Answer for Oral Question PL318

QUESTION

Yang Berhormat Haji Awang Sulaiman bin Haji Nasir

YANG BERHORMAT AWANG HAJI SULAIMAN BIN HAJI NASIR asked the MINISTER OF ECONOMY, TRADE AND INDUSTRY to state the efforts undertaken by the Government to increase public awareness and understanding of prudent spending practices, as well as the importance of supporting the local economy, given that many citizens still choose to purchase necessities in neighbouring countries due to currency value and prices perceived to be lower.

ANSWER

Yang Berhormat Menteri Ekonomi, Perdagangan dan Industri

It is important to understand that information transparency is the foundation of prudent consumer practices. When consumers have access to accurate, easily accessible and regularly updated price information, they are able to compare prices and subsequently make more informed purchasing decisions according to their respective needs and means. Based on this principle, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, through the Consumer Affairs Division, places emphasis on efforts to strengthen price information transparency while fostering a Smart Consumer culture.

In line with this approach, the Consumer Affairs Division conducts weekly price monitoring for selected essential food items such as chicken, eggs, onions and chillies. This price information is published to enable consumers to compare prices between premises before making purchases, thereby encouraging healthy price competition among traders. Typically, this price list is disseminated through the PenggunaBijak mobile application. However, as improvement works on the application’s infrastructure are currently underway, the relevant information is also made available through the Consumer Affairs Division’s website to ensure that the public continues to have access to the latest price information.

With regard to cross-border shopping practices, the Government agrees that consumer decisions are influenced by various factors, including differences in currency values, prices, the variety of goods available and recreational activities with family. In this regard, the Government’s approach is not to restrict consumer choice, but to enhance the attractiveness of the domestic market.

Among the efforts undertaken is the enforcement of Peraturan-Peraturan Acara Jualan Murah, which allows traders to offer promotions and discounts periodically. In addition, the Government also organises national-level sales campaigns such as Jualan Mega Brunei and Brunei Salebration, which provide a platform for local businesses to offer competitive prices and attract more consumers to spend within the country.

At the same time, through the Tourism Development Department, various initiatives such as Brunei December Festival are also organised to create more domestic activities and attractions combining elements of tourism, recreation, food and shopping. This approach not only encourages the public to spend within the country, but also supports the growth of local businesses and stimulates the domestic economy as a whole.

In addition, the private sector, particularly traders, is also expected to continue supporting efforts to strengthen the domestic economy by offering consumers attractive discounts as well as a diverse range of goods and services at reasonable and competitive prices, thereby encouraging the public to spend within the country.