Former RBAF personnel gets house key

Community project: Director of Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Foundation, Dato Paduka Haji Ali Hashim (C) with members of the Royal Brunei Land Forces looking at the displays on the renovation works of the residence of Corporal (Rtd) Sani Tani in Mukim Sungai Kebun.
FORMER Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF) personnel, Corporal (Rtd) Sani Tali shed tears of joy yesterday upon receiving his house key and certificate from the Royal Brunei Land Forces (RBLF) marking the official completion of renovation works on his home in Mukim Sungai Kebun under the RBLF's outreach community project.

The annual project, codenamed "Titian Amal", was conducted by the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF) through RBLF to commemorate the RBLF's 48th anniversary which falls on November 4.

The charitable effort is one of the RBAF's social responsibilities in an effort to expose the skills of its personnel to the public, particularly in carpentry, and is a devoted initiative by the RBAF as reflected in the defence policy of Brunei to support the nation especially the less fortunate individuals.

The renovation works on Corporal (Rtd) Sani Tali's residence in Kg Sungai Siamas took two months to be completed and involved the reconstruction of the balcony, roof, pillars, walls and ceilings, which were initially in poor states.

"Alhamdullilah, with the newly renovated home, it would enable my family and I, to live comfortably as well as protect us from the sunshine and rain," the retired Corporal told The Brunei Times.

The father of eight who retired last year expressed his appreciation to the agencies that have contributed in renovating his home and for the aid he received.

The cost of the project was estimated at BND$9,890.00.

The project was initiated in collaboration with the Department of Community Development (JAPEM) in the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports as well as the Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Foundation (YSHHB), in which both agencies had contributed $5,000 each to fund the cost of the renovation works.

Other additional infrastructural necessities such as manpower and building expertise were facilitated by personnel from the Assault Pioneer Platoon, First Battalion of RBLF.

The official hand over ceremony of the house key and certificate was held at the newly renovated site in Mukim Sungai Kebun and was officiated by the Director of Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Foundation, Dato Paduka Haji Ali Hashim Hj Mohd Daud. Commander of RBLF Brigadier General Haji Aminuddin Ihsan Pehin Orang Kaya Saiful Mulok Dato Seri Paduka Haji Abidin presented them to the Director of JAPEM, Datin Hajah Adina Othman who then presented the key to Corporal (Rtd) Sani.

Also present at the ceremony were the Assistant Director of the Brunei-Muara District Office Haji Haris Hj Othman, the Penghulu of Mukin Kota Batu Pateh Dato Paduka Hj Masri Ismail, Senior Officers of RBLF and other Government agencies.

Sorrowful Tales of The Abandoned

Senior citizens represent a highly precious asset who have contributed so much to the new generation today. Their contributions be it in the form of education, economy, social, culture, etc, have given so much positive impact to the global development. However, even in the rising economy and higher education achieved by today's generation, there are still senior citizens who have been abandoned and currently living on their own without the watchful eye and care from their children.

Organised by volunteers for the home-care programme with the support from the Department of Community Development (JAPEM), a Day-Out Activity with the Senior Citizens was held earlier this morning at The Stadium Restaurant in Berakas, where 4 elderly women aged between 60 and 90 were invited to participate in the fun and games.


According to Hjh Norgayah Hj Dulah, a volunteer for the home-care programme, the senior citizens who attended yesterday's activity are registered under the Department of Community Development who live all by themselves with no children or immediate family to look after them.

"Our role is to support them in any way we can, such as helping them with their groceries, taking them out, keep them company and in the end, be a part of a family to them".

A full-time housewife, Hjh Norgayah took the initiative to volunteer for the home-care programme since 2006. "I enjoy doing this for a good cause, and I even encouraged my children to participate in volunteering to encourage them to learn the values of social responsibility programmes such as this."


One of Hjh Norgayah's clients is Masbah Mohamad (pictured above), a 70 year old elderly from Mentiri. She was given the opportunity to share her life experience to everyone during the activity. Masbah wept into tears when recalling her children who she have not seen for many years, and she hoped to reunite with them as she missed them dearly.

Let this be a lesson to all, especially to the younger generation. Love your parents, for they have sacrificed so much for you since you were born. Don't abandon them or send them to retirement centres when they're old, that would be cruel. If only the children knew how their parents felt from such actions. Imagine if we're in their situation right now.


I'm saddened to hear the tragic story of the elderly this morning. These are mothers who used to take care of the children who have abandoned them. Where are their children gone? And why did they simply abandon them and left them living all alone, with no one to talk to and assist them with daily chores, particularly in their state right now?

I praise the volunteers, young and old, who have lend their hands to take care of these senior citizens. They have shown to me that even at the fast pace of modern times, there are people who still care. We sure need more people like them.


Dk Siti, one of the young volunteers for the home-care programme.

The Closing Of The Business Project

The Business Project final report presentations are finally over, closing yesterday with the remaining companies Brilliant Souffle, 743 Masterpiece, Prosperous Reds and Fa'izun. Marriz has complete coverage and photos of yesterday's event. We're sure gonna miss the business project moments throughout the second year. It has been an exhilarating experience working together from the beginning during the launch, to the gerai ramadhan, the social responsibilities and the wrapping up with the presentations.

United we stand

I wish to thank all the managers Marriz, Herman, Rena, Amni, Sham, Nadzree and Ili who have worked alongside with me in making the entire business project a success. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank my group members of Aura; Ain, Hairul, Diana, Amal, Esha and Khairul who have worked so hard in bringing up the company name and making the newsletter project a reality.

The Business Project Group Aura

The coverage of our Social Responsibility event in Borneo Bulletin on the 17th of February 2008

Special thanks also go to the rest of the members of the companies participated in the Social Responsibility held on the 16th February who had lend a hand in making the SR project a success. That was indeed more than we've all expected. And finally to our beloved supervisors, we thank you so much for your guidance and support throughout the business project. Thank you Ms Halimahtun for all your motivation and support. Although you're no longer in the Business School, but your teachings and advice will always be remembered.

We'll miss you Ms Eton. You're the greatest!

I hope to see the juniors strive towards success in their upcoming business project next semester (we won't be around anymore by that time). I want them to create something new and something different this time. As we're about to embark on our next journey, I wish the juniors all their best.

Remedy to a Plight

Sunday, 17th February, 2008. The Business Project groups of Aura, Faizun, Camaraderie and 743 Masterpiece lend a hand in helping the family of Hj Siawang Hj Salleh at STKRJ (Skim Tanah Kurnia Rakyat Jati) Mata-Mata Gadong. It was a social responsibility organized by the 4 groups led by myself to assist Hj Siawang in cleaning up the compound and contributing basic necessities.

Hj Siawang Hj Salleh, a 66 year old military retiree, has lived in his house for over 10 years. He relied on his pension of $700 but that isn't merely enough to support his family of 22, which includes his 2 wives, children, sons-in-law and grandchildren. His older children are jobless and only a few of his younger children and grandchildren go to school. Furthermore, his house is not big enough to accommodate all his family.

We've managed to collect as much as $300 dollars or more to purchase basic necessities such as rice, mineral water, cooking oil, sugar, salt, instant noodles, eggs and canned foods which was then contributed to Hj Siawang on the day of the Social Responsibility event at his residence. Some of the others even contributed old belongings such as used clothes and toys for the children and grandchildren.

The activity started at 9.00 AM. Camps were set up and chairs and tables were prepared. We cleaned up the front yard right after a few opening speeches and remarks. The bottles piled up in front of Hj Siawang's house were all placed in plastic bags to be rearranged to a more convenient location. Grasses were cut, shrub of leaves were brought down to make room for a clearer compound, rubbishes were disposed and burned, and food were prepared on the table.

The Social Responsibility Event has been a success, and it's really great to see the family filled with joy after receiving our help. Tears run down Hj Siawang's eyes as we read the doa. From that moment I knew that, no matter how hard my life is right now, there are others out there like Hj Siawang who is experiencing an even more complicated life.

'Share your wealth', that was the message that we have all learned from that day. We learned a great deal in organizing this kind of activity and hopefully we will all do the same in the future. I encouraged those participated to open their eyes and be part of what it's like to be in the situation of Hj Siawang and his family, even for just a day. Most importantly, it doesn't matter who we donate and contribute to as long as it comes straight from the sincerest of heart, or in Brunei terms, "Sedakah ani inda payah bekira, yang penting ikhlas."

I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone involved in this activity. It was more than I have expected. Never has there been students taking such initiatives to organize such an activity to help those who are really in dire need. It has been a remarkably meaningful event.

Big thanks to Hj Mohd Amni for providing the camps, Aura and Camaraderie for making an effort in buying the basic necessities for the purpose of contribution, the members of Faizun for providing the food for the committee, Siti Aisyah for bringing in the press, Marianni for her wonderful punch juice, Amir for coming down to the venue and taking some nice photos (and posting up a blog about this event), Arif for all his help to assist me in carrying the contributions that early morning, Sir Iswandi, Ms Hazwani and Ms Liza for attending and contributing some food for the table as well, Dash for bringing in and contributing the most used items, and all the rest which I haven't mentioned earlier, Thank you all for lending a hand in the cleaning campaign and the contributions. Your support are highly appreciated. Indeed, it was more than I've actually expected.

Our contributions; more than expected

Special thanks goes to our advisor of the programme as well as my good old friend Hj Mohd Khairul Anwar for all his help and advice in making this activity a success, and also to Pengiran Hj Mohammad bin Pg Hj Ludin for his guidance and making this event possible.

For those interested to contribute to Hj Siawang Hj Salleh may do so by visiting his residence at No 81, Lot 41, Simpang 207-3-16, StKRJ Kg Mata-Mata Gadong, BE1918, Brunei Darussalam.

More Photos From The Social Responsibility

My speech

Mask off, mask on

Hard at work


These kittens watched as we were doing our chores

Taking opportunities for group shots


The grandchildren watched our activities

Menabas


Found a gecko on my thigh

Burning the leaves

Special appearance by Amir

More food for the kids

Lining up to shake hands with the family members

A great team effort