DAY 6 MORNING

For Informational Purposes Only

2ND 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.

AHLI RASMI KERANA JAWATAN (PERDANA MENTERI DAN MENTERI-MENTERI)

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, Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, Minister of Finance and Economy and Minister of Foreign Affairs, 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 His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Negara Brunei Darussalam and Minister at the Prime Minister's Office, Negara Brunei Darussalam.

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

Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Ali bin Apong, PSNB., DPMB., PJK., PIKJB., 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 Mohammmad Isham bin Haji Jaafar, PSNB., DPMB., Minister of Health, Negara Brunei Darussalam. (Present via virtual)

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. (Present via virtual)

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., PIKB., PKL., Minister of Foreign Affairs II, Negara Brunei Darussalam. (Absent due to official duties)

Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Ir. Awang Haji Suhaimi bin Haji Gafar, PSNB., SPMB., PIKB., 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., PIKB., Minister of Transport and Info-communication, Negara Brunei Darussalam. (Present via virtual)

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. (Present via virtual)

AHLI YANG DILANTIK ORANG-ORANG YANG BERGELAR

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. (Present via virtual)

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.

AHLI YANG DILANTIK ORANG-ORANG YANG TELAH MENCAPAI KECEMERLANGAN

Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Umarali bin Esung, PSB., PIKB., PKL.

Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Abdul Hamid @ Sabli 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 Haadi, PSB.

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

Yang Berhormat Awang Iswandy bin Ahmad, PIKB.

AHLI YANG DILANTIK MEWAKILI DAERAH-DAERAH

Yang Berhormat Pengiran Haji Ali bin Pengiran Maon, PSB., PJk., PIKB., PKL., Headman of Berakas ’B’, Zone 1 - Brunei-Muara District. (Present via virtual)

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

Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Tahamit bin Haji Nudin, PIKB., PKL., Headman of Gadong ’A’, Zone 4 - Brunei-Muara District. (Absent)

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

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

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

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

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

Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Ramli bin Haji Lahit, PIKB., PKL., Headman of Telisai, Zone 2 - Tutong District.

Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Emran bin Haji Sabtu, SMB., PSB., PIKB., PKL., Headman of Bokok, all Mukims in the District of Temburong.

IN ATTENDANCE

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

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

(The meeting commenced at 9.30 am)

Yang Dimuliakan Jurutulis

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful The First Meeting, from the Eighteenth Legislative Session of the Legislative Council convened for the sixth day, Wednesday, 29 Rejab 1443 corresponding to 2 March 2022, preceded by the Safety Prayer.

DOA SELAMAT

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

Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua

We are grateful to Allah, the Exalted, for with His grace and permission, we are assembled here this morning for the sixth sitting day of the First Meeting of the Eighteenth Legislative Council Session.

Blessings and peace be upon our Great Messenger Muhammad, his family, his companions, and his followers who remain faithful until the end of time.

Your Honourable Members, our conference is still discussing the Supply Bill (2022) for 2022/2023, which has been tabled by Yang Berhormat Minister at the Prime Minister's Office and Minister of Finance and Economy II.

To enable us to continue this discussion by examining the schedules of the relevant ministries, I adjourn the Legislative Council Session so that we may convene at the Committee Stage.

(The Legislative Council Session was adjourned)

(The meeting proceeded as a Committee)

Yang Berhormat Pengerusi

Your Honourable Members. The council is now in Committee Stage to consider the Supply Bill (2022) for 2022/2023, one by one.

At the session held yesterday afternoon, we have approved the Schedule for the Ministry of Health and also the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports. We will now move on to the next ministry title.

Yang Dimuliakan Jurutulis

Title SN09A to Title SN09A - Ministry of Transport and Info-communication.

Yang Berhormat Pengerusi

Your Honourable Members. The Committee is now considering the Ministry of Transport and Info-communication.

Before this title is opened for debate, as usual I would like to give the floor or space to Yang Berhormat Minister of Transport and Info-communication to present his introductory remarks, especially regarding the direction of the budget estimate provided.

I invite Yang Berhormat Minister of Transport and Info-communication.

Yang Berhormat Menteri Pengangkutan dan Infokomunikasi

Thank you Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise be to Allah, the Lord of the Worlds. And prayers and peace be upon our Master Muhammad and upon all his family and companions. Amen, Lord of the Worlds.

Firstly, I would like to express my gratitude to Yang Berhormat Pengerusi for the opportunity given to me to share this introduction to begin the discussion on the Budget Allocation for the Ministry of Transport and Infocommunications (MTIC) for the Fiscal Year 2022/2023.

Yang Berhormat Pengerusi and Your Honourable Members.

In this esteemed assembly, I also present my highest gratitude for the visitation decree from the Supreme Majesty, Yang Di-Pertuan Negara Brunei Darussalam on the occasion of the Official Opening Ceremony of the First Session of the Eighteenth Legislative Council Meeting, year 2022.

As we all understand, His Majesty's decree among others emphasized the need to align governance according to priorities, needs, without wastage, and executed orderly.

His Majesty also decreed for organized preparations before execution which includes amendments to acts, changes to information technology systems, and grant giving.

His Majesty's recommendations will continue to be the main reference and guideline for MTIC to ensure more orderly governance and implementation of policies and initiatives towards achieving the strategic objectives of MTIC with guidance to existing laws and financial regulations, the procurement process carried out by MTIC, which have led to the conclusion of two decrees that enabled better collection of revenues for the government of His Majesty the Supreme Majesty, Yang Di-Pertuan Negara Brunei Darussalam.

In this matter, with the development of the ICT industry as well as the maritime and port industry in this country, the Authority for Info-communications Technology Industry (AITI) and the Maritime and Port Authority of Brunei Darussalam (MPABD) both have been able to operate more efficiently. AITI has been able to contribute to the government's revenue estimates by returning excess revenue to the government.

In support of this year's budget theme: "Empowering Public Welfare Towards a More Resilient Socio-Economy", I also would like to refer and present my highest gratitude for the decree of His Majesty Yang Di-Pertuan Negara Brunei Darussalam on the occasion of the 38th National Day Celebration of Brunei Darussalam this year.

His Majesty's decree, among others, emphasized the need to expedite digital transformation to ensure new norms can be effectively implemented. This aligns with the goals of the Digital Economy Masterplan 2025.

With the vision of Smart Nation Through Digital Transformation, the Digital Economy Masterplan 2025 is the main reference document and roadmap for planning and implementation of digital transformation in Brunei Darussalam. Towards this, several resolution efforts have been carried out by the Digital Economy Council Secretariat (DEC) to further strengthen the preparation and implementation of digitalization projects and initiatives under the Digital Transformation Plan led by the Digital Transformation Steering Committee (DTSC) for each ministry.

This Digital Transformation Plan encompasses and supports the use of digital technology for that ministry and also for industries under the jurisdiction of each ministry. From the results of the Ministries Digital Transformation Plan Stock Take session that was carried out from April to June 2021, as many as ten Digital Transformation Plans have been received for review by the DEC Secretariat.

On this occasion, I would like to refer to a question from Yang Berhormat Awang Iswandy bin Ahmad during the discussion of the Motion under the Title of the Prime Minister's Office and would like to add a bit to the answer from Yang Berhormat Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri.

In encouraging digital transformation in the government sector, I would like to share some findings and achievements as follows:

For government services, there are:

1. As many as 178 services are available online.

2. As many as 25 mobile applications for services; and

3. As many as 22 payments for services online.

Towards more modern and effective government services, all ministries have been provided with office collaborative tools such as email services, intranet platforms for correspondence storage and document sharing, e-minutes, and others. To date, the usage rate of these tools is:

1. As many as 96% of public service citizens use email provided by the government;

2. As many as 61 government agencies actively use intranet platforms as tools for correspondence storage and document sharing; and

3. Meanwhile, almost all ministries, that is, as many as 10 ministries have started using e-minut or e-office for the distribution of tasks for further action.

There has been an increase in the number of new e-Darussalam account registrations by 70% from the previous year. As of January 2022, as much as 208,077 accounts have been registered and as many as 170,963 accounts have been activated. Statistically, this shows an increase in the use of government services through e-Darussalam.

Overall, to further drive the digital transformation for the government sector based on a whole-of-government approach, MTIC and the Prime Minister's Department have established the Digitization Policy Taskforce. This task force responsible for examining the formulation of data and policies that need to be updated in supporting government efforts towards Digital Government.

At the same time, serious attention is also given to developing digital transformation in the private sector. In this regard, two Industry Digitalisation Workshops have been held to discuss the preparation of the "Digital Transformation Plan" for identified industrial sectors:

1. The Workshop on Digitalising the Agri-food Industry was held on November 18, 2021, attended by 91 participants; and

2. The Workshop on Digitalising the Construction Industry was held on December 15, 2021, with 60 participants attending.

Digital Transformation Workshops for 8 more industrial sectors listed in the Digital Economy Masterplan 2025, God willing, will be completed by June 2022 this year.

Yang Berhormat Pengerusi and Your Honourable Members. To support the strategic objectives of MTIC aligned with the priority of the Budget Theme for the Fiscal Year 2022/2023, several initiatives have been and will be implemented including:

1. An estimated amount of $28 million has been allocated under Recurring Expenditure, the National e-Government Centre to finance the use of the same, skill training, system maintenance, and strengthening the aspects of cybersecurity from threats. Among them include:

   1. About $9.24 million has been allocated to finance the license payments for all ministries;

   2. About $4.8 million to finance the Darussalam hotline TD '123’; and

   3. About $6.6 million to finance the connectivity network for all ministries.

2. For the Public Transport System project, an amount of $5 million has been allocated under RKN-11 with an estimate of $370 thousand for the Fiscal Year 2022/2023, to improve Public Transport Services and among the planned initiatives are:

   1. The provision of bus inter-change stops at Jalan Kianggeh and Jalan McArthur in Bandar Seri Begawan; and

   2. The provision and gazetting of infrastructure and facilities for bus stops in the Temburong District;

3. Under the Civil Aviation Department, an estimate of around $5.4 million is allocated for upgrading infrastructure at Brunei International Airport. Including, among others, the construction of a Detention Pond for flood mitigation, installation of an Advance Lightning Protection system and Installation of Airfield Ground Lighting System;,

4. There are under the Recurring Expenditure of the Civil Aviation Department:

   1. An estimate of around $3.5 million for the Operation and Maintenance of Passenger Facilities and Baggage Handling and Screening Systems;,

   2. Maintenance of Navigation System Equipment around $1.8 million; and

   3. Cleaning and Maintenance around $1.5 million;,

5. An allocation of $10 million has been provided under MTIC to finance the Operation of Cyber Security Brunei (CSB);,

6. Allocating as much as $300 thousand for initiatives under the Road Safety Council (MKJR);, and

7. About $8.5 million allocated to the Land Transport Department for the implementation of several main initiatives, including among others:

   1. Maintenance and Operation of the Land Transport System (SPD) to ensure continuity of service to the public;, and

   2. The requirement for 4 weighing machines at control posts in efforts to enhance road safety, particularly for road users.

Yang Berhormat Pengerusi and Your Honourable Members

As the country faces the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the transportation sector was also affected with a decrease in terms of passenger and cargo traffic movements.

For air transportation, passenger movement was severely impacted with a decrease of 70% for the months from March to July 2020. However, there has been a lateral recovery from March to July 2021 with an increase of 22.1%.

A minimal increase rate was observed in the maritime and sea transportation services, especially in terms of the number of ship containers and conventional cargo. During the second wave from August to November 2021, the number of ship containers only increased by 0.83% million compared to the same period the previous year.

In preserving public welfare, through the strategic objective of MTIC, which is Digital Transformation and ensuring the sustainability of the Transport and Infocommunications Sector, several initiatives to upgrade telecommunications infrastructure have been and will continue to be implemented.

As a result of the Telecommunications Industry Restructuring on January 24, 2020, the broadband usage rate also increased following the current COVID-19 pandemic needs. According to statistics recorded by AITI:

1. The mobile broadband usage rate increased by 25% from about 115% to 140% in 2021 compared to the previous year; and

2. In the same period, the rate of fixed broadband usage to homes increased by 7% from 68% to 75.25%.

To accommodate this dependency on broadband, the UNN provider has undertaken several efforts to improve operations such as:

1. Network enhancements in August 2021 to produce a performance increase of 61%; and

2. Adding 53 telecommunication infrastructures to improve mobile phone coverage, with 22 units in Brunei Muara District, 3 in Tutong District, 15 in Belait District, and 13 in Temburong District, which also includes rural areas. The process for adding infrastructure has already been initiated by UNN in collaboration with the relevant parties.

Meanwhile, the coverage of telecommunications services in rural areas is also a focus, with $3 million allocated under the 11th National Development Plan for the Rural Area Tower Development Project. This project is aimed to cover 4 villages namely Kampung Apak-Apak, Kampung Sukang, Kampung Melilas, and Kampung Long Mayan.

To maintain the momentum of digital technology usage in line with technological advancements, the Nation of Brunei Darussalam is also preparing for 5G services. In addition to infrastructure preparations, MTTC through AITI facilitates by:

1. Providing frequency spectrum for 5G technology and reviewing regulations and legislation under AITI related to 5G services;,

2. Continuing 5G technology trial; and

3. Conducting Human Resource Capacity Development programs towards 5G technology from March 2022 to June 2022.

Your Honourable Chairman and Your Honourable Members.

The strategic objective of MTIC is also to ensure Safety Standards for the Transport and Infocommunications Sector. In line with the budget priority of "Preserving Public Welfare". MTIC also supports priorities among others are:

1. Through the National Road Safety Council (MKKJR), integrated efforts are continued to make roads safer for users. Decrease in the number of road accident cases by an average of 1% each year from 2018 to 2021.; and

2. Update of the Brunei National Cyber Security Strategy as a comprehensive approach and strategy for cybersecurity. This initiative is carried out by Cyber Security Brunei (CSB) as a continuation of the establishment of CSB as the national cybersecurity agency of the Nation of Brunei Darussalam.

MTIC also supports the third budget priority: "Enhancing Human Resource Competency towards Work and Future Ready". In line with the strategic results under the Digital Economy Masterplan 2025, one of the implemented initiatives is the Coding.bn Program.

In line with the objectives of the Manpower Industry Steering Committee (MISC), MTIC through AITI has implemented the Coding.bn Program especially to upgrade the skills of unemployed graduates with programming skills.

The Coding.bn program for the first cohort has been completed in September 2021, with a total of 59 participants finishing the program. As of February 2022, 39 participants from them have successfully obtained permanent jobs.

In support of the budget priority for "Supporting and Assisting the Private Sector to be Resilient and Growing", MTIC also implements conducive Policies and Regulatory Frameworks for investment and business.

To facilitate the development of the private sector, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic situation, initiatives implemented include:

1. Brunei ICT Awards (BICTA) as an annual event to hone competitiveness, creativity, and innovation in digital technology. Since its inception in 2004, a total of 34 products competed in BICTA are actively being used and 11 more products have been commercialized. BICTA participants have also been successful abroad with the latest success being Rupine Corporation winning first place and the Gold Award in the Digital Content category during the ASEAN ICT Awards 2021 recently held; and

2. Productivity and Efficiency Joint Funding for Digital Adoption (PENJANA) Program launched by AITI on February 17, 2022, recently, to assist local Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in adopting digital technologies to increase productivity. Under this program, AITI will finance up to 70% of the cost in adopting digital solutions.

In line also with the Future-Focused Human Resource Priority, MTIC also gives significant effort to Innovation, Research and Development.

In high regard for the decree by His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of the Nation of Brunei Darussalam on the occasion of His Majesty’s 75th Birthday Celebration on July 15, 2021, regarding the establishment of the Council for Research and Technology Development (CREATES) to drive research and development activities in the field of science and technology in this country.

In this connection, a policy framework namely the National Science, Technology and Innovation Framework is being prepared to set a clear direction and strategy towards national development to achieve Vision Brunei 2035. The direction of Science, Technology, and Innovation will be aligned with the most current and relevant industry needs.

As steps to encourage innovation, several initiatives are also implemented and planned, among others are:

1. Through CREATES, a research project in helping to tackle and mitigate the COVID-19 pandemic has been carried out in collaboration with Universiti Brunei Darussalam, the Ministry of Health, Singapore Duke-NUS Medical School, and EVYD Technology Sdn Bhd.;

   By the end of 2021, a total of 22 research project proposals have been received from higher education institutions and research institutes. Of these, 12 projects supported by CREATES are now in the process of being approved; and

2. CREATES is examining an allocation of $3 million for a period of 3 years to support 5G pilot projects. This follows the proposal of the National 5G Taskforce for the implementation of strategy and action plans towards the development of a 5G ecosystem beneficial for the Nation of Brunei Darussalam.

Your Honourable Chairman and Your Honourable Members.

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful, initiatives that support the country's economic growth will be implemented to the fullest through the Ordinary Expenditure Allocation for the Ministry of Transport and Infocommunication (MTIC) of $108,029,200 and Development Expenditure of $34,416,971 supported for the Financial Year 2022/2023.

Finally, kaola wish to take this opportunity to express appreciation to all Your Honourable Members for the continued support in the sectors under the control of MTIC.

Kaola also express gratitude to Allah the Almighty, for His bountiful blessings, allowing me the opportunity to present the introductory remarks and subsequently to follow the discussion in this Honorable Hall this morning albeit virtually.

Let us together pray that all initiatives undertaken with the blessings of the leadership of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of the Nation of Brunei Darussalam, as well as national efforts, will yield the desired results and impact towards the successful realization of Vision Brunei 2035.

Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.

Yang Berhormat Pengerusi

Thank you, Yang Berhormat Minister of Transport and Infocommunications for the presentation that was so clear and detailed, containing several directions and targets set for the Ministry of Transport and Infocommunications.

We pray that Yang Berhormat will always be strong and granted by God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful, with all health and so that you can return to serve as usual as soon as possible.

This topic is now open for us to discuss. For that, I invite to start, Yang Berhormat Awang Iswandy bin Ahmad.

Yang Berhormat Awang Iswandy bin Ahmad

In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful, thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.

It is prayed that Yang Berhormat Menteri Pengangkutan dan Infokomunikasi continues to be strong and also be granted health, بِسۡمِ ٱللَّهِ ٱلرَّحۡمَٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ Going straight to our discussion this morning, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi, regarding the allocations given to the Policy and Transportation Management.

According to The World Bank, Negara Brunei Darussalam ranks 9th, making it into the top ten in terms of vehicles per capita in the world, and number 1 in Asia. As we know, just building more highways will not solve our future traffic congestion problems.

With the public transportation system still being in its early stages and the country's infrastructure requiring us to use cars for transportation, car use will continue to be the first choice for transportation.

We know traffic on the Tungku Highway moves slowly in the mornings and evenings, especially in school areas and commercial areas. Including government building areas such as at the old Berakas Airport and several other places. If left unchecked, it can also lead to decreased productivity due to the long commuting times and also slowing down emergency services, like the Fire and Rescue Service, for example.

My question is, what are the existing and planned policies by the ministry to control this traffic congestion in the short term and long term that aligns with the socioeconomic background of the country?

Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.

Yang Berhormat Pengerusi

I invite Yang Berhormat Menteri Pengangkutan dan Infokomunikasi.

Yang Berhormat Menteri Pengangkutan dan Infokomunikasi

Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi and Yang Berhormat for the question.

This question about traffic congestion, one of the mentioned places accumulates in the highway area. Indeed, this matter has been monitored since two years ago, there are two things, one in the short term. There are indeed several inter-agency cooperations through under MKKJR, 3-4 agencies concerned namely the Land Transport Department, Public Works Department, Royal Brunei Police Force, and several times not only terminating but conducting several trials, test runs to reduce that traffic congestion looking at changes or shifts in roads and so on.

This is also assisted by the enforcement service from the Royal Brunei Police Force and also the Land Transport Department. One of the responsibilities of the Land Transport Department is to monitor commercial cars and heavy vehicles, and this is not the peak hours for them to be operational, in the short term.

In the long term, a committee called the Public Transport System (PTS) committee was established last year, chaired by the Menteri Pengangkutan dan Infokomunikasi with various agencies and ministries in a whole of nation to see and implement among others the Land Transport Master Plan, supports under the Land Transport Master Plan. One of it to keep traffic moving. This is one deemed in long term, it might look towards infrastructure changes and so on and this is being studied. Thank you.

Yang Berhormat Pengerusi

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

Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Mohimin bin Haji Johari @ Jahari

Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi. بسم الله الرحمٰن الرحيم الحمدلله حمدًا كثيرًا طيبًا مباركًا فيه

Yang Berhormat Pengerusi. Kaola brings under Title SN05A - Land Transport Department. To what extent does the department already possess and utilize Artificial Intelligence, with the use of AI it could help simplify departmental matters like road tax license process and driving license among others that are always dealing with the public? Also, is the use of artificial intelligence implemented in other departments within the ministry. Use of technology towards Brunei Smart Nation especially in the Menteri Pengangkutan dan Infokomunikasi.

That is all, thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.

Yang Berhormat Menteri Pengangkutan dan Infokomunikasi

Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi. Thank you, Yang Berhormat for posing the question earlier about the use of AI especially for the Land Transport Department and also departments under the Menteri Pengangkutan dan Infokomunikasi (MTIC).

In terms of AI or from the scope of AI and data analytics project, it is one in the radar or whatever plan of the ministry to support the Digital Economy Master Plan and other directions have been some applications made AI in other ministries.

At this moment, the Land Transport Department, during the introduction mentioned by kaola earlier, there are several allocations for the transportation system. There are plans to follow the standard of Land Transport Department 2.0 and will consider the use of data analytics and AI in cooperation with relevant GLCs. This is already in planning and under protection.

This is the only way forward because at this moment, the lifespan of spd, it has been long, but it's still usable, but in long term it will be upgraded to Land Transport System (SPD 2.0) targeted in this year بإذن الله تعالى.

For other departments too, thinking at the Civil Aviation Department and Meteorological Department among others, which are indeed using data analytics methods. بإذن الله تعالى with data analytics, AI might be utilized. This matter is also applied for information through radars used on highways, but it's not a full AI, but there are data analytics features in the use of technology. Issues on the roads with this system will be able to identify spots, reasons why the causes of spots etc.

That is all, thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.

Yang Berhormat Pengerusi

Yang Berhormat Awang Hanapi bin Mohd. Siput.

Yang Berhormat Awang Hanapi bin Mohd. Siput

Thank you. بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم وما توفيقي إلا بالله. عليه توكلت وإليه أنيب and peace be upon you.

Yang Berhormat Pengerusi. Kaola would first like to extend the highest appreciation and congratulations for the presentation of the Budget Allocation for the Menteri Pengangkutan dan Infokomunikasi and its departments by Yang Berhormat Menteri Pengangkutan dan Infokomunikasi and pray that Yang Berhormat recovers quickly and regain health as usual, بإذن الله تعالى.

Kaola discusses the Budget Title for Operational Expenditure under Account Code 1107/007 - Budget Expenditure of $1,500,000.00 for the 2022/2023 estimate, Development of Towers in Rural Areas. Kaola would like to extend thanks for the Government's concern through the Menteri Pengangkutan dan Infokomunikasi by Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan Dan Yang Di-Pertuan Negara Brunei Darussalam in providing facilities for rural dwellers to enjoy technology, especially in communications.

Kaola would like to pose two questions:

1. Kaola asks for clarification regarding the installation of the new tower currently happening at the Imagine Station building in Mukim Labi, Belait District near the Labi Police Station which was planned to be connected last year but has yet to be implemented and also wishes to know the plans for the construction of the DST tower in Teraja area? and

2. Last year there was a study or trial to install Internet service at Primary Schools of Mukim Sukang and Melilas and now it has been discontinued. Kaola wishes to know about the development of the trial and Internet installation results. Please enlighten us on this.

This concludes the message, and thank you. Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.

And peace be upon you, and God’s mercy and blessings.

Yang Berhormat Menteri Pengangkutan dan Infokomunikasi

Thank you. Yang Berhormat Pengerusi. Thank you, Yang Berhormat for those questions. Thank you to Yang Berhormat for the prayer.

Firstly kaola's answer regarding the Imagine Station being utilized in Mukim Labi. Currently, this matter is also kaola explained during the introduction and was a bit touched on during and just explained again, there are efforts from UNN and this is also followed together. Currently, there are efforts to improve mobile coverage in Mukim Labi as voiced in terms of single audio access network which has been mentioned several times before. Only, it will be conducted in phases and kaola is informed that the completion ان شاء الله will be ready by the end of 2024 and it's subject to the current situation.

The tower, kaola also understands, might not be utilized due to UNN's business strategy because it has its own plan or business plan as mentioned earlier. Installing is running in phases, ان تاء الله. That's what kaola can answer.

Regarding the schools, the Internet service in schools with the cooperation between AITI and the Ministry of Education so far. But connectivity to all schools is somewhat limited, even though most schools, المدارس, are connected via the One Government Network (OGM) Service. Except for some places that are included.

So, the two places that I myself have visited, namely Kampung Melilas School and Kampung Sukang School, both attempted to utilize Valve services but were unable to access telephone line services. However, satellite services were tested, and there appears potential in using satellite services for technology applications.

I have raised this issue on other platforms as well, and God willing, this matter will be pursued further. The trial showed progress, but how to implement it will be worked on by the relevant parties. Thank you.

Yang Berhormat Pengerusi

I invite Your Honourable Awang Haji Abdul Hamid bin Haji Mumin.

Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Abdul Hamid bin Haji Mumin

Thank you, Your Honourable Chairperson. Peace be upon you, and God's mercy and blessings.

I am pleased to discuss the Ministry of Transport and Infocommunications under the Title SN011A - Budget Estimate of $22,715,430.00, Department of Transport and Infocommunications. Your Honourable Chairperson, I warmly welcome and congratulate the efforts conveyed by Your Honourable Minister of Transport and Infocommunications.

I am thrilled to talk about the Lighthouse building located in Kampung Sungai Kayu Ara, Kampung Lumut 2, Mukim Liang, Belait District. This building was constructed about 16 years ago, in 2006. Its strategic location by the seaside, facing the sea with a beautiful and conserved natural environment, enhanced by landscaping, would be even more attractive if the views from the lighthouse were illuminated and beautified.

The security control and maintenance of the lighthouse are excellent, praise be to God, the relevant department workers have also made visits to the Lighthouse. Your Honourable Chairperson, allow me to raise a question and suggestion:

1. I seek clarification on the Lighthouse building; is there security personnel on duty at certain times? Is the lighthouse still actively operational and functioning for the purpose of coastal and maritime safety control?; and

2. I am also pleased to suggest, considering the attractive, unique, and strategic location of the Lighthouse along with its natural surroundings, that in my opinion, the Lighthouse could be utilized as an educational visit destination for primary, secondary, and higher education students, and possibly as an attractive destination for specific group visits for educational purposes and understanding the role of the lighthouse.

Your Honourable Chairperson, that concludes my discussion, thank you.

Yang Berhormat Menteri Pengangkutan dan Infokomunikasi

Thank you, Your Honourable Chairperson, and thank you, Your Honourable Member, for raising a question and a suggestion.

Thank God, I also thank Your Honourable Member for the prayers and kind thoughts. Indeed, a lighthouse, pardon the thought I always consider a lighthouse, lighthouse. Like with our jetties in the country before, they were under the control of the Ports Department and Marine Department. But now, they have been taken over by the Maritime Port Authority Brunei Darussalam (MPABD), which was mentioned earlier about the establishment of the Maritime Port Authority Brunei Darussalam (MPABD) outside our budget.

To answer the question, I understand it is indeed applicable for those areas under the control of the Maritime Port Authority Brunei Darussalam (MPABD), and some studies have been made about the lighthouse to reconsider it in the best way to manage. This is currently under review, including Your Honourable Member's suggestion earlier, related to that suggestion, it might be "good" also to standardize this as a proposal to make the lighthouse more attractive to the public, and God willing, it will be considered well, and I will bring it for review with the concerned parties, especially MPABD.

Thank you, Your Honourable Chairperson.

Yang Berhormat Pengerusi

I invite Your Honourable Awang Haji Emran bin Haji Sabtu.

Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Emran bin Haji Sabtu

Thank you, Your Honourable Chairperson. Praise be to God and thanks be to God, and Peace be upon us all. Moving on to the question under Title SN05A - Land Transport Department.

Praise be to God, significant progress has been achieved in the transportation sector in Brunei Darussalam, such as public transport improvements, and bus stops in the Temburong District shared by Your Honourable Minister of Transport and Infocommunications in his speech earlier.

My question is what initiatives are included by the ministry, including the Land Transport Department, to further enhance the Public Transport System especially in the Temburong District towards an effective and efficient system, including proposals at the BIMP-EAGA level involving Sarawak state, Brunei Darussalam, and Sabah state, and job opportunities from the related transport sector?

Next, is there any effort or initiative by the concerned party to create license issuance for automatic car drivers specifically for applicants and students who only take the automatic driving license?

Finally, I would like to know the initiatives or efforts by the concerned parties to establish a vehicle import company in the Temburong District for those interested. That would be all, thank you, Your Honourable Chairperson.

Yang Berhormat Menteri Pengangkutan dan Infokomunikasi

Thank you, Your Honourable Chairperson. I apologize I missed the third question from Your Honourable Member just now. Automatic driving license, please clarify.

Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Emran bin Haji Sabtu

That is about creating a vehicle inspection center in the Temburong District.

Yang Berhormat Menteri Pengangkutan dan Infokomunikasi

Thank you, Your Honourable Chairperson, again and thank you, Your Honourable Member.

There were three matters earlier, the first matter, everyone knows the reality within the Land Transport Department regarding the transport system to the Temburong District. God willing, as mentioned earlier, there is a committee, the Public Transport System (PTS) committee that was just established last year. This is one of the reviews in general of all routes for transport, not only public bus transport but other options for public transport, for example, looking also at the e-Hailing service like DART, maybe some more companies like DART will emerge, God willing.

This provides options to the public for public transport, and the route to the Temburong District is not excluded. Through the committee, this will be reviewed, and currently, there is also cooperation with the relevant parties especially parties from outside to promote the public transport system especially for the Temburong District. This matter is being reviewed and worked on, and God willing, Your Honourable Member, we will see the progress on this matter.

The second matter is the proposal to have driving licenses for automatic car drivers. God willing, actually, this proposal aligns with my thoughts from last year. It has also been considered, given the current condition with best practices taken from examples where many foreign countries have issued specific licenses for automatic vehicle drivers only. This needs to be looked at and we need to research also how it's implemented abroad, and possibly, God willing, it can also be considered after detailed studies and research according to the best practices.

This is a good suggestion according to the times, mostly automatic cars. We must remember, there are also manual cars, maybe there's also a need to use manual cars if necessary. So, this is also a good thought and God willing, it will be considered in the policy review regarding it.

The third matter, indeed currently, not only in Temburong District but Tutong District also, there's no Vehicle Inspection Station (VIS) at present. Some efforts have been opened, but it seems there's no interest yet to open in the Temburong District specifically but like the second matter earlier, aligned and uniform with the ministry's policy to provide Vehicle Inspection Station across Brunei Darussalam and this will also be worked on, including the needs in the Temburong District. It's true currently people in the Temburong District come down to the city for inspection, and this aligns with what's being worked on currently.

A regulatory framework for the Vehicle Testing Station (VTS) control is being worked on, and the tender has been opened, and this situation uses a proper regulatory framework not only by notifications made so far. This will be standardized with a regulatory framework I mentioned. Secondly, with the policy, VTS could be established with the primary target for the entire Brunei Darussalam.

Thank you, Your Honourable Chairperson.

Yang Berhormat Pengerusi

I invite 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.

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful, first of all, praise be to Allah, Lord of the Worlds, and peace and blessings be upon the most honorable of messengers. More. Beforehand, I would like to record my highest appreciation and congratulations to Yang Berhormat Minister of Transport and Infocommunication. For sure, I want to partake in the debate and provide suggestions:

1. About car drivers who are undisciplined and selfish. They drive at a speed that can endanger other drivers especially in village road areas. There are also car owners who use exhausts that emit extremely loud explosion sounds here and there, disturbing public peace and what is currently trending is drivers frequently using mobile phones while driving.

   Not excluding motorcyclists as well. There are some motorcyclists who are reckless, cutting vehicles as they please like racing, and worse with loud exhaust noises that might not meet standards, causing harm to the public's ears, riding at speeds exceeding limits without considering the place and manners. This matter cannot be ignored, over time will become a habit for them. More so, the new generation might follow these habits. Therefore, the concerned parties should take action without hesitation.

   Your Honourable Chairman, allow me to touch a little bit of nostalgia, during the late 80s and early 90s era. When blue uniformed Land Transport Department officers riding blue motorcycles making rounds, stopping drivers and vehicles abruptly, road users would feel anxious, afraid and restless because they know that they have committed a violation. During that era, blue motorcycle Land Transport Department officers always made rounds, their duties suddenly on several streets and had found several offenses and successfully detained road users violating rules and laws.

   Compared to nowadays, such sight is rarely seen. How good it would be if the concerned parties could do the same, so that road users will be more focused and disciplined on the road; and

2. Vehicle inspection using private company services which need to be carefully performed to ensure the vehicle is safe to use in accordance with the needs of the Land Transport Department.

   Hence, I once again would like to suggest the concerned parties take appropriate and suitable steps. Perhaps the concerned parties could also open up to the public, make short videos or photos with advisory words distributed to social media platforms for public awareness about driver consciousness. Come up with a better and effective plan. Act now for the safety of road users.

That's all, Your Honourable Chairman. And by Allah, for success and guidance, peace be upon you, and Allah’s mercy and blessings.

Yang Berhormat Menteri Pengangkutan dan Infokomunikasi

Thank you, Your Honourable Chairman, and I extend my gratitude to Your Honourable for the good suggestions earlier. What I can summarize and hear from Your Honourable's speech earlier are actually 3 things.

Under the National Road Safety Council (MKKJR), there’s called the 5E, namely Enforcement, Education, Engineering, Environment, and Emergency Response. In terms of education, it could perhaps be tied through driving schools, and in these driving schools, there's a committee handling to scrutinize how the driving school curriculum can be improved from time to time.

Second, in terms of public awareness, efforts have been made through MKKJR because under MKKJR there’s also a Media Committee with the Permanent Secretary, Prime Minister's Department as a member. In this matter, continuous efforts are also made through mass media, even by NGOs. I would like to take this opportunity to express thousands of thanks to the concerned NGOs and also the private sector. Through this whole of nation cooperation, it’s not only our road safety that we own, but it belongs to us all. This is the ideal, we want everybody to own the ownership regarding road safety.

So, through this education program, it is considered like the suggestions by Your Honourable earlier. What wasn’t there before is the age of technology compared to the nostalgic era mentioned earlier.

Now, what's vital is there’s technology that can assist the enforcement side. Enforcement is not only the JPD but also the Royal Brunei Police Force. Recently, as mentioned, there’s through Sistem Transport.bn a system that can facilitate not only the public but also the enforcement agencies to identify whether the vehicle concerned has expired road tax or driving license. This is one of the facilitations of technology at this time, and indeed, mobile enforcement is still necessary.

As you suggested, it’s hoped that the public will have their corporate social responsibility. Value ourselves and not only wait for the government to catch or take legal actions, but it comes from our own sense of responsibility in embracing safety on the road.

Third, Engineering. It is true that at this time, efforts are made to update by establishing a regulatory framework regarding VTS and this is related to Your Honourable’s question earlier and in the near future, it will be endeavored.

Thank you, Your Honourable Chairman.

Yang Berhormat Pengerusi

Finally, I invite Your Honourable Dayang Nik Hafimi binti Abdul Haadii.

Yang Berhormat Dayang Nik Hafimi binti Abdul Haadii

Thank you, Your Honourable Chairman. Congratulations and thanks are also given to MTIC for all efforts and achievements in improvement and necessities for the country in the transportation and infocommunication sector.

I am inquiring under Topic SNO1A-Department of the Ministry of Transport and Infocommunication on 2 matters:

1. Just earlier Your Honourable had replied to a question and suggestions from a colleague through Your Honourable Awang Hanapi bin Mohd. Siput. I will only add, besides infrastructure cables and physical fiber, it is also suggested for the ministry to expand this policy as a whole infrastructure approach such as through Land Transmission Satellites and Lower Level Orbits as examples to further increase the country's bandwidth connectivity; and

2. I have brought up in the National Assembly a few years ago about the country's position as a Multi Module Gateway to BIMP-EAGA. Kindly enlighten Your Honourable Minister of Transport and Infocommunication on the country’s position on this matter.

Thank you, Your Honourable Chairman.

Yang Berhormat Menteri Pengangkutan dan Infokomunikasi

Thank you, Your Honourable Chairman, and thank you to Your Honourable on the 2 matters, namely:

1. The suggestion of establishing a cable system as a whole nation or whole nation-wide. Basically, under the National Broadband Policy, which is still in use but it's also upgraded slightly because this is in line with our Digital Economy Masterplan 2025.

   Our desire and of course to give the whole coverage of broadband as much as we can. As far as it goes like in the opening speech by Your Honourable Chairman, you also touched how there was already an increase in Mobile Broadband usage in our country, God willing, the infrastructure is already there. Only certain places, especially in the interior need further effort.

   Generally, this was also voiced by a colleague, Your Honourable Minister in the Prime Minister's Department and Minister of Finance and Economy II, even our speed of broadband for mobile speed is the highest at the moment if compared with Asian countries. God willing, not only that, but in terms of price too, it holds a study by IPU last year if I'm not mistaken, in terms of price per broadband and computer use, we have the lowest for mobile for mobile broadband.

   Much more needs to be done, we should not stop at that if we can still strive for affordability and accessibility as mentioned earlier. The probability of prices going down in the next year and a half. God willing, broadband prices have decreased at least by 60% if we're not aware, by 60%-90%, now, accessibility is still our effort at this time, God willing.

   Your Honourable’s suggestion is well taken. Perhaps also under the ASEAN Digital Council criticism and Your Honourable is also one of its members. Taking the opportunity to thank Your Honourable; and

2. Multi-Model Transport System BIMP-EAGA meaning the multi-model transport system of BIMP-EAGA, This matter is under consideration not specifically under BIMP-EAGA but broadly under the ASEAN Transport Minister and Forum Meeting or under it ASEAN Transport Working Group.

   The mentioned matter also relates to the establishment of a national Public Transport System that will through the main route, not only the domestic route but also connecting outside as mentioned by Your Honourable. There’s no decision yet and surely it will first be brought to internal discussions. It involving* several parties and related agencies.

Thank you for that question, Your Honour. Thank you.

Yang Berhormat Pengerusi

Thank you, Yang Berhormat Menteri Pengangkutan dan Infokomunikasi. I would like to give the opportunity to Yang Berhormat Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri dan Menteri Kewangan dan Ekonomi II who would like to add any remarks that have been made previously. Please go ahead.

Yang Berhormat Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri dan Menteri Kewangan dan Ekonomi II

Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi. Kaola would like to request permission from Yang Berhormat Pengerusi so that kaola may answer some questions that have been put forward by several Your Honourable Members previously:

1. The Payment Gateway, for receiving payments from outside the country as discussed by Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Mohimin bin Haji Johari @ Jojohari and also Yang Berhormat Dayang Khairunnissa binti Awang Haji Ash’ari.

   To answer this question, currently, there is a project being implemented by Darussalam Assets and three local banks to establish a joint venture company to provide a payment gateway or digital payment hub, to facilitate digital transaction payments in this country.

   The vision of this project is to provide an instant payment infrastructure that will enable commercial and socio-economic benefits for Negara Brunei Darussalam. This project is sponsored under the auspices of the Digital Economic Council and is part of the Digital Payment Route Map 2019/2022 by Brunei Darussalam Central Bank.

   Kaola would like to share some of the main benefits under this Digital Payment Hub. It will enable account to account fund transfers that are safe, immediate, and cost-effective using technology typically used by merchants or stores to accept various types of payments like credit cards, debit cards. This technology also enables QR code payments.

   Considering that 80% of Brunei's population have bank accounts and there's a 125% mobile penetration. This represents a high potential for transactions through smartphones and allows cashless transaction as the new norm.

   It also enables customers and businesses that do not have a bank account. Faster payments and easier cashflow management. This project enables transactions to be spontaneous, secure, and auditable, with a low cost to the country through methods like QR codes.

   This will reduce the government’s total cash transactions by 90%. Also, with this country’s infrastructure, the costs required to manage cash will be reduced, which are worth several million dollars a year.

   This Digital Payment Hub can also stimulate financial services and FinTech innovations through products and value-added services that will have the capability to integrate with merchant acquires or wallet and payment service providers like pocket and others.

   It also has the capability to provide connectivity to international payment rails like PayPal for international payment transactions into the country, subject to verification and monitoring according to local and international protocols and regulations like Anti-Money Laundering.

2. Questions regarding improving the online learning internet system for students, which was put forward by Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Tahamit bin Haji Nudin.

   To answer this question, kaola is happy to share that the improvement of access and network expansion in remote areas is a project being carried out by Unified National Network (UNN) company. This project is divided into 6 Phases covering several locations across the country:

   1. The First Phase includes Kuala Abang, Menengah Lamunin, and Bukit Barun, Tutong District began last year. Starting with the installation of 12.35 kilometers of fiber cables and will be completed in the first quarter of this year.

   2. The Second Phase planned for this year will proceed with the installation of 54.4 kilometers of fiber cables to cover several areas in all districts including Kampung Batang Mitus, Sungai Puntai Labi, Bangkau, and Batang Duri, and will be completed by mid-this year.

   3. While the subsequent Third Phase will be completed in the fourth quarter of 2022. The Fourth and Fifth Phases will be completed in the second and fourth quarters of 2023, respectively. The Sixth Phase will be completed in the second quarter of 2024.

It is hoped that with these improvements, more members of the public including students undergoing virtual school will have smoother access to communication networks. In addition, funds have been provided by the Ministry of Education to finance the National Education Network for School project for 153 schools. This project aims to provide high-speed and reliable Internet services to government schools to further enhance the effectiveness of technology use in learning and teaching processes.

However, providing access to schools in remote areas will take a longer time and cannot be reached in the near future. To address this issue temporarily, places like Sukang and Melilas are currently connected via VsIte Satellite Technology provided by NIAT Private Limited, a company under Darussalam Asset.

That’s all kaola can share to answer the questions put forward previously. Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.

Yang Berhormat Pengerusi

Thank you, Yang Berhormat Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri dan Menteri Kewangan dan Ekonomi II. I believe we have discussed at length about the Ministry of Transport and Infocommunications and we have also heard further explanations about some questions not yet answered by the Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri dan Menteri Kewangan dan Ekonomi II. Thus, let this concludes our discussion on this ministry's budget. I would like to vote now. Your Honourable Members who agree to approve the Theme for Ministry of Transport and Infocommunications, please raise your hands.

(All Members raise their hands in agreement)

Yang Berhormat Pengerusi

Thank you, it seems everyone agrees and we approve this title.

Yang Dimuliakan Jurutulis

Title - SQA01A - Ministry of Transport and Infocommunications is made part of the Schedule.

Titles SQ01A to SQ02A - Ministry of Energy.

Yang Berhormat Pengerusi

Your Honourable Members. The Committee meeting is now moving to discuss the Schedule for the Ministry of Energy. Before we discuss this ministry's theme as usual, I would like to give the floor to Yang Berhormat Menteri Tenaga to present his opening remarks on the Budget Provision for his ministry. Please go ahead, Your Honour.

Yang Berhormat Menteri Tenaga

Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi. وَالصَّلاَةُ وَالسَّلاَمُ عَلَىٰ رَسُولِ اللهِ وَعَلَىٰ آلِهِ وَصَحْبِهِ أَجْمَعِيْنَ. and peace be upon you.

Yang Berhormat Pengerusi and Your Honourable Members.

First and foremost, on behalf of the Ministry of Energy, its departments, and related bodies, we present our highest gratitude to His Majesty 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 and Yang Di-Pertuan of Negara Brunei Darussalam for His Majesty’s visit and the royal address at the Official Opening Ceremony of the First Session of the Thirteenth Legislative Council Meeting on 24 February 2022.

Next, peramba/kaola/I would also like to extend congratulations to Yang Berhormat Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri dan Menteri Kewangan dan Ekonomi II for presenting the proposal paper of the Expenditure Bill (2022) for the financial year 2022/2023 with the theme "Strengthening Public Welfare Towards a More Resilient Socio-Economy."

Yang Berhormat Pengerusi and Your Honourable Members.

The year 2021 witnessed the beginning of the recovery of the world’s crude oil and gas market after experiencing a downturn in the previous year due to the global economic downturn and travel restrictions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic، حفظه الله، the world market price of crude oil has gradually recovered to a higher level this year. This rise is hoped to improve the government's fiscal condition and the country's economy.

Although Negara Brunei Darussalam was affected by the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic حفظه الله, the Ministry of Energy was still able to mark several significant achievements in 2021. In 2021, the Department of Electrical Services celebrated its 100th Anniversary since its establishment. This department has played a very important role in ensuring the security of Negara Brunei Darussalam and providing continuous electrical energy supply to homes from urban areas to villages and remote areas in maintaining the well-being and socioeconomics of the citizens and residents in this country.

The Electrical Services Department has achieved an electrification rate of over 99%. A significant milestone recently achieved is the interconnection of the national grid to Temburong District through the Sultan Haji Omar 'Ali Saifuddien Bridge. This interconnection has further improved the service and reliability of the electricity supply for the citizens and residents of that district.

Additionally, Temburong District has also become a focus for the installation of solar-powered street lights and solar panels on government buildings as a showcase for the use of alternative energy sources. As we move towards a more modern era, the Electrical Services Department will continue to implement service digitalization projects with the use of SCADA technology, which is expected to reduce disruptions in the electricity supply to the public and the implementation of an Energy Management System to ensure operational efficiency and reduce the cost of electricity production.

The availability of hydrocarbons, especially natural gas, is crucial to ensure that the citizens and residents will continue to enjoy a guaranteed electricity supply, while ensuring the sustainability of the country's downstream industry. In this direction, the Ministry of Energy and Brunei Darussalam National Petroleum Authority have and will continue to closely cooperate with major oil and gas operators to ensure that all upstream activities, especially exploration, drilling, and production, are prioritized. With God's permission and by the grace of Allah, in 2021, a total of 42 million barrels of oil equivalent of oil and gas were successfully discovered, in addition to exploring new areas, several rejuvenation projects on existing platforms and infrastructure were also implemented.

In 2021, the Ministry of Energy continued to prioritize the development of downstream projects to further diversify the contributions of the energy sector to exports. Last year, the downstream sector produced 14.35 million tons with an estimated export value of $10.7 billion. The Brunei Fertilizer Industries plant was also completed in 2021 and successfully produced urea for the first time, followed by its first export in early February 2022.

Your Honourable Chairman and Your Honourable Members.

From another perspective, the energy projects I have shared have provided benefits in terms of job opportunities and local business. Overall, the energy sector provided 19,050 job opportunities for local youths in 2021. Moreover, the in-country value in the oil and gas sector accounted for 60% of the total expenditure, amounting to $1.79 billion.

Your Honourable Chairman and Your Honourable Members.

Given that the energy sector of Brunei Darussalam is primarily based on hydrocarbon resources, the Ministry of Energy has started to prioritize the transition to low carbon energy and energy efficiency. Initiated in 2021, the Energy Efficiency (Standards and Labelling) Order, 2021 has been approved and will take effect this June. Among other things, it allows the public to make informed choices in the selection of energy-efficient home appliances. In 2021, the Ministry of Energy also issued a Request For Proposal for the development of a Solar Energy Project with a capacity of 30 Megawatts in Kampung Belimbing, Subok. The RFP has attracted interest from both foreign and local investors.

Shifting to cleaner energy sources ensures that the country remains committed to addressing climate change issues. The Ministry of Energy, through the National Climate Change Policy (BNCCP), will continue to lead initiatives in reducing carbon emissions from the energy sector. In this regard, the Ministry of Energy established the Industrial Emission Committee in July 2021, comprising oil and gas operators, representatives from higher education institutions of Brunei Darussalam, and relevant government regulatory agencies.

2021 was also a significant year for regional cooperation as Brunei Darussalam held the chairmanship of ASEAN. The regional energy sector cooperation led by the Ministry of Energy successfully facilitated the 39th ASEAN Ministers on Energy Meeting in September, with the adoption and adaptation of the Bandar Seri Begawan Joint Declaration – The 39th ASEAN Ministers On Energy Meeting On Energy Security And Energy Transition. This declaration focuses on regional interests aligned with the Ministry of Energy's direction to ensure a sustainable energy future and assist the country in accelerating the transition to renewable and low-carbon energy sources.

I/We extend my/our highest gratitude to His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam for the proposed allocation of $240,781,230.00, which includes a Recurrent Allocation of $162,613,340.00 and a Development Expenditure Allocation of $43,968,000.00 for the Ministry of Energy including the Electrical Services Department. This allocation has been prioritized to help maintain public welfare and support the socio-economic progress of a more resilient country. This will be achieved through the renewal and standardization of the country's electrical supply system and the provision of infrastructure to further attract Foreign Direct Investment (FDI).

Your Honourable Chairman and Your Honourable Members.

The Recurrent Expenditure of the Ministry of Energy for the Financial Year 2022/2023 will enable the implementation of the Ministry of Energy's Strategic Plan 2020-2025, specifically the initiatives and programs planned for the financial year. The Ministry of Energy will continue to support efforts to ensure the country's economy becomes more resilient through the growth of the downstream energy sector. This is expected to showcase the country as a leading downstream industry hub for markets in the Asia Pacific region. This year, the production of downstream products will be increased to 14.6 million tons.

The target for upstream oil and gas production for the country in 2022 is around 300,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day. Additionally, several exploratory wells are planned for drilling this year, and several blocks will be offered to attract new operators to operate in Brunei Darussalam.

As conveyed by the Minister at the Prime Minister's Office and the Second Minister of Finance and Economy, one of the main focuses of expenditure in 2022/2023 is to support and assist the private sector to be resilient and grow, and to enhance human resource competencies towards being work and future ready. In support of these noble efforts in reducing unemployment in the country, the Ministry of Energy will prioritize expanding job opportunities for local youths. For 2022, the target for local employment in the energy sector is 22,900 local youths, an increase of 3,200 compared to the target for 2021.

In terms of in-country spending, the Ministry of Energy and Darussalam Enterprise are working closely in developing an Energy Sector Incubation Centre located in the Sungai Liang Industrial Park (SPARK), Belait District.

This initiative aims to foster a growth mindset among Micro and Small Enterprises from the energy sector. Thus, in-country spending for 2022 is estimated at $1.9 billion.

The Ministry of Energy will continue to capitalize on opportunities for developing local value not only in the oil and gas sector but also in the electricity sector, outlining specific local business development directives for this sector. This is expected to contribute more domestic value in terms of spending and employment of local workers.

To increase the capacity of local companies, the Ministry of Energy is leading the i-Usahawan programs in the energy sector and has successfully opened opportunities for 317 local youths, with a total contract value of $30 million. The young entrepreneurs participating in this program have shown high commitment and capability as well as a strong competitive spirit, and some have successfully secured contracts outside the i-Usahawan program.

The country's commitment to preserving the climate and environment is also taken into account. In addition to the Solar Energy Project in Kampung Belimbing, Subok shared earlier, the Ministry of Energy will also consider the use of floating solar panel technology, or Floating Solar. Several suitable areas around the country's waters and water reservoirs have been identified to accommodate this solar technology.

To encourage the public and private sector to use solar energy, the Ministry of Energy's focus for 2022 is to expand the Net Metering program and introduce Renewable Portfolio Standards. These initiatives will increase the participation of individuals and companies in achieving environmental and climate sustainability so that it can continue to be enjoyed by future generations.

Your Honourable Chairman and Your Honourable Members.

The Recurrent Allocation proposal for the Ministry of Energy totaling $1,234,170.00 will ensure an excellent organization through workforce development, a growing and advanced ecosystem, and digital distribution. In this regard, the ministry will also continue to nurture and promote international cooperation in capacity development in dealing with the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak which affected the operations and production of oil and gas in the country in 2020/2021, a guideline known as Notice to Industry on COVID-19 Measures for The Energy Sector was issued by the Ministry of Energy. It aims to allow the operations in the oil and gas sector and the electric power sector to operate as before the outbreak of COVID-19. At the same time, the Brunei Darussalam Electric Authority will continue efforts in forming a regulatory framework that is aligned with the development of the country's electric power sector and will introduce licensing of equipment and workforce to show aspects of public safety, consumers, and the electric power sector in general. Additionally, the National Authority for Safety, Health, and Environment (SHENA)'s reach has extended to various sectors, not only in the oil and gas sector, industrial or commercial, but also in the education and government sectors.

SHENA will continue to strive to ensure that incidents, Major Incident Hazards, and loss of life at work can be reduced to zero through increased awareness and also industry cooperation.

We are grateful to Allah SWT because, with His grace, Brunei Darussalam still and will continue to enjoy the benefits of the treasures bestowed so far. The Ministry of Energy will continue to carry the responsibility to ensure these treasures will be sustainably and wisely utilized and will always think of ways to improve the resilience of this main resource. with the cooperation of all levels of society through a whole of nation approach The Ministry of Energy will drive the energy sector towards achieving Brunei Vision 2035.

Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.

Yang Berhormat Pengerusi

Thank you to Yang Berhormat Menteri Tenaga for the comprehensive and clear statement on the ministry's budget preparation.

Before I open this Schedule for us to discuss or debate, I would like to draw the attention of Your Honourable Members that many matters have already been raised during the meeting between the concerned ministers and Your Honourable Members, and also that much new information has already been provided to Your Honourable Members. So, I think it is unnecessary to raise again in this assembly the matters that have been discussed. It would be better if we could focus our attention on matters that need to be resolved and let the question be precise and meet the desired objectives.

I shall start the discussion with Yang Berhormat Awang Iswandy bin Ahmad.

Yang Berhormat Awang Iswandy bin Ahmad

Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.

I just want to enquire about the developments of the country implementing carbon pricing or what might be called a carbon fund, which was announced in 2020 and was announced to start in 2021 for companies and carbon footprint producers who exceed the limit, and any related government or private sector such as industrial facilities, energy utilities, etc.? Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.

Yang Berhormat Menteri Tenaga

Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi, and thank you, Yang Berhormat, for your question. Regarding carbon pricing, Strategy 6 under the National Climate Change Policy is one of the very important strategies and closely related to Strategy 1 Industrial Missions. It's one of the strategies organized under the umbrella of the Brunei Climate Change Secretariat or Brunei Climate Change Secretariat. The Ministry of Energy is aware that the carbon pricing mechanism is one of the approaches implemented widely in various economies around the world including neighboring countries like Singapore. Carbon pricing can encourage the reduction of carbon emissions from the industrial side including energy operators through various methods including carbon taxation.

Currently, the Brunei Climate Change Secretariat in the Ministry of Development is in the process of examining the most suitable mechanism for Negara Brunei Darussalam. The Ministry of Energy is actively cooperating closely with the Ministry of Development to ensure the energy sector is involved in this process. Thank you.

Yang Berhormat Pengerusi

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

Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Mohimin bin Haji Johari @ Jahari

Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.

1. Kaola under the title SQ01A - Ministry of Energy Department.

   The country has received Foreign Direct Investment in partnership with Hengyi Industries Sdn. Bhd. for the Pulau Muara Besar project. Does Hengyi Industries Sdn. Bhd. produce asphalt, and if so, does the ministry plan to obtain asphalt supply for domestic use to increase the country's supply for the development of highways and others; and

2. Further, kaola under the title SQ01A - Electrical Services Department. Would the department provide a rating indicating the standard of contractors providing electrical wiring services to the homes of Brunei Darussalam residents. For instance, 4 stars, 5 stars, etc. This is because "ali baba companies" are less trusted in their skills and quality of service but are relatively cheap. Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.

Yang Berhormat Menteri Tenaga

Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi, and thank you. Regarding the bitumen question. Bitumen is typically produced from the by-product, which is the residue from the processing of crude oil. Currently, the by-product produced from the Pulau Muara Besar (Phase One) facility is further processed as feedstock to produce more valuable petroleum products on the market since the quality of crude oil processed is categorized as light crude oil therefore the composition of the resulting residue does not meet the classification to produce the quality.

Regarding the second question. Kaola / I will answer carefully when there is an opportunity to see the matter related to electric stars. Thank you.

Yang Berhormat Pengerusi

I invite Yang Berhormat Awang Naim bin Haji Kamis.

Yang Berhormat Awang Naim bin Haji Kamis

Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.

The electric star, now the question, will be brought under the title SQ01A - Electrical Services Department. Several reports from international organizations have recommended that for more resilient socioeconomic recovery post-COVID-19 outbreak, the use of renewable energy is considered in terms of energy supply assurance. This takes into account the unstable and uncertain global oil and gas prices. Kaola considers well the Ministry of Energy's plan to reconsider solar power generation with the construction of a high-capacity solar site in Kampung Belimbing, Subok towards ensuring a resilient energy source is available for the citizens and residents of this country.

As many are aware, the COVID-19 outbreak has stalled several strategic projects in Negara Brunei Darussalam. Kaola's question, has it also impacted the development of solar energy in Negara Brunei Darussalam and what measures have been taken by the Ministry of Energy in addressing it?

Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.

Yang Berhormat Menteri Tenaga

Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi and thank you, Yang Berhormat, for your question. Generally, the spread of the COVID-19 outbreak has affected the global and regional supply chains involving logistic issues and also the entry of expert workers into the country. It has somewhat stalled the Ministry of Energy's efforts to expand and develop small and large-scale solar projects in the country according to the original schedule that had been planned. However, to mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on several solar projects in the country, the ministry has already taken several initiatives to allow foreign tenderers to appoint representatives from local agents to assist in the implementation of the relevant projects.

With the recent developments of the COVID-19 outbreak, Negara Brunei Darussalam is already in the early phase of becoming endemic, the solar energy plans that I have shared in the introduction and dialogue will be continued. Thank you.

Yang Berhormat Pengerusi

Yang Berhormat Pengiran Haji Mohamed bin Pengiran Haji Osman @ Othman.

Yang Berhormat Pengiran Haji Mohamed bin Pengiran Haji Osman @ Othman

Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.

Praise be to Allah, by whose grace good deeds are accomplished, kaola previously recorded a word of thanks to Yang Berhormat Menteri Tenaga who provided the best briefing and information on this noble morning.

1. Kaola would like to touch on SQ01A - Ministry of Energy Department with its allocation of $9,848,090.00 to ensure that the socioeconomy of Negara Brunei Darussalam is resilient, efforts to diversify the economy are very important. Among the sectors developed towards this goal are the downstream energy sector and the petrochemical sector. Both must be developed without affecting each other's operations.

   The Oil Refinery and Petrochemical Plant located on Pulau Muara Besar near Pulau Pelumpong where there are many fishing activities in the area. Meanwhile, what efforts are the Ministry of Energy undertaking to ensure there is no negative impact on the environment of the island?

2. Kaola would like to bring up as per the royal decree of His Majesty Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan dan Yang Di-Pertuan Negara Brunei Darussalam during the Official Opening Ceremony of the First Meeting of the Eighteenth Session of the Majlis Mesyuarat Negara in 2022, among other things, shared that the downstream energy sector, such as production from the oil refining plant and petrochemicals and Brunei Fertilizer Industry (BFI), has had a positive impact on the economy of Negara Brunei Darussalam. However, the oil refining plant in question may be exposed to high risk with the spread of contagious diseases. This takes into account that the Pulau Muara Besar area is small, yet it has many workers (high density).

   Yang Berhormat Pengerusi, in this matter, what are the measures taken by the Ministry of Energy to curb this pandemic's impact on the daily operations and productivity of the plant? In connection with this, what steps have been taken to ensure that the citizens and residents living in Mukim Serasa and the villages around Pulau Muara Besar will not be exposed to the danger of COVID-19 transmission if it occurs?;

Yang Berhormat Pengerusi

Yang Berhormat, we are currently facing a time issue, so I hope that you could cooperate so that questions can be asked quickly and answered promptly by the relevant minister.

Yang Berhormat Pengiran Haji Mohamed bin Pengiran Haji Osman @ Othman

Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi, for the previous explanation.

3. Please allow me to proceed with this third question. The country's progress is rapidly advancing, and the laying of cables is increasingly handled by contractors in various areas, whether related to housing or far from the public eye. The installation of cables for telecommunications electricity and others is constantly upgraded over time. In this regard, are electrical wire thefts still occurring in secluded places, far from public view? Several incidents have resulted in the death of perpetrators, forcing several government agencies to undertake daily tasks.

   This matter is raised for the well-being of the residents and the safety of government property within the stated areas to prevent recurrence of theft and unwanted incidents.

   Referring to the matter, what are the planning and preventive measures already designed and yet to be implemented by the Ministry of Energy? Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.

Yang Berhormat Menteri Tenaga

Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi. The first question concerning ensuring no negative impact on the environment in Pulau Muara Besar. A Joint HSE Monitoring Program task force was established in March 2020, chaired by the Petroleum Authority of Negara Brunei Darussalam, aiming to collectively monitor safety, health, and environmental issues related to the operations of the Oil Refining and Petrochemical Plant in Pulau Muara Besar through various joint monitoring programs and plans provided.

Members of this JMP include the Ministry of Health, the Department of Environment, Parks and Recreation, the National Safety and Health and Environment Authority (SHEA), the Electricity Authority, the Fisheries Department, the Fire and Rescue Department, the Maritime and Port Authority of Negara Brunei Darussalam, the National Climate Change Secretariat, the National Disaster Management Centre of Brunei Darussalam, and Darussalam Enterprise.

The JMP meetings also provide a platform for these agencies to share resources, expertise, and cooperate to address various challenges. Currently, Hengyi Industries Sdn. Bhd. is in the process of performing dredging and reclamation works to ensure that these activities do not pollute the waters near Pulau Muara Besar, especially in the Industrial Fish Farming site area, which may affect the fish farming operations.

Hengyi Industries Sdn. Bhd. has conducted an environmental impact assessment along with an environmental monitoring and management plan for the beach sand infrastructure to the JASTRe. Monitoring based on the EIA and EMP is continuously reviewed by the dredging and reclamation working group and the aquaculture task force as long as the dredging and reclamation works are in progress.

The Ministry of Energy and the Petroleum Authority will always work closely to ensure that there are no adverse impacts on the environment in any oil and gas projects. Besides, the plant is designed according to international industry standards, and its emission limits are set below the threshold of the World Bank (IFC) International Finance Cooperation. The plant will also monitor pollution through the Air Quality Monitoring system installed on Pulau Muara Besar and in the Muara area. These emissions will be overseen by JASTRe. Hengyi Industries Sdn. Bhd. also has a Tier 2 Oil Spill Response Plan. An oil spill control plan that meets the requirements of the National Oil Spill Contingency Plan and several emergency exercises have been conducted to ensure the efficiency and preparedness of Hengyi Industries Sdn. Bhd., including Tier 3 scale exercises involving the National Disaster Management Committee and relevant agencies.

A Tier 3 Table Top Exercise was conducted on 12-13 January 2021, and the second question earlier, if Yang Berhormat could please present it again.

Yang Berhormat Pengiran Haji Mohamed bin Pengiran Haji Osman @ Othman

Thank you Yang Berhormat. What are the measures taken to ensure that the citizens and residents living in Mukim Serasa and the surrounding villages of Pulau Muara Besar would not be exposed to the dangers of the COVID-19 outbreak should it occur? Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengeran.

Yang Berhormat Menteri Tenaga

Thank you, Yang Berhormat. The Ministry of Energy has proactively managed a Crisis Management Team since January 2020, which consists of relevant agencies and is responsible for ensuring that any impact from the COVID-19 pandemic can be monitored and does not significantly affect the operations of operators including Hengyi Industries Sdn. Bhd. in Pulau Muara Besar. Thankfully, the operations of the plant have not been affected by the pandemic situation.

Additionally, cooperation among operators is ensured to have Standard Operating Procedures regarding preventive measures based on guidelines issued by the Ministry of Health to ensure any situation is controlled and will not spread to the public.

Recently, the Ministry of Energy has also established a task force to handle the COVID-19 outbreak, with members from the Ministry of Energy, the Department of Electrical Services, the Petroleum Authority of Brunei, and Safety Health Environment responsible for ensuring that critical products and services are not affected. This task force has also provided a guideline titled Notice to Industry on COVID-19 to jointly manage and mitigate the impact on the operational activities of the oil and gas sector in the energy sector.

The main focuses of NTI are to provide guidelines for essential workers in critical workplaces to ensure the balance and stability of operations.

This task force will continuously monitor the COVID-19 situation in the energy sector to ensure that the impact on upstream and downstream industry production, including operations at the oil refining and petrochemical plants on Pulau Muara Besar, is kept to a minimum. Thank you.

Yang Berhormat Pengerusi

Thank you, Yang Berhormat Minister of Energy. I now suggest that we vote on the Ministry of Energy's Title. Your Honourable Members who agree to pass this title, please raise your hands.

(All Members raised their hands in agreement)

Thank you all for agreeing, and we approve the Ministry of Energy's Title.

Yang Dimuliakan Jurutulis

Title SQ01A to Title SQ02A - Ministry of Energy is made part of the Schedule.

Title SP01A - Progress.

Yang Berhormat Pengerusi

Your Honourable Members, the Committee meeting now moves on to the Progress title. As we have learned that the Minister at the Prime Minister's Office and Minister of Finance and Economy II, has already presented his introduction regarding the Development Budget prepared and I hope questions will focus on the matters contained in the capable Development Plan. I now open the debate on this title by inviting Yang Berhormat Awang Iswandy bin Ahmad.

Yang Berhormat Awang Iswandy bin Ahmad

Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi. Regarding this Development Expenditure, referring to Sector 1119 - Human Resource Energy Account Code – 004, Capacity Development Centre (PPK). With an allocation of $1,132,600.00 for 2022/2023 and an amount of $273,000.00 for 2023/2024. It was once shared that PPK was run by IBTE for International accreditation and other purposes in this Council in 2019. Is there still a need for PPK to stand alone in its allocation, or would it be better to be under the IBTE program or Lifelong Learning only as operation? Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.

Yang Berhormat Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri dan Menteri Kewangan dan Ekonomi II

Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi, and also thank you to Yang Berhormat for the question asked. PPK is a program that was launched several years ago. The allocation provided for students to attend courses in PPK is not yet completed, the allocation must be provided until finished, Insha’Allah. There are new trainings included in the HRD fund. They must be separated from the HRD fund. Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.

Yang Berhormat Pengerusi

I now invite Yang Berhormat Fdr. Ar. Dayang Siti Rozaimeriyanty binti Dato Seri Laila Jasa Haji Abdul Rahman.

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

Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi, I have 2 questions and also 2 suggestions:

1. Yang Berhormat Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri dan Menteri Kewangan dan Ekonomi II, I would like to know how many projects from RKN-11 have been completed and will be taken forward to be implemented in the upcoming 12th National Development Plan.

   As known previously, there were 13 projects that were postponed from RKN-10 and they were implemented under RKN-11. I have often heard ministers' introductions about the implementation of PPK, but I would like to seek clarification about the process of implementing these projects as it seems to take a relatively long time to be completed. Specifically, I want to know the status of the other 7 projects in RKN-11 that are implemented through alternative financing. Are they being implemented or are still in various stages? If this requirement can be reviewed or re-evaluated policy or plot ratio or even the tenancy period offered, it is advisable for the ministry to do so as soon as possible.

2. Next, regarding the suggestion from Yang Berhormat Pengerusi. Yang Berhormat Menteri Pendidikan has shared during a discussion session with the Ministry of Education about shut facilities. For schools in Mengkubau, a change between the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Religious Affairs, 3 in 1, which includes primary, secondary, and religious schools will be implemented under the 12th National Development Plan. This can save construction costs, building maintenance costs, and also save on land usage. I am considering the remaining proposals from Yang Berhormat Menteri Pendidikan.

3. I would also like to suggest that schools could explore alternative financing options, such as integrating facilities deemed necessary like multi-purpose halls, open sports facilities, daycare facilities, or nurseries to open opportunities to collaborate with private sectors through PPP programs. I welcome the alternative financing methods that have been implemented in some RKN projects. One successful PPP effort in residential areas is the commercial building Rimba Point. However, there are still commercial land proposals in the RPN Area that have not been developed. I believe more PPP collaborations can be conducted, yielding significant benefits to the government, and moreover, help the government reach milestones and objectives of national development, especially commercial lands located in prime areas; and

4. A joint project proposal between the Ministry of Development and the Ministry of Energy is to incorporate or equip national housing projects and new buildings with solar panels in phases. For instance, we could harness solar energy that can generate 10 Megawatts to 20 Megawatts, the energy that can be produced by 1,000 to 2,000 housing units. This could help the country's target in terms of green energy, aiming to increase the overall capacity goal to 200 Megawatts from solar energy by 2025. Focusing on the country's commitment to achieving net zero emissions or carbon neutrality as announced during COP 26, at the ASEAN conference 2021. Besides, the domestic use of gas can be reduced and added to the country's gas export value.

   Esteemed Assembly, with the upcoming RKN-12 Roadmap, projects under RKN-12 will be regularly monitored and achieve the expected targets. With the involvement and close cooperation of all ministries in the effort to ensure Vision Brunei 2035 is achieved.

Thank you, Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua.

Yang Berhormat Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri dan Menteri Kewangan dan Ekonomi II

Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi. Thank you for the questions posed by Yang Berhormat. In response to the first and second questions. Regarding the proposal, it is up to the kaola peer colleagues whether it will be answered or not.

Regarding the achievements of RKN-11. As of January 31, 2022, 29 projects have been completed. At the same time, 79 projects are in the implementation stage at this time. If we look at the physical and financial performance, it is still low compared to the total number of RKN-11. However, careful steps in every ministry and department to ensure methods and projects to be implemented must always be examined to yield results and achieve the objectives of Wawasan Brunei 2035. Any projects under RKN-11 that have not been completed or implemented during RKN-11 will be re-examined according to their priority and postponed to RKN-12.

Regarding alternative financing, actually, there were 7 projects previously included in RKN-11. Given the current government affairs, several projects have been able to be implemented by statutory bodies, no longer included in the RKN budget. Thus, these 7 projects are mostly for road construction at industrial sites, now undertaken by Darussalam Enterprise, not included in the RKN budget anymore. That's all, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi for the questions.

Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.

Yang Berhormat Pengerusi

Would Yang Berhormat Menteri Pembangunan like to add something?

Yang Berhormat Menteri Pembangunan

Thank you, esteemed and honored person, regarding the PPP project efforts already established by Yang Berhormat Fdr. Ar. Dayang Siti Rozaimerianty binti Dato Seri Laila Jasa Haji Abdul Rahman earlier. From the aspect of planning in selected housing areas such as the National Housing Scheme areas, there indeed exists a master plan with specific planning over the use of plots or land sites like commercial areas, schools, mosques, recreational areas, etc.

As for the plots of land allocated for housing construction within these residential areas, they are under the supervision and control of the Housing Development Department. Other plots or land sites have been allocated and distributed to respective parties to handle any developments and in alignment with their respective planning. For example, schools under the Ministry of Education, mosques under the Ministry of Religious Affairs, and so forth.

There are several commercial areas with specified sizes in the National Housing Scheme areas categorized as plots or land sites under the Government Land Lease (GLL) plan which have been identified and set for development. Approaches through Private Public Partnership (PPP) methods Expression of Interest (EOI) as an alternative option for developing those commercial areas. This is in planning as what kaola has shared in kaola's introduction yesterday.

Regarding incorporating solar panels, kaola would like to add something, perhaps. Following the recommendation by Yang Berhormat to integrate the installation of solar panels on residential buildings and new buildings for development projects under RKN-12. This is welcomed and it's a good suggestion, and currently, the Ministry of Development is carrying Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV) projects like in Pekan Bangar, Daerah Temburong, and also other solar PV projects like floating solar PV in reservoir areas.

With the newly introduced Net Metering mechanism by the Ministry of Energy, this BIPV application will be more attractive to the private sector and this matter إِنْ شَاءَ ٱللَّهُ will be further discussed with the Ministry of Energy. For the information to Your Honourable Members as well, the requirement for renewable energy is one category under the Brunei Accredited Green Unified Seal (BAGUS) that will support Strategy 5 Power Management and Strategy 8 Climate Resilience and Adaptation. This renewable energy criteria will encourage the use of solar energy sources and low carbon technology in buildings.

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

Yang Berhormat Pengerusi

Yang Berhormat Menteri Hal Ehwal Ugama.

Yang Berhormat Menteri Hal Ehwal Ugama

Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi. Kaola just wants to comment regarding the statement from Yang Berhormat Menteri Pendidikan in the discussion held with Your Honourable Members regarding the shared use of school buildings with the Ministry of Religious Affairs.

The Ministry of Religious Affairs actually supports such proposals, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi. In future steps, the Ministry of Religious Affairs, for this development, will always settle the requirements with the Ministry of Education. This is very important and there are several schools that have been consulted and agreed upon for shared use, and some have not. However, it's important to remember that shared use indeed means shared use for common facilities like halls, etc. For classrooms, especially ones specifically for Religious Section for religious use, there are spaces for practical religious training similar to those in religious school buildings. Following that are the needs for teachers' rooms which will obviously be separated. The shared use, to what extent we can use together specifically each from the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Religious Affairs, must be considered.

For the Ministry of Religious Affairs, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi, this matter is very important because the Ministry of Religious Affairs pays great attention to the coordination of study times between mainstream schools and religious schools. So it means, the coordination of these times is actively being thought about at the ministry level to avoid the common phenomenon where parents have to repeatedly go out leaving their duties especially in the public service is to drop off and pick up their children from religious schools and so on. Therefore, there are measures to use the same school building, so this time coordination will be taken into account.

That is all, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi. Thank you.

Yang Berhormat Pengerusi

Thank you. I guess that's all we negotiate on this Progress Title and now, I'd like to vote.

Your Honourable Members, those in favour of passing this Progress Title, please raise your hand.

(All Members raise their hands in agreement)

Thank you and everyone agrees. This Progress Title is passed.

Yang Dimuliakan Jurutulis

Title SP01A - Progress is made part of the Schedule. Title Chapter 1 Short Title and Commencement.

Yang Berhormat Pengerusi

Your Honourable Members. We are discussing Title Chapter 1 Short Title and Commencement. This Act may be cited as the Supply Act 2022/2023 and shall come into force on 1 April 2022. I think the Title Short Title and Commencement don't need to be debated any further. Therefore, do Your Honourable Members agree that the Title Short Title and Date of Commencement of this Act be passed? If so, please raise your hand.

(All Members raise their hands in agreement)

Thank you. It seems that all Your Honourable Members agree, thus the Title Chapter 1 Short Title and Commencement is passed.

Yang Dimuliakan Jurutulis

Title Chapter 1 Short Title and Commencement is made as part of the Act.

Yang Berhormat Pengerusi

Your Honourable Members. In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful, we have completed discussing and approving the titles contained in the Schedule

Supply Act (2022), 2022/2023.

I would also like to take this opportunity to thank all Your Honourable Members for the cooperation given during the discussions and debates on this Act until its completion. Therefore, to enable us to discuss further matters, I would like to propose that we reconvene at the State Legislative Council Conference Level.

(Committee meeting adjourned)

(Council session resumes)

Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua

Your Honourable Members. Now we reconvene at the State Legislative Council Conference.

I guess that's all for our session this morning, so I would like to adjourn the State Legislative Council session this morning and we will reconvene tomorrow on Thursday, 3 March 2022 at 9.30 am.

That is all, May Allah grant success and guidance, and blessings be upon our leader and Prophet Muhammad and upon all his family and companions.

(Council session 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.