DAY 10 MORNING
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12TH MARCH 2025 MORNING
(The meeting started at 9:30 am)
Yang Mulia Jurutulis
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. The First Meeting of the 21st Legislative Session of the National Assembly convenes today for the tenth day, Wednesday, 11th Ramadan 1446 Hijrah corresponding to 12th March 2025 Gregorian, commencing with a Doa Selamat.
DOA SELAMAT
(The Doa Selamat was recited by Yang Dimuliakan Begawan Pehin Khatib Dato Paduka Haji Mustafa bin Haji Murat, Imam Jame’ ‘Asr Hassanil Bolkiah)
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Peace and blessings be upon you. Praise be to Allah Subhanahu Wata’ala for His bountiful grace allowing us to gather again this morning to convene for the tenth day of the First Meeting of the 21st Legislative Session of the National Assembly.
Blessings and peace be upon our great Prophet Sayidina Muhammad Sallahu Alaihi Wassalam, his family, companions, and his followers who are faithful and loyal until the end of time.
Your Honourable Members. We will begin today with the next items on the Meeting Agenda.
Yang Mulia Jurutulis
Time for questions requiring verbal answers.
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua
Your Honourable Members. For today's question time, I will start with the first question from Yang Berhormat Pengiran Haji Isa bin Pengiran Haji Aliuddin addressed to Yang Berhormat Menteri Hal Ehwal Ugama. Please go ahead Yang Berhormat Pehin.
Yang Berhormat Menteri Hal Ehwal Ugama
(Referring to the microphone) It was on earlier..It just turned off again. Even from afar, as kaola entered, it was already on. Try turning it off again. There..there. Praise be to Allah, may kaola's voice be heard. Praise be to Allah.
Kaola expresses thanks for the opportunity given by Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua early this morning. Kaola, in terms of today's Daily Order, sees there are three questions lined up. Lined up meaning one, two, and the third. So kaola already stands here Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua, kaola requests permission from Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua to answer all three questions one after the other while kaola is standing if permitted.
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua
Yang Berhormat Pehin means the first and second questions?
Yang Berhormat Menteri Hal Ehwal Ugama
And the third.
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua
And the third. The second question is also from Yang Berhormat Pengiran Haji Isa and the third is from Yang Berhormat Dayang Hajah Rosmawatty binti Haji Abdul Mumin. Please proceed Yang Berhormat Menteri.
Yang Berhormat Menteri Hal Ehwal Ugama
Thank you, Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua. Yang Berhormat Pengiran Haji Isa bin Pengiran Haji Aliuddin posed the first question regarding whether the ministry has plans to ensure that imams and bilals are equipped with knowledge of Financial Regulations, the ability to effectively interact with congregants, and basic first aid skills.
For this question, kaola would like to clarify that the Department of Mosque Affairs continuously implements various programs to enhance the competence of mosque officials, including ongoing briefings and workshops about financial regulations in cooperation with the Mosque Fund Financial Unit and the Internal Audit of the Ministry of Religious Affairs. Newly appointed mosque officials are also briefed before being assigned to mosques;
Second, a first aid workshop was held a few years ago in 2022, and although this plan has not been repeated for some time, insya-Allah, considering its importance and if there is readiness from the parties to be trained, insya-Allah, the Department of Mosque Affairs will continue this plan, not only for one or two mosques but as much as possible for all mosques in strategic areas;
Third, this includes what is known as the Fire Marshall training with the collaboration of the HSSE of the Ministry of Religious Affairs and the Fire and Rescue Department, all collaborating for this purpose. This workshop will be held at Jame' ‘Asr Hassanl Bolkiah and also at the Old Airport Fire and Rescue Station;
Fourth, effective presentation training is continuously conducted by the Guidance and Training Division of the Department of Mosque Affairs, arranging mosque officials to participate in in-house training managed by the Public Service Institute and the Human Resources Division of the Ministry of Religious Affairs such as leadership workshops, meeting handling courses, and excellent presentations and so forth.
Additionally, cooperation is being developed with RTB, arranging potential mosque officials for exposure to delivering lectures, forums, and reminders. Efforts include the guidance and training section providing continuous guidance to mosque officials to enhance their competency and credibility. This includes in the sense of public relations with the general public.
So moving forward, the Department of Mosque Affairs is planning collaborative programs with KUPUSB, ah this is another very interesting new initiative aimed to establish upskilling programs and systematic competency enhancement programs for mosque officials, insya-Allah. That is the answer to the first question.
The second question from Yang Berhormat Pengiran Haji Isa bin Pengiran Haji Aliuddin is asking if the ministry has plans to address the issue of worrying performance in Al-Quran and Religious Practices subjects, especially after the Integration System was introduced in schools.
In responding to this question, Kaola would like to state that regarding these two subjects, especially the Al-Quran subject, before there was an integration system introduced, children from grade four to six, ah grade five indeed have not had complaints ah, there are voices among many parents, not complaints, many parents say their children are slow in learning to read Al-Quran and slow as well in performing religious practices. So there, it doesn't mean that something has declined from what was expected to be delayed.
Therefore, the Ministry of Religious Affairs sees this matter by responding ah in the best possible way, the delay means there may be teaching methods needed ah, ways of delivering lessons that can be improved. After integration, these voices became louder, but alhamdulillah Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua, in Brunei, it's not only about children or grandchildren being slow learners but rather if they are fast learners, they seek more improvement.
Because of that, whether slow learners or improving, many parents take the initiative primarily to send their children to study more at mosques every Friday.
Secondly, there are those who employ teachers to their homes or send them to teachers' homes. So all these are collective efforts between the government and the general public in addressing this issue. If we look from the integration aspect, is this due to the insufficient period? Because or the teaching hours that were supposed to be an hour, before integration, one and a half hours kaola understood, but after integration only an hour. And according to its components ah, if for children in grade two, Year 2 lah, there are 7 components in the group of Islamic Education, Year 2 studying Al-Quran for only four hours a week compared to before, more, then religious practices only 2 hours a week.
So if from this aspect, there might be things that need to be addressed, insya-Allah abiskaola will look into addressing them. These usual routines or plans typically implemented by JPI for teacher improvements and teaching methods as well. But for Year 4, Year 4, although Year 2, Year 4, Year 3, Year 2, Year 3, Year 4, and Year 5, all these components are ten ten ah, what is it called 7, 8 or what is the name of it, the number of lessons is 10 hours a week although it varies according to grade levels, Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua, some are 2 hours, for Al-Quran as much as 4 hours, for Worship Practices as much as 2 hours for Year 2, for Year 3 for the Al-Quran lesson also 4 hours, and for Religious Practices 2 hours. Then after that, entering Year 4, the Al-Quran lesson remained 4 hours, Year 5 also 4 hours, but religious practice has already decreased to 1 hour.
Therefore, more attention needs to be given here to consider what effects result from the reduced study period in religious schools before integration became like this, or how.
Regardless, if wanting to cite clarifications ah, let’s not rush to conclude that integration has caused religious education to decline to the point it is concerning. No. The decline can be measured overall in Religious Education, Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua.
Religious Education if calculated from the exam results conducted for all, this is for the entirety of religious education subjects, Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua ah. For Year 2, 92.8% passed grades A to C; for Year 3, the pass rate is 86.6%, Year 4 81.4%, Year 5 81.6% altogether is 85%. So when calculated overall, the percentage is still high, Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua. But we look at the overall percentage, like before, the question in terms of 2 subjects is slightly concerning; it doesn’t say it’s declining but concerning for parents. Therefore, abiskaola will further examine this matter closely, that is, abis kaola, not only the Ministry of Religious Affairs as implementing integration involves the Ministry of Education as well.
Teacher Professional Training certainly continues, updating the Islamic Education curriculum is essential among them to tackle how period granting, how content itself, and Student Support Programs. Programs like Congregational Noon Prayer, Guidance for Bilal and Imam Celik and so on.
There is one report abis kaola received Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua, since in this system some schools or those who have not implemented this system could not complete the congregational prayer at the Noon prayer time but performed the congregation during Dhuha. Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua, early morning, Dhuha, and this was mentioned in Chinese schools, Chung Hwa School. So kaola baibun-baibun Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua, Dhuha prayer is usually about sustenance, Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua. So, it's not surprising that over there luck prospers...Yang Berhormat Lau How Teck might understand this matter.
So that’s what kaola can explain about this concerning matter, Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua. This isn't just defensively stating the numbers, but indeed it is, and if there is a need, there really is a necessity to investigate further, abis kaola will continue to review it.
The next question is from Yang Berhormat Dayang Hajah Rosmawatty binti Haji Abdul Mumin who requested an outline of policies to ensure local graduates with religious qualifications and Arabic language knowledge, not yet fully utilized, get trained and recognized as mutawwif and guides. Given the growing Hajj and Umrah industry.
So is there a policy that obligates tour agencies to utilize trained and certified services? So in response, kaola is pleased to state that on December 10th, the end of last year, a meeting was held between KUPUSB and travel agencies operating Hajj and Umrah at KUPUSB. A total of 40 officials from 26 Hajj and Umrah operator companies participated in the consultations.
In its review, the discussion aimed to convey the intention of the Ministry of Religious Affairs through KUPUSB to establish KUPUSB as the Special Service Provider Center for Hajj and Umrah. This was relayed to them appropriately with what was queried by Yang Berhormat Dayang Hajah Rosmawatty binti Haji Abdul Mumin. They were very positive, welcoming this initiative. Therefore, as a further step, KUPUSB is in the process of preparing an appropriate curriculum and structuring a new program named the Professional Training Certificate Program in Hajj and Umrah.
Furthermore, KUPUSB will ensure not just for the sake of appearances but that this program must receive official recognition. So, it must be recognized by the National Accreditation Council, MKPK and insya-Allah it will become a value-added qualification to existing KUPUSB qualifications aside from getting a degree but this certification is pending but this is important before achieving a recognized training certification from the Religious Council. So already addressing a large part of what Yang Berhormat Dayang Hajah Rosmawatty binti Haji Abdul Mumin inquired about.
This program is expected to be offered in Semester One, Academic Session 2025/2026 with targeted students including unemployed KUPUSB graduates, as well as those working part-time and the general public too. The general public, if they meet the requirements. It must be clarified that this program is not aimed at producing mutawwif or mutawwifah who manage the logistics of the congregants like arranging travel, accommodation, handling visas, passports, or monitoring movements.
This program aims to produce Hajj and Umrah Escorts as mentioned by Yang Berhormat and who will guide the pilgrims in the holy land so they can perform the rituals appropriately.
Besides, teaching religion in Brunei Darussalam as previously mentioned requires authorization from the Religious Council. Kaola seeks just over a minute, so kaola states that not necessarily even if not managing, provided they are employed, religiously qualified individuals become permanent employees to tour agencies, they can also do this simultaneously and importantly they not only train here but must have experience carrying out rituals especially during Hajj and Umrah.
Thus, kaola thanks Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua for the slot. Thank you, and kaola wishes a blessed fasting and seizing this opportunity let us continue, even though the prayer is recited during tarawih, there is no harm in reciting it every memorable time.
(A prayer is recited)
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua
Thank you, Yang Berhormat Menteri Hal Ehwal Ugama. We now move to the fourth question, which has been posed by Yang Berhormat Dayang Chong Chin Yee to Yang Berhormat Menteri Pendidikan. Please proceed.
Yang Berhormat Menteri Pendidikan
Thank you, Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua.
Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim. Assalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh.
Good morning and greetings. Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua and Your Honourable Members. Thank you to Yang Berhormat Chong Chin Yee for the question regarding career guidance for students at an early primary school age.
For everyone's information, the age for primary schooling ranges from as young as 5 years to 12 years. Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua and Your Honourable Members, the introduction to the concept of careers has already been included in the curriculum from the primary school level.
Questions about what a job is, types of jobs they often see such as careers as a doctor, soldier, teacher and about what is done in each job and questions about their aspirations when they reach adulthood are often asked as early as the primary school level. The learning process that causes change in knowledge results from several influencing factors. This includes, among others, the student's experience, repetition, participation, interest, and motivation.
Therefore, in building and strengthening children's understanding of the concept of work, they will be exposed through various subjects such as English and Malay. This is done through teaching aids such as flashcards, pictures and so on, as well as through school visits to workplaces. Some primary schools also hold Career Days to expose students to future careers.
Besides understanding and developing interest in jobs, children are continually emphasized on mastering reading, writing, and arithmetic or mathematics skills to achieve their aspirations. In terms of the education curriculum, the concept of work is introduced through learning stages by considering the breadth, depth, and appropriateness according to the student's age level.
For example, in the Malay language subjects for Years 1, 2, and 3, children are introduced to jobs such as firefighters, police officers, nurses, doctors, judges, gardeners, and farmers. When they reach Year 4, they will be introduced to careers as entrepreneurs or the concept of buying and selling.
Career guidance at the primary school level is further strengthened by exposing students to various emerging job market trends including introducing children to the basic concepts of buying and selling, generating ideas, or entrepreneurship.
Among these steps are early exposure through entrepreneurship programs and co-curricular activities, provision of visual materials for career awareness, curriculum development and structured career guidance, and the use of technology and interactive approaches.
In this regard, the Ministry of Education will always prioritize comprehensive initiatives in strengthening students' awareness and early preparation for the dynamic and competitive world of work.
Returning to Yang Berhormat Dayang Chong Chin Yee's question again, will the Ministry of Education consider providing visual materials such as educational videos and infographics to enhance career awareness?
The Ministry of Education through the Education Technology Unit or EduTech will continue to produce educational videos and infographics according to the learning concept or across the curriculum. For example, an e-book released by the EduTech unit titled "What I Want to Be When I Grow Up?" specifically for students in Year 1 to Year 3.
Thank you, Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua.
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua
The fifth question, which was raised by Yang Berhormat Dayang Hajah Rosmawatty binti Haji Abdul Mumin and also addressed to Yang Berhormat Menteri Pendidikan.
I invite Yang Berhormat Menteri Pendidikan.
Yang Berhormat Menteri Pendidikan
Thank you, Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua and thank you to Yang Berhormat Dayang Hajah Rosmawatty binti Haji Abdul Mumin for question PL55 regarding CfBT services. Starting January 2024, the Ministry of Education has renewed the contract for 200 CfBT teachers for a period of 3 years.
As usual, they have been placed in primary and secondary schools, colleges, and government sixth form centers to teach English literacy and subjects.
To answer the question from Yang Berhormat regarding the Ministry of Education's strategy to reduce dependency on CfBT teachers, alhamdulillah several initial discussions have been held with stakeholders including CfBT regarding the number of CfBT teacher hires and in future contracts. Here, kaola/I will not elaborate further as it is still in the early stages of discussion.
Thank you, 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
Thank you for the explanation Yang Berhormat Menteri Pendidikan. Just one question this time, Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua. Kaola understands the need to bring in experts for English or maths matters but what I am curious about is whether it is a single source? Are there alternatives that the ministry can consider other than the one source that has been in Brunei for 4 decades. Thank you, Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua.
Yang Berhormat Menteri Pendidikan
Does Yang Berhormat mean besides CfBT, is there another provider apart from CfBT?
Yang Berhormat Dayang Hajah Rosmawatty binti Haji Abdul Mumin
That can provide the same services.
Yang Berhormat Menteri Pendidikan
Okay. Indeed, we have offered a few years ago Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua and also Yang Berhormat we had once conducted a Literacy Numeracy Programme, Coaching Programme, LNCP and there we opened it to any contracts or providers worldwide and indeed there was an assessment and it turned out during that time the best provider was the one offered by EduTrust or in local context CfBT, but insya-Allah, we will continue to explore other providers as well besides CfBT. Thank you.
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua
Thank you, Yang Berhormat Menteri Pendidikan. The sixth question is from Awang Haji Mohamad Danial @ Tekpin bin Ya’akub addressed to Yang Berhormat Menteri Pembangunan. Please, Yang Berhormat Dato.
Yang Berhormat Menteri Pembangunan
Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim. (Prayer read)
Assalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh. Thank you, Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua. Thank you also to Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Mohamad Danial @ Tekpin bin Ya’akub for the raised question regarding the measures taken by the Ministry of Development to reduce the risk of accidents at the Muara - Tutong Highway, specifically at the junction leading to Binturan Camp.
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua. Based on data and records obtained, there are several locations identified by the Road Department, Public Works Department known as accident-prone areas. The Ministry of Development takes serious attention to these identified locations by planning measures to prevent accident risks.
Based on data also obtained, 36 accidents have been recorded around the junction to Binturan Camp and Jalan Bukit Panggal from mid-2020 to early 2025 within the last five years.
So on average, this means about 7 to 8 accidents occur per year at this location. From that number, 22 cases involved property damage, while more than two-thirds of the accidents involved self-accidents. From this number, it was also found that there have been 6 minor injuries and 1 serious injury.
This Ministry has also identified two main high-risk locations in this area, namely the right turn connecting to Jalan Binturan and the U-turn connecting to Jalan Bukit Panggal. Despite both intersections being equipped with road signs and safety barriers, there is still a lack of clear early warning signs especially at night. Besides that, the existing U-turn and entry ramp design, has the potential to disrupt the smooth traffic flow on the highway in this area.
As an immediate measure taken by the Road Department, a short-term initiative to increase safety awareness in this area includes installing reflective safety signs at both intersections as a warning to drivers especially at night.
In addition, road signs and rumble strips will be repainted more clearly to remind road users to slow down when approaching these areas.
In the long term, the Road Department is working in collaboration with the National Road Safety Council to conduct continuous traffic safety assessments. This is aimed at studying and assessing the need to improve intersection design, adding alternative routes, or implementing other more significant changes to enhance road user safety awareness in this area and also other at-risk areas.
That is kaola's answer to Yang Berhormat Pehin. Thank you.
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua
The seventh question is from Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Daud bin Jihan and has also been addressed to Yang Berhormat Menteri Pembangunan.
Yang Berhormat Menteri Pembangunan
Thank you, Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua. Thank you also to Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Daud bin Jihan regarding the whole of government approach to ensuring relevant agencies function in harmony over the maintenance of roads and drains.
I'm pleased to share that since 2018, the cleanliness issue in Negara Brunei Darussalam has been addressed with an integrated effort involving active participation from three ministries through the establishment of the Steering Committee on Cleanliness Issues. This committee is jointly led by the three ministries, co-chaired by Yang Berhormat Menteri Kesihatan, Yang Berhormat Menteri Hal Ehwal Dalam Negeri, and Yang Berhormat Menteri Pembangunan. Through a whole of government approach, the Steering Committee on Cleanliness Issues is tasked with setting national cleanliness policies, drafting national strategies, and overseeing the implementation of cleanliness initiatives.
In accordance with its objectives, this committee also emphasizes the enforcement of laws against environmental offenses such as illegal waste disposal. The Steering Committee also focuses on improving and enhancing the upkeep of cleanliness, facilities, and public amenities including public toilets in commercial buildings as well as public and private premises, including higher education institutions and schools throughout the country, to ensure cleanliness standards are adhered to.
Towards this end, the roles of each ministry and related agency are clearly defined to ensure the cleanliness of the country is maintained. This coordination not only avoids task duplication but also enhances efficiency in cleanliness services nationwide.
Tasks are systematically distributed among the related agencies through three main action groups, each led by the respective ministries responsible for different aspects of cleanliness management. These include:
Firstly, the Action Group for Facilities and Cleanliness Services Improvement. This group is led by the Ministry of Development and is responsible for improving and maintaining sanitation infrastructure and related services. This includes enhancing waste management systems, consistent road and drain maintenance, and the use of infotechnology to monitor public cleanliness status and actions.
Secondly, the Action Group for Legislation and Enforcement. This group is led by the Ministry of Home Affairs and focuses on strengthening cleanliness laws, coordinating enforcement operations, and ensuring firm action is taken against cleanliness offenses to ensure every cleanliness regulation is consistently and effectively enforced.
Thirdly, the Action Group for Awareness and Stakeholder Engagement. This group is led by the Ministry of Health, responsible for increasing public awareness and community involvement in cleanliness efforts.
This group organizes awareness campaigns on the importance of cleanliness impacting public health, educational programs in schools, and collaboration with NGOs, private companies, Mukim Consultative Councils, and Village Consultative Councils in social activities. The main goal is to ensure the community actively contributes to environmental cleanliness efforts.
These three action groups mentioned work together under the oversight of the Steering Committee on Cleanliness Issues, ensuring all cleanliness aspects, namely infrastructure, legislation, and public awareness, are given balanced and integrated attention, complementing each other.
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua, in terms of law enforcement in 2023 recorded a total of 442 cases of illegal waste disposal and related cleanliness offenses were acted upon nationwide. Of these cases, 201 involved private individuals while 241 involved companies or organizations.
The fines collected for these offenses totaled approximately $229,300.00 in 2023 from compounds imposed on private individuals and companies.
Meanwhile, in 2024, enforcement was further strengthened with 522 cases recorded across the country. Of these, 344 cases involved individuals while 184 cases involved companies or organizations. The total fines collected from enforcement actions in 2024 increased to $272,900.00.
These stringent actions were taken under the provisions of the Miscellaneous Offenses Act 2021, Chapter 30, which controls acts of littering, dumping solid waste in public areas, and other cleanliness-related offenses.
In addition to enforcement against illegal waste disposal, attention is also given to the cleanliness of public toilets, especially in government and commercial buildings. A public toilet monitoring and grading system has been introduced where the cleanliness of each toilet is periodically assessed. These toilets are graded, for example, A, B, or C, based on criteria such as toilet space cleanliness, basic amenities provided, and maintenance frequency. This is among the roles undertaken by the Steering Committee on Cleanliness, led by the three mentioned ministries.
Additionally, efforts are underway to draft new regulations specifically addressing cleanliness and vandalism of public toilets. For example, legal proposals to set minimum penalties for damaging or stealing toilet fittings. These latest initiatives are still in the implementation process and are closely monitored by the Steering Committee on Cleanliness Issues.
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua, overall, Insya-Allah, through the coordinated approaches via this steering committee, all cleanliness efforts can be carried out systematically and integratively, avoiding duplication of initiatives that have been strategically combined under this committee’s leadership to more systematically and effectively achieve the cleanliness objectives in the country.
That is kaola's response, thank you Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua.
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua
The eighth question, which was posed by Yang Berhormat Dayang Hajah Safiah binti Sheikh Haji Abdul Salam and directed to Yang Berhormat Menteri Hal Ehwal Dalam Negeri, I invite Yang Berhormat Dato.
Yang Berhormat Menteri Hal Ehwal Dalam Negeri
Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim, thank you Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua, and Your Honourable Members. In answering question PL34, please be informed that Negara Brunei Darussalam, in January 2025, experienced the Northeast monsoon season with high average rainfall according to information from the Meteorological Department, where in January 2025, there was rainfall totaling 400.7 millimeters compared to January 2024, which was 393 millimeters.
In relation to the inquiry from Yang Berhormat Dayang Hajah Safiah binti Sheikh Haji Abd Salam, the response operation to manage disasters or any incident currently employed is based on the National Standard Operating Procedure, NASOP.
Alhamdulillah, so far, the deployment of assets and assistance from relevant agencies has proceeded smoothly according to the established standards, ensuring response operations can be conducted orderly, swiftly, and effectively.
This approach was also used in handling the recent incidents. To ensure the smooth delivery of assistance, the National Disaster Management Centre (NDMC) closely cooperates with the Treasury Department, Ministry of Finance and Economy, Department of Community Development, Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, private companies, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs), including volunteers to ensure the distribution and delivery of assistance as well as food rations are carried out smoothly.
Kaola is pleased to inform that the project of raising and upgrading roads involving 22 locations, specifically in Daerah Belait 10 locations, in Daerah Tutong 9 locations, and in Daerah Temburong 3 locations, which has been and is being implemented since 2023 in collaboration with the Public Works Department, Ministry of Development aimed at improving accessibility, reducing the risk of disconnections during disasters, ensuring villagers can still move and delivery can proceed smoothly. Of the 22 locations, 19 have been upgraded, while the remaining 3 locations in Daerah Belait and Daerah Tutong are set to be completed shortly.
Alhamdulillah, the roads that have been raised and upgraded no longer experience flooding. With this road elevation, there has also been a significant reduction in the number of affected homes and food ration distribution during recent floods in the remote areas of Daerah Tutong, where 198 houses were impacted by floods, with only 183 food rations needed to be distributed compared to 391 affected with 304 food rations in 2023. The drop in the need for food ration distribution clearly demonstrates the effectiveness of upgrading road elevations and roads, which not only enhance accessibility during disasters but also enable affected residents to continue their daily activities and obtain their basic needs.
Insya-Allah, the government will continuously monitor this issue to ensure long-term actions can be implemented for the well-being of the affected villagers.
In addition to raising and upgrading roads previously prone to flooding, other initiatives involve cleaning and widening drainage systems along those roads. This is not only a technical solution but a holistic approach targeting to increase infrastructure capacity to effectively and efficiently manage stormwater overflow.
Concurrently, the NDMC also continually holds briefing sessions and public awareness programs such as the Community-Based Disaster Risk Management, School-Based Disaster Risk Management, Disaster Preparedness Coordinator Program, and Community Leadership Program involving grassroots leaders, school citizens, the private sector, and non-governmental bodies to ensure accurate and up-to-date information reaches the public.
That concludes kaola’s response to the inquiry, thank you Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua
The ninth question, posed by Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Salleh Bostaman bin Haji Zainal Abidin directed to Yang Berhormat Menteri Sumber-Sumber Utama dan Pelancongan.
Yang Berhormat Menteri Sumber-Sumber Utama dan Pelancongan
Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim, thank you Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua.
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua, kaola requests permission for the answers to questions 9, 10, 11, and 13 to be compiled and answered as the Minister's Statement on Saturday and question 12 to be answered in this House. Thank you, Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua.
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua
So today, Yang Berhormat will answer question 9?
Yang Berhormat Menteri Sumber-Sumber Utama dan Pelancongan
Question 12.
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua
Yang Berhormat Menteri Sumber-Sumber Utama dan Pelancongan
Kaola would like to...
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua
Ten is a question from Yang Berhormat Awang Mohammad bin Abdullah @ Lim Swee Ann and question eleven.
Yang Berhormat Menteri Sumber-Sumber Utama dan Pelancongan
Kaola would like... I mean... numbers 9, 10, 11, and 13 to be answered during the Minister’s Statement on this Saturday. Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua. The question 12 is what kaola would like to answer this morning. Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua.
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua
Please proceed.
Yang Berhormat Menteri Sumber-Sumber Utama dan Pelancongan
Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim. Assalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh.
Greetings of peace. Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua, Your Honourable Members. Kaola wishes to express gratitude for the question raised by Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Mohamad Danial @ Tekpin bin Ya'akub regarding the plan to share details and descriptions of agricultural land developers in village areas with the penghulu-penghulu mukim and the relevant village leaders.
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua and Your Honourable Members. For your information, the ministry continuously communicates and discusses with village parties regarding agricultural development activities in the involved progressive areas, especially for new large-scale agricultural projects. This communication is carried out either formally or informally, depending on the need and suitability of the situation.
For example, for KKP Kandol, communication and discussion are conducted through the committee for the Kandol Area Opening Project for commercial paddy planting, which includes representatives from the District Department, and the relevant village leaders.
As with the paddy planting project in KKP Kandol, for agricultural projects in KKP Merangking, the Agriculture Department has also conducted consultations and discussions with the Village Consultative Council and the Village Chief of Merangking and other stakeholders. As for the developers and companies operating in the existing KKP areas in villages and mukims, this information can be shared subject to its suitability, especially to support the planning and interests of the village or mukim in ensuring agricultural development runs more effectively and smoothly.
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua. Sharing information regarding agricultural projects, especially those on a large scale, is not only able to provide information and knowledge to stakeholders, especially village children, but also brings wider benefits to the local community.
For example, village children can participate in these agricultural projects, particularly in job opportunities with the developer company or through peripheral businesses resulting from the economic spillover of the project, provided there is commitment and reception from the villagers to seize these opportunities. We can see this example in KKP Kandol, where the paddy plantation company has employed 19 local workers from the surrounding project residents. Meanwhile, in KKP Merangking, the companies have employed approximately 10 - 15 local workers from the project area. There are also farmers and village entrepreneurs who can sell their produce through these large-scale companies operating near their villages.
Additionally, since these developers carry out large-scale agricultural projects in the village environment, basic infrastructure such as village roads is also used by developers and local residents.
With the information sharing and involvement of the entrepreneurs and village members, the village and mukim can negotiate with the developers to jointly take responsibility to help maintain infrastructures affected by the agricultural activities conducted.
As a step forward, the information-sharing mechanism will be further reviewed and enhanced through collaboration with the Ministry of Home Affairs and related district departments, to channel the information more systematically and efficiently. This way, the village and mukim can obtain clearer information and benefit from the project, subsequently planning their participation in agricultural development more effectively.
That is all, the response ends, kaola. Thank you Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua.
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua
Thank you Yang Berhormat Menteri Sumber-Sumber Utama dan Pelancongan earlier responded to question T12 presented by Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Mohamad Danial @ Tekpin bin Ya’akub and notes that Yang Berhormat Menteri Sumber-Sumber Utama dan Pelancongan will address questions 9, 10, 11, and 13 in the Minister's Statement to be made later.
I think that will suffice for our discussions or hearing of questions this morning. Now we move on to the next agenda of the meeting.
Yang Mulia Jurutulis
The Bill and Resolution on the Development Fund. Committee Stage Debate.
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua
Your Honourable Members. The National Assembly is still discussing the Bill (2025) on Supply 2025/2026 and the Resolution on the Development Fund. Now I adjourn this session, and we will proceed with the committee stage debate.
(The Assembly is adjourned)
(Meeting convenes as Committee)
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi
Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim. Your Honourable Members. Now we continue examining the Titles at the committee stage.
Yang Mulia Jurutulis
Ministry of Finance and Economy. Titles SD01A to SD09A.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi
Your Honourable Members. The title of the Ministry of Finance and Economy, I now open for debate. This title is SD01A-SD09A. And I will divide this title into two parts for Your Honourable Appointed Members to partake in debating this title. For the first batch, I will invite 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, Yang Berhormat Dayang Hajah Safiah binti Sheikh Haji Abd. Salam, Yang Berhormat Awang Lau How Teck, and Yang Berhormat Dr. Awang Haji Mahali bin Haji Momin.
I begin by inviting Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Laila Setia Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Abd. Rahman bin Haji Ibrahim.
Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Laila Setia Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Abd. Rahman bin Haji Ibrahim
Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim, (Selawat is recited).
Assalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh and greetings of peace. Thank you Yang Berhormat Pengerusi. Firstly, kaola wishes to touch on Code 010/000 regarding the ministry's program related to industry, especially the strategy to create a conducive business environment.
As we are aware, the government has implemented the Minimum Wage Order starting July 2023. And starting April 2025, Phase Two will be implemented in several more sectors. Towards that end, kaola requests to be informed on the number of local workers who have benefited from the enforcement of this order in the first phase and the projected number expected to benefit from the implementation of the second phase.
Following the implementation of the minimum wage, what steps have been taken by the government for local job seekers to be given priority for employment by companies operating in this country?
Secondly, still related to the same program, industry, this time specifically on fostering and encouraging entrepreneurship. As known, the establishment of the Entrepreneurial Bank is the result of discussions in this esteemed hall to provide financial capital access for micro, small, and medium entrepreneurs, MSMEs, especially start-ups. To address this issue, this bank's initial role was planned as a developmental bank where collateral for loans and profit rates charged are at reasonable and fair levels.
Aside from providing loans, this bank is also required to conduct training to enhance the skills of successful borrowers so that these MSMEs can be resilient and sustainable.
Towards that end, kaola seeks clarification on whether there are plans from the ministry to update the functions and roles of the Entrepreneurial Bank so that it is more focused as a developmental bank that will play a role in assisting the overall growth of MSMEs and how the ministry will align with other initiatives implemented by BEDB and DARe such as Venture Capital, Angel, Business Development Fund, start-up funds and others.
As stated by Yang Berhormat Dato Minister last Saturday, so that they run in parallel to avoid overlapping of duties and waste of resources.
Thirdly, the Royal Customs and Excise Department is one of the departments that generates high revenue collection for the government, approximately $103 million annually. The responsibility of this department is not only to collect revenue but also to facilitate trade to support the Ease of Doing Business initiative. This department also acts to strengthen border control enforcement in collaboration with other enforcement agencies.
However, kaola noted that this year the ordinary expenditure for this department was only increased by approximately $70,000. There are no additions to key positions and the allocation for technology use seems to have decreased. Towards that end, kaola seeks clarification on the ministry's forward steps to enhance the duties and functions of this department to align its service modernization.
Lastly, kaola noticed that in the Ministry of Finance and Economy's KPI, the target amount for corporate revenue collection over the next three years is flat, constant at $197 million annually while the baseline is $222 million.
During this time, we also find that there are some companies that have not yet been required to become limited companies, whereas, these companies are recording encouraging business performance.
Towards that end, kaola seeks clarification on why this has not been implemented so far and what additional strategic steps the ministry will take to further expand the government's revenue base.
Thank you Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.
Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Mohamad Danial @ Tekpin bin Ya’akub
Assalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh. Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim. Yang Berhormat Pengerusi. Kaola wishes to discuss over the Budget for the Ministry of Finance and Economy and the Departments under it for the Fiscal Year 2025/2026. Kaola would like to touch on SD01A Ministry of Finance and Economy about business registration where one of its objectives is to improve processes over time to facilitate the registration of companies or businesses and related services that can contribute to a more efficient and customer-friendly business environment.
Referring to the Key Performance Indicator of the percentage of applications for ROCBN services received and processed within the timeframe stipulated in the TPOR not exceeding one day is 71.6% for 2023 and 2024. Kaola seeks clarification on whether there are any delays that have arisen causing these applications not to be processed according to the department's TPOR.
And as understood, ROCBN applications can only be processed during working hours and days. Therefore, in line with improvements to these applications, are there plans for this application process to be extended to 24 hours, 7 days a week including public holidays using AI technology, Artificial Intelligence as an alternative for any decision and approval.
And finally what strategic steps are in place to enhance the security of the ROCBN application system from any cyber intrusion or hacker.
That's all, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi. Wabillahi taufik walhidayah. Wassalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh.
Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Salleh Bostaman bin Haji Zainal Abidin
Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim. Assalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh. Thank you Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.
Kaola wishes to engage in discussing SD01A - Ministry of Finance and Economy Department with a total amount of $40.9 million. Among its objectives is to provide a conducive work environment infrastructure and manage activities efficiently. Before discussing the budget, allow kaola to share my understanding of the definition of KPI and targets. KPI, Key Performance Indicator is defined as a measure of organizational objective achievement and helps set goals, monitor achievement, and identify weaknesses and strengths of an organization.
In the industry and business, KPI is also used as a benchmark and measure of individual, group, and organizational excellence. KPI is also used to provide focus to help the organization move towards unified goals and organizational excellence. This is the strength of aligned goals and KPI as organizational intervention towards excellence.
So kaola wants to inquire about Code 007/00 Trade Management. A budget of $2.1 million with the program objective of addressing free trade agreement management issues, FDR. Could there be a set annual KPI achievement for this initiative and what results have been achieved through this initiative so far? How can the ministry translate all these trade agreements into effective implementation so SMEs can gain benefits from them?
The second issue, Code 008/000 Planning, Implementation, and Monitoring of Development Projects worth $1.156 million. The program's objective is to ensure projects under RKN are executed efficiently and are value for money, worthwhile. Kaola understands the expenditure allocation for RKN10 and RKN-11 could not be fully utilized within the stipulated timeframe for several reasons and several projects, I understand, have been delayed, unfinished, or unable to be implemented. What lessons from the performance review of RKN-10 and RKN-11 have been channeled and can be adapted in RKN-12's implementation to ensure all project executions in RKN-12 will not be postponed? It is noted that the people, um, RKN is very important to the contractor community for continuity of work integrity and the journey of private integrity and business integrity depends on the government's agency capability to realize projects in RKN.
ST05A Treasury Department 002/00. Speeding up the payment process execution, $7.8 million with the objective of speeding up the payment process execution. Referring to this title, an explanation is sought on the total number of outstanding invoices and the total financial value of these overdue invoices and a further explanation on what lessons and changes have been considered to ensure payments are executed on time? Delay in invoice payment forces entrepreneurs to take loans, incur overdue fees and penalties to pay wages and cashflow for business continuity. The one who gains from the delay in invoice payments is the banks, which profit without doing work.
Kaola suggests that the charges incurred due to overdue invoices caused by the government's internal processes should be borne by the government agency. With this, the true cost of doing business due to delayed invoice payments can be seen and will enable more efficient and timely handling of invoices. Wassalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh.
Yang Berhormat Dayang Hajah Rosmawatty binti Haji Abdul Mumin
Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim. Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi. Kaola has a few questions related to the Title SD01A Department of the Ministry of Finance and Economy. With a total budget of $40,921,330.00.
Firstly, Code 004/000 Tax Revenue Collection, with a provision of $134,600.00 and referring to the new Key Performance Indicator, which is the percentage of company compliance with the filing of annual returns, targeting a 60% achievement annually from the Financial Year 2025 until Financial Year 2028. Considering this report is important and contributes to the fiscal rate of the country, could you clarify why the target is set at only 60% annually? What are the ministry's efforts to ensure companies comply with this annual return filing regulation, especially foreign-owned companies, and what enforcement mechanisms are used to address companies failing to comply with this regulation?
The second question concerns Code 005/000 Business Registration with an allocation of $111,000.00 for the new financial year. Kaola also refers to the Key Performance Indicator, the percentage of applications for ROCBN services received and processed within the time specified in the TPOR. Like my fellow Your Honourable Member earlier, kaola also wants to know the challenges faced in processing 100% of applications received within the specified TPOR period.
Additionally, does the ministry monitor and ensure that all registered businesses and premises will be managed and operated by the registrar or the company owner and not rented or utilized by foreigners? And what monitoring mechanisms are used to ensure these registered companies comply with relevant regulations and laws, especially foreign-owned companies, for example, in terms of hiring local workers and their welfare, as well as other aspects contributing to the country's economic generation?
The third question is Code 010/000 Industry and Sub 010/001 Main Industry Development with a provision of $284,000.00. Among the objectives of this program is to increase the country's economic diversity through non-oil and gas industries, with strategies such as creating a conducive business environment, fostering, and encouraging an entrepreneurial mindset. Could you clarify the main industries focused on in this title, given that non-oil and gas industries are crucial for diversifying the country's economy, and our country is striving to advance downstream industries, is the provision of $284,000.00 and the planned activities capable of facilitating and supporting the development of key industries in this country and preparing small and medium-sized entrepreneurs with relevant skills training to develop an ecosystem that supports this industry? Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.
Yang Berhormat Awang Lau How Teck
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi. SD01A Department of the Ministry of Finance and Economy. In discussing the efficiency of expenditure and cost control, it is important to ensure that each approved provision not only meets current needs but also forms a basis for long-term cost management. With rising operational cost challenges, the Ministry of Finance and Economy should not only manage the national expenditure but also provide mechanisms for key sectors to become more sustainable without relying entirely on direct assistance.
Code 1213 Strengthening ICT Infrastructure. Investments in data-related systems and the economy, such as the Government Human Resource Management System and the Division of Industry and Business Ecosystem, aim to enhance resource management efficiency. However, spending on this digital infrastructure should align with fiscal policies that assist sectors facing high-cost pressures, such as agriculture and livestock. One step that can be considered is strengthening fiscal incentives for businesses investing in cost-saving technology. For instance, entrepreneurs who adopt automation and technology in processing results or precision farming, which can reduce resource wastage, should be given tax reductions or access to support funds.
This will encourage these sectors to shift to a more efficient operational capital without overly relying on annual subsidies. Additionally, kaola believes that the subsidy structure should be more targeted based on effective cost reduction. For example, subsidies could be given incrementally based on the gross operational cost savings successfully achieved. This would ensure that each government expenditure yields a multiplier effect, where not only costs are saved, but also encourages industries to enhance competitiveness through innovation and efficiency.
Kaola hopes this approach can be considered to ensure the nation's fiscal management remains relevant to the changing economic needs and can help key sectors adapt to the increasingly complex operational cost challenges. Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.
Yang Berhormat Dr. Awang Haji Mahali bin Haji Momin
Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim. Assalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh. Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.
Kaola has three questions.
Firstly, regarding the Department of the Ministry of Finance and Economy related to KPIs. Collection of Corporate Income Tax from Other Companies, baseline $222 million, referring to the Key Performance Indicator SD01A Collection of Corporate Income Tax from Other Companies. What is meant by Other Companies in this tax collection context? What types of companies are included in this category? Why is the target set below the baseline of $222 million? Could you clarify the criteria ensuring a private limited company pays corporate tax? How many private limited companies are there, and what percentage contributes to tax revenue?
Secondly, regarding the Royal Customs and Excise Department, SD03A. Referring to Title SD03A Code 001/002-Human Resource Development. With an allocation of $7,000, is this amount sufficient to ensure efficient and effective staff management and administration of the department and enhance the skills, capabilities, and quality of officers? At the same time achieving excellent productivity as stated in the program objectives.
Next, the third concerns the Treasury Department SD05A-Outstanding Invoices. Referring to Title SD05A - Key Performance Indicators of Outstanding Invoices. Could you clarify the reasons behind the increase in the percentage of the target, which should have decreased? Thank you, Pehin Pengerusi.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi
Yang Berhormat, Your Honourable Members.
The second group, I will invite Yang Berhormat Haji Awang Sulaiman bin Haji Nasir, Yang Berhormat Awang Abdul Aziz bin Haji Hamdan, Yang Berhormat Awang Zainol bin Haji Mohamed, Yang Berhormat Awang Mohammad bin Abdullah @ Lim Swee Ann, Yang Berhormat Dayang Chong Chin Yee, Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Johan Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Adanan bin Begawan Pehin Siraja Khatib Dato Seri Setia Haji Md. Yusof.
Before that, I would also like to attract the attention of Your Honourable Members. It would be good if Your Honourable Members listen to the questions of other Your Honourable Members, if those questions have already been asked, it would be better not to ask them again, as it saves a lot of time and avoids confusing, what is it, the next person who will answer. It would be better if the questions that have been asked are left to be answered by the concerned parties.
I invite you to start this second group, Yang Berhormat Haji Awang Sulaiman bin Haji Nasir.
Yang Berhormat Haji Awang Sulaiman bin Haji Nasir
Thank you Pehin Yang aa Pengerusi. Assalamualaikum Warahmatullahi Ta’ala Wabarakatuh. Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi, first of all, kaola expresses gratitude for the opportunity to debate the Budget of the Ministry of Finance and Economy and its Departments for the Financial Appropriation for 2025/2026.
Kaola refers to Title SD04A Department of Economic Planning and Statistics, which is Code 004/000 Consumer Affairs. The objective of the department focuses on initiatives for implementing and enforcing the Consumer Protection (Fair Trading) Order, 2011, and the Price Control Act (Chapter 142) towards promoting a fair and informed market for consumers and traders.
In conjunction with this, kaola seeks clarification concerning the Consumer Protection, Fair Trading, 2011 Order. Does this order also protect consumer rights in aspects:
Firstly, the right to clear and accurate information about the purchased products and services?;
Secondly, the right to choose products or services based on a choice without coercion or undue influence?; and
Thirdly, the right to consumer safety for obtaining safe products or services.
If there are violations of the order's regulations, where do consumers submit complaints and claims? Please provide clarification on this.
Thank you Yang Berhormat Pengerusi. Wabillahi taufik walhidayah, wassalamualaikum warahmatullahi ta’ala wabarakatuh.
Yang Berhormat Awang Abdul Aziz bin Haji Hamdan
Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim. Assalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh. Yang Berhormat Pehin Pengerusi.
Thank you for the opportunity to discuss the budget of the Ministry of Finance and Economy and its departments within the national budget for the Financial Year 2025/2026. Kaola refers to Code 012/000 Research and Statistical Planning and Code 012/001 Economic and Fiscal Research. As understood, the Fiscal Consolidation Programme is the government's effort and initiative towards stabilizing the government's finances in steps to reduce the national budget deficit.
Kaola welcomes this effort as it is a practice applied by developed countries and more proactive measures toward program implementation to ensure budgets are allocated efficiently based on the core business of each ministry and its respective departments.
However, in this regard, kaola hopes that its implementation later needs to be carefully planned to balance between fiscal objectives and public welfare.
Furthermore, kaola seeks clarification on whether the ministry has plans to expand privatization methods for service sectors and the utilization of government assets such as abandoned government buildings.
Kaola would also like to voice further regarding the public complaints concerning the TAFIS 2.0 System, which is the delay in the payment process as clarified by the ministry during the dialogue session is due to several factors, including delays from departments in providing feedback for further processes.
In this regard, kaola requests the concerned parties to take note and examine this issue towards improving the TAFIS 2.0 System comprehensively. Please clarify. Thank you.
Yang Berhormat Awang Zainol bin Haji Mohamed
Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi. Kaola wants to discuss matters under Title SD01A – Department of the Ministry of Finance and Economy, specifically the Key Performance Indicator - Participation in Regional and International Trade Expos and Exhibitions, which has been increased to four countries in this financial year. Trade expos and exhibitions provide an opportunity to showcase local products and services and act as a driver for increasing the country's exports.
Increased participation in regional and international expos demonstrates the country's commitment to ensuring local companies' engagement in the global market.
However, the effectiveness of expos is not only measured by the number of participants but also by how much it translates into sustainable export growth, participation in international supply chains, and the resilience of companies in maintaining overseas markets.
Moving forward to strengthen the expo results can be enhanced with a trade follow-up mission, a mechanism implemented in several other countries. In countries like Singapore and Korea, each expo attended is followed by a targeted trade mission focusing on companies showing high potential for continuing business in their target country.
Trade delegations will return to the market within six to twelve months after the expo to hold direct meetings with identified buyers and distributors. This approach can be tailored for the country by ensuring local companies that garnered high interest during the expo are provided trade consultation support.
More exclusive business matching and market compliance guidance to expedite export transactions. Thus, participation in expos does not end after the exhibition but continues as a focused process on producing real trade outcomes.
Moreover, the national trade concierge service model practiced by other countries can serve as inspiration to strengthen support for local companies. Through this model, each export company successfully entering foreign markets is given access to trade experts who serve as exclusive advisors in helping them understand changes in import policies.
Managing currency exchange risks and ensuring their export strategies remain relevant. This ensures that exports not only grow but are also resilient in facing global market uncertainties. With increasing expo participation, strategies can be further refined so that each expo is not merely a promotional platform but truly generates high-impact opportunities for national economic growth.
Thank you. Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.
Yang Berhormat Awang Mohammad bin Abdullah @ Lim Swee Ann
Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pehin Pengerusi. Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim. Assalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh. Thank you for the opportunity to debate the Budget Allocation for the Ministry of Finance and Economy and its departments for the year 2025/2026.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi. Kaola is pleased to refer to SD03A Royal Customs and Excise Department, Code 003/000 Trade Facilitation. Implementing initiatives to support the Ease of Doing Business initiatives and providing technology to facilitate online trade. This includes facilitating import or export methods without compromising security aspects on a 24/7 basis.
In this regard, kaola seeks clarification whether conventional systems are still in use and what plans are there to improve this online system and consider user-friendliness.
Next, kaola refers to the Key Performance Indicators of the Royal Customs and Excise Department for the 2025/2026 Expenditure Estimate regarding the percentage of outstanding Revenue Collection of the Royal Customs and Excise Department amounting to $109,015.00 as of March 31, 2024, where the estimated annual collection percentage for 2023/2024 is 20% and the actual collection percentage is only 4.82%. Kaola requests clarification on what is meant by the outstanding revenue collection and why the estimate for 2024/2025 decreases to 3%.
That’s all. Wabillahi taufik walhidayah. Wassalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh.
Yang Berhormat Dayang Chong Chin Yee
Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi. Good morning and warm greetings. First of all, kaola would like to congratulate on the efforts made to expand exports to neighboring countries in recent years.
However, kaola hopes the Ministry of Finance and Economy can build on this momentum and continue to strengthen the food manufacturing sector as one of the main pillars in our economic diversification strategy.
Referring to the Ministry of Finance and Economy's statement on the fifth day of the Majlis Mesyuarat Negara, kaola understands that BEDB has organized various expos to open market opportunities for this local business. This is a very encouraging initiative as mentioned by fellow Your Honourable Member. Regarding this matter, can kaola confirm that the Ministry of Finance and Economy through BEDB plans to participate in four exhibitions or expos in four countries this year as stated in the National Revenue and Expenditure Estimates Book 2025/2026.
However, kaola notes that for the years 2026/2027 and 2027/2028, only 2 international expos will be attended. Moreover, just yesterday, Yang Berhormat Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department and Minister of Finance and Economy II provided a response for question PL11 that the Ministry of Finance and Economy II through BEDB has actively offered investment opportunities through regional and international expos in targeted countries. Kaola would like to request clarification about the actual number of expos attended each year to promote local businesses and attract direct foreign investments respectively. If the number is just 2 or 4 expos, it appears insufficient to effectively raise Brunei's global presence.
The next item, to measure progress in economic diversification efforts through the food manufacturing sector, which is one of the priority sectors. Is the ministry prepared to include KPIs such as the percentage of GDP from the food manufacturing sector, revenue generation by food manufacturing companies, employment growth in the food manufacturing sector, or growth rate of the food manufacturing sector in the National Revenue and Expenditure Estimates Book?
And lastly, kaola understands that DARe conducts programs such as Accelerate, Elevate, and Micro Bootcamp. Kaola would like to suggest differentiating the Micro Bootcamp between food service companies and food manufacturing companies. Although kaola acknowledges the success of the bootcamp in training food service entrepreneurs, particularly at Kontena Park, kaola believes it is time to provide more targeted support for the food manufacturing sector. Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.
Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Johan Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Adanan bin Begawan Pehin Siraja Khatib Dato Seri Setia Haji Mohd Yusuf
Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim. Assalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh. Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.
Kaola would like to raise the Title SD01 Ministry of Finance and Economy II Department, Code 111/000 New Cooperative Movement Program. Kaola welcomes the Cooperative Movement Program aimed at stimulating and developing cooperatives in the nation's progress. The total development of cooperatives under Code 011-001 is $754,410.00, including emoluments of $749,410.00 and recurring expenses of $5,000.00. Kaola has previously raised the issue of the slow development of cooperatives in this country.
In this regard, kaola seeks clarification on the strategic plans or initiatives to enhance the effectiveness of cooperative development, especially involving more people joining cooperative bodies that can contribute to improving the community's lifestyle and contributing to the country's economic growth rate and how much allocation is for further developing cooperatives in this country?
Secondly, kaola would like to refer to Title SD1A Services Department, Ministry of Finance and Economy Department, Code 1214 Industrial Development Advancement and Industrial Development. The code has allocated $100 thousand in 2025/2026, the same amount approved in 2024/2025. However, there is a total allocation under the 12th RKN amounting to $10 million, which only allocates 2% for the first year from the RKN plan price for cluster development. Kaola views this, and it can raise questions regarding the need to increase or adjust this allocation to ensure the effective implementation of programs or microeconomic cluster development projects achieved and aligned with development goals. Kaola suggests the need to increase the financial allocation amount in the future to improve a more attractive and conducive business ecosystem, not only attracting many foreign investors but also increasing the economies and businesses in this country.
In line with this, how does the ministry plan to bridge the gap with the allocation provided to ensure the success of the program under the 12th RKN Plan so that every planned project or program is not delayed and may not hinder economic activity development.
Kaola also wants to raise Title SD 04A-Strategic Planning Department, Code 1220, Science Technology Research and Development Study. In kaola’s observation, the specific allocation under this title only indicates Title 12201, Census and Socioeconomic Studies in the 2025/2026 Estimates. While R&D and Science, Technology, and Innovation Studies allocations are very important and require high allocation to produce innovation, enhance productivity, and the credibility of various sectors to drive a more sustainable and viable national socioeconomy. As in ASEAN countries, the allocation for R&D is between one or between 3% of GDP, perhaps there is provided under another allocation. However, kaola requests clarification according to this matter in addition to the amount allocated for R&D for the country and what percentage of GDP?
Next, kaola wants to refer to SD05A Key Performance Indicators KPI with a cumulative target of 20 government agencies in 2025/2026 being onboarded using the E-Payment Gateway and One Common Billing System. It is highly welcomed and shows progress compared to the achievement of twelve agencies in 2023/2024.
The implementation of this transformation is not only to transform but to facilitate and provide users and the community with more efficient, effective, and feasible services. Kaola wants to know what strategic action steps ensure the success and full implementation of this project, accompanied by all government agencies and stakeholders. Wallah. Wabillahi taufik walhidayah, wassalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh. Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi
Your Honourable Members, I will now read the third group who wish to also debate these topics, starting with Yang Berhormat Dayang Hajah Rosmawatty binti Haji Abdul Mumin, followed by Yang Berhormat Pengiran Haji Isa bin Pengiran Haji Aliuddin, Yang Berhormat Awang Salleh bin Haji Othman, and Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Indera Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Haji Awang Suyoi bin Haji Osman. I now invite 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 Pengerusi. SD01A-Ministry of Finance and Economy II Department. Kaola has two issues to raise, Yang Berhormat Pehin,
Firstly, Code 004/000, Tax Revenue Collection with a total budget of $1,340,600.00. Referring to SD01A, Code 004/000. Many businesses in Brunei, such as grocery stores, restaurants, and construction, are dominated by foreign nationals like Ali Chandran businesses, and a large portion benefit from government subsidies but do not contribute to the national economy and do not employ local citizens. Therefore, regulations need to be reviewed and tightened by changing their business model to such as GLC, local franchise initiative, joint venture, and local cooperative.
The question is, how can the ministry regulate and ensure these businesses comply and contribute to the Revenue Management Program to broaden the tax base and increase the tax collection amount and rate from the domestic economy in line with this program's objectives?
Secondly, RKN 1222 Tackling Climate Change, Public Facilities, and Environment. Code 122/203 Green Building, RKN $51,608,000.00. Referring to the Development Expenditure Estimate Code 122/203 Regarding green buildings with a total cost of $51,608,000.00. While the expenditure estimate for 2025/2026 is too low at $8 million, only 15.5% to demonstrate the country's commitment as the ASEAN Climate Change Centre.
There are not many green buildings in Brunei. Therefore, there are opportunities to build capacity in green building development and involve local talent throughout the development process, from design to construction. This can serve as a start to a model or concept that can be applied to future green buildings. Like the new Employment Centre building reconstruction.
In addition, this initiative also contributes to the national plan to achieve a green economy. How does the ministry ensure high-quality and sustainable building materials for green buildings are sold at a price that encourages their growth and motivates local contractors and architects to choose these materials over unsustainable cheap materials to reduce the impact of climate change? When is this project's estimated completion, and how does the ministry plan to accelerate the development of the existing initiatives and programs?
Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.
Yang Berhormat Pengiran Haji Isa bin Pengiran Haji Aliuddin
Assalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh. Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi, for the wisdom. Referring to program Code 010/000 Industry and Topic SD01A 010/002, which is Eco Business. One of our big challenges is our people's movement across borders by land to neighboring countries to shop for daily goods and food outside, spending less in our own country.
Kaola understands that studies have been carried out in 2019, 2021, and 2024 by the Centre for Strategic and Policy Studies, CSPS at the request of AMBD at that time and Universiti Brunei Darussalam concerning economic leakage and the high rate of cross-border expenditure by Bruneians.
Many supports and suggestions have been expressed, but we still have not found an effective strategy. In this matter, and if it has not been implemented, kaola would like to suggest that the government conduct a detailed study on the profile of our people who move through this land border. With that profiling study, the government can evaluate in terms of policies to be introduced to reduce the outflow of money from the country and encourage our citizens, including public service personnel, to spend within the country.
Kaola refers to the revenue estimates for the non-oil and gas sector, in the budget presentation by Yang Berhormat Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri dan Menteri Kewangan dan Ekonomi II until January 2025, there are 26 Foreign Direct Investment, FDI companies operating and 15 more companies expected to operate around this year, leading up to 2027. Kaola believes these companies have collaborative efforts with government-linked companies, GLCs.
My question is, what is the contribution of these GLC-FDI joint venture companies to the nation's revenue? Are these companies paying relevant taxes, such as corporate tax, to the government? My question relates to my observation of the significant drop in revenue returns from investments and savings amounting to $90 million in 2023/2024, down to $61 million in 2024/2025 and also 2025/2026. The drop is also evident for revenue from surplus income from statutory bodies, from $70 million in 2023/2024 to only $47 million in 2024/2025 and the same estimate for 2025/2026.
Furthermore, this issue is also related to the business ecosystem, specifically concerning airline ticket prices which are significantly different from neighboring countries. As we know, our people prefer to fly from neighboring country airports, which are much more affordable than taking flights from our own country. It cannot be denied that this is a matter of public choice as well. However, this is not only an issue regarding our money being spent abroad but also affects our national carrier, Royal Brunei.
Kaola's question is, can the Ministry of Finance and Economy collaborate with the Ministry of Transport and Infocommunications, the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism, and RB to delve deeper into updating RB's business model and operations, considering the business model approach of affordable and cost-effective airline operators? Kaola understands that ticket prices may not be able to match or equal the prices in the neighboring country. However, if the price difference is reasonable and it is worthwhile when flying from within the country, compared to the nearest neighboring country, taking into account travel distances and additional costs, kaola believes it will provide an attractive option for our people to take flights from within the country itself.
Allow me to give a small example. A round trip ticket to Kuala Lumpur from a neighboring country's airport is around $150.00, plus $65.00 for EES costs, fuel, and parking. The total amount of $215.00 does not include hidden costs, such as time and energy driving for hours and sometimes queuing for hours in the neighboring country and the risk of parking a car in the neighboring country. If the ticket price from our own country is around $250.00 for a round trip, kaola believes our people will still choose to buy tickets from our own country.
Assalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh.
Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Md. Salleh bin Haji Othman
Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi. Assalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh and greetings. Kaola refers to Code 011/000 Cooperative Movement and Code 011/001 that was raised earlier by Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Johan Pahlawan, so I would like to add a question. As stated in the 2025/2026 Budget Estimates Book of the Ministry of Finance and Economy, the Cooperative Movement is a new program. What new programs are meant?
And furthermore, so far, how many cooperative businesses are still operating in Negara Brunei Darussalam and what are the plans and efforts of the department in empowering cooperatives in the country? That is all, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi, thank you.
Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Indera Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Haji Awang Suyoi bin Haji Osman
Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi, for the opportunity to participate in this debate. Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim. Assalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh and greetings.
Kaola would like to refer to the title SD01A and then touch on 0110/009 Industry, which is one of the objectives under this title to foster and encourage an entrepreneurial mindset.
Kaola would like to ask if there is any allocation under this title, efforts to advance specifically Malay entrepreneurship in line with the philosophy of Melayu Islam Beraja and what efforts, policies, or action strategies are in place to enhance Malay entrepreneurs in the next five years.
Secondly, we often say that to expand our country's economy, we need to attract Foreign Direct Investment to Negara Brunei Darussalam. Recently, Yang Berhormat Menteri Hal Ehwal Luar Negeri mentioned that one of the tasks of the Foreign Affairs Ministry officers, especially those abroad, is to attract Foreign Direct Investment to Negara Brunei Darussalam.
In this matter, kaola would like to ask whether the Ministry of Finance and Economy involves our Embassies and High Commissions abroad in attracting foreign direct investment by holding meetings and providing them with sufficient information so that they can help attract foreign investors more effectively.
Kaola thinks, just as making it one of their tasks alone, it will not succeed. It is necessary, in kaola's opinion, for them to be clarified on the type of foreign investment desired to enter Brunei and the key business entities they should meet.
In addition, kaola has been informed that several investment proposals and business collaboration proposals in any field channeled through the embassy do not receive feedback from the ministries and agencies to which they are directed. This matter certainly makes our embassy less effective and ultimately demotivated.
The third thing kaola would like to raise is about Code 006/000, which is International Relations, whose program objective is to promote international cooperation in economic and financial affairs through membership in regional and international bodies and institutions and Code 007/000, Trade Management. Kaola would like to ask Yang Berhormat Menteri whether there can be synergy between the Ministry of Finance and Economy and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in this matter to avoid duplication of work and save costs. Kaola believes that in an economic situation where we are trying to save expenses, multitasking might be one way we can practice.
Finally, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi, kaola would like to touch on Code 102/0000 – Research and Strategic Planning, whose functions and objectives include monitoring the development of the local economy and finance and generating policy proposals.
Kaola fully supports the work carried out by CSPS because it addresses many strategic economic issues that are hoped to lead to a paradigm shift in the country's policy and action plan.
Kaola's question is, what percentage of policy proposal papers that have been received have been absorbed into the formulation of a policy currently in use? That is all, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi. Thank you.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi
Your Honourable Members, we have listened to the debate voiced by sixteen Appointed Members concerning Titles SD01A to SD09A. Now it is time for us to invite Yang Berhormat Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri dan Menteri Kewangan dan Ekonomi II to respond or answer some questions that have been raised. I invite Yang Berhormat.
Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri dan Menteri Kewangan dan Ekonomi II
Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi. Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim. Assalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh and greetings.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi and Your Honourable Members. First of all, kaola would like to express gratitude and appreciation for the questions and suggestions raised.
In general, the Ministry of Finance and Economy continues to strive to play a significant role in driving the progress of Negara Brunei Darussalam as a nation with a dynamic and resilient economy, in line with the third goal of Wawasan Brunei 2035.
Therefore, to answer the questions from Your Honourable Members, kaola will attempt to respond as best as possible within the allocated time or possibly take a little more time.
However, for questions requiring detailed explanations, insya-Allah, the Ministry of Finance and Economy will provide written responses later, insya Allah.
There are a few questions due to misunderstandings regarding the budget allocations provided, such as the allocation for Industrial and Business Ecosystem, which was given $284,000 under the Nation’s Socio-Economic Development.
This allocation is actually for daily expenses and not for expanding the industrial ecosystem. Allocation for the ecosystem development of the country or supporting the MSME sector is indeed not in our budget but provided under a statutory body, namely BEDB, and several government agencies.
So, to answer questions posed by several Your Honourable Members regarding the Treasury collections with a baseline of $221 million and its target over the next few years being below this baseline.
To share, the baseline of $221.1 million is based on, first implemented in the Financial Year 2014/2015. Since then, the Ministry of Finance and Economy has also made several changes in taxation.
Thus, the policy has a negative impact on revenue, such as companies with income below $1 million do not need to file or pay taxes, hence many large companies split into numerous smaller companies with each having income below $1 million, meaning none pay taxes. This is a negative impact on government revenue. Therefore, in examining this issue, we intend to review all these policies once more. So to look at the real revenue for the Ministry of Finance and Economy after the estimates or targets recorded in this Financial Book actually increases.
Therefore, Insya Allah, the Ministry of Finance and Economy takes this issue seriously to ensure all private limited companies pay income tax. However, there was one question about how many companies pay, and how many do not pay taxes.
If seen in the ROCBN records, perhaps most registered private limited companies are not active or dormant but still registered with ROCBN. This too is an action that the Ministry of Finance and Economy will handle if a company is not filing or is inactive, possibly using the power under ROCBN to strike off its registration.
There was also a question regarding Bank Usahawan. In reality, Bank Usahawan does not use the government's budget, so it does not need to be discussed in this noble Chamber. But taking this opportunity, kaola seeks permission to give a brief explanation of the current activities under Bank Usahawan.
As of now, 806 financial loans have been provided to our MSMEs until December 2024. In recent times, the Board of Bank Usahawan has changed its strategy to focus more on micro-enterprises and those entrepreneurs classified under the Economically Vulnerable Group, which is the new focus for Bank Usahawan.
Therefore, as a further direction, Bank Usahawan will also enhance customer-friendly service just to improve the customer service. It means that Bank Usahawan will integrate with the customers including local micros or MSMEs to better understand their needs and challenges as micro-scale entrepreneurs.
In this regard, Bank Usahawan collaborates with BEDB to jointly assist in providing training for the development of MSMEs entrepreneurs such as Basic Book-Keeping, Financial Literacy. Both agencies, BEDB and DARe, work together to provide financial loans to graduates of DARe's incubation program.
Bank Usahawan is also involved in any MSME events organized by DARe such as forums and MSME expos. That's all regarding Bank Usahawan.
Furthermore, there were a few questions about Customs or the Customs and Excise Department. Although its budget increased by $70,000, the Customs and Excise Department has already used more online and digital services, thus spending has been economically managed.
So, there is an initiative, as I shared previously, a PPP collaboration using x-ray technology with Muara Port Company, allowing scanning of containers simultaneously.
This has saved the Customs and Excise Department expenditures. Other operations typically cooperate with the Police, Border Operations with other agencies.
So, this increases the number of operations with controlled costs. This means that although the budget does not increase, service levels have not decreased.
Another issue, regarding ROCBN registration, why can't it be processed within 24 hours 7 days. Kaola would also like to question why it is necessary for it to be 24 hours 7 days. Perhaps Your Honourable Member can provide some explanation before kaola responds.
Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Mohamad Danial @ Tekpin bin Ya’akub
Assalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh. The service aims to facilitate people to change the system to expedite those processes. This is just to seek clarification from the Yang Berhormat Minister on whether this proposed system is suitable or not. That's all.
Yang Berhormat Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri dan Menteri Kewangan dan Ekonomi II
Ok, thank you. In reality, the public, if they want to register a company, can submit applications online, so during working days, it can be processed immediately, within a day.
So if there is any delay, it’s only within those few days. So, as stated before, there was indeed a target to register a company within a day to raise our ranking in the ease of doing business but there were also issues with that approach because there were many challenges, especially for locals whose names are used to register limited companies without them knowing that their names were used or they don’t comprehend what the business entails.
So, ROCBN has taken steps to verify that those registering as shareholders or directors genuinely acknowledge their roles or truly understand the registered business. These are the necessary steps to protect the interests of our people, especially many whose names are used without their knowledge that they are directors or shareholders.
There was a question regarding our FTAs. To share, we currently have 10 FTAs, which are essential to enhance Negara Brunei Darussalam's economic ties with other countries to facilitate exports, not only opening markets for our companies but also addressing issues such as trade barriers and so forth. So there are also issues related to rules of origin and so forth.
Therefore, with our efforts having secured free trade agreements, local businesses can be encouraged to benefit from them.
Regarding the certificate of origin, we have observed an increase in our export value from 2023 worth $1.9 billion to 2024, which has increased to USD 2.5 billion annually, particularly as we are a member of the CPTPP, allowing us to successfully export to countries like Chile, Peru, and Mexico for the first time.
For continuing the socialization of the certificate of origin to the public, there have been several sessions sharing this with our businesses, working with the United Kingdom, Canada, etc. So in the future, this effort will be further intensified.
There were questions regarding RKN10, RKN11, regarding their delays and completion; indeed, there are many lessons learned from our previous experiences. Kaola's brief answer is that it is an ongoing effort to improve our achievements. Insya Allah.
Some questions kaola has answered earlier in writing regarding delays in payment, so if Your Honourable Members would inquire about this question, please refer to the prior hansards. There was also a question from Yang Berhormat Hajah Rosmawatty binti Haji Abdul Mumin regarding the Green Project, which too has been addressed in writing in the hansard.
It seems our time is up, so for unanswered questions that kaola deems important, kaola insya Allah will answer in writing, Insya Allah. Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi
Thank you, Yang Berhormat Menteri in the Prime Minister's Office and the Second Minister of Finance and Economy. With the reminder that he will respond to some questions in writing later, I think it's time for us to vote on this Title. Your Honourable Members, if you agree, please raise your hand.
(Your Honourable Members raised their hands in agreement)
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi
Thank you. It seems all Members agree, hence Title SD01A to SD09A of the Ministry of Finance and Economy are approved.
Yang Mulia Jurutulis
Title SD01A to Title SD09A becomes part of the Schedule. Ministry of Home Affairs, Title SE01A to SE12A.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi
The Committee will now discuss Title SE01A to Title SE12A of the Ministry of Home Affairs. I would like to open this Title for debate, and as usual, I will divide Your Honourable Appointed Members who wish to debate these Titles into three sections.
The first section will be started by Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Salleh Bostaman bin Haji Zainal Abidin. Followed by Yang Berhormat Haji Awang Sulaiman bin Haji Nasir, Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Mohd. Salleh bin Haji Othman, Yang Berhormat Dayang Hajah Safiah binti Sheikh Haji Abd Salam, Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Laila Setia Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Abd. Rahman bin Haji Ibrahim, and Yang Berhormat Dayang Hajah Rosmawatty binti Haji Abdul Mumin. Please proceed, Yang Berhormat.
Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Salleh Bostaman bin Haji Zainal Abidin
Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim. Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi. Kaola has several questions, SE01A Department of Ministry of Home Affairs with a proposed budget of $5 million, Code 005/000 Municipal Powers Management. $200 thousand, expenditure 2025.
The objective among others is to develop and advance urban areas to boost the economy. What enforcement measures will be taken to ensure that premises comply with laws and regulations, especially in markets and tamu throughout the country, most of which are operated by foreigners even though the license is owned by locals?
Perhaps it is time for small businesses renting government premises to be managed by our locals who hold the licenses.
SE03A Municipal Board of Kuala Belait and Seria, budget $6.8 million. The objective among others is to emphasize urban development in terms of safety, security, comfort, and vibrancy, but the Key Performance Indicators for all these agencies currently focus only on revenue collection.
Kaola believes the board needs to introduce KPIs that reflect achieving the board's main objectives, such as KPIs related to economic growth, social interaction, cultural diversity, and so on. These are among the examples that can provide accurate evaluations of the programs implemented. This should also be absorbed into every district to ensure uniformity and program effectiveness.
Code 003/000 Asset Management and Enforcement. During the COVID-19 period, many home-based businesses flourished, mostly operated by low-income residents, single mothers, and the elderly to support family economics while managing household chores and caring for young children and grandchildren at home.
Perhaps now strict enforcement has forced many small home-based businesses to close with legal reprimands. As a result, they are forced to send their products to Ali Chandran's businesses which impose a 20% mark-up, reducing their profits. In the current economic situation, it is more appropriate to support local businesses rather than excessive enforcement, as it benefits small businesses run by foreign Ali Chandran.
SE05A Labor Department. In the explanation by Yang Berhormat Menteri a few days ago, data from the Labor Department regarding work passes of 75 thousand for public workers and 13 thousand domestic helpers, surely the Labor Department has conducted a detailed analysis of this sector and the years the work passes will be abolished.
Kaola seeks clarification on whether such data has been shared with government agencies to replace the National Action Plan to replace local manpower with succession planning, providing local youth with the necessary skills, and is there an effort by the ministry to introduce incentives or disincentives in schemes to stimulate industries with work passes to contribute funds for building skills for local youth workers.
SE01A Ministry of Home Affairs, Administrative Management, $11 million. This is for community development and quality service delivery, requiring a visionary leader who is knowledgeable and understands local developments and therefore requires leaders to reside with the people they lead.
To what extent is the ministry's policy in identifying these leader candidates to be integrated into the succession planning of leaders such as district officers and village leaders to reside in the places they are assigned to? Assalamualaikum warrahmatullahi ta’ala wabarakatuh.
Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Mohamad Danial @ Tekpin bin Ya’akub
Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi. Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim. Assalamualaikum Warrahmatullahi Taala Wabarakatuh.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi. Alhamdulillah, first of all, kaola express my gratitude for the opportunity to discuss the Ministry of Home Affairs Budget and the departments under it for the Fiscal Year 2025/2026 Allocation. It is hoped that all planning can be successfully realized.
Referring to the statement by Yang Berhormat Menteri Hal Ehwal Dalam Negeri on 4 Ramadan 1446, equivalent to 5 March 2025, regarding the Upgrade of Control Posts Project under the 12th National Development Plan. Kaola welcomes this development, which kaola has previously raised during the 20th Session of the National Assembly, regarding the condition of the Labu Control Post and Ujung Jalan Control Post buildings and infrastructure that require attention.
Next, kaola refers to Title SE11A Prison Department, Code 002/001. The Prison Institution's main objective is to enhance the prison control and safety system to enable inmates to carry out imprisonment and rehabilitation programs in an orderly and safe manner. Kaola refers to the Key Performance Indicator regarding the percentage of former inmates re-entering prison after release, estimated for the Year 2023/2024 to be the same as the actual percentage of 12.5%, logically the same inmates being released re-enter prison.
In relation to this, kaola requests clarification on what types of offenses are frequently committed by inmates that lead to re-entry into prison? What efforts are being implemented to reduce this in line with the objective of the Prison Department with the target percentage for 2025/2026 being 10%? Request for clarification on this.
Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi. Wabillahi taufik walhidayah. Wassalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh.
Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Md. Salleh bin Haji Othman
Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi. Assalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh and greetings.
Kaola refer to Title SE11A Prison Department. Kaola welcomes the Prison Department's initiative to introduce INSAF products, which are handicrafts made by inmates such as ironing boards, coffee tables, rehal, multipurpose tables, and art crafts including Jawi calligraphy through expos and exhibitions as efforts to transform inmates into useful individuals, possessing positive self-identity, responsibility, discipline, and the ability to stand on their own after their release.
In relation to this, kaola requests clarification regarding the sales results of these products. Are they fully handed over to the respective inmates?
And what is the total sales of INSAF products in a year? To expand the marketing of INSAF products, is there any plan towards selling these products daily through INSAF product premises that the public can visit? With that, thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.
Yang Berhormat Dayang Hajah Safiah binti Sheikh Haji Abd. Salam
Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim. Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.
Kaola refer to Title SE01A Ministry of Home Affairs for Estimated RKN12/11 Development Expenditure, Title Promoting Tourism Industry, Section 011 which is Strengthening Water Village Tourism Product or Package with an overall plan amount of $5,780,000 million and Expenditure for Fiscal Year 2025/2026 of $734,600.00.
Kaola refer to, kaola would like to request clarification regarding the products or tourism packages mentioned in this project and the targeted or target area villages.
Kaola fully supports this provision and project and expediting its completion is better and welcomed, considering the high potential of the tourism sector in generating higher and sustainable national economic growth, Insya Allah.
For the second title, kaola refer to SE06A Brunei and Muara District Office, Code 004/000 District Progress and Development.
Kaola found there is a drastic reduction in the allocation distribution for this code for the new Fiscal Year 2025/2026, which is a reduction of 99.5%, where the allocation for the Fiscal Year 2024/2025 was $167,580.00 compared to the $840 allocation for the Fiscal Year 2025/2026 as written in the Budget Book in kaola's possession here.
Therefore, kaola request clarification on the rationale for this large reduction and detailed programs implemented. How can this allocation meet the targets and objectives set by the ministry, which is to provide comprehensive, conducive, and complete infrastructure to the society to preserve societal welfare, including supporting enterprise and business development? Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.
Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Laila Setia Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Abd. Rahman bin Haji Ibrahim
Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim. Assalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh and greetings.
Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi. First of all, congratulations to Yang Berhormat Menteri Kementerian Hal Ehwal Dalam Negeri, on the new initiatives and policy changes shared in this House, which kaola believes will have a positive impact towards enhancing the overall economic development of the country, Insya Allah.
Kaola will focus kaola's intervention on just a few matters. Firstly, in the proposed budget overall, the Ministry of Home Affairs and its departments have been given an additional $3.2 million for regular expenses.
The largest increase is for the Fire and Rescue Department with $2.1 million, followed by the Ministry of Home Affairs itself with an increase of $1.2 million. Alhamdulillah, all districts have also received a slight increase according to their needs.
However, kaola notes within the Ministry of Home Affairs, a new code has been introduced, namely Code 001/007 Permanent Representation Facilities. Towards that, kaola request clarification on what actually is the objective of this project and what intended output or target will be achieved from it?
Secondly, kaola would like to draw attention to Account 1205-001 - Kampong Ayer Redevelopment provided with a planning budget of $32.8 million in the 12th National Development Plan, in which the amount allocated for this project for the Fiscal Year 2025/2026 is only $10 thousand compared to $328 thousand last year, suggesting this project might be re-evaluated in its priority or postponed in its execution.
Towards that, kaola request clarification on what exactly and currently are the developments of this project, and are there alternative methods that can be implemented to improve the condition of this water village.
This matter, kaola raise considering kaola's understanding that over the past few years, there have been numerous incidents of house collapses, fires, and damage to houses in Kampong Ayer, caused, for example, by strong winds, disordered electrical wiring, and other calamities that may jeopardize the safety and welfare of involved local residents.
Lastly, Alhamdulillah, since last year many activities, especially at night have been introduced to further enliven Bandar Seri Begawan. We have witnessed food stalls opening in the Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah area, as well as in areas near the Royal Regalia and at Gadong Market.
Alhamdulillah, congratulations on this effort, which not only enhances the vibrancy of the city but also increases the income of micro, small, and medium entrepreneurs.
Only kaola would like to request clarification regarding Code 002/000 Management and Development of Bandar Seri Begawan under Title SE02A Municipal Board, Bandar Seri Begawan, where although overall this Title has increased by $300 thousand, there are other Codes such as Commercial Asset Management and Asset Preservation and Restoration whose allocations have been reduced, will this not affect the department's effectiveness in providing more effective services? Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.
Yang Berhormat Dayang Hajah Rosmawatty binti Haji Abdul Mumin
Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim. Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi. Actually, kaola has two matters, but the first matter has been touched upon, the redevelopment of Kampong Ayer has been addressed by Yang Berhormat Pehin earlier.
So, kaola's second question refers to SE02A Municipal Board, Bandar Seri Begawan, with an overall budget of $1,170,620 Code 002/000 Management and Development of Bandar Seri Begawan, 002/003 Urban Planning and Development.
Referring to Title SE02A Code 002/003 Urban Planning and Development. Kaola's question is, what strategies and action plans are planned to develop the cities in our country, especially Bandar Seri Begawan and Kuala Belait?
Considering there are many vacant and unsafe buildings, what strategies are implemented to demolish these buildings and give way for the development of new buildings that reflect Brunei's identity? Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi
Thank you, and now I will read out the second group. Yang Berhormat Dr. Awang Haji Mahali bin Haji Momin, 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 Awang Zainol bin Haji Mohamed, Yang Berhormat Awang Mohammad bin Abdullah @ Lim Swee Ann, Yang Berhormat Awang Amran bin Haji Maidin and Yang Berhormat Awang Lau How Teck.
Yang Berhormat Dr. Awang Haji Mahali bin Haji Momin
Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi. Assalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh. Regarding the Management and Development of Bandar Seri Begawan, Title SE02A, 00/000. The scenery of Bandar Seri Begawan area has been expanded and fees for services have increased, requesting clarification on the quality of the cleanliness services as well as the asset preservation and recovery, has this increase aligned with the quality of services provided?
Furthermore, concerning the amount of outstanding revenue collection. Referring to the KPI, the amount of outstanding revenue collection targeted is estimated at $7 million annually until 2028. Request clarification on the total outstanding collection? What efforts are made to ensure this outstanding does not increase year by year? What actions are taken on premise owners who do not pay outstanding debts continuously for several years?
It is suggested that guidelines set out a timeframe for the ministry to take action such as withdrawing, revoking business licenses or rented business premises. Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi. Thank you.
Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Johan Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Adanan bin Begawan Pehin Siraja Khatib Dato Seri Setia Haji Md. Yusof
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Peace be upon you and God’s mercy and blessings. Thank you Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.
Kaola would like to touch on several Titles in debating a Title of the Ministry of Home Affairs. Firstly, Title SE01A Department of Ministry of Home Affairs, Code 004000 Management of Local Powers and Community Unity.
The Board of Trustees' Regulations in the Village Consultative Council have outlined the membership of the Board of Trustees of the Mukim and Village Consultative Councils and function as the main and coordinator for the Mukim and Village Consultative Councils throughout the country. The purpose of the Mukim and Village Consultative Councils is to strengthen the effectiveness of the Village and Mukim Head Institutions as the grassroots leadership core while planning and working on plans for the welfare of the people and residents.
Kaola believes this Board of Trustees plays an important role where its membership consists of various leadership backgrounds and experiences as a brainstorming platform to further strengthen and empower grassroots leadership, in accordance with the establishment principles of MPK and MPM to create community and national welfare, unity, harmony, and prosperity.
In this connection, kaola seeks clarification on whether this Board of Trustees has been reactivated while in the Title recorded under the Local Powers Management and Community Unity Program, it acts as the secretariat to the Board of Trustees. Secondly, related to this Title as well.
Kaola welcomes the Mukim and Village Community Entrepreneurship Program, which has shown encouraging results as an example of the KPI for the total 1K1P entrepreneurship participating in the village economy, achieving a target of 56% for the year 2022/2023. Additionally, kaola supports the relentless efforts of the Ministry of Home Affairs in further empowering another 1K1P with a higher target of 65% for the year 2025/2026.
In this context, kaola seeks clarification on the types of facilities and assistance provided, including specific financial allocations and incentives provided by the Ministry of Home Affairs in our joint effort to encourage and support more 1K1P entrepreneurs to actively engage in further expanding various products in terms of quality, productivity, innovation, and creativity, not only to meet the domestic market but hopefully with the potential to access foreign markets. This will undoubtedly, in turn, further elevate the standard of living of the local community, contributing to the country's economic growth.
The next question is concerning SE01A Department of Ministry of Home Affairs, Code 001/000, Administration and Financial Management Program related to Title 1213 Strengthening ICT Information Technology and Infocommunication Infrastructure under Sub Title 04 National Registration System and also Sub Title, which is the One MOHA System.
According to this program, among others, it aims to ensure that IT infrastructure systems continue to evolve in line with the times and meet international standards. Alhamdulillah, the Ministry of Home Affairs is highly committed to implementing innovative projects that transform the digital ICT system to enhance effectiveness and facilitate higher-quality services to the public.
In this regard, kaola seeks clarification on the current status of the national registration system's development and also the current status of the One MOHA System's development, and finally, whether training and skills have been provided to relevant officers to ensure that this digital transformation operates smoothly.
Kaola will not touch on the next question because my colleague has already addressed the municipal section. Therefore, kaola will not continue. Kaola concludes with wabillahi taufik wal hidayah, peace be upon you and God's mercy and blessings. Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.
Yang Berhormat Awang Zainol bin Haji Mohamed
Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.
Kaola wishes to discuss Title SE01A Department of Ministry of Home Affairs, specifically Code 002/000 National Disaster Management. Negara Brunei Darussalam is not exempt from the increasingly complex challenges of natural disasters and emergency incidents, such as heavy rain causing flash floods, landslides, and forest fires that can jeopardize community welfare.
Therefore, the National Disaster Management Centre should adopt a more holistic and integrated approach. Not only in emergency response but also in long-term preparedness and post-disaster recovery aspects.
Kaola appreciates the ongoing efforts of the ministry in strengthening disaster management systems, including through collaboration between various agencies in preparedness training conducted from time to time. This is an important step in ensuring that each team has a high readiness level in facing various forms of disasters. However, to ensure the effectiveness of this strategy, periodic training may not be sufficient unless accompanied by capacity building of the workforce, facilities, and more sophisticated monitoring systems.
One aspect that kaola would like to draw attention to is the more dynamic and integrated disaster risk monitoring. With global climate change and the rapid development of urban areas, risk monitoring can no longer rely solely on traditional analysis. Therefore, kaola suggests that risk monitoring systems be developed more comprehensively based on real-time data. This system can combine weather data, land conditions, rainfall patterns, and groundwater movement to more accurately identify high-risk areas.
Additionally, kaola believes that strengthening the workforce capacity in disaster management should be prioritized. Facing increasingly unpredictable disaster incidents, increasing the number of emergency response team members is not only a necessity but a priority.
Therefore, kaola suggests that recruitment and specialized training for the Disaster Response Team be strengthened, focusing on technical skills, inter-agency operational coordination, and technology use in disaster management.
In terms of emergency facilities, kaola believes that temporary shelters need to be upgraded to ensure they are more comfortable, safe, and suitable for all segments of society. Systematic relocation spaces with more comprehensive facilities and efficient information dissemination systems need to be established to ensure that each disaster victim receives assistance more quickly and systematically.
Kaola also welcomes the coordination efforts between NDMC, Fire and Rescue Department, Royal Brunei Police Force, Royal Brunei Armed Forces, and the Ministry of Health in managing disasters to enhance coordination efficiency and comprehensive disaster monitoring. Kaola suggests developing a centralized digital system that enables real-time data management between all relevant agencies.
With this system, emergency responses can be mobilized more quickly. Resources can be allocated more strategically, and information can be continuously updated for stakeholders. 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. Peace be upon you and God’s mercy and blessings. Alhamdulillah, kaola expresses gratitude for the opportunity to discuss the budget allocation for the Ministry of Home Affairs and its departments for the year 2025/2026.
Kaola speaks regarding Title SE05A Labor Department. Kaola is interested in the data provided by the Labor Department through the Employer and Employee Census of 2024 conducted by the department, where as of April 1, 2024, 1,444 companies were registered as retail shops, most of which are owned by citizens of Negara Brunei Darussalam, with 6,001 local workers and 8,350 foreign workers recorded as working in the retail sector. The majority of local children work in sales, while foreign workers hold basic positions such as shop laborers.
Based on the data, foreign workers still dominate the retail business sector. Kaola seeks clarification based on the census, whether local workers in the retail sector are registered with the Labor Department and what is the average monthly salary they receive and whether they receive employee benefits such as TAP and SCP contributions.
That's all, Wabillahi taufiq walhidayah, peace be upon you and God's mercy and blessings.
Yang Berhormat Awang Amran bin Haji Maidin
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Peace be upon you and God’s mercy and blessings. Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi, kaola wants to discuss Title SE06A Brunei and Muara District Office, specifically Code 005/001 Maintenance of Kampong Ayer Bridges and Jetties.
Alhamdulillah, there is an increase in allocation for the maintenance of Kampong Ayer bridges and jetties, amounting to $711,420.00 compared to the 2024/2025 allocation of $531,640.00. Kampong Ayer is not just a residential area but is the country's identity and a symbol of the heritage of Negara Brunei Darussalam.
Its long-standing history makes it one of the oldest and most recognized water settlements in the world with invaluable cultural value. It is also proof of the continuity of the Brunei community's way of life centered on customs and traditions while continuously adapting to current developments.
Today, Kampong Ayer stands at a crucial crossroads. On one hand, the government's effort in ensuring the continuous maintenance of wooden pathways reflects a commitment to the safety and welfare of its residents. As shared by Yang Berhormat Menteri Hal Ehwal Dalam Negeri a few days ago in the Minister's Statement.
At the same time, we cannot deny that the existing wooden structures may no longer sustain in the long term with exposure to weather, humidity, and the growing needs of the residents. Continuous maintenance requires a significant cost each year, while the same problems persist.
Kaola believes that it is time to consider a more strategic and sustainable solution in developing Kampong Ayer's infrastructure. This is not merely an issue of basic amenities but a matter of national development touching the country's heritage, public safety, and the future of this area as part of a modern and inclusive Brunei cityscape. As a forward step, Kaola suggests that the government consider gradual transitioning from wooden pathways to concrete bridges in the main routes of Kampong Ayer, as has been done in several areas of Kampong Ayer.
This is not just a technical suggestion but an infrastructure transformation that could have positive impacts in various aspects. In terms of safety and public welfare, concrete bridges offer higher resilience, reducing the risk of accidents due to slippery and easily damaged wooden pathways. Children commuting to school, the elderly, and parents with small children will benefit from safer and more stable routes, especially in rainy weather.
In terms of long-term cost-effectiveness, although the initial construction cost may be higher, concrete bridges can reduce reliance on recurring repairs involving significant allocations each year. With durable structures, the government can save on maintenance costs and redirect resources to other projects benefitting residents.
From the perspective of inclusivity and accessibility, Kampong Ayer needs to be developed in a friendly manner for all segments of society, including those with special needs. Currently, wheelchair users and those who have difficulty walking may face challenges moving comfortably.
Therefore, the design of concrete bridges should include better access for OKU groups, the elderly, and other users, in line with the government's aspirations to build an inclusive community.
In the context of economic development and national competitiveness, Kampong Ayer is not just a residential area but also a national tourism and economic asset. Tourists from within and outside the country see it as a major attraction, but the image of Kampong Ayer would be more prominent if the infrastructure were upgraded in a way that preserves tradition while adapting to modern needs.
With concrete bridges designed with aesthetic elements in line with Kampong Ayer's heritage, it not only preserves the uniqueness of this area but also enhances its economic and tourism potential.
Kaola understands that this change requires careful planning and needs to be done gradually with full involvement of local residents. Therefore, kaola suggests conducting a comprehensive feasibility study to identify the most suitable main routes for immediate upgrading.
This study also needs to consider the residents' voices to ensure inclusive planning and consider environmental and cultural aspects. As a country moving towards more sustainable and inclusive development, investment in Kampong Ayer's infrastructure is not just about building stronger bridges but also about building the future of Kampong Ayer as part of a more modern, safer, and competitive city. This is an investment for the nation's heritage, public welfare, and economic progress. Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi. That's all, Wabillahi taufik walhidayah, Peace be upon you and God's mercy and blessings.
Yang Berhormat Awang Lau How Teck
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi. Kaola would like to refer to Titles SE06A to SE09A, District Offices under the Ministry of Home Affairs.
In the statement by Yang Berhormat Menteri Hal Ehwal Dalam Negeri about the role of community halls as centers for gatherings and community activities, it underscores their importance as infrastructure to strengthen social networks and support community development programs.
In line with this, district offices play a crucial role in coordinating and ensuring that community halls are utilized optimally.
However, there are community halls built through private sector sponsorship but are poorly managed and underutilized, like in Kampung Rampayoh.
Issues such as inactive halls, frequently flooded roads nearby, and a lack of programs or activities turn these facilities into neglected spaces that do not fully benefit the community.
In this matter, district offices should play a more active role in ensuring the maintenance and systematic and sustainable use of community halls. Therefore, kaola suggests crafting a rehabilitation plan to reactivate community halls involving collaboration between the District Department, the private sector sponsoring these halls, and the Village and Mukim Consultative Council.
With better-organized plans, these halls can be utilized as centers for more vibrant economic and social activities, such as entrepreneurship training, youth programs, and community activities that can drive local economic growth, as stated by Yang Berhormat Menteri.
Additionally, the maintenance of roads and infrastructure surrounding the halls should be monitored by district offices in cooperation with the Ministry of Development to address drainage and waterlogging issues.
This step should be included in the rural infrastructure maintenance planning to ensure access to the halls is not affected, and these facilities can be used more effectively.
If these halls still cannot be fully utilized for community activities, leasing them to the private sector for economic activities that can generate district revenue can be considered. This approach ensures the halls are not neglected and have economic value that contributes to community development.
Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi
Now I invite the third group, starting with Yang Berhormat Awang Mohammad Ali bin Tanjong, Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Mohamad Danial @ Tekpin bin Ya’akub, Yang Berhormat Pengiran Haji Isa bin Pengiran Haji Aliuddin, Yang Berhormat Awang Abdul Aziz bin Haji Hamdan, and Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Indera Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Haji Awang Suyoi bin Haji Osman.
Yang Berhormat Awang Mohammad Ali bin Tanjong
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Assalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh. Thank you Yang Berhormat Pengerusi. Kaola would like to address Title SE06A Brunei and Muara District Office, Code 003/000, namely Mukim and Kampong Institutions and Code 004/000, namely District Progress and Development.
Referring to recent media reports regarding some food stalls receiving notices from authorities for various reasons. Kaola would like to express the concern arising within the community, especially for those who rely on sales for their daily livelihoods.
In this regard, it is appropriate for us to find wise and balanced solutions. To ensure the welfare of these small traders is not affected, kaola suggests that the ministry provide more suitable and strategic stall sites as alternatives.
Kaola acknowledges there are sites and areas already identified, and land that has been gazetted but not yet developed. For example, the Kampung Lumapas stall site that has long been gazetted, which can be considered for realization.
Kaola wants to emphasize that this village also has great economic potential with a high population density and strong entrepreneurial spirit among its residents. If this stall site can be developed, it will benefit the local community in several ways:
It provides economic opportunities for villagers to sell local products and traditional foods, thereby increasing family income.
Second, this stall site empowers the Village Consultative Council in organizing sales and exhibitions of 1K1P Products, making it a Village Economic Promotion Center.
Third, with this stall site, the area can function as a business hub and social interaction center that not only boosts economic activity but also strengthens community ties.
Moving on to the second matter. Referring to the statement by Yang Berhormat Menteri dated March 5 regarding Community Halls as raised by fellow Your Honourable Members. Kaola would like to add to this.
As stated, 37 Community Halls have been built nationwide to meet the needs of local residents' activities.
Kaola would like to take this opportunity to seek an explanation regarding the planning of Community Hall construction in Mukim Gadong and Mukim Lumapas since these mukims still lack their own Community Hall, even though these areas have long experienced rapid growth and have an increasing population.
If these Community Halls can be built, they will provide many benefits. Among them, they will serve as gathering places for residents' and religious activities, fostering harmony and closer ties.
Second, these halls can also serve as centers for Education and Training Programs, including skill courses and workshops that enhance local residents' competitiveness and abilities.
Third, they support entrepreneurial activities, especially in promoting the One Village, One Product initiative in collaboration with the Village Consultative Council. These halls can be a platform for exhibitions and promotions of local products, thus strengthening the community's economic resilience.
Kaola fervently hopes this initiative can be realized for the socio-economic well-being of local residents. Therefore, may the ministry provide clarification on the construction plans for Community Halls and stall sites? Are the allocations stated above included in the planning? Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.
Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Mohamad Danial @ Tekpin bin Ya'akub
Assalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh. In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
Kaola continues to refer to the Ministry of Home Affairs Department, National Disaster Management acts as a disaster risk management mechanism in formulating policy and strategic frameworks as established in the Disaster Management Order 2006.
Referring to the 2025/2026 Budget Estimates book, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Department does not specify allocations for disaster management such as flood or landslide aid, including operational expenses for aid missions and other related matters.
Kaola would like to seek clarification on this matter.
Furthermore, kaola refers to Title SE12A, Fire and Rescue Department. Asset Management with an allocation of $3.1 million relates to key performance indicators. The percentage of readiness of fire vehicles for emergency operations. Can this allocation be used to enhance the capacity of the Fire and Rescue Department's assets for emergency operations?
Thank you very much. Wabillahi taufik walhidayah, Wassalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh.
Yang Berhormat Pengiran Haji Isa bin Pengiran Haji Aliuddin
Assalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh. Wise Yang Berhormat Pengerusi and Your Honourable Members. Thank you, Yang Berhormat Minister of Home Affairs and the ministry staff and departments under it for their efforts before and in the future.
Insya Allah, kaola's various questions and proposals will be accepted and considered in future planning and implementation.
The first is Title SE02A, SE03A, and SE04A. That is the municipal and district boards nationwide. Kaola would like to raise the issue of allocations for construction projects in all municipal areas and districts. Referring to the relevant Titles, there is no allocation specified under these titles.
Kaola asks, what is the Ministry of Home Affairs planning in drafting development within municipal and district areas specifically for lands gazetted under the Ministry of Home Affairs? Will opportunities be opened for private sectors to fully invest in developing these areas?
The second is Title SE10A. Code 1209018, which is the project to upgrade land immigration control posts. Kaola seeks further clarification on these upgrading works, considering that the majority who cross the land border are Brunei nationals visiting relatives and mostly visiting neighboring countries for holidays, shopping.
The third issue kaola wants to raise concerns retail stores conquered by foreign nationals. Kaola has been informed that these retail stores operate on land conditioned for housing and side businesses run by local citizens.
In recent months, kaola and colleagues have conducted inspections along several roads in the country and entered these retail stores during shopping, kaola found that generally, foreigners are attending to the stores, including as cashiers and salespeople.
This is kaola's finding based on on-the-ground inspections of the stores kaola entered alone. This shows that the majority attending to retail stores are foreigners.
Kaola is puzzled by this and wonders why quotas for foreigners are given and approved since the actual retail store business should be run by our own people, and the majority of its workforce should equally be our own people.
Regrettably as well, kaola recently received promotional material from one of these retail stores through a video made by foreigners with Bollywood music and songs. Considering this issue, kaola suggests the Ministry of Home Affairs conduct a detailed on-the-ground study on the operations of all retail stores in the country. Kaola believes that the findings will help unravel issues that can assist the country in ensuring these retail stores are majorly operated and managed by local citizens.
Lastly, kaola wants to touch on the matter of citizenship status in this country and how they can help in jointly developing the country's economy.
Allow kaola to delve a bit into the demographic changes in this country. According to the United Nations report, Brunei's population growth rate is projected to be only 0.70% in 2025. This figure includes a large portion of foreign residents. Key Indicators 2023 shows the population of Negara Brunei Darussalam is 450,500, consisting of 76% or 342,380 citizens, 5.8% or 26,129 permanent residents, and 18.2% or 81,191 temporary residents mainly foreign workers and their families. The birth replacement rate is 2.1% indicating that Brunei is not replacing its population and is heading towards negative population growth. The 2023 Indicators also show that 7% of the population is over 65 years old. Therefore with declining birth rates and better medical care, by 2050, about 20% of the population will be over 65 years old. This demographic shift will strain national finances in the near future.
Brunei lacks the critical mass population needed for sustainable growth as shared by Yang Berhormat Minister of Home Affairs, the number of foreigners in the Department of Labour's statistics totals 75,402 in 2023. This number does not include private services, domestic helpers estimated at 13,000 in 2024.
With the influx of foreigners, the majority of whom work at lower levels, and this lack of critical mass population, does the Ministry of Home Affairs have plans to draft policies aimed at further increasing the population in this country? Is the ministry considering encouraging the "Brunei as a second home" policy specifically for foreign investors, businessmen, and professionals while ensuring our social fabric remains intact guided by the principles of Malay Islamic Monarchy?
Kaola believes a balance can be achieved for a sustainable economic development of the nation. Thank you, wise Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.
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 debate the budget for the Ministry of Home Affairs and its Departments for the Financial Year 2025/2026. Kaola hopes that whatever is planned can be executed successfully, insya-Allah.
Kaola refers to Title SE05A - Department of Labour, Code 002/000: Recruitment of Foreign Workers. Kaola welcomes Brunei Darussalam's stance through the Ministry of Home Affairs in ratifying several basic International Labour Organization conventions, ILO including the Commissioner Framework for Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 2006. Number 182 at the 112th International Labour Conference in 2024, where the Department of Labour has updated the implementation of medical insurance policies for immigrant workers to enhance overall worker welfare and wellbeing. Kaola understands it will be implemented in phases starting on July 1, 2025, and January 1, 2026, for the second phase.
However, kaola hopes that changes in immigrant worker policies also consider several aspects that may impose an additional cost burden on employers, increases in insurance costs, burdens on workers if salary deductions are imposed, burdens on workers in the informal sector, and impacts on businesses operating with narrow margins. Given that the cost of bringing in foreign workers is currently increasing. There may be pros and cons that need to be examined before implementation. Requesting clarification on this matter. Thank you very much.
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.
Kaola would actually like to touch on the Title of Bandar Seri Begawan, Preservation and Restoration of Assets, but since it has been extensively discussed, I would just like to make a few remarks. Kaola sees Bandar Seri Begawan as a capital city and, in my opinion, as a capital city, it should appear beautiful, vibrant, orderly, clean, and comfortable for visitors, whether from outside Bandar Seri Begawan or from foreign countries. So briefly, kaola regards that Bandar Seri Begawan needs to be improved aesthetically.
Secondly, kaola would like to touch a bit on Title SE05A, which is the Labour Department - the Key Performance Indicator shows the Labour Department achieving over 80% overall. Kaola hopes this target will continue to increase considering the important role of the Labour Department, especially since one of the performance indicators is where there has been a decrease in employer compliance with the Employment Order 2009 from 2023 to 2024. Perhaps this matter can be explained, why, and how can employer compliance be increased?
In closing, kaola would like to touch a bit on the situation at the Labour Department where many people come daily, resulting in having to reserve their turn by placing their files or folders on the floor. So, kaola hopes this can be managed properly so that there is no situation where people dealing with the Labour Department have to sit on the floor to receive service. Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi. That's all.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi
Your Honourable Members. We have heard 17 appointed Your Honourable Members who have voiced various arguments concerning Title SE01A to SE12A, which is the Ministry of Home Affairs. Now, I give way to Yang Berhormat Menteri Hal Ehwal Dalam Negeri to respond to the debate that has been raised. Yang Berhormat Menteri.
Yang Berhormat Menteri Hal Ehwal Dalam Negeri
Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi. Thank you also to Your Honourable Members for the suggestions and questions posed. Insya-Allah, peramba, kaola, I will answer some of these questions. Some questions posed are related. Therefore, to answer the questions, the answers I provide are not in order, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.
Concerning the redevelopment of Kampong Ayer, as mentioned earlier with a Project Cost of $32.8 million, it is still under review to reassess the scope of the project, focusing on upgrading the main wooden bridge to a concrete bridge 21.9 kilometers long, in line with evaluations from the Public Works Department and Brunei Muara District Department continuing with repair work.
For your information, the Brunei Muara District Department, through the Ministry of Home Affairs, continues to carry out phased repairs to existing facilities, including jetties and bridges, where from 2022 to 2024, repair works on wooden bridges have been carried out along 7.127-kilometers at a cost of $815,988.00. So if we look at the allocation mentioned earlier, although it seems small, the ministry prioritizes ensuring that these bridges are properly maintained.
Insya-Allah, in the long term, research has been conducted and cooperation with the Ministry of Development, through the Public Works Department, indicates that these wooden bridges have been researched and will be maintained. Therefore, insya-Allah, it will be carried out in phases according to the available allocations.
Secondly, concerning the Prisons Department, the highest number of offenses during 2024 was re-entry offenses, specifically theft offenses, amounting to 116 out of a total of 341 offenses.
Based on research reports by the Center For Strategic and Policy Studies, CSPS, on prisoners serving sentences for theft offenses published in 2024, it reported that of the 111 interviewed prisoners, 53 percent stated that economic difficulties such as difficulty getting jobs to support themselves or their families and financial problems were factors causing them to commit theft offenses.
Meanwhile, statistics from the Prisons Department indicate that factors contributing to repeated offenses include a lack of self-resilience and fortitude in facing external challenges; insufficient family support; influence from old friends in unhealthy activities, behavior or habits; difficulty finding employment; financial issues; and the community's unpreparedness in accepting former prisoners back into society or continuing to hold negative perceptions.
Insya-Allah, the Prisons Department has arranged several projects or plans to assist former prisoners by empowering in-care rehabilitation programs while prisoners are in prison. These programs aim to provide knowledge on basic matters and strengthen the personal identity of individuals.
The prison rehabilitation program contains four components: Spiritual and Moral Rehabilitation, Rehabilitation through Counseling, Vocational Training and Skills Program, and Physical Rehabilitation.
As kaola previously shared in the Minister's Statement, some of these programs include Al-Quran memorization to build the spiritual aspect of prisoners. Insya-Allah, the Prisons Department's ongoing program aims to enhance the academic achievements of the prisoners so that when they are released, they can find employment. This matter has been discussed with stakeholders registered with the Prisons Department, ensuring that academic qualifications are important for securing employment.
Regarding the INSAF products, related to the prison, the objective of INSAF products is to provide vocational skills to prisoners to prepare them for life post-release. The proceeds from sales of INSAF prisoner products will become revenue for the Prisons Department. However, prisoners participating in this Vocational Program will be paid a salary, with accumulated earnings to cater to their post-release needs. These earnings can also be handed over to their family members. The total product sales in 2024 amounted to only $6,000. Nevertheless, the skills are crucial for ensuring the prisoners are prepared after imprisonment.
On the issue of slope land budget, the budget or allocation for slope land acquisition falls under the Ministry of Finance and Economy II, cooperating with the Public Works Department.
Nonetheless, this ministry also has been allocated under Title SE01 A0010012115 - Grant Subsidy and Transfer Assistance, amounting to $433,810 for the Financial Year 2025/2026 for related purposes. This allocation under this ministry is used for operations and activities to address disasters, including purchasing equipment for responders to carry out disaster operations, such as canvas, boat pumps, etc.
These needs will be used by responders to provide services required to assist victims or residents affected by disasters like floods and slope lands. It also includes preparations for the Temporary Relocation Center or PPSe. Regarding the issue or mention of PPSe, Alhamdulillah, with the cooperation of the Public Works Department, several vacant buildings have been identified for use or upgrading for temporary accommodation when needed.
Regarding the Fire Department, currently, the Fire Department owns 107 vehicular units and 12 boats used in various emergency operations. On average, each Fire Station, i.e., 24 Fire Stations nationwide, has at least 2 vehicles utilized for emergency calls during house fires, road accidents, and search and rescue operations.
The project to ensure readiness capacity of the Fire Department's assets is improving. Alhamdulillah, as previously explained in the 20th Meeting, the Leasing Project of 30 new fire trucks, water tender ladders, for a period of 20 years, was signed on April 20, 2023, between the government and Brunei Engineering Logistic and Training Solutions, BELTS.
This equipment will replace old and inefficient vehicles that haven't been operating optimally. Through this leasing method, a 100% readiness or serviceability rate can be ensured, simultaneously reducing downtime from maintenance and damage.
For the First Phase, 10 units of equipment are scheduled to be supplied in October 2025, with subsequent units provided in stages in the following years. Additionally, the Fire Hydrant Replacement Project is actively ongoing to ensure adequate water sources for extinguishing operations. A total of 700 fire hydrants have been identified for replacement, and Alhamdulillah, for the Financial Year 2024/2025, 350 have been replaced, with the remaining replaced in the coming fiscal year.
To further enhance operational capability, allocations will also be used for acquiring crucial emergency equipment for rescue and firefighting tasks. Equipment such as portable pumps, hose nozzles, and breathing apparatus will continue to be supplied over time.
In addition, as part of efforts to improve community safety, the Fire and Rescue Department has distributed 6 Fire Extinguisher Equipment Units to Village Heads or Longhouse Heads in several locations. This initiative will be implemented in stages.
Also, under the 12th National Development Plan, the Fire and Rescue Department has procured 4 rapid response vehicles, Light Fire Attack Vehicle, LFAV. These vehicles are specially designed to respond more quickly in various emergency situations, including areas difficult for conventional fire engines to access. With a lighter and more flexible design, LFAVs will expedite response times and enhance the effectiveness of rescue and firefighting operations.
Regarding the matter raised by the Labour Department, kaola would like to correct a slight error mentioned by Yang Berhormat Awang Abdul Aziz bin Haji Hamdan that the Promotional Framework for Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 2006 is Convention 187, not 182.
In relation to insurance protection policy as kaola has shared in the Ministerial Review, it assists the government in ensuring better social protection for foreign workers and reducing employers’ financial burden, aligning with the national effort to enhance worker welfare, applicable to all private sectors in the formal sector only. Based on information from the Labour Department, no formal sector has yet submitted applications for LPA, which is to bring in foreign workers, and at present, the minimum insurance coverage is $10,000 per year. However, with the new foreign worker insurance policy, it will increase to $100,000 for 2 years.
This will also describe or assist the government in managing issues of arrears or medical bills. Insurance for immigration projects must be purchased and funded by the employer. If an employer is found deducting wages for insurance payments, they can be fined $1,000 per offense or criminally charged, with penalties of $2,000 or imprisonment of not less than 6 months or both. This offense is under Chapter 113A (3) under the Employment Act Chapter 278.
Regarding the INRS System, Alhamdulillah, currently the existing systems in the Immigration National Registration System are over 80 percent utilized and some systems are still being tested, it’s clear that the system used is 100% the National Level Management System and System IC. It was also mentioned earlier by Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Indera Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Haji Awang Suyoi bin Haji Osman about the counters at the Labour Department.
For your information, the counters at the Labour Department are not used to process Labour Department applications, but rather process worker passes transferred from the Immigration and National Registration Department to the Labour Department.
So all the counters used by the Labour Department were previously used by the Immigration and National Registration Department, and insya-Allah, the long-term plan of the Ministry of Home Affairs is to introduce a one-stop counter at the Immigration and National Registration Department maximizing the systems currently in place. Insya-Allah for questions that kaola could not answer, kaola will respond in writing, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.
That’s all from kaola. Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi
Thank you, Yang Berhormat Menteri Hal Ehwal Dalam Negeri, with the reminder that any questions that have not been answered and need to be addressed will, insya-Allah, be answered in writing later. I believe the time has come for us to vote on this title.
Your Honourable Members who agree with the Title, what is it called, SE01A to SE12A, please raise your hand.
(All Members raise their hands in agreement)
Thank you. It seems all Members agree. Therefore, Title SE01A to SE12A - Ministry of Home Affairs is approved.
Yang Mulia Jurutulis
Title SE01A to SE12A is made part of the Schedule.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi
Your Honourable Members. It seems time has passed so quickly. Thus, I believe it is sufficient for us to deliberate today and it would be appropriate to adjourn this Committee Meeting and we will reconvene in the Session of the Majlis Mesyuarat Negara.
(Committee Meeting adjourned)
(Majlis Mesyuarat reconvened)
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua
Your Honourable Members, we are reconvening in the Session of the Majlis Mesyuarat Negara. I believe we have deliberated and convened sufficiently today. I propose that this meeting be adjourned, insya-Allah we will reconvene on the next day, which is Thursday, 13th March 2025, as usual starting at 9.30 am. That's all, Wabillahi taufik walhidayah, Wassalamualaikum warahmatullahi ta’ala wabarakatuh.
(Majlis Mesyuarat adjourned)
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