Several village consultative councils from across the BruneiMuara District are currently gathered under one roof at The Airport Mall in Berakas, to showcase their products at the Hijrah Karnival.

The expo was officially launched yesterday by Misle bin Haji Abdul Karim, the Acting Brunei-Muara District Officer, and is jointly supervised by the Mukim Kilanas Consultative Council and the Brunei-Muara District Office, until September 30.

Among the many items of interest at the venue are an array of traditional handicrafts and carved walking sticks showcased by Haji Junggal bin Jumat from Kampong Putat, who also participated in a trade fair in Kuala Lumpur, last year.

"Our crafts are more or less like [those in Malaysia], only they use machinery to make their, while ours are handmade," said Haji Junggal.

He added, "We, the older generation, would like to pass on these skills to the young, especially those who are still unemployed, so that they can earn a living."

Meanwhile, Haji Aji bin Haji Abdullah from the Kampong Tungku and Camping Kapok Village Consultative Council, told the Bulletin that their Madu Kelulut', or stingless bee honey products, are not selling so well these days, due to stiff competition.

When asked if they had plans to market their products overseas, Haji Aji answered that they would need to conform to strict regulations and guidelines, in order to penetrate the export market. "Other village consultative councils have faced similar problems," he said.

There is also an antiques booth, run by Haji Imran bin Haji Sabtu from Kampong Kilanas, displaying
vintage brassware, copper coins and trinkets which originally came from Kampong Sungai Kedayan.

The antique kapsio', or kettle pots, can go for as high as $500, while a single-cent coin is sold at $3 and a five-cent coin is $5," said Haji Imran. "I also have ancient Brunei coins called `pities', but they are not for sale."

Other attractions at the fair include local cakes and delicacies from Zone II Kampong Mentiri, handwoven baskets and bamboo fish traps from Kampong Bebuloh, and another handicrafts stall, managed by Abu Samah bin Haji Damit from Kampong Sengkurong 'A'.

For Haji Mohd Rais bin Haji Sabtu, the Village Head of Kampong Kilanas, the expo is a valuable lesson in conducting business and trade according to the teachings of Islam.

"Business owners can conduct transactions, while also promoting Islamic values," he said, adding that part of proceeds from sales at the expo would go to charitable causes.

Source:
@BRUDIRECT.COM

by BruDirect.com

If you have any stories or news that you would like to share with the global online community, please feel free to share it with us by contacting us directly at [email protected]