BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

THE burdens of two families of Kg Bengkurong were slightly alleviated yesterday when officers and staff of the Information Department handed over donations comprising food and money to them.

The delegation was led by the Acting Director of Information Mawardi Hj Mohammad and witnessed by the village head of Kg Bengkurong, Kg Sinarubai and Kg Burong Lepas, Hj Talib Hj Bakar.

According to a press statement, the initiative was held in conjunction with the 63rd anniversary of the establishment of the Information Department.

The first visit was made to the house of the late Omarali Zakaria, former staff of the Information Department, who was survived by his wife and five children.

“He passed away last month due to kidney failure at the age of 52 and he was in the service for more than 25 years,” said Rokiah Hj Ibrahim, widow of Allahyarham Omarali, in an interview with The Brunei Times.

She added that no aid was given to them when her husband was ill.

“This is the first time we received donations (from the department) and we are very thankful for the help given.”

There are nine family members staying with Rokiah in her house, including her four grandchildren and two of her married children.

The delegation then visited the house of Yunus Hj Timbang, who is living with his wife and three children in a dilapidated house.

“Currently, we only receive aid money from Baitul Mal worth $445 a month and it is adequate to support our daily food and expenses,” said Siti Ratini Makmun, the wife of Yunus.

The housewife said that they have been staying at the house for over 30 years. “Three of my unmarried children are staying with my husband and I while my other daughters are staying with their husbands elsewhere,” the 45-year-old added.

The Brunei Times