TUTONG

SOME 488 orphans in the Tutong District received donations from various organisations and individuals yesterday at a ceremony that took place at the Community Hall Complex in the district.

Assistant Tutong District Officer Hj Muhd Suffian Hj Bungsu, who is also the event's chairman, said the donations were to help the orphans prepare for the upcoming Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebrations.

He said the orphans who received the donations were all under 18 years and registered with the Community Development Department, which has been providing financial assistance for the past 30 years. He added that the welfare of orphans in the Sultanate are always monitored and constantly given close attention by His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam.

Hj Muhammad Suffian also applauded contribution from various members of the society, adding that the welfare fund for orphans in the district received an encouraging response.

He also called on the people of Tutong to continually uphold and strengthen the habit and custom of caring for their community, regardless of race.

"In this matter, I urge those who have not contributed to give united support to the National Orphans Fund, especially for Tutong District," he said, adding that those who wish to make a donation may do so by contacting the fundraising committee at Tutong District Office.

The Tutong Orphans Welfare Fund collected a total of about $59,996 from the public this year. Out of the total, $48,800 will be distributed equally among orphans in Tutong.

Hj Muhammad Suffian also advised the orphans to spend the money wisely and to always pray for forgiveness for those who have passed away.

The event which is held every Ramadhan, was jointly organised by Tutong District Office and Japem.

Donations were contributed by Tutong Orphans Welfare Fund and Pehin Kapitan Lela Diraja Dato Paduka Goh King Chin, who was represented by Chong Teng Fook, manager at GHK Motors Sdn Bhd.

Prior to the presentation of the donations, a tahlil and Doa Selamat were held, led by Hj Mohd Khairul Azmi Hj Bakar, Hassanal Bolkiah Mosque Affairs' officer, to bless the ceremony.

The event was also attended by Tutong District Officer Hj Idris Hj Md Ali and officers from the Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Religious Affairs and Japem.

Meanwhile 17 staff from various departments under the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) received donations in a ceremony held at the Public Service Commission Building, yesterday.

According to a spokesman from the Public Service Commission, the recipients were those in low salary scale.

This annual activity is to provide support to lessen their financial burden, especially in preparations for the upcoming Hari Raya Aidilfitri.

Present was Sa Bali Abas, permanent secretary at the PMO, who handed out the donations to the recipients.

The recital of Surah Al-Fatihah and Doa Selamat was read by Md Tarip Hj Matusin, special duties officer at the Public Service Commission prior to and after the donation.

Also present was Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Anak Khairul Khalil Pengiran Syed Hj Jaafari, senior officials and staffs from the PMO. (AFS1)

The Brunei Times