A ROYAL delegation from Malaysia led by Duli Yang Maha Mulia Raja Perempuan Tengku Anis binti Al-Marhum Tengku Abdul Hamid yesterday went for a cruise along Brunei River in the capital.

Also joining the delegation were Her Royal Highness Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Zariah, Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Masna, Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Nor’ain, Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Amal Nasibah and other members of the royal family.

The arrival of DYMM Raja Perempuan Tengku Anis and royal delegation at the jetty of Dermaga Diraja Bandar Seri Begawan was greeted by the Minister of Home Affairs Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Badaruddin bin Pengarah Dato Paduka Haji Awang Othman. Also present were Deputy Minister of Home Affairs, Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof, permanent secretaries and deputy permanent secretaries, and other senior officials from the Ministry of Home Affairs.

The royal delegation was brought to take a closer look at the legendary Jong Batu located at the edge and south of Brunei River, followed by a visit to Kampong Ayer Cultural and Tourism Gallery, where they were given a briefing on the history of Kampong Ayer as well as the economic and social development of its people.

During the tour, the royal delegates were consented to observe some of Brunei traditional games such as Tinting, Congkak and Simban. Displays of hand-woven cloth were exhibited during the visit. Before leaving the gallery, DYMM Raja Perempuan Tengku Anis consented to sign on a royal parchment.

Later, DYMM Raja Perempuan Tengku Anis with other royal delegates were ushered to the residence of Awang Haji Ahmad bin Haji Bujang, Village Head of Kampong Lurong Sikuna. It is one of the houses in the pilot project to upgrade Kampong Ayer settlement, which was fully finance by His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam. On November 29, 2012, Her Majesty Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha consented to present the house keys to 64 recipients for the new settlements. The Kampong Ayer Upgrading Pilot Project occupied an open area of six kampongs in Mukim Saba as well as several areas in Mukim Sungai Kebun.

During the visit, the royal delegates had the opportunity to interact with the residence as well as to observe some cultural performances presented by the villagers. - Borneo Bulletin (7 July 2013)