HIS Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam yesterday consented to present ‘Kurnia’ (personal gift) including cash to 4,651 underprivileged people from Belait and Tutong Districts who came from different ethnic and age groups including many who need assistance. Held at the respective districts, the events have been an annual tradition demonstrating the monarch’s care and kindness towards his subjects who are in need.

The people call it “Raya Kurnia” because His Majesty provides the ‘Kurnia’ usually closer to the Raya celebration annually during the Ramadhan, making the recipients feel special with their Kurnia entitlement that eases their burden.

His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Her Royal Highness Paduka Seri Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Sarah graced the event at Pusat Insani in Seria as personal representatives of His Majesty and presented the Sultan’s personal gifts to 2,325 people.

At the Civic Hall Complex in Tutong District, His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Malik and Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Majeedah Nuurul Bolkiah as personal representatives of His Majesty handed over the ‘Kurnia’ to 2,326 recipients.

On Wednesday, 11,353 people from the Brunei-Muara District received the ‘Kurnia’ at the Istana Nurul Iman.

HRH the Crown Prince and HRH Paduka Seri Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Sarah were greeted upon arrival by Pehin Orang Kaya Laila Setia Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Abdul Rahman bin Haji Ibrahim, Minister of Finance II at the Prime Minister’s Office, and wife; and Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Hj Awang Abu Bakar bin Haji Apong, Minister of Education, and wife; as well as Deputy Ministers, Permanent Secretaries and Deputy Permanent Secretaries at the Prime Minister’s Office and Ministry of Education, members of the Legislative Council, and heads of village and Mukim.

A Surah Al-Fatihah and Doa was recited and led by Pehin Datu Imam Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Hj Awang Abdul Hamid bin Bakal.

At the Tutong District Civic Hall Complex, His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Malik and Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Majeedah Nuurul Bolkiah were greeted by Pehin Orang Kaya Johan Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awang Hj Adanan bin Begawan Pehin Siraja Khatib Dato Seri Setia Awg Hj Mohd Yusof, Minister of Health and Pehin Orang Kaya Indera Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awang Hj Suyoi bin Hj Osman, Minister of Development.

The recipients comprised people listed under the Community Development Department (1,796), Special Education Unit (167), Children Development Centre (70), Pusat Bahagia (64), Welfare Assistance Patients (72), Pusat Bahagia (40), Pusat Ehsan (1), and Brunei Islamic Religious Council (91).

The level of generosity is something that many marvel at. Many consider it to be a huge blessing for them, as they felt thankful for living in this country and for having a wise and caring monarch.

His Majesty’s gifts for the less fortunate in conjunction with the upcoming Hari Raya are meant to lessen their burden and make everyone joyous in ushering this annual celebration.

From as early as 7am, recipients from different parts of the Belait District arrived at Pusat Insani for registration and were given name tags for easy identification and coordination.

Tomorrow (Saturday) around 710 people from Temburong District will also be receiving His Majesty’s personal gifts. - Borneo Bulletin (25 July 2014)