BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

A HUMANITARIAN fund for the Nepal earthquake victims has been set up with the consent of His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam.

Members of the public in Brunei Darussalam are enjoined to contribute to the humanitarian fund to help in alleviating the burden of the victims of the 7.8-magnitude quake that struck Nepal last Saturday.

A meeting by the special committee, known as the National Committee of Humanitarian Fund for the Earthquake Victims in Nepal, took place yesterday at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports’ (MCYS) building in Jalan Kebangsaan.

MCYS Minister Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Pekerma Laila Diraja Dato Seri Setia Hj Hazair Hj Abdullah, who is also the co-advisor of the Fund, said yesterday that the humanitarian fund for the Nepal earthquake victims has been set up and will be open for three months to collect monetary donations from government agencies, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), associations, the private sector and members of the public.

Donation boxes were made available in mosques, schools and commercial and government buildings in the country starting yesterday until July 31.

“The humanitarian fund was set up to alleviate the sufferings of the people in Nepal who are affected by the recent earthquake. We in Brunei Darussalam are deeply concerned about their sufferings,” said YB Pehin Dato Hj Hazair in his opening remark.

He noted that Brunei and Nepal have close direct and indirect relations.

As we all know, there are Nepal nationals serving with the Brunei and British governments, the minister said.

The minister said they encourage relevant parties to organise charity drive to help the earthquake victims in Nepal.

The quake killed over 5,500 people and injured more than 10,000. The much-needed supplies for families left homeless include food and water, clothings as well as blankets. The United Nations called for assistance to provide shelter and medical care.

Yesterday’s meeting, which was attended by several government agencies, NGOs and the private sector, discussed matters relating to the collections of donations from citizens and residents.

The special committee is co-chaired by Dato Paduka Dr Hj Affendy Pehin Orang Kaya Saiful Mulok Dato Seri Paduka Hj Abidin, Permanent Secretary at the MCYS, and Ministry of Religious Affairs Permanent Secretary Dato Seri Setia Hj Abdul Aziz Orang Kaya Maharaja Lela Hj Mohammad Yusof.

Also present during the meeting was MCYS Deputy Minister Datin Paduka Hjh Adina Othman.

The Brunei Times