BRUNEI: Palace visitors enjoy food fit for a king

BRUNEI, Borneo / Borneo Bulletin / Weekend / September 3, 2011

By Siti Hajar

Being the only Muslim nation that allows its public to get up close and personal with members of the royal family, the month of Syawal brings abundant joy to those who make the time to drive down to the Istana Nurul Iman during the second to fourth day of Hari Raya.

A visitor to the royal palace receives food provided at one of the 20 food stations positioned side-by-side.  Syafiq Affendy

Apart from the opportunity to get a first-hand glimpse into the abode of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, the festivity also provides hearty meals to visitors as they await their turn to extend their greetings to the elusive royal entourage.

Every year, thousands venture into the vast space of the arrival hall within the palace and once they have cleared security checks that are stationed at every point of entrance, individuals are greeted by the aroma of freshly prepared cuisines that are tantalising enough to beckon even the most particular of eaters.

During the three days that the palace opens its doors, chefs who have been designated to their food stations warmly greet the extended porcelain plates and generously distribute dishes that are on the menu with many visitors piling their platters as a testament to the quality that is being served.

Apportioned food is a mix of familiar local names with a hint of modernised cooking that is ensured to attract the taste buds of meat as well as seafood enthusiasts whilst the vegetables tie the entire pallet into a well-balanced meal.

As a staple to the Asian diet, the rice station, whose contents are cooked with lemongrass ghee, is the first in a line of other meticulously prepared items and this is followed by 'rendang' (prepared beef), spicy grilled chicken, Mahkota lamb, sautéed prawn, nuggets and spaghetti, which is more appealing to the younger visitors, pickled vegetables and much more including Hari Raya cakes and cookies for dessert.

About 20 stations positioned side-by-side and housing at least two chefs are placed in a row of four to ease the congestion of hungry patrons and another six are placed at the edge of the hall where visitors are able to get their hands on freshly baked sweets.

Dozens of chairs and tables are laid out on the halls' floor as a convenient means for guests who considerately leave their seats once they've finished either their late breakfast or late lunch to make room for other incoming guests, whilst staff are constantly on hand to immediately clear away empty plates and clear table tops.

Apart from the evenly spaced overhead fans that aim to cool on a hot Bruneian day, water dispensers and soft drinks stations are within reach whilst staff do their utmost best to ensure that visitors constantly remain hydrated through the topping up of empty stations and resupplying allocated tables with plastic cups.

A senior citizens section located to the left just after the palace's visitor's entrance is also available for the elderly and this part of the meal hall is also equipped with soft foods such as corn porridge and the local favourite known popularly as 'keropok lekor'.

In comparison to the section for the able-bodied, the section for the elderly is spaced much more closely to make certain that they do not tire before the once-a-year day has ended.

Copyright © 2011 Brunei Press Sdn Bhd.
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BRUNEI DARUSSALAM : Retired But Not Forgotten

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BRUNEI / BruDirect / April 11, 2011
By Shajiah
Kuala Belait

Residents of Brunei Darussalam are well known to show characteristics of concern for those in need.

Such characteristics make the people of Brunei to always remember the service and courtesy of the community especially the senior citizens who have been serving the community long before retiring.

The Consultative Council of Kuala Belait arranged a meeting session at the Kampong Pandan Community Hall with the senior citizens in the Belait District to recall the kindness and their elderly services.

During the session, the briefing was delivered by representatives from JAPEM, Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports and was followed with a question and answer session.

Along the Kuala Belait River - Brunei
Photo by Mike Kramer

Present as the guest of honour was Awang Matusin bin Orang Kaya Sura Haji Tuba, the Belait District Officer. Also present were the Penghulu Mukim, Head of Villages and senior officers and staff of the Belait District Office as well as JAPEM.

The ceremony, the first of its kind, was hoped to make the senior citizens not feel like they have been forgotten after retiring from service. Besides that, the event was held for them to express their problems after becoming senior citizens. Over 100 senior citizens of each village within the Belait District attended the event. 

Courtesy of  Borneo Bulletin

BRUNEI: Japem Hands Over Raya Goodies To Four Senior Citizens

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BRUNEI DARUSSALAM / Radio Television Brunei / Brunei News / August 31, 2010

Community Development Department hands over welfare assistance to four senior citizens

In a show of care and attention towards the nation's Senior Citizens, the Community Development Department (JAPEM), under the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports handed over welfare assistance to four senior citizens in the Brunei Muara District.

The contributions were presented by the Minister of Culture Youth and Sports, Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Pekerma Laila Diraja Dato Paduka Awang Haji Hazair. Yang Berhormat and delegation first presented the aid to Dayang Hajah Murah binti Japar@Jafar at Kampong Belimbing.

A similar function was also held at the residence of Awang Mainin bin Timbang in Kampong Sungai Matan. The contribution was in terms of basic food ration for Hari Raya Aidilfitri festivity.

Awang Rakit bin Jakaria from Kampong Tanah Jambu also received the similar aid package. The presentation of contribution was one of JAPEM's charity activities during the month of Ramadan.

Dayang Hajah Intan binti Kula from Kampong Sungai Akar was the next recipient of such aid. The Minister's delegation included his Deputy, Datin Hajah Adina and the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Culture Youth and Sports, Dato Paduka Haji Jemat bin Hj Ampal.

©2009 Radio Television Brunei.

BRUNEI: Bank employees give old folks home a facelift

. BRUNEI DARUSSALAM / The Brunei Times / November 9, 2009 By Rory Syed Malai Hassan, Belait JOINING thousands of others across the globe, Citibank Brunei yesterday did their bit to participate in the Citibank Global Community Day by lending a hand to the residents of the Old Folks Home in Seria, Belait. The employees of Citibank yesterday spent the entire day at the Seria Old Folks Home to help complete renovation works, which started two weeks ago under the global theme. Over $9,000 were spent for the repair and refurbishment of the Home. Warmly appreciated: Belait District Officer Hj Jamain Momin handing out hampers to the residents of the Seria Old Folks Home during the Citibank Global Community Day in Seria yesterday. Picture: BT/Syed Rory Citigroup Country Officer Terrence Cuddyre said the project for the global theme was chosen specifically by the employees of Citibank as "this charity organisation would be the one where they would make the biggest difference to its residents". "Care for the elderly is a challenge in most communities and it is often left to the family to assume this responsibility. But when that assistance is not available, individuals can often fall through the crack," said Cuddyre. "This is why we chose this as our project and this is how we intend to make a difference," he added. The country officer also emphasised the importance of such facilities in the community which allows the elderly to age with dignity. Being the only facility in the country, the obvious choice was this, he said while pointing out that aside from the repair expenses, Citibank has also donated $5,000 for the needs of the residents. . Attending the event yesterday was Belait District Officer Hj Jamain Momin, who expressed his appreciation on behalf of the Belait district towards the care and labour of love shown by Citibank and its employees who came all the way from Bandar Seri Begawan to take part in the campaign. He said that Belait welcomes all forms of community and welfare-related activity, especially when it expresses the kindness and consideration of others. The Old Folks Home in Seria has been around since 1957 and used to house more than 60 residents, but the numbers have dwindled to just 10 over the years, said the district officer. He said that it was a pleasure to see people taking the time from their busy schedule to take care of the elderly. [rc] Copyright © 2006-2009 Brunei Times Sdn Bhd.

BRUNEI: Festive cheer for senior citizens in Seria

. BORNEO, Brunei / Borneo Bulletin Weekend / January 24, 2009 Donations, rice bags and other forms of assistance in the spirit of the upcoming Chinese New Year continue to pour in for the senior citizens at their home in Seria. Yesterday morning, Chai Ym Fatt of Asia Enterprise, the country's largest rice distributor, donated several bags of rice and a cheque worth $500 for the home's maintenance to one of the home's caretakers. He also presented ang pows to all 15 senior members of the home. It is an annual tradition to help the less fortunate community members in the district. Copyright © 2009 Brunei Press Sdn Bhd

BRUNEI: Not Averse To Old Age Home In Bandar, say Bruneians

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN (BrueniDirect), March 31, 2008: Setting up an elderly home or old folks' home in the capital for some Bruneians is not a bad idea if it provides comfort and care for the elderly and admittance should be based on certain criteria only. Certain conditions should be given for those admitted to an old person’s home, such as the families are unable to support their elders anymore or for those with special medical cases, said Nur Hayatul Hj Yusop, a secondary school teacher. She said that admittance could also be granted on a voluntary basis only. "Make it the elderly's choice so that it's not forced upon them," she said. "An elderly home should have a home atmosphere with activities to stimulate the elderly's minds and physiotherapy with constant care and medical supplies," said Nur Hayatul. The 40-year-old teacher admitted that she would not mind retiring to an old folks' home herself if it was exclusive and well-taken care of. However, she said that those who shirk their responsibilities to their parents will take advantage of sending them to such institutions. A volunteer at the Old Persons Home in Seria said that there are elderly patients from Bandar and Kuala Belait hospitals who are brought to the elderly home in Seria because they have no place and no families to go to as the hospitals cannot keep them in the hospital for too long. The Old Persons Home in Seria was established in 1957 and was officiated by the late father of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei. The centre is run by a nonprofit organisation and receives donations from various private sectors and individuals. It receives monthly visits from doctors and nurses from government hospitals who check the conditions of the residents and supply medication. To date, the centre houses some 11 senior citizens who have no families or a place to live. "You would be surprised, some of our senior citizens might actually want companions their own age," the volunteer told The Brunei Times. "If there was to be an Old Persons Home in Bandar then it should be properly funded with very good conditions," said the volunteer, who wishes to remain unnamed. "It is not necessarily an act of cruelty," said Shazani Karim, a businesswoman who owns a small retail shop in the capital. "I am fortunate enough to have the means to take care of my parents until they grow old but what about the less fortunate who have no money and no means?" she asked. There are senior citizens who live with their children and their childrens' families in dilapidated homes and they deserve some medical attention and a clean place to live that cannot be provided by their families, she added. "We don't realise that there are old people out there who are neglected by their families," said Shazani, recalling that a nurse who works in a hospital in Tutong had once revealed to her that some of the elderly admitted there for medical attention extend their stay at the hospital because they have nowhere to go or no families to take care of them. "They like staying at the hospital because it gives them a warm bed, nice food and people who take care of them and gives them attention at all hours of the day," she said. Putting your parents in an old folks' home does not mean you are neglecting your responsibilities to them, said Saiful Fizal, a local student. "It should not be considered as abandoning your parents because you can visit and spend time with them there," said Saiful. "If they are taken good care of at the institution, those who work long hours who cannot afford a maid won't have to worry about their parents' wellbeing while they're at work," he added. By Finaz Daniel Courtesy: The Brunei Times

BRUNEI: Village Seniors Honoured

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN (BruneiDirect), February 18, 2008: The Pg Bendahara Lama Village located in Kampong Ayer yesterday held an event to honour a group of senior residents. The event was held at the residence of the Village Head of Pg Bendahara Lama Village, Awg Hj Hamid bin Hussin. Present at the event were the Penghulu of the Mukim of Tamoi, Pengarah Hj Mokti bin Salleh, village leaders under Mukim Tamoi, and villagers of Pg Bendahara Lama. Acting Deputy Brunei-Muara District Officer, Awg Hj Harris bin Othman, guest of honour, praised the village council of Pg Bendahara Lama Village for honouring the senior residents. The activity will hopefully be held again in the future to show respect to the elderly, he added and called on the senior citizens to make the most of their golden years through religious activities. Nine senior citizens of Pg Bendahara Lama Village were honoured and given a token to commemorate the occasion. A special award was also presented to the oldest resident of the village, Awg Hj Ali bin Matrais, who is 84 years old. By Jon Tampoi Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

BRUNEI: Public Favours Retirement Age Beyond Current 55 Years

. BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN / The Brunei Times / September 6, 2007 "Early retirement means less income and a waste of knowledge," said Hj Kassim, 58, a former civil servant.

With Singapore recently raising its retirement age to 65, following the footsteps of US and other European countries, should Brunei follow suit? The Brunei Times interviewed the public to find out their opinion of whether Brunei should extend their retirement age for civil servants beyond the current 55 and discovered that a majority of them welcomed the idea.

Haikal Ibrahim, 38, a real estate agent said that senior citizens are have a lot to contribute to the public sector with their wealth of knowledge and experience, not only that, looking at the current situation, there is a dire need to raise the retirement age. "A person usually reaches their peak position in their 50s; it would be a waste to let them hold that position for only a few years before he can contribute more," he said. "Everyone might have the same qualification, but what differentiates them is experience.

Even an excellent graduate can't do a perfect job without experience and productive senior citizens with many years of value left would have to seek employment elsewhere and their experience that should be use to educate younger employees would just be lost."

"As our standards of living increases, so will the life expectancy, people are getting more capable to work well into their seventies even," he added. He also referred to the increasing fact that people nowadays tend to be absorbed with their careers that they tend to marry late and would find themselves still having young dependants at 55 years of age.

"Who will feed their children when they have to retire? Especially if the only retirement funds they have is TAP (Tabung Amanah Pekerja)."

Sharing the same thought, Hjh Adina, 28, a civil servant, said that if Brunei does raise the retirement age, she suggested a smooth coordinated transition in terms of transfer of knowledge be put in place. "They have certain advantages over fresh employees, by raising the age limit; there will be more time for them to impart their valuable knowledge. This would be better for an organisation in the long run."

Zuraidah, 31, said that raising the retirement age to 60 would be better to try to maximise whatever resources the government has now. But she also said that if it was to increase, it cannot stop there because it needs to be supplemented with a retirement fund. "If we move the age limit, it would interfere with people's choice of wanting to retire earlier, therefore what we should have is an option to retire at 55 but the mandatory age should be 60."

Her colleague Azim, 27 agreed with her. "Retirement age of 60 is reasonable, considering the average health of a Bruneian and the vast unemployed youths in our country. Those who feel that great experience and knowledge would be lost by not further increasing the age limit, making them consultants would suffice," he said.

The Brunei Times sought comments from the Prime Minister's Office. A source there commented that they "are looking at the issue at the moment, but cannot reveal anything." Off the record, the source admitted "maybe 60 would be good."

By Nurkhayrul Salam
The Brunei Times
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