His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam yesterday expressed his satisfaction over the quality of houses built under the Lumut/Sungai Liang National Housing Scheme but pointed out that some areas needed improvement.

The Monarch was responding to questions by a Borneo Bulletin journalist in an interview following the conclusion of his tour of the National Housing Scheme after having awarded house key plaques to 584 recipients.

His Majesty signalled his approval by telling the journalist that: "They built it quite well."

When His Majesty was asked what were the areas that needed improvement, His Majesty said that the housing area's landscape needed to be improved due to its sandy nature. His Majesty hoped that grass could be planted in the compound to improve the landscape.

Earlier, while walking from one house to another in the visit to the National Housing Scheme, His Majesty relayed his concern over the matter to the Minister of Development, Pehin Orang Kaya Indera Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awg Hj Suyoi bin Hj Osman.

This clearly showed the monarch's genuine concern not only for the overall look of the National Housing Scheme's compound but also illustrated his priority on the comfort and well-being of the housing scheme recipients.

Following the visit, housing recipients inter-viewed by the Sunday Bulletin expressed their gratitude to His Majesty and the Government for having granted them the much-awaited houses.

Although His Majesty was originally scheduled to visit only two recipients' houses, more residents extended their warm invitation to the Monarch to visit their new houses, to which the Monarch did not object.

His Majesty visited eight houses in total.

One of the housing recipients, Haji Mohd Kamsani bin Haji Abd Kamis, who told the Sunday Bulletin that he applied for the house in the year 2000, was deeply touched by the Monarch's agreement to his humble invitation.

"His Majesty consented to sprinkle the 'bunga rampai' or scented flowers to mark the official welcome of our new house. To have our beloved Monarch visit our new house is truly a memory that we will treasure for many years to come," he added.

Meanwhile, 38-year-old Awg Othman bin Hj Abdul Karim also felt blessed to have had His Majesty's consent to visit his new detached house. "We have waited for this (moment) since 17 years ago and, Alhamdullillah, my application has been granted by His Majesty," he said.

The basic-type detached house is equipped with three bedrooms, three bathrooms, a living room and a kitchen. Another recipient, Awg Ambran bin Hj Mohamad said he and his family were delighted to have a house after waiting for so long, and thanked His Majesty and His Majesty's Government for giving his family a more comfortable place to live in. - Borneo Bulletin (6 May 2012)