Malaysians in Brunei urged to register with High Commission

 

Malaysian High Commissioner to Brunei Darussalam Dato’ Raja Reza bin Raja Zaib Shah speaking at the ceremony. - BB

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN (Borneo Bulletin/Asia News Network): There are about 30,000 Malaysians in the country and only 10,734 have registered with the Malaysian High Commission in Brunei Darussalam. Malaysians are encouraged to register for the purpose of records and statistics to help both countries in planning initiatives and programmes of mutual interests.

This was stated by the recently appointed Malaysian High Commissioner to Brunei Darussalam Dato’ Raja Reza Raja Zaib Shah in his address during a flag hoisting ceremony hosted by the Malaysian High Commission to celebrate the 64th Independence Day of Malaysia on Tuesday (Aug 31).

The ceremony, attended by 100 guests comprising Malaysians working and residing in Brunei, was hosted virtually in light of the current Covid-19 outbreak.

The event began with the recitation of Doa Selamat, followed by the hoisting of Malaysia’s national flag and the singing of Malaysia’s national anthem.

The high commissioner, in his first address since taking office at the Malaysian High Commission, said that compared to previous celebrations, this year has been very challenging for the Malaysians in the country.

Brunei is facing the second wave of Covid-19, changing various aspects of life, be it social, economic patterns, or political ties.

Dato’ Raja Reza called on everyone to return to appreciating basic community values such as being in solidarity, responsible, concerned and sensitive during this pandemic, by asking about the well-being of fellow Malaysians and offering assistance, particularly to families tested positive for the virus, in line with the theme Malaysia Prihatin.

He also expressed appreciation to the guests for attending the event virtually in honour of the national day celebration, a display of their love as Malaysians despite not being on homeland.

“I also understand that Malaysians are among those who play vital roles in contributing towards the rapid economy in this country in various fields including construction, trading, services and professionals,” said the high commissioner.

He shared that last year, Malaysia was the fourth largest trading partner of Brunei, recording a total value of RM4.7 billion. He believes that there are more fields with high potentials that can be explored from time to time and welcomes any suggestions that will benefit the economy of both countries.

The high commissioner also called on Malaysians to support the aspiration of the Government of His Majesty Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah in its continuous efforts of carrying out the Covid-19 National Vaccination Programme.

Just like in Malaysia, this initiative does not only focus on locals but also foreigners including the Malaysians in the country. Hence, those who have not registered must do so through the BruHealth application, to help contain the spread of the virus in the community and help Brunei achieve herd immunity.

He added, “It is also our responsibility to continue to adhere to the standard operating procedures outlined by the government such as using face masks particularly when outdoor, social distancing and practising good hygiene.

"Never be complacent on this matter and your sensitiveness can succeed the government’s effort in breaking the chain.” - Star