HIS Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam presented residents of the Temburong District with personal gifts (Kurnia Peribadi) through his son, His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Mateen, for the upcoming Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebration, yesterday.

HRH Prince ‘Abdul Mateen was greeted upon arrival by the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, Pehin Orang Kaya Pekerma Laila Diraja Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Hazair bin Haji Abdullah.

A total of 617 residents from Temburong received their gifts during a ceremony held at the Belalong Community Hall, Bangar Town.

The ceremony began with a recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah and a thanksgiving prayer led by Pehin Orang Kaya Paduka Setia Raja Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Suhaili bin Haji Mohiddin, the Deputy State Mufti.

It was then followed with HRH Prince ‘Abdul Mateen handing over gifts to recipients, which comprised orphans, people with special needs, individuals receiving monthly assistance either from the Brunei Islamic Religious Council (MUIB) or Community Development Department (JAPEM), and individuals with severe financial difficulties.

This is the fourth time the Sultan has agreed for the gifts to be handed over to specified groups of people who require government assistance in easing their daily burdens.

It is hoped that the gifts presented to orphans will be used wisely for education purposes.

In an interview with a 53-year-old Murut woman, Sukai binti Sia, from Kampong Senukoh, she expressed her deepest gratitude to His Majesty for his kindness to present personal gifts to the less fortunate.

Sukai, a single mother, yesterday received her gift for the second time. She is currently unemployed and receives monthly financial support from JAPEM. After her husband passed away some six years ago, Sukai has been living with two of her children, while another two reside in Bandar Seri Begawan.

Her earnings are the result of rice cultivation and as a result, support from JAPEM in the form of basic necessities are very important. This is why the personal gift will be used wisely.

“It truly shows how thoughtful he is as a leader for his generosity in relieving the suffering of those who are less fortunate regardless of their race,” she said.

A 14-year-old young recipient, Nashalim bin Ali Rahim, also sent his words of appreciation to His Majesty the Sultan for his concern towards not only those who are less fortunate, but young children without a mother or a father.

He further said that the personal gift he received will be used to lessen the burden of his mother for the preparation of the upcoming Aidilfitri celebration, as well as for school needs.

“I would like to thank His Majesty and wish to Allah the Almighty to bestow fortune and long life upon him for the support he presents to his citizens in need,” he added.

In another interview with a 24-year-old single mother suffering from visual impairment, Zamaliah binti Yusof, also spoke of her gratefulness towards His Majesty for the personal gift presented not only to her as a special needs individual, but also her son Md Nawa Rayyan bin Abdullah, an 18-month-old child also suffering from the same illness.

“Alhamdulillah, with this personal gift we received from His Majesty, it will lessen our burden regarding the preparation for the Hari Raya celebration, as well as my child’s needs in the future.” - Borneo Bulletin (6 August 2013)