Malaysians donate, fete orphans at 'sungkai' event

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

Sunday, September 13, 2009

The Malaysian High Commission held a donation event with iftar or sungkai (breaking of fast) along with tarawih prayers and takzirah for orphans in Brunei yesterday, in the hopes of instilling cheer during this festive season.

Jointly organised by the Malaysian Ministry of Foreign Affairs' Ladies Association and the Persatuan Kebajikan Melayu SeMalaysia (PKMS), the event was expected to be attended by some 200 participants made up mostly of the Malaysian community in Brunei, as well as 43 orphans living in the country.

Datin Zakiah Dato Hj Alias, chairperson of the Malaysian Ladies Association, said that donation ceremonies are one of the many activities organised by the Malaysian High Commission as a gesture of contribution to the Sultanate. "This is not something new. We always organise programmes (like these)," she said.

The chairperson said that the evening's event was held in the hopes of helping the children enjoy the Hari Raya celebrations more.

"It is also to show the concern of the Malaysian community here towards the less fortunate in the country," said Datin Zakiah. Apart from cash donations, contributions included foodstuff such as cakes and chocolates. Staff nurse Noraliah Abdullah, a widow with four children, said that she was very appreciative of the event as it helps to "keep (her) children going".

"This will help them (from feeling) isolated and cheer them up," she said, adding that it also reminds the children that they are not forgotten. Hjh Zuraidah Hj Ismail, an officer from the Civil Department said the donation was a good initiative as it will help bring happiness to her three children whose father passed away in May this year. "It will keep them happy during the festive celebrations," she said.

Malaysian High Commissioner in Brunei Dato' Ku Jaafar Ku Shaari said that the event, the first of its kind catered specifically for orphans, is hoped to be able to give them some happiness during Ramadhan. "We hope we can share (good) cheer between the children and others in the Malaysian community," he said.

Malaysia High Commission donates to orphans

The Malaysian High Commission held a sungkai and donation ceremony yesterday for 43 orphans living in Brunei Darussalam as part of their aim to give back to society.

Held at the High Commission just before sungkai, Malaysian families residing in Brunei arrived along with the 43 orphans and were greeted by staff of the High Commission.

Officiating the ceremony was the Malaysian High Commissioner to Brunei, Dato' Ku Jaafar Ku Shari, who is also an adviser to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Malaysia Ladies Association, who organised the donation in a joint effort with the Malaysian Welfare Association (PKMS).

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Malaysia Ladies Association chairperson, the gesture is also part of contributing to the welfare of Brunei's society, who shares a long history with Malaysia.

"We just hope that our small gesture will make their raya a little more special with our contribution," said the association's chairperson, Datin Zakiah Dato Hj Alias.