| Daniel Lim |
IN CONJUNCTION with the 72nd birthday celebration of 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, the third Ria Carnival Bukit Sawat is held at Bukit Sawat Community Hall starting on August 3.
Organised by the Mukim Consultative Council (MPM) of Mukim Bukit Sawat in collaboration with the Village Consultative Council (MPK) of Kampong Bukit Sawat, MPK Kampong Merangking, and the Belait District Office, the carnival aims to offer an opportunity for residents from the Ulu Belait area to participate in the festive annual celebration of His Majesty’s birthday.
Village Head of Kampong Bukit Sawat Muhammad bin Abdullah said, “Plenty of activities are conducted during the course of the carnival, which is slated to be held over the next few days to further enliven the atmosphere in Bukit Sawat.”
He also explained the carnival is held annually, with this year representing the third time the carnival is held at Bukit Sawat.
“Among the activities that has been conducted included a religious event held on Thursday night, while yesterday’s activity included a sporting event which helps to showcase the skills and talents of youth of Mukim Bukit Sawat,” he added.
Some of the sporting activities held yesterday included futsal, sepak takraw, darts and tarik kalat, all of which were held as contests to create friendly competitive spirit and sportsmanship among the participants of each sporting events.
“In addition to the activities conducted, there are also booths showcasing local businesses as well as small and medium enterprises (SMEs) from around the Belait District, which not only helps enliven the carnival but also help promote their goods and services to the residents visiting the carnival,” said the Village Head of Kampong Bukit Sawat.
Over 35 booths are set up at the venue selling a range of goods and services from food and drinks to antiques brass ornaments by resident collectors.
“We hope to continue to conduct this carnival as a yearly event to provide residents of the mukim and villages from the surrounding areas to experience and celebrate the festive season close to home,” Muhammad concluded.
In addition to the carnival and activities held at Bukit Sawat, a motor and paddle boat racing will be held along the Belait River on August 19.