A window into people's lives

A GOOD story is gold for a newspaper but one that touches the hearts of our readers is considered a gem comparable to the most valuable diamond. Recently, we sent a reporter to Tutong to interview an elderly man and his small family for a new series called Sahur Stories.

The story on Hj Abeng Arif, 67, who takes care of his elderly wife and two granddaughters on only $500 a month touched the hearts of many people in Brunei, especially when they read that the family only had water and dates for sahur or their early morning meal.

Although he cannot "promise" his grandchildren any luxury, he said he teaches his grandchildren that education is important. "I make sure that they do well in school, no matter what," he said. To his amazement, many people came forward to offer cash donations, as well as boxes of food supplies.

The Sahur Stories highlighted how Bruneians from various backgrounds partake in their early morning meal to ensure they are ready to start the day with energy and vigour. Yesterday's Sahur Story about a group of nurses on night duty at Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha (RIPAS) Hospital highlights their dedication in tending to patients. They eat and share their homecooked food with each other, but in emergency cases, they would just have to skip their meals.

A student in Brisbane, Australia, talks about how tough it has been to prepare sahur alone but she had to learn to be independent.

Our reporters also went to Kg Sukang and had sahur with a family of converts and interviewed the Acting Penghulu of Mukim Sukang, Hj Mohd Noh Datu Maharaja Setia Dian who said that eating together is a long-standing tradition even though the longhouse they live in comprise many smaller families.

To experience Brunei's varied culture and colourful life is truly enriching for us at The Brunei Times, and we hope, also for our readers.