DAY 9 MORNING
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11TH MARCH 2025 MORNING
(Meeting commenced at 9.30 am)
Yang Mulia Jurutulis
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. The First Meeting of the 21st Session of the National Council convenes today for the ninth day, on Tuesday, 10th Ramadan 1446 coinciding with 11th March 2025, preceded by the Doa Selamat.
DOA SELAMAT
(The Doa Selamat was recited by Yang Dimuliakan Pehin Khatib Dato Paduka Awang Haji Emran bin Haji Kunchang, Imam of the Omar 'Ali Saifuddien Mosque).
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Peace be upon you, and the mercy and blessings of Allah the Almighty. Praise be to Allah the Almighty, as with His grace and blessing, we can once again gather today for the ninth day of the First Meeting of the 21st Session of the National Council.
Blessings and peace be upon our Great Prophet Saidina Muhammad Sallallahu Alaihi Wassalam, his relatives, companions, and followers, who are loyal and faithful until the end of time.
Your Honourable Members. We will commence today's session with the next item on the agenda.
Yang Mulia Jurutulis
Question Time for Oral Answers.
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua
Your Honourable Members. For today’s Question Time, I start with the first question from Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Laila Setia Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Abd. Rahman bin Haji Ibrahim, directed to Yang Berhormat Minister at the Prime Minister's Office and Minister of Finance and Economy II.
I invite Yang Berhormat Minister at the Prime Minister's Office and Minister of Finance and Economy II.
Yang Berhormat Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri dan Menteri Kewangan dan Ekonomi II
Thank you, Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua. Peace be upon you, and the mercy and blessings of Allah.
Thank you also to the Honourable Member for the question regarding the current status of the Integrated Industrial Policy.
For the information of the Honourable Member, an important aspect of the country's industrial development is the alignment of government policies, including regulation.
At present, there are regulators for respective activities, for example, land issues including land misuse under the Land Department, building issues under ABCi for urban areas and TCP for district areas, and the Fire Safety Order under the Fire and Rescue Department for business premises.
Meanwhile, business activities in Brunei Darussalam were previously regulated under the Miscellaneous Licences Act, through the issuance of business licences known as Miscellaneous Licences issued under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Home Affairs.
However, the Act was repealed in 2016 considering the necessity of obtaining the licence had a negative impact on Brunei Darussalam's position in Ease of Doing Business.
Following the repeal of the Miscellaneous Licences Act, several agencies have initiated regulation of certain types of business activities such as the establishment of Beauty and Health by the Ministry of Home Affairs and food business activities by the Brunei Darussalam Food Authority, BDFA.
Although these measures have been taken, the Business and Industrial Ecosystem Division, Ministry of Finance and Economy, has found that there are certain business activities that are still unregulated by any agency.
Therefore, the Ministry of Finance and Economy has reviewed the suitability of the Industrial Coordination Order, 2001 - ICO 2001, which has never been enforced before and plans to amend and expand the scope of ICO 2001.
The intention of this amendment is to implement regulation with more comprehensive policies on various industrial activities including manufacturing, retail business, and other industrial activities.
With this amendment, ICO 2001 will act as a regulatory framework with policies that are more comprehensive, structured, and capable of addressing business activities that are still unregulated in the country.
This initiative is expected to contribute to more organized industrial and economic development. This matter will further be strengthened by updating the ICO Act, 2001, which is currently under the study of relevant government agencies.
Among the benefits of the ICO 2001 amendment, the involved agencies such as Brunei Darussalam Food Authority, BDFA, Authority on Building Control and Construction Industry, Labour Department, Land Transport Department, JPD, and other interest groups can review and further facilitate policies under their respective areas of authority to achieve national goals aligned with the Economic Blueprint and existing industrial maps.
Hence, given this effort involves cross-cutting between several ministries, government agencies, and the private sector such as financial institutions, policies for industrial development will require a more coordinated and whole-of-nation approach to result in significant and positive economic growth.
At the same time, it will also ensure transparency of any actions taken and will facilitate the achievement of targeted industrial development outcomes.
With the formulation and updating of this order, Brunei Darussalam not only offers a more controlled and organized industrial ecosystem but also aligns more comprehensive government policies to support local industrial development efforts.
That's all. Thank you, Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua.
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua
Let's move to the second question. The second question, also submitted by Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Laila Setia Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Abd. Rahman bin Haji Ibrahim, is also directed to Yang Berhormat Minister at the Prime Minister's Office and Minister of Finance and Economy II. I invite Yang Berhormat Minister.
Yang Berhormat Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri dan Menteri Kewangan dan Ekonomi II
Thank you, Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua. Thank you for the question, Your Honourable Member. Among the forward steps, the Ministry of Finance and Economy through BEDB is actively promoting investment opportunities through regional and international expos in targeted countries such as Japan, South Korea, Australia, the Republic of Singapore, and the Republic of India to attract FDI investors into the country.
To ensure the involvement of local entrepreneurs in seizing business opportunities from FDI, including spin-off opportunities or involvement in value chains and the supply of goods and services, BEDB continuously promotes these opportunities.
This initiative involves local MSMEs as suppliers and vendors to large companies, including FDI. Through DAReLINKS, more than 600 contract opportunities have been advertised for local enterprises.
Projects in the downstream oil and gas sector have generated positive spin-off effects. Operations of Hengyi Industries Sdn Bhd have procured services and supplies from 121 local companies, Brunei Fertilizer Industries from 230 local companies, and Brunei Methanol Company from 32 local companies. These spin-off effects not only increase business opportunities for local MSMEs but also enhance their operational capability and capacity.
Additionally, this encourages the establishment of new enterprises to meet the needs of large companies and FDIs in various industries.
Involved enterprises have supplied services such as IT, infrastructure and construction, facility and maintenance management, mechanical and electrical services, facility management and cleaning services, landscaping and area maintenance, event management and creative services, security, catering, HSE training, and supply of goods products such as clothing and personal protective equipment, PPE, and ICT equipment.
Moreover, FDI companies like the acetic acid and aniline production plant, AAA or the AAA Project, were established as a spin-off project from a government joint-venture company, Polygel Organometallic Sdn Bhd. The AAA Project uses petrochemical products from Hengyi, BFI, and BMC as its main raw materials.
Brunei Rotary Engineering Sdn Bhd was also established to support existing plants and companies in Engineering, Procurement, and Construction services, EPC.
BFI has the potential to open new investment opportunities using its production outputs such as ammonia and urea for the production of formaldehyde plants, melamine, and more.
FDI companies have positively impacted by increasing business opportunities for the establishment of local MSMEs, enhancing operations and fulfilling service needs for these FDI companies.
In 2024, expenditures to local entrepreneurs for special engineering services, marine services, maintenance services, waste management, and security services amounted to at least $32.3 million.
The category of logistics services for import, export, warehousing, and general logistics reached expenditures of at least $16.65 million. Chemicals, machinery suppliers, and workforce expenditure reached at least $9.64 million.
It is evident that local entrepreneurs have gradually increased their capacity with support from FDI companies. God willing, in the future, they will be able to grow further in line with the growth of FDI in Brunei Darussalam. That's all, thank you Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua.
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua
The third question from Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Salleh Bostaman bin Haji Zainal Abidin directed to Yang Berhormat Minister of Transport and Infocommunications. Please proceed, Yang Berhormat Pengiran.
Yang Berhormat Menteri Pengangkutan dan Infokomunikasi
Thank you, Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua. Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua, kaola would like to request permission to answer three questions together, starting with questions 3, 4, and 5, which concern integration initiatives for the transport sector followed by the question regarding Brunei International Airport that is interrelated.
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua
Thus, 3, 4, and 5, with question 4 submitted by Yang Berhormat Dr. Awang Haji Mahali bin Haji Momin, and the 5th question submitted by Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Johan Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Adanan bin Begawan Pehin Siraja Khatib Dato Seri Setia Haji Mohd Yusof. Please proceed.
Yang Berhormat Menteri Pengangkutan dan Infokomunikasi
Thank you, Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua. Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim. Assalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh. Greetings and good morning.
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua and Your Honourable Members, first of all, thank you to Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Salleh Bostaman bin Haji Zainal Abidin and also Yang Berhormat Dr Awang Haji Mahali bin Haji Momin for bringing attention to the role of the transport sector in further enhancing inclusive, integrated, and resilient connectivity and promoting sustainable national economic growth.
For your information, it is indeed the desire of the Ministry of Transport and Infocommunications to enhance and strengthen the transport sector as one of the main drivers in generating national revenue and also to facilitate movement and support various economic activities.
As shared by Yang Berhormat Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri and Menteri Kewangan dan Ekonomi II, the contribution of the air transport sector to Gross Domestic Product, GDP in 2024 recorded an increase of 18.9% and water transport by 7.7%.
This, among others, is contributed by the aviation sector which is gradually recovering and the maritime sector which is expanding in line with the growth of the downstream sector and the export of its products.
Therefore, it is certainly important for the government, through the Ministry of Transport and Infocommunications, the Ministry of Finance and Economy, and the Brunei Economic Development Board to further develop the transport sector. Not only as a standalone sector but also as an end-to-end value chain that encompasses every transport sector. An example is the whole chain which refers to the temperature-controlled supply chain transport, crucial for preserving perishable goods.
In terms of land transport, efforts are being actively carried out including the public transportation system shared on previous days, involving intra-district travel and expected to be expanded inter-district covering all districts.
This also includes cross-border transport cooperation through the BIMP-EAGA and ASEAN initiatives, under the ASEAN Highway Network involving the route map called AH150 connecting Negara Brunei Darussalam with neighboring Malaysia.
Integrated upgrading projects of immigration control posts are also among the government efforts through the Ministry of Home Affairs to facilitate land-based national trade. Regarding rail network transportation and railway services, this subject was also raised during the bilateral meeting between Negara Brunei Darussalam and Malaysia last November.
The Ministry acknowledges the feasibility study to be conducted by Malaysia for railway development between Sabah and Sarawak, where further considerations are needed for Brunei Darussalam's involvement. For your information, proposals received by the ministry so far are not yet able to handle the feasibility study.
Meanwhile, the ministry will continue to monitor any proposers on progress, especially their plans concerning domestic and cross-border connectivity system development.
In efforts to realize the vision of making Brunei International Airport a regional air hub, several strategic measures have been and are being continuously implemented. Among them is establishing and strengthening regional and international cooperation through bilateral and multilateral agreements and expanding the flight route network.
The Ministry of Transport and Infocommunications, together with the Civil Aviation Department, continues to strive to expand the flight sector network to enhance air connectivity. This aims to facilitate and increase the movement of passengers, goods, and services more efficiently, thus attracting investments and stimulating economic growth through tourism and trade sectors in line with the goals of Wawasan Brunei 2035.
At the regional level, specifically BIMP-EAGA, a significant achievement is the amendment of the BIMP-EAGA Air Services Memorandum of Understanding. Through this protocol, several new destinations have been opened, including Makassar, Indonesia, Sandakan, Tawau, and Mulu in Malaysia, and Cagayan de Oro in the Philippines. This MOU provides more liberal air traffic matters, granting fifth freedom traffic rights for destinations allocated to BIMP-EAGA countries.
Consistent with efforts to expand the flight network, Royal Brunei Airlines now operates to the following destinations within the BIMP-EAGA region: Kota Kinabalu 8 times a week, Kuching 4 times a week, and Balikpapan 2 flights a week.
For your information, to date, 40 bilateral Air Services Agreements have been signed by this country, further enhancing air transport connectivity, opening market access, increasing flight frequency, and expanding the airline network, as well as providing more choices for passengers.
Additionally, Negara Brunei Darussalam is also a signatory to the Multilateral Agreement on the Liberalisation of International Air Transport. This agreement represents an open skies agreement that is more liberal and facilitates international aviation market access. The Ministry is also collaborating with stakeholders, including the aviation industry, to strengthen strategic air routes and attract more airlines to operate at Brunei International Airport.
In line with the aspiration to make this country a regional aviation hub, the Civil Aviation Department encourages airlines to operate in this country by obtaining a foreign air operating certificate through incentives such as aeronautical service charges. Currently, six scheduled airlines operate at Brunei International Airport.
Turning to comprehensive planning to upgrade and elevate Brunei International Airport as the country’s gateway.
First of all, thank you to Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Johan Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Adanan bin Begawan Pehin Siraja Khatib Dato Seri Setia Haji Md. Yusof. I begin by sharing statistics on air movement at Brunei International Airport which has recorded a positive movement rate.
The record for passenger movement throughout 2024 is a total of 1,464,245 passengers. In terms of airport capacity capability at present, it can accommodate up to 3 million passengers and still has room for both new and existing airlines to operate full services, provided they meet the civil aviation requirements set.
In this regard, projects under the National Development Plan aim to increase security capabilities by improving infrastructure at Brunei International Airport. This includes upgrading existing aerodrome infrastructure and facilities, as well as navigation aid systems, which will further enhance operational safety at the airport, while indirectly encouraging sustainable and resilient development for the air transport sector.
Moving on to port development. I am pleased to refer to the debate on the Supply Bill for the Financial Year 2025/2026, presented by Yang Berhormat Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri and Menteri Kewangan dan Ekonomi II. Briefly, I am pleased to touch on several related initiatives.
One is the expansion and modification project of Muara Port. The new Muara Container Terminal is expected to be completed by the second quarter of 2027. The development of Muara Port is aligned with the goals of Wawasan Brunei 2035 and the objectives under the Services Industry Roadmap, to make Negara Brunei Darussalam a major hub for trade, services, and logistics.
For instance, the service using non-conventional kumpit-type ships has been operating on a regular basis since 2023 to islands in South Philippines and aims to expand frequency and types of goods transported.
This is a private-sector-led initiative where the government or authorities act as facilitators to enable it. The expansion and modification project of Muara Port will also include the construction of a Port Trade Zone of 3.62 hectares, designed to facilitate the import, production, and export processes for businesses using the port.
Additionally, the development project of integrated facilities at Pulau Muara Besar, Marine Maintenance and Decommissioning Yard, is also being undertaken, encompassing various services related to the maritime industry.
The MPABD has also drafted digitization efforts for services under the Maritime Sector through the Maritime Single Window, targeted to go live this month. This initiative is a step towards integrating all shipping and port activities in Negara Brunei Darussalam through a digital system using this platform.
Through the shared initiatives and efforts earlier, the Ministry of Transport and Infocommunications will continue to strive to strengthen the transport sector, not only to enhance connectivity but also to support economic growth and to make Negara Brunei Darussalam a primary destination in the region.
With that, I welcome any views and good suggestions that we can jointly consider for the well-being of the country, people, and residents, as well as to enhance economic growth. Thank you, Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua.
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua
Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Salleh Bostaman bin Haji Zainal Abidin.
Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Salleh Bostaman bin Haji Zainal Abidin
Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim. Thank you, Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua.
May I request clarification? Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua, I note the ministry's efforts to monitor developments due to the potential of the initiative as a game-changer. Sorry.
(Yang Berhormat is seated and immediately stands)
Apologies, Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua.
(Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua nods)
Since this initiative holds great potential as a game-changer, I believe it might be time to establish a dedicated team to monitor it and not just do business as usual, to ensure such a positive initiative does not slip away from Brunei.
My second question, Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua, if allowed. Given our proposal to increase flights concerning the airport situated within the urban and business area and some flights coming at night, disturbing local residents, what initiatives will be taken to ensure there is a no-flying-zone during certain hours to maintain peace on the flight path for those living under the flight path?
Thank you, Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua.
Yang Berhormat Menteri Pengangkutan dan Infokomunikasi
Thank you to Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua. Thank you to Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Salleh Bostaman bin Haji Zainal Abidin, for the questions posed.
Regarding monitoring the development of the integrated transport system, it cannot be said that we are doing business as usual. As shared, the Ministry of Transport and Infocommunications is collaborating particularly with BEDB and the Ministry of Finance and Economy through the Industry Business Unit to explore such opportunities.
However, at present, the focused efforts are also on specific products or items to ensure it is not just, as I shared, the whole chain overreaching every transport sector, whether land, air, or sea transport.
So, this is among the integrated efforts undertaken by the government in seeking opportunities available. We are also monitoring developments occurring in the region and, in this respect, see it not as competition but as complementing our own efforts.
So, this is why discussions with neighboring countries are ongoing on how we can expand and progress together rather than competing with each other. So, these are among the consultations ongoing and already taking place at this time.
Secondly, addressing residents’ peace affected by airport operations. This will be examined again, but for now, our efforts are focused on increasing the number of flights landing at Brunei International Airport but also taking into account slots we use regarding connectivity with other airports.
That’s one aspect that will need consideration in possibly reducing the number of night flights. That’s all for now, Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua.
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua
Yang Berhormat Dayang Hajah Rosmawatty binti Haji Abdul Mumin.
Yang Berhormat Dayang Hajah Rosmawatty binti Haji Abdul Mumin
Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim. Thank you, Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua.
What preliminary steps can the ministry take to enable Brunei to capture business and employment opportunities for local citizens, considering the benefits of Nusantara Kalimantan, Indonesia’s new capital?
Yang Berhormat Menteri Pengangkutan dan Infokomunikasi
Thank you, Yang Di-Pertua, and thank you, Yang Berhormat Dayang Hajah Rosmawatty binti Haji Abdul Mumin, for the question concerning what opportunities can be captured by local workers related to developments in Nusantara.
In this context, I am pleased to inform that in considering strategic plans with network associations, whether through ports, air, or land networks, Nusantara’s development is also considered. Where discussions regarding opportunities are concerned.
In this context, the expansion of Muara Port is one opportunity that can be leveraged. Through the port, transhipment via land may be developed towards Nusantara. That’s among the efforts or matters that should not be overlooked in considering strategies for the country to develop the transport sector further. Thank you.
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua
We now move to question six, which was submitted by Yang Berhormat Awang Mohammad bin Abdullah @ Lim Swee Ann, directed to Yang Berhormat Menteri Pembangunan. Please proceed, Yang Berhormat Dato.
Yang Berhormat Menteri Pembangunan
Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim, thank you Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.
With permission, kaola would like to refer to the Daily Order of Business or today's Meeting Agenda, specifically Item two, oral answers to questions 2.6, 2.7, 2.8, 2.9, and kaola seeks permission to answer these questions as they relate to the role of the Department of Town and Country Planning.
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua
Yang Berhormat Menteri Pembangunan will answer questions 6, 7, 8, and 9. Yang Berhormat Dato.
Yang Berhormat Menteri Pembangunan
Kaola, Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua.
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua
Yes. Please proceed.
Yang Berhormat Menteri Pembangunan
Thank you, Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua.
Firstly, to address the initial question from Yang Berhormat Awang Mohammad bin Abdullah @ Lim Swee Ann concerning the role and initiatives of the Department of Town and Country Planning, TCP, in the dissemination of urban planning. The Department of Town and Country Planning, TCP, serves as the planning authority responsible for Land Use Planning and Development Control in this country.
Under the Town and Country Planning Act, Chapter 248, this Department is tasked with preparing Land Use planning schemes at national, district, and local levels to guide the direction of land use and development in the country.
TCP directs land use planning and regulates physical development to ensure more orderly planning. Every area is developed according to designated land use zones such as residential, commercial, industrial, and agricultural zones for more systematic and sustainable development.
With this planning, TCP can balance development demands with existing land resources in the country to achieve optimal land use. In line with this role, TCP has implemented several initiatives to enhance dissemination, such as providing information and exposure to the public and stakeholders regarding urban and rural development planning and projects.
Among these efforts is the first, dialogue sessions with stakeholders. TCP regularly holds focus group discussions and open sessions with government agencies, the private sector, and the public, including youth, to disseminate the planning process.
For instance, the Focus Group Committee for the Preparation of the Development Plan for Pekan Seria was held as a public reachout on 6 February 2025, last month, along with discussions with the Belait District Office and Belait Municipal Department for planning in Belait District on 14 October 2024.
In addition, TCP held open public sessions with youth in Belait District on 26 November 2024 and 21 January 2025 at the Belait District Office. These sessions were also held with youth in Tutong District at the Tutong Community Complex on 16th January 2024 to provide them with knowledge about TCP's role in sustainable development and gather their views on local development issues. These youths include those from private agencies, representatives of youth associations in the respective districts.
Second, the exhibition and publicity regarding development planning, TCP also organizes planning exhibitions to bring urban planning closer to the community. For example, in conjunction with World Town Planning Day, TCP organized an interactive exhibition for 3 days from 15 to 17 November 2024 at Times Square, Berakas, aimed at highlighting the role of Land Use Planning and Development Control to the public.
During the open public youth session in Tutong in 2024, TCP set up an exhibition on Land Use planning in Tutong District to provide direct exposure to young people about the development plans prepared. Initiatives like this help the community understand planned development schemes at the district level.
Third, the use of mass media and online platforms, TCP also leverages digital media for disseminating planning information. For example, in conjunction with the 50th anniversary of TCP's establishment. The Department broadcast a special documentary on Radio Television Brunei and participated in TV programs such as Rampai Pagi and Current Affairs to highlight the role of urban planning to the public.
Moreover, TCP shares the latest information through official websites and social media platforms like Instagram to encourage the public and developers to learn about Land Use Planning Policies, local plan drafts, and planned urban development projects.
These continuous dissemination steps not only increase public awareness and knowledge of urban planning but also encourage their support and cooperation in realizing a sustainable development vision.
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua. Yang Di-Pertua. To answer the second question from Yang Berhormat Dayang Hajah Rosmawatty binti Haji Abdul Mumin concerning the enhancement of connectivity in the Gadong, Kiulap area.
The Ministry of Development is aware of the importance of road user safety, including pedestrians near the roads as mentioned by Yang Berhormat. It cannot be denied that the increase in vehicles and the lack of road connectivity, including between commercial areas in Gadong and Kiulap at present, contribute to traffic congestion and increase pedestrian safety risks.
Based on these factors, besides the rising demand for new developments in the Kiulap area, aspects of improving connectivity between Gadong, Kiulap, and Menglait are considered by TCP in the Kiulap Commercial Area Planning Scheme and the Menglait Commercial Area Planning Scheme.
These plans were also disseminated to the public during the exhibition in conjunction with the 2024 World Town Planning Day from 15 to 17 November 2024 at Times Square, Berakas.
Among the plans under these schemes include the construction of new connecting roads to reduce traffic bottlenecks between Gadong and Kiulap, which are expected to improve traffic flow along with planned pedestrian pathways connecting the two commercial centers.
The goal is to create future development in these commercial areas that is planned harmoniously and well-integrated with the surrounding areas, thus fostering a conducive business environment.
Further information regarding these planning schemes is also disseminated and can be accessed by the public through the Department of Town and Country Planning, TCP's website and Instagram.
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua, to answer the third question from Yang Berhormat Dayang Chong Ching Yee regarding mixed-use land development for sustainable development and local economic growth.
The concept of mixed-use development is identified as one of the optimal and inclusive land use strategies in district development and local plans.
Some areas have already adopted the mixed-use development concept as exemplified by Kiulap, Gadong, and Batu Satu, where there is a mix of businesses, residences, institutions, and public facilities within close proximity.
The aim is to create a sustainable and inclusive environment where residents can work, recreate, and access services within the same area.
Furthermore, local enterprises also benefit from the increased local economic activity. Economically, MSMEs (Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises) benefit from the proximity to local communities. The government supports this concept through planning policies and the provision of designated zones for commercial and enterprise activities.
With this, TCP has identified specific business and industrial zones to promote MSME development. These include industrial sites managed by agencies like the BEDB, Brunei Economic Development Board. Examples of industrial sites provided are in Tanjong Kajar, Mumong, and Sungai Bera. These areas are equipped with basic infrastructure to enable local entrepreneurs to conduct their enterprises.
At the same time, towards enhancing impactful urban planning, TCP's latest initiative includes the Pedestrian Master Plan. This master plan focuses on forming user-friendly pedestrian networks in major commercial areas.
Overall, the Pedestrian Master Plan encompasses a network from Jaya Setia Business Area to the Bandar Seri Begawan City Center, aimed at making mixed-use areas more pedestrian-friendly and encouraging a walking culture.
Initial efforts have begun in collaboration with the Public Works Department to enhance pedestrian connectivity around the government building complex at the Old Berakas Airport and will be expanded to other commercial areas such as Jaya Setia. In terms of the planning process, the Ministry of Development through TCP also includes views from various stakeholders such as previously mentioned in dialogue sessions with government and private agencies.
Focus group discussions among relevant agencies alongside public surveys have been conducted to include community and stakeholder input in planning spaces and supporting the local economy. These steps ensure more effective implementation of mixed-use development. With this support and collaboration, the concept of mixed-use development, Insha'Allah, will enhance the livability of urban areas and generate opportunities for MSMEs.
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua Dewan, to answer the fourth question from Yang Berhormat Awang Lawi bin Haji Lamat regarding the guidelines for school development and the project approval mechanism near educational institutions.
To ensure student safety and smooth traffic flow in school areas, several guidelines and projects have been implemented. The Department of Town and Country Planning has reviewed and issued specific guidelines related to school development. As a result, two main guideline documents were provided in 2020, namely:
First, the site identification guideline for schools which sets criteria for identifying appropriate sites for school construction whether government or private schools. This guideline is used as a reference to ensure new school locations are strategic and do not pose safety or traffic issues; and
Second is the planning guidelines and standards for schools and childcare centers. This guideline outlines design standards and infrastructure requirements for school and childcare center development projects.
It is used as a reference in the planning permission application process to ensure each educational institution development proposal meets the set safety and traffic compliance requirements.
These guidelines ensure that school site planning and design consider factors such as adequate parking space, designated routes for dropping off and picking up students, and organized access to and from main roads. This is crucial to prevent congestion during school hours and reduce safety risks to students.
Besides guidelines for new schools, school improvement efforts are also being implemented. TCP collaborates with the Ministry of Education to reorganize the location of a school found to be unsuitable in terms of traffic impact and safety. This relocation project is an ongoing initiative between TCP and the Ministry of Education, especially for schools too close to main roads, posing risks to students and road users.
For example, a new site measuring 6 acres in Skim Tanah Kurnia Rakyat Jati Mata-Mata Gadong was identified and approved in 2009 to relocate Sekolah Sinar Matahari to that location.
In addition, DES School in Kampung Serusop was relocated to a 2-acre site approved in 2014, with an additional area of 0.83 acres in 2024 to expand the school's size.
Therefore, from the perspective of physical infrastructure in school areas, several upgrades have been made to ensure student safety. Pedestrian bridges have also been provided in locations near schools alongside main roads to allow students to cross safely without disrupting traffic flow, and for the construction of these pedestrian bridges, there are several more planned to be built involving several schools in the Brunei-Muara District in particular.
One such example is a new pedestrian bridge on Jalan Gadong, Kampung Jangsak in front of Jubli Perak Mosque and near Seri Mulia Sarjana School, constructed in 2023. This bridge aims to improve road-crossing safety for school students and help smooth traffic flow, particularly to prevent students from crossing major roads.
Insha-Allah, efforts will continue to monitor compliance with the guidelines and further improve safety aspects in school areas for the well-being and safety of students and road users. Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua, that is the response kaola provides. Thank you.
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua
There are no additional questions from the Appointed Your Honourable Members. We now move to question ten, which is submitted by Yang Berhormat Dayang Hajah Safiah binti Sheikh Haji Abd Salam and directed to Yang Berhormat Menteri Kesihatan. Please proceed.
Yang Berhormat Menteri Kesihatan
Thank you, Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua. (Prayer read) Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua and Your Honourable Members.
Assalamualaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh and greetings. Alhamdulillah. Thank you for the question from Yang Berhormat Dayang Hajah Safiah binti Sheikh Haji Abd Salam regarding the establishment of home patient care at an affordable cost.
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua and Your Honourable Members. The Ministry of Health indeed provides several categories of home healthcare services based on specific criteria.
Currently, there are two main categories for home visit services provided by the Ministry of Health, namely home-based nursing and home nursing.
Home-based nursing is offered to citizens and permanent residents who meet certain criteria, such as those who are bed-bound or certified as house-bound by healthcare professionals and require regular community-level healthcare, such as bed-bound or house-bound individuals needing procedures like nasogastric tube change, urinary catheter tube change, blood pressure checks, or blood sampling.
Home nursing involves home visits specifically for all mothers who have just been discharged from the postnatal ward. The purpose of the visit is to ensure that the mother and the newborn baby who have just been discharged are in a healthy and safe condition.
These mentioned services are provided by trained nurses based on specific Standard Operating Procedures. If there is an additional need, these nurses will collaborate with doctors and relevant Allied Health Professionals, including medical social workers.
In an effort by the Ministry of Health to provide quality services while being personalized to the needs of the patients, these services are provided free of charge.
Alhamdulillah, recently, there are also private nursing services that manage patient care at home to assist families in managing patients and can lighten the burden of families caring all day and reduce the risk of carer fatigue. These services usually charge a slightly higher rate considering some are skilled trainers, trained nurses, and without much competition in providing these services.
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua and Your Honourable Members. Currently, the Ministry of Health is collaborating with the Ministry of Culture, Youth, and Sports in the Caregiver Program conducted by the Institute of Technical Education Brunei, IBTE, to prepare individuals as caregivers and open opportunities for job seekers to enter this field.
In the initial phase, the planned training is opened only to family members of patients to enable them to care for patients correctly and safely with specific training provided.
This basic and short-term training is estimated to last only three days and is expected to commence soon. In the long term, these caregivers are encouraged to undergo more in-depth training to further enhance their capabilities in home-bound patient care, ensuring better quality service.
Additionally, the Ministry of Health also conducts hospital training to assist nurses in managing patients in wards, especially in the Intensive Care Units, or ICUs.
These staff are employed through locally appointed contracted companies and are named Clinical Care Assistants or CCA, trained to assist nurses in handling bed turning for bedridden patients, helping nurses bathe or clean patients, and change patients' clothes. So far, about 140 youths have been appointed as CCAs through this initiative.
The Ministry of Health welcomes local private companies to provide services like Clinical Care Assistants or CCAs, which can be extended to patient care at home and hospitals privately according to individual needs.
With interested youths providing this service, insha-Allah, the cost of home patient care can become more affordable and easily accessible. Thank you, Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua.
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua
The eleventh question, which is from Yang Berhormat Dayang Chong Chin Yee also addressed to Yang Berhormat Menteri Kesihatan.
Yang Berhormat Menteri Kesihatan
Thank you to Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua. Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua and Your Honourable Members. Assalamualaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh and greetings once again.
Alhamdulillah thank you for the question from Yang Berhormat Dayang Chong Chin Yee regarding the implementation of the beverage labeling system.
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua and Your Honourable Members.
Since 2017, the Healthier Choice Logo Brunei Darussalam initiative was introduced as a step to help consumers make healthier food and beverage choices. Pre-packaged foods and beverages that meet the nutrient criteria set by the Ministry of Health are eligible to apply and be awarded this logo.
The Healthier Choice Logo Brunei is part of BRUMAP-NCD aimed at raising awareness about healthy nutrition. Through this initiative, consumers can more easily identify healthier products while shopping at supermarkets.
Throughout its implementation, the Healthier Choice Logo has been run on a voluntary basis. Based on application data, the beverage category comprises around 60% of the total applications.
Beverages containing less than 5 grams per 100ml qualify for this logo in line with efforts to encourage the consumption of healthier beverages among consumers. An excise tax on high-sugar beverages was also introduced in this country on April 1, 2017, by the Royal Customs and Excise Department.
The amendment to the Customs and Excise Import Duty rates in May 2023 imposes a tax of $4 for every 10 liters of beverages containing sugar.
Mandatory labeling for sugar, salt, and fat content in food and beverages is one of the actions under the Cross-Functional Team for Improving Brunei’s Food Environment and one of the initiatives under the Ministry of Health's Strategic Plan 2019 - 2023, which is the second strategic goal, namely Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases. For its implementation, mandatory labeling requires amendments to the existing Food Act.
In addition, cost factors such as laboratory analysis and product packaging changes must also be considered, especially for local micro, small, and medium enterprises. However, the use of labels from other countries that already have a similar labeling system is not a problem and can be used to facilitate the import process.
Therefore, further discussions with the Brunei Darussalam Food Authority, the food and beverage industry, and other stakeholders need to be held to assess the needs and challenges before moving towards mandatory labeling.
However, one of the important steps in preventing the increase in diabetes is through comprehensive public awareness to make healthy food and beverage choices and participate in existing health screenings. Thank you, Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua.
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua
Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Salleh Bostaman bin Haji Zainal Abidin.
Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Salleh Bostaman bin Haji Zainal Abidin
Thank you, Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua. May I seek clarification regarding the initiative to raise the tax on drinks containing sugar. Kaola, as a committee member in this lateral initiative, knows that the general public might not be aware of it.
Can the ministry elaborate on the extent to which the sugar tax increase initiative can change overall sugar consumption, and are there initiatives to raise taxes on identified food additives that contribute to diseases and increasing cases of chemical diseases in Brunei? Thank you, Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua.
Yang Berhormat Menteri Kesihatan
Thank you, Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua and Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Salleh Bostaman bin Haji Zainal Abidin. Briefly, upon the introduction of the sugar duty tax, Alhamdulillah, initially, its consumption decreased and water consumption increased. However, after a few years, it rose again, and there was an amendment to the act where the Royal Customs and Excise Department taxed all drinks containing sugar, not just those with less than 5 grams exempted.
However, with the introduction of the sugar tax, it has changed, or rather nudged the industry itself; it does not want to pay the tax, so it reduces the sugar.
So, most drinks now have a lower sugar percentage, and this is one of the initiatives where, rather than changing consumers' mindsets, it changes the mindset of manufacturers, and we need to look at its impact over a longer term Yang Berhormat.
That's all, thank you, and regarding other foods, insha-Allah, as Yang Berhormat also understands, it is weighed by the cross-functional team whether other foods need to be taxed, like instant noodles, chocolate, and so on. Thank you.
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua
Thank you. The twelfth question is from Yang Berhormat Dayang Chong Chin Yee directed to the Minister of Education. Actually, this question has already been answered by the Minister of Education through the previous statement from Yang Berhormat Menteri, but I would like to provide an opportunity for Yang Berhormat Dayang Chong Chin Yee or other Yang Berhormat members to raise any additional questions if necessary.
[No Your Honourable Members were present to ask additional questions]
So, we now move on to other business.
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua
Your Honourable Members, we now move on to the next agenda of the meeting.
Yang Mulia Jurutulis
Ministerial Statement.
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua
Your Honourable Members. I have given permission for yang Berhormat Menteri Kebudayaan, Belia dan Sukan to make a Ministerial Statement titled Implementation and Strategic Planning for Poverty Eradication.
Certainly, this title has been discussed and raised in this assembly several times, and now it is appropriate for us to hear the Ministerial Statement concerning it in detail. I now invite Yang Berhormat Menteri Kebudayaan, Belia dan Sukan.
Yang Berhormat Menteri Kebudayaan, Belia dan Sukan
(Prayer is recited).
Assalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh and greetings. Thank you Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua for the opportunity given to kaola to deliver a statement on behalf of the Ministry of Culture, Youth, and Sports.
Firstly, kaola, representing the Ministry of Culture, Youth, and Sports, with utmost respect and gratitude, expresses the highest thanks to His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam for the preparation of the Financial Year 2025/2026 budget amounting to $81,701,490.
As we know, the Ministry of Culture, Youth, and Sports has four main areas covering Youth Development and Growth under the Youth Sector, Development and Excellence of Sports under the Sports Sector, Cultural Preservation, Heritage, and History under the Cultural Sector, and Social Welfare Care and Community Well-being under the Social Sector where one significant challenge in this area is Poverty Eradication.
Therefore, kaola is very grateful that the theme for the Financial Year 2025/2026, United in Building a More Prosperous Future, aligns perfectly with ongoing efforts to achieve the goal of a Distinguished Brunei Nation and is in line with the mission of this ministry, which is to Build a Cultural, Resilient, Competitive, Responsible, and Caring Society.
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua and Your Honourable Members, kaola's statement will focus on issues relating to the Implementation and Strategic Planning of Poverty Eradication.
We understand that poverty involves complex socio-economic challenges where the goal to eradicate it and lift the less capable target groups out of the poverty cycle is a task that requires a holistic approach and consistent and ongoing nationwide involvement.
The explanations of these issues will also answer questions from Your Honourable Members Yang Dilantik, as they are related to issues PL18 from Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Laila Setia Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Abd. Rahman bin Haji Ibrahim, PL32 from Yang Berhormat Dayang Hajah Safiah binti Sheikh Haji Abd Salam, PL44 from Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Salleh Bostaman bin Haji Zainal Abidin, and PL137 from Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Johan Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Adanan bin Begawan Pehin Siraja Khatib Dato Seri Setia Haji Md. Yusuf.
Thank you to Your Honourable Members Yang Dilantik for those questions.
In the social sector, the main strategic focus of the Ministry of Culture, Youth, and Sports is to enhance programs to develop a distinguished, united, resilient, and caring society through reducing poverty rates and increasing self-reliance and socio-economic status of target groups, strengthening cross-sector internal intervention, and regional and international cooperation.
In executing the efforts to reduce the poverty rate, it certainly requires a strategic approach based on accurate data and effective coordination. Therefore, three main complementary approaches are being applied.
First, establishing close cooperation through the National Council on Social Issues, also known as MKIS, as the main coordinating body for national social issues among agencies, including eradicating poverty inclusively and comprehensively, and ensuring every effort is impactful and effective.
The Council was first established on April 8, 2008, and holds meetings at least twice a year. Members of this Council include Yang Berhormat Menteri Kebudayaan, Belia dan Sukan as Chairman, kaola myself, Yang Berhormat Menteri Hal Ehwal Ugama, Yang Berhormat Menteri Kewangan dan Ekonomi II, Yang Berhormat Menteri Hal Ehwal Dalam Negeri, Yang Berhormat Menteri Pendidikan, Yang Berhormat Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri and Minister and Second Minister of Defence as well as Chairman of the Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Foundation Board of Directors.
Among the twelve social issues identified that need addressing are issues such as inadequate housing, unemployment, poverty, family, women, children, persons with disabilities (PWD), and the elderly, monitored through respective Special Committees using action plans related to the issues kaola mentioned.
Since the establishment of MKIS, among other significant achievements regarding poverty eradication strategies include poverty research conducted in 2010, the Poverty Eradication Action Plan starting from 2013 and reviewed every 5 years, and the establishment of the National Welfare System, or SKN, on July 15, 2020.
Second, effectively implementing the Poverty Eradication Action Plan for 2020-2024 guided by the vision of reducing dependency on aid to produce a self-reliant and resilient society. This Action Plan is a comprehensive strategic framework to determine the direction of empowerment, empowerment, engagement, and protection strategies based on evidence and best practices.
It pleases kaola to share that among the major achievements up to December 2024, under the Entrepreneurship and Employment Program, 204 aid recipients have ventured into entrepreneurship with capital assistance guidance in the form of micro-grants. The ministry has allocated over $130,000, specifically $130,770, for the Entrepreneurial Empowerment Program over the past 5 financial years.
This adds to the efforts also implemented by other agencies such as the Department of Zakat, Wakaf, and Baitulmal, or JUZWAB, the Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Foundation, and Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam, BIBD. A total of 504 aid recipients, including their children or dependents, have been included in job placement plans through training programs and job matching with the private sector.
Cooperation with Job Centre Brunei has strengthened efforts to help aid recipients find employment. To date, 1,914 aid recipients from JAPEM, JUZWAB, and the Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Foundation have registered with Job Centre Brunei.
Of that total, 276 individuals have been identified as active job seekers, while 310 aid recipients have successfully been matched with jobs through job matching initiatives.
This effort reflects a continued commitment to ensuring that vulnerable groups can be self-reliant through suitable employment opportunities. Under the Skills Training and increased employability program, aid recipients are given access to Skills Courses and Certificates of Participation to enhance job opportunities.
JAPEM, the Youth Development Centre, Darussalam Enterprise, DARE, Livewire Brunei, and Big Begawan have collaborated on specific skills training programs for Monthly Welfare Assistance recipients to improve employability and promote economic self-reliance.
The job matching initiative helps expedite the transition from able-bodied aid recipients who have yet to secure employment into a productive workforce. In 2024, a total of 223 target groups participated in Skills Training, compared to 59 in 2023.
Third, maximizing the use of the National Welfare System, SKN, as a digital system and process mechanism that provides support for data collection and systematic data analysis. This is necessary to provide real, precise, and inclusive intervention needs.
So, kaola is pleased to share that since its inception in July 2020, as of March 2025, there have been over 68,000 aid applications received through the SKN system. More than 30,000 Monthly Welfare Assistance applications have been submitted to JAPEM and more than 36,000 to JUZWAB.
Thus, happily shared is that of the applications received by JAPEM, 87% have been processed, with the remainder in process. Then, 13,000 Monthly Welfare Assistance applications have been approved, with over 12,000 applications receiving financial assistance and nearly 300 applications receiving in-kind assistance.
Meanwhile, overall applications approved under JAPEM and JUZWAB total over 23,000. Also shared is the BKPT annual school supplies assistance, which is government in-kind assistance provided to government school students and issued in coupon form by the Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Foundation.
Since being incorporated into SKN in 2022, more than 25,000 students from aid-recipient groups under JAPEM and JUZWAB have received BKPT coupons valued between $110 and $240. Thus, in total, more than $4 million has been spent on this assistance or more precisely, $4.6 million has been dispensed for this aid.
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua and Your Honourable Members. With this comprehensive and coordinated approach, we are in a solid position and on the right track to lift the less capable target groups out of the poverty cycle and subsequently achieve a reduction in poverty rates and aspire to build a more prosperous future for all and across all levels of society in Brunei Darussalam.
However, each encouraging achievement still faces challenges. Challenges that can reduce the effectiveness of the implementation of the strategies kaola outlined earlier. Among the efforts needed is first, strengthening the mindset and willingness of individual recipients to make positive attitude changes, to be more diligent in seeking opportunities, and making use of the services and access to capacity-building programs available.
The Ministry will continue to conduct motivational, counseling, self-identity, and resilience programs to build the self-confidence of each aid recipient. Additionally, generating more professional and skilled workers in the necessary fields is essential to provide more effective quality service.
Second, strengthening infrastructure support needs through cooperation with concerned agencies for housing and transportation assistance. The lack of these facilities impacts the quality of life of every aid recipient in terms of comfort and well-being.
For example, a less capable family without comfortable housing will undoubtedly affect the children's ability to learn effectively and can also impact family harmony.
Additionally, the absence of transportation will affect someone's ability to secure and maintain a source of employment or entrepreneurship activities and attend capacity-building programs.
Third, increasing support for child care, as the issue of caring for young children limits aid recipients, especially single parents, from enabling them to attend training or engage in entrepreneurship and employment. In this matter, the MKIS is examining several proposals, such as the need for child care centers or child care support as a possible solution.
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua and Your Honourable Members. To ensure that poverty eradication efforts remain inclusive and dynamic, the ministry has also adapted several strategic approaches guided by the Poverty Eradication Action Plan and the strategic direction of the National Council on Social Issues or MKIS by focusing on three main pillars, which are based on enhancement or scalability and sustainability.
The three main pillars are: first, generating income for aid recipients. This means creating job opportunities and increasing employability proactively through close collaboration and spearheaded by the Manpower and Employment Planning Council, MPTMP, to enhance access to job opportunities.
Second, strengthening mindset and education. We all know that education is the key to success, or what we understand as a game changer, to break or come out of the poverty cycle.
Therefore, poverty eradication strategy not only focuses on aid recipients but also extends to every family member, especially to school-going children.
Hence, in this regard, the Ministry also collaborates closely with the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Religious Affairs to enhance access to quality education. Quality education for all ages, especially for children of aid recipients.
Interventions provided include Monthly Welfare Financial Assistance, BKPT Annual School Supplies Assistance, and motivational or awareness programs to form a self-reliant, economically independent mindset without perpetual reliance on any aid.
Third, strengthening policies and infrastructure through close cooperation and led by concerned agencies such as the Department of Zakat, Wakaf, and Baitulmal, JUZWAB, the Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Foundation, Darussalam Enterprise, DARe, the Ministry of Finance and Economy, the Ministry of Transport and Infocommunications, and the Ministry of Development.
In doing so, this ministry is also continuing and will continue to implement several key initiatives, first being, reviewing guidelines for provision of monthly welfare assistance under JAPEM, enlarging the scope of eligibility to increase accessibility, enhancing assistance effectiveness by requiring aid recipients to participate in empowerment or capacity building programs, ensuring they acquire the necessary skills to become self-reliant.
Second, providing a Poverty Eradication Action Plan for the next five years. For that, this Ministry will review the effectiveness of the current action plan and examine more thoroughly and in-depth the gaps and improvements needed such as housing strategy, transportation strategy, and caregiving strategy for ill family members besides small children.
Regarding defining poverty in the specific context of Brunei Darussalam, kaola is pleased to share that the National Council on Social Issues, MKIS conducted a comprehensive survey in 2010 to 2011.
One main purpose of the survey was to formulate a definition of poverty that accords with Sharia principles. Based on the study's findings, poverty is defined as a situation where an individual is unable to generate sufficient income to meet basic needs for a reasonable quality of life, for himself or his obligatory dependents.
Regarding the poverty rate in this country and the Minimum Basic Needs Cost, KMKA, this was clarified in the comments of my counterpart Yang Berhormat Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri dan Menteri Kewangan dan Ekonomi II on March 8.
Thus, with the definition of poverty established and KMKA rates set by the Ministry of Finance and Economy, the formulation of welfare aid policies and intervention programs will be more focused, inclusive, and crucially accurately directed to the genuinely less capable target groups and affected ones. This ensures optimized use of limited resources and ensures better evaluation of the effectiveness of any government aid program.
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua and Your Honourable Members, in conclusion, every achievement and implementation of initiatives will continue to be monitored and aligned to achieve high and sustainable impact. Long-term planning aims for a gradual yet consistent reduction in poverty rates, staying on the right track.
Toward that, through the National Council on Social Issues, MKIS, the Ministry of Culture, Youth, and Sports will ensure every effort impacts accurately, every resource is used efficiently and prudently, every effort is evidence-based, data analysis and best practices-driven, and every concerned agency and society, in general, is involved to care for societal welfare and well-being.
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua and Your Honourable Members, during this opportunity, permit kaola to provide additional statements on the strategic focus of an integrated approach to enhance the well-being of senior citizens that align with the three objectives of the Special Committee for Senior Citizens, which are: First, Senior Citizen Development, Second, Welfare and Well-Being of Senior Citizens, and Third, Support System for Senior Citizens. This integrated approach includes;
First, Cash and In-Kind Assistance for senior citizens. As of February 2025, over 44,000 Old Age Pension recipients have received pensions. More than 1600 senior citizens are receiving assistance under JAPEM and JUZWAB, accounting for nearly 17%. 147 low-income senior citizens have received additional financial assistance under JAPEM of $100 per month. 83 bedridden and frail senior citizens have been provided in-kind assistance with diapers worth $100 a month and milk worth $100 a month.
Second, Community Engagement and Various Initiatives including, health lifestyle awareness through TEGAS Walkathon 2023 managed by medical students from Universiti Brunei Darussalam and the Virtual "The Golden Milestones 2024" by the Brunei Medical Student Association;
Projects caring for senior citizens which currently care for 57 senior citizens in all four districts that previously involved collaborations with the Ship for Southeast Asian and Japanese Youth Program Alumni, HEART Volunteers, and the latest Food Life organization for food distribution to senior citizens living alone;
Outreach community programs with youths managed by higher education institutions like UBD bowling competition and cleanliness campaign with volunteers from IBTE, UBD, UNISSA, and PKBN; and
Finally, mental and physical wellness programs like barista training, traditional games, resistance, strength, and balance training with prayer elements.
Third, Enhancing Services at Senior Citizens Activity Centres also known as PKWE. Alhamdulillah, PKWE performance improvements across districts are observed in several aspects such as, more than 1300 memberships nationwide, 791 capacity development activities like religion, community, health, and entrepreneurship, recognition of PKWE Tutong in World Health Organization, WHO Global Database on Age-Friendly Practices, which is a commendable achievement, plans to expand the establishment of PKWE for broader access to programs and services.
In conclusion, this approach aims to enhance the quality of life for senior citizens towards active and successful aging. Assistance and services provided to senior citizens are not only in terms of financial assistance but also the creation of ecosystem programs encompassing healthy lifestyle, skills and creative training, entrepreneurship, intergenerational relationships, and digital technology.
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua and Your Honourable Members, thus peramba, kaola, I am able to present, the Ministry of Culture, Youth, and Sports together with strategic partners will continue to spearhead poverty eradication efforts with more strategic, inclusive and sustainable approaches.
Indeed, the success of this endeavor depends on unified support and ongoing cooperation from all parties. Peramba/kaola/I urge all stakeholders to continue together, meaning peramba/kaola/myself to stakeholders or what we call in our term stakeholders to collectively and cohesively realize a prosperous, self-reliant community advancing towards a Distinguished Brunei Nation by working collectively and cohesively. Insya-Allah, we will all achieve this goal and help alleviate the burdens and well-being, as well as improve the quality of life of less capable target groups, enabling them to break free from the poverty cycle.
With that, Wabillahi taufik walhidayah Wassalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh.
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua
Alhamdulillah, we extend our gratitude to Yang Berhormat Menteri Kebudayaan, Belia dan Sukan for the detailed statement made regarding the topic of the Implementation of the Strategic Poverty Eradication Plan.
Before we proceed to other topics in our meeting, I would like to adjourn this meeting for 15 minutes to allow us to take a break, and we will resume by examining other matters, Insya Allah.
(Meeting adjourned)
(Meeting reconvenes)
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua
Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim. Now, the meeting reconvenes, and we will move on to the next business of the meeting.
Yang Mulia Jurutulis
The Development Fund Bill and Resolution Proposal. Committee Stage Debate.
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua
Your Honourable Members, the National Assembly session is still discussing the 2025 Bill, Supply 2025/2026, and the Development Fund Resolution Proposal.
Now, I adjourn this session, and we will subsequently continue the Committee Stage Debate.
(Meeting adjourned)
(Meeting reconvenes as Committee)
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi
Your Honourable Members, we now continue the examination of Titles at the Committee Stage.
Yang Mulia Jurutulis
Prime Minister's Department, Titles SA16A to SA28A.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi
Your Honourable Members. For your information, among the titles, the Brunei Research Department is closed and does not require our discussion. Before starting, I would like to take this opportunity to remind Your Honourable Members that the committee stage debate is a discussion to consider expenditure requests from each ministry.
I fully hope that Your Honourable Members will be able to enliven the atmosphere of the meeting by considering and providing the best opinions and suggestions in this Committee.
For Titles SA16A to SA28A, I will invite six appointed Your Honourable Members to give their opinions, starting with - Yang Berhormat Haji Awang Sulaiman bin Haji Nasir, Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Laila Setia Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Abd. Rahman bin Haji Ibrahim, Yang Berhormat Pengiran Haji Isa bin Pengiran Haji Aliuddin, Yang Berhormat Dayang Hajah Rosmawatty binti Haji Abdul Mumin, Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Mohamad Danial @ Tekpin bin Ya'akub, Yang Berhormat Awang Lau How Teck.
Yang Berhormat, please proceed.
Yang Berhormat Haji Awang Sulaiman bin Haji Nasir
Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi. Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim. Assalamualaikum warahmatullahi ta’ala wabarakatuh. Yang Berhormat Pengerusi and Your Honourable Members. Kaola is pleased to discuss Title SA28A. Touching on efforts and initiatives towards reducing the unemployment rate among local youth.
Kaola appreciates the achievements of the Brunei Job Centre, through the department's key performance indicators, namely the estimated number of local recruitments in the private sector, which increased to 3843 actual figures from an estimated 3000 for the year 2023/2024. This indicates that the trend of job selection in the private sector among local youth is decreasing.
This development is also driven by the continually growing business climate in Brunei Darussalam. To ensure the continued expansion of this employment effort, Kaola proposes that existing policies and acts be updated and thoroughly examined to provide protection for all parties. This includes protecting the rights of employers and employees, ensuring that all employment-related matters such as job agreements are duly adhered to by all parties.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi and Your Honourable Members, kaola also observes the efforts of the Prime Minister's Department through relevant departments in achieving a dynamic and visionary human capital development goal by continuously implementing capacity-building programs among civil servants.
This includes offering courses planned through training needs analysis methods by the Public Service Institute, which aligns with the implementation of the Strategic Workforce Audit and Planning, SWAP initiative by the Prime Minister's Department. This is a good step to ensure the effectiveness of the courses implemented, in line with the government's desire to enhance the efficiency and competitiveness of the public sector, benefiting all parties in the long term.
Finally, kaola welcomes the 2025/2026 Prime Minister's Department budget plan and requests support.
Thank you and Wabillahi taufik walhidayah. Wassalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh.
Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Laila Setia Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Abd. Rahman bin Haji Ibrahim
Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim. (Prayer read)
Assalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh and greetings of peace. Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pehin Pengerusi. Kaola will only raise three matters:
First, in the 2025/2026 Allocation, the overall expenditure of the Department of Electrical Services has decreased by $17.9 million. Similarly, the budget for the power generation management 002/001 has been reduced from $46.3 million to $15.6 million.
Meanwhile, the major maintenance enterprise is allocated a new provision of $17.3 million under Title 002/003 account 216 for maintenance and repair of assets, also reduced from $55 million to $26.4 million. Towards this, kaola seeks clarification on the reasons for this reduction and whether it will not affect the maintenance work and the provision of electrical supply services to the public, business premises, and industrial sites;
Second, the Brunei Job Centre has targeted local recruitment in the private sector of 3000 individuals per year in the 2025/2026 Financial Year. In the previous Financial Year, the recruitment target in both the public and private sectors was set at 12,635 individuals. This means the recruitment target in the public sector is approximately 9,600 individuals per year.
In this regard, kaola seeks clarification on whether this target is realistic as we are aware that in recent years the number of positions in the public sector has not increased significantly; in fact, in several ministries and departments, they have been reduced from year to year through the trade-off process. Please correct kaola if kaola is wrong, the number of retiring civil servants is only around 2,000 to 2,500 individuals per year and the process of filling vacancies has not yet accelerated as expected.
This also pertains to issues regarding positions still held in an acting capacity. Towards this, please share whether the target has been achieved last year and what future efforts the ministry has to effectively address this issue. On this same issue, kaola takes note of the new Labour Force Survey 2024, which was recently published, showing that the number of job seekers decreased from 11,990 individuals in 2023 to 11,100 individuals in 2024. Alhamdulillah, congratulations, and kudos, and if possible, please share the main factors causing this decline.
In addition, kaola would also like clarification on the Brunei Job Centre program, which is allocated $19.2 million in Code 002/001, specifically in efforts to provide more job opportunities and reduce youth unemployment.
Kaola raises this concern because it aligns with several matters mentioned by the IMF in the Article 4 consultation report published in October 2024, which also highlighted the challenges facing the country in providing more job opportunities and reducing youth unemployment. Kaola feels this concern is valid and reasonable, considering nearly 68% of the total number of active job seekers are youth aged between 18 to 30.
And lastly, kaola wants to touch on a proposal by the Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah Islamic Treasure Hall, concerning the number of visitors touring the gallery, which is set at 20,700 visitors in the 2025/2026 Financial Year. The trend of increasing visitors seems constant, with an addition of 700 visitors each year.
As we know, the Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah Islamic Treasure Hall is unique in its architectural design. This is because the appointed architect of this work is a renowned international consultant, who has also designed world-famous galleries such as The Louvre in Paris and the Museum of Islamic Art in Qatar.
Kaola believes that this should be capitalized with more prominent and aggressive promotions because the architects and exhibition materials, especially from the personal collection of Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan dan Yang Di-Pertuan Negara Brunei Darussalam, indeed have their own uniqueness and should be widely promoted as an effort to enhance Islamic tourism for the country.
Alhamdulillah, in 2024 we have successfully promoted this gallery through the Faith and Devotion exhibition in collaboration with the well-known international firm, Sotheby's. Kaola believes these efforts need to be intensified to attract more visitors, especially foreign tourists, to witness this gallery.
Towards this, kaola would like to know what the strategies of this hall are, in collaboration with other stakeholders, to promote and attract more visitors, especially tourists from abroad. Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.
Yang Berhormat Pengiran Haji Isa bin Pengiran Haji Aliuddin
Thank you, Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua, for your wisdom.
Assalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh. Kaola has only three things to raise for Titles SA16A to SA28A.
First, Title SA22A Code 003/000 Court Services Management Program of Syariah Courts. Since 2006, civil lawyers are bound to mandatory laws through the Law Society Order. With the existence of this Law Society Order, it upholds the ethics of civil lawyers and public welfare.
My question, has the drafting of this order been implemented and approved in the Syariah Court for the ethics of syariah lawyers?
Second, referring to the same title. Civil lawyers are now required to have Professional Indemnity Insurance to protect the public interest. The same requirement is needed for syariah lawyers. Kaola seeks clarification, has the effort to require Professional Indemnity Insurance been implemented for syariah lawyers?
And thirdly, concerning Title SA27A Code 001/000, which is the Development Program of the Islamic Knowledge Heritage Centre. In line with the main function of the Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah Islamic Treasure Hall to become a centre of knowledge heritage and an international tourism destination capable of enriching the culture of knowledge through academic and research activities while increasing national income.
What are the government's plans to organize knowledge programs by inviting contemporary scholars from around the world selected according to Ahli Sunnah Wal Jamaah? The International Sunnah Convention, 2025 in January in Perlis, Malaysia is an example where Zakir Naik, Omar Suleiman, Yusuf Estes, Bilal Philips or eschatology experts like Imran Hosein and other scholars like Mufti Menk participated. If not, scholars like Habib Omar from Yemen.
Kaola believes that by organizing such programs, the Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah Islamic Treasure Hall can become more attractive for tourists and indirectly increase national income. Wassalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh.
Yang Berhormat Dayang Hajah Rosmawatty binti Haji Abdul Mumin
Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahmanir Rahim. Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi. Kaola refers to SA24A, JPM, Electrical Services Department Code 004/000, Customer Service and KPI for revenue arrears reduction.
Referring to Title SA24A Code 004/000, the arrears for electricity revenue are high. Approximately $400 million. Meanwhile, the target for the reduction stated in the KPI is too low, with a reduction of $4 million per year.
Has it been identified which sectors contribute to these high revenue arrears? Is it from private homes or commercial? When can a zero-arrears target be achieved? The responsible parties need to set more realistic and challenging targets based on current data and potential improvements in collection processes, such as setting payment deadlines and actions.
What KPIs can the ministry introduce to evaluate how government buildings, residential, commercial, and industrial premises practice efficient energy usage? How can the department benchmark this achievement other than just reducing electricity consumption?
Taking this opportunity, kaola draws attention to Yang Berhormat Pengerusi and Your Honourable Members on the important role of energy affairs in driving the national economy as seen with the Department of Electrical Services. Therefore, kaola suggests that the JPM set Key Performance Indicators, KPIs covering upstream, downstream, and green energy industries.
Thank you, Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua.
Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Mohamad Danial @ Tekpin bin Ya’akub
Assalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh. Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim. Yang Berhormat Pengerusi, Your Honourable Members. With a budget allocation of $552.3 million, kaola is optimistic that all forms of progress should always prioritize the interests, safety, and well-being of the people and residents of Negara Brunei Darussalam.
In this regard, kaola welcomes the priority of the Prime Minister's Department, especially national security agencies, in establishing strong cooperation with the general public by crafting various strategies through the whole-of-government, whole-of-nation approach to increase public awareness and productivity, ensuring political stability and national sovereignty are maintained.
Kaola also welcomes the country's commitment to the Paris Agreement to reduce Greenhouse Gas emissions by 20% by the year 2030 by updating the National Climate Change Policy of Brunei Darussalam as a step towards implementation by 2035.
With this, efforts towards strengthening energy security with various sources, including alternative energy, while considering the use of lower-carbon energy through more efficient and high-tech usage methods.
These efforts should continue to be supported by all parties so that initiatives toward addressing climate change issues can be achieved more effectively. This includes widely introducing technologies based on environmentally friendly energy usage to be practiced both in existing buildings and newly planned projects. Besides that, the public's role is also important, where the current use of solar lights is becoming widespread and a choice in their homes.
In connection with this, kaola suggests that relevant agencies regulate the importation of all types of solar energy products in the country by considering quality and price. This is important to ensure consumer safety and rights are protected, especially towards curbing the sale of counterfeit and unsafe solar energy products.
Kaola is pleased to refer to Title SA24A - Key Performance Indicators of the Department of Electrical Services regarding the number of supply disruptions on the transmission and distribution system exceeding 60 minutes, where the estimate for 2023/2024 is 51, but the actual number exceeds 80.
This indicates a high increase. The frequency of disruptions exceeding one hour faced by the public and consumers. Kaola hopes that efforts to strengthen the electricity supply as outlined in the National Budget 2025/2026 and through RKN12 can be implemented as best as possible to ensure any disruptions can be adequately reduced.
That is all, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.
Yang Berhormat Awang Lau How Teck
Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pehin Pengerusi. Kaola apologizes, kaola wishes to withdraw from the debate because the matter has already been raised by fellow members. Thank you.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi
Now I invite. Now I invite again, a group of several, six subsequent Your Honourable Members, who are Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Salleh Bostaman bin Haji Zainal Abidin, Yang Berhormat Dr. Awang Haji Mahali bin Haji Momin, Yang Berhormat Dayang Hajah Safiah binti Sheikh Haji Abd. Salam, Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Johan Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Adanan bin Begawan Pehin Siraja Khatib Dato Seri Setia Haji Md. Yusof and Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Indera Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Suyoi bin Haji Osman.
Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Salleh Bostaman bin Haji Zainal Abidin
Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim. Thank you, Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua. Kaola has three, if there is an opportunity, four issues that will be presented.
SA016A – Government's Mufti Department Code 002/003 – Dissemination of Islamic Knowledge and Information. Kaola would like to ask whether this budget includes efforts for Digitalization of Religious Rulings (Irsyad Hukum), as kaola believes that Digitalization of Irsyad Hukum can increase access to information, facilitate fatwa dissemination, and make services more efficient in line with the needs of modern society and the aspirations of the country's digital transformation.
Kaola also suggests providing translations into English and Mandarin to ensure the information in Irsyad Hukum is accessible to more sections of society, especially for new converts and as da'wah to non-Muslims who may not understand Malay.
The second question, SA24A – JPM Department of Electrical Services. The electricity supply disruptions in 2024 are too frequent and kaola would like to request the status of efficiency and reliability of power generation and what is the status of the ministry in projects replacing Power Generation Systems and also kaola would like to know if there are any initiatives from the Department of Electrical Services to introduce incentives for users to choose renewable energy without completely relying on the national grid.
Additionally, on Energy Security through the ASEAN Power Grid, kaola understands that several ASEAN countries are interconnected through the ASEAN Power Grid, bringing various benefits, including increasing energy security, supporting economic growth, and facilitating the transition to more renewable energy.
With these benefits, what steps can the ministry take to ensure the country is also connected, interconnected with the region to ensure national security and a more sustainable transition?
Kaola's fourth question is SA28A - Brunei Employment Center. The KPI targeting 3,000 jobs each year. Kaola seeks clarification on the previous year's target of 12,000 for 2024 but broken into a new agency that only targets 3,000. Who takes the 9,000 target and where will the KPI be measured? Kaola believes that the ministry should ensure that the reduction in Work Permit holders in the private sector must be addressed by replacing them with sufficient and qualified local workers.
And what steps will be taken to ensure that the private sector gives priority to hiring local workers and are there any incentives or penalties imposed on private entities that consistently hire non-locals to fill their vacancies? That is all. Wassalamualaikum.
Yang Berhormat Dr. Awang Haji Mahali bin Haji Momin
Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim. Thank you, Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua.
Kaola refers to SA27A - Balai Khazanah Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah.
First of all, ah, kaola, ah, would like to share that, kaola agrees with the views of the two previous Your Honourable Members, Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Laila Setia Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Abd. Rahman bin Haji Ibrahim and Yang Berhormat Pengiran Haji Isa bin Pengiran Haji Aliuddin related to the Khazanah.
However, kaola would like to add here Pehin, that it is understood that educational activities will be enhanced. Therefore, what are the specific plans to increase educational activities at the Pusat Warisan Ilmu Islam? How will local graduates be involved in this research activity? And what steps will be taken to attract local and international scholars? What efforts will be conducted to increase research participation in the Islamic world and to make Balai Khazanah Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah a Regional and International Research Center? That is all, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.
Yang Berhormat Dayang Hajah Safiah binti Sheikh Haji Abd. Salam
Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim. Assalamualaikum warahmatullahi ta’ala wabarakatuh. Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.
Ah...Kaola refers to Code SA21A – Attorney General's Office with a total expenditure of $12,409,060.00. Kaola has examined the Key Performance Indicators for this department and the programs provided and kaola found that the actual achievement of the Key Performance Indicators or KPIs for the Fiscal Year 2024 and 2025 shows that for the Year 2023/2024, sorry, it shows all achievements below the original target.
Specifically, for the three KPIs related to the number of contracts reviewed, the achievement was 43% against an original target of 80%. The number of ADC Brunei Law Reviews published, the actual achievement was 15%, compared to a target of 80%, and the number of trademarks processed with an achievement of 54%, compared to an original target of 80%.
In this regard, kaola seeks clarification on the challenges faced by the Attorney General's Department contributing to the delays in the work process, which indirectly supports public perception about the services provided by this institution.
Secondly, what strategy does the Attorney General's Office have to ensure improvement and increased efficiency and productivity of the legal services provided and subsequently able to achieve 100% services offered?
The second matter, kaola refers to SA26A – Department, ah, Civil Service Institute with an expenditure of $3,913,390.00. Kaola refers also to the Key Performance Indicators for this title, where the achievement and target, Alhamdulillah, are consistently 100%. However, kaola found that the KPI provided, namely the percentage of course planning implemented, does not support the set program objectives of improving productivity through skills and capacity enhancement. Because, the number of courses conducted alone does not provide a clear and accurate picture of productivity improvement. What is important is the enhancement of skills and capacity as well as the development of professionalism identified as a result of the courses attended. Therefore, kaola suggests that the KPI be updated by considering evaluations of participants who have attended the courses provided to ensure higher productivity.
And finally, Code SA28A - Brunei Employment Center Code 002/000 Human Resource Services for program 002/001 Brunei Employment Center Program with an allocation of $19,209,310.00. Kaola seeks clarification on the steps taken to further enhance the effectiveness of apprenticeship programs in preparing program participants to enter the labor market and how the ministry monitors and evaluates the long-term impact of these programs to remain relevant to existing labor market changes.
Thank you. Wabillahi taufik walhidayah wassalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh.
Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Johan Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Adanan bin Begawan Pehin Siraja Khatib Dato Seri Setia Haji Md. Yusof
Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim. Assalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh. Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pehin Pengerusi.
Kaola here would like to touch on Title SA16A, which is the Mufti Department Code 200 related to the expansion of knowledge and information, dissemination of Islamic knowledge and information, collection of Islamic knowledge and information.
Under this allocation, it appears compared to 2024/2025, it has increased from $4,177,324.00 to $4,381,826.00 for the Fiscal Year 2025/2026, where kaola warmly welcomes this increase.
What is hoped for is that religious agendas such as these should be enhanced in their dissemination, including updating data postings, date postings, up-to-date postings digitally following the trends of ICT digital transformation developments allowing more people, especially among the citizens and residents of this country, to access religious knowledge aside from further spreading the teachings of Islam in this country. Certainly, this would be able to further strengthen the understanding and beliefs of Ahli Sunnah Wal Jamaah following Imam Syafi’e practiced in Negara Brunei Darussalam.
Second, kaola would like to touch on under the Title of the Civil Service Institute, which is Title SA26A. The development of civil service personnel is very important to be continuously implemented to ensure equipping various skills and competencies needed towards achieving excellence in public service. In this matter also, kaola fully supports the drastic increase under Title 2112, Human Resource Development to $1,040,000.00 for the Year 2025/2026.
In relation to this, kaola seeks clarification, what are the strategic planning mechanisms and action plans to optimize this allocation to truly enhance more effective, efficient, excellent, productive and integrity-filled services consistent with the Vision of 21st Century Public Service and subsequently supporting Brunei Vision 2035 achievements.
Thirdly, kaola would like to touch on Title SA28A – Brunei Employment Center under the Minor Title 002 Human Resource Services and also its relation under Title 002 Program Brunei Employment Center financially allocated a sum of $19,407,310.00 for the Year 2025/2026.
Kaola also supports this higher allocation to provide more opportunities for locals to attend various training and skills programs to meet the needs of the industry and private sector, enabling increased employability and employment.
Based on the KPI, it shows a 100% achievement for the year 2023/2024 and a similar 100% target for the year 2025/2026, for participants who completed short courses where kaola wholeheartedly welcomes the perseverance to continuously organize programs. However, what is crucial is kaola seeks clarification, what percentage of them successfully obtained employment after completing these courses in recent years and also at present?
Kaola believes this is a reality challenge in evaluating the effectiveness and success of programs provided. Kaola believes this success certainly also requires collaboration and strong commitment from all relevant agencies, especially to employers to be ready to hire local workers who have completed appropriate courses.
Thank you. Wabillahi taufik walhidayah wassalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh.
Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Indera Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Suyoi bin Haji Osman
Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.
Kaola would just like to touch on Title SA28A, which has also been addressed by Your Honourable Member earlier, under Provision SA28A at the Brunei Employment Centre, which outlines two main functions of the department: first, management and corporate affairs, employment centre and services, and the second objective is to enhance the capacity and marketability, as well as employability, of the local youth.
Kaola would just like to seek clarification following the record on the justification for the use of the provision amounting to $19,209,310.00 given under Account 2115 – Grant and Subsidy Assistance Selection.
Kaola would also like to refer to one of the performance indicators, which is the number of participants completing the short-term courses, as also mentioned by a fellow Yang Berhormat earlier, achieving a 100% success rate. My question is, are these participants currently employed, have they already been employed, or are they still seeking employment, and out of those who joined this 100% successful course, how many have secured jobs after completing the course?
That's all, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi. Thank you.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi
Now I will allow the Yang Berhormat Ministers in the Prime Minister's Department to provide their respective comments. Please proceed, Yang Berhormat.
Yang Berhormat Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri dan Menteri Pertahanan II
Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi. Assalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh. (Prayer is recited).
Kaola is pleased to first express gratitude and thanks to Your Honourable Members for the questions raised earlier, and kaola appreciates and acknowledges the insightful suggestions put forward by Your Honourable Members. On this occasion, as usual, kaola will, insya Allah, answer questions related to my responsibilities or portfolio. Meanwhile, others will be answered by my colleague, Yang Berhormat Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri dan Menteri Kewangan dan Ekonomi II. Kaola will also try within the allotted time to answer the questions. However, any unanswered ones will be addressed in writing, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.
Kaola first addresses SA16A, which is a pleasure to answer questions from several Your Honourable Members, namely Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Johan Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Adanan bin Begawan Pehin Siraja Khatib Dato Seri Setia Haji Md. Yusof and Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Salleh Bostaman bin Haji Zainal Abidin regarding the initiatives of the Government Mufti Department, Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan dan Yang Di-Pertuan Negara Brunei Darussalam in the digitization of Irsyad Hukum and its budget and proposals to translate Irsyad Hukum into English and Mandarin and other efforts to spread Islamic da'wah through the relevant department.
Pleased to clarify that Title SA16A, Activity Code 002/003 - Dissemination of Islamic Knowledge and Information is an allocation for the payment of emoluments, salaries, and allowances for 13 officers and staff in the Publishing and Information Division and Recurrent Expenditure encompasses visits, exhibitions, ceremonies, promotions, marketing, etc., but does not include funding for the digitization of Irsyad Hukum. However, the department has undertaken several initiatives to provide platforms and facilities for the public to access Islamic knowledge and information.
Among the efforts already implemented are the official department accounts for the Instagram app launched on 24 June 2023 and YouTube launched on 25 May of the same year. Regarding the effort to digitize Irsyad Hukum, this matter is also part of the ongoing initiatives of the Government Mufti Department to create a platform for material in digital form and will be introduced to the community at an appropriate time.
Regarding the proposal to translate Irsyad Hukum into English. The department takes note and welcomes this suggestion and will assess the feasibility of its implementation. However, the translation into Mandarin will be reviewed further for its suitability.
And kaola, before kaola answers the section related to energy which is quite lengthy, will directly address the section of questions related to SA27A, which is about the Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Islamic Treasure House that caught the attention of Your Honourable Members earlier regarding strategies to attract visitors and how to utilize the use of the Treasure House's stored items in the Islamic heritage to be highlighted to the world. And kaola is also thankful especially to Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Laila Setia Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Abd. Rahman bin Haji Ibrahim and Yang Berhormat Pengiran Haji Isa bin Pengiran Haji Aliuddin and lastly Yang Berhormat Dr. Awang Haji Mahali bin Haji Momin.
All intending to elevate the profile and image of the Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Islamic Treasure House. Hence, to realize the noble aspirations and far-sighted vision of Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan dan Yang Di-Pertuan Negara Brunei Darussalam to establish this Treasure House as a center for Islamic heritage knowledge. Among the efforts that have been implemented:
First, providing digitization training courses for manuscripts and archival collection materials to officers and staff handling the manuscript collections to ensure they are proficient in producing digital manuscripts. The purpose of scanning manuscript materials and mushaf in digital format is to ensure the original paper materials of the manuscripts and mushaf are always preserved and protected, especially those that are hundreds of years old. Furthermore, it facilitates access to the manuscript collection for researchers through digital copies without jeopardizing the original collection materials;
Secondly, opening memberships for external researchers interested in researching manuscript collections held by the treasure house. Membership fees are $10.00 for three months and $30.00 for one year. Researchers are given access to digital copies of the manuscripts. Alhamdulillah, to date, there are five external researchers who have registered and conducted studies on the manuscript collections of the Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Islamic Treasure House. In addition, the Research Officers of the treasure house are also conducting internal studies on the manuscripts in the treasure house;
Furthermore, organizing philology workshops and training in 2023 through collaboration with Universiti Brunei Darussalam, UBD involving academic staff from UBD with expertise in philology and experience in manuscript research as facilitators. These workshops and training aim to provide exposure and knowledge to participants regarding detailed study methods of ancient literary texts to ascertain their authenticity, original form, and content meaning. It also aims to attract researchers, particularly among the younger generation, to conduct manuscript research;
Moreover, collaborating with Public Higher Education Institutions, IPTA in organizing symposiums, seminars, and conferences. Among them, Symposium in the Footsteps of Faith, Breathing Science and Spirituality in the Wisdom of Quran, and Symposium on Plants in Islamic Civilization. Both were held last year in collaboration with UBD. The Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Islamic Treasure House is also striving to collaborate with an Emeritus Professor from the Rimba Ilmu Botanic Garden at Universiti Malaya through scientific studies and publications of plant collections in the herbal garden of the treasure house;
Additionally, opening opportunities for local graduates to engage in this research activity. The Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Islamic Treasure House is expanding its cooperation network with local IPTAs where interested students will have opportunities to gain exposure and experience in the research field suitable and related to the treasure house collection materials. For example, the treasure house plans to collaborate with Universiti Islam Sultan Sharif Ali, UNISSA, and Kolej Universiti Perguruan Ugama Seri Begawan, KUPUSB, especially in manuscript research in the fields of Arabic Studies and Islamic Civilization, especially since the collaboration with UNISSA recently established a center dedicated to preserving, sustaining, and studying manuscripts known as the Center for Islamic Manuscript Studies and will commence offering a Master In Islamic Manuscript By Research and Ph.D. In Islamic Manuscript By Research program starting this year. Local graduates from these programs will continue to have opportunities to engage in research activities after completing their studies by registering as Research Members of the Islamic Treasure House Board.
Further efforts to make the Islamic Treasure House a center for heritage knowledge in the region include organizing the First International Islamic Manuscript Conference insya Allah from June 16 to 19 this year in collaboration with Universiti Islam Sharif Ali, Kolej Universiti Perguruan Ugama Seri Begawan, and Universiti Brunei Darussalam.
The organization of such an international conference is hoped to help further elevate the profile and image of the Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Islamic Treasure House as a center for Islamic heritage knowledge on the international stage.
Furthermore, in response to questions about attracting visitors, which will be partially answered, this matter is repeatedly an agenda item during the meetings of the Advisory Board of the Treasure House to attract visitors through the whole-of-government and whole-of-nation approaches. Whole-of-government, if possible, all schools and educational institutions, whether higher or lower, should take the opportunity to visit there.
Similarly, efforts to attract foreign visitors through the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism to work with tourism operators to encourage all tourists visiting Brunei Darussalam to visit this center, the Treasure House, insya Allah.
As many programs have already been organized, efforts continue to increase the statistics like the 700 visitors mentioned earlier, insya Allah. And within this building attracting attention, there is a special room known as the Blessed Hair Room of Rasulullah Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam, which citizens of Brunei Darussalam will indeed visit on certain days during Islamic festive days.
Kaola attempts to answer questions related to electricity services and the Electricity Department. It might be lengthy, Pehin, but perhaps kaola can also address some of the questions posed by Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Laila Setia Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Abd. Rahman bin Haji Ibrahim, Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Mohamad Danial @ Tekpin bin Ya’akub, Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Salleh Bostaman bin Haji Zainal Abidin, and Yang Berhormat Dayang Hajah Rosmawatty binti Haji Abdul Mumin.
Kaola attempts to integrate what kaola will present. Perhaps not complete, but the comprehensive response will follow as usual.
Among the questions are related to energy efficiency, so our country is among the highest electricity users in this region, reaching 800 Kilowatt-hours per capita for the year 2021 compared to neighboring Malaysia, which is 5000 Kilowatt-hours per capita.
According to the ASEAN Energy Statistics 2023, this indicates the need to increase efficiency and energy savings both in terms of supply, generation systems, and from a consumer perspective, which is a priority for the Energy Department.
Since the installation of USMS in 2022, the real-time meter function has enabled users to be more aware of energy usage. The Energy Efficiency Standard and Labelling Order, 2021, SLO has prohibited the import and sale of energy-inefficient electrical equipment since January 2023.
As explained by Yang Berhormat Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri dan Menteri Kewangan dan Ekonomi II earlier, the government bears electricity subsidies, while the regressive tariff for the commercial sector currently offers lower rates for more usage, not encouraging usage at an efficient rate.
The government also leads efforts to enhance energy efficiency from a usage perspective through energy management competitions and advancing the installation of solar panels on government buildings. On the aspect of generation system efficiency, the overall electrical generation system efficiency of the country is currently estimated at around 28%. This system combines high-efficiency technologies like the Bukit Panggal Phase One Power Plant and the Berakas Power Project Oregen, while nearly 70% of the generation to old power plants operates with an efficiency rate of around 21%. New power plants by the Electricity Services Department and the Berakas Power Company are expected to be completed by 2027 and 2028 utilizing the more efficient Combined-Cycle Gas Turbine, CCGT technology, increasing overall efficiency to over 35%. Insya Allah, the national target is to achieve an overall generation efficiency level of over 50% by 2035.
Regarding several electricity interruption issues, a significant portion of power plants and grid network assets still operate over 30 years, making the power supply system vulnerable to interruptions and affecting closely monitored supply reliability indices, namely SAIDI, System Average Interruption Duration Index, and SAIFI, System Average Interruption Frequency Index. SAIDI index measures the average interruption duration for each customer. Implementation of Key Projects RKN has reduced SAIDI from 310 minutes in 2013 to 13 minutes in 2022, equivalent to the best in ASEAN. However, integrity challenges in 2023 caused SAIDI to increase to 80 minutes but were restored to 40 minutes last year.
Regarding the SAIFI index, System Average Interruption Frequency Index, measuring interruption frequency also dropped from 1.2 times per customer in 2023 to 0.8 times in 2024. These indices are heavily influenced by network or transmission supply system interruptions; the improvement program through RKN and the annual work plan JPE, Electricity Services Department, is being implemented for system upgrade maintenance and phased replacement of old power plants to achieve a target generation efficiency exceeding 50% by 2035 and also to continue improving SAIDI and SAIFI indices to previous levels.
In RKN-12, specifically, some projects by the Electricity Services Department involve upgrading the electricity supply network system and are expected to take between 2 and 3 years to complete. Some are expected to be completed this year. With the implementation of these projects, Insya Allah, the national electricity supply network will be more robust. Meanwhile, electricity supply to consumers will be more stable and reliable.
In strengthening national energy supply security, alternative sources to diversify the supply are strongly emphasized in line with the national target to increase generation capacity from renewable energy to at least 30% in the national energy mix by 2035.
Therefore, the use of energy-efficient technology is crucial, including solar panel import duty exemptions introduced in 2012 and a 15% increase in duty for non-energy-efficient lamps.
Moreover, promoting the installation of renewable energy through the captive net metering program since 2021 allows surplus solar energy to be exported to the national grid, consequently helping to reduce monthly bills for the users.
Several companies have integrated solar energy, including BSP, Hengyi, BIBD, JIS, Expro Sdn Bhd, and Sumitomo Corporation. Projects RKN-12 and beyond like Energy Management System, Supervisory Control, and Data Acquisition, SCADA Phase Three, are enhancing grid intelligence or Smart Grid required for large-scale renewable energy absorption to realize national targets.
In ensuring the public fully benefits from green electrical technologies, including solar equipment, safety aspects are crucial. The Energy Department through the Autoriti Elektrik Negara Brunei Darussalam, AENBD has issued the Electrical Equipment and Product Guidelines, downloadable from the Energy Department’s website, as a safety guide for electrical products in general. However, guidelines specifically for solar-related products have yet to be published or released. This proposal is good and beneficial to consider in line with the Energy Department’s plans to educate and raise public awareness regarding green electrical products including solar.
Meanwhile, international standard IEC, International Electrotechnical Commission, relevant standards like IEC 61215 ensuring solar panel product quality and equipment related to the solar energy system are available. These can serve as a guide.
In advancing this joint effort, a comprehensive approach is required, with a crucial role played by the public. The Energy Department continues its vigorous efforts to engage the public through dissemination programs in collaboration with government and private agencies, including higher education institutions, in dissemination of energy transition topics such as Rampai Pagi interviews, Climate Action Segments on solar development through the Climate Change Office, Sustainable Brunei Forum through the SDG Office held at UBD, and participating in several sustainability-themed forums managed by Baiduri Bank, Darussalam Assets, etc.
The Energy Department also through the Energy Transition Division, participates in dissemination sessions highlighting awareness increase regarding efficiency and energy savings at grassroots levels through the Information Department’s Meet the People Program and briefings during the National Service Program. These dissemination efforts will continue to be implemented to enhance the understanding and awareness of the public.
Furthermore, kaola wants to explain the position of electricity bill arrears under the Electricity Services Department that might answer questions from Yang Berhormat Dayang Hajah Rosmawatty binti Haji Abdul Mumin. As of December 31, 2024, total arrears for the residential and commercial sectors amounted to B$119 million, a decrease of $7.0 million compared to arrears on December 31, 2023, which totaled $126 million.
Measures to address arrears in the residential and commercial sectors include changing postpaid meters to USMS smart meters and installments through credit purchase deductions, baksis, salaries, and pensions. To date, 98,502 prepaid electricity meters have been converted to USMS smart meters. As of December 31, 2024, $1.2 million has been collected through credit purchase deductions in the USMS smart meter system. Installing USMS smart meters in new premises is intended to avoid arrears. Meanwhile, replacing prepaid meters with USMS helps reduce arrears continuously. Compared to existing prepaid meters, electricity usage can be monitored through the USMS app, simultaneously educating the public to be more prudent in electricity use.
Additionally, arrears in the residential sector are also collected through assistance from the Majlis Ugama Islam Brunei, MUIB and the government provides services through several methods initiated by an agreement system. For the residential sector, typically the Electricity Services Department will make a minimum deduction of 30% for each token purchase and 50% for each token purchase in the commercial sector. Users in arrears are also encouraged to visit the nearest Electricity Services Department counter for more in-depth clarification and to negotiate for those needing special consideration subject to case review.
That is among what can be addressed at this initial stage, and kaola invites my colleague Yang Berhormat Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri dan Menteri Kewangan dan Ekonomi II to respond. Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.
Yang Berhormat Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri dan Menteri Kewangan dan Ekonomi II
Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi. First of all, kaola would like to refer back to a question from Yang Berhormat Pengiran Haji Isa bin Pengiran Haji Aliuddin raised yesterday regarding the rationale for the rebuilding of the Brunei Employment Centre building, which was previously a cooperative building.
For the information of Yang Berhormat, at the moment this building has not been used for a long time and is considered unsafe. Thus, the building has now been taken over by Job Centre Brunei with the aim of providing more services and facilities and simultaneously examining the new building design to ensure it becomes more conducive for future users at the Job Centre.
Additionally, the new Job Centre building is intended to facilitate operations and initiatives equipped with the latest and most sophisticated facilities and to compete with employment centers abroad that have inclusive facilities. Furthermore, this building will also be a pilot project for a Green Building incorporating eco-friendly and sustainable concepts under the National Development Plan, RKN-12.
The building will offer various facilities for local job seekers and employers in the private sector, including spaces for activities such as career exhibitions and workshops, as well as sufficient interview rooms and a hall that can accommodate more than 200 people. Inclusive facilities for individuals with special needs will also be provided to ensure comfort and equality for all individuals. Additionally, this new building will generate revenue for the government as part of the space is intended for rental purposes.
Next, kaola would like to refer to questions raised by Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Laila Setia Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Abd. Rahman bin Haji Ibrahim and Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Salleh Bostaman bin Haji Zainal Abidin which seek clarification regarding the KPI for local recruitment, specifically the difference between the KPI for local recruitment in the private sector totaling 3,000 annually and the KPI for local recruitment in both the private and public sectors estimated at over 12,000 for the year 2024/2025. Both KPIs are related to measuring the recruitment of local workers, where the KPI for local recruitment in the private sector totaling 3,000 people annually refers to local job seekers who secure employment directly through the Brunei Employment Centre platform. Therefore, this KPI measures the effectiveness of the Job Centre Brunei platform in facilitating local job searches.
Meanwhile, the KPI for local recruitment in the public and private sectors, estimated at over 12,000 people, refers to the overall recruitment of local workers in four recruitment categories, namely:
Firstly, new recruitment in the public service;
Secondly, new recruitment into uniformed services such as the Royal Brunei Armed Forces, the Royal Brunei Police Force, and the Prison Department;
Thirdly, new recruitment into the private sector recorded through the business reporting portal under the Ministry of Finance and Economy and as mandated for input from private companies through the Employee Information Act; and
Fourthly, inclusion in apprenticeship schemes or programs.
This KPI is monitored monthly to provide an overview of current recruitment numbers and subsequently enable the Human Resource Planning Council to plan and introduce new initiatives to increase the recruitment of local individuals.
Regarding the question from Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Salleh Bostaman bin Haji Zainal Abidin about reducing work permit holders in the private sector, Job Centre Brunei continues to support and encourage local recruitment by placing more emphasis on securing positions in the private sector, including for positions requesting a clearance letter for a Foreign Worker License. This is to support the Foreign Employment License enforced by the Labour Department towards the policy of 'Bruneianization'.
For the year 2024, a total of 3,299 positions have been denied to allow opportunities for local individuals. In ensuring the private sector prioritizes local recruitment, Job Centre Brunei implements several strategic measures, including working closely with the private sector and regulating to understand employer needs to ensure local workers can be trained according to market requirements. This enables the design and adaptation of new programs and initiatives according to market demands. To facilitate local recruitment, Job Centre Brunei also provides a job search platform and offers support to companies in job filling processes.
Kaola will now turn to several questions raised by several Ahli Yang Berhormat, such as Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Johan Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Adanan bin Begawan Pehin Siraja Khatib Dato Seri Setia Haji Md. Yusof, Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Laila Setia Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Abd. Rahman bin Haji Ibrahim, Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Indera Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Haji Awang Suyoi bin Haji Osman, and Yang Berhormat Dayang Hajah Safiah binti Sheikh Haji Abd Salam regarding the allocation for the Brunei Employment Centre program amounting to more than $19 million. To share information, this allocation is earmarked for the i-Ready program and short courses such as SkillsPlus, soft skill training, and others.
In terms of achievements, as kaola previously shared, 72% of i-Ready program participants have found employment, and for short courses, 55.6% have found employment. Therefore, these short courses are not formal qualifications; they are merely for improving skills, not qualifications like a degree or TVET, and so on.
Moving on to a question from Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Laila Setia Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Abd. Rahman bin Haji Ibrahim about the decrease in unemployment. For clarification regarding the reasons for the decrease, as kaola had presented before, the unemployment rate has decreased to 4.8% in 2024, and the factors include the following: Firstly, a 4% increase in workers within the private sector, with significant growth across five identified sectors such as petrochemical manufacturing and support services. Secondly, an increase in the self-employed category. Besides this, the government has initiated additional efforts to continually address unemployment issues, such as expediting recruitment in public service, outsourcing government services, actively promoting other recruitment including apprenticeships in related bodies, promoting SMEs, and introducing the SkiPPA program.
Lastly, regarding the question from Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Sulaiman bin Haji Nasir about the goal of updating current policies and acts, including protecting the rights of employers and employees, kaola welcomes this suggestion from Yang Berhormat. First, kaola would like to correct the number of local recruitments through Job Centre Brunei for the financial year 2023/2024, which amounted to 3,483 people. Regarding the protection of employer and employee rights, the government constantly emphasizes fairness and welfare in employment, including getting fair wages based on their respective industries and qualifications.
Alhamdulillah, on 12th July 2023, the country has enforced the Wage Order, 2023 under the Employment Order, 2009 to provide reasonable wages at a minimum rate of $500 per month for full-time employees and $2.62 per hour for part-time employees without affecting business operations and further stimulating socioeconomic growth. The minimum wage policy is implemented in phases, starting with the banking and finance industry and the information and communication technology industry.
The next phase will begin on April 1 and cover five more industries: security, tourism and accommodation, professional architectural engineering, quantity surveying and land surveying, medicine and dental sectors, and private higher education. The minimum wage rate and scope will be periodically reviewed to ensure it remains relevant and effective in line with economic developments and current needs. The existing Employment Order Chapter 278 also protects the rights of employers and employees by ensuring responsibilities and accountability to employment standards, including ensuring that employers respect employees' rights and provide a conducive work environment.
Kaola also stresses the importance of workers respecting and adhering to their employment contracts to ensure a harmonious working relationship that mutually benefits both parties.
The government also introduces and strengthens various policies and acts to ensure the protection of workers and employers as follows: in terms of social protection for local workers, the introduction of the National Retirement Scheme (SPK) on July 15, 2023, ensures the protection and welfare of workers for their retirement days is strengthened. SPK is also an inclusive scheme where all types of employment, whether in the formal or informal sector, are protected.
In ensuring a safe and conducive workplace, the Workplace Safety and Health Act, Chapter 277 and its accompanying regulations are enforced by the National Authority for Safety, Health, and Environment (SHENA). This is to encourage workers and employers to adopt a safety culture in the workplace that is adhered to, maintained, and continuously protects all parties. As for ensuring employers have competent workers, the government has provided a platform for human resource development through upskilling and reskilling programs. This platform not only benefits workers to enhance skills but also enables employers to increase business competitiveness with a competent and productive workforce. Perhaps, this is as far as kaola can answer. For other questions or further details, kaola will provide a written response, Insya Allah. Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.
Yang Berhormat Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri dan Menteri Pertahanan II
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi, kaola request permission if there's time that Yang Berhormat Pengerusi can allocate to answer a bit more regarding Energy and some on the Judiciary and also the Institut Perkhidmatan Awam, IPA earlier. Requesting permission.
Thank you Yang Berhormat Pengerusi. And an additional response regarding KPIs in the Energy Department. Indeed, the Energy Department, Prime Minister's Department has annual KPIs as well as long-term KPIs targeted at three sectors that are closely monitored, namely maintaining the upstream oil and gas sector, secondly, expanding the downstream oil and gas sector and thirdly, ensuring energy supply security.
These KPIs are also reported to ensure the effectiveness of the existing initiatives. And responding to the question from Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Laila Setia Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Abd. Rahman bin Haji Ibrahim regarding the allocation for the Department of Electricity which was reduced but nonetheless as a response, even though the allocation was reduced, it will not affect the planned projects, considering this step is taken by optimizing spending taking into account the capabilities of contractors, suppliers, and related parties.
God willing, it will not affect the overall maintenance objectives and will be carried out according to priorities, especially for works that can help achieve and maintain the reliability of supply. Accordingly, critical projects have been identified and prioritized for implementation.
Meanwhile, major maintenance works are more long-term and extended to subsequent years. Some of which are funded under the RKN-12 allocation. At the same time, vigorous efforts are being made to reassess maintenance strategies and contracting strategies to allow projects to be implemented according to the allocation.
Kaola takes the opportunity to provide some clarification on the question raised by Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Salleh Bostaman bin Haji Zainal Abidin, which touches on the ASEAN Power Grid, APG program which is an initiative under ASEAN cooperation to promote connectivity, interconnectivity among ASEAN member countries as a key step to ensure energy security and access across the region. An example of this is the successful implementation of the first phase of the Laos, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore Power Integration Project, LTMS-PIP. Negara Brunei Darussalam benefits from this APG program as a platform to implement the Negara Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines Power Integration Project, BIMP-PIP where the cross-border interconnection between Negara Brunei Darussalam and Sarawak is an important component.
For this project, close cooperation continues between the Energy Department at the Prime Minister's Department and the Department of Electrical Services and Sarawak Energy Berhad to plan the project implementation for development steps. God willing, it will be executed by a special purpose vehicle to be appointed later.
The department actively implements planned projects to be completed in 2027, 2028 which will further strengthen national energy security with diverse resources without affecting the country’s overall energy security. This project, God willing, has the potential to gain access to renewable energy sources, large-scale hydro, and supports energy security and diversity of energy sources.
This project is also closely monitored under the integrated Energy Security and Efficiency Steering Committee to ensure its effective implementation.
And kaola is pleased to further answer a question related to the Judiciary Department previously asked by Yang Berhormat Dayang Hajah Safiah binti Sheikh Haji Abd. Salam.
Regarding the question concerning the Attorney General's Department, there are indeed challenges faced. In overcoming the challenges faced, the Attorney General's Office has implemented several initiatives such as capacity development and process improvements. For the coming year, the Attorney General's Office also plans several initiatives to further enhance the legal services provided.
However, more detailed explanations regarding future plans will be answered in writing, including the Civil and Syariah judicial systems.
And the question to answer the Yang Berhormat question regarding IPA asked by Yang Berhormat Dayang Hajah Safiah binti Sheikh Haji Abd. Salam. The Institut Perkhidmatan Awam will ensure courses and programs implemented are guided by a learning needs analysis for each government agency and will contribute to the productivity of public services. One of the initiatives conducted is an Impact Study implemented since 2022 aimed at assessing the effectiveness and quality of programs offered by IPA.
Findings from the study show a significant impact on the work quality and productivity of the organization. These findings indicate the alignment between the courses offered and the course needs. However, these findings only look at the impact of courses on courses followed, such as the impact on work quality as a result of participating in ICT courses.
Regarding overall work quality and productivity, it is hoped that individuals undergoing the training will apply the acquired skills to enhance productivity in their respective agencies.
That is all, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi, for the explanations that can be conveyed at this opportunity. Thank you.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi
This topic is now closed, and it's time for us to vote. Your Honourable Members who agree for the topic SA16A - SA28A to be approved, please raise your hands.
(All members raise their hands in agreement)
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi
Thank you. It seems all members agree. Thus, we approve this topic.
Yang Mulia Jurutulis
The title SA16A to SA28A is incorporated into the Schedule.
Ministry of Defence. Title SB01A to SB04A.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi
Your Honourable Members. The Committee Meeting moves to the Ministry of Defence. Title SB01A to Title SB04A.
However, this Ministry is a closed Ministry, and its budget is not suitable to be discussed publicly.
Therefore, for procedural purposes, let us proceed to vote. Members who agree for Title SB01A to Title SB04A to be approved, please raise your hands.
(All members raise their hands in agreement)
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi
Thank you. All members seem to agree; thus, the Ministry of Defence Title is approved.
Yang Mulia Jurutulis
Title SB01A to SB04A is incorporated into the Schedule.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Title SC01A.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi
The Committee will now discuss Title SC01A, Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Therefore, I now open this Title for debate by inviting five Your Honourable Members who would like to participate in discussing this Title. I begin with Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Indera Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Suyoi bin Haji Osman, followed by Yang Berhormat Haji Awang Sulaiman bin Haji Nasir, Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Mohamad Danial @ Tekpin bin Ya’akub, Yang Berhormat Pengiran Haji Isa bin Pengiran Haji Aliuddin, and Yang Berhormat Awang Lau How Teck, Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Md. Salleh bin Haji Othman, Yang Berhormat Awang Mohammad bin Abdullah @ Lim Swee Ann, Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Salleh Bostaman bin Haji Zainal Abidin, and Yang Berhormat Awang Abdul Aziz bin Haji Hamdan. Please proceed, Yang Berhormat.
Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Indera Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Haji Awang Suyoi bin Haji Osman
Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi. Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim. Assalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh and greetings. Kaola only have two questions.
The first is regarding the key performance indicators (KPIs) of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs measured in terms of success in maintaining and enhancing the image and interests of Negara Brunei Darussalam in the international arena. Kaola hopes this is also a KPI for our foreign representatives abroad because a significant portion of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs budget is for managing offices of foreign representation totaling 36 representations. In this regard, kaola would like to ask the Yang Berhormat Menteri Hal Ehwal Luar Negeri if the Ministry holds meetings with other ministries as part of a whole-of-nation approach to discuss Negara Brunei Darussalam’s relationships with other countries with the objective of identifying multi-pronged foreign policy information and strategies that align with and benefit clear objectives and targets for the short, medium, and long term. Additionally, it can also serve as a shopping basket or a list of tasks for embassies and high commissions to implement.
Kaola’s second question. Kaola would like to refer to Sub-title 2112 Human Resource Development amounting to $70,000 for the year 2025/2026. This amount increases from $60,000 for the year 2023/2024. Kaola would like to ask how this allocation is utilized? Here, kaola believes it is important for officers of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to be constantly equipped with relevant skills and possess expertise in issues such as international law, the law of the sea, human rights, climate change, global health, and others so they can face any situations of conflict whether political, economic, trade and others.
Moreover, kaola believes as diplomats, they need to be tasked with supporting efforts to attract foreign direct investment to Negara Brunei Darussalam so kaola seeks clarification from the Yang Berhormat Menteri whether the allocated $70,000 under the Human Resource Development Title is sufficient to equip officers of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs with the skills necessary to perform their duties.
That is all, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi. Thank you.
Yang Berhormat Haji Awang Sulaiman bin Haji Nasir
Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi. Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim. Assalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi. Alhamdulillah, first of all, kaola would like to thank for the opportunity given to debate the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Budget for the Annual Financial Allocation 2025 and 2026 amounting to $117.4 million. Kaola refers to security and enforcement under the classification and responsibilities of the ministry.
Human trafficking is a very serious global issue where individuals are trafficked for purposes of exploitation, sexual, forced labor or for other harmful purposes. In this regard, Negara Brunei Darussalam is not excluded from facing the same problem. In this context, kaola would like clarification regarding the ministry’s efforts and initiatives towards addressing human trafficking including ways to combat and protect victims through bilateral and multilateral discussions or meetings with friendly countries and to what extent have any human trafficking cases been recorded as the highest involving Negara Brunei Darussalam?
Next, kaola refers to Account 2118 – Estimated medical treatment expenses abroad amounting to $1 million. Kaola would like clarification regarding this matter. Where is this expenditure directed? Is it used for government-sponsored patient expenses or to assist Brunei citizens abroad requiring emergency treatment? That is all from kaola, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.
Wabillahitaufiq wal Hidayah, Wassalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh.
Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Mohamad Danial @ Tekpin bin Ya’akub
Assalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh. Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi. I also touch on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs expenditure of $117.4 million allocated for the 2025 and 2026 fiscal years. Touching on the ministry’s objectives towards enhancing good relations and cooperation between Negara Brunei Darussalam and friendly countries whether at the ASEAN or international level. This includes cooperation in politics and diplomacy.
Kaola seeks clarification concerning humanitarian aid to refugees seeking protection due to conflicts or wars. Referring to refugees, a majority originating from Myanmar seeking protection in neighboring countries. Several countries have accepted and provided protection among them are Bangladesh since 2017, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, and western countries through UN humanitarian programs. In this regard, what is Negara Brunei Darussalam’s stance on this matter?
Additionally, kaola refers to management of foreign representation offices regarding staff management. I would like to know how many positions are held by citizens and non-citizens at Negara Brunei Darussalam’s embassies and representations abroad and whether privileges such as allowances are given equally to non-citizen staff? That is all, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.
Yang Berhormat Pengiran Haji Isa bin Pengiran Haji Aliuddin
Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi for your wisdom. Assalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh. In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
Kaola refers to program 002/000 which is the Management of Foreign Missions by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Kaola would like to discuss the well-being of diplomatic officers of Negara Brunei Darussalam abroad, specifically touching on the well-being of Brunei's head of mission abroad, who kaola understands is only permitted to take leave every six months. Their postings abroad also vary in conditions and situations, with some countries being developed and others considered third-world countries, which are categorized as hard posting. For heads of mission stationed in third-world countries, it undoubtedly affects their mental and psychological health, further compounded by the restriction of leave once every six months. In kaola's opinion, issues affecting mental health need to be addressed.
My question to kaola is whether the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in collaboration with the Prime Minister's Office has plans to review this issue? It would be beneficial if those stationed in third-world countries could have their leave frequency reviewed, perhaps aligning with the current civil service leave schedule or adopting a more suitable leave frequency to alleviate mental and psychological issues.
Title SC01A specifically addresses the cost of living for diplomatic officers and the family allowances accompanying them. This issue is specific to diplomatic officers and their families stationed in cities with high costs and inflation rates year on year. Kaola's question:
How can the Ministry of Foreign Affairs tackle the rising cost of living, and are there plans to adjust the allowances granted to diplomatic officers to balance the increasing cost of living in countries where the standard of living and inflation rise annually? Also related to this, does the ministry plan to review the children's allowances accompanying diplomatic officers to ensure these allowances meet their current needs while residing in the metropolises earlier mentioned by kaola?
Moving on, kaola wants to touch on aligning the deep knowledge of our country's heads of mission with the foreign policies and strategies of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Kaola's question:
Does the Ministry of Foreign Affairs plan to hold more Ambassador Conferences, which have not been convened for a long time, to ensure all our heads of mission are aligned with the ministry's policies and strategies? Kaola understands that holding an Ambassador Conference is a best practice also adopted by foreign ministries of other countries to strategize collectively.
Next, regarding Brunei Darussalam's focus on ASEAN Centrality in its foreign policy, kaola understands that we still do not have a permanent embassy among ASEAN countries. Doesn't this contradict our foreign policy that prioritizes ASEAN? Are there plans to construct or purchase a permanent embassy building?
Lastly, as previously mentioned by Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Mohamad Danial @ Tekpin bin Ya'akub, regarding the country's preparedness to address issues like the Rohingya and other migrants, Alhamdulillah, this has yet to affect our country.
However, it's an emerging issue in other countries and in the uncertain global landscape, it might eventually affect us, nauzubillahiminnzalik. Kaola's question:
Does the Ministry of Foreign Affairs have a framework policy and strategy regarding our readiness to address this issue if it arises within the EEZ - Exclusive Economic Zone, within the 200 nautical miles, or lands on our shores? That's all. Wassalamualaikum Warrahmatullahi Wabarakatuh.
Yang Berhormat Awang Lau How Teck
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi. Kaola refers to SC01A, Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The role of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is increasingly vital in ensuring that Negara Brunei Darussalam remains internationally competitive, especially in trade, investment, and economic cooperation.
The National Budget 2025/2026 allocates $117.3 million for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, including management, administration, policy planning, and representation management abroad.
With global economic developments becoming more complex, strong diplomatic ties must be fully leveraged to support the nation's economic growth, particularly in trade, business, agriculture, and services sectors.
As stated in the decree by Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Negara Brunei Darussalam, efforts to diversify the economy have yielded results, including increased exports to new markets such as Chile, Mozambique, Colombia, Peru, and Mexico.
To ensure the ongoing growth of national exports and their international competitiveness, kaola proposes closer cooperation between the MFA and related ministries like the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism, and the Ministry of Finance and Economy to ensure local products access broader markets.
Facilitating economic diplomacy through support centers in Brunei embassies to assist local companies in understanding external market requirements and participating in international trade platforms.
The Ministry can play a more proactive role in attracting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in agriculture and halal services sectors in line with the agenda to diversify the nation's economy. Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.
Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Md. Salleh bin Haji Othman
Assalamualaikum Warrahmatullahi Wabarakatuh and greetings. Kaola wants to discuss Title SC01A of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi. As we know, concerning the immigration policy changes by the United States under President Donald Trump's administration, which imposed strict immigration policies on foreign nationals residing in the US. These policy changes resulted in many foreign nationals being at risk of being deported or ordered to return to their country of origin within a specified timeframe. In this context, kaola only asks for clarification whether this situation has affected the citizens of Negara Brunei Darussalam?
In discussing the issue of citizens migrating abroad, which is a global phenomenon involving individuals or families migrating either legally or illegally for various purposes such as economic, educational, political, social, and others. Negara Brunei Darussalam might not escape facing similar situations.
In this regard, kaola seeks clarification about any records or statistics that can be shared about the number of Brunei citizens who have migrated legally and which countries are frequently chosen for migration? Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.
Yang Berhormat Awang Mohammad bin Abdullah @ Lim Swee Ann
Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi. In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Assalamualaikum Warrahmatullahi Wabarakatuh.
Alhamdulillah, firstly kaola would like to express gratitude for the opportunity to discuss the budget allocation for Title SC01A - Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi. Kaola refers to the Expenditure Account number 2110 – under Rent and Lease. The allocation approved for 2023 and 2024 was $17.7 million, and the Estimated Budget for 2025/2026 is $17 million. A decrease of $702 thousand; does this reduction affect existing operations and what is the scope of expenditure in this category?
Furthermore, regarding the issue of religious extremism abroad involving Bruneian citizens. The involvement of citizens in militant jihad activities is a complex issue related to various factors including ideology, politics, economy, and social influence.
Militant jihad refers to the armed struggle considered by some extremist groups as a religious duty to defend Islam. Involvement in such extremist activities has negative impacts on individuals and neglect for the families they leave behind, affecting global peace and stability.
In this context, kaola seeks clarification on whether there are recorded instances of Brunei citizens involved in such activities and what actions and efforts are being made to combat such activities diplomatically? That's all, Wabillahi taufik walhidayah. Wassalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh.
Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Salleh Bostaman bin Haji Zainal Abidin
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Assalamualaikum warahmatullahi ta’ala wabarakatuh. Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi. Firstly, kaola would like to express appreciation and thanks for the good hospitality always provided by our Foreign Missions when they accompany kaola and colleagues during their assignments at their respective postings. Thank you.
Kaola wants to discuss Code 001/00 Administrative Management and Policy Planning, and Code 002/000 Foreign Missions Management. From the State Revenue and Expenditure Estimates book, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs sets one of the objectives for Code 001/000 as exploring opportunities in trade, investment, and tourism for the country.
Kaola seeks clarification on what the Key Performance Indicators are to achieve the objective of exploring trade, investment, and tourism opportunities to support the country's economic growth?
Kaola's second question is, under the 12th National Development Plan, there is an allocation of approximately $160 million for several ministry projects. About one-third of the allocation, namely $53 million under Code 1209-0011-015 will be spent abroad under the title Strengthening National Security, Public Buildings, which includes constructing several official residences for Commissioners/Ambassadors, new buildings and upgrading or renovating existing buildings for several Brunei Darussalam embassies abroad. Given that this spending is by third parties abroad, kaola seeks clarification on the mechanism to ensure the expenditure is utilized as planned and its phasing in the 12th National Development Plan.
The third issue refers to Code 1209-012 worth $4.7 million for the renovations of Bubungan Dua Belas building, given that this is a historical building, kaola seeks clarification on the project details. Will it maintain its historical aspects or otherwise?
Wassalamualaikum warahmatullahi taala wabarakatuh.
Yang Berhormat Awang Abdul Aziz bin Haji Hamdan
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Assalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh. Yang Berhormat Pengerusi. Thank you for the opportunity to discuss the Budget for Title SC01A, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, where $117.4 million has been allocated to support the implementation of management, administration, and initiatives planned for the Budget Allocation Year 2025/2026.
Kaola refers to Code 001/000 Administrative Management and Policy Planning, ensuring better organized administration management and policy planning in line with the ministry's vision, being proactive in international and regional memberships, extending assistance abroad, and exploring opportunities to achieve the National Vision 2035.
In discussing the involvement of NGO groups composed of youth in volunteer missions in countries in need of humanitarian aid. This includes aid missions to conflict-affected countries, conducted through collaboration with internationally recognized volunteer organizations as a strategy to secure logistical, protective, and safety support.
In this regard, kaola seeks clarification on what efforts and the role of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in providing guidelines and advice, as well as conditions that need to be adhered to, including providing travel advice on the risks expected to be faced in those countries?
Kaola also refers to road accident incidents resulting in Brunei nationals' deaths abroad, what support and assistance are provided to the victims?
Furthermore, kaola refers to Expenditure Account 2116 [Taxes, Penalties, and Fees], with an Estimated Expenditure for 2025/2026 of $11.2 million.
Where is this expenditure directed and what are these penalties about? Kaola seeks clarification on this. Thank you, Wabillahi taufik walhidayah wassalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi
Your Honourable Members, before I give the floor to Yang Berhormat Menteri Hal Ehwal Luar Negeri for his explanation, it is good to remember that some issues raised by Your Honourable Members have indeed been discussed by the relevant parties, such as security authorities concerning refugees or unauthorized individuals entering or being sold and tortured in a country.
Such matters are handled by the relevant parties within the country. Therefore, it is better not to raise these matters in this hall, and regarding domestic policy raised by an Honourable Member about a policy recently enacted by a major country.
I think it is unnecessary to inflate it here as it may not be related to us, wasting our time for discussion here.
Now, I invite Yang Berhormat, is he there? Yang Berhormat Menteri Hal Ehwal Luar Negeri II to provide his clarifications, please go ahead.
Yang Berhormat Menteri Hal Ehwal Luar Negeri II
Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi. Yang Berhormat Pengerusi and Your Honourable Members, before I begin explaining the matters raised, kaola, peramba, I would like to request if it is possible to provide a brief explanation or introduction to the ministry and its duties, so that it is clearer why the ministry is here and what it does.
First and foremost, kaola would like to express appreciation and thanks to the Government of Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien Sultan dan Yang Di-Pertuan Negara Brunei Darussalam for the allocation of $125,184,368.00 supported for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for this financial year.
This ministry will make the best use of the allocated budget prudently to meet the expenditure needs of the ministry, including overseas offices of Negara Brunei Darussalam and regional and international organizations.
From the breakdown of this allocation, $57,355,310.00 is allocated for emoluments, among others, to finance the salaries of the ministry's officers and staff, which currently number around 1,100 people domestically and abroad, and an amount of $60 million is provided for Recurrent Expenditure. Meanwhile, $7,829,058.00 is allocated for development expenditure or RKN.
With these allocations, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will continue to support and safeguard the interests of Negara Brunei Darussalam in achieving our foreign policy objectives and contributing to the country's continued development.
Towards this, the ministry will continue to focus on strengthening relationships with other countries through bilateral and multilateral approaches, based on pragmatic foreign policy principles and enhancing the capabilities of this ministry's officers and staff and also the overseas offices of Negara Brunei Darussalam.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi and Your Honourable Members.
In line with the aim of promoting and protecting the interests of Negara Brunei Darussalam, we have a total of 43 overseas offices. This includes regional and international organizations such as ASEAN and the UN. These offices play an important role in highlighting the nation’s interests to ensure the well-being of Brunei Darussalam's citizens abroad and also to advance diplomatic relations.
This includes diversifying the economy, attracting foreign investment, developing education and human resource sectors, showcasing our cultural traditions to the outside world, and exploring new areas of cooperation with friendly countries. As questioned earlier by Yang Berhormat.
Therefore, this ministry remains committed to enhancing the capabilities and ensuring the effective function of our overseas offices.
As known, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is not a big ministry. Kaola, peramba, I mentioned earlier that the staff number about 1,065 officers, including local hires in our overseas offices. The ministry needs to strengthen the management of human resources along with sufficient allocation to bear its increasing responsibilities, in line with the growing international commitments and cooperation of the nation.
Moreover, with increasingly complex diplomacy challenges, it is important to always enhance the capabilities of the ministry's officers to ensure the effective implementation of foreign policy.
This can be achieved through a wide networking with counterparts abroad and organizing diplomatic events.
As the frontline of Negara Brunei Darussalam in the international arena, they need to perform their duties with full professionalism and dedication. Therefore, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will also strive to ensure the welfare of its officers and staff is given priority, including mental health, especially in dealing with rising costs and living expenses abroad.
Among the efforts carried out by the ministry is to provide more competitive salary payments for locally engaged staff serving in the overseas offices of Negara Brunei Darussalam. This is also to comply with local labor laws in those countries and this step aims to attract more capable workforce, thereby enhancing productivity and contributing to the effectiveness of the representative office operations.
Additionally, the ministry's budget is also focused on maintaining government assets and our representatives abroad such as buildings, offices, official residences of ambassadors, high commissioners, and residences of officers and vehicles.
These assets require continuous maintenance and care according to local regulations from time to time. Maintaining these assets is crucial to ensure the optimal functioning of the representative offices, which reflects the image of Negara Brunei Darussalam internationally.
Overall, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is responsible for maintaining and managing assets domestically and abroad, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Headquarters located in Subok, the International Conference Center in Berakas, Bubungan Dua Belas, and 80 buildings abroad encompassing representative offices, official residences, and residences of officers.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi and Your Honourable Members. Negara Brunei Darussalam will continue to uphold its foreign policy to ensure the sovereignty, prosperity, and interests of our country are always respected and preserved. Our practiced foreign policy has proven to contribute to the security, welfare, and continuous development of the country.
Although Negara Brunei Darussalam is a small developing nation, our foreign policy has enabled the country to become a responsible member of the global community, able to make positive contributions towards regional and international security and development.
At the same time, an effective foreign policy can only be achieved when supported by a strong domestic policy. Economic and social stability, security and competitiveness of the nation are key factors in determining our diplomatic credibility and effectiveness.
Therefore, the success of our foreign policy in preserving national interests is not solely the responsibility of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs but requires comprehensive cooperation and commitment from all government agencies; hence, the whole of government approach will continue to be the foundation in developing and implementing the foreign policy of the country.
This ministry requires a concerted effort and ongoing cooperation from every ministry and government agency to support foreign policy objectives, whether in the field of security, economy, health, education, maritime, environment, or energy, to promote and safeguard the nation’s interests in the international arena.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi and Your Honourable Members.
Next, abiskaola will explain a few questions raised earlier.
The first is from Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Indera Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Haji Awang Suyoi bin Haji Osman, regarding whether the ministry organizes discussion sessions with related ministries concerning policies involving foreign affairs.
The principles and foreign policy outlined in the titah of Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan dan Yang Di-Pertuan Negara Brunei Darussalam in 1984, continue to serve as the foundational guideline in the implementation of foreign policy.
Accordingly, implementing foreign policy requires a whole of government approach and comprehensive cooperation and commitment from all government agencies. This aims to ensure that our foreign policy is not only in line with domestic policies and the country’s development strategies but also to preserve the nation’s interests and security. Therefore, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs regularly holds discussion sessions with the relevant ministries, agencies, and departments in formulating and aligning the country’s stance on current issues.
For instance, in the fourth round of the Universal Periodic Review Cycle, in the Human Rights Council held on November 8 last year in Geneva, Switzerland.
This ministry collaborated with relevant agencies in preparing a report submitted to the High Commissioner’s Office, UN for human rights.
Secondly, regarding the policies delivered to the overseas offices of Negara Brunei Darussalam for implementation. The ministry also ensures that the overseas offices consistently align with national policies in performing diplomatic tasks and safeguarding Negara Brunei Darussalam’s interests at the international level.
The foreign policies of Negara Brunei Darussalam are conveyed through various official channels, including ministry directives, briefings, discussions with the head of representatives, as well as documents outlining the mandates and duties to be executed.
From time to time, the ministry also supplies the overseas offices with the latest information regarding Negara Brunei Darussalam’s position on issues of interest.
In addition, as part of the preparation for officers who will serve abroad, the ministry requires them to attend comprehensive briefings within the Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other agencies. This includes briefings on foreign policy and strategic relationships with the countries where they will be stationed.
Regarding human capacity building on the Law of the Sea and others, it remains an ongoing consideration of the ministry to enhance the capabilities related to the significant regulations.
In addition, Negara Brunei Darussalam also cooperates with friendly states in providing aid to enhance those capabilities, such as through collaboration with Australia, which helps elevate Brunei lawyers’ expertise in the Law of the Sea.
Next, concerning the question from Yang Berhormat Haji Awang Sulaiman bin Haji Nasir, regarding the estimated expenditure for overseas medical treatment amounting to $1 million, where is this spending channeled?
Actually, the allocation for Account 2118 Overseas Medical Treatment for the Financial Year 2025/2026, is allocated $900,000, not $1 million as mentioned. This year’s allocation is reduced by $100,290.00 from that approved for the Financial Year 2024/2025.
The reduction considers the actual spending trend over the past three years. This account funds the treatment costs for this ministry’s officers, home-based staff, and those serving abroad, including their families over postings in those countries.
Additionally, this allocation is also intended to fund medical treatment for locally engaged staff in countries where health insurance coverage is not mandatory. This medical coverage is part of the facilities extended to officers on posting and locally engaged staff serving in our overseas representative offices.
Meanwhile, the expenditures for patients sent by the government or helping Brunei Darussalam nationals overseas, requiring emergency treatment, do not fall under this ministry’s allocation.
In this regard, the Ministry strongly encourages Brunei Darussalam citizens planning to travel abroad to obtain travel insurance for medical and other aspects in preparation for unforeseen situations.
Next, to address the question by Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Mohamad Danial @ Tekpin bin Ya’akub regarding humanitarian aid to refugees seeking protection like the Rohingya.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi, this also relates to the questions posed by, answering the questions posed by Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Mohamad Danial @ Tekpin bin Ya’akub and Yang Berhormat Pengiran Haji Isa bin Pengiran Haji Aliuddin, considering that the questioned issue pertains to the same matter.
For your information, the issue of Rohingya refugee landings has been reported to occur in the waters of Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, and also Australia. These are direct routes for the boats carrying refugees through the Bay of Bengal. Negara Brunei Darussalam also provides humanitarian assistance to Rohingya refugees, including financial donations in 2017 and 2018 and providing humanitarian assistance like water pumps and generators in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh.
For everyone's information, Negara Brunei Darussalam is also not a member or a signatory to the United Nations Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees or the Protocol Relating to the Status of Refugees, which provides rights and protection for foreign nationals fleeing to obtain basic assistance like employment and education.
Nevertheless, Negara Brunei Darussalam, although not party to those conventions, continues to support United Nations efforts in providing aid to the Rohingya refugees. Additionally, Negara Brunei Darussalam remains committed to closely cooperating with ASEAN member countries in supporting Myanmar to ensure the safety and well-being of people in Rakhine State. This includes facilitating the voluntary and safe repatriation of Rohingya refugees. ASEAN also encourages the ASEAN Secretary-General to identify measures to facilitate the repatriation process.
The second question regarding the management of overseas representative offices. The total number of positions for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' officers and staff is 1,202 positions, but as kaola, peramba, I mentioned, the number currently filled is 1,065.
From this total, 165 officers of this ministry are assigned abroad as home-based staff, and 471 locally engaged staff are serving in Negara Brunei Darussalam’s representative offices.
Among the locally engaged staff, 15 individuals are citizens of Negara Brunei Darussalam, with the remainder being foreign nationals. In total, there are 180 citizens of Negara Brunei Darussalam serving abroad in the representative offices of Negara Brunei Darussalam at the moment.
For the locally engaged staff, be they citizens of Brunei or foreign nationals, all receive equal service benefits and facilities according to local employment regulations in Brunei agencies. They are bound by the labor regulations and laws applicable in the respective countries.
As such, the service benefits and facilities extended to locally engaged staff, whether they are Bruneian or foreign nationals, generally differ from those offered to home-based staff.
Some of the facilities not covered by the government for locally engaged staff include housing rentals, official residences, flight tickets, spousal and child allowances, education for children, and so forth.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi. I will stop here for now as my throat is getting dry.
Thank you.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi
Thank you. So now, I think it's a good idea to put this Title to a vote. Your Honourable Members who agree that Title SC01A should be approved, please raise your hands.
(All Members raised their hands in agreement)
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi
Thank you. It seems that all members agree, thus Title SC01A – Ministry of Foreign Affairs is approved.
Yang Mulia Jurutulis
Title SC01A is made part of the schedule.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi
Your Honourable Members. I think that's enough for our negotiations and discussions today. It would be best if we adjourn this Committee Meeting and reconvene in the Meeting of the National Council.
(Committee Meeting adjourned)
(National Council Meeting reconvened)
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua
Your Honourable Members. We are reconvening in the Meeting of the National Council. I think this is sufficient for our session today and I propose that this Meeting be adjourned.
InshaAllah, we will reconvene the next day, which is Wednesday, 12th March 2025 as usual starting at 9:30 AM.
Thank you. Wabillahi taufik walhidayah. Wassalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh.
(Meeting adjourned)
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