| Daniel Lim |
THE Community Development Department (JAPEM) and the Language and Literature Bureau (DBP) yesterday launched the Bestari Community Centre (PMB), at the DBP building in Kampong Pandan, Kuala Belait.
The newly-established community centre will allow senior citizens to continue an active lifestyle and form networking opportunities among members of the local community, particularly youths.
The guest of honour at the official launching of PMB Kampong Pandan was Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Awang Haji Aminuddin Ihsan bin Pehin Orang Kaya Saiful Mulok Dato Seri Paduka Haji Abidin, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports.
The event began with the recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah and Doa Selamat, led by Haji Aminorddin bin Haji Muhd Yusuf, Mosque Affairs Officer of Pekan Seria.
This was followed by a speech from Damit bin Haji Chuchu, Chairman and Manager of the Senior Citizens’ Division at Kampong Pandan, in which he outlined the various objectives and aims of the community centre as a place for social interaction and networking among senior citizens and youths.
“Insya Allah, with the establishment of the Bestari Community Centre, various activities will be hosted at the venue, in accordance with the principles of Malay Islamic Monarchy (MIB),” he said.
The guest of honour then officially launched the centre by hitting a specially prepared gong, accompanied by the signing of a plaque, to mark the special occasion.
Later, the guest of honour toured the booths set up by several government and private agencies at the venue, showcasing traditional culinary delights and handicrafts.
“We are very fortunate to achieve another milestone today, with the establishment of the centre as a platform to help bridge ties between the residents of the Belait District and various communities. It is part of a government initiative set forth by 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, through the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, in establishing a one-stop centre,” the minister told the media.
Prior to the official opening, several activities were held at the PMB Kampong Pandan last December, including Surah Yaasiin recitations, handicraft activities, aerobics exercises and Dikir sessions.
Also present at the event was YB Haji Abdul Hamid bin Haji Mumin, a Legislative Council (LegCo) member and the Penghulu of Mukim Liang; YB Hanapi bin Mohd Siput, a LegCo member and the Village Head of Kampong Labi I, and Acting Penghulu of Mukim Labi; Datin Paduka Dr Hajah Norlila binti Dato Paduka Haji Abdul Jalil, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports; Abdul Hazis bin Haji Ahad, Acting Belait District Officer; Abdul Rahman bin Haji Apong, a representative of the Acting Director of JAPEM; and Hajah Sariani binti Haji Ishak, Acting Director of DBP.
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