Bandar Seri Begawan - A meeting on the distribution of dates from His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam‘s personal contribution in the upcoming month of Ramadan was held yesterday at the Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah complex in the capital.
The meeting, chaired by Dato Paduka Hj Ali Hashim Hj Daud, the administrative director of the Yayasan, among others discussed the formats of handling the distribution of the dates and the setting up of a committee to be tasked with the whole operation. The committee members will consist of government officers as well as Yayasan officers. The meeting also reviewed the formats of the ceremony for the launch of the distribution.
Present during the discussion were representatives from all four district offices, as well the Royal Customs and Excise Department, Ports Department, Royal Brunei Armed Forces and the Royal Brunei Police Force.
This year, 123.5 metric tonnes of Mabroomdates would be supplied by Al Madinah Al Munawarah Dates Company, Saudi Arabia to be distributed to all muslims in the country. Every muslim will receive a 300g box of dates each.
Al Madinah Al Munawarah Dates Company was offered by the Foundation to supply dates on a contract basis for three consecutive years from 2005 until 2007.
Mabroom dates are shipped in six chilled container to ensure its freshness. The ship had departed from Jeddah Port and is scheduled to arrive in Muara Port by next month.
Dates are a desired delicacy for muslims in breaking their fast in the month of Ramadan.
The distribution of the dates is managed by the Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Foundation every year.
Since 1992, Kurma Kurnia were first distributed through the Ministry of Education and from 1995 onwards, the Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah took over the responsibility.
Source: www.bruneitimes.com (26 Juli 2007)