| James Kon |
A NEW activity centre has been established by the Community Development Department (JAPEM), for the senior citizens of Tutong District to spend their time participating in beneficial activities.
Officiating at the launch yesterday was Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof, the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports.
The new activity centre and its facilities were sponsored by Pehin Kapitan Lela Diraja Dato Paduka Goh King Chin, the aim of providing a place for senior citizens to gather and interact with one another, while also reducing the ‘empty nest syndrome’ among them.
Also present at the launch were members of the Legislative Council, the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, and the Tutong District Officer.
Following the launch, the minister witnessed numerous activities carried out by the senior citizens of Tutong District such as a Dikir recital, handicraft-making, traditional cooking and a Tausyeh performance.
The new activity centre for senior citizens is located at the Tutong District Civic Centre Complex
Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, launching the Senior Citizens Activity Centre in the Tutong District
Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof, the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports is briefed on one of the products on display. – PHOTOS: JAMES KON
Pehin Kapitan Lela Diraja Dato Paduka Goh King Chin talking to a senior citizen as the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports looks on
The senior citizens of Tutong District also took the opportunity to discuss and exchange views on activities and programmes with members of the first local Senior Citizens’ Activity Centre based in Kg Lambak Kanan in the Brunei-Muara District.
According to Haji Matamit bin Matzin, the Chief Manager of the Tutong Senior Citizens Activity Centre, the facility is open to any senior citizen over the age of 60 to take part in numerous activities, including exercise and learning how to make traditional handicrafts.
The centre is open from 8am to 4.30pm daily, except for Fridays and Sundays.
Meanwhile, JAPEM is also looking at establishing similar activity centres across the Brunei-Muara District, as well as in the Belait and Temburong Districts, but also said that this requires commitment from important stakeholders and the senior citizens themselves, in identifying suitable locations or buildings.
The post New activity centre for senior citizens of Tutong District appeared first on Borneo Bulletin Online.