Bandar Seri Begawan - The Brunei Islamic Religious Council (MUIB) provided assistance to Awg Fazilah bin Hj Jaafar in the form of fishing equipment - an Evinrude 60 HP boat engine, which costs B$6,150, derived from the Zakat fund.

Forty-year-old Awg Fazilah is a full-time fisherman with three dependents, his wife - a Filipino Muslim convert, and his two sons; aged three and four.

Awg Fazilah and his family reside at the residence of his 77-year-old grandfather, Hj Munap bin Hj Marali at KampongSungai Bakong, Lumut, where the presentation ceremony was held yesterday.

Being a full-time fisherman and the sole breadwinner, Awg Fazilah's main source of income depends on the catch he gets each day, while during the monsoon season, he will find another part-time job to support his family.

"This is my first time receiving assistance from MUIB since registering with them in 2010," said the recipient when interviewed by the Bulletin. He also conveyed his appreciation to MUIB for the assistance, as previously, he could only find sustenance at sea with his friend's boat.

The guest of honour at the handover was Awg Hj Abd Wahab bin Hj Sapar, the Secretary of MUIB, who presented the engine to Awg Fazilah. Also present were Dyg Hjh Mahani binti Hj Musa, the Acting Deputy Secretary of MUIB; and Awg Hj Idris bin Hj Aji, the Head of Belait District Religious Office; as well as officers from MUIB.

--Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin