HM's birthday celebrations postponed

BY the command of His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam all events and ceremonies in conjunction with His Majesty's 63rd birthday have been postponed as a precautionary measure against the Influenza A (H1N1) pandemic.

This was announced yesterday by Minister of Home Affairs Pehin Orang Kaya Johan Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Hj Adanan Begawan Pehin Siraja Khatib Dato Seri Setia Hj Md Yusof, who said that His Majesty's titah stated that such steps were taken to prevent further spread of the pandemic, maintain public safety, health and peace in the country.

However, mass Maghrib and Sunat Hajat prayers, the recital of Surah Yassin, Tahlil and thanksgiving prayers will be held as scheduled on July 14 (Tuesday afternoon), with the main gathering at Jame' 'Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque followed by other mosques and religious centres throughout the country.

During the press conference, the Minister of Home Affairs did not specify when the birthday celebrations would resume.

As of yesterday, the Ministry of Health recorded a total of 124 Influenza A (H1N1) cases in the Sultanate. (AFH1)

The Brunei Times