Bandar seri begawan: 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, graced the Opening Ceremony of Wasan Milling Company Sendirian Berhad’s Upgraded Paddy Milling Facility, marking a milestone in the nation’s quest for rice self-sufficiency. The ceremony took place in the morning, highlighting the importance of the project for Brunei’s food security.
According to Radio Television Brunei, His Majesty was accompanied by his sons, His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office; His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Malik; and His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Mateen. The event saw the attendance of Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Doctor Awang Haji Mohd Amin Liew bin Abdullah, Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Second Minister of Finance and Economy, alongside Yang Berhormat Pengiran Dato Seri Setia Shamh
ary bin Pengiran Dato Paduka Haji Mustapha, Minister of Transport and Infocommunications, serving as the Acting Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism.
The ceremony began with Doa selamat read by Yang Berhormat Pehin Dato Seri Maharaja Dato Paduka Seri Setia Doctor Ustaz Awang Haji Abdul Aziz bin Juned, the State Mufti. His Majesty then officially inaugurated the facility, which is a part of Darussalam Assets. The improved facility aims to bolster Brunei’s food security by enhancing the milling and processing of local rice.
The upgrade, completed in September, includes a milling facility, four vertical dryers, and three silos for storing dried paddy. Operated fully by local employees, the facility plays a significant role in decreasing reliance on imported rice by increasing the national milling capacity from 3 metric tonnes per hour to 10 metric tonnes per hour.
His Majesty also explored an exhibition by the Department of Agriculture and Agri-Food and local companies that showcased smart farming and ar
tificial intelligence. Following the tour, His Majesty attended a luncheon. This upgraded facility is poised to strengthen the nation’s agricultural value chain and ensure a resilient food future for the coming generations.