| Azlan Othman |
A HARI Raya bazaar is currently being held at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium in Berakas.
Purported to be the biggest in the country thus far, the ‘Gempak Raya’ bazaar which began yesterday and runs until June 25 was officiated by the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof.
The event – themed ‘Spend and Make Charitable Cause’ – saw the handing over of two wheelchairs and cash to selected disabled and underprivileged individuals, and a breaking of fast for orphans.
Yesterday’s highlights included free haircuts and the distribution of 2,000 ice cream cones to children, both organised by Star Bugs Event Management.
Sufri bin Puasa, Managing Director of Star Bugs Event Management, said 10 per cent of the bazaar’s proceeds will be donated to the National Welfare Body Fund of Brunei Darussalam.
Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof touring the bazaar
The minister in a group photo. – PHOTOS: AZLAN OTHMAN
Dayangku Rina binti Pengiran Haji Ahmad, an organising committee member, said she expects business to be brisk at the bazaar.
She added that the event, which will see over 60 booths being set up, was organised to support local entrepre-neurs and encourage locals to shop domestically, thus reducing the outflow of Brunei dollars to neighbouring Malaysian towns.
Meanwhile, Zainora binti Jamaluddin, a vendor selling Islamic calligraphy paintings and wares at the bazaar, said that the sale is also a great venue for family outings during Hari Raya.
“This is especially beneficial for new house owners like those staying in the RPN Kampong Panchor Mengkubau, they might want to check out the bazaar,” Zainora said.
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