istana Nurul Iman.

The presentation ceremony in the Belait District was graced by His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Deputy Sultan as the personal representative of His Majesty. His Royal Highness was greeted on arrival by Pehin Datu Imam Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Hj Awg Abdul Hamid bin Bakal.

At the ceremony, His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Deputy Sultan, consented to present His Majesty's personal gifts to recipients from that district.

Meanwhile, in the Temburong District, the presentation ceremony for His Majesty's personal gifts was held at Belalong Hall. Gracing the presentation ceremony as the personal representative of His Majesty was Her Royal Highness Paduka Seri Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Sarah binti Pengiran Haji Salleh Ab Rahaman.

Her Royal Highness was greeted on arrival by the Minister of Religious Affairs, Pg Dato Seri Setia Dr Hj Mohammad bin Pg Hj Abdul Rahman.

The ceremony began with the recitation of Surah al-Fatihah and a doa selamat, led by Pehin Orang Kaya Paduka Setia Raja Dato Paduka Seri Setia Awg Hj Suhaili bin Hj Mohiddin, the Deputy State Mufti.

Her Royal Highness Paduka Seri Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Sarah then presented the kurnia to recipients from the district.

In the Tutong District, a similar ceremony was held at the Tutong Civic Hall. Present at the ceremony as the personal representative of His Majesty was His Royal Highness Prince 'Abdul Mateen.

His Royal Highness was greeted on at the Tutong Civic Hall by the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, Pehin Orang Kaya Pekerma Laila Diraja Dato Seri Setia Awg Hj Hazair bin Hj Abdullah.

The ceremony began with the recitation of Surah al-Fatihah and a doa selamat, led by Pehin Siraja Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Hj Awg Yahya bin Hj Ibrahim, the Chief Syari'e Judge. His Royal Highness Prince 'Abdul Mateen then presented the kurnia to the recipients from the Tutong District.

The presentation ceremonies for His Majesty's kurnia to underprivileged persons in all four districts were a continuation of similar ceremonies that have been held previously. They are a clear manifestation of His Majesty's leadership, which constantly strives to ensure that the welfare and well-being of His Majesty's subjects are given appropriate attention, so as to lessen the burdens they face, especially as the nation prepares to celebrate Hari Raya Aidilfitri in a few days. - Borneo Bulletin (17 August 2012)