Mare Than Lou Ha Pilgrims Leave On Second Flight
By Za'im Zaini & Azrol Azmi

Bandar Seri Begawan - It was an emotional scene for over 400 people at the Brunei International Airport terminal yesterday as family members exchanged hugs and greetings with Haj pilgrims who would be gone for a month or so and left on the second scheduled flight.

More than 200 Haj pilgrims left the Sultanate yesterday for Mecca. The Darussalam package holders left Brunei International Airport at 215pm and were expected to arrive at 9.50pm there in Medina on Flight BI 4175.

Also present to bid farewell was the Acting Minister of Religious Affairs Pehin Siraja Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Hj Badaruddin Pengarah Dato Paduka Hj Othman.

Prior to the departure, a Doa Selamat was read out by Pehin Khatib Hj Jaya Hj Ibrahim. Deputy State Mufti Pehin Dato Ustaz Hi Suhaili Hj Mohiddin was also part of the Haj pilgrimage on the second flight.

Hj Hasib from Kg Burong Pingai, who was accompanied by his wife, will be performing the Haj ritual for a second time.

"The first time I went on Haj was in 1983 and the flight management this year comparatively is better informed. All is taken care of, whereas previously, the situation and facilities provided were not as good," he said.

Mohd Daniel Azizi Hj Mahadi, 12, meanwhile said that he felt "nervous yet excited" before his first Haj flight and pilgrimage. Mohd Daniel, who resides in Kg Rimba and goes to Berakas English School, was accompanied by 12 other family members. "Prior to my flight and pilgrimage, I studied the guide book. I perfected my prayer rituals and attended the Haj course for about eight weeks with my family." He said, adding that he hoped his family could attain the Mabrur Haj.

According to Muhd Rasimoon @ Simon Hj Adinin, the Human Resources Department Head and Administration of Darussalam Holdings, advised Haj pilgrims to come early - at least three hours before departure - and those on the fourth flight would need advanced check-in.

Also present yesterday were Pg Dato Paduka Hj Abd Hamid Pg Hj Mohd Yassin, Permanent Secretary at the Prime Minister's Office in his capacity as Chairman of RBA, Dato Paduka Hj Abd Rahman Hj Mohiddin, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Religious Affairs, Dato Paduka Hj Ishaaq Hj Abdullah, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Religious Affairs, as well as other senior government officials. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

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