A total of 11 newborns – seven boys and four girls – were recorded in the Brunei-Muara District in conjunction with Ilal Hijrah 1448, comprising babies born from the beginning of Maghrib on 1 Muharram until the end of Asar on 2 Muharram.

The Ministry of Religious Affairs (MoRA), through its Islamic Dakwah Development Division, held a presentation of gifts ceremony for the babies at the Women and Children Centre, Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha Hospital, in conjunction with the Ilal Hijrah 1448 celebration yesterday.

The ceremony began with the recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah and a Doa, led by Imam Grade II of Ar-Rahman Mosque, Kampong Tanjong Bunut Mohammad Shahdon bin Awang Damit followed with the presentation of gifts.

The presentation of the MoRA contribution was officiated by Minister of Religious Affairs Pengiran Dato Seri Paduka Haji Mohd Tashim bin Pengiran Haji Hassan and spouse, Datin Norazimah binti Haji Ramlee.

Meanwhile, Coordinating Minister for National Security, Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Minister of Defence II Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Awang Haji Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof as Chairman of the Board of Directors of Perbadanan Tabung Amanah Islam Brunei (TAIB) and spouse, Datin Hajah Kalshom binti Haji Suhaili presented contributions from TAIB.

Coordinating Minister for Social Policies and Manpower and Minister of Home Affairs Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Ahmaddin bin Haji Abdul Rahman as Chairman of the Board of Directors of Takaful Brunei Darussalam Sdn Bhd and spouse, Pengiran Datin Hajah Norzana binti Pengiran Haji Rosli presented TBK gifts.

The first baby born on 1 Muharram 1448 Hijrah was delivered at 6.55pm, a boy weighing 2.620 kilogrammes, to a couple from the Brunei-Muara District.

Meanwhile, a similar ceremony was held for a baby girl who was born in the Belait District, in conjunction with the Ilal Hijrah 1448 celebration at the Conference Hall, Block R, Suri Seri Begawan Hospital, Kuala Belait yesterday.

Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Religious Affairs Haji Mohammad Rosli bin Haji Ibrahim, the guest of honour and spouse attended the ceremony.

The baby girl was born on 1 Muharram 1448 Hijrah at 10.54pm, and is the daughter of Siti Nuramalina Maisarah binti Saidi and Khairul Azhar Amirurahim bin Nasi.

The ceremony began with the recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah and a prayer led by the Imam of the RPN Kampong Pandan Mosque Abdul Azim bin Haji Abdul Adzid @ Haji Abdul Majid, followed by the presentation of gifts to the newborn, accompanied by Dikir Marhaban performed by staff members the hospital.

Gifts presented included baby items worth BND200 and a religious book from the MoRA; a BND200 ‘Si Manja’ account and a hamper worth BND60 from TAIB; and a BND300 voucher for TBK Nur Savings participation and baby essentials from TBK. – Lyna Mohamad & Daniel Lim

-- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin