| Abdul Hakiim Yakof |
VENDORS were yesterday thrilled to receive His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam and other members of the royal family at the ongoing Local Products and Halal Products Bazaar at the International Convention Centre (ICC) in Berakas.
Haji Junggal bin Jumat, a representative and head of MPK Kampong Putat, was delighted that the monarch took the time to mingle with the vendors and enquire about their products, adding that he felt great pride at being able to show His Majesty that he is able to make a living by selling raw bee honey and handicraft – despite being a senior citizen.
“It is very meaningful when His Majesty shows appreciation for us, the small entrepreneurs, and in what we do,” he said.
Nur Haziyah binti Abdul Rahman, the treasurer and representative of MPK Kampong Sumbiling, said His Majesty had queried about MPK Kampong Sumbiling’s products, including Temburong salted eggs and handicraft.
The demand for salted eggs has been encouraging, and in time, the business can be expanded, she told the Bulletin.
His Majesty and His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Wakeel touring the bazaar
ABOVE & BELOW: His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam touring the Local Products and Halal Products Bazaar at the International Convention Centre. – PHOTOS: AZROL AZMI
His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah in conversation with a vendor
His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Malik takes a closer look at local products displayed at the exhibition
“I would like to thank the Ministry of Religious Affairs for inviting all the MPKs and local entrepreneurs. It’s great that we do not have to pay rent for this bazaar, and it helps us promote and sell our products,” she said.
The three-day bazaar showcases the products of 17 entrepreneurs from the village consultative councils (MPKs) from across all four districts, as well as four local companies.
Also participating at the bazaar are government agencies such as the Halal Food Control Division (BKMH), Health Promotion Centre (HPC) and DARe (Darussalam Enterprise), as well as Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam (BIBD) and Perbadanan Tabung Amanah Islam Brunei (TAIB).
Aside from the local Halal product display, yesterday’s event also saw prayer and Surah Al-Fatihah recitation clinics held, allowing visitors the opportunity to sharpen their recitation skills. The Surah Al-Fatihah recitation clinic was facilitated by Institut Tahfiz Al-Quran Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah, while the prayer clinic was handled by the Islamic Studies Department.
The bazaar, which looks to promote local products and enliven the National Level Israk Mikraj Celebration 1438 Hijrah, operates from 8am to 4.30pm and will come to a close tomorrow.
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