TUTONG

THE Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah (YSHHB) held a working visit yesterday to several areas in the Tutong District as part of a charity project for the month of Ramadhan.

Heading the delegation was the Minister of Development and Chairman of the Yayasan Board of Directors, Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Indera Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Hj Suyoi Hj Osman.

The charity project was to hand over donations in the form of food and daily necessities to 18 underprivileged families to help with preparations for the month of Ramadhan.

The minister said that during the holy month of Ramadhan, YSHHB will always lend a helping hand to any families in need of special assistance.

“We hope that any assistance provided will be used properly. YSHHB will also continue to monitor any families that require assistance.”

One of the recipients of the donation was a resident of Kampung Kuala Ungar, Abd Rashid Abdullah Duri.

The retired army personnel received a generator and daily necessities from YSHHB which was presented by YB Pehin Dato Hj Suyoi.

“My family and I have been living without electricity since 2010. So we have been using candles as a source of light.”

The 42-year-old said that he previously bought a generator for $400 but was damaged due to flooding.

Living on profits he makes from planting padi, Abd Rashid said that there are difficulties in applying for electricity.

He added that the donated items will be put to good use, ease their burden and allow his family to enjoy the holy month of Ramadhan.

Another recipient was a resident of Kampong Benutan, Zaharah Hj Mohd Yakub.

Zaharah is unemployed and lives on her husband’s retirement fund while managing a household of six.

“In a month we get more than $1,000 which isn’t enough as I have to buy necessities for my children, two of whom are still in school, while the other two are unemployed.”

The mother of four said that she also receives help from the Youth and Sports Department where her children get $65 each for school supplies.

She added that this is the first time she received donations in the form of daily necessities from YSHHB.

Jamilah expressed her gratitude to YSHHB for the donations that will help ease the burden during the fasting month.

Also present was the Managing Director of YSHHB, Hj Brahim Hj Ismail, Yayasan Board of Directors and YSHHB officers and staff.

The Brunei Times