Prince makes another visit to popular book fair
By Rosli Abidin Yahya

The Brunei Book Fair 2005 currently being held at the Indoor Stadium, Hassanal Bolkiah Sports Complex in Berakas was honoured when it received a Royal visitor - His Royal Highness Prince Hj Sufri Bolkiah toured the fair twice over the last few days.

At the fair, HRH Prince Hj Sufri Bolkiah visited the booths and consented to a photo opportunity with some members of the organising committee.

HRH also consented to accept a souvenir presented by Dyg Hjh Nortijah, the head of administration.

Meanwhile, the fair witnessed a large number of students when more than 600 students from various schools nationwide visited the event. More than 2,000 visitors were recorded from morning until about 4pm yesterday.

Head of Public Relations of Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP), Siti Zaleha Hj Kaprawi, thanked the media for the huge publicity that has helped attract thousands of visitors to the annual book fair.

Scheduled to end on March 7, the fair may even see the largest ever crowd attending the event this year.

"It may even emulate last year's attendance when more than 130,000 visitors were received," said Siti Zaleha.

Last year, it was reported that some of the biggest bookstores participating in the event obtained a daily income of about $9,000 to $12,000, totalling around $90,000 to $120,000 by the time the fair ended.

Even a small publisher was reported to have earned a daily income of $2,000 last year when previously they only obtained about $200 a day in sales.

"With high daily attendance, the participating establishments will be laughing all the way to the bank this year by the time the fair sees its last day," she said.

Meanwhile, Siti Zaleha invited students and the public to the fair today as there will be more exciting events such as stage activities, quizzes, mind tests and treasure hunts.

She added that participants in the activities would stand to win prizes sponsored by the participating establishments.

"There are attractive prizes to be won and a Tausyeh performance will be held in the evening," she said. - Borneo Bulletin


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