By Za'im Zaini
His Royal Highness Prince Abdul Malik yesterday officiated the distribution of dates, which are a personal gift from His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam to the people. The distribution of dates, held at the International Convention Centre yesterday, was in conjunction with the upcoming Ramadan month.
On hand to receive the dates were Commanders and Commandants of Royal Brunei Armed Forces, Commanding Officers of Royal Brunei Police Force as well as penghulus of mukims and village heads from throughout the country.
At the ceremony, His Royal Highness Prince Abdul Malik also delivered a sabda.
"We are reminded to maintain our health because it is a valuable gift to all. The way to maintain our health includes giving priority to self-cleanliness, places of residence, schools and the environment, and maintaining a healthy body," His Royal Highness stated.
"At the moment, awareness on maintaining a healthy lifestyle is encouraging with ongoing health promotions and sports activities being organised, mostly by government agencies.
"His Majesty himself actively participates in sporting activities, in line with His Majesty's titah 'Health is the Responsibility of Every Individual'," His Royal Highness said.
"Another factor that contributes to a healthy body is following a diet rich in nutrients," HRH Prince Abdul Malik added.
"Dates contain nutrients such as protein, fibre, vitamins and minerals and is a good desert instead of snacks that are high in carbohydrates, salt, fat and sugar, which can cause illness. Dates are also a meal that is 'Sunat' for the breaking of fast.
"Dates are a suitable staple food especially before doing a day's work," His Royal Highness stated.
His Royal Highness said that the gift of the dates by His Majesty reflects the monarch's love and care for the people of Brunei and Muslims in the country.
"In response and to acknowledge His Majesty's gifts, let us all pray to Allah swt that His Majesty will always be under the protection of Allah swt and receive happiness in this world and in 'Akhirat'," HRH Prince Abdul Malik concluded.
Meanwhile, Pehin Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Badaruddin bin Pengarah Dato Paduka Haji Awang Othman, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Foundation, in his welcoming remarks said, "His Majesty as the monarch is always involved in the welfare of his subjects. His Majesty exemplifies the practice of 'sedekah' on an official and personal level and His Majesty fits the criteria of an 'Ulil Amri'."
He added that a total of 116.5 metric tonnes of 'mabroom' dates from Saudi Arabia were brought in this year, an increase of about 3.5 tonnes from last year. Six chilled containers were used to transport the dates. All Muslims in the country will receive a pack of 300g of dates, he added.
- Borneo Bulletin
(8th September 2006)
