His Majesty making an impromptu visit at Tamu Kianggeh. Video by Rudolf Portillo

His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam during the impromptu visit at the Ministry of Home Affairs last Saturday. Image courtesy of Rudolf Portillo of The Brunei Times.

His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, has been active in recent times, visiting various government agencies and to monitor their progress for the betterment of our beloved country. His Majesty hopes that the relevant government agencies will improve their given tasks to achieve what are necessary. The monarch wasn’t happy with the Tamu Kianggeh environment and a huge question also was given to the Ministry of Home Affairs on the abandoned building next to Tamu Kianggeh.

His Majesty highlighted the lack of hygiene and cleanliness at Tamu Kianggeh after the monarch paid an impromptu visit last week. The Sultan described the area as an unpleasant sight and questioned the municipal agencies on this matter.

As reported in The Brunei Times, the monarch voiced numerous concerns – vendors disorganised, eyesore scenes due to rubbish, drunkards and the list goes on. You can read more of the article here.

And it’s good to know that now the Municipal Department took swift actions after feedback from His Majesty. Apparently Tamu Kianggeh is in its cleanest stage after the monarch’s visit as they visit the tamu every day to ensure of its cleanliness. The usual case would be a bi-weekly cleaning of the area under the care of the Municipal Department according to a vendor at the tamu. However, it hasn’t been consistent and it could be due to the lack of communication between the Municipal Department and the vendors at tamu.

Now I’m beginning to wonder of the status of the Tamu Gadong which has been heavily invested by the Brunei Government. It was mentioned last December that the tamu vendors will have to relocate to Tamu Gadong by end of January 2016 and I believe it hasn’t happened yet. The Tamu Gadong was officially opened in 2012 but hasn’t been a successful one and it is still vacant at this moment.

With the recent impromptu visit by His Majesty the Sultan at Tamu Kianggeh, it gave a sense of hope for the vendors of their future as the monarch was concerned with the cleanliness and hygiene of the area itself. I’ve not heard any conclusive findings on the fate of the tamu vendors but I can say that it’s on their favour. At least, for now.

His Majesty the Sultan showed concerned of the current situation at Tamu Kianggeh and demanded the Municipal Department to take action. Image courtesy of Fazizul Haqimie of The Brunei Times.

His Majesty the Sultan interacting with the public at Labour Department. Image courtesy of Fazizul Haqimie of The Brunei Times.

The abandoned building near Tamu Kianggeh that was highlighted by His Majesty the Sultant. Image courtesy of The Brunei Times.

His Majesty the Sultan during a surprise visit to Tamu Kianggeh two Sundays ago. Image courtesy of Khaliq Roziman of The Brunei Times.

His Majesty the Sultan during a surprise visit to Tamu Kianggeh two Sundays ago. Image courtesy of Rudolf Portillo of The Brunei Times.

His Majesty the Sultan during a surprise visit to Tamu Kianggeh two Sundays ago. Image courtesy of Khaliq Roziman of The Brunei Times.

Tamu Kianggeh after the surprise visit by His Majesty. Image courtesy of Wail Wardi Wasil of The Brunei Times.

His Majesty also visited International School Brunei last week. It was the monarch’s first visit to the newly relocated ISB at Sg. Hanching. The other schools His Majesty visited were Menglait Secondary School Gadong and Mabohai Primary School. The visit by His Majesty showed that the ruler demonstrated the care and welfare of the students studying in Brunei Darussalam. The monarch also interacted with the students who were super excited to get up close and personal with His Majesty. I guess the highlight of the visits among the schools were the continuous high-fives by His Majesty to the adorable kids for ISB.

Studying at ISB were His Majesty’s children, His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Wakeel and Her Royal Highness Princess Ameerah Wardatul Bolkiah and also His Majesty’s grandson, Yang Teramat Mulia Pengiran Muda ‘Abdul Muntaqim ibni Duli Yang Teramat Mulia Paduka Seri Pengiran Muda Mahkota Pengiran Muda Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah. It was a nice touch to see some family bonding along the way.

His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam in a group photo with His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Wakeel and Her Royal Highness Princess Ameerah Wardatul Bolkiah in the recent visit to International School of Brunei. Image courtesy of ISB.

His Majesty the Sultan high-fiving the kids at International School of Brunei. Image courtesy of ISB.

His Majesty the Sultan taking a photo with HRH Princess Ameerah Wardatul Bolkiah. Image courtesy of ISB.

His Majesty the Sultan touring the premise. Image courtesy of ISB.

As I was saying before, His Majesty the Sultan has been very active. I have always wanted to catch a Polo tournament where the monarch will participate and I never get a chance to. It happened last week where His Majesty the Sultan led his Black Team to victory in the Richard Mille Pro-Am Gold Cup. The Black Team (also represented by Her Royal Highness Princess ‘Azemah Ni’matul Bolkiah) defeated the Red Team 5-4 which was led by His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Mateen.

The tournament was also to raise funds for YASKA, Children’s Cancer Foundation. His Majesty interacted with the children from YASKA and their families after the tournament. The event took place at Royal Brunei Polo and Riding Club in Jerudong last week.

His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, The Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam (7th L), His Royal Highness Prince Haji Jefri Bolkiah (9th R), His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Mateen (12th R), His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Wakeel (6th L), Her Royal Highness Princess ‘Azemah Ni’matul Bolkiah (5th L), Her Royal Highness Princess Ameerah Wardatul Bolkiah (8th L), YAM Pengiran Muda Abdul Qawi (5th R), YAM Pengiran Muda Bahar (R) along with Richard Mille (3rd L) and other officials and players in a group photo during the Richard Mille Pro-Am Gold Cup polo match held at the Royal Brunei Polo and Riding Club last week. Image courtesy of Fazizul Haqimie of The Brunei Times.

His Majesty the Sultan receiving the champion trophy from Richard Mille during the Richard Mille Pro-AM Gold Cup polo match last week. Image courtesy of Fazizul Haqimie of The Brunei Times.

His Majesty the Sultan with the children of YASKA and their families. Image courtesy of Fazizul Haqimie of The Brunei Times.