His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam yesterday morning visited the Air Traffic Control Tower of the Brunei International Airport in Berakas as well as RIPAS Hospital.

His Majesty first visited the Air Traffic Control Tower to take a closer look at its roles and operations. The control tower plays a crucial role in monitoring and regulating air traffic movement. Besides, its role is to handle and ensure the smoothness of air traffic by disseminating information to assist the pilots on duty.

Also present at the control tower was the Minister of Communications, Pehin Orang Kaya Hamzah Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awg Hj Abdullah bin Begawan Mudim Dato Paduka Hj Bakar and the Permanent Secretary at the Prime Minister's Office, Pg Hj Abd Haris bin Pg Hj Shabudin.

The concern shown by His Majesty on the crucial role of the control tower was obvious when the monarch himself visited the tower to find out actions taken by the agencies in ensuring the effectiveness of air traffic control.

From the Air Traffic Control Tower, His Majesty visited RIPAS Hospital to see the development and condition of the two Royal Brunei Armed Forces personnel who survived the Bell 212 helicopter crash in the rural area of Belait last Friday. The Ministry of Health said they are still undergoing treatment and are recovering.

Also present at RIPAS Hospital were the Minister of Health, Pehin Orang Kaya Johan Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awg Hj Adanan bin Begawan Pehin Siraja Khatib Dato Seri Setia Awg Hj Mohd Yusof and Pg Hj Abd Haris.

During the visit, His Majesty interacted with and asked about the health of the two personnel. This showed His Majesty's continuous care and deep concern towards his subjects.

The visit to RIPAS Hospital by His Majesty was the second in under a week as the ruler first visited when the two personnel were admitted to the hospital. - Borneo Bulletin (27 July 2012)