Answer to Oral Question PL174

QUESTION

Yang Berhormat Awang Lau How Teck

YANG BERHORMAT AWANG LAU HOW TECK asks the MENTERI HAL EHWAL DALAM NEGERI to state what is the Ministry's approach in identifying and making use of sites or buildings that are not being developed, including waqf sites and buildings that have the potential to be developed for community benefit or as public infrastructure?

ANSWER

Yang Berhormat Menteri Hal Ehwal Dalam Negeri

Assalamualaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh and greetings.

Yang Berhormat Pehin Yang Di-Pertua and Your Honourable Members blessed by Allah, whom peramba/Kaola/I respect,

1. Kaola is pleased to clarify once again that vacant and abandoned Government buildings are under the Committee for Addressing Vacant Buildings at the Ministry of Finance and Economy, jointly chaired by Yang Berhormat Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri dan Menteri Kewangan dan Ekonomi II and Yang Berhormat Menteri Pembangunan.

2. The Ministry of Home Affairs, through the Departments under it, has submitted a list of vacant buildings to the said Committee on 10 November 2021. At the same time, this Ministry has also identified several buildings whose original development objectives have been changed, for example:

2.1. Flats (Block A), Kampong Sumbiling, Subok, Bandar Seri Begawan Municipal Department: Five (5) flat units were handed over to the National Disaster Management Centre (NDMC) on 30 January 2025. The next plan is for them to be used as a temporary evacuation centre for disaster victims when required.

2.2. JKR Housing Barracks Bukit Barun (Block B, JKR 840): This barracks has been handed over to the Tutong District Office to be used as a Temporary Evacuation Centre (PPSe). At present, one of the units in this flat is being occupied by the family of a disaster victim under the supervision of JAPEM;

2.3. Class 'E' Flats PWD 168 and PWD169, Bangar Town have been used as a temporary placement centre by the Community Development Department (JAPEM) and the Department of Zakat, Waqaf and Baitulmal Affairs (JUZWAB);

2.4. The multipurpose hall at Kuala Belait Promenade Park has been used as the Branch Office of Law Enforcement, Department of Immigration and National Registration;

2.5. Block 1, Former Brunei Research Department Building was handed over to the Bandar Seri Begawan Municipal Department on 1 April 2023 to accommodate the officers and staff of the Bandar Seri Begawan Municipal Department.

3. Meanwhile, as for waqf lands, they are not under the jurisdiction of this Ministry.