DAY 5 MORNING

For Informational Purposes Only

1ST MARCH 2022 - MORNING

info

Help needed with Jawi and Arabic characters, please email pr@queeniecy.com if you have experience with Markdown.

Disclaimer

The information presented on this webpage is based on processed PDFs downloaded from the official website and translated using OpenAI technology. We have taken steps to ensure accuracy, but if you identify any discrepancies or issues, please kindly notify us at pr@queeniecy.com so that we can make necessary adjustments. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

Disclaimer

Despite our best efforts to ensure the accuracy of these translations, please note that they were performed by AI technology. As such, we cannot guarantee their infallibility and are not responsible for any inaccuracies or misinterpretations that may arise from the translated content. If you have suggestions for better translations, please email the specific section along with your proposed translation to pr@queeniecy.com. We are committed to continuous improvement and greatly appreciate your input.

YANG DI-PERTUA

Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Lela Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Abdul Rahman bin Dato Setia Haji Mohamed Taib, PSNB., SLJ., PHBS., PJK., PKL., Yang Di-Pertua Majlis Mesyuarat Negara, Negara Brunei Darussalam.

OFFICIAL MEMBERS BY VIRTUE OF OFFICE (PRIME MINISTER AND MINISTERS)

Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar 'Ali Saifuddien Sa'adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan dan Yang Di-Pertuan Negara Brunei Darussalam, Perdana Menteri, Menteri Pertahanan, Menteri Kewangan dan Ekonomi dan Menteri Hal Ehwal Luar Negeri, Negara Brunei Darussalam.

Duli Yang Teramat Mulia Paduka Seri Pengiran Muda Mahkota Pengiran Muda Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah ibni Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah, DKMB., DPKT., King Abdul Aziz Ribbon, First Class (Saudi Arabia), The Order of the Renaissance (First Degree) (Jordan), Grand Cross of Crown Order - G.K.K. (Netherlands), Medal of Honour (Lao), DSO (Singapore), Order of Lakandula with the Rank of Grand Cross (Philippines), The Order of Prince Yaroslav the Wise, Second Class (Ukraine), DSO (Military) (Singapore), PHBS., Senior Minister at the Prime Minister's Office, Negara Brunei Darussalam.

Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Laila Setia Bakti Di-Raja Dato Laila Utama Haji Awang Isa bin Pehin Datu Perdana Manteri Dato Laila Utama Haji Awang Ibrahim, DK., SPMB., DSNB., PHBS., PBLI., PJK., PKL., Special Advisor to Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan dan Yang Di-Pertuan Negara Brunei Darussalam and Minister at the Prime Minister's Office, Negara Brunei Darussalam.

(Not present in the afternoon)

Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia (Dr.) Haji Awang Abu Bakar bin Haji Apong, PSNB., DSLJ., SMB., PHBS., PIBK., PKL., Minister of Home Affairs, Negara Brunei Darussalam.

Yang Berhormat Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Badaruddin bin Pengarah Dato Paduka Haji Awang Othman, PSSUB., DPMB., PHBS., PBIL., PJK., PKL., Minister of Religious Affairs, Negara Brunei Darussalam

Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Ali bin Apong, PSNB., DPMB., PJK., PTKB., PKL., Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism, Negara Brunei Darussalam

Yang Berhormat Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (B) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Mohd. Yussof, DPKT., SMB., PHBS., Minister of Defence II, Negara Brunei Darussalam

Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Dr. Awang Haji Mohammad Isham bin Haji Jaafar, PSNB., DPMB., Minister of Health, Negara Brunei Darussalam (Attending virtually)

Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Haji Awang Abdul Mokti bin Haji Mohd Daud, PSNB., SPMB., PJK., PKL., Minister at the Prime Minister's Office, Negara Brunei Darussalam (Attending virtually)

Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Dr. Awang Haji Mohd. Amin Liew bin Abdullah, PSNB., SPMB., Minister at the Prime Minister's Office and Minister of Finance and Economy II, Negara Brunei Darussalam

Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Erywan bin Pehin Datu Pekerma Jaya Haji Mohd. Yusof, PSNB., SPMB., PJK., PTKB., PKL., Minister of Foreign Affairs II, Negara Brunei Darussalam (Not present due to official business)

Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Ir. Awang Haji Suhaimi bin Haji Gafar, PSNB., SPMB., PTKB., PKL., Minister of Development, Negara Brunei Darussalam

Yang Berhormat Dato Setia Dr. Awang Haji Mat Suny bin Haji Mohd Hussein, PSNB., DPMB., PJK., Minister of Energy, Negara Brunei Darussalam

Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Hamzah bin Haji Sulaiman, PSNB., DPMB., PJK., Minister of Education, Negara Brunei Darussalam

Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Awang Abdul Mutalib bin Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Setia Dato Paduka Haji Mohammad Yusof, PSNB., SMB., PIFKB., Minister of Transport and Infocommunications, Negara Brunei Darussalam (Attending virtually)

Yang Berhormat Major General (B) Dato Paduka Seri Awang Haji Aminuddin Ihsan bin Pehin Orang Kaya Saiful Mulok Dato Seri Paduka Haji Abidin, DPKT., SMB., Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, Negara Brunei Darussalam (Attending virtually)

APPOINTED MEMBERS OF TITLE HOLDERS

Yang Berhormat Pehin Datu Imam Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Abdul Hamid bin Bakal, PSSUB., DSNB., PHBS., PBLI., PKL.

Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Pendikar Alam Dato Paduka Seri Awang Haji Hasrin bin Dato Paduka Haji Sabtu, DPKT., DPMB., SNB., PBLI., PJK., PKLP.

(Attending virtually)

Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Putera Maharaja Dato Paduka Awang Haji Abdul Ghani bin Pehin Datu Pekerma Dewa Dato Paduka Awang Haji Abdul Rahim, DPMB., SNB., PJK., PKL.

APPOINTED MEMBERS WHO HAVE ACHIEVED EXCELLENCE

Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Umarali bin Esung, PSB., P.IKB., PKL.

Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Abdul Hamid @ Sabil bin Haji Arshad, SMB.

Yang Berhormat Awang Ong Tiong Oh.

Yang Berhormat Fdr. Ar. Dayang Siti Rozaimeriyanty binti Dato Seri Laila Jasa Haji Abdul Rahman, PSB., PIKB.

Yang Berhormat Dayang Nik Hafimi binti Abdul Haadii, PSB.

Yang Berhormat Dayang Khairunnisa binti Awang Haji Ash'ari, PIKB.

Yang Berhormat Awang Iswandy bin Ahmad, PIKB.

APPOINTED MEMBERS REPRESENTING REGIONS

Yang Berhormat Pengiran Haji Ali bin Pengiran Maon, PSB., PJK., PIKB., PKL., Head of Mukim Berakas ‘B’, Zone 1 - Brunei-Muara District.

(Attending virtually)

Yang Berhormat Awang Naim bin Haji Kamis, PSB., PJK., PIKB., PKL., Head of Mukim Kota Batu, Zone 3 - Brunei-Muara District.

Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Tahamit bin Haji Nudin, PIKB., PKL., Head of Mukim Gadong ‘A’, Zone 4 - Brunei-Muara District.

(Attending virtually)

Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Mohimin bin Haji Johari @ Jahari, Head of Village Limau Manis, Zone 5 - Brunei-Muara District.

Yang Berhormat Pengiran Haji Mohamed bin Pengiran Haji Osman @ Othman, PSB., PIKB., PKL., Head of Kampong Masjid Lama, Muara Town, Sabun and Pelumpong, Zone 2 - Brunei-Muara District.

Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Abdul Hamid bin Haji Mumin, PJK., PKL., Head of Mukim Liang, Zone 1 - Belait District.

Yang Berhormat Awang Hanapi bin Mohd. Siput, PIKB., Head of Kampong Labi I, Zone 2 - Belait District.

Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Abdul Wahab bin Apong, SUB., PJK., PIKB., PKL., Head of Mukim Tanjong Maya, Zone 1 - Tutong District.

Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Ramli bin Haji Lahit, PIBK., PKL., Head of Mukim Telisai, Zone 2 - Tutong District.

Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Emran bin Haji Sabtu, SMB., PSB., PIKB., PKL., Head of Mukim Bokok, All Mukims of Temburong District.

IN ATTENDANCE

Yang Dimuliakan Pehin Orang Kaya Pekerma Jaya Dato Paduka Awang Haji Judin Haji Asar, DPMB., SLJ., POAS., PHBS., PBLI., PJK., PKL., Clerk to the Legislative Council, Negara Brunei Darussalam.

Yang Mulia Dayang Rose Aminah binti Haji Ismail, PSB., PIKB., Deputy Clerk to the Legislative Council, Negara Brunei Darussalam.

(The meeting commenced at 9.30 AM)

Yang Mulia Timbalan Jurutulis

The first session of the Eighteenth Legislative Council convened on the fifth day, Tuesday, 28th Rejab 1443 corresponding to 1st March 2022, beginning with a prayer.

PRAYER

The prayer was recited by Yang Dimuliakan Begawan Pehin Khatib Dato Paduka Haji Mustapa bin Haji Murat.

Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua

We give thanks to الله, for His abundant grace and permission that brings us together again this morning for the fifth day of the First Session of the Eighteenth Legislative Council. Blessings and salutations to our Great Prophet سيدنا محمد صلى الله عليه وسلم, his family, companions, and faithful followers until the end of time.

Your Honourable Members, the conference is still discussing the Bill (2022), Supply 2022/2023 proposed by the Minister at the Prime Minister's Office and Minister of Finance and Economy II, to enable us to continue detailed discussions and review of subsequent topics, I adjourn the Legislative Council Conference, and we will reconvene in Committee Stage in full.

(The Council was adjourned)

(The meeting convened as a Committee)

Yang Berhormat Pengerusi

بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمٰنِ الرَّحِيْمِ Your Honourable Members. The Council is now convened in full Committee Stage to allow us to discuss and amend the Bill (2022), Supply, 2022/2023, one by one which has been proposed by the Minister at the Prime Minister's Office and Minister of Finance and Economy II. Last Sunday afternoon, the Committee Sitting concluded hearing the introduction from the Minister of Religious Affairs explaining the goals and targets in preparing the Ministry of Religious Affairs' Budget. Therefore, for the topic of the Ministry of Religious Affairs, I now open it for debate and invite Yang Berhormat Awang Iswandy bin Ahmad to commence.

Yang Berhormat Awang Iswandy bin Ahmad

Thank you, Yang Berhormat Chairperson.

بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمٰنِ الرَّحِيْمِ Moving straight to the discussion, mentioning briefly about asset conservation and maintenance of the information technology system with the allocated funding. It is proposed for the burial ground for Muslims in the country to be systematically managed.

My questions are:

1. It is understood that efforts have been made to create a numbered slot system for several cemetery lands, what is the progress of this matter? And

2. What are the efforts in ensuring cemetery areas comply with safety, environmental, and cleanliness regulations? For improvement suggestions, could cemetery land information be accessible using information technology systems and could cemetery management improve waqf and management systems? Such as inviting the public to donate solar lights, improving access routes in cemeteries, and cleaning the lands of cemeteries. The purpose of all this is to easily "recognize" or identify or visit a more comfortable and safer area for visitors and, of course, suitable respect for family members who have left us.

Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.

Yang Berhormat Menteri Hal Ehwal Ugama

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful, all praises be to Allah, the Lord of the Worlds, we have heard the matter regarding cemetery lands, all praises be to Allah, thank you, Yang Berhormat, especially for your significant attention to cemetery lands in terms of their maintenance, meaning not only cleanliness but also their safety and better accessibility for easy visitation and perfection.

Indeed, in its governance, there is a specific unit handling this matter in maintenance duties and with the subsequent tasks some are outsourced to certain contractors and some are directly carried out by the staff at the Cemetery Unit.

It is understood that we can't cover everything regarding the administration of this country's lands but we have done our utmost. Indeed, there are requirements for improvements. Therefore, these enhancements are always being considered over time by the Maintenance Building staff leading the Cemetery Unit and, God willing, with the appropriate downsizing later, it can be utilized. The asset maintenance as an amanah (trust) by the ministry will try to fully meet the public's expectations or hopes in this matter.

We also hope now that we have the spirit of mutual assistance and in terms of contributions. Let us revive this spirit among the community. Don't let matters regarding cemeteries easily be accessed for download on social media without the knowledge of the concerned parties.

Thus, it helps to get the information to the concerned parties. But we have to show these matters together to us as the public, mosques have their mosque congregations, mosque committees, village heads have their village protection councils.

Cemeteries in villages, in mukims (districts) can also be looked at together because their usage is indeed handled by the government. But the government is limited to certain capabilities, and because of that, let us cooperate with the spirit of mutual assistance and contributions towards the environment.

Yang Berhormat Pengerusi

I allow Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Mohimin bin Haji Johari @ Jahari.

Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Mohimin bin Haji Johari @ Jahari

Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful, all praises be to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon the Messenger of Allah; May Allah bless your excellency Yang Berhormat, and all his companions.

Yang Berhormat Pengerusi, before we convened in this noble Assembly, the Secretariat of the Council Meetings had arranged a discussion with the ministries. Therefore, kaola only brings one question.

My question, under Title SJ01A - Ministry of Religious Affairs. It is proposed for the Nation of Brunei Darussalam to request the Government of Saudi Arabia regarding the Hajj quota to be made a fixed quota of 2,000 people every Hajj season. Given that our country's population does not reach millions, with a fixed quota of 2,000 being significantly less compared to neighboring countries whose populations are over 200 million. I request the wisdom of the Ministry of Religious Affairs to negotiate this matter.

Thank you.

Yang Berhormat Menteri Hal Ehwal Ugama

Yang Berhormat Pengerusi. Kaola is not this letter, but Yang Berhormat mentioned a request for the ministry's wisdom to increase from 1,000 to 2,000. In reality, we have an official quota of only 400 people, but for 3, 4 consecutive years, meaning we have been able to increase from 400 to 600, then 800, and consequently to 1,000.

This all happened through the wisdom of negotiations beyond the quota for the allocation based on our Muslim population. But, Your Honour, we have held negotiations between ministers, the Minister of Religious Affairs with the Minister of Hajj Affairs of Saudi Arabia. This matter has been considered, and Your Honour, that consideration from 400 plus 200, plus 200, plus 200 makes that additional quota from the original quota. Hopefully, with grace exceeding our request, not as a demand but as a request for grace in this matter.

Regarding Hajj registration every year if compared and totaled, indeed, we cannot accommodate. At least at this time, 20,000 people are on the waiting list. Even if we can, certainly with specific conditions to choose who only can perform the obligatory Hajj as the conditions at this time, but still waiting. This is experienced by all countries not just us, thank you Yang Berhormat for requesting the ministry's wisdom to achieve it through friendly negotiations between both countries. Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.

Yang Berhormat Pengerusi

I allow Yang Berhormat Pengiran Haji Ali bin Pengiran Maon.

Yang Berhormat Pengiran Haji Ali bin Pengiran Maon

First and foremost, kaola would like to express gratitude and congratulations for the opening speech last Sunday that clearly delivered the efforts and Planning of the Ministry of Religious Affairs that are ongoing and will be conducted, as well as the success achieved by the ministry.

Kaola also admires and congratulates the efforts of the Ministry of Religious Affairs along with the relevant agencies in enlivening the Nation of Brunei Darussalam with zikir and munajat, especially with the broadcasting of Surah Yasin through radio and TV every night and also the efforts in making the Munajat Night a success along with the public and selected ministries every week virtually. May this effort be consistent and continue in our attempt to save the country from the danger of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Yang Berhormat Pengerusi. Kaola is particularly interested in Yang Berhormat's introduction regarding waqf, which is one of the strategic project plans of the Ministry of Religious Affairs 2024 under the Waqf Empowerment Strategy Towards the Prosperity of the Nation.

Kaola believes this is a precise planning because waqf is an important financial resource in Islam besides zakat, it could even help support the country's economy if it is managed systematically and orderly. Thus, based on this, as well as waqf empowerment included in the 5-Year Strategic Plan of the Ministry of Religious Affairs.

Kaola would like to request further explanations, apologies, Yang Berhormat, if this matter was discussed in the previous pre-Council Meeting, as kaola was not present at that time. Therefore, kaola would like to request further explanation:

1. Is there already an idea or determination if this waqf will be administrated under a specific department or under a non-governmental body like Badan Tanmiah?;

2. What waqf strategy would be introduced later, does it focus on waqf land and waqf properties or towards cash waqf collected in a waqf fund for public purposes?;

3. How will the waqf regulations, or waqf itself be managed?.

Requesting enlightenment. Thank you. وَالسَّلَامُ عَلَيْكُمْ وَرَحْمَةُ اللهِ وَبَرَكَاتُهُ

Yang Berhormat Minister of Religious Affairs

Thank you, Yang Berhormat and thank you to Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.

Regarding this endowment, it can be explained as follows, this is indeed the Ministry's strategy for 2024/2025. The important thing for us to know is that endowment already exists with its legislation included in the Islamic Council Law, but the law needs to be updated in the sense that endowment must have its own law, its own act. So, its drafting at this time has reached the final stage, God willing, it will be completed this year. In the law, the act will also include plans to implement an organized, effective, regulated endowment, in line with the desire to make it a settlement, in discarding infrastructure or whatever requires it. In the law, it will mention matters regarding the board or its administration, God willing, if it is completed later we will see it will be administered in an organized manner, to achieve what is desired.

At this time, endowment lands and several donations have been allocated to the extent of sporadic according to what is determined. There is already a Development Body expanding this endowment wealth, but not yet a Development Body expands, only in its business dealings in the property field and there are already resolutions supported by the council to expand its business fields to other areas. Endowment will be administered not under the Development Body but will be administered in an administration that can achieve the Brunei people's endowment wishes. Many lands can be developed and many public donations accumulated in the zakat fund that can be utilized as best as possible.

One thing that must be remembered in such a situation is that endowment contributes to a part of improving the government's fiscal. An example is a mosque, there are endowment mosques. That means, worth millions of ringgit by individuals or families and there are mosques that are not yet complete with mortuary rooms, mortuary cars, including parking for Disabled Persons, pathways for disabled people and this has utilized endowment either by mosque congregation members or individuals and families for the mosque or mosque catchments or certain individuals who determine their endowment for this matter. Government expenditure, for example for a mortuary car is no less than $40,000 and an additional mortuary room not less than $15,000 to $20,000.

If it only depends on maintenance provision then it cannot lighten. That's how in the future maybe this endowment will be used to assist certain infrastructures which will also help lighten the government's fiscal, God willing. Thank you, Your Honour.

Yang Berhormat Pengerusi

I invite Your Honourable Awang Haji Ramli bin Haji Lahit. But before that, I would like to remind Your Honourable Members so that, if raising questions, just ask the questions, because the privilege to make this introduction is for ministers to explain about their respective ministry's budget allocation. If every Honourable Member makes their intro that long, it becomes dragging. I hope Your Honourable Members will be concise and direct and will be answered by the respective ministers and I have been informed that several discussion sessions have been held. I believe matters raised here have been brought up in the discussion sessions held. I sincerely request if answered it should not be brought up in this council again. I invite Your Honourable Awang Haji Ramli bin Haji Lahit.

Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Ramli bin Haji Lahit

Thank you, to Your Honourable Chairman. In the name of Allah the Most Gracious and Merciful. Peace, mercy, and blessings of Allah be upon you. Thank you to Your Honourable Chairman, kaola will talk about only 2 issues in this Ministry of Religious Affairs. That is about Islamic Literature.

1. Islamic Literature is a Da'wah literature whose purpose is to remind all humanity towards the goodness of this world and hereafter, standing on the principle of "Convey from me even an ayah".

   Kaola wants to talk about Islamic-themed novels, if not mistaken in 2010 there was a contest for writing Islamic-themed novels organized by the Islamic Da'wah Centre which attracted around 42 entries. Islamic-themed novels certainly can shape society, can increase faith if the storyline is crafted by the writer based on faith, morals, and sharia to be interesting to read especially for the youth if the storyline has the main character and antagonist who is ignorant and evil receiving their due whether good or bad.

   In this regard, kaola wants to know whether the winners of this competition and other suitable novels have been printed and whether there are plans to hold many of these contests in the future? If these novels are printed it is suggested to be distributed to school libraries for free and it is also suggested that the best novels be adapted into a TV series because implementing da'wah besides approaches through lectures and community can use novel creations, short stories, dramas, and poetry and other Islamic literary arts.; and

Your Honourable Chairman.

2. Kaola talks about the spiritual curriculum content of religious schools which now have several Islamic cultural arts in the religious school curriculum. Among them are Jawi calligraphy, reading rawi, berzanji and Dikir Syarafil Anam Brunei. There is no deity but Allah, it can be proud that most religion students master it, that is Dikir Syarafil Anam. In fact, it is often competed among religious schools. Even these students are invited to represent mosque takmir, MPK, MPM, and associations for dikir competitions.

   So, to add to the spiritual curriculum content of religious school education, kaola suggests that the old Brunei dikir be implemented to prevent the old Islamic cultural arts of Brunei from extinction because it seems that the old dikir is rarely highlighted and no longer cared for. Moreover, the old masters of dikir are no longer there. It is hoped that at least one student one dikir can appreciate it. Not necessary many, one of Bis Shahrin Udana Laila, Badat tofi, Khairuman Udana Laila, Badat Nurjalah, and Khairumman Udana Laila. Besides the aforementioned content, it can also be added with writing and declamation of old poems.

That is all,

God grants success and guidance. A prayer and supplication

Yang Berhormat Menteri Hal Ehwal Ugama

Thank you Your Honourable and thank you for the floor given by Your Honourable Chairman.

There are two questions if I'm not mistaken I caught one about Islamic literature one about Dikir Brunei. Islamic Literature was mentioned that the Islamic Da’wah Centre held a Novel Writing Competition in 2013. As far as I remember, in 2013 it was in conjunction with the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the Islamic Da’wah Centre. The competition was very successful as stated earlier and the results have been published. Just now there was a suggestion that its publication be distributed to schools for reading.

Actually, we must also think. The government spends on its publication. The expense will be recollected back through sales results. That is actually our way, not only everything once will be done by the government and divided among the public for free because reading this depends on reading interest. If for schools, surely the government will publish it with a large number with a large expenditure. That cannot be done unless for example about mushaf, publishing mushaf for schools, the public that is divided among families. At the same time, the mushaf is printed for public use to buy and is still sold.

Regarding the importance of Islamic literature as Your Honourable mentioned is the importance of this world and the hereafter. Actually, when we mentioned Islamic literature, literature that features or is themed on religious matters not only about evil good, but what's important is that Islamic literature is produced not only solely by producers who if in the terms of the Quran, al-Ghawwun meaning those who go around talking about goodness but they do not do goodness. Islamic literature has been supported by its creators.

Actually, from time to time, the Islamic Da'wah Centre publishes these results not only through a novel writing competition but through magazines available like "Al-Dams and Berita Muslimin". If the literary works are in the form of poetry published in both magazines and collected to become "Puisi Hidayat"

published in a year, two years after accumulated. Likewise, short stories broadcasted in it. This is an ongoing process.

Kaola wants to mention Your Honourable Chairman. Mentioning Islamic literature for our interest, Brunei Darussalam. Brunei Darussalam has highlighted an Islamic literature figure in 2008, sponsored by the Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Foundation. We have highlighted Muda Omar 'Ali Saifuddien as an Islamic Literature Figure. This is appropriate because literature symbolizes the entity of the nation. So far, we in Brunei Darussalam have been together in the Nusantara literary movement in the Malay language.

Since 1984, Brunei Darussalam has clearly established itself as a sovereign nation, independent like our neighboring countries. Thus, our literature, although in Malay, is distinctly Bruneian. This is evidenced by the recognition given in 2008, which included the accolade of Islamic Literature Laureate and the Modern Bruneian Literature Laureate for the poet of "Syair Rakis" to the late Sultan Haji Omar 'Ali Saifuddien Sa'adul Khairi Waddien, based on his literary works.

It is crucial for the public, higher education institutions, and movements such as the civic society to take note and expand on this. The Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) includes the study of Islamic literature, referencing the works of the late Sultan Haji Omar 'Ali Saifuddien Sa'adul Khairi Waddien in its Bruneian studies, which is commendable and has produced several studies at the Masters and Bachelor levels.

Recently, the Seri Begawan Religious Teachers University College (KUPUSB) established a Faculty of Social Sciences, which includes the study of Islamic literature and its relation to education regarding Islamic literature in Brunei.

At UNISSA, considering UNISSA has a Faculty specializing in Arabic literature, the study of Arabic Islamic Literature could be contended. Islamic literature in Arabic is well-regarded, but there has yet to be substantial contributions specifically in Malay or regarding the Malay context, except for a few books studied by former lecturers of Universiti Brunei Darussalam who also served at UNISSA to conduct research on the late Sultan Haji Omar 'Ali Saifuddien Sa'adul Khairi Waddien and other notable figures in Islamic literature like Syukri Zain. All these works are written in Arabic. Kaola will emphasize that the State of Brunei Darussalam not only has an identity but also its political entity, social system, and governance system. That's it, Your Honourable Chairperson.

Regarding the second matter about the study of Brunei Dikir. Indeed, Dikir Brunei was once part of education. At least, the Ministry of Religious Affairs has been making efforts to introduce the study of Dikir, including Dikir Syarafil Anam and berzanji, ensuring they are presented in a revised form to not prolong unnecessarily. Furthermore, modern versions of Dikir Brunei have been taught in schools as extracurricular activities, addressing criticisms against Dikir's delivery.

Kaola believes those criticizing are themselves confused about violating the rules of tajwid and how Dikir is to be articulated following Quranic recitation rules. Thus, Tajwid in Dikir Brunei songs, if deviant, is considered sinful. Therefore, a seminar to improve Brunei Dikir was conducted, and its outcomes have been beneficial till now, Alhamdulillah.

However, it's also worth noting that while Dikir Brunei is being adjusted to comply with tajwid, a new form of Dikir, Dikir Daba’i, was introduced, which has led to differing opinions among enthusiasts, which is not positive.

Kementerian Hal Ehwal Ugama kaola can assure that to this day, it doesn't view such practices as wrong, and those wishing to recite Dab’i, or continue with the current Brunei Dikir, should do so, ensuring all Dikir Brunei performances adhere to the true melody. Do not worry if the songs don't strictly follow Quranic pronunciations as they are not considered sinful for not being Quranic verses. That's it, Your Honourable Chairperson.

Yang Berhormat Pengerusi

I will now give the floor to Your Honourable Awang Naim bin Haji Kamis.

Yang Berhormat Awang Naim bin Haji Kamis

Thank you, Your Honourable Chairperson.

كَتِبَةُالتَّعَلِيْمِ I am pleased to bring up the topic of school textbooks and workbooks. It’s time the Ministry of Religious Affairs considers creating e-Books for all textbooks and workbooks. This task is feasible, considering the current textbooks are locally published and could easily collaborate with local higher education institutions to develop and publish these e-Books.

Regards,

وَبِاللَّهِ التَّوْفِيقُ وَالْهِدَايَةُ وَالسَّلَاَمُ عَلِيْكُمْ وَرَحْمَةُاللهِ وَبَرَكَاَتُه

Yang Berhormat Menteri Hal Ehwal Ugama

Thank you, Your Honourable, and thank you, Your Honourable Chairperson. Before I respond to Your Honourable Chairperson, let me clarify that I understand the issue raised about textbooks and acknowledge that the Ministry of Religious Affairs, Islamic Studies Department does issue textbooks, but perhaps I misheard the Chairperson's suggestion. I hope Your Honourable could clarify the issue and recommendation clearly.

Yang Berhormat Awang Naim bin Haji Kamis

Thank you. The idea is to include textbooks in an e-Book format, possibly on a pendrive, to ease the burden of heavy books for students. Additionally, offering an alternative to textbooks aligns with current technological advancements, as most students own smartphones and have internet access.

Yang Berhormat Menteri Hal Ehwal Ugama

If I understand correctly, the proposal is to, in brief, not only publish books but also make the school religious study syllabus available online. This is a great suggestion, and in fact, the Department of Islamic Studies has been very active online, adopting a digital approach.

أشكركم We are moving towards enhancing digital use further. The Department of Islamic Studies is actively digitizing its services, including textbooks, which are currently published, are also available digitally or online. Your Honourable or the public may access the relevant websites of the Ministry of Religious Affairs or the Islamic Studies Department for more information. Thank you, Your Honourable Chairperson.

Yang Berhormat Pengerusi

Your Honourable Pengiran Haji Mohamed bin Pengiran Haji Osman @ Othman.

Yang Berhormat Pengiran Haji Mohamed bin Pengiran Haji Osman @ Othman

Thank you, Your Honourable Chairperson.

بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمٰنِ الرَّحِيْمِ Firstly, I would like to express my gratitude to the Your Honourable Minister of Religious Affairs for the introduction concerning the Ministry of Religious Affairs.

أشكركم On this occasion, I would like to express my utmost gratitude to His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar 'Ali Saifuddien Sa'adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam and the government through the Ministry of Religious Affairs for constructing two mosques, one in the Mengkubau National Housing Scheme and another in the Meragang National Housing Scheme.

أشكركم The construction of both mosques is progressing. May the construction be smooth and perfect. Indeed, the construction of these mosques holds significant importance, especially for the residents living in both National Housing Schemes. These mosques are houses of worship where God's servants gather to pray and perform religious duties, thankful for this.

Your Honourable Chairperson. I wish to address a few suggestions, أشكركم since the construction of the Brunei International Airport mosque a few years ago, it has been frequented by many worshippers, including those working at the Brunei International Airport and the surrounding residents. These visits are for performing the obligatory five daily prayers, the Tarawih prayers, and the Eid prayers.

For the convenience and time-saving of those working or living around the Brunei International Airport, I suggest and propose the consideration by the ministry to also open the mosque for Friday prayers, to further ease the worshippers mentioned earlier.

That’s all, Your Honourable Chairperson.

Yang Berhormat Menteri Hal Ehwal Ugama

Thank you, Your Honourable, and thank you, Your Honourable Chairperson. I understand the suggestion to allow the existing and currently well-utilized Brunei International Airport mosque to also offer Friday prayers for the convenience and benefit of its users. It's worth noting that the mosque serves a wide area including Mukim Berakas, Kampung Serusop, Kampung Burung Pingai, and more.

In that area, there are mosques such as As-Solihin Mosque, Muhammad Bolkiah Mosque, Sufri Bolkiah Mosque and at least those mosques are within the catchment area. Wouldn't it be inconvenient, even the residents in Kampung Jaya Setia and Kampung Setia Bakti, including Kampung Burung Pingai also go to As-Solihin Mosque.

There is no problem for any prayer hall user who normally performs the obligatory prayers, to perform the Friday prayer which is specifically between 12 to 2 pm. They are excused from their duties, and can go to the mosques within that catchment area. This is not an urgent situation, the mosques can still be visited. A prayer hall remains a prayer hall. As well as the statement also mentioned there is a prayer hall at the Ministry of Defense, Berakas Garrison and there are other prayer halls available.

All such attentions are indeed good, but if the public behaves in such a way, Your Honour could advise the public or certain groups to follow the catchment areas of the prayer halls and nearby mosques. Nearby mosques, can still be used for performing the Friday Prayer. Do not insist until later there are excuses for not being able to perform the Friday prayer due to leaving duties and so on. That is all. Thank you, Your Honour.

Yang Berhormat Pengerusi

Your Honour Awang Haji Abdul Hamid bin Haji Mumin.

Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Abdul Hamid bin Haji Mumin

Thank you, Your Honour Chairperson.

Kaola also wishes to present some discussions under Title SJO1A - Ministry of Religious Affairs. In this matter, kaola will try to be as brief as possible in asking questions and making suggestions.

1. Regarding the positions of Bilal, Marbut or cleaners inside and outside the mosque. It seems not all mosques have these workers as offered by the Ministry of Religious Affairs through the Mosque Affairs Department.

   These positions need to be created to fill these roles and have specific incumbents in each mosque for conveniences and their roles that can facilitate in mosques. Even now, because there are no such positions filled by the takmir committee, it might also cause problems because they do not fully function as a Bilal. Secondly, they are already old and are not confident in performing as a Bilal or Marbut and cleaners inside and outside the mosque all the time.

   Kaola requests that these long-unoffered positions be offered to mosques throughout the country that need them.;

2. Regarding ‘Penggapaí’, it seems that if in the past, it was easy for us to connect because in the mosques their names were labeled for easy searching. But now, it is not. It is centralized in offices, at districts, religious offices and their number is limited. Kaola encountered obstacles in matters requiring them in the district, if there are two or three to be checked, it’s forced to wait for the turn by that family.

   It would be good if there are ‘Penggapai’ in the sub-districts. ‘Penggapai’ existed in Mukim Liang which is the Women's Bureau from MPK dealing in mosques, but unfortunately, after they served and could perform the shrouding of the deceased, washed, and so on almost ready, then the officials from the department would come. When they arrive, they do not accept and instructed the shrouding to be done again. They seem to not trust the committee members who have attended the courses. This becomes dissatisfaction and eventually, they do not want to function anymore now.

   Kaola hopes actually ‘Penggapai’ would not make it difficult for each sub-district to carry out duties. Next, another one briefly.;

3. Regarding the Arabic school in the Belait District, it was established in 2005 and is now 17 years old. But at this time, its sponsorship is still at Form 2 even though it has been 17 years. Sometimes families have to make a choice after two years whether to continue to the Arabic Secondary School or to stop continuing to government schools.

   If they are offered to continue and stay in residence, this is the concern for families because these are still at an age where they are not yet able to be separated directly from their families. It is fear that it could be detrimental in terms of social and so on.

   The suggestion if it's possible that there will be Form 3 in the Belait District. If possible, online so that Form 3 can follow. Please something that can be clarified by the Ministry of Religious Affairs. Perhaps, that's all that kaola can present in this discussion.

That's all, Your Honour Chairperson. Thank you. السَّلاَمُ عَلَيْكُمْ وَرَحْمَةُ اللهِ وَبَرَكَاَتُه

Yang Berhormat Menteri Hal Ehwal Ugama

Thank you, Your Honour. Kaola, Your Honour Chairperson understands there are 3 issues raised namely:

1. About the need for positions in mosques especially for replacing old people.;
2. About 'Penggapai' which is the completion of female funerals.; and
3. Regarding the establishment of the Arabic school that has been for 17 years and has not yet progressed to the expected secondary level.

First, regarding the positions in mosques nationwide from time to time there is an increase and addition of such positions. For instance, last year (2021), a total of 41 positions were filled including positions for Imam Level I, II, III, IV, and Bilal Level I. Concerning what was raised by Your Honour, it is believed that Bilals who are old should be replaced.

It is indeed so, but perhaps priority has not been given yet, because those concerned, although old, are still performing. At the same time, usually, any mosque will provide successors. Even if that Bilal is a positional Bilal who has not yet had a formally established position replacement, then the successors can be appointed by the mosque congregation itself. Supported to obtain special allowances for the successors. This is not a problem, however, كُلُّ شَيْءٍ بِقَدَرٍ the ministry will ask the Mosque Affairs Department to look into this matter. إِنَّ اللَّهَ مَعَ الصَّابِرِينَ Your Honour.

Second, regarding 'Penggapai'. 'Penggapai' we must know in the 60s, the Ministry of Religious Affairs introduced this position. The position was a government position. Even though at that time, very few people were appointed and the position continued until now. But we must take into consideration, the position, that task can now be performed by the public, groups as stated. Earlier there were women who were given courses and they managed it. Just that incidents like that or perhaps ego somehow belittle what should not arise. Those who have been trained are indeed qualified and not just women but also among the youth, mosque congregants, can perform the 'Penggapai' duties.

We must see, إِنَّ اللَّهَ مَعَ الصَّابِرِينَ, we feel grateful to إِنَّ اللَّهَ كَرِيمٌ, إِنَّ اللَّهَ غَفُورُ رَحِيمٌ for the systematically taught religious lessons. We have produced religious people including those ready to serve voluntarily for the shrouding services and not left behind among women the mosque's female congregants. The mosque's female congregants are very significant, the Ministry of Religious Affairs highly appreciates the activities of these female congregants nationwide. They are very significant to the activities of mosques in their catchment areas.

So, we should not just rely on the 'Penggapai' position alone. Currently, there are courses conducted by mosques to train or develop groups of 'Penggapai' women and men.

Third, the establishment of Arabic school indeed has been 17 years and needs to be upgraded. For your information, Your Honour, especially the current Arabic school building in Belait District is in plans to be expanded. Hopefully, in those plans, it will also include the upgrade of its educational level.

It is known to be difficult for parents to let their young age children move to Tutong District, there is still longing for children at such a young age. It is indeed considered. Hopefully, if the expansion plan of the school can be implemented, it will also take into consideration the need for an upgrade to the secondary level that is desired.

That's all, thank you, Your Honour Chairperson and Your Honour.

Yang Berhormat Pengerusi

Your Honour Awang Haji Emran bin Haji Sabtu.

Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Emran bin Haji Sabtu

Thank you, Your Honour Chairperson.

أشكرك، ولازال الجهد متواصلا

Regarding this, kaola understands there exists a social media platform named 'reddit' where the Ministry of Religious Affairs is often mentioned with various negative comments even containing slander.

My question, is there any effort or initiative to correct consumer perceptions regarding this matter and to what extent do these viewpoints affect the youth, especially those of the Islamic faith who are active on social media? To what extent have these viewpoints influenced the youth, particularly those of the Islamic faith who actively use it? I also believe that relevant parties should establish a social media website and proactively address current religious issues involving various relevant agencies in an integrated manner as a platform or special site surrounding matters related to religion and Muslims in this country, apart from being an official source that provides or shares accurate information channels, to be used as a public reference source to correct such perceptions.

Thank you.

Yang Berhormat Menteri Hal Ehwal Ugama

Thank you, Your Honourable Chairman and Your Honours. Indeed, social media contains a lot of information, some of which, as Your Honour mentioned earlier, includes slanderous information or misinformation or information that contradicts what we believe in the field of religion, convictions, and creed. But such information is spread through social media; the question is how to address it. The first way to address this is, of course, to increase our religious awareness.

In terms of social media, the Islamic Da'wah Centre is very active in this matter, after utilizing social media but not specifically to counter such things. Da'wah means guiding towards the truth. Such things, for example, negative matters, insults, and so on, are up to him. Any negative matter that leads to the defamation of religious institutions or religious people, there is a law that can handle it.

We should not hastily specialize in handling such matters because we have to accept the reality that, as in broadcasting, we use open-sky. The Nation of Brunei Darussalam is the only small country that has such an open sky policy. We cannot stop it, maybe certain channels but there are receivers that can reach Southeast Asia, the Middle East, even Europe, and so on with just a receiver worth no more than $200 or $300. What remains for us is to educate, guide the public not to be influenced. It is easy for us to say fight, but how far will this fight go? We have laws; if it reaches a point of violating laws, then we can use the law. In terms of psychological warfare, not in terms of political security threatening security but psychological warfare in terms of ideology about religion and so on, we do it wisely.

The Islamic Da'wah Centre is very mindful and moving in this direction and will enhance it from time to time. Thank you.

Yang Berhormat Pengerusi

Your Honourable Dayang Khairunnisa binti Awang Haji Ash'ari.

Yang Berhormat Dayang Khairunnisa binti Awang Haji Ash'ari

Thank you, Your Honourable Chairman. I recommend that when allocating the construction of mosques, users' needs should be considered. Some mosques, including major mosques, do not take into account that women's paths to the restroom or place for taking ablutions are open and can make it difficult for women to fully cover their ‘aurat at the mosque.

Many working women also need to go to the mosque since their workplaces do not provide prayer spaces or mosques. Not only female users, users with disabilities and the elderly also find it difficult to move around. The design should be more practical rather than just looking beautiful from the outside. Repairs should also be made promptly. Thank you, Your Honourable Chairman.

Yang Berhormat Menteri Hal Ehwal Ugama

Thank you to Your Honour for being very sensitive to women's needs, دَخَلَكُ اللّٰه. It was found that the old mosques that have been designed are indeed like that, and it was found that the outside area for women is the entrance path for men and this is uncomfortable. For the new mosques, such matters have already been taken into account. The new mosque will be built in the sense that the design itself controls the movement of female congregants separately for women and men. أ لْح م ْ دُ لِل ِ ه hopefully, it will succeed and will be observed.

Regarding the Ministry of Religious Affairs' sensitivity to the needs of Persons with Disabilities. Last year, this matter was raised and thanks were expressed. As a result of this suggestion and recommendation, the Mosque Affairs Department has been successful in either improving or adding such amenities. For example, if only in the Brunei-Muara District, there are already wheelchair paths in 37 mosques, 7 mosques in the Tutong District, 2 mosques in the Belait District, and 1 mosque in the Temburong District, totalling 47 mosques. This expenditure, apart from maintenance allocations, mostly comes from the public and this is also part of charity and endowment.

Special restrooms for Persons with Disabilities have also been provided. In the Brunei Muara District, there are 25 mosques, in the Tutong District there are 4 mosques, in the Belait District and the Temburong District none yet, and altogether there are 29 mosques that have been provided as such.

Regarding parking. Parking spaces in old mosques stem from the public endowment of land for mosque construction. When the mosque was built, at that time the parking was sufficient, but now it is not. It is also necessary to think about Persons with Disabilities. In this case, if it is new mosques at this time, it is not a problem, but these are old mosques. The Brunei Muara District has already made special parking lots, totalling 16 mosques, Tutong District has 2, Belait and Temburong Districts none, but 18 mosques have been utilized.

Your Honour's shown sensitivity is highly commendable. The needs of women and PWDs have been acted upon from time to time. إِن ْ شَاءَ ٱللّ ٰ ه in accordance with the situation of appropriations and mosque leadership to strive. While there is no allocation or no allocation will be given for that matter, they strive to get people who endow or donate for such needs.

Thank you.

Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua

Lastly, I invite Your Honourable Awang Haji Umarali bin Esung.

Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Umarali bin Esung

Thank you, Your Honourable Chairman.

I would like to provide an opinion and suggestion regarding the digitally friendly mosque. In facing the changes of the digital era and the current new norms, it is fitting that mosques in the Nation of Brunei Darussalam step forward by using the digital system as a necessity towards progress and development. The management of progressive activities. With this, mosques will no longer be isolated from the constantly evolving technology flow through the Digital-Friendly Mosque concept. This concept can be implemented through approaches with cooperation and relevant parties in search of suitable methods towards the Digital-Friendly Mosque, including:

1. Equipping mosques with digital technology and ICT facilities,
2. Enhancing the capabilities of mosque officials and staff with digital and ICT through appropriate practical training,
3. Diversifying mosque activities digitally, especially in the situation of the COVID-19 pandemic and so on.

Thank you, وبلدية الدغوث والصفلية، والله ولي التوفيق

Yang Berhormat Menteri Hal Ehwal Ugama

Thank you, Your Honourable Chairman and thank you, Your Honour.

Regarding the question of the Digital-Friendly Mosque, it is very heartening. In the grace speech of the opening of the mosque before, it mentioned digital and we are moving towards awareness, which is very welcomed. A year or two ago, it was raised in this Council and by the Mosque Affairs Department. For example, there are screens through digital to display prayer times. Some mosques have been able to broadcast the summary of the sermon, and there are mosques that prepare to translate that sermon into other languages, i.e., for areas that require those who do not understand the Malay language. All these are signs towards digital, Your Honour.

For the government to supply those materials, it depends on our budget capacity towards it. At this time, there are people who have donated or given and contributed for the benefit of mosques, the Ministry of Religious Affairs also welcomes public participation to complete mosque needs digitally.

To enhance this capability, it is very necessary and correct. During this COVID-19 pandemic, movement and learning within mosques have been limited. It is evident that several mosques do not have the capacity in terms of the skills to use in this matter, which also needs to be addressed. However, if we look at events like the Malam Munajat held every Saturday night, there is participation from no less than 50 mosques, and some have shown that digital capability. إِنَّ اللَّهَ مَعَ الصَّابِرِينَ can be progressed, and for those who do not have this capability, the encouragement comes not from mosque officers استطلاع /bushed post, but from volunteers of the Mosque Takmir Committee. Especially from among the youth in the concerned mosque vicinity who come forward to contribute and serve the needs of mosques like this.

So, utilizing digital for mosque activities, إِنْ شَاءَ اللَّهُ we have started and are on a good path and will continue as per our expected needs as long as it does not disturb the peace or the fundamental worship affairs of a mosque. That's all, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi. Thank you.

Yang Berhormat Pengerusi

Thank you, Yang Berhormat Menteri Hal Ehwal Ugama.

Your Honourable Members. I deem it sufficient for us to discuss this Ministry of Religious Affairs Budget Topic, and I would now like to ask, for the members who agree to pass this topic, please raise your hand.

(All Members raise their hands in agreement)

Thank you, all in agreement.

Yang Dimuliakan Jurutulis

Topic SJ01A – Ministry of Religious Affairs is made part of the Schedule.

Topics SK01A to SK08A – Ministry of Development.

Yang Berhormat Pengerusi

Your Honourable Members. Now the meeting shifts to examine the Ministry of Development and its departments.

Before these subtopics are opened for discussion, I would like to give the opportunity to Yang Berhormat Menteri Pembangunan to explain about the preparation of the Budget for the said ministry. أركَدَ, Yang Berhormat Menteri Pembangunan is with us in this Hall, so I invite Yang Berhormat to give their opening remarks. Please proceed.

Yang Berhormat Menteri Pembangunan

بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ اَلْحَمْدُ ِللهِ رَبِّ الْعٰلَمِيْنَ وَالصَّلٰوةُ وَالسَّلَامُ عَلٰى سَيِّدِنَا مُحَمَّدٍ وَعَلٰى آلِهِ وَصَحْبِهِ أَجْمَعِيْنَ. عنكم ورحمة الله وبركاته and peace be upon you.

Yang Berhormat Pengerusi and Your Honourable Members.

أعزكم الله kaola with all due respect and reverence, I am delighted to convey the highest appreciation for the grace and consent of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, for allocating the Budget for the Ministry of Development for the Fiscal Year 2022/2023 amounting to $334.8 million, listed as follows:

1. A total of $115.9 million for Staff Salaries.;
2. A total of $107.2 million for Recurring Expenditures.; and
3. A total of $111.9 million for Projects under the 11th National Development Plan, which are ongoing and will be implemented.

Focus of the Ministry of Development 2022/2023. In efforts to enhance the country's economic growth rate and the quality of life for citizens and residents of this country, the Ministry of Development will remain committed to executing development plans towards the socio-economic development of the country including the provision of infrastructure and public amenities in line with the goals of Wawasan Brunei 2035. The Ministry of Development will continue several initiatives consistent with its role in providing a built environment and livable with an emphasis and priority on strategic matters such as the following:

1. Further improvement in coordination between the departments under the Ministry of Development.;
2. Development of public housing in the National Housing Scheme.;
3. Ensuring national water security and continuous and clean water supply.;
4. Provision of durable and resilient public infrastructure and facilities including the implementation of infrastructure projects for disaster and flood mitigation.;
5. Opening up potential government lands for mixed development investment purposes.; and
6. Upholding strategies under the National Climate Change Policy of Brunei Darussalam.

These initiatives also support this year's budget theme, "Empowering Public Welfare Towards A More Resilient Socio-Economy", which will be executed through the provided allocation, taking prudent spending and prioritization to achieve the desired goals.

Affordable national housing. For the provision of affordable national housing through the Housing Development Department, the ministry will continue to implement the National Housing Scheme Construction Planning for citizens in need of housing either through the National Development Plan or exploring other methods deemed suitable for fully alleviating unemployment at government expense.

In the 11th NDP with a Plan Price totaling $250 million, an amount of $38.8 million has been allocated to continue several housing projects such as:

1. RPN Kampung Lugu Project of 1000 terrace houses is currently under construction and expected to be completed in early 2023.;

2. RPN Kampung Tanah Jambu Project of 750 houses will be built and construction will begin mid of this year. Meanwhile, 10 blocks, 300 H40 flat units in Kampung Lambak, to date 245 units are occupied and the rest will be filled shortly.

In addition, the Ministry of Development in cooperation with the Ministry of Finance and Economy will continue to explore alternatives for producing more durable housing including methods such as Public Private Partnership (PPP) or through the Housing Developer Scheme by providing potential land sites for development. إن شاء الله, whichever method that is viable will be considered for implementation once certain processes are updated.

Infrastructure provision. Public Works Department is responsible for providing infrastructure in implementing the Infrastructure, Durable and Resilient Public Facility Planning including highways along with drainage and sewerage systems, and regular, reliable and sufficient water supply.

Likewise, with the enhancement works on infrastructure assets as proposed by Your Honourable Members in last year's Legislative Session. Public Works Department is arranging several plans and maintenance works according to priority to be carried out in this financial year.

Water services. Regarding water services, Public Works Department is responsible for managing clean water supply throughout the country.

Permit me kaola to take some time to explain the issue of low water pressure disturbances and unsatisfactory clean water color quality that have occurred recently in several areas, especially in Brunei-Muara District and also the efforts that have been and will be made in the short, medium, and long term to ensure continuous clean water supply in the country.

The ministry is indeed aware of the frequent occurrence of water supply disturbances and is very aware of the problems faced and would like to assure the public that the government is, will always strive to address this important issue as promptly as possible.

As previously informed, the quality of raw water in Tutong River, for several years now, has been inconsistent and often changes to black color. Following investigation and monitoring by the Water Services Department, changes in raw water quality are due to prolonged rainfall as a result of unstable climate changes causing a lot of organic material and soil to flow downstream through surface runoff. The mineral content increases with the land development within the water catchment area. This situation was anticipated, and strict control and monitoring are currently being carried out by the Public Works Department.

The condition of raw water containing excessive organic material causes the clarification and filtration tanks at the Water Treatment Plant to often get clogged or clogging and need to be flushed every time. This repeatedly medicated flushing process results in a reduced quantity of water production than usual. It also requires more intensive treatment than usual. The reduced water production from water treatment plants has affected the supply in some areas at the end of the water supply system like Kampung Lumapas, Lambak Kanan Relocation, and also Kampung Subok and surrounding areas.

Efforts to address this issue have been previously undertaken by the Public Works Department by repairing equipment on the water supply assets located in Bukit Barun Treatment Plant. However, the same problems still persist which can be concluded that the plant, which is already over 30 years old, is incapable of cleaning raw water containing high organic material effectively and perfectly and needs an upgrade.

For the medium term, the upgrade works of Bukit Barun Water Treatment Plant are currently being executed. The repair works of Bukit Barun Water Treatment Plant Phases 4 and 5, which is Phase 1, have been completed and able to increase the production quantity by 15% depending on the condition of raw water. While Phase 2, is still in implementation and is expected to be completed by the end of this year and will increase the quantity and quality of water to a higher and satisfactory level.

For long-term planning, the Public Works Department has expedited the project of additional requests to Bukit Barun Water Filtration Plant Phase 8 allocated under RKN-11 with a Plan Price amounting to $92.0 million. This plant will be specially designed to enable them to deal with cloudy water conditions caused by high organic material from Tutong River efficiently and perfectly. This project supports the water efficiency strategy and land and building infrastructure works have begun and are expected to be completed in 2025. It will have a positive impact on the water supply and will ensure a good and continuous clean water quality.

Meanwhile, the Public Works Department continues to actively implement several initiatives with priority given to the villagers who are often affected such as in Kampung Lumapas and its surroundings. Among them are repairing and re-operating the Lumapas Water Tank which has been damaged and urgently needs repair, especially the usage of water pipes affected by landslide which will be implemented soon.

Several initiatives that have been implemented previously, in places that used to be frequently affected by water supply have shown satisfactory results such as in the Lambak Kanan area and its surroundings, as the water supply is now stable. Similarly, in the RPN Meragang area with the readiness and commencement of the coastal pipeline network and Terunjang Water Tank operations in 2017. Water supply for RPN Meragang and Tanah Jambu areas has increased and the problem of water supply disruptions has decreased.

Similarly, in the Kampung Subuk area and its surroundings, the Public Works Department will soon start the installation of alternative pipes to support the area and include the construction of several water storage tanks that will guarantee a continuous water supply to the public. These are among other short, medium, and long-term efforts that have been and are being implemented to overcome the water supply problems that are frequently faced at present.

Moreover, low water pressure monitoring (pressure monitoring) through flowmeter installation is always being carried out, including repairing and replacing old pipes that cause leakage, flushing works to clean and remove dirt from pipes and water storage tanks, replacing water pumps, and monitoring water levels in main tanks and conducting water maintenance operations at some other tanks at night. All of these are to ensure that the water supply can be continuously provided to the public.

Careful monitoring is also always made, and information about the water supply system status, the condition of water sources in Tutong River, water storage tank levels, and others are done three times a day as indicators if there are any problems regarding the water supply so that early actions can be taken.

According to the monitoring reports received lately, the quality of Tutong River water is gradually improving, and the plant in Bukit Barun has been able to resume its production as usual. Hopefully, this situation will continue for the long term.

The public is also always informed about water interruptions from time to time through mass media. The public is urged not to let any water pipe leaks in their residential areas and to carry out the cleaning works. It is hoped that the public will always be patient in facing all this and always cooperate to help the government by reducing water usage and avoiding wastage for the common good.

To ensure the country's water security, the Ministry of Development has also provided a Strategic Framework through "Brunei Darussalam Towards Water Security 2021/2035" which explains the strategies and planning in providing clean and continuous water supply in the long term and to provide the best services to the public. This Strategic Framework, will not only serve as a roadmap for future planning and actions, but also can be used by domestic and foreign entrepreneurs as a reference and guide in planning future investment strategies regarding water supply in this country.

At the whole of government level, a Supreme Water Sector Restructuring Committee (JTPSA) involving several relevant ministers was established in October 2021 to review and examine holistically the country's water supply system including in terms of institutional, governance, finance, and technical aspects and critical issues and to examine the current water infrastructure and assets. This supreme committee will also examine in the long term aspects of management and conservation of the country's water resources not only for public water supply but also for industrial and agricultural use.

Your Honourable Chairman and Your Honourable Members.

Flood mitigation. Regarding flood mitigation, we are facing uncertain weather conditions and high rainfall, sea-level rise, and the low topography of the area which contribute to flooding in some places in our country. The ministry through the Drainage and Sewerage Department will always strive continuously by taking more holistic steps and strategies in improving and providing a robust drainage system.

Indeed, with the implementation of the Flood Prevention Projects in the Tutong River floodplain area, namely flood prevention upstream of the Tutong River and flood prevention downstream of the Tutong River has succeeded in reducing flood occurrences covering a 4 square kilometre area especially in places like Kampung Tanjong Maya, Kampung Lubok Pulau, Kampung Sebakit, Kampung Penapar, Kampung Ukong, Kampung Rambai, and Kampung Panchong which often experience floods especially during monsoon season.

Since these projects were completed, the flood-prone areas no longer experience flooding based on departmental records, monitoring, and positive feedback obtained from department surveys towards the involved residents.

Whereas the construction project of three flood retention ponds in Sungai Pemadang, Sungai Tanjong Maya, and also Sungai Bang Ligi is actively being implemented and will help reduce the impact of flooding in several places such as part of Kampung Nibung, Kampung Penulud, Kampung Bukit Udal, Kampung Lulut, Kampung Nyanyag, Kampung Bangugos, Kampung Pemadang, Sungai Damit Pemadang, and Kampung Bakut. The completion of this project is hoped to reduce the flood area by 30 square kilometres.

Meanwhile, the flood mitigation projects in flood-prone areas such as the area of Setia Ali Mosque Pekan Muara, at the traffic light junction of Jalan Muara Kampung Salar, Jalan Tanjung Bunut Kanan, Kampung Tanjung Bunut, and part of Jalan Gadong, Kampung Jangsak that were recently completed have reduced the risk of flooding in the concerned areas.

With the completion of these projects and with early preparations of cleaning rivers and drains, the flooding that occurred is at a controlled level.

Road infrastructure. The Ministry of Development through the Roads Department is actively carrying out construction, maintenance, and repair works for highways, main roads, registration and repair of junction roads, national residential roads and STKRJ as well as district and village roads in this country.

This includes the Ministry of Development's efforts in providing road infrastructure development in remote areas such as the works to elevate the level of Jalan Melaboi, Kampung Bukit, Tutong District which is a flood-prone area and routine maintenance of road construction and upgrading several steel bridges, bailey bridge to concrete bridges.

In an effort to provide a safe and comfortable road transport system and to ensure efficient movement in the concerned areas under RKN-11, a total of 25 road junctions and four district and village roads have been completed. This program is very well received by the residents and people in this country, especially in the villages and inland mukims and this planning will continue in the next National Development Plan.

In addition to this, the construction project of a flyover at the intersection of Muara-Tutong Highway and Lugu Housing Scheme has been completed and opened to the public on February 20, and the construction of a pedestrian bridge at the intersection of Main Road Mentiri and Jalan Penghubung Tanah Jambu is currently underway.

Road management and maintenance works will also be continuously handled to ensure that the country's road system is on par with international road systems.

Empty buildings. Regarding empty and abandoned government buildings as already decreed by His Majesty Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam during His Majesty’s Speech on New Year 2022 Eve, the issue of empty buildings must be handled holistically by the relevant parties so that such assets can be utilized and to prevent wastage.

Efforts towards this are actively being pursued together with the relevant ministries. The ministry has coordinated with the involved ministries and departments to gather detailed information about assets under their control, including those not registered under the Public Works Department, and subsequently to obtain the status and planning for buildings that are left vacant.

According to the study conducted, there are empty buildings with potential to be handed over to agencies in need for use, such as the former HSBC Buildings, Radio Television Brunei Building, Homeland Security Building, and the vacant TelBru Building on Jalan Airport Lama among several other buildings including flats for government officers that are vacant and left unattended.

This matter is currently being scrutinized by the Government Buildings and Assets Technical Committee co-chaired by Yang Berhormat Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri and Menteri Kewangan dan Ekonomi II and Yang Berhormat Menteri Pembangunan to rethink or modify buildings that can still be utilized.

Land use and planning sector. In the direction of land use planning and development areas in this country, and to ensure that the planning implemented can support sustainable and resilient development, among the efforts to be made are as follows:

1. Updating several planning guidelines and standards such as the Hotel Development Guidelines, Business Guidelines, and Agricultural Guidelines under the initiative of the Town and Country Planning Department.;

2. Updating the land administration system and introducing online payment systems for land-related matters such as tax payments, administrative payments, and registrations using the BIBD Payment application to facilitate public dealings with the Land Department.; and

3. Reviewing the Application Guidelines for Temporary Overlapping Land License (LTS) for those who already have residential houses and also implementation of policy amendments for the process of land transfer applications for Brunei Darussalam nationals.

With these renewals and initiatives, it is hoped that the application process and ease of public access to the required services for building residential homes and businesses will be further expedited.

Sustainable environment. Under the National Committee on Hygiene Issues co-chaired by the Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Health, and Ministry of Development, active efforts are continuously being made to implement implementations, regulations, and laws as well as guideline requirements by enhancing efforts in a whole of nation approach with the involvement of various agencies and the public.

Several initiatives and programs towards achieving a sustainable environment were implemented in 2021 through three (3) Hygiene Mom Committees as follows:

1. Implement amendments to several provisions under the Minor Offences Act or now called Minor Offences (Miscellaneous) (Amendment) Act 2021, which has been enforced since December 29, 2021, amendments were made to the rate of fines and compound fines. The rate of compound fines for individual and corporate bodies for littering in public places has been increased from a maximum of $500.00 to a maximum of $1,000.00 for individuals and $2,000.00 maximum for corporate bodies.;

2. Implementing cleanliness campaigns and public awareness campaigns by always cooperating with the relevant agencies and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and the public. A total of 85 cleaning campaigns and 30 environmental awareness campaigns were implemented last year.; and

3. Enhancing surveillance for illegal dumping sites by installing CCTV cameras in some concealed places. A total of 10 cases of illegal dumping have been identified since last September through this CCTV, 6 of which are still under investigation.

Secretariat of the Brunei Darussalam National Climate Change Council. In supporting the National Climate Change Policy of Brunei Darussalam throughout 2021, the Brunei Darussalam National Climate Change Council has played an active role in jointly shaping the country's direction towards a low-carbon and climate-resilient economy.

This National Council is led by 4 main ministries, namely the Ministry of Development, Ministry of Energy as Co-Chair, Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism, and Ministry of Transport and Infocommunications.

Among the new initiatives to be introduced this year are:

1. Launching of a Green Protocol (F&B) for canteen services and food provision.;

2. Developing an institutional framework for the domestic carbon market.; and

3. Exploring the implementation of carbon pricing.

Youth involvement in the climate change agenda is important, as they are part of the solution. As one of the country's initiatives as the ASEAN Chair last year, the Ministry of Development in collaboration with the ASEAN Youth Advocates Network Brunei Darussalam conducted an ASEAN youth dialogue on climate actions in October 2021, one of its deliverables being the "Bandar Seri Begawan Declaration on Youth Climate Action".

Additionally, one of the efforts to be focused on in 2022 is the establishment of the ASEAN Climate Change Centre (ACCC), where expertise and activities related to regional climate change will be centered in Brunei Darussalam. As the host to this center, Brunei Darussalam will become a focus for regional and international climate change experts in the future.

Construction industry. In efforts to produce a more conducive, competent, and resilient workforce, the Authority for Building Control and Construction Industry (ABCI) is preparing the Construction Industry Framework 2022-2035, which encompasses the needs of the entire country focusing on innovation and development in quality, productivity and efficiency, resilient governance, strategic partnerships, and specifically towards local business development and sustainable industry development.

Among the efforts already implemented to ensure the development of local businesses are:

1. Screening assessment for registration applications for Contractor Registration Certificate through the latest test method. This initiative is a step in addressing the issue of "Ali Baba companies" which are increasingly prevalent today.;

2. Introducing several Local Business Development (LBD) catalyst programs such as the i-Usahawan program and the Outstanding Construction Industry Awards (ACIP) which are expected to be implemented in stages.

3. Issuing Guidelines for COVID-19 Pandemic Control Measures for the construction industry to ensure that development works can continue as usual in a safe environment by adhering to the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) set by the government.

Enforcement. In terms of enforcement actions, the Ministry of Development through its departments has implemented and further enhanced enforcement efforts to control activities under their jurisdiction as follows:

1. Implementing compound regulations under the Building Control Order (ABC);;
2. Implementing Compound Regulations under the Town and Country Planning Order on August 1, 2021;;
3. Issuing warning letters or notices to landowners, leaseholders, occupiers of TOL lands found violating the Terms and Regulations of Land Law including those occupying government land without permission;; and
4. Imposing compound fines for cases of littering in public places, which is one of the offences under the Minor Offences Act - Department of Environment, Parks and Recreation.

With this enforcement, the Ministry of Development believes it will further increase public awareness of the importance of adhering to Construction, Land Planning, and Cleanliness Laws. It aims to maintain safety in the construction industry, reduce risks that affect public safety, and also to maintain cleanliness and environmental pollution that can harm public health.

MOD Digital Paradigm. Finally, in supporting the government's aspirations towards a digital economy and smart nation, the MOD Digital Paradigm Framework 2020-2035 which was launched last year, aims to streamline the use of technology in aspects of administration, infrastructure project management, monitoring, integrated data collection including the preservation of service provision assets. Among the projects currently in implementation are:

1. The use of IoT (Drone, Sensors) in infrastructure project management, monitoring, and maintenance;; and
2. The provision of the MOD Portal which is expected to go live this March and this will allow the public to apply for services available at the Ministry of Development online.

That is all I can share in this honorable chamber. All initiatives and efforts stated earlier, we intend solely for the sake of Allah, a genuine and sincere purpose of the Ministry of Development to improve the quality of life of the community in this country. With the blessings of the leadership of Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam and with a whole-of-nation approach with the permission of Allah, we will continue to move forward to realize the goals of Wawasan Brunei 2035. Thank you Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.

وَبِاللَّهِ التَّوۡفِيقُ وَالهِدَايَةُ، وَالسَّلاَمُ عَلَيْكُمْ وَرَحۡمَةُ اللهِ وَبَرَكَاتُهُ

Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.

Yang Berhormat Pengerusi

Thank you, Yang Berhormat Minister of Development. I think the explanation from the Yang Berhormat Minister just now regarding the direction for the Ministry of Development is clear and comprehensive.

So, now I would like to open this Title of the Ministry of Development for discussion. I invite Yang Berhormat Awang Iswandy bin Ahmad.

Yang Berhormat Awang Iswandy bin Ahmad

Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi. بِسْم الله الرَّحْمٰنِ الرَّحِيْمِ

I just want to suggest to prepare the country to become more pedestrian-friendly. Yang Berhormat once shared, there are guidelines for pedestrians, but many are still not followed by developers. Even government buildings, to go to the building next door, require the use of vehicles because it is less safe, less comfortable, and obstructed for walking.

This is even more challenging for the elderly, Persons with Disabilities, people with mobility issues such as using a cane, and families bringing strollers for children to run errands. The issue of hot weather or rain is not an obstacle, in some other countries the development planning with standards and policies that are suitable to incentivize walking over using vehicles.

إِنْ شَاءَ اللَّهُ, this can further enable our socioeconomic development with the public enjoying better mobility. Therefore, it is suggested for the ministry to introduce or enhance enforcement of guidelines for building connectivity according to the appropriate standards.

Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.

Yang Berhormat Menteri Pembangunan

Thank you, Yang Berhormat.

Regarding the pedestrian walkway, the provision of proposed areas for pedestrians is indeed being studied at the area best planning scheming level especially for growth areas such as Kampung Jaya Setia Business Area Planning Scheme and also the Integrated Business Area Scheme in Gadong, Kiulap, and Belait District.

Currently, at the completion progress level, there are some specific planning standards and guidelines that need to be adhered to in creating a safe, conducive environment especially in providing adequate and connected walking space. Currently, the Ministry of Development through the Town and Country Planning Department is in the process of reviewing all guidelines and planning standards for business development. This includes also reviewing all the standards of pedestrian walkways or pedestrian walkway spaces in areas of walkway interconnectivity between buildings and also encouraging pedestrian walkways that are conducive, connected, safe, and user-friendly, and an optimum approach to providing parking areas.

This matter is also for the need and interest as well as the safety of the public and efforts will continue and it requires integrated effort and collaboration between the government and the private sector, especially developers and landowners in taking into account the appropriate needs especially in business, residential areas, and other areas especially in the city center.

That's all, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi. Thank you.

Yang Berhormat Pengerusi

Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Mohimin bin Haji Johari @ Jahari.

Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Mohimin bin Haji Johari @ Jahari

Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.

بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَنِ الرَّحِيمِ وَالصَّلاةُ وَالسَّلامُ عَلى نَبِيِّنا مُحمَّدٍ وَعَلى آلِهِ وَصَحْبِهِ أَجْمَعِينَ وَبَعْدُ: فَإِنِّي أُوَجِّهُ أَسْئِلَةً إِلى يَانْغ بِرْهُرْمَت وَزِيرُ الْأَشغالَ الْعَامَّةِ: الأَمْرُ عَلَى مَا يَظْهَرُ

I am bringing up under Title SK03A - Public Works Department. Does our crude oil refinery output produce enough asphalt for domestic use? Now the number of refinery companies in Brunei Darussalam has also increased after the Muara Besar Island Project, Hengyi Industries Sdn. Bhd. Does this company also provide asphalt supply for domestic use?

Does the ministry plan to upgrade road paving technology that has water absorption capabilities to avoid water pooling during the rainy season? That's all, thank you Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.

Yang Berhormat Menteri Pembangunan

Thank you, Yang Berhormat, for the production to be sold in the market that has been processed at the said company.

Currently, as far as I know, Hengyi has not yet produced for sale road asphalt. إن شاء الله it will be suggested to the relevant parties if it is suitable and the Ministry of Development through the Public Works Department has indeed worked on water absorption technology or porous asphalt in this country if not mistaken in 2013 before the ASEAN Summit 23rd Conference in Brunei Darussalam.

The roads that have been paved with the technology of stone mastic asphalt (SMA) or porous asphalt like in the Tungku Highway area, roads in the city center, and Muara Town roads. This technology is based on international standards which the Department of Public Works in collaboration with neighboring countries such as Singapore and Malaysia that have conducted these projects and إن شاء الله this technology will also be continued in this country considering its effectiveness.

Just one thing we need to note that the use of stone mastic asphalt or porous asphalt requires high expenditure and proper maintenance costs because it requires a comprehensive drainage system and when this does not happen it will also cause roads to flood and so on.

That's all, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.

Yang Berhormat Pengerusi

Yang Berhormat Pengiran Haji Ali bin Pengiran Maon.

Yang Berhormat Pengiran Haji Ali bin Pengiran Maon

I will deliver just one question, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.

I take note of the development plans being prepared by the Ministry of Development under the 12th National Development Plan, especially in terms of infrastructure provision and we are also aware of the current economic situation of the country which will surely result in some projects not being implemented according to the expected time and program.

Given that this is closely related to Wawasan Brunei 2035, I would like to hear the views of Yang Berhormat about it.

That's all, thank you Yang Berhormat Pehin.

Yang Berhormat Menteri Pembangunan

Thank you, Yang Berhormat. One perspective that might also need to be shared regarding our challenges in implementing the National Development Plan to achieve Wawasan Brunei 2035.

The Ministry of Development along with other ministries is actively planning development projects to plan for the upcoming 12th National Development Plan which will start in 2023. The development plans that will be prepared by the Ministry of Development as you stated earlier "Supporting Wawasan Brunei 2035" include for subsequent RKN plans from the aspect of infrastructure provision, and the implementation of this project will be examined, evaluated in terms of priority, needs, priority, and also subject to the economic and fiscal condition of our country.

To address this issue, the Ministry of Development and its departments indeed implement some initiatives such as implementing only the truly necessary projects that can show impact to the public and also ensuring that existing assets are maintained to operate as best as possible to reduce the need for replacement and also adopting new conditions and technologies to further enhance service productivity and project implementation efficiency. This includes the use of smart devices, IT, etc., as you mentioned earlier in your introduction.

Projects that cannot be fully implemented as planned will be implemented in stages and also in phases by optimizing the provided allocation and for information, infrastructure and housing projects are currently running smoothly although it cannot be denied that construction projects are affected considering most equipment and goods coming from abroad and logistics problems affecting the whole world have already caused delays in goods delivery.

In addition, the issue of foreign workers, especially due to the COVID-19 pandemic, has also affected projects. In this matter, the Ministry of Development and its departments will try their utmost best to ensure any delays can be minimized.

These matters will be addressed as best as possible, God willing. Thank you, Your Honourable Chairperson.

Yang Berhormat Pengerusi

Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Abdul Hamid @ Sabli bin Haji Arshad.

Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Abdul Hamid @ Sabli bin Haji Arshad

Thank you, Your Honourable Chairperson.

Peace be upon you and God's mercy and blessings, and peace be with you. I will bring up only one matter, Your Honourable Chairperson, regarding Local Entrepreneur Development (LBD).

Your Honourable Minister of Development mentioned the LBD in his information earlier. Thank you for the efforts outlined in successful LBD. To further advance our efforts in this direction, it is suggested that a special unit, the Local Entrepreneur Development Unit, could be established at the Ministry of Development to focus more on developing local entrepreneurs.

This initiative had been undertaken in the past, which at that time produced many new entrepreneurs and successfully managed projects worth millions of dollars.

For example, the effort made by the Ministry of Energy in establishing the i-Usahawan also shows in developing youth affairs and has already obtained projects worth millions of dollars.

Thank you, Your Honourable Chairperson.

Yang Berhormat Menteri Pembangunan

Thank you, Your Honourable Chairperson and thank you, Your Honourable. Regarding the suggestion to establish a Local Entrepreneur Development Unit. God willing, this will be further reviewed by the Ministry of Development, a good proposal to further enhance the productivity of local entrepreneurs, God willing.

Thank you, Your Honourable Chairperson.

Your Honourable Chairperson

Yang Berhormat Dayang Nik Hafimi binti Abdul Haadii.

Yang Berhormat Dayang Nik Hafimi binti Abdul Haadii

Thank you, Your Honourable Chairperson.

Peace be upon you and God's mercy and blessings, and peace be with you. I would also like to add to the same question to Your Honourable Awang Haji Abdul Hamid @ Sabli bin Haji Arshad's proposal, seeking clarification from Your Honourable Minister of Development on the current achievement of LBD as it is stated in the Ministry of Development's Work Policy to be achieved by December 2023. Thank you.

Yang Berhormat Menteri Pembangunan

Thank you, Your Honourable Chairperson. Regarding the question from Your Honourable, the planning to support our country's Local Business Development (LBD), relevant departments have initiated initiatives to support or enhance LBD.

From the statistics obtained so far, about 201 companies were interviewed. Interviews have been conducted for the local company's two-year cycle, and out of that number, only about 143 companies successfully passed the registration according to the criteria set.

ABCi, as you mentioned earlier, introduces the requirement for every new company owner applicant to attend a written test session before proceeding to the interview session as an additional qualification screening and ensuring local owner's involvement in the company is genuine and trustworthy.

Currently, the Development Ministry's ABCi department is actively conducting initiatives for programs to increase the use of locally made construction material products and also to introduce local construction material products through courses that have been conducted before.

In addition, there are several initiatives related to locally made construction material products from departments under the Ministry of Development, such as the use of locally made doors for Kampung Lugu Phase 2 and Kampung Tanah Jambu Phase 7 Housing projects under the Housing Department supplied by a local company, TS Work Sendirian Berhad, as a local supplier of 10,000 door units.

Overall local involvement in all registration classes will also be monitored in line with the framework of LBD Circulars of the Ministry of Development. This assessment will be made through the Contractor Scoring Assessment (CSA).

Regarding the requirement of hiring foreign workers in the construction industry, it is a challenge for the Ministry of Development which is currently working with the Labour Department and ABCi in identifying methods or ways to apply for a Foreign Worker License (FWL), where builders must present a copy of the approval for starting progress form 'C' approved by ABCi besides being registered as a builder.

Also, there is the Foreign Worker Replacement Programme initiative towards efforts to offer employment to local youths. At the same time, controlling the need for foreign workers. That's all for the update on the efforts involved in supporting Local Business Development in our country.

Thank you, Your Honourable Chairperson.

Yang Berhormat Pengerusi

Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Ramli bin Haji Lahit Thank you, Your Honourable Chairperson.

Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Ramli bin Haji Lahit

Thank you, Your Honourable Chairperson.

In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. I would like to express the highest appreciation and congratulations for the introduction presented by the Your Honourable Minister of Development, which was very clear and comprehensive earlier.

In this Title of the Ministry of Development, I speak under Title SK070 - Department of Survey with an allocation of $13,442,110.00. Among the roles of the Department of Survey is to collect and provide geographical data for planning and development of the country. These data include land lots, landowners, photographs, land sites, land conveyance, land compensation, and others.

It's too much to collect and to care for. As a result, it might slow down the planning and decision-making for the country's development, especially in collecting and compiling layered data and certainly, this requires high costs.

Regarding this, what are the current mechanisms or efforts so that services to the public and each application can be executed quickly and save costs for the government. Besides being in a controlled and safe condition and if there are any delays for the public to understand it. That is my question. Thank you.

Yang Berhormat Menteri Pembangunan

Thank you, Your Honourable regarding the Department of Survey.

1. To mention it through RKN-11 allocation, namely through the “Aerial Photography, Airborne LiDAR Acquisition and Geospatial Mapping of Brunei Darussalam” project, has been approved and allowed.

   High above, it will assist every party in the implementation of the country's planning. This geographical data will be shared with ministries and departments so that it can be jointly used for national development and research. Furthermore, encouraging the concerned parties to share existing data and information for mutual use and benefit.

   For the control mechanism and current efforts, through the Committee on Map Release Security Regulation (JKPPP), which is chaired by the Chief Surveyor and members consisting of several government agencies. This committee controls the map and digital data production according to the safety guidelines and map and imaging material supply regulation. Controlled data application needs to obtain permission from the Chief Surveyor, and if permission is granted, the application should be required to obtain the OSA 3 Official Secret Act form.

   In the collection of special geospatial data in the country, the Survey Department has provided a platform, namely Geospatial Survey, which can be accessed by all government agencies and the public.

   Government agencies and interested parties can plan government projects by making decisions faster and easier. Among the efforts of the Survey Department to improve this service include providing a mobile application, Geospatial Mobile App, which allows the public easy access through smartphones, apart from being conventionally accessible using computers.;

2. Increasing the Continuously Operating Reference Station (CORS) network to help measure faster and more accurately through RKN project: Upgrading and Densification of CORS (CORS).;

3. Using drone mapping to enable the identification of areas in the efforts of the Survey Department to be further developed in line with best practices in this region or internationally.; and

4. Sharing data except for restricted data in geospatial as an alternative to unpublished survey data, and the use of past maps or base maps obtained through outsourcing, to some extent, has shown effectiveness and diversified map use.

This also allows private agencies and the public to carry out online purchases of CP plans, ISO survey sheets, and geodetic system information through the Geospatial Survey application. Always regarding products greatly needed by agencies and the public like Village Mukim Books and Tide Books.

The privatization of the majority of surveying works, land reclamation, including topographical surveys, will be completed faster and planning to further improve the method of delivery and digital processing of surveying work in the 12th National Development Plan, God willing.

Thank you, Your Honourable Chairman.

Yang Berhormat Pengerusi

Your Honourable Awang Haji Emran bin Haji Sabtu.

Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Emran bin Haji Sabtu

Thank you, Your Honourable Chairman.

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

As presented by Your Honourable Minister of Development in the Strategic Planning for Public Housing in the country, several land construction changes have been made. In this regard, I touch upon the topic - SK02A – Housing Development Department.

I understand that applications for young or single individuals aged 35 years are not yet considered eligible. My question is, are there any initiatives by the relevant parties to establish an Application Scheme for Youth or Single Youth?

Furthermore, I seek clarification regarding whether there are initiatives or plans to build houses for low-income groups living in unfit homes or those without their own homes, but have sufficient land to build a house, including those who own their land but cannot afford to build a house, to be given subsidies under the existing housing scheme.

Thank you, Your Honourable Chairman.

Yang Berhormat Menteri Pembangunan

Thank you for the question regarding the housing initiative in the Youth or Single Youth Scheme. Among the application requirements to obtain a house under the National Housing Scheme is that the applicant must be aged 18 and above, which is one condition.

Also, single applicants under the age of 35 exceed the eligibility age requirement of 18 years, and are considered to obtain a house under the National Housing Scheme themselves. Applications are also subject to other conditions, such as the applicant must have an income of at least $445 to $3,030 a month, and the applicant or the applicant’s wife or husband must not own titled land.

However, in the provision of such houses, the Ministry has prioritized applications from households with dependents. Hence, single applicants, unmarried individuals with dependents are still given priority.

Currently, the Housing Development Department does not have a Housing Scheme for Youth and Single Youth. If the applicant owns titled land, even if eligible in terms of age and income, they are automatically disqualified from applying for a house under the National Housing Scheme.

In this case, there are other schemes under the Brunei Islamic Religious Council and Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah that offer assistance for applications with land but cannot afford to build their own houses. Applications must meet the eligibility criteria under each agency providing the assistance.

Thank you, Your Honourable Chairman.

Yang Berhormat Pengerusi

Your Honourable Pengiran Haji Mohamed bin Pengiran Haji Osman @ Othman.

Yang Berhormat Pengiran Haji Mohamed bin Pengiran Haji Osman @ Othman

Thank you, Your Honourable Chairman. In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

Firstly, I express utmost gratitude for the introduction given by Your Honourable Minister of Development. Praise be to Allah, on this occasion, I express appreciation and represent the residents of Zone 2, Brunei-Muara District, thanking for the construction of the highway and traffic lights at Kampung Mentiri. This project has alleviated traffic congestion which previously saw dense vehicle movement especially in the morning, noon, and evening.

Your Honourable Chairman. Traffic lights in Kampung Sungai Buluh and Kampung Salari as well as Setia Ali Mosque previously experienced flooding. Now, they no longer face floods and are safe to use. Similarly, the roads in Kampung Serasa, Kampung Sabun, and Jalan Perusahaan are now enjoyed by the community and residents of Muara area.

We greatly appreciate Your Honourable Minister of Development's concern in addressing this issue. Such attentiveness should be embodied by leaders, for who else should listen to the people's voices if not us.

Your Honourable Chairman. Allow me to present a poem to Your Honourable Minister of Development:

From the Minister went to Serasa, Stopping to buy Nutmeg Fruit, Dato’s kindness we feel, To his grace, we pray for reward.

Your Honourable Chairman.

1. I would like to discuss under the title SK02A - Housing Development Department which has been allocated $14,072,570.00 in the National Housing Scheme to be distributed to residents who do not own titled land. Failure to make repayments could become an issue or phenomenon causing problems for the government.

   I would like to ask, in the coming years, the scheme’s applicants consist of those employed in the public and private sectors who receive their monthly salaries through the TAP scheme and old age pension, besides housing payments, this income is also for managing family expenses and others. Referencing the above scenario, how and what is the government's plan to ensure that these repayments are not severely affected?

2. I would like to again discuss under the title SK01A – Ministry of Development Department with a budget allocation provided of $17,756,210.00.

   Regarding Clean Water Services. However, we still receive water supply that is not clean, such as yellowish and others. I inquire what measures are being taken to improve the clean water service that should be in Brunei Darussalam and are there local companies manufacturing and bottling drinks like mineral water, could the relevant parties comment on the quality standards about it? and

3. The Labour Department requires a copy of the OP Certificate that has been issued whether by the Urban Planning and Development Department or the Land Department. When a company wants to give a license for company-owned private houses, to house workers as a place of residence and which becomes a distress and trouble to homeowners is to get the OP Certificate, because the OP Certificate is not kept by the homeowner and is lost as most of these houses are more than ten years old.

   Homeowners are advised to obtain it from the relevant department, like the Urban Planning and Development Department or the Land Department. Subject to development control, if the OP Certificate is also not kept in the records of the relevant department, then the Labour Department requires homeowners to engage an architect for the OP issuance process. Regarding this, can the relevant department find a wise way to solve this OP Certificate issue without engaging an architect.

Thank you, Your Honourable Chairman. And with this, we conclude the report presented to your esteemed presence, and thank you.

Yang Berhormat Menteri Pembangunan

Thank you, for the projects that have been implemented, I completely agree to have received support from the village community there and, God willing, the Public Works Department will continue to strive.

Yang Berhormat Pengerusi

Your Honourable Minister of Development has explained at length in the introduction and there is no need for an answer. It seems Your Honourables are asking what has already been mentioned by Your Honourable Minister of Development earlier in the introduction.

Please proceed, Your Honourable.

Yang Berhormat Menteri Pembangunan

There are two questions that I might have already addressed regarding water, especially I have already clearly conveyed about the yellowish water. Regarding the first question just now, the National Housing Scheme.

National Housing Scheme. Failure to make repayments or being in arrears is an issue. It becomes the responsibility and obligation of all homeowners under the National Housing Scheme to make consistent housing repayments as primarily agreed in the housing agreement, and our side does not necessarily involve the government during the housing allocation. Commitment to repaying and settling the housing payments must also be given importance and priority by homeowners under the National Housing Scheme, just like managing family expenses as well as their other financial capacities.

Toward strengthening more effective collection efforts, the Ministry of Development through the Housing Development Department continuously issues reminder letters and demands notices to homeowners and guarantors under the National Housing Scheme with the hope that homeowners are aware of their payment status such as the amount paid, balance of payment, and if there are arrears that need to be settled, to enable them to make the payment.

Additionally, payments via monthly salary deductions, counter payments, and online through the One Common Billing System (OCBS) are among the facilities and platforms provided to ease homeowners in making housing repayments.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Development through the Housing Development Department, Housing Section, is always looking for more proactive and effective approaches in addressing this arrears issue, aimed at enhancing the sensitivity and public awareness especially among applicants and homeowners under the National Housing Scheme to carry out repayments. Efforts to encourage applicants to adopt a culture of saving habits early as preparation for acquiring a home in the future.

Questions on the Occupational Permit which has been issued by the Department of Town and Country Planning and the Land Department. For your information, the Occupational Permit or OP is a preparation certificate issued by the Building Control Order 2014, for constructions starting from 2016.

For constructions before 2016, building preparation confirmation has been issued by several departments controlling development such as the Land Department, the Department of Town and Country Planning, and the Authority for Building Control or also the Municipal Department, depending on the year and area. In fulfilling the requirements of this Labour Department, construction carried out before 2016. Existing commercial, industrial, residential buildings, types of apartments, workup flats can only obtain a valid building confirmation certificate.

By having a valid Fire Certificate from the Fire and Rescue Department and a copy of the building maintenance schedule, to ensure that the building is safe and well-maintained. ABCI also issues a pre-assessment on buildings to identify whether the building owner needs to conduct a periodic inspection or otherwise or appoint a professional or registered engineer.

For private homes, the land or building owner should declare that the house is in good condition and has no modifications, additions, or ever been executed and does not deviate from the building line enforced by the planning authority at the year of construction. That is perhaps all kaola can respond to at this time. Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.

Yang Berhormat Pengerusi

Lastly, I invite Yang Berhormat Dayang Khairunnisa binti Awang Haji Ash'ari.

Yang Berhormat Dayang Khairunnisa binti Awang Haji Ash'ari

Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.

What are the long-term plans for waste management in this country? In addition, I would like to suggest that the collection of recyclable waste be systematically carried out in the National Housing Scheme areas. This is considering the practical design of residential areas for recycling companies to conduct weekly recycling collection in each household as is done in other countries. Recycling in the government sector can also be implemented in phases starting with paper. Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.

Yang Berhormat Menteri Pembangunan

Thank you, Yang Berhormat. Regarding the question of long-term plans for waste management in this country. The government through the Steering Committee on Hygiene Issues, consisting of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Development, and Ministry of Health, is always working through the implementation of various methods from different aspects to address cleanliness issues.

Among them is providing regulations, requirements, and guidelines on a whole-of-nation approach with cooperation and involvement of activities from various parties through agencies, the public, and will always be enhanced.

The provision of facilities and waste management systems for public use is sufficient, and public awareness and educational programs from elementary school for children will always be implemented and monitored for effectiveness. Efforts to address the problem of waste disposal sites continue to advance waste disposal management and protect the environment in this country. For the long term, the Ministry of Development through JASTRe has drafted several regulations including the Solid Waste Management Regulation under the Environment Protection and Management Order 2016.

In terms of monitoring, the Ministry of Development through JASTRe has installed several CCTV units at strategic locations aimed at curbing waste disposal activities as mentioned earlier in the introduction. The ministry has also explored modern and latest technologies and hopes they can be implemented. Among them is the Brunei River Cleaning Project which will use high-capacity and modern boats and also the establishment of the Incinerator Unit Waste Energy Plant which is still under study at this time.

Meanwhile, to improve the recycling rate in this country, the Ministry of Development through JASTRe will explore methods deemed suitable for the waste management system in our country. If recycling is considered a practical method and systematic collection centers are introduced including in residential areas, the suggestion to collect recycling in residential areas is well received by the Ministry of Development and, God willing, will be pursued. Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.

Yang Berhormat Pengerusi

Thank you, Yang Berhormat Menteri Pembangunan. Your Honourable Members, I believe we have adequately discussed the topic from the Ministry of Development and it is now time for this topic to be voted on. Your Honourable Members who agree to approve this topic from the Ministry of Development, please raise your hand.

(All Members raise their hands in agreement)

Thank you. Everyone agrees.

Yang Dimuliakan Jurutulis

Titles SK01A to SK08A - Ministry of Development are made part of the Schedule.

Yang Berhormat Pengerusi

Your Honourable Members, I would like to adjourn this Committee Meeting and we will reconvene in the State Legislative Council Conference.

(Committee Meeting adjourned)

(Council Meeting reconvened)

Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua

Your Honourable Members, I believe that is all for our meeting this morning. I would like to adjourn this State Legislative Council Session and we will reconvene this afternoon starting at 2:30 pm, God willing.

That is all, May God grant success and guidance; blessings be upon our Master Muhammad, his family, and all his companions.

(Council Meeting adjourned)

info

The information provided on this website is for general informational purposes only. While we strive to keep the information up to date and correct, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the website or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained on the website for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.

In no event will we be liable for any loss or damage including without limitation, indirect or consequential loss or damage, or any loss or damage whatsoever arising from loss of data or profits arising out of, or in connection with, the use of this website.

Through this website, you may be able to link to other websites which are not under our control. We have no control over the nature, content, and availability of those sites. The inclusion of any links does not necessarily imply a recommendation or endorse the views expressed within them.

Every effort is made to keep the website up and running smoothly. However, we take no responsibility for, and will not be liable for, the website being temporarily unavailable due to technical issues beyond our control.