DAY 16 MORNING
20TH MARCH 2024 - MORNING
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Yang Mulia Jurutulis
بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمٰنِ الرَّحِيْمِ
The First Session of the 20th Legislative Season of the Majlis Mesyuarat Negara convened on the sixteenth day, today Wednesday, 9 Ramadhan 1445 corresponding to 20 March 2024, preceded by a Prayer for Safety.
DOA SELAMAT
The Prayer for Safety was recited by Yang Dimuliakan Begawan Pehin Khatib Dato Paduka Haji Awang Suhaili bin Haji Metali Al-Hafiz (Imam of Masjid Jame’ ‘Asr Hassanil Bolkiah).
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua
Alhamdullilah, we are grateful to [missing Jawi words] for their bountiful mercy and permission, allowing us to convene this morning for the sixteenth day in the First Session of the 20th Legislative Season of the Majlis Mesyuarat Negara.
Blessings and peace upon our Great Leader سَيِّدِنَا مُحَمَّدٍ صَلَّىٰ اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ, his family, his companions, and his followers who are loyal and faithful until the end of time.
Your Honourable Members, the Majlis Mesyuarat Negara continues to discuss the Bill (2024) Supply, 2024/2025 proposed by Yang Berhormat Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri dan Menteri Kewangan dan Ekonomi II.
For us to examine this Bill individually, orderly, and smoothly, I adjourn the Session of the Majlis Mesyuarat Negara, and we shall reconvene in Committee Stage in full.
(The Majlis Mesyuarat was adjourned)
(The Committee Session resumed)
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi
بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ Your Honourable Members, the Council is now in full Committee Stage to consider the Bill (2024) Supply, 2024/2025 proposed by Yang Berhormat Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri dan Menteri Kewangan dan Ekonomi II.
Your Honourable Members, in the Committee Meeting yesterday, we have shifted to the Topic under the Ministry of Health and have heard the introductory presentation made and elaborated by Yang Berhormat Menteri Kesihatan regarding strategies and directions as well as explanations about the preparations of the Ministry of Health's Budget for the Fiscal Year 2024/2025, which has been made meticulously and comprehensively.
Thus, I now propose to open this SM01A Topic for discussion and debate.
As we have done while discussing the previous topic, I will invite some of the Your Honourable Appointed Members to pose a question and subsequently invite Yang Berhormat Menteri Kesihatan to provide an answer or response, either to be answered now or to be answered in writing later on.
And for Your Honourable Members who have other questions, as I stated yesterday, you may direct those relevant questions to Yang Mulia Jurutulis, and God willing, they will be presented to Yang Berhormat Menteri Kesihatan for answers and will be conveyed to Your Honourable Members concerned later on, God willing.
I now invite Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Indera Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Suyoi bin Haji Osman.
Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Indera Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Suyoi bin Haji Osman
Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi, for the opportunity to debate the Ministry of Health's budget topic. In the name of God, Most Gracious, Most Merciful, praise be to Allah, the Lord of the Worlds, and peace and blessings be upon the most honored of the prophets and messengers, our prophet Muhammad, and on all his family and companions. Peace and well-being be upon you. Kaola congratulate Yang Berhormat Menteri Kesihatan on the extensive and comprehensive introductory speech regarding the strategic actions, direction of the ministry to improve the quality of healthcare services and treatment to the public and the achievements of the Ministry of Health so far.
The status of care and service in this country is undeniably at a very high level. Kaola welcome the new efforts to add to the current facilities including using cutting-edge technology and artificial intelligence for detecting and treating various diseases including cancer and Diabetic Retinopathy Screening.
Kaola thank all the staff of the Ministry of Health who have shown excellent job performance, praying that all staff of the Ministry of Health will continue to enhance the service performance to a higher level.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi. There are several matters that kaola would like to address in discussing the health ministry's budget that receives an allocation of $573,064,540, an increase of 37% including the transfer allocation for Gleaneagles JPMC and Pantai Jerudong Specialist Centre amounting to $150 million, both of which, in kaola's opinion, are private entities.
The issues kaola would like to raise here:
Firstly, regarding accessibility to healthcare, that is, the ease of obtaining services whether at primary, secondary, and tertiary.
This is essential as the shortage of specialists is among the causes of this accessibility issue. It seems we have yet to bridge the gap between the demand for doctor and specialist services and the number of doctors and specialists available.
Hopefully, with the budget approved this year, the number of doctors and specialists in our country will be increased to reduce the current gap.
The second issue kaola would like to raise is the waiting time, which is also a significant issue, not only in the Emergency Services Department and health centers but also for specialist appointment meetings for the purpose of surgery, treatment, investigation, and others, which take up to 3-6 months before we can see a specialist. In some parts, it's more than 6 months. This does not give a good picture of healthcare in this country.
Regarding the delay in obtaining services at government hospitals and clinics, kaola believe some of the services can be outsourced to private clinics that can provide fast, efficient, and cost-effective services in the long run.
Similarly, how we have outsourced drug procurement to RBTS. The current trend is that many of our patients go abroad to neighboring countries such as Malaysia, to Miri, Kota Kinabalu, and so on because there they receive faster and much cheaper treatment.
This is despite having hospitals like Jerudong Park Medical Center (JPMC), Pantai Jerudong Specialist Centre (PJSC), Gleneagles JPMC with specialists, sophisticated medical equipment, and high-tech laboratories but have not yet succeeded in attracting patients from outside in large numbers.
We fear not only are we less attractive to patients from outside, but it also causes Bruneians to seek treatment abroad. Medical centers there aggressively advertise their services to general practitioners in this country to refer patients from Brunei there. Kaola worry if we still have issues in providing fast treatment and surgery services, our patients will choose to receive treatment abroad, for example, in Miri.
The third issue kaola would like to touch on is the condition of hospitals, especially RIPAS and hospitals in the districts that require a lot of repair work like air conditioning, toilets, and washrooms in wards that are in less pleasing or uncomfortable conditions for users or hospital visitors.
Is the issue a lack of allocation or lack of monitoring by the relevant parties? In the RIPAS surroundings, for example, the unkempt condition can still be seen, where the long grass in the parking area is uncut.
This is different from what we see at JPMC and PJSC in Jerudong. If more attention could be given to the hospitals visited by the public.
Next, kaola would like to address the effectiveness of addressing non-communicable diseases, we have already made many investments at the tertiary level but the status and impact on public health also need to be known. Perhaps the results of the efforts made cannot be seen quickly as stated by Yang Berhormat Menteri Kesihatan but it also needs to be known as an indicator and our notification so the impact and results whether we are on the right track or not.
Statistic Life Expectancy in South East Asia 2022 shows the life expectancy for the population of Singapore is 84.39 years, Thailand 80.13 years, Malaysia 76.58 years, for Nation of Brunei Darussalam it is 74.61 years. There is a decrease here.
In 2017, life expectancy in Brunei was for men 76.3% and for women was 78.3%. Not sure how to explain this phenomenon but that's the reality at this time, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi, as previously shared, our country is an ASEAN country that has a rapid aging rate.
At this time, more than 10% of our population is aged 60 years and above and will reach almost 30% by 2050. Imagine in this honorable hall in 2050, every 1 out of 4 people sitting here will be aged 60 years and above.
Certainly, with the increase in aging, there will also be accompanied by health challenges and social problems related to aging, including the challenge of non-communicable diseases and dementia and challenges of care and concern for the elderly.
Kaola commend and note the efforts of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports (KKBS) and the Ministry of Health in framing specific measures to address health and social issues of the elderly as in the Senior Citizens Action Plan including several actions regarding dementia.
Kaola request clarification on the status of implementation of the measures stated in the action plan especially those related to dementia.
Kaola’s question, are the services available at this time for managing dementia in terms of prevention, detection, treatment, and care for those suffering from dementia sufficient for the medium and long term?
Related to this, it is suggested that the Ministry of Health ensures adequate resources for the implementation of each action in the plan, including human resources that are qualified and consider alternative sources and funding outside the government sector.
In addition, public awareness about dementia must continue so that the general public recognizes it and increases awareness among us so that together we can prevent it. So, this issue kaola request clarification from Yang Berhormat Menteri to what extent this issue is managed? Not only at present but also for the future.
That concludes my remarks, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi, may peace be upon you and Allah's mercy and blessings.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi
By Allah's grace, I now invite Yang Berhormat Awang Zainol bin Haji Mohamed.
Yang Berhormat Awang Zainol bin Haji Mohamed
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful, peace be upon you. Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.
I would like to briefly proceed to the proposal I wish to present, which concerns the full-time placement of Nurses in schools.
In an effort to strengthen the measures for disease prevention among students, I suggest that nurses be stationed at every school full-time. I take note that the Honourable Minister has implemented several health programs in schools as explained by the Honourable Minister yesterday evening.
However, the advantage of having full-time nurses ensures continuous optimal health care for students, reduces gaps in health infrastructure, and supports the education and overall well-being of students. Additionally, having full-time nurses in schools can ensure that emergency actions can be taken immediately without waiting for an ambulance or paramedics to provide necessary treatment quickly in emergency situations.
That is all from me, and I hope this matter can be considered. Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi
I now invite Yang Berhormat Awang Abdul Aziz bin Haji Hamdan.
Yang Berhormat Awang Abdul Aziz bin Haji Hamdan
Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi. In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. I would like to thank the Honourable Minister for the clear and detailed introduction regarding the budget expenditure for 2024/2025. The world was shocked by the COVID-19 outbreak in 2019.
Back then, we were also tested in all aspects of our ability to handle this situation, including the availability of the former National Isolation Centre and the National Isolation Centre (NIC) built in April 2020, should the same situation occur at any time in the future.
In this regard, I seek clarification on the readiness of the Ministry of Health regarding the capabilities of the existing National Isolation Centre (NIC) and how much does the government bear the maintenance costs of the NIC building each year? I seek clarification from the Honourable Minister on this matter.
That is all, thank you.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi
I now invite Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Laila Setia Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Abd. Rahman bin Haji Ibrahim.
Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Laila Setia Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Abd. Rahman bin Haji Ibrahim
In the name of Allah, the Most Merciful, the Most Compassionate
All praise to Allah, Lord of the Worlds, and peace and blessings upon the noblest of prophets and messengers, our Prophet Muhammad, and all his family and companions
Peace be upon you, and Allah's mercy and blessings
And with His help, peace be upon you. Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi, for allowing me to also participate in discussing the allocations for the Ministry of Health.
Thank you and congratulations are also extended to the Honourable Minister for the broad, detailed introduction given yesterday, encompassing the direction, focus, projects, and programs that are currently and will be carried out by the Ministry of Health in the near future.
In my view, if the initiatives presented by the Honourable Minister yesterday can be fully realized and implemented, I believe they will be able to improve the quality of service delivery and elevate the country's healthcare system to a higher level.
I agree with the saying shared by the Honourable Minister yesterday that 'A healthy population is the greatest wealth a country can have'. However, in the context of our country, which provides free healthcare services to its citizens, I believe we also need to consider sustainability and value for money in providing the best for the nation's health.
Therefore, practical options must also be explored from now on to balance this commitment with sustainability in maintaining the health of this nation's people continuously.
As shared in the introduction yesterday by the Honourable Minister in this Financial Year 2024/2025 budget, the Ministry of Health has obtained a significant increase in allocation.
For example, the regular expenditure estimate has increased its allocation by about $157 million for patient treatment at Gleaneagles JPMC and Pantai Jerudong Specialist Centre, which expenditure title has been transferred under the control of the Ministry of Health to increase accountability.
Certainly, this financial responsibility transfer will require the Ministry of Health to strengthen its governance so it is more accountable, transparent, and has solid checks and balances. The effectiveness and value for money must also be emphasized in the commercial spending of this entity.
In addition, we also hope that the additional positions for health professional workforce approved will be filled largely by local youth, God willing
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi, I understand the need to provide the best and world-class health services to safeguard the well-being of the nation's people, covering all aspects.
What is important is the accessibility and availability of these services to all levels of the population safely, easily, quickly, and with quality.
I hope that with the digitalization program and the provision of cutting-edge and state-of-the-art medical equipment using Artificial Intelligence technology, accompanied by a professional health workforce that is expert, experienced, and trained, it will further improve the quality, efficiency, and speed of this service delivery.
God willing, this will be able to address the delays experienced by the public at this time as also explained by a fellow Honourable Member earlier, especially the waiting time in obtaining examination services and medication at hospitals and health centers.
Towards that, I would like to request clarification from the Honourable Minister of Health regarding what are the output strategies or targets that will be produced from this increased allocation, especially in terms of enhancing, improving the delivery of health and medical services to the public especially from the aspect of reducing waiting times, service quality and customer satisfaction?
Will there be a mechanism to continuously measure the achievements of this field?
That's all,
May Allah grant success and guidance, peace be upon you and Allah’s mercy and blessings.
Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi
I now invite Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Johan Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Adanan bin Begawan Pehin Siraja Khatib Dato Seri Setia Haji Md. Yusof.
Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Johan Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Adanan bin Begawan Pehin Siraja Khatib Dato Seri Setia Haji Md. Yusof
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise to Allah, Lord of the Worlds, and peace and blessings upon the most noble of prophets and messengers, Muhammad, and all his family and companions.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi and Your Honourable Members. Firstly, I wish to express my gratitude to Yang Berhormat Pengerusi for providing me the opportunity to join in debating the allocation for the Ministry of Finance.
Additionally, I would also like to express my highest appreciation and congratulations to the Honourable Minister of Health who has presented a very comprehensive allocation for the Financial Year 2024/2025, highlighting the roadmap and strategic plans.
This includes measures to promote, prevent in efforts to enhance the system and level of health, and subsequently leading to better and guaranteed wellness and quality of life for the citizens and residents of this nation.
I believe all the plans and initiatives that have been planned are very welcomed to ensure excellent and best healthcare services. Hopefully, challenges can be overcome to ensure all plans can be implemented within the desired timeframe to full completion.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi and Your Honourable Members. Kaola will not "reach" what my fellow Honourable Member mentioned earlier.
Kaola is more focused on several issues that kaola deem very important. It is undeniable the need and importance for us to follow the current and future trends of ICT and digital transformation.
Technology can also facilitate the provision of health services to the citizens and residents of this country.
However, is it a priority that is much needed compared to the basic needs that must be provided for treatment and healthcare equipment as well as the comfort of patients in dire need that can be directly felt and enjoyed by the patients?
The question is, kaola believe that if there are still more urgent needs such as equipment, medical machines in hospitals, health centers, infrastructure requirements, for example, the National Dental Centre which is now 23 years old, experiencing various problems that need to be addressed:
An increasing number of dentists, including specialists, but insufficient dental chairs to provide services.
Inadequate to accommodate those who have completed dental courses, for example for Dental Foundation Training, Basic Speciality Training, as well as for Dental Hygienists & Therapists courses because there are not enough dental chairs for their training. So, this is limited.
Patients have to wait a long time as my fellow Honourable Member earlier mentioned, some go to Miri. The reason has been long while they need dental services.
Resulting in decreased productivity and dentists have to work by sharing dental chairs, which involves not being able to provide services to patients. The site for gazetting has been ready for 10 years ago located in Kampung Katok but previously it was intended to include this Dental Centre because Children & Women Centre was prioritized, so it was sidelined and planned to be included in the country's development plan but kaola do not see this Dental Centre in the National Development Plan.
Coincidentally, also the World Oral Day on 20 March recently, which was themed 'A Happy Mouth Is a Happy Body'. It emphasizes how vital oral health of each individual can affect the overall health of the body.
Yang Berhormat Menteri Kesiha also said in conjunction with this World Health Day let us all carry out health including oral health as our responsibility to ensure all are close in realizing the vision of Wawasan Brunei 2035, which Achieving High Quality of Life.
Among the problems that kaola mentioned earlier, kaola believe it is imperative to pay attention to the needs and problems faced and how crucial it is to consider erecting this National Dental Centre building.
Let's imagine 10 years from now what will happen. Can the Ministry of Health provide the best service as recommended especially in Oral and Dental Health? This is a problem.
Next, if kaola may continue a bit more, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi? Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.
Kaola take the example of the BruHealth application that was extensively developed and using advanced Artificial Intelligence capabilities have been allocated a total of $62.5 million including the BruHims 2.0 project, the Intelligence Intellect Medical Record system, and so forth.
Whereas allocations under the expenditure Code 005/007 under the Ministry of Health's allocation also amounts to $26,748,191 annually for Health Information and Data System Management.
Kaola compare here just one comparison, the estimated expenditure for managing medical and laboratory equipment under Code 005/006 - Ministry of Health is as much as $7,388,655, which kaola believe is more needed with the condition of medical equipment that is now increasingly obsolete or not functioning properly or not replaced according to the specified lifespan.
Surely medical equipment is more important which involves direct patient treatment and helps identify patient problems or more accurate treatment as well as also maintaining the safety of treated patients.
In connection with the issues and scenarios that kaola stated above, kaola ask for enlightenment from Yang Berhormat Menteri Kesihatan, are there mechanisms introduced to ensure that any e-government or ICT projects requiring large expenditures must go through an impact assessment process on the community first or prioritize the basic needs of this ministry, if it brings more significant benefits to the community.
Secondly, is a cost-benefit analysis conducted on e-government or ICT projects requiring large expenditures compared to the basic needs of healthcare.
Next, is the collaboration of medical equipment implemented following the scheduled standard procedure to avoid inaccuracies in patient treatment that could affect treatment and medical procedures.
Is regular and continuous checking carried out for all medical equipment according to standards and norms?
Has replacement been carried out for medical equipment that has expired its lifespan and kaola also want enlightenment about the position of the new dental center.
Kaola conclude with,
بِسْمِ اللّٰهِ الرَّحْمٰنِ الرَّحِيْمِ. اَلْحَمْدُلِلّٰهِ وَالشُّكْرُ لِلّٰهِ وَ صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ وَبَارَكَ
and once again say thank you to Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi
I now invite Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Mohamad Danial @ Tekpin bin Ya'akub.
Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Mohamad Danial @ Tekpin bin Ya'akub
Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.
بِسْمِ اللّٰهِ الرَّحْمٰنِ الرَّحِيْمِ. اَلْحَمْدُلِلّٰهِ وَالشُّكْرُ لِلّٰهِ وَ صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ وَبَارَكَ
In brief, kaola tend to touch on the status of government hospitals.
In providing the best medical services to patients, referring to the Health Key Digital Com website, Tan Tock Seng Hospital Singapore is ranked 10th in Asia in offering medical services and the largest specialist doctors including providing 1,700 beds for patients.
Meanwhile, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital Taiwan is listed first in Asia Top Hospital for receiving the best service recognition in all aspects, including providing high-quality services to patients and having highly skilled and committed doctors in carrying out their duties.
Besides, this hospital has comprehensive specialist services and contributes to advances in terms of medical education and research.
In connection to this, what are the future plans of the Ministry of Health, especially towards improving the quality of services at hospitals, at least on par with the standards of hospitals at the regional level.
That's all kaola can convey, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.
وبالله التوفيق والهادة، والسلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركته.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi
Your Honourable Members, we have already heard the questions and also the suggestions that have been presented by 6 appointed Honourable Members and now I will ask Yang Berhormat Menteri Kesihatan to give his reaction or response to the matters raised.
I invite Yang Berhormat Menteri Kesihatan.
Yang Berhormat Menteri Kesihatan
Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.
بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم أَحْمَدُهُ سُبْحَانَهُ، وَأَشْكُرُهُ شُكْرًا عِنْدَ تُقْصِيرِ آلَائِهِ وَتَقْصِيرِي، سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى لَهُ مَا فِي السَّمَوَاتِ وَمَا فِي الأَرْضِ، وَخَضَعَ لَهُ كُلُّ شَيْءٍ وَهُوَ عَلَى كُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدِيرٌ.
First of all, kaola would like to thank the Your Honourable Members who have prayed for the well-being of the personnel of the Ministry of Health.
Answering the first question of Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Indera Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Haji Awang Suyoi bin Haji Osman regarding the issue of accessibility and the shortage of doctors, and as I mentioned in the introduction, there we increase the number of doctors, allied health professionals, and nurses as well to improve patient care and accessibility, in brief.
The waiting time in AE has, over the past 2 years, the average waiting time for category three is about 4 hours, which is not bad, considering it's a government, a free hospital. Compared to neighboring countries that also charge, P3 can go for up 24 hours.
That's no excuse but still we try our best to improve the care, so if P1, which requires emergency, it will be handled immediately. That doesn't wait, chest pain, etc. And for P2, for example, abdominal pain, ensuring what, the waiting time is 20 minutes. So, we can challenge any developed country for the statistics.
Regarding waiting for treatment or appointments, it is divided into 3 categories. Emergencies will be seen immediately on that day. Urgent cases will be seen within 24 to 48 hours, and routine cases will be seen about between 2 weeks to 4 weeks, but sometimes it can go up to 6 weeks.
However, as mentioned here, certain surgeries have a long wait. Like I think I mentioned last year, for example, cataract. Cataracts did not have a long wait before COVID-19. Because of COVID-19, we didn't operate for over three years. Now let's just go into simple statistics. In one year we operate 400. If for 3 and a half years we didn't operate, it will be about 1600 or thereabouts. So the Ministry of Health understands where people wait a long time for cataracts.
So what is done to speed this up is opening all hospitals except for Temburong District, for cataract operations, so increase the capacity in Kuala Belait, in Tutong. We also outsource cataract operations at JPMC to reduce the waiting time.
Hopefully, we may be able to catch up to the normal 400 recently but unfortunately, there were problems again early this year, so it goes back up. God willing, this will be addressed.
So regarding people going abroad, we can't prohibit them, it's up to them, so those who often go abroad, those to Miri, maybe even Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Indera Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Haji Awang Suyoi bin Haji Osman also explained about teeth, people with braces. So, braces are not a priority in the Ministry of Health.
It will not cause someone to lose their life or severe harm. It's just not beautiful maybe. So, we still provide for free but of course, the cost of braces is quite expensive. They pay only a few hundred, so the rest is subsidized by the government. If outside, the cost of braces ranges from $2000 to $4000 depending on what problem it has.
So, we have to prioritize what’s important and at this time, sending patients abroad has decreased from the government except for a few sectors only. For example, complex congenital heart, bone marrow transplant, complex renal transplant. Regular renal transplant that is straightforward is done in Brunei already, and liver transplants are still abroad and certain eye conditions, that’s it. So, we are working on how to ensure our current young consultants are able to take some of this over in the future.
Regarding RIPAS, as you may know, as we have also seen in the past few years, RIPAS has made expansions in terms of modifications, many wards have been upgraded, but it is step by step.
So some of the old wards might still look unusable but God willing, this year it will be taken care of again as stated in the introduction. This includes toilets, toilets will be prioritized in the allocation I mentioned in the introduction.
Regarding the care or management of this hospital, mostly are outsourced, I appreciate the suggestion of Yang Berhormat, we need to be more efficient in managing the contractors, like grass already knowing when to cut and so forth. This has also been emphasized to the management of RIPAS, so God willing, it will improve.
Moving on to the question about Dementia. Thus, the Ministry of Health will always provide a health system and infrastructure that is easily accessible and fair as well as high quality to the entire population of this country to ensure all individuals will take advantage of the facilities provided.
So to inform everyone here, dementia has various types. It will be identified first by a general practitioner or primary medicine doctor to refer the dementia patient to a neurology, geriatric, or psychiatric clinic.
Regarding dementia medication, the medication available at this time is particularly for Alzheimer's disease, and other types of dementia do not yet have specific treatment or medication. However, to treat Dementia, it is not only about recovering from the disease but also about slowing down and stabilizing the deterioration of a person's Dementia.
The most important thing is to reduce the symptoms of dementia like Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Indera Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Haji Awang Suyoi bin Haji Osman just asked how to prevent these? The most crucial thing is reducing these severe symptoms by doing healthy activities such as physical activity and brain exercises. That means doing activities like playing chess, reading books, reading the Quran, etc.
And what is most important is early prevention, because some of these dementia is related to NCD like multi-infarct or past stroke, etc. So this is related to NCD control like diabetes, high blood pressure, etc.
The Ministry of Health will also ensure health caregivers and trained volunteers can provide relevant health advice and services for all individuals with dementia and their family members and carers. However, it is acknowledged that this might still not be sufficient, God willing, involvement from the ministry and volunteers will be increased to jointly address this problem.
The Ministry of Health through the Health Promotion Center closely collaborates with various government agencies such as the Senior Citizens Activity Center (PAKWE) across the country. The Senior Citizens Association and Dementia Brunei Organization as an NGO to raise awareness about dementia and implement interventions and activities related to Dementia.
Various activities and roadshows have been held together with Dementia Brunei Association, including the following:
- Dementia screening sessions among the community;
- Health talk sessions for senior citizens at all PAKWE branches; and
- Scheduled Senior Citizens Association participation.
These health programs have received encouraging responses from senior citizens across the country. In addition, mass media campaigns through radio and social media related to dementia, and last year, an International Dementia Conference with cooperation from Alzheimer Disease International was held in this country where participants from within and outside the country shared knowledge on this issue.
Furthermore, media briefing sessions and distribution of posters and banners in conjunction with the Dementia Day Celebration 2023 at government departments, supermarkets, private companies, and other public places.
The Ministry of Health will continue to enhance cooperation with the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports and the Dementia Association to ensure this dementia issue can be promptly addressed.
MOH has medium and long-term planning in addressing issues of elderly care, not limited to dementia only. That is increasing skilled staff in elderly and dementia care, providing facilities or stepdown hospitals and daycares that are old age-friendly. Planning for new hospital blocks that provide age-friendly wards, for RIPAS Hospital in the future.
Regarding outsourcing to private, Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Indera Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Haji Awang Suyoi bin Haji Osman had asked about outsourcing services like RBTS.
What the Ministry of Health has done in recent years is encouraging private clinic organizations. As mentioned in the introduction, in recent years, many private clinics, even allied health professional ones, were established last year. This will somewhat help the public access specialist care. So, those who are able can go to private clinics. It is an effort by the Ministry of Health to encourage more private clinics, especially specialist health services like allied health, speech language, from physiotherapy, etc.
Regarding our life expectancy, this is not a 2 to 3 years issue but a several years issue. In this honorable council, I have also previously stated, unfortunately, our NCD is increasing, causing an increase in premature deaths. As I also shared before, the average person who has a stroke or heart attack in this country is 10 years younger compared to western countries.
Recently in the introduction, I mentioned that we did Health Literacy. Health Literacy means research is done to the extent people understand about this health issue. And interestingly although the sample isn’t very large, if not mistaken a few 4 to 5 hundred only. The highly educated, whose Health Literacy is poor, which is a bit shocking because we thought that it's not the highly schooled who don’t understand or what, but it's the highly educated ones whose Health Literacy is very poor.
So, we need to go through the Health Promotion Center, the Ministry of Health in the past few years has also conducted such an activity in the Ministries to provide information regarding health matters, the whole ministry has already done so.
Then, even exercises for the last 2 years, all the ministries have engaged with the Ministry of Health's HPC project WAH Programme. Following that, recently there were only 6 ministries involved in the weight control project at 6 ministries and it is still ongoing.
Regarding health literacy, it is a bit alarming because we hope that the educated ones would understand it more deeply but it is the opposite. Therefore, in cooperation with the Health Promotion Centre, research will be conducted on how to improve this.
That is all, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi, regarding the question from Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Johan Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Adanan bin Begawan Pehin Siraja Khatib Dato Seri Setia Haji Mohd Yusuf.
Regarding the hospitals and their equipment, they are currently waiting their turn to be replaced and in terms of, as I said earlier, toilets and cleanliness it is outsourced so we need to manage the contractor a bit more, it’s not that there isn’t a budget and so on.
Regarding the air-conditioning AHU, it is known that it is old, indeed replaced in stages. The challenge is replacing them, we have to close these wards, that's also a problem. If it’s one ward, it's no problem. Usually, there are 2-3 wards or 4 wards at once because the AHU is linked to all these wards, so that's the challenge.
Adding more on the elderly, as asked earlier, the eldercare action plan has been updated in conjunction with the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports taking into account the concept of not just healthy ageing, it's successful ageing.
At this time, the working committee has convened to scrutinize more detailed actions, KPIs, and targets relevant so that it fits with the situation of healthy ageing in this country. The actions within the action plan are also hoped to be more holistic taking into account the Whole of Nation Approach and more sustainable.
Next, kaola answers the question from Yang Berhormat Awang Zainol bin Haji Mohamed regarding full-time nurses, this is indeed a good suggestion if we have the nurse and the allocation is there. Where if we look at the international schools in Brunei, all have their nurses. It helps the students and the parents also if they fall sick.
It is a good thing but for now with the human resource we have, hospitals and existing clinics are prioritized first.
Regarding the NIC. The original NIC is 27 beds, its capacity is equivalent to ICU or HDU and Alhamdulillah, during the pandemic although we felt overwhelmed but we manage to build an extension of NIC then we build 166 beds with all ICU and HDU capabilities as well and even hemodialysis and if need be, we can also use the main building, that will add about 60 more beds.
So, our readiness in facing any pandemic, Insha’Allah is still sustainable and we also follow the WHO standards where we will be assessed every 3 years also. Before the pandemic, our readiness was assessed by WHO against our readiness, just in November before pandemic happen, it's called under IHR (International Health Regulation).
However, the IHR has been identified during the pandemic to have many shortcomings, especially the rest of the world.
Although we have followed the standards but there are certain countries that are not capable, so now the IHR is being drafted, to ensure all countries have access to care as in no one is save until everyone is save. So, this is still being formed by WHO, where Brunei Darussalam works closely with WHO following the meetings to ensure a small country like ours is not left behind or excluded.
For your information, the NIC has an operating theatre for Special Care Baby Unit and they all have negative pressure capabilities and there are rooms that can be converted to dual positive and negative pressure capabilities. All the machines at this time, we rotate it to other hospitals so that they are still functional. During the pandemic, we had many machines, so some of the machines are rotated to other hospital to make sure it is used and the maintenance is still there like ventilators, monitoring systems and so on.
Next, Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Laila Setia Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Abd. Rahman bin Haji Ibrahim also stated about accessibility.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi and Your Honourable Members. It is of importance for the ministry where treatment or healthcare is accessible to all and as all of you are aware, there are 14 health centers and 6 health clinics located in strategic locations.
The operating hours for most of them are office hours, however, extended service hours are also provided at some locations namely Berakas Health Centre and Sungai Liang Health Centre.
The public can access all these services regardless of their residential area since August 2023.
Additionally, the department also provides land transport services to Labi, Sukang, and Melilas on a scheduled basis, this includes dental care there.
The department also provides home visit services for newly delivered mothers and home-based nursing for chronic patients who meet certain criteria such as NG Feeding, Stoma and so on.
And 2 health centers will be built in our RKN plan, Insha’Allah, that is Bandar Seri Begawan Health Centre and Mengkubau Health Centre. This is hoped to provide access and also reduce the ratio of people to doctor in that community as previously stated by kaola.
To wait at the health centers, the Health Department always strives to ensure that waiting time, to see a doctor, is always improved. Doctor's appointments are divided into two categories at the health center, walk-in or by appointment and the number of doctors on duty is the main limitation to how many patients can be seen at one time.
You just calculate simple maths, one person a minimum of 10 minutes an hour is 6 people, if working hours are 8 hours so we know it's less than 50. If there are 70 people, they will wait, they will be seen just later and especially for walk-ins, except for emergencies, if it's an emergency as stated earlier, they will be attended to immediately.
For those who have appointments at the health centers, they are advised to arrive 30 minutes earlier to ensure the registration and screening process is carried out before seeing the doctor. The duration of the appointment is subject to several factors for instance if a patient with diabetes if their sugar level is not controlled, it takes longer than 10 minutes sometimes.
Although the main consideration is the outcome of the patient behavior process if patients are found to be unstable, they will be prioritized first as I have mentioned earlier.
Here I also take the opportunity about scheduling appointments. If we have an appointment at 9, don’t leave home at 9, because of overlapping, this is what causes delays or it disrupts the clinic. If you come half an hour early it is highly encouraged.
Regarding the reallocation of funds, I agree, a reallocation of $150 million from the Ministry of Finance and Economy to the Ministry of Health for the Pantai Jerudong Specialist Centre and Gleneagles JPMC.
So, the Pantai Jerudong Specialist Centre, I would also like to inform, it is divided into several specialists, first of all, BNSRC Brunei Neuroscience Stroke & Rehab Centre that is where all the stroke patients and neurosurgery patients are, spine surgery all there and rehab there too.
So, that is one department. Then we got the Brunei Cancer Centre. So, this is where all the medical oncology that undergoes chemotherapy are and the Radiotherapy Department there, Nuclear Medicine Department is also there and Early Detection & Cancer Prevention Services are also there. PJSC also includes Maxillofacial, Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery whose building is at RIPAS. So, that is under Pantai Jerudong Specialist Centre.
Even though it seems like a large amount $150 million, if divided, it’s not that much. Now, I agree, with that allocation under the Ministry of Health will make sure the accountability is there for each department especially cancer treatment where not necessarily we buy the latest cancer chemotherapy medicine which if in the study it only adds life for 2 weeks, spending a million for one person in 2 months, so there is no point. That's where, we want to do some governance in terms of purchasing medicines and so on.
So, regarding the waiting for medicines, even if you go to the neighboring country, I have been there its regular medicine wait is 12 hours for them 'patch-up'. Our wait is also 1 to 2 hours especially at RIPAS.
However, the elderly are usually given a different priority. For the public 'it's provided' delivery services for medicine like Go Rush and there’s the post office and another company. So, payment of $3 to $5 depends how long, if $3 is routine, sometimes up to 2 days, if he wants it the same day, today, $5.
So, if we compare how long we wait 1 to 2 hours, if paying 2 hours of waiting is already $2 for parking, not to mention holding back anger, so it's better to use this delivery service.
However, the Ministry of Health will always ensure wherever the waiting is, we always monitor.
Here, kaola take the opportunity to remind the public, we have this app called MOHK, if there are any delays or dissatisfaction, please use it. That's where we can evaluate its effectiveness, any intervention we make.
If you don’t have any feedback, we don’t know. So, the public is encouraged to use MOHK whether for good or even for commendation if they appreciate a nurse or health members, it's possible there too, not just for complaints.
So, if there are any shortcomings, please it is there available and we always monitor this. Just a month not many use, only tens of people, so it is there and you know, it's there for everyone. So, from there we can also measure the effectiveness of what we do.
I missed out earlier about the shortage of specialists. Thus, the Ministry of Health continuously encourages local doctors to pursue training to expertise and specialization levels in line with planning and service needs and also in identified areas where there is still not enough local specialists.
However, it must also be understood that the required expertise fields are not few. Even so far, in this small state with 400,000 people, we have 50 medical specialties available in health hospitals.
Training to achieve specialist qualifications takes at least 6 to 10 years. So, it's a long process and in this opportunity, kaola also thank all the previous leaders in the government for the wisdom of Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan dan Yang Di-Pertuan Negara Brunei Darussalam and former government members which now we have reached 120 local medical specialists that have been appointed. This takes a long process and now it's quicker. For kaola previously, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi, it's 18 years, so now it's a bit shorten. This expertise also includes increasing the number of specialists in any field including dentistry, public health, and primary health care. It becomes an investment for ministry investment not focused on specialists at the hospital only.
Next, kaola add a bit more, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi about nurses in schools. Currently, there are 22 nurses across Negara Brunei Darussalam involved with schools, what we call them school help nurses.
In Tutong 3 people, Brunei-Muara 13 people, Kuala Belait 3 people and Temburong 3 people. This service aims to ensure the best health level is achieved for school population and enables them to achieve the maximum educational potential. This service is provided to all government and private schools in the country. Medical examination in schools is they check immunization, minimum medical treatment for students, health education they provide, and conduct home visits and follow-ups on certain cases. Due to the limited number of nurses, as I stated earlier number of schools increasing, so the school service is carried out on a schedule. إِنْ شَاءَ ٱللَّٰهُ maybe in the future, when we have enough nurses and enough allocation it will be a good idea to have.
Next, a question from Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Johan Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Adanan bin Begawan Pehin Siraja Khatib Dato Seri Setia Haji Md. Yusof about digitalization.
Digitalization, what's important is we need to get information. Information in other words is also wealth. Without accurate information, we can't make specific planning or provision from a public health standpoint that we need to provide to achieve Wawasan Brunei 2035. It seems too expensive but we want as accurate as possible, there is artificial intelligence behind it, so like BruHealth application it’s not just a one-off $60 million, it’s phased and what's important here is it can predict or show what problems the Ministry of Health will face in 15 to 20 years.
We already have 10 years of data, so the more data they have they can follow the algorithm provided they will be able to predict how many people.
What are the most faced problems 15 to 20 years from now and from there we can plan what type of medicine we need to provide. For example, diabetes is on the rise where dialysis will increase, then we need to prepare more renal doctors as I mentioned renal doctors takes 6 to 10 years to produce and then from here we can make adequate preparations and the price of other equipments, Bru-HIMS 2.0 is to replace Bru-HIMS 1.0 currently.
We have appointed a new system, which will be more sophisticated and interactive in that it also has artificial intelligence where if we make the symptoms it can also help give a differential diagnosis, etc. and because the current system is becoming unstable we have to change the Bru-HIMS 1.0.
If possible, not 'pulang' changed but the system is no longer stable and no longer supported, so it uses a few life lines by the company so that in 1 or 2 years it will no longer be resistant.
In terms of allocation like equipment from Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Johan Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Adanan bin Begawan Pehin Siraja Khatib Dato Seri Setia Haji Md. Yusof not much only $7 million only.
Currently what the Ministry of Health does is rather than buying we are leasing now, that allocation does not include there, it's in another allocation. So most of the equipment, labs even CT & MRI it all leased. With leasing, they have proper maintenance also, hopefully with this new agreement equipment will be better maintained.
In terms of standards, indeed we want to make international standards, here we find our people or departments under it 'inda' able to make, they try their best but how many people only 'diaorang ani', we have how many thousands equipment so they know the standards but it is just there are certain challenges, that's why maintenance 'macam ani' like last year there koala states we plan to outsource this actually 'ganya' there are certain times cannot continue.
If this digital transformation we say will give more access to care like in the introduction koala states now can do screening even before hard to see doctor in clinic sometimes 'kana marahi lagi bahapa' screening, now it is accessible through your phone, you answer all the questions. If there's a match, you are invited for screening.
We believe to ensure the healthcare is sustainable for our children and grandchildren and so on is to contain the cost of healthcare. Currently, $500 million so it is predicted in 2035 it will go on more than a billion.
So, in order to prevent the acute rise in healthcare, we believe doing screening and increasing health literacy is very important. Screening is free for our people but 'inda' know why people 'inda berapa', afraid 'jua' especially the educated one.
Once they know they have a problem afraid 'kan berjumpa they go until too late so this perception must we change where if we detect early by screening, we can detect diseases especially cancer early and it is curable إن شاء الله if stage 1, stage 2 nowadays most cancer is curable by stage 1 stage 2. That is why in PJSC we also have early detection in cancer prevention.
There especially for cancer patients, especially those who are young 30s, 40s and with a strong family history where we also do genetic screening and if this genetic screening is positive we have to screen the rest of the family too or invite the family. Still voluntary for the family to be invited because in Negara Brunei Darussalam there are certain families who have a lot of cancer so if we know they are part of this then we can screen them early so 'diaorang' do not fall into national screening so their screening is specific, so more frequent and more targeted than the normal population.
This is among the methods or paths prioritized by the Ministry of Health to control especially cancer death, premature in cancer. 'Cematu' also Cardiovascular, in BruHealth there is already Cardiovascular Screening so we are quite active in screening this kind of population as well. Under Code 005/007 it is Maintenance Under Bru-HIMs and BruHealth.
Regarding the National Dental Centre, this has been thought about for a long time, there are other methods being suggested as well like PPP and so on.
A few places have been suggested as well not just the one mentioned earlier but according to the priority, we believe Dental Centre can be made into PPP, we look into that again. If successful then we look for PPP,
This is not the Ministry of Health discriminates dental, we know that especially Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Johan Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Adanan bin Begawan Pehin Siraja Khatib Dato Seri Setia Haji Md. Yusof stated earlier a good oral health is a happy body. We believe at the moment we try to improve chairs in certain health centres and we also encourage the establishment of private clinics.
Waiting for teeth long 'ani' as far as kaola knows about braces 'pulang ganya' usually and then maybe dentures. Here, I would like to explain these dentures many 'inda berambil' hundreds of dentures is not collected. If it's really not useful don't go there first, others are delayed. Hundreds in the dental lab. Dentures are not cheap, it costs a few hundred dollars. If 500 already how many hundred thousand the government spends. Other than the price of doctors and lab technicians, this is just the price of dentures. Braces as I said earlier even though is not critical to life, the Ministry of Health still provides, only we limit its issuance because we prioritise other healthcare matters which are more important.
Regarding post-analysis, benefits and things like that, in this country, there are no experts on health economics, that is for sure, even we've asked for the last few years even at regional meetings, but recently, we have engaged with the help of WHO, a body from the United Nations to analyze our use of BruHealth.
So, that is in the process. We also want to know whether what we doing is worth the money, worth every cent, which we believe it is. Even WHO believes in this, but we want the proof of the effort.
Sometime this year, a body from the United Nations will come and assess us and also help us how to do the health economics of BruHealth. It's not something simple, that is something we need to learn, and we need a third body to do that.
Question from Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Mohamad Danial @ Tekpin bin Ya'akub, expertise. So, at the end of the day, it goes to a few things. 1. What is the population size?
If 'kitani' are only 400 thousand, we cannot have 100 specialties. That's why we still send some patients abroad where the specialty is, especially if it exists only once or twice in Brunei, it's not worth paying the salary for that doctor to work with one to two patients a year.
So, it's better to send them abroad and not only that, because we need to send that patient to a doctor or practice where they do a lot, where there is volume. So, volume speaks excellence.
Usually, the more surgeries of rare cases they perform, the better they are. And just compare, this is for comparison. I went to a hospital, one of the so-called public hospitals in a neighboring country.
This was about 8 years ago. Kaola asked, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi, at this hospital, how much is their budget for 2000 beds, 2 billion and this doesn't include research. Research 400, 600 million, separate. This particular hospital, the budget is 2 billion and how much is 'kitani's' total budget for the country.
But yet, we shouldn't be ashamed, we should be proud because the end products, the end results we produce are comparable to what they have. We match 'Apple to Apple' lah, the other specialty 'kitani' don’t have, it doesn't exist.
So, أَنْفَقْ مِنْ مَالِهِ The Government under 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 Negara Brunei Darussalam and the wisdom of Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan Negara Brunei Darussalam also ensures access to care is equal to everyone, irrespective of their race, religion, rank, and so on.
So that’s a main factor, Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Mohamad Danial @ Tekpin bin Ya'akub. So, if we have a 2 billion budget for the Ministry, then we can do a lot as well. So, there is a lot of wishlist within the Ministry, not that we never thought of that. So 'kitani' are also aware of our fiscal and our consolidation process and spending wisely as well. And we just prioritize things so that whatever we do is justifiable.
That's all, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi, thank you.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi
Thank you, Yang Berhormat Minister of Health for the answers provided to the questions posed by the 6 Your Honourable Members Appointed.
Now I will give the opportunity to another 6 Your Honourable Members Appointed to voice their questions, and after that, we will hear responses from Yang Berhormat Minister of Health.
To begin, I invite Yang Berhormat Pengiran Haji Isa bin Pengiran Haji Aliuddin.
Yang Berhormat Pengiran Haji Isa bin Pengiran Haji Aliuddin
Thank you, wise Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.
بِسْمِ اللّٰهِ الرَّحْمٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ
الْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ رَبِّ الْعَالَمِينَ, وَالصَّلاةُ وَالسَّلَامُ عَلَىٰ شَرَفِ الْأَنْبِيَاءِ وَالْمُرْسَلِينَ, سَيِّدِنَا مُحَمَّدٍ وَعَلَىٰ آلِهِ وَصَحْبِهِ أَجْمَعِينَ.
'Kitani' will not appreciate the blessing of health until 'kitani' experience ill health. Thank you to Yang Berhormat Minister of Health for the budget introduction and the directions for the Ministry of Health Fiscal Year 2024/2025 yesterday.
Highly admired Yang Berhormat Minister of Health for the clear and detailed introduction. In this honorable chamber, kaola wish to raise issues regarding medical services for the Kampong Ayer residents and its surroundings including any emergencies occurring in the rivers and waters of this country.
As kaola understand, 'kitani' have several ambulance boats equipped with the same paramedic equipment as what is in land ambulances.
With over 20 thousand people living in Kampong Ayer and boats and small ships still operating in the Brunei River and the country's waters, is the number of ambulance boats in the country sufficient to handle any medical emergency requests and if emergencies occur on the rivers and waters of the country?
Is there a plan by the Ministry of Health to increase the number of available boats considering the cases of emergencies in Kampong Ayer that kaola understand are increasing?
That's all, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi. والسلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركاته
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi
أفهم، شكرا I invite Yang Berhormat Dayang Hajah Rosmawatty binti Haji Abdul Momin.
Yang Berhormat Dayang Hajah Rosmawatty binti Haji Abdul Momin
Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.
أأكد لك بأن القضية والقضايا والسلام على الشرق أقيمه والأدبيات والقريبيات، شكرا وعز وقع أله وتعبية أقيمه.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi and Your Honourable Members, peace be upon you. Kaola wish to raise the issue of mental health and stigma, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi. In Negara Brunei Darussalam, awareness of mental health issues is increasing.
It is understood that the number of individuals suffering from mental health issues might be higher due to the stigma especially among youth, women, single individuals, and those with a history of mental health issues.
باهكمنا, the Ministry of Health has taken steps to address mental health issues by providing the Talian Harapan 145 and Mental Health Awareness Tours across ministries.
Kaola understand that this hotline receives an average of 2000 calls each year and mental health counselors are available 24/7. The establishment of As-Syafi clinic is also an effort to reduce the stigma towards mental health.
One issue kaola wish to emphasize is the confidentiality of patient visit records to psychiatric clinics. Even though treatment for mental health issues is important, stigma remains a major obstacle for individuals seeking help without concern.
This is because treatment records uploaded in the BruHealth application become a source of information for screening job applications and scholarships, accessible by the Ministry of Health.
Kaola's question, how can the government ensure the confidentiality of individuals' mental health records so that it does not become an obstacle for them to lead a normal life. Kaola's suggestion:
The Ministry of Health to work together with other agencies to ensure individuals receiving psychiatric treatment are accepted with their conditions and it does not hinder their access to assistance and lead a normal life;
To increase the number of resources handling the Talian Harapan 145 to ensure service efficiency with the increase in received calls;
To promote mental health awareness programs together with agencies from ministries, the private sector, and educational institutions; and
Efforts must continue to make psychiatric clinics with a friendly atmosphere for patients and visitors.
That's all, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi, thank you. والسلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركاته
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi
Thank you. I invite Yang Berhormat Dr. Awang Haji Mahali bin Haji Momin.
Yang Berhormat Dr. Awang Haji Mahali bin Haji Momin
Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.
بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم اَلْحَمْدُ لِلّهِ رَبِّ اْلعَالَمِيْنَ. وَالصَّلاَةُ وَالسَّلاَمُ عَلىْ شَيْخِ اْلأَنْبِيَاءِ وَالمُرْسَلِيْنَ. سَيِّدِنَا مُحَمَّدٍ وَعَلىْ آلِهِ وَصَحْبِهِ أَجْمَعِيْنَ.
First of all, thank you to Yang Berhormat Minister of Health for the extensive introduction and congratulations on the efforts made and all the plans executed smoothly to achieve the direction of the Ministry of Health.
Kaola wish to touch on JPMC College of Health Sciences which perhaps does not require an extensive explanation from Yang Berhormat Minister of Health.
Kaola's question is Yang Berhormat Pengerusi. Are the students who pursue courses at this college internationally recognized making them marketable both domestic and abroad.
That's all, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi. وبالله التوفيق والهداية. والسلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركاتك
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi
I invite Yang Berhormat Awang Mohammad bin Abdullah @ Lim Swee Ann.
Yang Berhormat Awang Mohammad bin Abdullah @ Lim Swee Ann
Thank You, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.
بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمٰنِ الرَّحِيْمِ وَبِهِ نَسْتَعِيْنُ وَالْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ رَبِّ الْعَالَمِيْنَ Firstly, kaola would like to thank Yang Berhormat Minister of Health for his informative introduction on the plans and efforts of the ministry to move the people and residents of Negara Brunei Darussalam towards a healthy population.
In discussing the quality of life for the citizens, it is related to the health issues of each individual. This includes the facilities provided by the government to ensure everyone receives good and perfect health services.
Kaola is very thankful to the Government of Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Negara Brunei Darussalam for providing free health services.
However, kaola would also like to voice the issue of some citizens in remote areas who live far from hospitals and health centers. Often, there are difficulties when emergencies occur and immediate health or medical assistance is needed.
In connection with this, kaola is pleased to propose that the Ministry of Health and concerned parties consider and evaluate the establishment of rural ambulance services and 24-hour air ambulances to provide emergency assistance in remote areas; seeking clarification on this matter.
That is all. وبالله التوفيق والهداية، والسلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركة
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi
I now invite Yang Berhormat Haji Awang Sulaiman bin Haji Nasir.
Yang Berhormat Haji Awang Sulaiman bin Haji Nasir
Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi. وبالله التوفيق والهداية، والسلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركة
Greetings. Firstly, kaola would like to thank Yang Berhormat Menteri Kesihatan for presenting the 2024 Budget Bill for the Ministry of Health. We hope that it will be implemented as well as possible, إن شاء الله.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi and Your Honourable Members, in the past, the government would send patients overseas to receive comprehensive treatment. In addition to that, the government also needed overseas laboratory services to conduct more in-depth tests of patient's blood samples, tissues, etc.
Kaola understands that this practice has reduced because there are now medical facilities and equipment available that allow these procedures to be performed in Negara Brunei Darussalam.
Kaola welcomes this development and at the same time, it can save costs borne by the government to finance the patients concerned.
Therefore, kaola wants to know whether there are still patients being sent overseas for treatment and how much cost savings can be achieved when receiving such treatment in the country.
And what are the government's plans towards improving the capacity or capability of local hospital laboratories.
Kaola seeks clarification from Yang Berhormat Menteri Kesihatan on this matter.
That is all.
وبالله التوفيق والهداية. والسلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركته.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi
I now invite Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Md. Salleh bin Haji Othman.
Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Md. Salleh bin Haji Othman
Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.
بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمٰنِ الرَّحِيْمِ الحمد لله السلام عَلَيْكُم وَرَحْمَةُ الله وبركاته
Kaola does not forget to thank Yang Berhormat Menteri Kesihatan for the introduction to the direction and planning of the Ministry of Health in managing and planning the 2024/2025 Budget, hopefully, it can be diversified accordingly.
Kaola is pleased to touch on the Public Health Act (Food) Chapter 182, the health section of kitchen equipment and food places, vector control, which is the control against flies, cockroaches, rats, and other animals must always be conducted.
In addition to that, electric fly traps should be installed in the kitchen area safely and in the appropriate places such as dining halls.
In developed countries, fly control is mandatory for restaurant and cafe owners to maintain food safety from contamination.
For example, in Australia and New Zealand, restaurant owners face fines or closure of premises when found to fail in controlling flies, and this becomes a priority for restaurant owners to ensure their premises are fly-free.
Kaola feels called to voice this issue because there are food premises that take the issue of flies at their place lightly, sometimes disturbing the peace of customers while eating. Fly control methods are also not carried out seriously, in other words, only minimally.
In connection with this, kaola suggests that the concerned parties enforce this act so that the issue of flies and other insects can be appropriately addressed and at the same time provide guidance to food traders about suitable control methods as practiced by developed countries.
That is all from kaola.
وَبِالَّتَّأْتُونِ وَالصَّلامُ. وَالسَّلامُ عَلَيْكُمْ وَرَحْمَةُ اللهِ وَبَرَكَتُهُ
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi
Your Honourable Members. That was the submission of 6 questions by 6 Yang Berhormat Members to Yang Berhormat Menteri Kesihatan. Before I ask Yang Berhormat Menteri Kesihatan to reply or provide a reaction or response to the questions posed and to allow for a review, perhaps the questions submitted.
I would like to adjourn this meeting for 15 minutes.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi
بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمٰنِ الرَّحِيْمِ Your Honourable Members. The Committee Meeting is still discussing the Topic under the Ministry of Health.
Before we took a short break, we heard questions from 6 Yang Berhormat Members Appointed and now it’s time for me to invite Yang Berhormat Menteri Kesihatan to provide explanations or responses to the questions previously posed.
I now invite Yang Berhormat Menteri Kesihatan.
Yang Berhormat Menteri Kesihatan
Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi. بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمٰنِ الرَّحِيْمِ Please allow kaola to answer the question from Yang Berhormat Pengiran Haji Isa bin Pengiran Haji Aliuddin regarding ambulances in water villages. Last year, calls in water villages recorded 154 calls and this year 40 calls. Currently, 'kitani' have 2 ambulance boats and 2 temuai.
From this statistic, the suggestion is still sufficient; however, the challenge faced by the Ministry of Health regarding ambulance boats, especially in the city, is finding boat drivers and coxswains.
We need drivers and coxswains familiar with water villages because the address is not visibly clear like on land and there's no proper demarcation of one village to another, so 'kitani' also need to take from the water village people to become drivers.
The difficulty is in finding a replacement later, so far if 'they' retire it’s hard for 'kitani', so residents of water villages are welcome if there's an advertisement for ambulance drivers and coxswains to come forward.
However, this situation will be monitored where if there's a need to increase, إن شاء الله the ambulance boat will be added.
Next, the question from Yang Berhormat Dayang Hajah Rosmawatty binti Haji Abdul Mumin regarding mental issues. The Ministry of Health greatly emphasizes the issues of secrecy and confidentiality of patient only, 'switching does not happen'.
I apologize, so the Ministry of Health welcomes Yang Berhormat’s suggestion to increase mental health awareness in private sector workplaces and in encouraging the entire community to play a role in ensuring the right to good mental health is achieved by all.
At the same time, empowering the community in knowledge and action regarding mental health in this country.
The Health Promotion Center has already implemented several programs together with government and non-government bodies including volunteer agencies, private agencies, and through international cooperation.
Among the initiatives and programs meant are mental health health circuits in the workplace as a fundamental right that was launched on October 10, 2023, in conjunction with World Mental Health Day celebration.
The circuit aimed to increase public awareness of the importance of mental health, especially among public servants.
This is a collaboration between the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Religious Affairs specifically the Counseling and Religious Understanding Unit (KAFA), Prime Minister's Office especially the Counseling Unit of the Public Services Department and also supported by Counseling Units from the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports.
In addition, Mental Health Circuit together with KUPU SB at higher education institutions was carried out last October in the Brunei Muara District and will continue this quarter to other districts.
This is to increase awareness among higher education students about the importance of mental health care in making them more aware of the importance of mental health and subsequently empowering resilience for the future.
In the name of Allah, the Ministry of Health will increase awareness among the population, especially in the private sector and relevant stakeholders regarding mental health care.
In relation to the increase of manpower for the 145 Hope Line service, the Ministry of Health appreciates the suggestion provided by Yang Berhormat and will review this need from time to time. Currently, there are 29 mental health counselors handling the 145 Line service.
Further, Yang Berhormat Dr. Awang Haji Mahali bin Haji Momin on the JPMC College of Health Sciences. By the grace of Allah, this college is indeed accredited. It is recognized by MKPK or Brunei Darussalam National Accreditation Council and hence it is internationally recognized.
However, JPMC College is currently making arrangements with the American Nursing Board to be recognized as a nursing degree in America. Therefore, individuals here can go abroad if they do not wish to work in Brunei especially for foreign students.
So currently, since 2022, the number of students there is 63 and in 2023, the total number of registered students is 208 where 137 students are pursuing the Foundation in Science Certification and 71 students are pursuing Bachelor of Science in Nursing. God willing, so far, it is recognized and we seek further recognition from the American Board of Nursing.
Next, the question by Yang Berhormat Awang Mohammad bin Abdullah @ Lim Swee Ann, in remote areas especially in Labi, ambulances are under the control of Labi Clinic and if there is an emergency during office hours, only then are clinic staff responsive to the call.
The concerned 4x4 ambulances have become too old and the ministry has already procured replacements, just awaiting delivery God willing in the near future.
As for placing paramedics, it's indeed in the planning of EMAS. Currently, awaiting the allocation of positions for graduate paramedics still waiting for the Paramedic position. Regarding ambulances for emergency cases that can only be accessed by helicopter, currently, the cooperation is between EMAS and the Royal Brunei Armed Forces still ongoing.
If there is a need indeed EMAS paramedics or the Royal Brunei Armed Forces’ own paramedics will respond to the concerned locations. The usage statistics for helicopters are indeed low recently due to the existence of the Temburong bridge. However, very remote locations are still activated for medivac operations.
Next, the question by Yang Berhormat Haji Awang Sulaiman bin Haji Nasir on laboratories, the Laboratory Services Department implements continuous quality improvement programs through accreditation to standards such as ISO-15189 and other international standards.
This Laboratory Department also continuously conducts training and laboratory competencies to ensure officers and laboratory staff are capable of carrying out correct and reliable laboratory processes and also conducting internal and international quality control inspections to validate the effectiveness of methods, equipment, or tests continuously and to reinforce specimen collection and integrity processes to ensure specimen integrity and quality are not compromised and thus guaranteeing laboratory test result quality and accuracy.
The laboratory department also carries out effective monitoring and management over laboratory equipment and reagents to ensure test results are reliable.
At the same time, avoiding wastage caused by expiration of reagents. This department also involves staff and global and regional laboratory networks to facilitate capacity building especially during the pandemic.
Regarding sending patients abroad, in the past 10 years, it has decreased where patients with heart issues, stroke, and cancer, most of them are now treated in this country, thankfully. This reduces expenditures of tens of millions of dollars for the Government of Brunei Darussalam.
However, spending on overseas treatment for kaola/me is still high at $7 million a year. This includes service payments, accommodation, and escorts during treatment abroad. This includes countries like Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand where most of them are. The payment of living allowances to patients and escorts while abroad is still carried out.
So, this figure will be reviewed again and 'we' are currently in the process of assessing the necessity of sending some of these issues abroad for treatment because 'we' have a few young local consultants already. So, God willing, in the future, it will decrease.
Next, the question from Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Md. Salleh bin Haji Othman on vectors. In the act mentioned earlier, it does mention phase control.
So, it is obliged to control all phases including these flies. Due to the absence of food outlets, controlling such phases requires an improvement of the existing food act.
This has already been drafted, waiting for the final approval. So, once approval is given, the food control authority which is now not under the Ministry of Health but under a statutory body, Brunei Darussalam Food Authority, and 'they' can take certain actions.
For now, it is advised for food outlet owners to follow the standards mentioned earlier in the food pack. That's all, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi. Thank you.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi
Your Honourable Members, God willing, we have already heard the discussions under the title of the Ministry of Health and we have also heard the answers provided by the Minister of Health to the questions raised. Therefore, I think it is sufficient for us to discuss the titles under the Ministry of Health.
I propose it is appropriate for Title SM01A to now be voted on.
Your Honourable Members who agree, please raise your hands.
(All Members raise their hands in agreement)
Thank you. It seems everyone agrees. Thus, Title SM01A is approved and we move on to the next title.
Yang Mulia Jurutulis
Title SM01A for the Ministry of Health is made part of the schedule. Titles SN01A to SN09A for the Ministry of Transport and Infocommunications.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi
Your Honourable Members, now we move on to the title under the Ministry of Transport and Infocommunications.
As usual, before I open for debate under this ministry, I would like to invite Yang Berhormat Minister of Transport and Infocommunications to present his preamble on the plans and directions in the budget provision for the Ministry of Transport and Infocommunications for the Financial Year 2024/2025.
I invite Yang Berhormat Minister. Please, Yang Berhormat.
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, Lord of the worlds, and prayers and peace be upon the noblest of prophets and messengers, our prophet Muhammad and upon all his family and companions.
and peace be upon you. Yang Berhormat Pengerusi and Your Honourable Members esteemed all.
On this occasion, kaola would first like to wish Yang Berhormat Pengerusi, Your Honourable Members, and all present in this noble assembly a blessed Ramadan.
May we all be blessed and rewarded for our prayers and deeds throughout this blessed month.
Further, kaola would like to express appreciation for the opportunity and platform given by Yang Berhormat Pengerusi for kaola to deliver an introduction regarding the budget allocation for the Ministry of Transport and Infocommunication in the Bill (2024), Supply 2024/2025 which was presented by Yang Berhormat Menteri at the Prime Minister's Office and Second Minister of Finance and thereafter to share the progress of matters within the focus areas and direction of the Ministry of Transport and Infocommunication (MTIC).
It is also hoped to provide further enlightenment on matters that have been raised in this noble assembly and during discussion sessions with Your Honourable Appointed Members.
To begin, on behalf of all members of the Ministry of Transport and Infocommunication, including departments and authorities under its purview, with the utmost respect and reverence, we offer our highest gratitude to the Council of His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar 'Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Negara Brunei Darussalam, for His Majesty's royal grace during the Official Opening Ceremony of the First Meeting of the 20th Session of the Legislative Council.
Among other things, His Majesty highlighted the importance of diversifying economic sectors to enhance the quality of services for the population and citizens of this country and the development of human resource capacity in generating employment opportunities. His Majesty's suggestion is lauded and will be relied upon in line with the strategies outlined and policies provided by the Ministry of Transport and Infocommunication.
In supporting the national budget theme for the Financial Year 2024/2025, which is 'United in Building a More Prosperous Future', and taking into account the basic role and responsibility of the Ministry of Transport and Infocommunication through the MTIC 2025 Refresh Strategic Plan, in the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful, with the allocations provided, planning and identified improvement opportunities will enhance and further strengthen the contribution of the transport and infocommunication sector to national development, particularly covering three matters that remain the value drivers of the Ministry of Transport and Infocommunication:
Guaranteeing the safety of the transport sector as well as cyberspace;
Improving public welfare through the provision of efficient, clean services that utilize technology; and
Facilitating advancements in economic and sustainable national development.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi, before elaborating further on the priorities and focus of the allocations for the Financial Year 2024/2025, kaola with utmost respect and reverence offers the highest expression of gratitude to the Council under His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Negara Brunei Darussalam, for the allocation of $138,394,150, of which:
$113,584,280, equivalent to 80%, is comprised of regular expenditures including Staff Salaries and Recurring Expenses; and
The remainder of $24,809,870, amounting to 18%, is allocated for financing the 12th National Development Plan for the Financial Year 2024/2025. This represents 14% of the 12th National Development Plan price allocated to the Ministry of Transport and Infocommunication and its departments.
Simultaneously, it is also with pleasure to share on this occasion that for the Financial Year 2023/2024, the departments under the control of the Ministry of Transport and Infocommunication have also contributed more than $33 million to government revenue.
In addition, the Authority for Info-Communication Technology Industry of Brunei Darussalam (AITI) contributed their revenue amounting to $20.9 million.
While, the Maritime and Port Authority of Brunei Darussalam (MPABD) will contribute $50 million to the government from their accumulated revenue in the recent years. This clearly demonstrates that the transport and infocommunication sector plays a crucial role in generating revenue for the government.
It is also acknowledged that, following the establishment of statutory bodies (AITI and MPABD), as regulators, they are seen as capable of adding value in terms of enhancing service quality and efficiency as well as increasing government revenue, apart from developing their respective sectors more orderly and effectively to contribute to the national economy.
In this regard, although there are challenges of its own, however, as has been voiced in this august Council last year regarding the efforts in establishing regulatory bodies for the Land Transport Department and the Civil Aviation Department.
It is with pleasure to be shared that the departments concerned will begin taking fundamental steps, especially in updating structure and workflow in the organization so they will be more prepared when the time comes for organizational transformation. Meanwhile, the focus for the Financial Year 2024/2025 is also towards implementing the corporatization of the Postal Services Department. This follows the proclamation of the Postal Services Order, 2023 as enablement for the establishment of operations and provision of corporate postal systems and services.
It is also a catalyst towards promoting an efficient and competitive postal industry.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi and Your Honourable Members,
Kaola further wishes to share more on the priorities and focus of the allocations for the Financial Year 2024/2025, and developments following the National Assembly Council's Session last year for the transport, infocommunication, science, and technology sectors.
Starting with transport, Allahu Akbar, the transport sector, encompassing land, maritime and air transport, has continued to witness an increasing trend in traffic volume, albeit still below the pre-COVID-19 pandemic level.
Looking at the civil aviation sector, the recovery level in terms of the number of passenger movements, both inbound, outbound, and transits through Brunei International Airport in 2023 amounted to 1,213,462 passengers. This is only at 55% of the highest passenger movement numbers achieved in 2019. However, when compared with the level in 2022, this is an increase of 119% in 2023.
Regarding cargo movement, 2023 saw an increase in cargo movement by 52% compared to 2022. However, like passenger movement, this increase is also still below the level achieved in 2019, which is only at 47% of what was attained that year.
This clearly shows Brunei International Airport is still operating below capacity, and there are opportunities to fully utilize Brunei International Airport's capacity to contribute and support efforts in diversifying and growing our economy.
As shared previously, such efforts include expanding capacity for cargo handling, transhipment, cold chain logistics, sorting hub, and aviation maintenance repair and overhaul services.
Among the methods taken to advance these opportunities is by attracting investments from GLC’s companies like Brunei International Air Cargo Centre (BIACC) and other companies that have shown their interest.
The Civil Aviation Department at the same time will focus its budget towards ensuring daily airport operations are not interrupted, handling the maintenance of critical equipment, particularly for safety, navigation, aircraft movement, and human resource development. A total of B$26,333,330.00 (Twenty-Six Million, Three Hundred Thirty-Three Thousand, Three Hundred Thirty Dollars) has been allocated for Regular Expenditures for the Financial Year 2024/2025 for this purpose.
While a total of B$14,625,230.00 (Fourteen Million, Six Hundred Twenty-Five Thousand, Two Hundred Thirty Dollars) is provided for Development Expenditures in the same financial year. This amount is 17% of the plan price under the 12th National Development Plan (NDP-12) totaling B$83,867,690.00 (Eighty-Three Million, Eight Hundred Sixty-Seven Thousand, Six Hundred Ninety Dollars) to finance seven (7) NDP projects aimed at upgrading infrastructure and equipment to ensure airport operations comply with safety requirements and international standards like the ICAO Standard and Recommended Practices (SARPs) International Civil Aviation Organization. The projects are:
Replacement of the Instrument Landing System (ILS) and Distance Measuring System;
Repair of airport runways, phase 2;
Installation of security fences and intrusion detection systems;
Upgrading inspection equipment and security surveillance systems;
Upgrading aerodrome facilities and infrastructure;
Primary Surveillance, Secondary Surveillance radar systems, and
Surface Movement Radar.
Furthermore, as an effort to ensure daily airport operations are not affected, enhancing safety and emergency preparedness at Brunei International Airport (LTAB) as well as learning from past air incidents and accidents will always be given attention. In this regard, the Airport Emergency Plan led by the Civil Aviation Department has been updated, and emergency exercises have also been conducted, namely - Table Top Exercise and Field Training Exercise in October 2023. Following these, several improvements have been identified for further action.
This will continually be pursued by the Civil Aviation Department in enhancing emergency preparedness at Brunei International Airport including provisions for alternative emergency runways, whether abroad or domestically that have been planned.
When discussing civil aviation affairs, we cannot avoid discussing planning for the establishment of an alternative local airline or aviation industry company based in this country, like proposals received from Gallop Air Sendirian Berhad and also AeroAsia Holdings Corporation which received media coverage.
In this regard, in addition to what has already been shared, the Ministry of Transport and Infocommunication through the Civil Aviation Department will indeed consider proposals that aspire to expand the number of flights, passenger movements, and cargo leading to optimizing the capacity of Brunei International Airport at present or further expanding it, if necessary.
In this relation, it was also shared that in the process of considering applications for establishing a local airline, the proposer needs to acquire an Air Operator's Certificate (AOC) or Sijil Pengendali Penerbangan Udara and also to get approval for Continuing Airworthiness Management Organization (CAMO).
In this connection, to obtain the Air Operator's Certificate (AOC), the proposer must undergo five (5) phases of assessment from the perspective of safety, business modality, efficiency, operational readiness, and aircraft type approval that meet the standards of the Civil Aviation Regulations and Brunei Aviation Requirements based on the standards of the International Civil Aviation Organization.
Currently, for aircraft type approval, the reference standards applied are for aircraft that have a certificate issued by recognized agencies such as the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), the United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), or Canada.
For your information, the current status is still in phase 1 which is pre-application or pre-application.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi and Your Honourable Members, peramba / kaola / I would next like to move on to the land transport sector. In this connection, it is a pleasure to share first that His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah, the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, has consented to amendments to the Road Traffic Order Schedule to introduce the 3A Driving License category, designated for motor vehicles without a clutch (automatic) for vehicles under 3,000 kg, which is ordinary cars. This is an example of the continuous efforts of the Land Transport Department in modernizing and updating existing regulations in stages.
Among the intentions of introducing this license, which has also been discussed in this honorable council, is to provide choices and convenience for the public to learn and drive vehicles with automatic transmission. Drivers who opt for the 3A driving license class will not be allowed to drive manual transmission vehicles.
With this choice available, it is hoped that it will also increase focus and allocate more time to training and safe driving ethics. Information dissemination to driving schools, the public, and relevant parties will follow subsequently.
Apart from the driving license matter, an interest to Your Honourable Members is regarding public transport. In this relation, it is a pleasure to share that this ministry along with the Land Transport Department has re-evaluated previous planning and strategies towards a potentially more progressive and capable approach considering the current condition and aiming at:
- Increasing connectivity and reliability of public bus services for core network routes,
- Expanding the availability and accessibility of on-demand transport services for individual rides at a more attractive service cost; and
- Establishing an operational contract that contains performance standards and introducing a transport management system that leverages technology for vehicle monitoring and passenger convenience.
For your information, the initial consultation and discussion sessions with stakeholders such as bus service operators, taxi service representatives, Dart, logistics service providers, Transport Federation, Forum of Permanent Secretaries, and Appointed Council Members were held around October and November last year with the aim of obtaining various inputs and views on the matter.
This was followed by issuing two Requests for Information (RFI) on Public Transport Services and Transport Service Management System from December last year until February this year, including issuing a Public Bus Service Survey in collaboration with Universiti Teknologi Brunei (UTB) at the same time.
All these were launched during the Brunei Smart Mobility Expo in December 2023 last year. Following this, Insha'Allah, a Request for Proposal for the provision of public transport services for core routes is targeted to be issued by the middle of this year.
To support these efforts as well, an RKN-12 allocation with a plan price totaling $11.7 Million has been provided as an initial step for the Public Transport Infrastructure Provision and Upgrading Project in Brunei Darussalam with an estimated cost of $4.7 Million with the objective to develop and repair bus stop infrastructure facilities for core route networks according to bus stop design standard guidelines including enhancing safety aspects.
The Smart Transport System project with an estimated cost of $7 million is intended to create a technology-based transport network management and operation system for the purpose of monitoring, evaluating, and assisting authorities in regulating transport service operations towards improving efficiency and safety.
Besides enhancing the reliability of public transport services, through providing real-time information, cashless payment options, and on-demand transport (e-hailing) service is also aimed at complementing public transport services. This project will also enhance the effectiveness of enforcement on commercial vehicles, public transport, and heavy vehicles towards further improving traffic safety levels.
Next, the transformation of the Land Transport Department's organizational management and governance including Land Transport Services Digitalization Projects is an initiative towards further improving services to the public and fostering a culture of integrity among the officers and staff. For example, the NomborKu platform introduced in 2021 is an online platform that allows the public to participate in the offer of existing vehicle identification marks.
To date, several features have been added and included such as click and buy, click and bid, click and search, resulting in increased transparency and integrity in vehicle identification mark governance. With NomborKu, the evaluation process period has been updated and shortened from 130 days to only 6 days.
Furthermore, under the National Development Plan (RKN-12), an allocation of $8,749,000.00 has been provided for the Land Transport Services Digitalization Project, known as the DriveBN project. It aims to replace and upgrade the current system used.
It will also serve as a catalyst for strengthening the management, administration, and efficiency of the Land Transport Department comprehensively or end to end. For your information, through the DriveBN project, it is also expected that the processes within the Land Transport Department can be reduced from 104 processes to 33 processes and further increase in online service options from 4% to 100%.
Through this project, Insha'Allah, it is expected to achieve the KPI target under the MTIC 2025 Refresh Strategic Plan, which is 100% digitalization of service processes and at the same time, reduce risks and negative impacts identified from the risk chart, namely 'obsolescence of old IT systems' and further enhance the Department's achievements in achieving at least 3 stars in the Public Sector Performance Grading Program issued by the Management Services Department. It is hoped that these initiatives will be able to enhance the transparency and integrity of services provided by the Land Transport Department.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi and Your Honourable Members. Moving on to road safety, the National Road Safety Council (MKKJR) will continue to carry out integrated efforts with relevant agencies to make roads safer for all users. Several initiatives have been launched to continue supporting the implementation of existing strategic plans such as:
Implementing road safety co-curricular activities in schools and also to cultivate a road safety culture for all users;
Creating frameworks and cooperation with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in handling programs/activities/campaigns towards further enhancing road safety;
Conducting the International Road Assessment Program for highways and main roads in Brunei Darussalam;
Issuing the updated 2023 edition of the Highway Code which has been launched. This edition also emphasizes driving behavior; and
Conducting enforcement activities. In 2023, a total of 235 enforcement activities through the highways and 14 joint operations were conducted together with the Royal Brunei Police Force. For your information, there was a decrease in the number of fatal cases due to road accidents from 20 cases in 2022 to 14 cases in 2023. Meanwhile, cases resulting in injuries from road accidents have increased to 364 cases in 2023. In relation to this, we believe "every accident is one too many". Therefore, it is advised to all parties, especially road users, to cooperate in ensuring everyone's safety.
Furthermore, for the maritime transport sector, although the budget of the Brunei Darussalam Maritime and Port Authority is not included in the budget of the Ministry of Transport and Infocommunications, this ministry is still responsible for overseeing this sector. The Brunei Darussalam Maritime and Port Authority plays a major role in ensuring the safety of merchant ships entering and exiting ports in the country and the protection of the marine environment by executing works in line with the standards of the International Maritime Organization.
أَلْفَ مَبْرُوكٍ At the beginning of 2023, the MPABD started enforcing licensing on twenty-five jetties used by merchant ships in an effort to ensure that these jetties meet the safety requirements and handling procedures that have been set. In 2023, the number of ship traffic in and out also showed the highest number, which is 12,801 ships compared to the past five years.
This also indicates that the transport sector, especially the shipping industry, is one of the beneficiaries of the development of downstream industries and export-oriented productions.
In relation to this, as shared by Yang Berhormat Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri dan Menteri Kewangan II, Muara Port Company Sendirian Berhad or MPC has initiated several initiatives to explore opportunities to increase trade volume and to accommodate the increasing capacity needs. MPC will also implement the Muara Port Expansion and Renovation Project.
بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمٰنِ الرَّحِيْمِ The construction work is expected to begin in the third quarter of 2024 and complete in 2027. Through this project, MPC expects an increase in volume throughput through Muara Port from 220 thousand TEU at present to 500 thousand TEU upon completion.
In this regard, in line with MPABD’s planning, besides the continuous effort to enhance safety levels, focus will also be given in efforts to improve the maritime industry in this country, especially in increasing the local content which still has room for improvement.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi dan Your Honourable Members. On this occasion, peramba would also like to respond to the question directed to Yang Berhormat Menteri Pembangunan by Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Salleh Bostaman bin Haji Zainal Abidin regarding the Awani news video on the proposed cross-Borneo train.
For your information, the news broadcast referred to is dated 30 October 2023 and also came to the attention of the Ministry of Transport and Infocommunications upon learning about it. As mentioned in the news broadcast, the study for the cross-border train will begin this year.
For your information, the Ministry of Transport and Infocommunications is aware that there are two companies presenting proposals for the project to build and provide train services connecting the countries on the Borneo island, namely Negara Brunei Darussalam, Sabah and Sarawak, Malaysia, and Kalimantan, Indonesia.
However, as of now, there have been no formal discussions at the government level about it. But at the ASEAN level, there is a sub-working group, the ASEAN Railway Sub-Working Group, discussing matters related to railway connectivity within ASEAN. Perhaps this matter will be raised there in the future.
The Ministry of Transport and Infocommunications takes note of the aspirations of the companies concerned to provide train services in the Borneo Islands with the aim of continuing connectivity and mobility on the Borneo Island and at the same time understanding that it still requires further study from the companies concerned especially in terms of feasibility, investment, liability and commitments from interested parties including considering any commitments at the government level.
Furthermore, when discussing the transport sector, it is also often associated with climate change issues because the transport sector is one of the sectors contributing to greenhouse gases. For example, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has introduced a resolution for the long-term aspirational goal of net-zero carbon dioxide emissions by 2050.
This commitment is similar in structure to the strategy of the International Maritime Organization’s greenhouse gas which also aims for greenhouse gas emissions from international shipping to reach net zero around the year 2050.
Therefore, in line with the country's commitment towards net-zero emissions by 2050 and strategies under the Brunei Darussalam National Climate Change Policy, this ministry is also not lagging in supporting the country’s aspirations to address climate change.
The Department of Civil Aviation has produced an action plan for the reduction of aviation emissions to the International Civil Aviation Organization. This document will be used as a guideline for Negara Brunei Darussalam to report any initiatives and efforts related to the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions.
This was also produced in close cooperation with Royal Brunei Airlines where these action plans also share measures on how to reduce environmental impact for the civil aviation sector.
While for the land transport sector, strategy 3 of the Brunei Darussalam National Climate Change Policy stated that electric vehicles or EVs as its main strategy. However, other initiatives are also pursued to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from land transport including expanding efficient or more efficient, low-carbon vehicles including hybrids, other new energy vehicles, and creating infrastructure to encourage efficient and smooth travel.
Following the end of the EV pilot project in March 2023, a temporary EV vehicle license scheme has been introduced along with the use of EV safety reference standards which has facilitated the increase in the number of EVs and the variety of models brought into the market of Negara Brunei Darussalam. As of the end of December 2023, a total of 64 EVs have been registered consisting of 12 types of EV models and 17 EV charging stations have been installed with various levels of public accessibility. This is in addition to the EV chargers installed at the owners' houses themselves.
Furthermore, in terms of weather and climate monitoring. The Brunei Darussalam Meteorological Department plays a role in ensuring and enhancing the delivery of weather and climate services to meet consumer needs and can assist in decision-making by related societal sectors and to reduce the risk and potential hazard impacts caused by weather, climate, water and related environmental elements.
For your information, the latest weather radar system operating fully 24 hours a day has been operating since 21 January 2023. The system can monitor the location, movement, intensity, and evolution of dangerous weather in real-time and continuously and can help forecasters in issuing forecasts, advisories, and weather warnings to aviation, seafarers and the public accurately and quickly. As of November 2023, the accuracy percentage of aviation weather warnings has reached 93%.
The Meteorological Department has successfully produced the Numerical Weather Prediction and World Research Forecast Model with resolutions of 10 kilometers and 5 kilometers to be used for the provision of forecasts, advisories, and weather warnings to the public. For the year 2023, a total of 307 weather warnings were issued and 29 weather advisories were shared with the public.
The Budget Estimate for the Brunei Darussalam Meteorological Department for the Financial Year 2024/2025 is $4,670,595.00 which consists of Ordinary Expenditure and also as much as $3,324,100.00 and $1,353,495.00 which is Development Expenditure, part of the 12th National Development Plan amounting to $6,758,895.00 for the projects of Replacing Airport Automation Weather System and Next Generation Integrated Weather Analysis, Forecast and Warning.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi dan Your Honourable Members. Moving to the digital economy. The Digital Economy Masterplan 2025 aspires for Negara Brunei Darussalam to leverage technology towards enhancing the way of life, work, and emerging businesses from connecting individuals, businesses, devices, data, and operations through digital technology.
It encompasses interconnectivity and online transactions across various sectors and technologies such as the internet, mobile technology, big data, and information and communications technology.
According to the latest statistics obtained from the Department of Economic Planning and Statistics, the ICT sector has shown continuous growth and contributed as much as $484.8 million in 2023 to the Gross Domestic Product, an increase of 3.96% from the previous year.
To further boost the contribution of the ICT sector to the Gross Domestic Product, several initiatives are currently being actively carried out to enhance the development of the ICT sector in this country. This includes increasing the capacity of human resources to seize job opportunities within the sector and the use of technology in the private sector to increase productivity and efficiency.
At the same time, 3 major or flagship projects for the development of the digital ecosystem under the Digital Economy Master Plan are also actively underway, namely the Information Hub Project, Digital Identity Project, and Digital Payment Hub Project. The implementation status of these three projects is as follows.
Introduced in 2021, the National Information Hub Project aims to provide a platform of database as a service as a facilitator and to provide a centralized database, faster database service provision, low cost and consequently reduce national expenditure in maintaining databases through centralized maintenance costs.
As of January 2024, a total of 10 government agencies share data through this service. While 15 government agencies are utilizing the shared data and as many as 13 government agencies have used it as a storage database for the implementation of their respective digital projects. This is also enabled by the provision of Data Sharing Guidelines and Data Sharing Agreements that have been adopted since May 2023.
Meanwhile, the Digital Identity and Digital Payment Hub projects, God willing, are expected to be fully implemented by the end of this year. All these aim to further strengthen the local digital economy landscape and enable us to seize the opportunities available in this region.
For your information, ASEAN is currently actively advancing The ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA). DEFA provides a comprehensive roadmap for empowering digital businesses and enhancing cybersecurity competitiveness to promote trade and especially participation for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
For Brunei Darussalam, the DEFA agreement will open up opportunities for productivity growth, business competitiveness, support a more conducive business environment, and ecosystem. In addition, it can also further promote local products to regional and international levels. Currently, it is still under negotiation at the ASEAN level where MITC and the Ministry of Finance and Economy are involved. God willing, it will be finalized by 2025.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi and Your Honourable Members, the ICT sector functions as a fundamental enabler to the digital economy by providing connectivity, tools, and platforms needed for businesses and individuals to digitalize their operations and processes. In this regard, the Authority for Info-communications Technology Industry (AITI) will continue to collaborate with telecommunication service providers, focusing on upgrading telecommunication infrastructure in the country. In terms of enhancing 3G, 4G, and 5G mobile network coverage among the citizens and residents of Brunei Darussalam, the 5G network has been commercially introduced in June 2023.
It is also shared that at this time, 92% of populated areas have access to mobile services. While the same area, 94% have received fiber optic coverage (Fibre To The Home). The conversion from copper to fiber optic is still in progress and is expected to be completed in August this year. At the same time, it is shared that fixed-line coverage in the Temburong District has reached 100% with the use of fiber optics.
At the same time, AITI is collaborating with Unified National Networks Sendirian Berhad (UNN) to bridge the digital divide in remote or rural areas by modernizing and optimizing telecommunications infrastructure. Currently, 6 new locations have been identified which will receive mobile coverage including Kampung Melilas, Kampung Sukang, Kampung Biadong Ulu, Kampung Buau, Kampung Kukub, and Kampung Bang Taong.
To date, the installation of fiber optics has been completed between Kampung Merangking and Kampung Sukang. Furthermore, 2 base stations in Kampung Bang Taong and Kampung Kukub have started operations. Installation in other rural areas is expected to be completed by the end of this month.
Additionally, among the initiatives to be implemented by AITI also includes expanding efforts for a network performance audit to include the mobile network besides the broadband network and to conduct studies to ensure that 5G services are stable and secured.
Several initiatives are also underway to ensure the workforce is equipped with the necessary digital skills so that they can adapt to the constantly changing and evolving technology landscape. This includes educational programs through AITI, which indirectly assist in skill development at schools, among them are programs like Digital for All, Coding with Smart Devices, Code for Run, and Coding.BNKohort 2nd and also the Digital Upskilling Program.
AITI also encourages the adoption of digital technology among Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) by holding Tech Clinics and the PENJANA Scheme to adopt technology to improve productivity. In this regard, consistent with the objectives of the Manpower Industry Steering Committee (MISC), several programs have been held to enhance skills among graduates and local youths through the Overseas Digital Apprenticeship and TechInspire programs.
For the TechInspire Apprenticeship Program, it will start in April this year and 50 young local participants are targeted, who will be trained as IT/Network Technicians. With initiatives like these, it will further enhance skills and employability in building the capacity of local human resources.
In the current digital era, it cannot be denied that the public now heavily relies on information and communication technology and internet access in carrying out various aspects of daily routines. With this, the public as users can be exposed to cybercrime threats such as online fraud, fake news, slanderous information, personal data leakage, and through various platforms and also cross-border in nature.
In this connection, this matter is taken seriously and by leveraging an integrated approach, the National Cyber Security Committee will continue efforts toward ensuring a safer cyber space and addressing aspects closely related to cyber security namely people, processes, and technology. It is also intended to monitor and update the National Cyber Security Strategy to ensure its systematic implementation.
The Ministry of Transport and Infocommunications has also been allocated $8.75 million for the management of cyber security for the Financial Year 2024/2025.
Among the efforts of Cyber Security Brunei in creating a resilient digital ecosystem is the implementation of the Cyber Security Order, 2023. This will be one of the main focuses of CSB for the Financial Year 2024/2025, while for AITI, they also focus their attention and effort toward the provision of a legal framework for personal data protection.
At the same time, public awareness campaigns actively pursued through BruCERT using various delivery channels whether through traditional media like TV and radio and also such as through social media will be continued so that no segment of society is left out in knowing the security risks in the use of the various platforms available online.
In addition to that, the Content Advisory Council which the Ministry of Transport and Infocommunications through the Authority for Info-communications Technology Industry (AITI) and the Prime Minister’s Office as joint secretaries are responsible for monitoring content distributed through the Internet or social media and will take control actions including legal actions, if necessary.
On another note, AITI also continuously cooperates with Brunei telecommunications companies (telcos) and relevant agencies in increasing efforts to prevent short message services and websites, for example, from being used as online scam activities.
The public is advised to report these alleged scams to BruCERT through the hotline 245 8001 and WhatsApp application 717 0766 or via email at reporting@brucert.org.bn.
Furthermore, it cannot be denied also that the discussion regarding the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has attracted many attentions, especially when the rapid advancement of AI technology surpasses the provision of regulatory frameworks to control its use.
Seeing the importance of AI technology, the ministry plans to collaborate with stakeholders in scrutinizing the ecosystem. This includes the provision of ethical guidelines for the use of AI aligned with regional and international initiatives like the ASEAN Guide on AI Governance and Ethics. With these guidelines, it will help regulate and address ethical issues related to the use of technology.
At the same time, this ministry is keen on collaborating with other stakeholders to discuss additional initiatives related to AI that are needed, such as use cases, impacts on the employment sector, and skills development, to ensure the workforce is equipped with the necessary skills.
Kaola/peramba/myself would also like to share efforts in providing digital services for e-Government, where management within the government, the National e-Government Center has been allocated $54,242,143 for Ordinary and Development Expenditure, part of the RKN-12 Plan price for projects of the National e-Government Center (EGNC) amounting to $25,642,103 to support projects:
Government Data Center and Infrastructure Cloud;
Software Defined Network (SDN) Infrastructure;
Data Analytics as-a-Service (DAaaS);
Record Management System (SPeRe); and
GOV.BN 2.0.
Further explanation will be shared about the two (2) above projects that are more oriented towards improving services to the public, namely the GOV.BN 2.0 project and the Record Management System.
The GOV.BN 2.0 project aims to provide a single service portal for the public to obtain government services online quickly and easily. The National e-Government Center is allocated $6 million to implement this project. The construction of this platform aims to replace and upgrade the existing platform, GOV.BN.
Using a low-code platform to digitize government services (a current technology) will further ease the development of online services. With the use of this low-code system, it is emphasized that government applications will always be updated for purposes such as security patches and similar.
Besides being a portal for online government services, it will also:
- Provide a mobile app for online government services;
- Provide a form builder to facilitate the digitization of government services online; and
- Further ease the digitization of government services.
With a 24-month implementation period, إن شاء الله, it will be able to further increase the number of government services online compared with the services provided through traditional counter services.
Next, for digital record and document management, it's essential in improving the quality of public service achievements through comprehensive digital transformation. This also takes into account its advantage in terms of easing user access to files, reducing paper use, easy accessibility without borders, and optimizing the use of technology in general.
As an initial step, a project has been proposed for implementation under RKN-12, the Record Usage System (SpeRe) valued at $5 million. It aims to provide a standard platform for record and document management to be used by all government agencies and for the provision of an e-office platform and also a platform for document digitalisation.
Besides the activities of the National e-Government Center (EGNC), this ministry's effort is also focused on the alignment and improvement of the digital transformation agenda of the government sector. Through the Chief Information Officer Forum tasked with reviewing, monitoring, and leading the implementation of the Digital Transformation Plan of the ministry, including all projects under those plans as well as the digital transformation of the private sector under the jurisdiction of their respective ministries. It also ensures that projects are always relevant and in line with the requirements and expectations of all stakeholders, including:
Implementing consolidation of other systems' requirements into infrastructure to avoid duplication and waste of resources.;
Ensuring these digitization projects are user-driven and user-friendly.; and
In the examination of digital transformation projects under RKN-12, it was discussed previously at the CIO Forum meeting to consider opportunities for alignment and integration (consolidation) of the projects to avoid duplication and waste, as mentioned earlier.
At the same time, the National e-Government Center has also issued a Project Management Framework, a framework and reference tool to ensure IT project management and planning are built to precise specifications and run orderly according to the set timeline. The use of this Project Management Framework has also been mandated for the implementation of all IT projects through the CIO Forum.
Various human resource capacity building programs in the design, development, and management of IT projects including "change management" have also been planned. This includes at the senior management level of Ministries because the digitization of Government services does not only involve IT personnel or just provide access to online services.
However, it involves a shift in thinking, work processes, and the way of working across the workflow of each ministry or department. Otherwise, the full desire to achieve effectiveness and efficiency from such digitization will not be achieved.
Yang Berhormat Pehin Pengerusi and Your Honourable Members. This ministry would also like to share several significant efforts related to Innovation, Research, and Development. The position of Brunei Darussalam in the Global Innovation Index for the year 2023 has climbed 5 steps from 92nd place to 87th among 132 countries.
In support of and to spur national development related to Science, Technology, and Innovation, twelve (12) projects have been funded through the Council for Research and Technology Advancement (CREATE) funds, which have been allocated under RKN12 with a project price of BND$30 Million (Thirty Million dollars).
According to the cluster breakdown, 2 projects are under ICT, 4 projects under health, 2 projects for food science and technology, 2 projects related to energy, and 2 other projects under the environmental and sustainable development sector.
So far, all these projects have started since the second quarter of last year and are still in the implementation status. The success of these research projects under CREATE is expected to contribute to the country's economic development, especially in terms of increasing experts across various disciplines in Brunei Darussalam.
To emphasize the importance of innovation and support efforts towards digital transformation, themed 'Smart Nation through Digital Transformation', the Brunei ICT Awards (BICTA) for this year will be held in June 2024. It is a joint venture with the Authority for Info-communications Technology Industry (AITI) and the Infocomms Federation Brunei (IFB).
The objective of this annual event is to encourage innovation and creativity in information and communication technology among individuals, students, micro, small to medium companies, and interested organizations. Entries have been open since last January and will end in May. Included in the activities of BICTA 2024 is the BICTA Plus Bootcamp, which is a coaching and training program specifically for participants to enhance their skills and capabilities in preparation for the competition.
BICTA is also a component under the Asia Pacific ICT Alliance (APICTA) Awards, whereby the winners and selected participants of BICTA, as usual, have the opportunity to represent Brunei Darussalam in the international competition under APICTA. الحَمْدُ لِلّهِ Brunei Darussalam has been announced as the host for the 23rd APICTA Awards which will take place in December 2024.
With this participation from the country, it opens opportunities for individuals, students, companies, and interested organizations to stimulate innovation and creative creation as well as generate innovation in developing the country's ICT sector.
الحَمْدُ لِلّهِ, with what has been shared, إِنْ شَاءَ اللّهُ it can give a glimpse that the Ministry of Transport and Infocommunications and the Departments and Authorities under it will always be ready and adapt to any changes and be sensitive to developments that occur, and be able to realize the fundamental role of the Ministry of Transport and Infocommunications in ensuring the safety of the transport sector as well as cyber space, enhancing the well-being of the public through the provision of efficient, clean services and leveraging technology and facilitation to support economic progress and sustainable national development.
That is all kaola convey, and may all the efforts undertaken yield the desired results and impact towards the progress and aspirations of Wawasan Brunei 2035.
وبالله التوفيق والهداية، والسلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركاته
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi
Praise be to Allah, we extend our gratitude to Yang Berhormat Menteri Pengangkutan dan Infokomunikasi for the clear explanation on the direction and priorities in the preparation of the Ministry of Transport and Infocommunications Budget for the Fiscal Year 2024/2025. Therefore, I now open Topic SNO1A - SNO9A for debate.
As usual, I will invite several of the Appointed Your Honourable Members to pose one question each, followed by inviting Yang Berhormat Menteri Pengangkutan dan Infokomunikasi to provide answers or responses, whether to be answered now or in writing later.
I now invite Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Johan Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Adanan bin Begawan Pehin Siraja Khatib Dato Seri Setia Haji Md. Yusof.
Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Johan Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Adanan bin Begawan Pehin Siraja Khatib Dato Seri Setia Haji Md. Yusof
In the name of Allah, the most gracious, the most merciful, Praise to my Lord who created the heavens and earth on a path of the prophets and messengers, clear and cogitative for all.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi and Your Honourable Members. Respectfully, it’s a pleasure for kaola to extend a thousand thanks to Yang Berhormat Pengerusi. Kaola also wants to record our thanks and congratulations to Yang Berhormat Menteri Pengangkutan dan Infokomunikasi who has presented the introduction including initiatives that have and will be unfolded for the allocation of the Ministry of Transport and Infocommunications for the Fiscal Year 2024/2025.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi and Your Honourable Members. The Strategic Plan of the Ministry of Transport and Infocommunications has a vision among others about Digital Government, Utilizing technology and connectivity to spur innovation and improve the lives and the needs of citizens and businesses for continued national development through Digital Economy, Digital Government, and Digital Society initiatives. Under Strategic Objective Title 1, Digital Transformation, the Ministry of Transport and Infocommunications has set the following KPIs:
97% System Availability For E-Government Short Services in 2025,
50% Digitalization of MTIC Documentation by 2025, and
30% MTIC services automated for the year 2025.
Although these KPIs are very relevant for the Ministry of Transport and Infocommunications, the KPIs that should be highlighted are those that lead to more efficient, effective government services overall that have high impact on the society not only given to the Ministry of Transport and Infocommunications but also other ministries and departments.
As a ministry leading the Digital Transformation for government needs, especially with the National E-Government Centre (EGNC) under its auspices, the strategic plan should target KPIs or strategic outcomes that can provide more meaningful and impactful online services to the community and interested parties like private companies or businesses specifically.
The question that arises is what the role of the National E-Government Centre (EGNC) is in this regard, given that the expertise in Digital transformation should be centralized to the relevant agency along with the human resource capacity to implement digital transformation projects for the whole government machinery along with other ministries.
Has EGNC planned to produce its own experts in various technical fields like application development to support and back digital transformation efforts in line with its more than 15 years of age and the vision to Modernize Government for Digital Transformation?
In 2013, there was an initiative under Brunei Solution Developments Centre, Capability and Mentoring Program led by the Government of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam through EGNC along with ICT Centre and Microsoft. The Brunei Application initiative, which has incurred not insignificant expenditure, targets the country’s capacity to advance ICT as a whole and also to produce local Technopreneurs who can contribute to the economic diversification.
To what extent has it yielded results, and is a similar initiative still ongoing or has it stopped? If it has ceased, what is concerning is the dependence of EGNC or other departments on supplier companies or technology vendors, especially those from abroad, which will continue by themselves making the related digital transformation unsustainable.
And if it continues, is there a mechanism to ensure the transfer of technology or knowledge really takes place without requiring vendors, thus making the initiative a backdoor for them to obtain government e-projects.
MTIC and EGNC, kaola is sure can learn about business models practiced abroad like our neighbor Singapore, where the e-government system advances capacity building skills in-house by the statutory body Government Technology Agency of Singapore, which employs more than 700 developers for in-house development without full dependence on vendors. This would undoubtedly save significant expenditure and employ more ICT and digital experts to meet the country’s needs.
In this connection, kaola seeks enlightenment from Yang Berhormat Menteri Pengangkutan dan Infokomunikasi on what strategies or initiatives we together ensure transfer of technology or knowledge to local youth to achieve high diversity of skills and professions so the country is not fully dependent on foreign experts.
Secondly, has any research or study been conducted, including cost effectiveness towards an e-government or ICT project leading towards digital transformation in government machinery that's more sustainable?
And thirdly, to save government expenditure specifically in terms of cost effectiveness or to avoid any duplication or overlap in e-government or ICT projects, has research been conducted to ensure this does not happen?
So, kaola concludes with "and in Allah, we seek success and guidance, and our last call is that all praise is due to Allah, the Lord of the worlds," and kaola once again extends a thousand thanks to Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi
I now invite Yang Berhormat Dayang Chong Chin Yee.
Yang Berhormat Dayang Chong Chin Yee
Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi. Yang Berhormat Pengerusi and Your Honourable Members.
With the Digital Masterplan scheduled for review this year, providing an opportunity to unify our achievements and aspirations in the digital domain. In kaola's view, this process requires several approaches that should be aligned like digital collaboration tools for inter-ministerial projects, the importance of strengthening data governance framework, and strategically linking artificial intelligence, especially generative AI, in our ICT direction plan.
This approach is the basis for enhancing operational efficiency across government sectors and has a transformative potential on our economy. This integration involves not only technological advancement but will also create a sustainable, inclusive, and forward-looking digital ecosystem that can mark progress for our society and economic diversity. Thus, it will improve Brunei's position regionally or internationally.
Considering this context, kaola wants to raise the importance of data governance. Data is the oil of the 21st century and like oil, it needs to be refined before it can power innovation engines. Raw data, whether numbers or images, holds inherent value, but it requires a refining process. This involves cleaning, organizing, and analyzing to turn it into actionable insights or refined data. With this, it will power the Smart Nation innovation engine leading to development across various sectors.
Therefore, kaola's question is, what initiatives are being undertaken to establish a robust data framework and data governance across all government agencies? It’s crucial to ensure standardization and interoperability of data from its collection for future-proofing our digital ecosystem. That's all from kaola, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi, thank you.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi
Thank you. I now invite Yang Berhormat Awang Zainol bin Haji Mohamed.
Yang Berhormat Awang Zainol bin Haji Mohamed
In the name of Allah, the most gracious, the most merciful, and with his help we seek assistance, and peace be upon you. Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi. Kaola takes note of the Postal Services Order presented by Yang Berhormat Menteri Pengangkutan dan Infokomunikasi earlier for efficiency purposes.
Kaola believes this sector can be expanded to reduce time and congestion at MPC by delivering directly to homes without requiring the public to pick up at MPC.
In addition, this can also facilitate businesses ordering goods, allowing them to be delivered directly and efficiently. One of the initiatives towards ease of doing business, this also provides an opportunity for us to offer employment to the unemployed if there is a shortage of manpower in delivering parcels to households. That is all from kaola. Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi
Thank you, Yang Berhormat. I invite Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Mohamad Danial @ Tekpin bin Ya'akub.
Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Mohamad Danial @ Tekpin bin Ya'akub
Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.
Kaola is speaking about price control for two-wheeled vehicles, specifically motorcycles. Recently, motorcycles have become a choice for people who cannot afford to buy cars. However, motorcycles are also used for business activities and ventures.
It is no surprise that the usage of motorcycles in Negara Brunei Darussalam has been increasing over time, as they are more economical in terms of fuel expenses and so forth. There is a significant price difference with motorcycle prices in the local market. For example, the cheapest type of scooter starts at an estimated price of $5,000 cash.
Meanwhile, in neighboring Malaysia, it is sold at RM6,500, equivalent to $1,840. In Indonesia, it's around IDR22 million, equivalent to $1,880, for the same type of scooter and specifications. In this regard, kaola would like to know if the prices of these motorcycles are under government control. That is all kaola can share, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.
والله تعالى الموفق والمعين، والسلام عَلَيْكُم ورَحْمَةُ اللهِ وبركاتُه
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi
I invite Yang Berhormat Awang Amran bin Haji Maidin.
Yang Berhormat Awang Amran bin Haji Maidin
Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.
بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمَٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ الَّذِي خَلَقَهُمْ مِنْ تُرَابٍ ثُمَّ قَضَىٰ أَجَلًا وَأَجَلٌ مُّسَمًّى عِندَهُ ثُمَّ أَنتُمْ تَمْتَرُونَ وَهُوَ اللهُ فِي السَّمَاوَاتِ وَفِي الْأَرْضِ يَعْلَمُ سِرَّكُمْ وَجَهْرَكُمْ وَيَعْلَمُ مَا تَكْسِبُونَ
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi. First, kaola would like to express the highest appreciation and congratulations for the clear presentation of the preamble by Yang Berhormat Minister of Transport and Infocommunication on the actions, plans, and direction of the Ministry of Transport and Infocommunication.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi and Your Honourable Members. Kaola would like to touch on Title SN05A - Land Transport Department. There have been complaints from driving school operators about the long process of applying to become a driving instructor as is the case currently, where an application to become a driving instructor was made on June 1, 2022.
After that, to undergo the written test for driving instructor qualification was only conducted on December 6, 2022, taking almost 6 months. Then, 'barutah' going through the driving and training qualification test on March 22, 2023, which took 3 months. Subsequently, to receive the results of driving and training qualification until now, there has been no answer, already exceeding a year. Kaola requests clarification on why this process takes so long, affecting driving school operators in providing jobs for the local community.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi. In addition to that, a shortage of examining officers has been a long-standing issue. Applications for obtaining driving licenses are increasing year by year and can be referred to the rate of temporary license applicants and also the rate of 18-year-olds in Negara Brunei Darussalam with new driving licenses issued.
An increase in examining officers is needed to meet public demand, especially with the mandatory requirement for foreign citizens residing in this country to undergo the testing process, thus booking for tests has significantly increased, as well as applications for additional driving license classes for government employees and staff managed by relevant departments operated by the Public Works Department and Royal Brunei Police Force.
This will be affected more when there are public holidays on the dates booked or if there are officers on leave even though there are substitutes for officers on leave. And sometimes, when the licensing officer is on leave, the examining officer will replace the licensing officer, and therefore the test slots will decrease due to carrying out duties and responsibilities as the licensing officer.
If the number of examining officers increases, the issuance of driving licenses will increase, and thus revenue will also increase. Additionally, workspace on both sides will increase. Kaola's question is, what are the ministry's initiatives and actions to address this problem so that this situation does not prolong. Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi وبالله التوفيق والهداية، والسلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركاته
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi
I invite Yang Berhormat Haji Awang Sulaiman bin Haji Nasir.
Yang Berhormat Haji Awang Sulaiman bin Haji Nasir
Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.
وبالله التوفيق والهداية، والسلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركاته and greetings of peace. Firstly, kaola do not forget to congratulate and thank for the planning structured by the Ministry of Transport and Infocommunication in managing and spending for the Budget Bill (2024) Supply, 2024/2025 through the clear and comprehensive introduction by Yang Berhormat Minister of Transport and Infocommunication.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi and Your Honourable Members. Road safety issues are a global issue. Various efforts and initiatives have been undertaken by the government to cultivate road users to be more courteous and responsible while driving on the road.
Negligence and speeding are among the causes of accidents, resulting in losses and injuries to users. Unhealthy activities among drivers such as speeding for racing purposes or otherwise can endanger the public and lead to traffic accidents that claim lives. Enforcement of road laws is one method that can reduce the rate of road accidents.
In connection with this, kaola is pleased to suggest the creation of speed trap zones by providing speed trap cameras with an automatic enforcement system (AES) in strategic areas as an effort towards cultivating road users to drive more cautiously and courteously. Besides, kaola also recommends that the fines for traffic offenders due to drunkenness be reviewed again according to the fines imposed by other countries.
Kaola requests clarification from Yang Berhormat Minister of Transport and Infocommunication on this matter.
وبالله التوفيق و الهداية و السلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركاته
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi
I invite Yang Berhormat Pengiran Haji Isa bin Pengiran Haji Aliuddin.
Yang Berhormat Pengiran Haji Isa bin Pengiran Haji Aliuddin
Thank you, the wise Yang Berhormat Pengerusi. السلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركاته
Thank you to Yang Berhormat Minister of Transport and Infocommunication for the lengthy and clear preamble just now.
In 2022, 'we' were thrilled with the news regarding the establishment of a second airline in this country that will offer commercial flight services. Kaola believes this is public knowledge and represents an achievement for this country in expanding the public aviation sector.
Kaola takes a positive view of this development as it will provide the public with an alternative option for commercial flight services. Should it become a reality, kaola has several questions from different perspectives. The first is in terms of laws and regulations kaola has conducted some research. Currently, we rely on the Civil Aviation Order of 2006.
Kaola also read news in 2014 about a consultancy contract signed between the Department of Civil Aviation and the Civil Aviation Authority International, a subsidiary of the UK Civil Aviation Authority. Among other things, the contract aimed to review the country's civil aviation legislation and propose changes towards a world-class regulatory framework and an ICAO Compliant Safety Security Oversight System. Kaola's question is, this project was supposed to have been completed, but why are 'we' still using the Civil Aviation Public Order Legislation of 2006.
From the perspective of the regulator, which is still under the Civil Aviation Department, the role of a regulator is not only to enforce what can and cannot be done by operators. Equally important is the role of the regulator to ensure industry development such as the development of human resources, job opportunities, and business.
Kaola's question regarding the expected growth is to what extent is the capability of the Civil Aviation Department as a regulator? Has the Civil Aviation Department conducted a risk assessment and scrutinized their preparedness in terms of the internal capability of the department as a regulator, especially in terms of human resources, regulations, and the necessary perspective?
In terms of infrastructure and the capacity of Brunei International Airport, if this second airline has already started operations, can the current capacity of the airport accommodate the increased capacity from the existing airlines? What Kaola means is in terms of passenger handling, facilities such as aerobridges, parking space for aircraft, and so on.
With the hope for success and guidance, peace be upon you and God's mercy and blessings Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi
Thank you, we have heard questions from the 7 Your Honourable Members who were appointed earlier and we will wait for the answers and responses from Yang Berhormat Menteri Pengangkutan dan Infokomunikasi but I think that's enough for today's session, debating at this Committee Stage.
I would like to propose that we adjourn this Committee Meeting and resume in the National Assembly Conference.
(Committee Meeting adjourned)
(National Assembly resumed)
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua
Your Honourable Members. We are now resuming in the National Assembly Conference. I think that's enough for our session today.
I would like to adjourn this National Assembly Conference and we will resume, God willing, tomorrow on Thursday, 21 March 2024 as usual starting from 10:00 am.
That's all, May God guide us to the right path, peace be upon you and God's mercy and blessings
(National Assembly adjourned)
HADIR
YANG DI-PERTUA
Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Lela Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Abdul Rahman bin Dato Setia Haji Mohamed Taib, P.S.N.B., S.L.J., P.H.B.S., P.J.K., P.K.L., 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, Perdana Menteri, Menteri Pertahanan, Menteri Kewangan dan Ekonomi dan Menteri Hal Ehwal Luar Negeri, Negara Brunei Darussalam.
Duli Yang Teramat Mulia Paduka Seri Pengiran Muda Mahkota Pengiran Muda Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah ibni Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah, D.K.M.B., D.P.K.T., 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), Darjah Kerabat Johor Yang Amat Dihormati Pangkat Pertama (Johor), DSO (Military) (Singapore), P.H.B.S., Menteri Kanan di Jabatan Perdana Menteri, Negara Brunei Darussalam.
Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Laila Setia Bakti Di-Raja Dato Laila Utama Haji Awang Isa bin Pehin Datu Perdana Menteri Dato Laila Utama Haji Awang Ibrahim, D.K., S.P.M.B., D.S.N.B., P.H.B.S., P.B.L.I., P.J.K., P.K.L., Penasihat Khas Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan dan Yang Di-Pertuan Negara Brunei Darussalam dan Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri, Negara Brunei Darussalam. (Not present due to official business).
Yang Berhormat Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Badaruddin bin Pengarah Dato Paduka Haji Awang Othman, P.S.S.U.B., D.P.M.B., P.H.B.S., P.B.L.I., P.J.K., P.K.L., Menteri Hal Ehwal Ugama, Negara Brunei Darussalam. (Not present due to official business)
Yang Berhormat Pehin Datu Lailaraja Mejar Jeneral (B) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Mohd. Yussof, D.P.K.T., S.M.B., P.H.B.S., Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri dan Menteri Pertahanan II, Negara Brunei Darussalam. (Not present due to official business)
Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Dr. Awang Haji Mohammad Isham bin Haji Jaafar, P.S.N.B., D.P.M.B., Menteri Kesihatan, Negara Brunei Darussalam.
Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Dr. Awang Haji Mohd. Amin Liew bin Abdullah, P.S.N.B., S.P.M.B., Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri dan Menteri Kewangan dan Ekonomi II, Negara Brunei Darussalam.
Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Erywan bin Pehin Datu Pekerma Jaya Haji Mohd. Yusof, P.S.N.B., S.P.M.B., P.J.K., P.I.K.B., Menteri Hal Ehwal Luar Negeri II, Negara Brunei Darussalam.
Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Ahmadddin bin Haji Abdul Rahman P.S.N.B., S.P.M.B., P.S.B., P.I.K.B., Menteri Hal Ehwal Dalam Negeri, Negara Brunei Darussalam.
Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Dr. Awang Haji Abd. Manaf bin Haji Metussin P.S.N.B., S.P.M.B., S.N.B., S.M.B., P.S.B., P.K.L., Menteri Sumber-Sumber Utama dan Pelancongan, Negara Brunei Darussalam.
Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Muhammad Juanda bin Haji Abd. Rashid P.S.N.B., D.P.M.B., P.I.K.B., Menteri Pembangunan, Negara Brunei Darussalam.
Yang Berhormat Datin Seri Setia Dr. Dayang Hajah Romaizah binti Haji Md. Salleh P.S.N.B., S.P.M.B., P.I.K.B., P.K.L., Menteri Pendidikan, Negara Brunei Darussalam.
Yang Berhormat Pengiran Dato Seri Setia Shamhary bin Pengiran Dato Paduka Haji Mustapha P.S.N.B., P.S.B., Menteri Pengangkutan dan Infokomunikasi, Negara Brunei Darussalam.
Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Nazmi bin Haji Mohamad P.S.N.B., S.M.B., P.I.K.B., Menteri Kebudayaan, Belia dan Sukan, Negara Brunei Darussalam.
AHLI YANG DILANTIK ORANG-ORANG YANG BERGELAR
Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Laila Setia Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Abd. Rahman bin Haji Ibrahim, P.S.N.B., D.P.M.B., P.H.B.S., P.I.K.B., P.K.L.
Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Johan Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Adanan bin Begawan Pehin Siraja Khatib Dato Seri Setia Haji Md. Yusof, P.S.N.B., D.P.M.B., P.H.B.S., P.J.K., P.I.K.B., P.K.L.
Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Indera Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Haji Awang Suyoi bin Haji Osman, P.S.N.B., D.P.M.B., P.J.K., P.I.K.B., P.K.L.
AHLI YANG DILANTIK ORANG-ORANG YANG TELAH MENCAPAI KECEMERLANGAN
Yang Berhormat Dayang Hajah Safiah binti Sheikh Haji Abd. Salam, S.U.B., P.I.K.B., P.K.L.
Yang Berhormat Awang Lau How Teck, P.S.B.
Yang Berhormat Dayang Chong Chin Yee, P.I.K.B.
Yang Berhormat Dr. Awang Haji Mahali bin Haji Momin, S.M.B., P.I.K.B., P.K.L.
Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Salleh Bostaman bin Haji Zainal Abidin, S.N.B., S.M.B., P.I.K.B.
Yang Berhormat Dayang Hajah Rosmawatty binti Haji Abdul Mumin, S.M.B., P.S.B.
Yang Berhormat Pengiran Haji Isa bin Pengiran Haji Aliuddin, P.I.K.B.
AHLI YANG DILANTIK MEWAKILI DAERAH-DAERAH
Yang Berhormat Awang Amran bin Haji Maidin, P.I.K.B., P.K.L., Penghulu Mukim Lumapas -Daerah Brunei dan Muara.
Yang Berhormat Awang Lawi bin Haji Lamat, P.K.L., Ketua Kampung Subok - Daerah Brunei dan Muara.
Yang Berhormat Awang Zainol bin Haji Mohamed, Ketua Kampung Putat - Daerah Brunei dan Muara.
Yang Berhormat Awang Mohamad Ali bin Tanjong, P.K.L., Ketua Kampung Lumapas 'B' – Daerah Brunei dan Muara.
Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Daud bin Jihan, P.I.K.B., P.K.L., Ketua Kampung Belimbing – Daerah Brunei dan Muara.
Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Md. Salleh bin Haji Othman, P.I.K.B., Penghulu Mukim Bukit Sawat – Daerah Belait.
Yang Berhormat Awang Mohammad bin Abdullah @ Lim Swee Ann, Ketua Kampung Bukit Sawat – Daerah Belait.
Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Mohamad Danial @ Tekpin bin Ya'akub, P.I.K.B., Penghulu Mukim Ukong – Daerah Tutong.
Yang Berhormat Awang Abdul Aziz bin Haji Hamdan, Ketua Kampung Sengkarai – Daerah Tutong.
Yang Berhormat Haji Awang Sulaiman bin Haji Nasir, P.S.B., P.I.K.B., P.K.L.P., Ketua Kampung Labu Estet dan Piasau-Piasau – Daerah Temburong.
HADIR BERSAMA
Yang Mulia Dr. Dayang Hajah Huraini binti Pehin Orang Kaya Setia Jaya Dato Paduka Awang Haji Hurairah, P.S.B., P.I.K.B., P.K.L., Jurutulis Majlis Mesyuarat Negara, Negara Brunei Darussalam.
Yang Mulia Pengiran Hajah Zaidah binti Pengiran Haji Petra, Acting Deputy Jurutulis Mesyuarat Negara, Negara Brunei Darussalam.
(The session commenced at 10.00 am)
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