Seniors Describe Increase In Allowance As 'Nice Surprise'
By Husin Ismail, Shafiyi Azahari

Bandar Seri Begawan - Brunei's senior citizens yesterday said the increment of their pension' and allowance was a "nice surprise".

Those interviewed by The Brunei Times were unaware of the increment and expressed gratitude despite not knowing the amount of increment.

To most, the amount was a non-issue as it was the government's concern that had touched their hearts.

Abu Bakar Damit, 64, from Kg Setia, said he was thankful for the increment no matter what the amount. "Even if the increment is $20 or $30, I am grateful that His Majesty thought about us. I pray for His Majesty's health and happiness," he said when met at the Kianggeh market.

Osman Mat Daud, 78, said the increment was also a sedekah or a charitable deed out of pure sincerity. "To me the increment is a form of sedekah and all praises to Allah," said Osman, who used to worked as a watchman in a primary school.

In announcing the increment at the National Nuzul Al-Quran Celebration on Monday, His Majesty described it as a token of thanks for the contributions of Brunei's senior citizens. Further details of the increments, effective from October 1, will be made known by the Prime Minister's Office soon.

Currently, citizens above 60 and the disabled are eligible for a special monthly allowance of $200. Grandmother Timbang Jamdi, 67, from Kampung Saba Darat, found out about the allowance hike from her friends at the Kianggeh market where she trades. "The increment is nice and is also a relief for expenditures," she said.

For Arman Liboh, 63, the increment meant a "lifetime of bonus" for senior citizens.

Former civil servant Damit Asmat, 63, said the fact that the extra money was given during the month of Ramadan made the increment even more special. "It shows that Ramadan is full of blessing," he said.

Masri Serudin, who has yet to be eligible for the allowance, is grateful that the elderly are still in the government's thoughts.

"Thanks to Allah that we are still remembered," said the 52-year-old. The pension scheme and the allowances were established in 1955 during the reign of the late Sultan Haji Omar Ali Saifuddien Sa'adul Khairi Waddien. It started from the $20 and has steadily increased over time.  -- Courtesy of The Brunei Times

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