In the heart of Brunei-Muara District, nestled within the bustling capital of Bandar Seri Begawan, lies the Balai Ibadat Kampong Mata-Mata. This mosque, along with its counterpart, Kampong Perpindahan Mata-Mata Mosque, serves as a vital spiritual center for the Muslim residents of Kampong Mata-Mata. The Balai Ibadat Kampong Mata-Mata isn’t just a place of worship. It represents the heart of a community steeped in rich history and tradition. The name “Mata-Mata,” meaning “eyes” in Malay, originates from a peculiar local legend. Elders recounted tales of encountering a large, mysterious eye, the size of a chicken’s, perched high in trees or on the ground. These sightings, spanning two to three years in the 1880s, gave the village its unique name. Imagine the villagers, in the early 1800s, navigating the dense forests, their lives intertwined with rice cultivation and gardening. The Balai Ibadat Kampong Mata-Mata stands as a testament to their resilience and their enduring faith. Today, the Balai Ibadat Kampong Mata-Mata serves the community, a beacon of faith amidst a vibrant and ever-evolving urban landscape.
Labour Department
“Perintah Pekerjaan 2009 – ever heard of it?” a man in a blue uniform whispered to his companion. They stood