Paddling across the Brunei River for a charitable cause

ALL eyes were on the Brunei River yesterday morning as 40 youths paddled their way along the coasts of the water village.

The "Kayakton Menyusur ke Kampong Ayer" (kayaking along the coast of Kampong Ayer) programme was organised by the Youth and Sports Department as part of the year-end school holiday activities for youths as well as to raise funds for the disaster victims of earthquake-hit Indonesia and flood-hit Philippines.

The event was also aimed at strengthening ties between the youth and the staff of the department.

Aznin Hj Tahir, an organising committee member and manager of the Canoe Club, told The Brunei Times that the convoy of kayaks was setting forth on an expedition which begins at the Tamu Kianggeh River to journey through the Brunei River and along the coasts of several villages of Kampong Ayer.

Kicking off at 8.30am, the youths paddled their way towards the Brunei River, passing by Kampong Sungai Kabun, Kampong Lurong Sikuna, Kampong Pekan Lama and Kampong Mukim Tamoi before reaching back to Tamu Kianggeh.

Several agencies such as the Royal Customs and Excise Department, Forestry Department and the Youth Centre's Canoe Club also lent their support in ensuring the efficiency and success of the event.

Authorities such as the Fire and Rescue Department and the Muara Marine Police of the Royal Brunei Police Force followed alongside the convoy as a precautionary measure in case there were any accidents or emergencies.

A briefing was previously held at the Youth Centre where the participants were shown a brief demonstration of the proper method on how to row a kayak as well as a few warm-up exercises before venturing out on the Brunei River.

Prior to the kayaking event, a presentation of donations was held for the disaster funds for victims of Indonesia's earthquake and typhoon in the Philippines, which were handed over by village leaders of several villages in Kampong Ayer and the Penghulu of Mukim Kota Batu, Hj Putih Jukin.

Receiving the donations was the Acting Head Officer of Youth and Sports, Hj Mohd Zali Hj Arsad.

The Brunei Times