Bandar Seri Begawan - The Ministry of Education has issued a directive for all government and private education institutions under the purview of the ministry to temporarily close on Fridays, from 11.45am to 2pm.

The directive for this closure is in line with His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam's titah in conjunction with the Hari Raya Aidiladha celebration 1433 Hijrah on October 25.

The new directive is intended to contribute to the country's good image, in line with the national Malay Islamic Monarchy (MIB) philosophy and 'Zikir Nation.'

The directive for closure is also extended to Maghrib prayer times every day.

Under this ruling, all government and private educational institutions including tuition centres and classes are required to cease teaching and learning activities, as well as co-curricular sessions, during the periods of11.45am till 2pm every Friday and from 5.45pm to 7pm every day.

In line with the closure of business premises during Friday prayers, the directive for closure of education institutions on Fridays will take effect immediately beginning November 2, 2012.