Distribution of His Majesty’s Personal Gift of Dates: An Initiative for Ramadhan 1446 Hijrah/2025
Bandar Seri Begawan: His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Malik ibni His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, as Chairman of the Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Committee of Governors, voiced optimism that the distribution of His Majesty’s personal gift of dates will lead to enhancements in the distribution system. He emphasized the importance of perfect and successful implementation, aligning with His Majesty’s vision during the Launching Ceremony held at Dewan An-Naura in the Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Complex.
According to Radio Television Brunei, the event saw the presence of distinguished guests, including Yang Berhormat Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Badaruddin bin Pengarah Dato Paduka Haji Awang Othman, Minister of Religious Affairs, and Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Erywan bin Pehin Datu Pekerma Jaya Haji Mohd Yusof, Second Minister of Foreign Affairs. They were joined by Yang Berhormat Pehin Datu Lailaraja Retired Major General Dato Paduka Seri Awang Haji Halbi bin Haji Mohammad Yussof, Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Second Minister of Defence, and Doctor Dayang Nor Imtihan binti Haji Abdul Razak, Acting Managing Director of Yayasan.
The ceremony commenced with the reading of Surah Al-Fatihah, led by Yang Dimuliakan Begawan Pehin Khatib Dato Paduka Awang Haji Mustapa bin Haji Murat. The Chairman of the Yayasan Board of Directors noted that this year marks the 30th anniversary of the date distribution initiative.
In his Sabda, His Royal Highness expressed gratitude for the continuous ability of His Majesty to provide this personal gift, allowing the Muslim community in Brunei Darussalam to enjoy dates for breaking their fast during Ramadhan. The initiative underscores the Monarch’s commitment to supporting the community.
His Royal Highness distributed the dates to representatives from various sectors, including Uniformed Teams, the public, Civil Servants, private sector employees, and new convert associations. A total of 159.5 metric tonnes of Safawy dates are set to be distributed to Muslim citizens and residents, with each individual receiving a 300-gram box.
The ceremony concluded with a doa selamat, read by Yang Dimuliakan Begawan Pehin Khatib Dato Paduka Awang Haji Mustapa.