Lyna Mohamad

The first batch of Bruneian students who underwent isolation at several isolation centres from March 20 completed their 14-day isolation yesterday.

Parents and family members were seen waiting patiently at various hotels which had isolation centres while the children underwent the process of checking out after isolation.

The Sunday Bulletin witnessed the checking-out process at the isolation centre at Mulia Hotel in Berakas where 54 checked out of which 98 per cent were students in United Kingdom and Kuala Lumpur.

Operations Director Mohd Iswandi Maaruf noted that the process was smooth as the guests were divided into several groups. The groups had been allocated different check out times.

Asked how the procedure was carried out, Mohd Iswandi, who is also the President of Brunei Association of Hotels, said it was somewhat hectic at the earlier stage as it was the first time, but things started to pick up gradually.

He said teamwork between hotel employees, Ministry of Health workers and volunteers also helped a lot.

The guests were also happy and contented with the isolation procedures with most of them leaving thank you notes and cards in appreciation of everyone attending to them.

“We also had food and drinks, donated not only by parents of the students staying here but also from the public. It was an amazing experience. This is evident that Bruneians are kind-hearted and love to do good deeds for others,” a guest said.

The hotel staff also conducted Doa Tolak Bala and Doa Selamat on Thursday, two days before their check-out with food and drinks contributed by their parents.

Most importantly, Mohd Iswandi added, that the students adhered to all the rules and regulations of the MoH during the isolation.

He also thanked all parents for their understanding during this situation.

“Such collaboration and understanding is what we see as a ‘whole of nation’ approach being practised by everyone while every agency is doing its part to assist the country and the people.”