| Wani Roslan |
THOUSANDS of people from all walks of life flocked to Taman Haji Sir Muda Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien yesterday to witness 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 officially open the Brunei December Festival 2018 and take part in the accompanying cycling event through the capital.
Accompanying His Majesty were His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office; His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Wakeel; and Her Royal Highness Princess Ameerah Wardatul Bolkiah.
Upon arrival, the monarch was greeted by Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism and Chairman of the Brunei Tourism Board Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Ali bin Haji Apong and other Cabinet Ministers.
His Majesty and members of the royal family joined cyclists of varying ages and backgrounds during the cycling expedition, leading them along the special 11.5km route through the main thoroughfares of the capital.
After completing the course, His Majesty and members of the royal family toured the exhibition at the event – where they viewed the display of the longest braided rice (Jalinan Kelupis Terpanjang) in Brunei Darussalam, which measures 200 metres and is listed in the Brunei Book of Records – and took in a drone performance, karate-do demonstration, and an arm wrestling demonstration, among other events.
Speaking to the Bulletin, Deputy Permanent Secretary (Tourism) at the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism Wardi bin Haji Mohammad Ali noted that the festival is meant to be a platform for youth and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to promote their products and provide them with experience.
“The Brunei December Festival also showcases local talents through competitions or championships,” he said.
“I hope members of the public will continue to support the event. Last year, 90,000 visitors took part in the activities held during the festival.”
He continued, “This year, we have various interesting activities, including the 200m-long braided rice (Jalinan Kelupis), which is made up of over 6,000 pieces of Kelupis and entered into The Brunei Book of Records as a record of achievement.”
Some 60 events are being lined up for the Brunei December Festival this year, including a food festival, Islamic festival, culture and creative arts showcases, recreation and shopping activities, as well as sports and adventure events.
Among the new events featured in this year’s festival are the 1st Brunei Open Double Dart competition, 1st Shitokai Brunei Open Karate championship, Drone race, Open Radio-Controlled Powerboat race, Unexpected Kingdom Ultra Marathon and Raja Julangan Kasih Rakyat Art Exhibition by local painter Huifong Ng to be held for one month at the Art Gallery at Dermaga Diraja.
Events to be held in other districts are the 3rd Green Jewel Night Run and Brunei Mountain Bike Challenge Temburong Chapter in Temburong District, White Sand Safari Adventure in Tutong District, and Brunei Rhythm Fest in Belait District.
The Brunei December Festival this year is organised by the Brunei Tourism Board in cooperation with various ministries, including the Ministry of Home Affairs; Ministry of Education; Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism; Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports; Ministry of Health; Ministry of Religious Affairs; and Ministry of Communications; as well as foreign embassies and high commissions in Brunei Darussalam, strategic partners and event organisers.