Sultan's busy morning with the people

HIS Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam spent the entire yesterday morning touring areas around Batong and Panchor Murai in Brunei-Muara district, as well as Tutong's Mukim Lamunin, Kampung Kuala Abang, Kampung Penapar and Kampung Bukit Sibut where he mingled with residents' and listened to their concerns.

The monarch began his visit by stopping at the Batong and Panchur Murai padi fields where he officiated the start of rice planting activities.

Here, His Majesty was briefed on padi plantation activities at the respective fields before touring the compound to get a first hand look at modern farming machinery on the site.

Following this visit, the benevolent ruler boarded a helicopter and headed to Kampong Menengah Primary School where His Majesty proceeded to award 72 recipients with land lots under the Skim Penggeranan Tanah Lesen Tumpang Sementara (Temporary Occupation Licence Scheme) for Tutong district.

The monarch then toured the school while mingling with its teachers and students.

Year Three English Teacher Mariana Abdullah Maduan said that even though His Majesty's visit to her classroom was brief, it was one that left her "speechless".

"It was my first time seeing His Majesty in person so I was very nervous, but at the same time very lucky and happy. His Majesty asked about the class subjects and the activities that we were doing," she said, adding that the monarch also used the opportunity to interact with her students.

"He asked the students what they are doing and I am very proud that they were able to converse with him," said Mariana

Fadzillahwati, a Year Five Maths, Science and Social Studies teacher, said: "I cannot really talk right now because I am too excited. His Majesty was very interested in what we were doing and how many students are in the class," she said.

"His Majesty also asked the students about their activities and encouraged them to speak English," she said.

Hjh Jainah, whose five-year-old kindergarteners performed the school song for the monarch, said that she was so nervous that she had forgotten to "salam" (greet) the.

"I had it all planned out but then my mind went blank as he approached me. I was very nervous but also very happy," said the 50-year-old.

After touring the school, the monarch made a stop at the two-acre Kampung Pangkalan Tangsi padi field, where he participated in a symbolic harvest before being shown the differences in padi types by caretaker of the plantation, 67-year-old Taliah Bungot.

Bungot said that she was both happy and privileged to be visited by His Majesty, adding that others should use the visit as motivation to strive for further development and success.

The sovereign then made a number of visits to the homes of both new and previous recipients of the TOL Scheme in Mukim Lamunin, Kampung Kuala Abang, Kampung Penapar and Kampung Bukit Sibut.

Hj Roslee Hj Ahad, village chief of Bukit Salang/Menengah said His Majesty's visit was a grand opportunity for him to not only showcase the village's achievements but also for the residents.

"This visit by His Majesty has been fun for the residents in Kampung Bukit Salang/Menengah and I hope that his presence today has been uplifting for them," he said.

Tutong Assistant District Officer Abdul Ghani Hj Othman said that His Majesty's visit was mainly to mingle and have a better view of the lifestyle of Tutong residents.

"His Majesty wants to get a better look and knowledge on the living conditions of the people here. His Majesty is a leader that is really concerned for the welfare of His Majesty's people," he said.

Development Minister Pehin Orang Kaya Hamzah Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Hj Abdullah Begawan Mudim Dato Paduka Hj Bakar echoed similar sentiments.

"His Majesty is going around and seeing how His Majesty's people are living. This is a rare opportunity for them," he said, adding the people should continue to work hard and make Brunei more prosperous in return for this kind gesture.

The monarch concluded his tour by stopping at the OG Commercial Complex in Kampung Petani, where he toured Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam (BIBD) branch accompanied its acting managing director, Javed Ahmad.

Nurul Akmar Jaafar, head of BIBD's Corporate Social Responsibility, said that His Majesty's visit was an opportunity for them to update the monarch on the bank's products and initiatives.

"It also gives us an opportunity to show His Majesty what we have been doing and our commitment to the Tutong community," she said.

"His Majesty's visit is a (reflection) of His Majesty's demonstration that he is part of the community, not only as part of the public, but also the industry and business," added Nurul. The monarch then left for Dewan Utama in Tutong's Community Hall Complex for a lunch reception.

The Brunei Times