His Royal Highness Prince 'Abdul Malik attended the official launching of the distribution of dates from His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam for the month of Ramadhan. The event took place at the Chancellor's Hall, Universiti Brunei Darussalam yesterday afternoon.

Prince 'Abdul Malik in his sabda said, "The arrival of Ramadhan is a month awaited by the Muslim population all over the world. It is a month where all the Muslim followers work hard to make use of the time to perform more religious activities where the reward will be doubled. It is also a proof of our loyalty and dedication to Allah SWT.

"In line with this, it is hoped that more religious activities will be carried out and good deeds performed, particularly in bringing the younger generation to mosques, especially in the month of Ramadhan."

In his opening speech, the Minister of Communications cum chairman of Board of Directors Yayasan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah, Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Haji Awg Abu Bakar Haji Apong said, "In carrying out this welfare, we should be aware that it might seem as if it is an easy task but it is a deed that has to be done articulately and sincerely."

Present at the ceremony were the management and board of directors of Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah, permanent secretary at the Ministry of Home Affairs, Commander of Royal Brunei Armed Forces, Commissioner of RBPF, Vice Chancellor of Universiti Brunei Darussalam, district officers, penghulus, heads of villages and senior government officers and representatives from Village Consultative Councils from all the districts.

His Royal Highness Prince 'Abdul Malik presented dates to village heads and mukim penghulus from all over the country. He also distributed dates to commanders and commandants from Royal Brunei Armed Forces as well as directors of formations of Royal Brunei Police Force.

All village heads and penghulus will distribute the dates to people in their respective mukims. The commissioners and commandants of Royal Brunei Armed Forces as well as the directors of formation and officers of Royal Brunei Police Force will distribute dates to their respective unit officers.

This year, 135.5 tonnes of 'Safawi' dates are supplied by Al-Madinah Dates Company from Saudi Arabia which will be distributed equally to all Muslim residents in the country regardless of age and citizenship. Each individual is entitled to a box containing 300g of dates. - Borneo Bulletin (4th August 2009)