By Grace Jiu, James Kon & Kartika Rahman
His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam consented to make a working visit to Tutong District yesterday.
The visit began around 9am in Kampong Penanjong. Many waited excitedly by the roadside as His Majesty's helicopter touched down. His Majesty then drove throughout Tutong town visiting various places and meeting with his subjects that had gathered in large numbers to greet their ruler.
His Majesty's first stop was at the Perda Commercial Building (BAKUDA), a sub-unit of Perda Association. The monarch was received by the association's president, Suni Hj Sulaiman.
His Majesty was then led to view an exhibition of PERDA. According to Suni, it is the oldest youth organisation in Brunei, established some 50 years ago.
Accompanying His Majesty throughout the visit was Minister of Home Affairs, Pehin Dato Awg Hj Adanan.
Later, His Majesty visited the residence of Head of Village (Ketua Kampung) of Penanjong Tutong, Awg Ahmad Juriah bin Hj Ibrahim. Well-wishers were present in large numbers to greet His Majesty amidst lively traditional music, dances and martial art performances.
His Majesty then drove to the Coastal Beach Erosion Control Project in Kampong Penanjong, where the ruler inspected the progress and scope of the project.
His Majesty's next stop was Muda Hashim Secondary School, where the monarch inspected the library and sports hall, among others. The Ministry of Education officials were also present during the royal school visit.
His Majesty later went to PMMPMHAMB Tutong Hospital, and upon arrival was greeted by staff and Ministry of Health officials. Director-General of Medical Services, Dr Hj Affendy POKSMDSP Hj Abidin, was on hand to brief the ruler during the tour. His Majesty mingled with staff members and patients and visited the hospital's pharmacy, isolation ward, dental and chest clinics, male medical ward, and infection control unit store.
Sufri Bolkiah Secondary School was His Majesty's next stop, where numerous students and staff members lined the school's premises, led by their principal Rasidah bte Junaidi, to greet their monarch. Students, Girl Guides and Red Crescent members showcased some exhibits on geography, medical aid, anti drugs drive and techno-challenge on water powered rockets to His Majesty. The monarch also visited the school's hostel.
His Majesty then consented to attend a reception at the residence of Head of Village of Kampong Panchor, Awg Hj Kepli bin Abang Sepawi. Later, the ruler visited the Tamu and Pasar Baru Complex in Kampong Serambangun, followed by the Tutong Police Station, Tutong Fire Services Station, which put up a hazardous materials response exercise by an HAZMAT team, and a car accident and rescue drill.
Retailers, shoppers, officials including BIBD Managing Director, Hj Muhammad Syaippudin, Pehin Goh King Chin and members of the public greeted His Majesty upon arrival at OG Complex in Tutong town. The monarch toured the building including a branch of Islamic Bank Brunei, mingled with the subjects who visibly showed their happiness to see the Sultan.
Later His Majesty visited the Tutong Sports Complex. His Majesty's working visit wrapped up with a visit to the Tutong Community Hall, where a luncheon was arranged.
- Borneo Bulletin
(31st Mar 2006)
