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For Informational Purposes Only

DAY 6 MORNING

Reading Summary

📖 Reading time: 146 minutes
📊 Word count: 29,505 words

17TH MARCH 2026 MORNING​

(The meeting began at 9.30 a.m.)

Yang Mulia Jurutulis​

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. The First Meeting of the 22nd Session of the Legislative Council convenes on its sixth day today, Tuesday, 27 Ramadan 1447 corresponding to 17 March 2026, and is preceded by Doa Selamat.

DOA SELAMAT​

(Doa Selamat was recited by Yang Dimuliakan Begawan Pehin Khatib Dato Paduka Awang Haji Mustafa bin Haji Murat, Imam of Jame’ Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque).

Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua​

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Peace be upon you and the mercy of Allah Ta’ala and His blessings. Praise be to Allah Subhanahu Wata’ala because by His mercy alone, we are able to gather together once again this morning to sit for the sixth day of the First Meeting of the 22nd Session of the Legislative Council.

Blessings and peace be upon our Great Leader Sayyidina Muhammad Sallahu’alaihi Wassalam, his family members, companions and his followers who are obedient and faithful until the end of time.

Your Honourable Members. We will begin today with the next order of business.

Yang Mulia Jurutulis​

Question Time for Oral Answers.

Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua​

Your Honourable Members. We now move to Question Time. As is customary, this time will be limited to one hour and Yang Berhormat Menteri will be given ten minutes to answer each question.

Before us now is the list of questions submitted. I begin with the first question, namely the question submitted by Yang Berhormat Dayang Hajah Safiah binti Sheikh Haji Abd. Salam addressed to Yang Berhormat Menteri Hal Ehwal Dalam Negeri. Please proceed.

Yang Berhormat Menteri Hal Ehwal Dalam Negeri​

Thank you Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua. Kaola seeks permission to answer question number 1, namely PL009, and question number 2, namely PL112, together as the issues raised are closely related.

Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua​

So the first question and the second question.

Yang Berhormat Menteri Hal Ehwal Dalam Negeri​

Kaola, Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua.

Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua​

The second question is the question submitted by Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Laila Setia Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Abd. Rahman bin Haji Ibrahim. Please proceed.

Yang Berhormat Menteri Hal Ehwal Dalam Negeri​

Thank you Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua. In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Kaola would first like to record the highest appreciation to Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Laila Setia Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Abd. Rahman bin Haji Ibrahim and Yang Berhormat Dayang Hajah Safiah binti Sheikh Haji Abd. Salam for the questions raised.

Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua and Your Honourable Members.

To ensure that there is no abuse, oppression or exploitation of labour in the private sector, the Labour Department has implemented and will continue to implement several regulatory, supervisory and enforcement mechanisms continuously as follows:

First, through the implementation of the National Labour Management System, namely NLMS, which began to be used on 4 April 2023, whereby this system enables the application process for foreign worker recruitment licences or LPA to be carried out online to replace the manual method which was previously issued physically. The implementation of this system not only improves the efficiency of application management but also enables data sharing to be carried out more effectively with relevant enforcement agencies including the Immigration and National Registration Department for visa issuance purposes. Through this data sharing, any possibility of misuse of LPA can be identified and prevented earlier, while also enabling checks on workers listed in the database to be carried out more effectively;

Second, in terms of legal protection for workers under Chapter 10 - Employment Act Chapter 278, every employer must sign a contract of service, namely an Employment Contract, between the employer and the worker. This contract contains the basic terms of employment including employment details such as the name of the employer, name of the worker, position, workplace, date of commencement of work, wage rate, overtime payment, working and rest hours, leave entitlement, notice of termination of contract of service as well as workplace safety and health aspects. This requirement is intended to ensure that the rights and responsibilities of both parties are clearly stated so as to avoid any form of exploitation or abuse of power by employers.

Based on statistics from the Enforcement Division of the Labour Department, the number of offences related to contracts of service showed an increase from 34 cases in 2023 to 44 cases in 2024 and further increased to 64 cases in 2025. These offences include, among others, the failure of employers to provide contracts of service in writing as well as the provision of contractual terms that are contrary to the law, for which compound fines amounting to BND85,200.00 were collected. Any employer found to have failed to provide a written contract of service may be imposed a compound fine not exceeding BND1,000.00 and if the compound fine is not settled, the employer may be brought before the court and if convicted may be fined not exceeding BND3,000.00 or imprisoned for a term not exceeding 1 year or both.

The Labour Department also conducts inspections of premises either through its own operations or integrated operations with other enforcement agencies such as the Immigration and National Registration Department. In the period from 2023 to 2025, a total of 3,463 premises were inspected. The offences detected increased from 348 cases in 2023 to 450 cases in 2025. The three highest offences identified in 2025 are as follows:

First, 344 offences under Chapter 112 (2) - Employment Act Chapter 278, namely employing foreign workers without a licence from the Labour Commissioner or using an expired LPA as well as breaching licence conditions;

Second, 100 offences under Chapter 86 - Employment Act Chapter 278, namely failure to obtain approval for labour employment places as well as failure to carry out the rearrangement of placement for additional labour workers;

Third, 85 offences under Chapter 70 - Employment Act Chapter 278, namely employers’ failure to grant leave on gazetted public holidays. From the total number of these offences, 529 compound fines were issued with a total value of BND228,600.00.

In terms of prosecution action in 2024, two individuals were convicted for carrying out employment agency activities without a licence while in 2025, three employers were prosecuted for failing to pay workers’ wages.

Four individuals were prosecuted under the Employment Agencies Order 2004 for the offence of carrying out employment agency activities without a licence and three employment agency licence holders were prosecuted for lending their licences to other parties. As a result of these offences, employers found to have failed to pay workers’ wages were directed to settle the outstanding wage payments to the workers concerned.

In addition, the Labour Department has also revoked employment agency licences, directed individuals who are freelancer_s to return to their country of origin, while local worker _freelancer individuals were fined by the court. The Labour Department also provides various channels for workers and the public to lodge complaints including through the Legal Enforcement Division counter, the official email of the Labour Department namely LED@buruh.gov.bn or info.buruh@buruh.gov.bn or through the WhatsApp application platform at line (673) 729 8989.

Statistics show that in Financial Year 2024/2025, 165 complaints were received and all were successfully resolved. Meanwhile, in Financial Year 2025/2026, 175 complaints were received with 153 of them having been resolved while the remainder are still in the process of investigation and action. These complaints mostly involve delays in wage payments, failure of employers to repatriate workers after the expiry of contracts as well as wage deductions without the permission of the Labour Commissioner. This complaint mechanism plays an important role in supporting enforcement operations to ensure legal compliance as well as strengthen the prevention of labour offences.

At the international level, two memoranda of understanding, namely MOU, have been signed, namely with the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste on 06 November 2023 and with the People’s Republic of Bangladesh on 16 October 2022. This cooperation also creates a more effective mechanism for regulating worker recruitment and ensuring that the rights and obligations of workers and employers are implemented in line with the laws of Negara Brunei Darussalam.

For information, the number of companies applying for workers from Bangladesh increased from 115 companies in 2024 to 637 companies in 2025 with the number of workers approved increasing from 473 to 1929 persons, while for Timor Leste to date, 3 companies applied and 3 workers were approved in 2024.

Next, among the measures implemented by the Immigration and National Registration Department to ensure that the control of the number of foreign workers is carried out in an orderly manner is through the Immigration and National Registration System. This system is the main management system of the Immigration and National Registration Department in managing the data and movement of foreign nationals in Negara Brunei Darussalam.

Through the IMS system, information is stored in one database through the identity card registration process which functions as a People Hub and enables relevant government agencies to access information according to their respective needs. This database also supports the implementation of the BruneiID project, namely a digital ID, which is a national digital identity platform that enables user identity verification and secure access to government services online.

In addition, data on foreign workers from the National Labour Management System under the Labour Department is also integrated into this system to strengthen overall monitoring. Over the past 3 years, a total of 862 enforcement operations have been carried out involving inspections of 1101 locations including hotspot areas, business premises and foreign workers’ residences. As a result of these operations, 142 individuals were charged in court, 6,748 individuals were issued compound fines with total compound fine collections amounting to BND3.25 million, and 4,344 individuals were returned or deported to their countries of origin.

Overall, the government will continue to strengthen labour management governance through an integrated approach encompassing the strengthening of digital systems, legal enforcement, inter-agency cooperation as well as bilateral cooperation with source countries of workers.

These measures are not only intended to ensure that the employment of foreign workers is carried out legally, orderly and in a controlled manner, but also to guarantee the protection of workers’ rights and welfare while ensuring that the country’s labour market is always safeguarded. That is all that kaola can convey in answering the questions from Your Honourable Members concerned, thank you Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua.

Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua​

The question from Yang Berhormat Awang Amran bin Haji Maidin to Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Dr. Awang Haji Mohd. Amin Liew bin Abdullah, Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri dan Menteri Kewangan dan Ekonomi II

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

Thank you Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua. In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Peace be upon you and Allah’s mercy and blessings.

Kaola would first like to express appreciation to Yang Berhormat Awang Amran bin Haji Maidin for the question regarding the success of apprenticeship schemes such as SkiPPA, i-Ready and related schemes.

In this matter, the apprenticeship schemes implemented through the JobCentre Brunei, PPB, Prime Minister’s Office continue to play an important role as an effective transition platform from the world of studies to the world of work. Specifically, this scheme emphasises actual working experience, development of technical skills as well as graduate employability while providing exposure to the industrial environment. Each apprenticeship programme is specifically designed to meet the needs of various sectors including the private sector, public service as well as clinical and professional fields.

At present, PPB is implementing 3 main apprenticeship schemes, namely the i-Ready Apprenticeship Programme, the Public Service Apprenticeship Scheme, SkiPPA and the Clinical Supervisory Programme, CSP. As of 31 December 2025, a total of 11,588 apprentices have joined these three schemes. For the i-Ready programme, which was introduced in 2017 and is continuously updated according to labour market needs as well as feedback from apprentices and employers.

Its implementation has shown a positive impact on workforce development and graduate employability. Out of 9,167 former apprentices, 6,458 people or 70 per cent have successfully obtained employment, with 1,365 placed in the government sector and 5,093 in the private sector. This shows that work experience and industry exposure during the apprenticeship period significantly increase the marketability and employability of participants.

Meanwhile, for the SkiPPA programme, a total of 1,358 apprentices have joined this scheme since it was introduced in December 2024. As of 31 December 2025, out of 115 apprentices who withdrew early, 82 people or 71 per cent did so because they had received permanent job offers in the government and private sectors. In addition, 526 apprentices have successfully completed the 12-month apprenticeship period recently and follow-up monitoring of their employment status is being actively carried out to assess the effectiveness of the programme comprehensively. According to the SkiPPA apprentice satisfaction study conducted from April to September 2025, 79 per cent of apprentices were satisfied with the apprenticeship experience overall.

Meanwhile, 99 per cent stated interest in serving in the government sector. Therefore, this scheme not only provides meaningful work exposure but also helps shape clearer career aspirations among youths. As for the Clinical Supervisory Programme, CSP, it is a joint effort with the Ministry of Health since October 2024, in which a total of 45 apprentices have joined the programme in the fields of Allied Health Professions and pharmacy. As of December 2025, a total of 30 apprentices are actively undergoing the programme, while 15 apprentices withdrew from the programme. Of those 15 apprentices, 14 have obtained permanent employment in the government and private sectors.

This clearly reflects the high demand for the field. Besides showing the effectiveness of the work-based learning training approach in meeting the needs of the health sector. Overall, the employment rate for the said schemes shows that the work-based apprenticeship approach is effective in increasing youth employability.

More than that, apprenticeship schemes not only provide direct exposure and work experience but also function as a platform for comprehensive competency development. Through continuous training and guidance, apprentices have the opportunity to improve technical skills as well as soft skills required by employers.

Therefore, this scheme has proven to play a role as an effective and competitive pathway towards permanent job placement whether in the government sector or the private sector. As a continuing measure, PPB in collaboration with the Manpower Planning Office, JPM, will continue to strengthen and monitor programme effectiveness through an employment outcome monitoring system to record the status of former apprentices and analyse absorption rates.

Satisfaction studies and feedback from apprentices and employers to assess the quality of implementation and the suitability of skills with industry needs. Improvements to policy and programme structure on a regular basis including adjustment of apprenticeship duration, training scope and emphasis on employability skill such as communication, work discipline and critical thinking. Alignment with the needs of industry and relevant agencies to ensure that training fields are in line with sectors with high manpower demand and active employer involvement including encouraging the absorption of apprentices into permanent positions after the completion of the apprenticeship.

In conclusion, this approach ensures that apprenticeship schemes not only increase employability in the short term but also contribute to job stability and the long-term career development of local youths. This measure is in line with the aspirations of national workforce development and Wawasan Brunei 2035.

That is all that kaola can convey. Thank you Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua.

Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua​

Next is the question of Yang Berhormat Awang Zainol bin Haji Mohamed addressed to Yang Berhormat Menteri Kesihatan.

Yang Berhormat Menteri Kesihatan​

Thank you Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua. In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. (prayer recited).

Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua and Your Honourable Members. Peace be upon you and Allah’s mercy and blessings and greetings of peace. Praise be to Allah, thank you for the question from Yang Berhormat Awang Zainol bin Haji Mohamed regarding the planning for the establishment of a Community Rehabilitation Centre or continued care support specifically for stroke patients, the elderly and chronic cases to reduce dependence on hospitals and ensure continuity of long-term care.

Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua, Your Honourable Members.

Our country is facing major demographic changes. By 2050, nearly 29 per cent of Brunei’s population is expected to be aged 60 and above. This ageing population affects not only the health sector but also welfare, housing, workforce and family support. This issue cannot be addressed by the Ministry of Health alone. It requires a whole-of-nation approach involving relevant ministries and agencies, the private sector, NGOs, communities and families. On the ministry’s part, efforts to strengthen geriatric services are underway. At present, geriatric services are still largely concentrated in hospitals due to manpower constraints.

However, planning is being made to expand support into the community. One of the initiatives is the Step-Down Project in Tutong District, using the National Isolation Centre extension building or NICe at Tutong Hospital. This project aims to provide temporary support after hospital treatment and offer rehabilitation opportunities before patients return home. It will become a bridge between the hospital and the community. The project is now in the planning phase including facility design, manpower recruitment and the arrangement of the operational framework.

The main challenges are the shortage of specialised manpower in the field of geriatrics and the need for deeper training to ensure quality care. In addition, the Geriatric Unit has also begun using telemedicine through the BruHealth application for elderly persons bedridden at home. Weekly sessions are conducted for medical reviews, functional and cognitive screening as well as care planning. This is complemented by the GeriHelpline for communication with caregivers. Physical clinics are also conducted at RIPAS hospital and Pusat Amal Cerah Sejahtera, Subok. Meanwhile, home visits are made for certain cases.

This emphasis shows the ministry’s commitment to strengthening long-term care, reducing dependence on hospitals and ensuring continuity of care for stroke patients, the elderly and chronic cases. God willing, with this integrated effort we will be able to provide a more inclusive environment and a more sustainable support system for an increasingly ageing population. Thank you Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua.

Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua​

The question of Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Laila Setia Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Abd. Rahman bin Haji Ibrahim to Yang Berhormat Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri dan Menteri Kewangan dan Ekonomi II.

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

Thank you Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua. Kaola expresses appreciation for the question raised by Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Laila Setia Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Abd. Rahman bin Haji Ibrahim regarding the ministry’s efforts in generating more job opportunities.

The efforts to generate more job opportunities implemented by the Ministry of Finance and Economy are focused, among others, through 3 main economic drivers, namely first, through increased Foreign Direct Investment, FDI activities. Second, through the growth of local Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises. And third, through the expansion of operations of Government-Linked Companies, GLCs in Negara Brunei Darussalam.

First, in terms of attracting FDI, the government continues to intensify strategic investment promotion efforts to attract quality investment inflows into Negara Brunei Darussalam, thereby supporting the creation of more job opportunities. As of January 2026, approximately 4,000 job opportunities have been generated through 25 FDI companies currently operating in Negara Brunei Darussalam, where the implementation process has also helped generate various spin-off job opportunities for local companies either directly or indirectly. As a result of this effort, local people involved have the opportunity to benefit from knowledge and technology transfers and employment opportunities through human resource development programmes in various fields.

For example, Brunei Fertilizer Industry Sendirian Berhad, Hengyi Industries Sendirian Berhad and Barramundi Asia Sendirian Berhad continue to provide various basic, technical and specialised skills training courses including placement programmes within their respective industries as a long-term plan for capacity development and preparation for local people to take over the operations of those companies in the future. This approach aims to ensure that local citizens not only obtain job opportunities but also grow into a higher-quality and more competitive workforce in the long term.

Second, the ministry also places emphasis on the development of local MSMEs in efforts to create more local job opportunities. Various initiatives have been implemented including entrepreneurship development and business enhancement programmes. As a result of the implementation of these initiatives, since 2018 a total of 797 job opportunities including self-employment have been generated through the establishment of 519 new companies resulting from participation in the Micro Bootcamp programme.

Meanwhile, another 869 job opportunities including self-employment have been created through 174 new companies resulting from participation in the Accelerate Bootcamp programme. In addition, several start-up companies have expanded their businesses by opening new branches, introducing additional products and services as well as securing new contracts. This development, God willing, will be able to generate more job opportunities for local people.

Third, GLCs also play an important role in supporting the creation of local job opportunities through operational expansion, development of new projects as well as implementation of strategic investments in priority sectors. For the information of Your Honourable Members, over the past 6 years, namely from the end of Financial Year 2020/2021 until the third quarter of Financial Year 2025/2026 prorata, the overall increase in employment for the Darussalam Assets group of companies is 6.61 per cent, with the total local employment increasing from 5,585 in Financial Year 2020/2021 to 7,811 as of the third quarter of Financial Year 2025/2026, where 86 per cent of the workforce consists of local citizens.

This effort is further strengthened with the launch of the Centralised Recruitment System, which is a recruitment platform for Darussalam Assets and the Darussalam Assets group of companies. To date, a total of 33,467 users have registered and 1,207 out of 1,743 job positions have been filled through the platform. GLCs are also encouraged to offer salaries that are appropriate to qualification and skill levels as well as according to market rates, with a remuneration structure that is constantly reviewed and improved subject to the company’s capacity and financial performance. At the same time, emphasis is also given to training, technology transfer and talent development to ensure that local people are prepared to fill positions in line with industry needs and Wawasan Brunei 2035.

That is all, thank you Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua.

Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua​

The question of Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Johan Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Adanan bin Begawan Pehin Siraja Khatib Dato Seri Setia Haji Md. Yusof addressed to Yang Berhormat Menteri Hal Ehwal Dalam Negeri.

Yang Berhormat Menteri Hal Ehwal Dalam Negeri​

Thank you Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua. Assalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh and greetings.

Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua and Your Honourable Members, first of all kaola would like to record appreciation to Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Johan Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Adanan bin Begawan Pehin Siraja Khatib Dato Seri Setia Haji Md. Yusof for the question raised in relation to the reform initiatives of the Immigration and National Registration Department as well as the Labour Department in supporting the ease of doing business policy.

Since 2022, the Immigration and National Registration Department and the Labour Department have implemented several reform initiatives to facilitate the affairs of investors and investments, traders and businesses including employers and workers, while at the same time supporting the government’s efforts in creating a more efficient and conducive business environment. Among the initiatives implemented by the Immigration and National Registration Department is the introduction of a new policy, namely the long term pass which came into force on 31 December 2024. In addition, the process for issuing work visas has also been simplified whereby visa approval can now be issued directly after the approval of the Foreign Worker Licence, namely LPA, from the Labour Department. This measure has successfully shortened visa processing time from around 14 working days to approximately 3 working days.

In addition, the Immigration and National Registration Department has also expanded visa issuance arrangements to facilitate the entry of foreign nationals into Negara Brunei Darussalam, where to date a total of 67 countries have visa exemption arrangements with Negara Brunei Darussalam, while 5 countries have been granted visa on arrival facilities. In line with efforts to facilitate investment activities and the exploration of business opportunities, professional visas or business visas will be given to citizens from countries that have visa exemption arrangements with Negara Brunei Darussalam on the condition that there is a sponsor letter from private companies registered in this country. However, entry is subject to regulations and assessment by the Immigration and National Registration Department. Meanwhile, foreign nationals who intend to explore investment opportunities in Negara Brunei Darussalam will be given a professional visit visa or pass for a period of 12 months on the condition that their application receives support from the Brunei Economic Development Board, BEDB, Ministry of Finance and Economy.

In addition, the Immigration and National Registration Department has also implemented a Pusat Kaunter Setempat, one stop counter, known as the visa and pass service counter located on level 2 of the Visa and Pass Division, Headquarters Building of the Immigration and National Registration Department, which combines the application counters for private visa services and government extensions, visit visa applications and visit pass extensions, which were previously located on levels 1 and 2 of the Headquarters Building of the Immigration and National Registration Department. This aims to improve service efficiency to the public.

Alhamdulillah, the use of the E-Gate system which began to be used on 10 December 2025 at Brunei International Airport has also helped speed up the entry and exit process where as of 5 March 2026 a total of 39,490 people have used the said E-Gate. Under the Labour Department, among the main reforms is the implementation of the National Labour Management System, NLMS, which enables applications related to foreign workers to be carried out or submitted online, replacing the manual application method at the counter. This initiative facilitates the affairs of traders, employers as well as registered employment agencies in submitting applications more quickly and efficiently.

In addition, the implementation of foreign worker takaful insurance guarantee has also been introduced as an alternative to the security deposit method for the recruitment of foreign workers. Through this method, employers only need to pay an insurance premium as a security guarantee compared to the bank guarantee or cash deposit method which previously required a higher amount of payment. This initiative is found to help reduce business operating costs, especially for companies employing large numbers of foreign workers.

Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua and Your Honourable Members. Overall, the implementation of these various initiatives reflects the government’s commitment in enhancing the efficiency of public service delivery through system digitalisation, process coordination between agencies as well as improvements to existing procedures. This is in line with the government’s efforts to create a more efficient, transparent and conducive business environment to support the economic growth of Negara Brunei Darussalam as well as attract quality investment into this country. This approach is in line with the aspirations of Wawasan Brunei 2035 under Goal 3, namely a Dynamic and Sustainable Economy.

That is what kaola can convey in answering the said question from Yang Berhormat. Thank you Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua.

Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua​

The question from Yang Berhormat Dayang Chong Chin Yee is addressed to Yang Berhormat Menteri Kesihatan.

Yang Berhormat Menteri Kesihatan​

Thank you Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua, Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim, Assalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh and greetings.

Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua and Your Honourable Members.

Thank you for the question from Yang Berhormat Dayang Chong Chin Yee regarding whether the Ministry of Health will consider expanding access to selected mental health medicines to private pharmacies or clinics, particularly taking into account patients who require alternative treatment or long-term treatment beyond first-line treatment.

Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua and Your Honourable Members.

Mental health conditions require a comprehensive clinical assessment before treatment is started to ensure an accurate diagnosis and safe management. At present, common illnesses such as depression and anxiety disorders can be managed at the health centre level including at private clinics. Antidepressant medicines are also available at several private clinics in this country provided that patients are under the care of qualified doctors and receive appropriate follow-up treatment. For more complex conditions such as psychotic disorders and bipolar disorders, treatment requires specialist assessment, careful initiation and continuous monitoring. These cases are more suitably managed within specialist mental health services to guarantee patient safety and continuity of treatment.

The Ministry of Health always supports a holistic approach in addressing mental health issues. The treatment provided is based on evidence-based practice including psychiatry treatment, counselling and psychosocial interventions managed by trained professionals. At the same time, this country is also exploring other support approaches that are in line with local religious and cultural values. Cooperation has been carried out with Universiti Islam Sultan Sharif Ali, UNISSA, in developing modules related to spiritually-based treatment as a complement to existing treatment. This approach is still at the development and review stage, and any official implementation will be subject to careful scrutiny to ensure its safety, effectiveness and suitability within the framework of the national health service.

Insya Allah, with the combination of clinical treatment, psychosocial support and support based on local values, efforts to strengthen mental health will continue to be intensified for the wellbeing of the people. That is all, thank you Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua.

Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua​

The question from Yang Berhormat Awang Lawi bin Haji Lamat is also addressed to Yang Berhormat Menteri Kesihatan.

Yang Berhormat Menteri Kesihatan​

Thank you Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua. Thank you for the question from Yang Berhormat Awang Lawi bin Haji Lamat, in relation to measures to ensure a consistent supply of medicine especially for non-communicable disease such as diabetes, high blood pressure and cholesterol, which are usually supplied with medicine for three months, but only receive enough supply from one month to another.

Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua and Your Honourable Members.

For patients suffering from chronic diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure and cholesterol, each prescription is usually valid until the date of the next doctor’s appointment, namely between three months to one year. Medicine supplies are usually given for a period of two to three months. In certain circumstances, the supply may only be for one month depending on stock availability at the pharmacy as well as other factors such as the patient’s level of adherence or compliance with treatment.

Among the reasons medicine is sometimes supplied monthly are limited stock at the national medical store while awaiting new delivery, limited delivery capacity from overseas suppliers, limited storage space at pharmacies for certain medicines, as well as a measure to avoid wastage when there are treatment changes or patient non-adherence.

To address this matter, the Ministry of Health has been and is implementing several initiatives such as improving monitoring and close cooperation with suppliers in stock management and delivery, making early planning to ensure medicine procurement allocations are accurate including for sudden usage, strengthening forecasting capability according to current usage trends, increasing public awareness regarding taking medicine correctly and regularly, ensuring monitoring of two to three months’ supply at all pharmacies, as well as controlling medicine wastage among patients who do not comply with treatment. Insya Allah, with these measures, medicine supplies for chronic disease patients will be more consistent and assured, thereby supporting safe and effective continuity of treatment. That is all, thank you Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua.

Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua​

The question from Yang Berhormat Dayang Hajah Rosmawatty binti Haji Abdul Mumin is also to Yang Berhormat Menteri Kesihatan.

Yang Berhormat Menteri Kesihatan​

Thank you Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua. Alhamdulillah. Thank you for the question from Yang Berhormat Dayang Hajah Rosmawatty binti Haji Abdul Mumin regarding the proposal to include anxiety as a mental health indicator in the Epidemic Intelligence and Response Unit, EIRU system.

Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua and Your Honourable Members.

Mental health is among the main priorities of the Ministry of Health. We realise that issues such as anxiety or anxiety can have a significant impact on individual wellbeing, family harmony and national productivity. For information, the EIRU system at present focuses mainly on the monitoring of infectious diseases in line with the original function of its establishment. However, in the direction of public health transformation, this monitoring scope will be expanded in phases to include non-communicable diseases including aspects of mental health.

In the next iteration of BruMAP, mental health will be made one of the core components in the nation’s strategic planning. This means that aspects of mental health will be assessed and monitored as part of national priorities. In relation to the proposal to include anxiety as a specific indicator, this matter will be assessed comprehensively by taking into account the disease burden and current trends as well as its impact on society and the health system. This assessment is important to ensure that every indicator used truly reflects public health priorities and enables effective action to be taken.

At the same time, the Ministry of Health is strengthening mental health monitoring through the collection and analysis of data from Government health facilities, community services and electronic record systems. This data will be used to identify trends and plan early interventions, assess programme effectiveness and support resource allocation so that it can be made more comprehensively and on an evidence-based basis. To date, there is no plan yet to include anxiety specifically in the EIRU system.

However, the ministry is assessing and updating plans for the use of the platform evidence through the BruHealth application and Health Index to develop a comprehensive mental health monitoring system. This planning is in line with the Brunei Darussalam National Mental Health Action Plan 2022-2025 and will be continued into the 2025-2030 Plan. Through this system, various important data such as service usage, referral timeframes, treatment outcomes, trends in the use of support lines as well as incidents of self-harm or suicide will be recorded and monitored continuously.

Insya Allah, with this approach, policy planning, early intervention and resource allocation in the field of mental health will be able to be strengthened in a more structured, holistic and evidence-based manner in order to ensure that the wellbeing of the people is always safeguarded. That is all. Thank you Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua.

Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua​

Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Mohamad Danial @ Tekpin bin Ya’akub addressed to Yang Berhormat Menteri Kesihatan.

Yang Berhormat Menteri Kesihatan​

Thank you Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua and thank you for the question from Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Mohamad Danial @ Tekpin bin Ya’akub regarding the patient feedback mechanism used to assess the level of public satisfaction with the services of government hospitals. Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua and Your Honourable Members.

The Ministry of Health uses several patient feedback mechanisms to assess the level of public satisfaction with hospital services and health facilities. These mechanisms encompass feedback reception channels, case management processes as well as trend monitoring for the purpose of continuous improvement. Among others, the main channels are the MOHcares application for complaints, suggestions, appreciation and enquiries; Talian Darussalam 123, this 24-hour channel is for complaints and enquiries; face-to-face channels with officers on duty at health facilities; the official email of the Ministry of Health; suggestion boxes at health facilities; and social media monitoring, especially on issues that attract public attention. With the availability of these conventional and modern channels, feedback can be obtained from various layers of society, including those with limited digital access.

In addition, the ministry also supports the implementation of the Public Service Care System introduced by the Prime Minister’s Office, namely a customer satisfaction survey system that strengthens the feedback mechanism through digital monitoring, reporting dashboards and data analysis.

This system complements the ministry’s existing feedback reception channels, which can in turn contribute to a culture of continuous improvement in the public service. Every feedback received will be recorded, assessed and channelled to the relevant department for investigation and action. Cases involving clinical issues or patient safety will be handled in accordance with established procedures.

Based on MOHcares 2025 data, there are five main issues most frequently raised. First, long waiting times, 40 per cent of complaints, particularly in the Emergency Department, Registration Counters and Specialist Clinics. Second, the attitude and communication of health personnel, 25 per cent, including tone of communication, lack of empathy and ethical issues. Next, clinical service quality, 18 per cent, involving treatment delays and patient safety issues. Registration and scheduling processes, 10 per cent, including appointments postponed without notice; and facilities and infrastructure, 7 per cent, including cleanliness and maintenance.

In response to these issues, the ministry has implemented several initiatives such as improving the queue management system and patient flow, expanding the use of the BruHealth application for online appointment bookings, strengthening communication between departments and enhancing customer service training, as well as improving patient safety reporting mechanisms. The Ministry of Health remains committed to making every feedback a basis for continuous improvement, in order to enhance patient and public satisfaction.

At the same time, the ministry calls on the public to give cooperation and patience, especially in situations of high patient numbers or unexpected emergency cases. Although workforce capacity challenges exist, efforts to improve the system and service quality will continue to be strengthened in order to provide quality, safe and integrated health services.

That is all, thank you Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua.

Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua​

Question from Yang Berhormat Dr. Awang Haji Mahali bin Haji Momin to Yang Berhormat Menteri Sumber-Sumber Utama dan Pelancongan.

Yang Berhormat Menteri Sumber-Sumber Utama dan Pelancongan​

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Peace be upon you and God’s mercy and blessings, and greetings.

Thank you Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua and thank you also for the question raised by Yang Berhormat Dr. Awang Haji Mahali bin Haji Momin regarding how research findings from local higher education institutions in the fields of agriculture, fisheries and forestry can be applied to business intelligence and support policy formulation, operational decisions, economic value chain development as well as the creation of quality employment opportunities.

Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua and Your Honourable Members.

The Ministry of Sumber-Sumber Utama dan Pelancongan indeed gives attention to the use of research findings from local higher education institutions to support the development of the agriculture, fisheries and forestry sectors in a more data- and evidence-based manner.

This collaboration is not only aimed at producing new knowledge but also at ensuring that research findings can be applied to business intelligence, policy formulation, operational decisions and economic value chain development. In the agriculture and agrifood sector, the Ministry, through the Department of Agriculture and Agrifood, collaborates with local higher education institutions in conducting studies related to production technology, soil sustainability and product value enhancement.

The findings of these studies will be tested through pilot projects with local entrepreneurs and farmers before being adopted as guidelines or industry practices. For example, a study with UNISSA related to regenerative agriculture focuses on restoring soil fertility, increasing biodiversity as well as reducing the use of chemicals in crop production. This approach not only supports agricultural sustainability but also improves product quality and value-added potential in the market. In addition, research related to food processing is also carried out to determine product shelf life as well as improve packaging standards and food safety. These findings help entrepreneurs enhance product marketability as well as support marketing expansion.

In the fisheries sector, joint research with higher education institutions focuses on the use of a more resilient and technology-based aquaculture industry. Among the main focuses is the application of smart aquaculture technology implemented in collaboration with UTB, including water quality monitoring systems and data-based pond management to increase productivity as well as optimise resource use. The second is a study on biosecurity and Antimicrobial Resistance, AMR monitoring implemented with Universiti Brunei Darussalam in fish cage farming industrial areas to strengthen health assurance and the sustainability of the industry.

These research findings help provide important information that can be used by entrepreneurs in making more accurate operational decisions as well as supporting the development of a more competitive aquaculture industry. In the forestry sector, research findings carried out by local higher education institutions such as the Institute for Biodiversity and Environmental Research, IBER, Universiti Brunei Darussalam have helped strengthen the data and knowledge base in the management of the country’s forest resources.

The research includes monitoring the biodiversity of tropical forests, wildlife studies in Ulu Temburong National Park as well as studies related to peat swamp forest ecosystems and natural habitats. These findings are used as references in supporting policy formulation, land use planning as well as the implementation of more sustainable forest management. By leveraging the uniqueness of the country’s natural treasures, these can be highlighted as high-value research-based tourism products while at the same time promoting ecotourism products.

In addition, research findings such as baseline carbon calculation through the national forest resource inventory also provide important data on forest carbon stocks with the potential to support the development of forest carbon initiatives as well as strengthen the ministry’s strategic plans, especially to enable the country to implement the carbon trading initiative.

This research- and data-based approach further supports more informed decision-making, strengthens the development of economic value chains based on forest resources as well as opens up new opportunities in the green economy.

Overall, research collaboration between the ministry and local higher education institutions plays an important role in ensuring that the development of the country’s primary resources is driven by data, innovation and scientific knowledge. This approach not only supports more effective policy formulation but also helps increase industry productivity, strengthen economic value chains as well as create more high-skilled employment opportunities in the relevant sectors.

That is all that kaola can convey regarding the question raised. That is all, thank you Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua.

Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua​

Question from Yang Berhormat Awang Zainol bin Haji Mohamed, also addressed to Yang Berhormat Menteri Kesihatan.

Yang Berhormat Menteri Kesihatan​

Thank you Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua. In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Peace be upon you and greetings.

Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua and Your Honourable Members.

First of all, I would like to express my thanks for the question from Yang Berhormat Awang Zainol bin Haji Mohamed regarding the ministry’s action in addressing financial incapacity for individuals facing barriers in obtaining treatment aside from instalment payment facilities and existing assistance schemes.

Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua and Your Honourable Members.

The ministry wishes to emphasise that every individual has the right to obtain treatment at the hospital without any obstacles. For patients facing financial difficulties, the hospital will first conduct an assessment of the patient’s circumstances from the family background.

If the family has the means, they may help settle the bill either in cash or through instalments. However, if the assessment shows that the patient and family are genuinely unable to afford it, the patient will be referred to the medical social work service.

There, the application for assistance will be processed through existing schemes such as the Skim Kebajikan Negara, SKN and Jabatan Urusan Zakat, Wakaf dan Baitumal, JUZWAB. The Medical Social Work Service will conduct a more detailed assessment, including visits to the patient’s residence and verification of financial status. If it is found that the patient or family is still able, instalment payments will be arranged. For patients already receiving assistance from JUZWAB or SKN, they may be referred for additional applications to settle medical bills.

If the application for assistance is rejected by the relevant agency, the hospital will use the patient assistance charity fund, subject to the balance of that fund, to ensure that the patient still receives treatment. To ensure that the assistance application process is carried out properly, the hospital will ensure that all supporting documents are submitted, including insurance information, declaration forms, monthly expenditure details as well as identification documents of the patient and guarantor.

With these measures, the ministry will be able to ensure that patients who are truly underprivileged continue to receive treatment without hindrance. That is all, thank you Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua.

Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua​

Thank you. Your Honourable Members, Question Time has concluded and we now move on to the next order of business.

Yang Mulia Jurutulis​

Ministerial Statement.

Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua​

Your Honourable Members, I have granted permission to Yang Berhormat Menteri Hal Ehwal Dalam Negeri to make a Ministerial Statement titled Government and Community Synergy as the Pillar of Public Safety and Social Well-Being in Negara Brunei Darussalam. I invite Yang Berhormat Menteri.

Yang Berhormat Menteri Hal Ehwal Dalam Negeri​

Thank you, Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua. In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Peace be upon you and Allah’s mercy and blessings, and greetings of peace.

Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua and Your Honourable Members.

First of all, kaola would like to express my gratitude for the permission of Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua for kaola to deliver a Statement in this noble Council. The Statement that kaola will deliver is titled Government and Community Synergy as the Pillar of Public Safety and Social Well-Being in Negara Brunei Darussalam.

This title was chosen with the aim of sharing the ongoing actions and commitment of the Ministry of Home Affairs in implementing various initiatives to strengthen public safety and improve the social well-being of society in the context of domestic administration. This effort is not merely an aspiration or an expression of intent, but rather an important core in the ministry’s strategic framework that guides the planning, coordination and implementation of policies and programmes under the responsibility of the Ministry of Home Affairs.

In this regard, public safety and social well-being can be strengthened effectively through government and community action based on the spirit of shared responsibility, trust, active involvement and continuous cooperation. This is the approach that continues to be the foundation of the ministry’s efforts in preserving public peace, order and the well-being of the people as well as residents of Negara Brunei Darussalam.

In connection with this, various initiatives have been formulated and implemented with a focus on improving the operational efficiency of departments under the ministry including through the digitisation of work processes, strengthening preparedness levels as well as response capabilities to emergencies and disasters, improving public facilities and empowering community support systems under district and municipal administration.

At the same time, the ministry also gives attention to empowering leadership at the grassroots level, including by opening space for the participation of a new generation in holding the positions of Penghulu Mukim and Ketua Kampung so that the continuity of community leadership continues to be preserved in a more dynamic, responsive and effective manner. These grassroots leaders are the closest link between the government and the people and at the same time play an important role in safeguarding the safety, well-being and harmony of society at the mukim and village levels.

Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua and Your Honourable Members.

To ensure that the efforts implemented by the Ministry of Home Affairs can provide a more structured, focused and comprehensive impact, various initiatives have been formulated and implemented through 7 main focus areas aligned with the role and responsibilities of the Ministry of Home Affairs.

This approach is not only intended to address the current needs of society, but also supports the government’s efforts in strengthening national security, improving the well-being of the people and residents, empowering community development and strengthening the capability of national administrative institutions so that they remain relevant, responsive and resilient.

Each of these focus areas is implemented in an integrated manner involving the cooperation of various stakeholders including government agencies, the private sector, non-governmental organisations and local communities. This comprehensive approach is important to ensure that every policy and programme implemented is truly effective, inclusive, impactful and able to provide direct benefits to the people and residents in this country.

In this regard, kaola am pleased to share several key initiatives that have been implemented by the ministry and the departments under it based on those focus areas. Kaola would first like to touch on the ministry’s efforts in strengthening public safety and preparedness, which are among the priorities in ensuring that the safety of the people and residents is always safeguarded. In this regard, the ministry through the relevant departments continues to enhance operational capability, preparedness and response to any emergency and disaster incidents.

As kaola previously shared in the policy-level debate on 16 March 2026, the supply of 10 out of 30 Water Tender Ladder vehicles on a lease basis in November 2025 has now been placed at fire stations throughout the country.

This supply is aimed at increasing operational capability, strengthening the effectiveness of vehicle deployment and speeding up response to emergency incidents in order to ensure that the protection of lives and property can be carried out more efficiently and effectively.

Praise be to Allah, during the recent water supply disruption incident, these 10 Water Tender Ladder vehicles were also deployed to assist the Ministry of Development in filling water tanks at strategic locations such as Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha Hospital, Berakas Health Centre, Dialysis Centre, Brunei International Airport, Berakas International Conference Centre Building and several other government buildings until the pipe repair works in Kampung Layong were completed and the water supply stabilised.

In addition, efforts to strengthen fire infrastructure preparedness have also been implemented through the project to replace fire hydrants nationwide, where the first phase was completed in June 2024 involving the replacement of 350 fire hydrants at a cost of BND598,786. Meanwhile, the second phase began implementation on 23 December 2023, also involving the replacement of 350 fire hydrants including in the Kampong Ayer area, and was completed in February this year.

At the same time, rescue operational capability has also been enhanced through the upgrading of the National Urban Search and Rescue, USAR team, now known as SATREA namely Special Technical Rescue Assistance since 13 May 2025. This step aims to equip the team with stronger capability in the field of urban search and rescue while preparing the team towards obtaining international recognition under the International Search and Rescue Advisory Group, namely INSARAG.

Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua and Your Honourable Members.

In addition to strengthening operational capability, the ministry also gives serious attention to increasing community preparedness through the implementation of public safety awareness and training programmes, among them through the Program Lifesaver 995 introduced since 2020 and to date joined by a total of 1,541 participants.

This programme aims to train grassroots leaders as well as village residents as first responder to help handle emergency incidents before the arrival of the Fire and Rescue team while also providing exposure to the correct and orderly use of firefighting equipment.

This effort is further strengthened through the supply of firefighting equipment in the form of hose and nozzle sets to 17 mukim, namely 18 villages out of the total 30 mukim in Negara Brunei Darussalam including 3 villages in the Kampong Ayer area namely Kampung Saba, Kampung Setia and Kampung Bolkiah.

Efforts to strengthen disaster management at the national level have also been enhanced through the launch of the Disaster Management Strategic Policy Framework or DMSPF on 11 October 2025 to formulate strategies to strengthen inter-agency coordination as well as improve the country’s preparedness in facing disasters. This initiative is also supported through the publication of the book 'Buku Panduan Asas Keselamatan Awam: Panduan Kesiapsiagaan Bencana dan Mitigasi Kecemasan, Edisi 2025' coordinated together with 19 government agencies and stakeholders.

God willing, the National Disaster Exercise 2026 or LBK-26 is also planned to be held this year, which is a highly significant strategic plan aimed at validating the operability of the National Standard Operating Procedure, namely NASOP Edition 2012, which is now in the updating phase. This step is important to ensure that the document remains challenge-proof, namely future-proof, as well as responsive in facing the increasingly complex and varied modern disaster risk landscape.

Through LBK-26, apart from further strengthening the cross-ministry and agency SOP coordination mechanism in a holistic and comprehensive manner, it is also hoped that it will enable the National Disaster Management Centre to identify operational gaps as well as explore the need for the development of new protocols, so that national disaster management governance will always remain at an optimum and integrated level of excellence.

Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua and Your Honourable Members.

In addition to efforts to strengthen public safety preparedness, the ministry also gives attention to improving public facilities and community infrastructure that directly benefit society.

This effort is implemented to ensure an environment that is safe, comfortable and conducive for the people and residents. Between 2022 until now, repair works have been carried out on a total of 12.5 kilometres of wooden bridges as well as four jetties in Kampong Ayer with an allocation exceeding BND1.4 million.

At present, the ministry is implementing the Gadong Market upgrading project in stages covering building structure repair works, electrical wiring, piping and drainage systems as well as improvements to the ventilation and lighting systems. This step aims to ensure that public market facilities are always clean, comfortable and safe, while supporting the smooth running of business activities and the local economy.

The ministry through the district departments is also carrying out repair and maintenance works for 16 community halls in stages over a four-year period. This initiative aims to ensure that these facilities can continue to be utilised as centres for social activities, community activities and community development at the village level.

Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua and Your Honourable Members.

The ministry also continues to pay attention to efforts to empower and enhance socio-economic development at the local level, particularly through the active involvement of the community in various community development initiatives. This approach aims to strengthen community resilience as well as open more opportunities for local residents to participate in economic activities in a more inclusive and sustainable manner.

In this regard, the ministry through the district departments continues to provide ongoing support for initiatives under the Program Satu Kampung Satu Produk. Among the support that has been implemented is the establishment of a 1K1P centre in Kuala Belait through the renovation of the former old Post Office building which was officially launched on 9 November 2025.

This centre functions as a marketing platform for local products produced by community entrepreneurs, and until the end of February 2026, a total of 109 local entrepreneurs including participants of Projek TUNAS BIBD, Bruneian Made had joined the centre with total sales amounting to BND17,245 for the period from November 2025 to February 2026. In addition, several Kedai Kampung have also been established in several districts as additional platforms to market local products produced by local entrepreneurs.

These include Kedai Kampung at Dewan Kemasyarakatan Kampung Pandan which began operations on 1 February 2026 as well as Kedai Kampung at the Muhibbah Hall Canteen in Brunei Muara District which began operations on 24 November 2025. Meanwhile in Temburong District, the Bangunan Kedai Rakyat Jati in Bangar Town has been upgraded as a Kedai Kampung accommodating around 200 local product entrepreneurs with average sales of around BND40,000 per month.

On this occasion, kaola would like to record the highest appreciation to the relevant Majlis Perundingan Mukim dan Kampung as well as several Your Honourable Members representing the districts for their ideas and direct involvement in driving various efforts until these village shops were realised, which certainly benefit the community and support the development of socio-economic activities at the community level.

To continue supporting the development of local entrepreneurs, the ministry has also held a pop-up market twice a month since June 2024 in the compound of the Ministry of Home Affairs Building. This programme not only provides opportunities for new entrepreneurs but also includes those with special needs to promote and market their food products as well as their local products.

To date, the total overall income obtained by the vendor is BND60,646.70. Economic opportunities for the community are also strengthened through the awarding of service contracts to the Majlis Perundingan Mukim dan Kampung to carry out maintenance works including grass cutting in certain areas.

This approach not only helps generate income for the local community but also encourages the active service of the community in caring for and preserving their respective village environments. Through these various initiatives, the ministry seeks to ensure that community development is not focused solely on physical aspects, but also gives attention to strengthening the economic capacity of society, thereby supporting more inclusive and sustainable well-being for the people.

Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua and Your Honourable Members.

In ensuring that aspects of social well-being and support for vulnerable groups continue to be safeguarded, the ministry also gives attention to efforts to strengthen assistance to those in need including through the implementation of rehabilitation programmes as well as the reintegration of individuals into society. For example, the Community Programme and Family Support for Prison Inmates was held in Belait and Tutong Districts in cooperation with the respective Majlis Perundingan Mukim dan Kampung on 17 June 2025 and on 27 September 2025 for the purpose of reintegrating former prisoners into society and subsequently encouraging a healthier and more positive lifestyle.

Meanwhile, the same programme was also held in Brunei and Muara District on 5 to 7 December 2025 and in Temburong District on 12 to 14 December 2025. The implementation of educational programmes as well as skills training for prison inmates also continues to be carried out to increase their ability to obtain employment after the completion of their imprisonment period.

Among them is the Academic Recovery Empowerment Programme at the 'O' Level which began in October 2024 with the cooperation of the Ministry of Education. In addition, various vocational training programmes are also implemented such as bakery training, agricultural skills, car detailing, IBTE Life-Long Learning Studies, weaving arts, construction of weaving houses, certification in enhancing industrial skills such as rigger, scaffolding, heavy vehicle driving, heavy vehicle operation in cooperation with several government agencies, Aftercare Support Association or AFSA, Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam and the relevant companies to assist former prisoners in preparing to face the world of work and rebuilding their lives in a more guided and dignified manner.

Praise be to Allah, since 2018 until now, a total of 91 private sector entities and 23 non-governmental organisations have cooperated in providing employment opportunities to 26 former prisoners. For 2025 alone, 8 additional collaborations were successfully formalised involving three NGOs and five private sector entities. This collaborative approach is very important in helping former prisoners build a more stable new life as well as reducing the risk of reoffending.

The ministry through the district departments, with strategic cooperation with the banking sector, is also implementing Projek Teduh, a collaboration between the Ministry of Home Affairs, Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam, the Ministry of Development, and the private sector to provide more comfortable, safe and conducive housing to the poor and destitute who are living in dilapidated, cramped conditions or residences that are unsafe for habitation. To date, a total of 4 houses have been successfully built and handed over to the recipients.

Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua and Your Honourable Members.

In efforts to strengthen community governance at the grassroots level, the ministry also gives attention to efforts to empower the role and leadership capacity of penghulu mukim and ketua kampung as important links between the government and society.

The competency framework for penghulu mukim and ketua kampung, namely PMKK-HRCF, which began implementation in March 2025, can strengthen community leadership capability through the setting of clear competencies as well as more systematic evaluation of grassroots leaders’ performance.

Based on the first assessment to identify competency gaps implemented through the Assessment Committee at the district level, 12.3 per cent of penghulu mukim and ketua kampung were at the level of exceeding expectations and competent. Meanwhile, the majority, 73 per cent, were at the nearly ready level. In addition, the ministry has also implemented performance evaluation of grassroots leaders through eight Key Performance Indicators, namely KPI, covering 5 main aspects including the aspect of community safety and well-being. As of February 2026, a total of 81 per cent of penghulu mukim posts and 58 per cent of ketua kampung posts have been successfully filled.

From that total, 18 people or 19 per cent are from among the youth, thus reflecting the ministry’s effort in preparing a more dynamic and responsive succession of community leadership. This approach is in upholding the titah of Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan dan Yang Di-Pertuan Negara Brunei Darussalam which, among other things, emphasised that grassroots leaders from among youth should be prioritised in filling the positions of penghulu mukim and ketua kampung as a strategic step to produce a line of grassroots leaders who are authoritative and resilient for the future.

Indeed, grassroots leaders do not only serve as conveyors of information or implementers of policy at the local level, but they are also the vital link between the government and society. The effectiveness of government and community synergy depends greatly on the strength of their leadership in understanding the pulse of the people, attending to the needs of society and mobilising joint action at the ground level.

Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua and Your Honourable Members.

In ensuring a public environment that is clean, safe and orderly, the ministry through the district departments and municipal departments continues to intensify efforts in the aspects of public cleanliness, enforcement and urban environment management.

In this regard, enforcement under the Miscellaneous Offences Act, namely the 2021 Amendment, has been enhanced by the implementation of patrols and enforcement operations by the district departments, municipal departments as well as the Department of Environment, Parks and Recreation, JASTRE. From January to December 2025, a total of 2,468 enforcement patrols were carried out with 468 offences recorded and compound fines amounting to BND310,900 issued.

In addition to enforcement, various public awareness programmes including cleanliness campaigns and gotong-royong activities involving active participation of local communities have also been carried out. This approach is important in fostering a sense of shared responsibility in maintaining the cleanliness and sustainability of the environment. Efforts to control stray dogs are also carried out continuously.

To date, a total of 1,468 complaints have been received and from that number 763 operations to remove stray dogs, namely the installation of cages for the purpose of removing stray dogs, have been carried out by the district departments and municipal departments that address the issue in a more coordinated and effective manner.

As of 10 March 2026, a total of 224 stray dogs had been transferred to the national auction centre for stray animals under the management of the Ministry of Home Affairs. These efforts also received regional recognition when Seria Town was awarded the 6th ASEAN Environmentally Sustainable Cities Award on 3 September 2025 in Langkawi, Malaysia. This achievement reflects the effectiveness of cleanliness and urban management initiatives implemented jointly between the authorities and the community.

Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua and Your Honourable Members.

In efforts to improve the quality of public service delivery, the ministry also places emphasis on strengthening organisational capacity as well as developing the capability of human resources under the ministry. Among these are through the Skills Enhancement Programme as well as continuous Professional Training including the implementation of weekly Information Technology Courses to strengthen officers’ digital skills.

In addition, efforts to strengthen the professionalism of members of departments under the ministry are also carried out through the updating of service schemes. Praise be to Allah, the Prisons Department Service Scheme and the Fire and Rescue Department Service Scheme have been updated and came into effect on 17 September 2025 and 24 September 2025 respectively.

The ministry also continues to pay attention to efforts to improve the quality of public facilities through public toilet audits. Based on the latest audit in August 2025, 72.5 per cent of the public toilets audited had achieved the prescribed standards, namely within grades A to C.

In addition, the implementation of the 2025 Employer and Employee Census through the Labour Department also helps the government obtain more comprehensive information regarding the workforce structure in the public sector. This information is important to support national workforce policy planning in a more data-based manner.

Through these various efforts, the Kuala Belait and Seria Municipal Department received four-star recognition through the Public Sector Performance Grading assessment, namely 3PSA, in conjunction with the 32nd Civil Service Day Celebration in 2025. This recognition reflects the ongoing commitment of the departments concerned in improving the quality of service delivery to the public.

Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua and Your Honourable Members.

The efforts that kaola have described reflect the continuous commitment of the Ministry of Home Affairs in strengthening public safety as well as improving the social well-being of society in an integrated, inclusive and sustainable manner. Every initiative implemented, whether in the aspect of preparedness, community development, social support, strengthening grassroots leadership, environmental management or improving organisational efficiency, is all driven towards the same objective, namely to ensure that the people and residents of this country continue to enjoy a life that is peaceful, safe, orderly and prosperous.

Indeed, the strength of a nation lies not only in the capability of government institutions to formulate policies and implement programmes, but also in the ability of the people to equally support, appreciate and make those efforts a success. Therefore, government and community synergy as the pillar of public safety and social well-being in Negara Brunei Darussalam must continue to be strengthened as the main pillar in preserving the country’s public safety and social well-being.

In this matter, the role of grassroots leaders, society, non-governmental organisations, the private sector and every member of society is very important, where public safety is not the responsibility of only one party. Social well-being is also not a burden borne by the government alone. On the contrary, both are a shared trust that demands collective commitment, a spirit of togetherness and integrated action across all levels of society.

This approach is in line with the concept of whole of government dan whole of nation which emphasises that sustainable development, strong security and comprehensive well-being can only be achieved when there is integration between government policy, institutional effectiveness, community strength and active societal participation.

God willing, with the permission of Allah Subhanahu Wata'ala as well as through the wise leadership of Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan dan Yang Di-Pertuan Negara Brunei Darussalam, all these efforts being implemented will continue to contribute to more sustainable national development as well as enhance the well-being of the people and residents of Negara Brunei Darussalam in line with the Second Goal of Wawasan Brunei 2035, namely High Quality of Life for the People.

That is all, thank you Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua.

Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua​

Thank you Yang Berhormat Menteri Hal Ehwal Dalam Negeri. Before we move on to the next business, I think it is appropriate now for us to take a break for 15 minutes and we will resume this meeting.

(The Legislative Council adjourned briefly)

(The Legislative Council resumed)

Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua​

Your Honourable Members. The Council now resumes to continue our discussion or debate with the next business.

Yang Mulia Jurutulis​

Supply Bill (2026), 2026/2027 and Development Fund Resolution Motion. Policy stage debate.

Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua​

Your Honourable Members. The Legislative Council sitting is still discussing the Supply Bill (2026), 2026/2027 and the Development Fund Resolution Motion at the policy stage debate.

Before we adjourned yesterday, we had already given, heard several ex-officio members, delivering, taking part in this debate in support of the relevant Bill.

Now, I would like to give the opportunity to several more Yang Berhormat Members who have not yet delivered, who have not yet taken part in this debate to do so. I shall begin by inviting Yang Berhormat Menteri Pendidikan, Yang Berhormat Datin Seri Setia Dr. Dayang Hajah Romaizah binti Haji Md. Salleh. Please Datin.

Yang Berhormat Menteri Pendidikan​

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua, Your Honourable Members.

Assalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh and greetings. First of all, kaola would like to record the highest appreciation and thanks to Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua for the opportunity given to kaola today to deliver a review regarding the presentation of the Supply Bill (2026), 2026/2027 and the Development Fund Resolution Motion that had been presented by Yang Berhormat Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri dan Menteri Kewangan dan Ekonomi II, on Saturday, 24 Ramadan 1447 corresponding to 14 March 2026, as well as several issues related to education that were raised by Your Honourable Members during the policy debate session on Sunday, 25 Ramadan 1447 Hijrah corresponding to 15 March 2026 and also on Monday, 26 Ramadan 1447 corresponding to 16 March 2026.

On this occasion, kaola/I would like to record congratulations to Yang Berhormat Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri dan Menteri Kewangan dan Ekonomi II for the detailed and comprehensive presentation. Thanks are also conveyed by kaola/I to Your Honourable Members for the views, observations and suggestions that have been shared in efforts to strengthen and advance the education system in this country.

Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua, Your Honourable Members.

The National Budget theme for Financial Year 2026/2027, namely ‘Together Realising Wawasan Brunei 2035’, is highly appropriate given that the country is now within less than 9 years of 2035. In the context of education, the ministry will continue to play a very important role as the main driver of the development of the nation’s human model by ensuring that the education system remains relevant, high-quality and responsive to future needs.

The ministry will continue to ensure that every allocation channelled to the education sector is used strategically and effectively to support improvements in the quality of education, the capacity development of teaching personnel as well as the provision of learning facilities that are relevant to current needs.

According to the usual expenditure trend, 71 per cent is provided for emoluments, namely for more than 12,000 teaching and non-teaching positions. The remaining 29 per cent is for recurrent expenditure, in which nearly 80 per cent of the estimated recurrent expenditure is focused on 3 main accounts as follows:

First, the Grants, Transfer Grants and Subsidies Account, in which the following are among the initiatives and projects contained in that account, such as student allowances, scholarships, payment of examination registration fees, reimbursement of incentives under the Education Loan Assistance Scheme, SBPP and the SEAMEO VOCTECH Grant;

Second, the Services Account, in which among the key initiatives and projects contained in this account are CFBT, school and higher education institution meal planning, research, security services and specialist expert additional lecturers taken on a part-time basis at TVET institutions and higher education institutions as adjunct lecturer and locum tenens to teach modules requiring expertise, knowledge and skills from the private sector and industry; and Third, the Asset Maintenance and Repair Account. This covers initiatives and projects such as facilities management, which is one of the Ministry of Education’s fiscal consolidation programmes that ensures integrated orderly maintenance so that educational infrastructure and environments remain safe and conducive, preservation, repair and upgrading of buildings, garbage transport and grass cutting, fire equipment fittings and construction of sports fields.

Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua, Your Honourable Members.

Next, allow kaola/I to provide comments on the education issues raised by several Your Honourable Members during the policy debate session. Yang Berhormat Dayang Hajah Rosmawtty binti Haji Abdul Mumin, Yang Berhormat Dr. Awang Haji Mahali bin Haji Momin, Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Salleh Bostaman bin Haji Zainal Abidin, Yang Berhormat Dayang Hajah Safiah binti Sheikh Haji Abd. Salam and Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Md. Salleh bin Haji Othman. In their statements, the Yang Berhormat-Yang Berhormat suggested that the Government ensure that local children are able to contribute to job opportunities created through Foreign Direct Investment or FDI.

Kaola, I would like to share several efforts that have been implemented by the Ministry of Education towards ensuring the provision of local manpower to support the needs of those FDI projects.

In addition to the efforts that were mentioned in the Ministerial Statement on Saturday, 24 Ramadan 1447 Hijrah corresponding to 14 March 2026 regarding preparation for future jobs, the future of work, such as expanding digital literacy and AI across study programmes, strengthening project-based learning methods, empowering more structured industrial training as well as encouraging entrepreneurship education.

The Ministry of Education also implements a more targeted approach through the alignment of manpower planning with industry and relevant government agencies.

In this matter, the Ministry of Education works closely with the Pejabat Perancangan Tenaga Manusia or PPTM, Prime Minister’s Office as well as the Manpower Industry Steering Committee, MISC to ensure that the education and training programmes offered are aligned with industry competency requirements and actual labour market demand.

This approach is also implemented through focused discussions with industry to identify manpower needs in greater detail and to ensure that education and training programmes can be aligned earlier to meet those demands. For example, for the Hengyi Phase I Petrochemical project, the Ministry of Education held discussions with the Department of Energy at the Prime Minister’s Office, the Brunei Economic Development Board, PPTM as well as Hengyi to specifically examine the manpower needs for the construction and operation phases of the project.

Based on information shared by industry, the Ministry of Education through Universiti Brunei Darussalam, Politeknik Brunei and Institut Pendidikan Teknikal Brunei has provided 17 relevant education and training programmes comprising 10 programmes for the operational phase and 7 programmes for the construction phase of the project. Since 2018, a total of 2,092 local graduates have successfully completed their studies in related programmes and contributed to the provision of local manpower for the Hengyi project.

This collaborative approach shows that manpower planning guided by industry needs, as well as cooperation between the government, educational institutions and investors, can ensure a more targeted supply of local talent. Guided by the success of Hengyi Phase I, this approach is now used as a best practice in supporting the provision of local manpower for Hengyi Phase II as well as other FDI projects.

Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua and Your Honourable Members.

To answer the question raised by Yang Berhormat Dayang Hajah Rosmawatty binti Haji Abdul Mumin regarding the implementation of the Manpower Blueprint, it was created through cooperation between the Ministry of Education and the Pejabat Perancangan Tenaga Manusia to ensure that the aspirations of Wawasan Brunei 2035, particularly goal one, can be implemented effectively.

This matter is supported by a clear monitoring and performance measurement framework;

First, in terms of aspiration measurement at the international level, the progress of the nation’s human capital development is monitored through the Global Talent Competitiveness Index or GTCI, which is a global index that assesses a country’s ability to develop, attract and retain high-quality talent through several key dimensions such as enable, attract growth, retain vocational and technical skills as well as global knowledge skills;

Second, at the national level. The implementation of the Manpower Blueprint is guided by a holistic structure encompassing four main aspirations, namely: Dynamic Education and Training, Future-ready Citizens, Effective Human Capital Development and Enabler of support systems and structures. Thirteen (13) strategic outcomes and 15 policy directions guide the implementation of initiatives. Six (6) national key performance indicators or NKPI monitor the achievement of human manpower development at the macro level. And four action key performance indicators AKPI monitor the effectiveness of the implementation of initiatives in greater detail under each aspiration. This structure enables the progress of the implementation of the Manpower Blueprint to be monitored in stages, based on data and focused on outcomes.

Third, to ensure that the Manpower Blueprint is responsive to future challenges, several new AKPI have also been introduced to strengthen implementation, including the percentage of higher education institution students who have skills in new technologies and sustainability to ensure that graduates are equipped with skills such as artificial intelligence, data science and green innovation.

Student character programmes that measure the level of active school involvement in the development of character, leadership and values, monitoring of student discipline cases including incidents of bullying, fighting and drug abuse to ensure a safe learning environment. The NEET youth rate, Not in Employment, Education or Training, to monitor youths who are at risk of being marginalised from the education system and labour market, and the Smart Education Readiness Index, SERE, which assesses the level of readiness of the education institution industry in facing technological transformation and the fourth industrial revolution.

In addition, for several of these new indicators, 2026 data will be used as a benchmark to strengthen evidence-based monitoring of the implementation of the Manpower Blueprint. Through aspiration measurement at the global level, a comprehensive NKPI and AKPI structure as well as new indicators that are more responsive to future needs, Insya Allah by His permission alone, the Manpower Blueprint will be able to be implemented effectively in producing an educated, highly skilled and competitive people in line with the aspirations of Wawasan Brunei 2035.

Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua and Your Honourable Members.

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 Yang Berhormat’s statement suggested that research and innovation be strengthened as one of the government’s policies by increasing the percentage allocation for research and development, R&D in contributing to national development.

The Ministry of Education welcomes this suggestion and always makes optimal use of the allocation provided to generate job opportunities and improve the country’s socioeconomy. One of these is the Projek Innovasi Hub implemented by Universiti Brunei Darussalam through the Twelfth National Development Plan allocation. So far UBD and local public higher education institutions have produced research that has only been able to reach technology readiness level or TRL 4.

TRL is a method for estimating technology maturity or readiness for the use of new technology. TRL 4 to 6 is the development stage and TRL 7 to 9 is the deployment stage. For information, the following are research projects in UBD’s technology cluster containing patents that have achieved at least technology readiness level TRL 4.

First, biosensor and immunosensor, advanced functional materials, which has been successfully licensed. Clean energy including hydrogen energy technology and healthcare innovation and device. This UBD Innovation Hub Project will provide specialised high-technology laboratories equipped with prototype design and development facilities as well as industry engagement spaces and a technology transfer office. This UBD Innovation Hub ecosystem is expected to be able to increase research TRL to around level 8 or 9, generating innovation and producing new technologies that can be applied in the real world. UBD will cooperate with relevant institutions and agencies including the Brunei Innovation Lab to promote and highlight the technologies produced. This will in turn lead to commercialisation, generation of job opportunities and contribute to the country’s economic growth.

Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua and Your Honourable Members.

Referring to the statement of Yang Berhormat Dayang Chong Chin Yee regarding the potential of the tourism sector. Kaola, I would like to share that the Ministry of Education together with the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism is exploring the development of educational tourism as a niche sector that can support the growth of the tourism sector as well as the country’s economic diversification efforts in line with Wawasan Brunei 2035 and the Brunei Economic Blueprint.

This initiative leverages the strengths and achievements of the country’s education system as well as the reputation and global recognition of local higher education institutions.

To drive this effort, an educational tourism task force has been established to formulate strategies and develop educational tourism package programme encompassing short-term programmes such as intensive language courses and student mobility programmes, medium-term programmes such as TVET courses and academic mobility, as well as long-term programmes including Degree Programmes, dual degrees, Bachelor’s Degree II and collaborative research among local and international higher education institutions. The presence of international students through these programmes not only benefits educational institutions but also contributes to the hospitality sector, transportation and local tourism activities.

Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua and Your Honourable Members.

Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Mohamad Danial @ Tekpin bin Ya’akub in Yang Berhormat’s statement supported the government’s efforts in addressing climate change. Thank you for that observation. In addition to focusing on mitigation and adaptation, it is also important for us to emphasise climate literacy as well as changes in community behaviour in addressing the challenges of climate change.

In this context, the Greening Education Plan or Greening Education Plan 2025–2035 launched by the Ministry of Education in 2025 is the ministry’s commitment to applying sustainability principles throughout the national education ecosystem, in line with the aspirations of Wawasan Brunei 2035. Up to March 2026, a total of 92 active initiatives are being implemented under two main focuses, namely Sustainability Education and Sustainable Operations, across all levels of education from preschool to higher education. This effort aims to ensure that the younger generation not only understands the concept of sustainability, but also possesses green skills relevant to future needs.

The Ministry of Education is also working closely with the Department of Energy, Prime Minister’s Office through the Skills and Capacity for Alternative Low Carbon Energy, SCALE, initiative to develop local manpower in the low-carbon energy sector, including in the fields of renewable energy, energy efficiency and future energy technologies. For example, students of Politeknik Brunei and IBTE have undergone solar industrial training at the Kampung Belimbing Solar PV Project.

In addition, a pilot initiative on energy management in schools will also be implemented starting this year in cooperation with the Department of Energy, involving energy audits as well as energy management training for teachers and students. Through the implementation of the Greening Education Plan as well as this strategic cooperation, the Ministry of Education hopes to strengthen awareness and sustainability practices, develop green career pathways, and ensure that the national education system continues to support the sustainable development agenda of Negara Brunei Darussalam.

Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua. Your Honourable Members.

That is all that kaola, I can share for now. Thank you Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua.

In conclusion, wabillahi taufiq walhidayah wassalamualaikum warrahmatullahi wabarakatuh.

Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua​

Now I invite Yang Berhormat Menteri Kesihatan.

Yang Berhormat Menteri Kesihatan​

Thank you, Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua. In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Peace be upon you and blessings and greetings.

Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua. Your Honourable Members.

Praise be to Allah Subhanahu Wata'ala because by His mercy, permission and grace alone, we are able to gather together today for the 22nd Session of the Legislative Council for the year 2026 corresponding to 1447.

May blessings and peace be upon our Great Leader, Prophet Muhammad Shallallahu Alaihi Wasallam, his family, his companions, and his faithful followers who are sincere and obedient until the end of time. We are also grateful to Allah Subhanahu Wata'ala for the leadership and wisdom of Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah, Sultan dan Yang Di-Pertuan Negara Brunei Darussalam, which ensure that this country continues to remain in a state of peace, tranquillity and blessed by Allah Subhanahu Wata'ala.

First of all, kaola would like to express my deepest thanks to Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua for the opportunity to present a review of the budget allocation for the Ministry of Health for the Financial Year 2026/2027 in this august House.

Kaola would like to refer to the Special Message Titah of Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan dan Yang Di-Pertuan Negara Brunei Darussalam in conjunction with welcoming the month of Ramadan this year, in which His Majesty titah about how important it is to safeguard health because it is an invaluable gift. Health is not only a shared trust and enables us to worship and serve more perfectly, but also contributes to the country’s socio-economic development and growth. His Majesty further emphasised that taking care of one’s health also means safeguarding the wellbeing of family and society, because a healthy body gives us the space to continue serving and contributing to nation-building and the wellbeing of the ummah.

His Majesty’s titah carries great meaning in the context of today’s debate on the Ministry of Health Budget. It reminds us that efforts to preserve the national health system are part of a trust and a basic necessity in ensuring that services to the public continue to be strengthened and the wellbeing of the people continues to be preserved. At the same time, this effort is also in line with the aspirations of Wawasan Brunei 2035. With the period leading to 2035 becoming shorter, the goal of achieving a high quality of life can only be realised through a strong, resilient and sustainable health system.

Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua. Your Honourable Members.

The theme of the Ministry of Health for the Financial Year 2026/2027 is ‘A Sustainable Healthcare System’. In essence, this means using public resources prudently, setting priorities clearly, strengthening domestic capacity, reducing wastage, and at the same time ensuring that the people continue to receive quality, safe and easily accessible treatment.

For the Financial Year 2026/2027, the allocation for the Ministry of Health is set at BND646,014,050 million. Like other national health systems throughout the world, cost pressures in the health sector will continue to increase and require more careful, prudent and forward-looking management. The costs of medicines, consumables, medical technology and equipment continue to rise and change in line with current developments.

The need for facility maintenance is growing, and at the same time, the treatment required by the people is becoming more complex and requires specialised expertise, in line with the ageing population and the increase in non-communicable diseases. It should also be noted that the country’s health expenditure remains at 2.2 per cent of Gross Domestic Product or GDP, which is far lower than neighbouring countries at around 4 per cent to 4.5 per cent. In such circumstances, prudent fiscal management, clear priority-setting and the optimal use of resources are becoming increasingly important to ensure that the national health system continues to be able to deliver safe, quality and effective services.

This shows that efficiency and excellence can go hand in hand. Strategic investment in public health, even at a low expenditure rate, is capable of producing high-impact results for the wellbeing of the people. This has already been proven by the increase in life expectancy from 77.7 in 2019 to 79.1 in 2024, in line with the nation’s direction under Wawasan Brunei 2035, to achieve an average life expectancy of 82 years.

Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua. Your Honourable Members.

The Ministry of Health will continue to shoulder the great responsibility of ensuring that the people and residents of this country can enjoy comprehensive services. This includes primary healthcare, specialist treatment, diagnostic laboratory services, communicable disease control, non-communicable disease management, mental health support, tertiary treatment as well as emergency preparedness including disease outbreaks.

One of the components that places the greatest pressure on the Ministry of Health Budget is Overseas Medical Treatment. For the Financial Year 2026/2027, a total of BND159,500,000 million has been requested to cover the treatment of patients referred abroad as well as to certain institutions such as the Specialist Centre at JPMC and the GJPMC Cardiac Centre. This allocation reflects the Government’s commitment to ensuring that the people continue to have access to necessary treatment, including specialist treatment that is not yet fully available within the country.

Kaola also takes note that the costs of specialist treatment and certain medicines remain high. Among the reasons is the limited number of vendors for several types of supplies and treatment. In this regard, discussions are ongoing with Yang Berhormat Menteri Kewangan dan Ekonomi, Yang Berhormat Menteri Kesihatan and Universiti Brunei Darussalam, in addition to exploring mutual understanding with neighbouring countries.

This effort is important in helping to reduce cost pressures and subsequently ease the burden on the people. This situation also reminds us that the country’s tertiary treatment capability must continue to be strengthened. Every field of expertise successfully developed in the country will help directly reduce dependence on overseas referrals and increase the capability of the health system so that more treatment can be provided in this country.

This will in turn reduce cost pressures and make things easier for patients and their families. In efforts to strengthen fiscal capacity, the Ministry of Health has also implemented an update of the Healthcare Services Payment Scheme to ensure that public subsidies are managed in a more current manner in line with developments and medical technology and are fair, accurate and optimal.

Yang Berhormat Di-Pertua and Your Honourable Members.

The next priority is the health workforce. There is no strong health system without a sufficient and trained workforce. To date, the total number of doctors serving under the Ministry of Health is 845, of whom 55 per cent are locals.

Meanwhile, the total number of nurses is 2,816, of whom 94 per cent are locals, along with 460 allied health officers or Allied Health Professionals, AHP in various fields, who are also one of the main pillars of healthcare, all of whom are locals. The current ratio in Negara Brunei Darussalam for every 1,000 population is around 1.9 doctors and 6.1 nurses, compared with the global average ratio according to the World Health Organization for every 1,000 population of around 1.7 doctors and 3.6 to 3.9 nurses.

Efforts to improve workforce ratios continue to be prioritised, whereby the Ministry of Health is working together with the relevant ministries and institutions in exposing and encouraging health-related jobs to school students.

However, this cannot focus on recruitment alone. It also covers expertise development, continuous training, competency enhancement, professional development pathways and optimal staffing arrangements. At the same time, the challenge of placement and filling specialist posts still needs to be addressed seriously, especially following resignations among specialist personnel. A recruitment committee has been established, but the response received is still limited given the increasingly intense market competition.

This shows that strengthening the health workforce remains a critical challenge that requires continuous action. Investment in training and expertise is very important in terms of improving skills and reducing dependence on external manpower sources in the long term. A total of 168 health professionals consisting of doctors, AHPs and nurses were awarded the In-Service Training Scheme to undertake courses at various levels of training locally and abroad from 2020 to 2025.

Of this number, 10 doctors have completed advanced specialist training in different specialisations.

For the Financial Year 2026/2027, BND1.1 million has been approved for human resource development in the health sector.

In addition to human resources, the more efficient use of resources also continues to be strengthened through a strategic purchasing approach and centralised procurement for medicines, medical consumables, medical devices and certain equipment. Better organised procurement management will help control wastage, reduce duplication and improve supply planning because every Brunei dollar spent must provide the best value to the country.

Yang Berhormat Di-Pertua and Your Honourable Members.

A focus on treatment alone is insufficient. Priority must also be given to prevention, including vaccination, health promotion and early detection through disease screening. National screening programmes are among the most important investments in efforts to reduce the burden of disease and treatment costs in the future. The earlier a disease is detected, the sooner intervention can be taken. This step not only provides effective treatment outcomes but also avoids the risk of complications that require high expenditure.

The Ministry of Health has allocated more than BND4 million for health promotion programmes and prevention of non-communicable diseases, of which 63 per cent is for health promotion programmes while another 37 per cent is allocated for efforts to prevent non-communicable diseases including the implementation of screening programmes. Among the screenings that continue to be strengthened is Diabetic Retinopathy.

Since its implementation in 2024, a total of 25,999 individuals have undergone examination and from that total 2,731 cases were identified as requiring further referral. This means that approximately 1 in every 10 people or 10 per cent who underwent screening required treatment to save their sight and prevent blindness.

This AI artificial intelligence technology helps identify diabetic patients who are at high risk in order to receive early and timely treatment. This screening programme not only increases access to eye screening but also helps reduce the risk of avoidable blindness among diabetic patients in this country.

For Human Papillomavirus screening, HPV, as of November 2025, a total of 10,750 women had undergone testing and 7.9 per cent were found to have high-risk HPV. Overall screening recorded a significant increase in 2024 and 2025, with an increase of 56.8 per cent of women being screened.

Meanwhile, for breast cancer screening, a total of 13,061 women underwent examination from November 2019 to November 2025. The number of women undergoing screening increased by 75 per cent, from 1,512 women screened in 2022 to 2,640 women in 2025.

In addition, from 2019 to 2025, a total of 2,801 individuals underwent cardiovascular risk screening. In terms of screening, there was an increase of 85 per cent, with 556 individuals screened in 2025 compared to 300 individuals in 2022. Meanwhile, from 2019 to 2025, 1,445 individuals underwent colorectal cancer screening, which showed an increase of 119 per cent from 234 individuals in 2022 to 513 individuals in 2025. In line with these efforts, health awareness campaigns also continue to be enhanced from year to year.

A community-based approach that fosters awareness and encourages early action continues to be given attention, because effective prevention does not depend only on clinical services, but also on the public’s own understanding and early action.

Yang Berhormat Pehin Di-Pertua and Your Honourable Members.

The Ministry of Health now officially recognises obesity as one of the Non-Communicable Diseases in Negara Brunei Darussalam. This step is important because obesity can no longer be seen merely as a lifestyle issue. It is a major risk factor for diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, stroke and several types of cancer, all of which place major pressure on public health as well as on the national budget.

From a fiscal perspective, studies show that the burden of obesity on the economy was estimated to reach USD130 million in 2019, equivalent to 1 per cent of GDP, and is projected to increase to 2.2 per cent of GDP by 2035 if not addressed more effectively. This means that if early action is not strengthened, the country will continue to bear greater costs in the form of treatment for diabetes, heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, loss of productivity and various other preventable complications. In addition to establishing the Obesity Task Force in 2024, the Ministry of Health has taken a historic step in strengthening the national response to obesity by becoming the first WHO Member State in the world to pioneer the new WHO Obesity Chronic Care Course through the Primary Healthcare approach.

Obesity management is being and will continue to be strengthened in a more systematic, evidence-based manner and in line with the needs of the current health system.

In addition, the international conference on Non-Communicable Diseases or NCD, which was held in October 2025, recorded very encouraging participation, with an estimated 26,000 visits. This conference not only strengthened Negara Brunei Darussalam’s position in the NCD agenda at the international level, but also opened opportunities for the country to benefit from knowledge networks, sharing of best practices and technical cooperation to support the implementation of new policies in the management of non-communicable diseases.

Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua and Your Honourable Members.

The issue of mental health is also a public health challenge that is receiving increasing attention at the global level and also in Negara Brunei Darussalam. According to WHO, nearly 1 billion individuals worldwide experience mental disorders. In Negara Brunei Darussalam, the number of individuals receiving mental health treatment increased by 17 per cent in 2024 compared with the previous year. Adult Psychiatry Services at Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha Hospital recorded around 35 to 49 new cases as well as approximately 800 follow-up cases every month.

Meanwhile, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry receives around 10 new cases and 50 follow-up cases every month. Meanwhile, Psychological Services receives an average of 500 to 600 new cases. To address this matter, the Ministry of Health has implemented the Negara Brunei Darussalam Mental Health Action Plan 2022-2025, in which 28 out of 32 main initiatives had been implemented as of the end of 2025.

In addition, a total of 229 community outreach activities were carried out to increase mental health awareness and literacy, including the introduction of a basic mental health training course for community leaders, especially village heads and penghulu mukim from all four districts, which is the result of close cooperation between the ministry and relevant and interested stakeholders, namely Yang Berhormat Menteri Hal Ehwal Dalam Negeri, Yang Berhormat Menteri Hal Ehwal Ugama, particularly the Counselling and Religious Understanding Unit and the Islamic Da’wah Centre, and with the support of Universiti Sultan Sharif Ali, UNISSA. This is to help erode social stigma towards those experiencing mental problems or mental illness and to strengthen early support at the community level.

God willing, these efforts will continue to be further strengthened through the development of the Negara Brunei Darussalam Mental Health Action Plan Version 2.0 in the near future in order to strengthen the policy and strategic direction of the country’s mental health.

Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua and Your Honourable Members.

Another priority that is also important in supporting system sustainability is digital transformation. In the health sector, digitalisation is not merely a matter of system modernisation, but of workflow efficiency, data integration, reduction of duplication, resource management and patient experience. Bru-HIMS 2.0 is scheduled to be implemented around October 2026 with a pilot phase test at Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha Hospital. This system is expected to strengthen system stability, data integration and cyber security, while helping health services to run in a more organised and efficient manner.

In this regard, the Ministry of Health hopes that the public will provide cooperation, understanding and patience when this new system begins operations because major improvements usually require an adjustment period at the initial stage, so that its benefits may be felt by all parties. Likewise with the use of the BruHealth application for appointment booking and queue management systems at several health facilities. Initiatives like this may appear small from an operational perspective but have a major impact. They help reduce congestion at health facilities, improve time management, facilitate patients and support better use of resources. In the long term, a more integrated system will help the ministry plan the use of allocations and manpower more accurately.

In this regard, the Ministry of Health also notes that the busyness at several hospitals and health facilities is partly due to the attendance of patients with minor illnesses that could be managed earlier with appropriate guidance. Therefore, health literacy will continue to be strengthened and the artificial intelligence application in BruHealth is expected to be introduced in the third quarter of 2026 to help the public obtain early guidance and make more appropriate decisions before attending health facilities.

This approach is hoped to support the use of services in a more orderly, efficient and effective manner. In the aspect of governance, strengthening a more organised, secure and reliable data ecosystem is also very important. More accurate data helps better allocation planning, avoids excesses or shortages in supplies, facilitates monitoring of resource use and supports more evidence-based decisions.

In an environment of rising costs, this kind of efficiency cannot be taken lightly because weaknesses at the system level will ultimately affect time, money and the quality of services to the public. To support health infrastructure and assets, development expenditure exceeding BND11 million has been allocated. This includes building maintenance, purchase and leasing of outdated medical assets and related upgrading works. This approach is very important because maintaining assets earlier is far more beneficial and economical than waiting for damage to become greater and more expensive to restore.

Among the projects that continue to receive attention are Hospital Suri Seri Begawan, the construction of a new block at Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha Hospital, the construction of Mengkubau Health Centre, the construction of Bandar Seri Begawan Health Centre and the construction of a new reference laboratory block. These projects are not only important to meet current needs but also to strengthen the capacity of the national health system in the long term.

In strengthening emergency services, the Ministry of Health has also added 7 new ambulances consisting of 2 intensive care ambulances with negative pressure systems and 5 four-wheel drive ambulances. This is a very practical step because rapid and effective emergency response capability has a direct impact on patient safety, especially for critical patients in interior areas and in certain challenging situations.

In terms of public health preparedness, international recognition of laboratory capability is also very important. WHO has recognised the National Virology Reference Laboratory as a National Influenza Centre and the new reference laboratory has also achieved accreditation as a WHO National Measles and Rubella Laboratory. These two recognitions strengthen the country’s preparedness in facing outbreak threats as well as provide access to technical support, specialist training and global epidemiological information.

Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua and Your Honourable Members.

In managing pressure on the public system, the Ministry of Health also continues to empower cooperation with the private sector prudently. The growth of private clinics is also expanding and can help reduce pressure on Government facilities in certain suitable areas. In 2025 there were 62 private medical clinics and 9 private dental clinics in this country, an increase compared with 35 medical clinics and 3 dental clinics 5 years earlier.

Approaches such as Public-Private Partnership, among others such as Renal Hemodialysis Services, show that cooperation with the private sector can help continue critical services without fully burdening the public budget. Kaola is of the view that this approach needs to be continued in an orderly manner. The Government still bears the main responsibility in ensuring that basic and critical services are accessible to all levels of the people.

However, in certain suitable areas, good cooperation with the private sector can contribute to greater efficiency in service delivery, wider choices and public resource use that is more focused on areas most in need of Government subsidy support. At the international and regional levels, Negara Brunei Darussalam’s active involvement in WHO and ASEAN also provides practical benefits to the country, especially in terms of access to technical support, sharing of best practices, strengthening public health preparedness and developing more evidence-based policies.

In this connection, Negara Brunei Darussalam’s membership on the WHO Executive Board is important because it gives the country the opportunity to participate in shaping the direction of global health while ensuring that national interests continue to be safeguarded in every technical and policy discussion.

This year as well, Negara Brunei Darussalam will once again chair the ASEAN Health Cluster 3 Meeting to shape the 2026 to 2030 work programme. This role is important in strengthening regional cooperation towards health systems that are more resilient and responsive to current needs, including in strengthening health systems through health human resources, financing and policy development to ensure universal health coverage, UHC by 2030. Access to services and medicines by increasing access to essential medicines, vaccines and traditional/complementary medicine.

Increasing innovation and technology that encourage digital health technology and strengthen Health Technology Assessment (HTA) to support evidence-based decision-making, ensuring equitable provision of healthcare to vulnerable groups, namely women, children and migrant workers.

Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua, Your Honourable Members.

When all these matters are viewed comprehensively, it is clear that the allocation for the Ministry of Health is not merely to cover annual operating costs. This budget is to ensure that the people continue to receive treatment when needed, to expand prevention before disease becomes more severe, to build local capacity, to improve system efficiency and to protect the sustainability of the national health service in the long term. Delays in maintenance will lead to greater damage and directly affect the optimum services that can be provided to patients. A lack of investment in training and expertise will cause the country to continue depending on external resources.

If prevention and screening are not strengthened, treatment costs in the future will increase more significantly. Likewise, if system reforms continue to be delayed, inefficiencies will persist and ultimately burden workers and inconvenience patients. That is why the sustainability of the health system is not merely a matter of saving expenditure; it is a matter of spending rationally and on time and in areas that truly produce impact.

When all these matters are viewed comprehensively, it is clear that the allocation for the Ministry of Health is not merely to cover annual operating costs. This budget is to ensure that the people continue to receive treatment when needed, to expand prevention before disease becomes more severe, for the development of local capacity, to improve system efficiency and to protect the sustainability of the country’s health in the long term.

In closing, in support of the budget statement and direction delivered by Yang Berhormat Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri dan Menteri Kewangan dan Ekonomi II, kaola would like to emphasise once again that the allocation requested for the Ministry of Health for the Financial Year 2026/2027 is aimed at ensuring that the people continue to have access to quality, safe and continuous healthcare services.

At the same time, it strengthens the capability of the system to face current and future challenges. As kaola quoted at the beginning of my speech from the titah of Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan dan Yang Di-Pertuan Negara Brunei Darussalam, “health is an invaluable gift and a shared trust.” It is in this context that the allocation for the health sector should be understood, namely as part of the shared responsibility to preserve the wellbeing of the people and strengthen the national health system.

In this regard, kaola would also like to remind myself and all those present of the following saying: From Ibn Abbas radhiyallahu anhuma, Rasulullah s.a.w said: “There are two blessings which many people are often deceived about: health and free time,” a hadith narrated by Imam Al-Bukhari.

May this hadith continue to remind us that the blessing of health must be safeguarded, appreciated and utilised as best as possible.

Finally, let us all pray to Allah Subhanahu Wata’ala that Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan dan Yang Di-Pertuan Negara Brunei Darussalam is always granted lasting health, wellbeing and protection from Allah Subhanahu Wata’ala, and may His Majesty continue to lead Negara Brunei Darussalam with full wisdom and blessings.

That is all conveyed, Yang Berhormat Pehin Yang Di-Pertua. Thank you.

Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua​

Thank you Yang Berhormat Menteri Kesihatan. Now I invite Yang Berhormat Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri dan Menteri Pertahanan II. Please, Pehin.

Yang Berhormat Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri dan Menteri Pertahanan II​

Thank you, Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua. Peace be upon you and God’s mercy and blessings, and good greetings. In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful (prayer recited).

Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua and Your Honourable Members blessed by Allah whom peramba, kaola and I respect.

First of all, allow peramba, kaola, me to record my highest appreciation and gratitude to Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua for the opportunity to deliver remarks regarding the budget priorities of the Prime Minister’s Department for Financial Year 2026/2027 in this noble Council.

At this early opportunity, peramba, kaola, I on behalf of the Prime Minister’s Department and the departments under it, with full respect and reverence, am pleased to humbly convey the highest gratitude before the Council to 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 for the consent granted for the provision of an allocation of BND543,640,540.00, namely BND319,635,230.00 for Staff Salaries and BND224,531,000.00 for Recurrent Expenditure.

Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua and Your Honourable Members.

I am pleased to inform that the expenditure estimates of the Prime Minister’s Department and the departments under it are formulated by focusing on the budget goals and priorities that support the national budget theme for Financial Year 2026/2027, namely Bersama Menjayakan Wawasan Brunei 2035.

The Prime Minister’s Department, as the main agency in leading and coordinating the implementation of government policies and initiatives, upholds the noble aspiration of Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan dan Yang Di-Pertuan Negara Brunei Darussalam to strengthen the level of public service delivery as a catalyst for resilient and sustainable national economic development and to ensure that the country’s interests, security and harmony are always preserved for the well-being of the people and residents of this country.

Praise be to Allah, the Prime Minister’s Department had the opportunity to hold a muzakarah session with Ahli-Ahli Yang Berhormat on 13 January, and shared in detail the latest developments on the current position and various initiatives being and to be implemented by the Prime Minister’s Department, particularly relating to First, Wawasan Brunei 2035. Second, Human Resource Development and Employment Opportunities. Third, Security and Law. Fourth, Public Service Governance. And Fifth, Matters relating to the Energy Sector.

During the said muzakarah session, praise be to Allah, Ahli-Ahli Yang Berhormat took the opportunity to convey the voices of the people and subsequently provided sound views and constructive suggestions to strengthen the implementation of the government’s strategic policies and improve the effectiveness of the initiatives being carried out.

The Prime Minister’s Department highly appreciates the commitment and concern, views and suggestions of Ahli-Ahli Yang Berhormat, which are used as the basis in perfecting the government’s planning and actions and ensuring that every initiative implemented produces concrete results and real benefits and major impact for the people and the country.

Peramba, kaola, I firmly believe that issues involving the interests of national development and the well-being of the people should not be delayed. The Prime Minister’s Department is fully committed to providing accurate and prompt feedback to ensure that every proposal and concern of Ahli-Ahli Yang Berhormat can be examined and addressed effectively, based on the three main pillars of Wawasan Brunei 2035, namely education, quality of life and economic development, with the determination to ensure that the country continues to progress in line with global changes by emphasising a one government and one nation approach.

In this regard, the Prime Minister’s Department and the departments under it have formulated the implementation of their expenditure estimates guided by the three national budget priorities that have been set.

In supporting the first budget priority, namely strengthening fiscal stability and financial governance, the Prime Minister’s Department and the departments under it will continue to implement various efforts to ensure that government financial management is carried out prudently, with discipline and integrity. Emphasis will continue to be given to the principle of value for money for every allocation so that government expenditure provides optimum benefit to the country’s economic growth as well as to the continuous well-being of the people and residents.

Accordingly, various programmes and initiatives will be implemented to strengthen excellent financial governance practices and improve the effectiveness of public sector delivery in line with the national fiscal strengthening programme. At the same time, the Prime Minister’s Department through the Audit Department and the Internal Audit Unit will continue to carry out audits on identified accounts to ensure compliance with financial regulations, prescribed procedures and circulars in force, while preserving the level of accountability and transparency in government financial management.

In addition, efforts to strengthen efficient, transparent and accountable fiscal management will continue to be enhanced to ensure that the country’s financial governance remains sustainable and resilient. As part of measures to improve the efficiency of government spending, the Prime Minister’s Department through the National Security Committee is implementing a large-scale procurement approach through the Fiscal Consolidation method to optimise the use of the country’s financial resources.

In this connection, the budget for Financial Year 2026/2027 provides allocation for the first phase of the rental project of 534 vehicles for the use of the Royal Brunei Police Force, Internal Security Department, Narcotics Control Bureau and Land Transport Department, which will also be expanded to other security and enforcement agencies in the near future.

Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua and Your Honourable Members.

Moving to the second budget priority, namely ‘Empowering the Economy Through Transformation and Innovation’. The Prime Minister’s Department will continue to focus on efforts to improve public service excellence based on three main scopes, namely first, Workforce, People; second, Organisation, Organization; and third, Services, Services.

This is in line with the role of the public service as a catalyst for the country’s development and progress across all government sectors through the development of human resource capacity and competency, enhancement of organisational efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery.

Therefore, in the effort to instil a culture of innovation and continuous improvement in the public service, the Anugerah Inovasi Perdana, AIP, which is held annually, continues to be implemented, open to all public service personnel including Public-Private Strategic Collaboration projects, PPP. AIP evaluates innovation based on effectiveness and long-term significance, thereby making project outcomes best practices and references for all government agencies.

This effort continues to be complemented by enhancing leadership excellence, particularly through the Civil Service Leadership Pipeline, CSLP, programme to ensure continuity of public sector leadership. This includes investment in the development of public service capacity and competency through international cooperation programmes as well as strengthening collaborative networks with overseas training institutes.

Initiatives such as legal seminars are also conducted by the Prime Minister’s Department together with the Attorney General’s Chambers to improve legal literacy among government officers and staff so that they are prepared and capable of facing and handling legal issues in their respective ministries or departments. Meanwhile, organisational performance and the effectiveness of public service governance continue to be monitored, especially through the Public Sector Performance Grading programme through the application of Bintang, 3PSA.

Specifically towards ensuring a conducive environment for business, the Prime Minister’s Department through the Management Services Department works closely with the Industry and Business Ecosystem Division, IBE, Ministry of Finance and Economy in identifying and addressing every gap related to strategies, policies and processes in the public service that may affect development, industrialisation and the business ecosystem.

In related matters, the Prime Minister’s Department will continue to lead the Public Service Transformation Committee, JTPA, in formulating a clear direction to produce comprehensive policies, strategies and initiatives in order to enhance public service excellence. This includes efforts to cultivate a spirit of continuous improvement at all levels of the organisation in line with increasingly complex current demands and challenges. Through a more planned and integrated approach, the Public Service Transformation Committee plays an important role in ensuring that every layer of the public service is able to deliver responsive, efficient and high-quality services to the people.

The Prime Minister’s Department through the Manpower Planning Office is also developing an integrated Labour Market Information System, LMIS, as a strategic initiative in empowering the national economy through the application of innovation. This system will support comprehensive workforce planning efforts as well as provide more accurate projections regarding future employment opportunities and skills requirements.

JobCentre Brunei in cooperation with the Ministry of Finance and Economy is also undertaking the digitalisation project of the Clearance Letter Application Management Module under the National Business Service Platform Project through the digitalisation of the processing, application and management process of clearance letter to strengthen workflow and more effective service delivery in supporting the country’s economic transformation.

The development of the downstream oil and gas sector also plays an important role in diversifying the national economy through the production of value-added products in line with its position as one of the priority sectors under the Economic Blueprint. Among the important progress are the advancement of new projects for the production of value-added products such as Acetic Acid, Aniline and Formaldehyde as well as the achievement of Financial Plan Approval to continue the development progress of Pulau Muara Besar Phase II.

Yang berhormat Yang Di-Pertua and Your Honourable Members.

In relation to the third budget priority, namely ‘Ensuring Social Sustainability and Future Development’. The Prime Minister’s Department and the departments under it as well as stakeholders consisting of government and private enforcement agencies will continue to act in formulating strategies to preserve political stability, defend national sovereignty as well as link defence capability and diplomatic capability and also the country’s preparedness in addressing security threats.

This includes enhancing crime eradication efforts and strengthening the capabilities of relevant agencies in handling national and cross-border crises. In addition, the Prime Minister’s Department will continue to undertake various efforts to preserve the rule of law while strengthening access to justice.

To further strengthen the capabilities of the country’s security and enforcement agencies, several capacity enhancement initiatives continue to be implemented in stages. Among the steps being taken are efforts to improve the preparedness and respond time of security agencies in dealing with any reported incidents. This measure is to ensure that the level of public safety and order continues to be preserved while supporting the government’s efforts in guaranteeing social sustainability as well as the country’s preparedness in facing future challenges.

Following that, advocacy courses were conducted together with the courts and legal practitioners to refine the practical advocacy skills of prospective new practitioners. Such initiatives are in line with improving access to justice in Negara Brunei Darussalam, namely by ensuring that new practitioners have the skills and competencies to contribute towards upholding the rule of law.

In the aspect of manpower, JobCentre Brunei will continue to implement future development programmes, particularly in strengthening the capacity development of local jobseekers to improve employability and empower local skills so that they are ready to meet labour market needs.

Accordingly, various programmes and courses will continue to be implemented according to labour market needs. Among them are SPIN, SkillsPlus, iSkill, Program Jati Diri, Skim TVET, TechInspire, Clinical Supervisory Programme, Soft Skills Course and programmes under the Manpower Industry Steering Committee, MISC such as Skills and Capacity for Alternative Low Carbon Energy Skill and the HR Connect programme specifically for local jobseekers.

JobCentre Brunei has also introduced new courses based on industry demand, changes in the employment landscape and identified skills gaps to help graduates improve employability and adapt to sectors with high demand. In this regard, a total of 22 new short courses have been introduced in the fields of finance, ICT, Health Safety and Environment, HSE, Leadership and Management and human resource management.

At the same time, the Root Causes of Unemployment study is also being carried out together with the Centre for Strategic and Policy Studies, CSPS, to examine and understand the real causes of unemployment including labour demand aspects. The findings of this study are hoped to help in formulating policies that are more accurate, effective and responsive to the needs of the current and future labour market.

The energy sector remains the main pillar of energy security, economic stability and the well-being of the people, and plays an important role in supporting the achievement of Wawasan Brunei 2035. Therefore, the development of the energy sector is driven through an approach based on 3 main strategies, namely first, sustaining the upstream sector; second, expanding the downstream sector to diversify the economy; third, ensuring energy supply, especially electricity and petroleum products; and fourth, energy transition to low-carbon energy.

Touching on energy security in the current geopolitical landscape which affects the stability of the international energy market, the aspect of energy security becomes critical. Accordingly, the national energy sector needs to continue to be strengthened so that it remains resilient and capable of responding and adapting quickly to any changes. This effort is very important to ensure that energy security is always preserved.

This development at the same time underscores the importance of the country’s strategic approach in strengthening energy security. The upstream sector remains the core of economic security and national revenue with a strategy to sustain production from existing assets while building a long-term production foundation through more structured and resilient new development and exploration.

In line with the royal titah of Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan dan Yang Di-Pertuan Negara Brunei Darussalam while chairing the board meetings of Brunei Shell Joint Venture, BSJV and Brunei Gas Carrier, BGC throughout 2025, emphasis was placed on strengthening operational safety, asset integrity, leadership and good governance. In terms of strategic development, progress was achieved through the commercial and development project of natural gas in deepwater operated by Petronas Carigali Brunei, the award of Block C development to the new operator EnQuest as well as the opening of a licensing round for exploration projects in shallow waters.

To guarantee long-term production continuity, efforts to increase exploration activities especially in new areas are being actively led by the Upstream Growth Steering Committee. However, this sector is currently facing global market uncertainty as well as operational challenges and increasingly ageing assets, affecting costs and production continuity. This situation is driving operators to optimise costs more aggressively and also has implications for local employment opportunities.

In this regard, the Department of Energy at the Prime Minister’s Department continues to work together with operator companies and service companies and JobCentre Brunei to strengthen the capabilities of local workers. This effort includes reactivating the MISC Energy initiative which is now expanded to cover the electricity sector, aimed at reducing the unemployment rate in the short term as well as strengthening the preparedness and mobility of the local workforce in the medium and long term. In addition, applications for foreign worker permits will continue to be examined in greater detail to ensure priority is given to the local workforce where appropriate.

Praise be to Allah, the security of the country’s electricity supply overall remains strong with an electrification rate of around 99.99 per cent. Although operational issues affecting the reliability of electricity supply still occur and continue to be addressed promptly, the overall reliability level of electricity supply has shown an improvement of around 20 per cent compared to previous years.

Accordingly, efforts to strengthen integrity continue to be a priority with maintenance works as well as upgrading of infrastructure and the supply system chain intensified, covering generation, transmission networks as well as street lighting facilities to ensure sufficient and continuous electricity supply. Among the projects being focused on is the 66kv Mentiri and Perdayan network project for the connection of grade electricity supply to Temburong District. At the same time, the cost of energy supply is expected to continue increasing to strengthen the national electricity supply system in line with increasing demand to support development aspirations under Wawasan Brunei 2035.

Accordingly, as has been presented by Yang Berhormat Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri dan Menteri Kewangan dan Ekonomi II in the budget presentation, the current tariff rate has been reviewed, particularly for the commercial sector, namely from being regressive to progressive, which is proposed to be implemented in 2028 in order to encourage prudent energy use, support financing for an expanding energy system, guarantee the security of electricity supply as well as strengthen investor confidence and the country’s attractiveness to foreign direct investment, namely FDI.

In the effort of energy transition to low carbon to support the national climate change policy of Negara Brunei Darussalam as well as to optimise the country’s energy resources, among the efforts highlighted are increasing energy efficiency and conservation practices as well as expanding the use of renewable energy.

Praise be to Allah, the country’s installed renewable energy capacity has increased tenfold to date compared to 2024. The progress of the 30 megawatt solar project in Belimbing Subok is now in the construction phase, expected to begin contributing to the national energy supply at the end of 2026. Meanwhile, several large-scale solar projects led by the private sector are also showing encouraging progress.

In this regard, the Department of Energy at the Prime Minister’s Department has implemented a framework, namely skill and capacity for alternative low carbon energy, which integrates efforts together with stakeholders including the Ministry of Education to strengthen the country’s readiness in meeting the growing demand for green energy, especially in the low-carbon energy sector.

In line with energy transition efforts for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and to foster green economic growth, Negara Brunei Darussalam remains committed under the Paris Agreement guided by Wawasan Brunei 2035. The country submitted its 3rd Nationally Determined Contribution, namely NDC 3.0, in 2025 with a target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 20 per cent from the business as usual scenario, namely BAU, by 2035.

This target reflects the country’s commitment to global climate action in line with the principle of Common But Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities, CBDR-RC, and the country’s unique circumstances. The Climate Change Office of Negara Brunei Darussalam is also in the process of updating the national climate change policy of Negara Brunei Darussalam.

The country’s climate action efforts are not limited only to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The year 2026 is forecast to be the year with the highest average mean temperature, with the past decade being the hottest period in world history.

The country is also experiencing the effects and cannot escape the impact of increasingly challenging and unpredictable extreme weather events. As a proactive step, Negara Brunei has already formulated the national adaptation plan, namely the National Adaptation Plan. As a developing country, Negara Brunei Darussalam realises that the issue of climate change cannot be handled alone and requires comprehensive solutions and international cooperation.

Negara Brunei Darussalam continues to cooperate with international and regional partners to obtain better access to climate finance and to acquire related technologies.

The country is also actively increasing expertise and capacity in the field of climate change through capacity development initiatives.

Towards strengthening harmony and unity in this country, the Prime Minister’s Department through Radio Televisyen Brunei and the Department of Information continues to play an important role as the government’s official media agencies in conveying important government messages.

Existing radio, television and community programmes will be further intensified, including the production of informative programmes for the public.

This includes the face-to-face programme of the Department of Information with village residents which functions as a two-way communication platform between the government and the local community to share policies, current issues and address the needs of village residents.

In addition, the Budget allocation for Year 2026/2027 for Radio Televisyen Brunei is also provided for maintenance works and upgrading of broadcasting equipment infrastructure to ensure that Radio and Television services can be accessed by all levels of society in Negara Brunei Darussalam.

God willing, and through the wise leadership of Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan dan Yang Di-Pertuan Negara Brunei Darussalam, the Prime Minister’s Department together with the departments under it will always be guided by the priorities within every goal of Wawasan Brunei 2035. The whole of government and whole of Nation approach will continue to be the basis in the planning and implementation of every strategy led by these departments.

That is all the brief explanation regarding the proposed budget of the Prime Minister’s Department and the departments under it for Financial Year 2026/2027, Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua and Your Honourable Members.

Before concluding, as previously determined, peramba/kaola/I would like to inform that 5 departments under the Prime Minister’s Department are closed departments, namely the Narcotics Control Bureau, Anti-Corruption Bureau, Internal Security Department, Royal Brunei Police Force and Brunei Research Department. Since these departments are directly related to strategic national security matters and the issues to be discussed may be sensitive in nature and not suitable for open discussion, kaola seeks the consideration of Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua that the budget for those departments need not be debated.

That is all, Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua, that kaola am able to convey. Thank you. Wabillahi taufik walhidayah Wassalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh.

Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua​

Thank you Yang Berhormat Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri dan Menteri Pertahanan II. Now I invite Yang Berhormat Pehin Udana Khatib Menteri Hal Ehwal Ugama.

Yang Berhormat Menteri Hal Ehwal Ugama​

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Peace be upon you and the mercy of Allah and His blessings. Praise be to Allah (prayer recited). Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua and Your Honourable Members.

Kaola would first like to express the highest appreciation and thanks to Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua for the opportunity for kaola to participate in the policy stage session, namely the debate concerning the Supply Bill (2026), 2026/2027 and the Development Fund Motion which was read and proposed by my colleague Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Dr. Awang Haji Mohd. Amin Liew bin Abdullah, Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri dan Menteri Kewangan dan Ekonomi II.

Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua and Your Honourable Members.

Praise be to Allah, indeed kaola expresses the belief that this Council welcomes the presentation made by Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Dr. Awang Haji Mohd. Amin Liew bin Abdullah, Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri dan Menteri Kewangan dan Ekonomi II, whereby the Your Honourable Members who have spoken can be said to be in agreement in describing it as proof of continuity that the Government of 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, is very concerned with the progress of the country by emphasising national development in order to preserve the well-being and welfare of the people who loyally uphold the just and sovereign monarchical rule, sheltering the nation and leading the people to remain in happiness.

Therefore, as one of the instruments of government, the Ministry of Religious Affairs will always ensure that its services will bring a positive impact to the people in line with the budget theme, namely 'Together Achieving Wawasan Brunei 2035' or Together Achieving Wawasan Brunei 2035.

Accordingly, the Ministry of Religious Affairs expresses gratitude before the presence of Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan dan Yang Di-Pertuan Negara Brunei Darussalam and His Government for continuing consistently, I mention consistently Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua because it is we in this country, the Government makes a continuous commitment to support religious services as a service, as part of the Government's services fully within the Government's fiscal framework.

And for this year, a total of BND280,279,000 has been allocated for Financial Year 2026/2027. Of this amount, BND237,014,000 is for emoluments and BND43,265,000 is for recurrent expenditure allocation, an increase of 0.6 per cent in figure terms, namely BND1,677,400, compared to the allocation for Financial Year 2025/2026. Meanwhile, development expenditure is allocated a total of BND18,550,900 for Financial Year 2026/2027.

Thus, with this fairly large allocation, it may enable the Ministry of Religious Affairs to also play its proper role and remain committed to actively implementing religious plans in achieving Wawasan Brunei 2035, where religious services are one of the components, especially from the socio-religious aspects of Wawasan Brunei 2035, in which we are now on its path on track towards its achievement in 2035, God willing.

Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua.

Next, allow kaola to detail the allocation of the Ministry of Religious Affairs for Financial Year 2026/2027 through the description of annual programmes or activities according to the following headings:

Under the title Preservation and Promotion of Property, an allocation of BND29,025,560 has been provided, namely 10.4% of the overall allocation. This allocation is for implementing religious services under the Ministry of Religious Affairs proper and several relevant departments under it, namely the Department of Hajj Affairs, the Department of Zakat, Waqf and Baitulmal Affairs and the Brunei Islamic Religious Council. Praise be to Allah, based on the allocation that has been provided in the current Financial Year 2025/2026, the Ministry of Religious Affairs has, among others, successfully launched the BruHaj system on 20 January 2025. This system has greatly helped facilitate online hajj registration in an easier and more efficient manner.

Among the positive impacts of the system is that, praise be to Allah, Negara Brunei Darussalam has been given recognition and awarded the Silver Award in the Labaytum Highest Award by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah of Saudi Arabia. This prestigious award is proof that the quality of hajj management of Negara Brunei Darussalam is among the best. In addition, this system has also had a very positive effect from the aspect of more systematic and orderly hajj registration.

As of March 2026, several, what is it called, by the middle of March, a total of 9,672 people have already registered to perform the hajj. Based on the quota available at present, they are expected to be able to perform the hajj between the years 2046 and 2059. Therefore, easy registration opportunities such as this should be utilised by citizens and residents in their teenage years up to those in their 40s, even reaching their 80s only then wanting to register after getting a salary increase, that is already old. So if earlier than that, perhaps children, perhaps grandchildren, are registered, that would be better.

As a continuation of this matter, the Ministry of Religious Affairs, with the support, cooperation and understanding of Hajj and Umrah operators, will continue to improve the quality and efficiency of hajj management and also umrah outside the hajj season in terms of planning, transportation, hajj guidance and healthcare for pilgrims as well as related matters in accordance with the Financial allocation for 2026/2027 now.

Under the title Preservation of the Promotion of Religion, Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua, an allocation of BND35,892,960 has been provided, which is 12.8 per cent of the total allocation for Financial Year 2026/2027. This allocation is for the implementation of religious services under the Mosque Affairs Department, the Islamic Da’wah Centre, the Division for the Development of Islamic Propagation and the Management of Religious Affairs of the Districts. Praise be to Allah, with this allocation the Ministry of Religious Affairs can continue to strengthen the appreciation of Islamic values through events, Islamic commemorative days and programmes involving youth including converts.

Meanwhile, under the title Preservation and Promotion of Life and Lineage, a total of BND10,330,130 has been allocated, which is 3.7 per cent of the overall allocation. This allocation is for the Syar’ie Prosecution Division, the Syariah Affairs Department and the Islamic Legal Department. Through this allocation, the Ministry of Religious Affairs implements the enforcement of the Syariah Penal Code Order as an effort to preserve safety, quality of life, preservation of lineage and the well-being of the people will always be guaranteed, God willing.

In addition, the Ministry will also continue to promote the halal certificate and label of the Brunei Islamic Religious Council, MUIB and subsequently ensure that food and goods used, produced or imported and marketed in this country are halal and pure.

Meanwhile, through the Islamic Legal Department, the Ministry of Religious Affairs continues to be actively engaged in reviewing Brunei laws whereby 17 such laws are in line with Syarak law and the drafting of five Syariah law drafts has been implemented. In addition, the Ministry of Religious Affairs — Religious Regulations, the Mosque Building Fund Regulations, 2026 and the Order under the Islamic Religious Council and Kadi Courts Act 2026, namely the amendment, were gazetted on 08 January 2026. With the existence of these regulations, the efficiency of the management and handling of public donation collections to the Mosque Building Fund will be further updated.

Meanwhile, under the title Preservation and Promotion of Intellect, an allocation of BND205,030,350 has been provided, which is the largest allocation, at the rate of 73.2 per cent of the overall allocation for this Financial Year, where it is for the Department of Islamic Studies and the Management Affairs of Religious and Arabic Schooling; meaning the teachers are informed of this, apart from its officers.

Next, to support the expenditure of Kolej Universiti Perguruan Seri Begawan and Institut Tahfiz Al-Quran Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah. Meanwhile, the allocation under recurrent expenditure is maintained for upgrading following restoration works at Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque and Jame' Asr' Hassanal Bolkiah Mosque. The said allocation is also provided for repairing and upgrading mosques, surau and halls of worship.

As for Development Expenditure for several key projects, among them are strengthening education access facilities such as the addition of blocks at Sekolah-Sekolah Ugama Tanah Jambu and at Sekolah Arab Belait, upgrading the facilities of Sekolah Menengah Arab Lelaki Hassanal Bolkiah, the centre which now, the sixth form centre known as Sekolah Tinggi Arab Hassanal Bolkiah, and the construction of two new schools, namely for Kampong Kiulap and also for Kampong Bolkiah while the one at Sekolah Kiulap.

In addition, allocation is provided for building a new campus for Kolej Universiti Perguruan Ugama Seri Begawan, and also provided for the construction of a permanent campus for Tahfiz Perempuan and Diploma ‘Aliyah Qira’at Institut Tahfiz Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah. Meanwhile, for the construction of multipurpose hall facilities for religious schools and Institut Tahfiz Al-Quran Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah, allocations are likewise provided for each.

Allocation is also provided for the construction of additional facilities, namely administrative blocks and teachers' rooms for religious schools in the buildings of primary schools and secondary schools of the Ministry of Education, namely a total of 39 schools which are termed at present as shared-use buildings, that is shared use of school buildings belonging to the Ministry of Education and also used, with usage shared by the Ministry of Religious Affairs.

Next under the title Strengthening the Development of Islamic Propagation. New construction for the Islamic Religious Activities Centre of Sekolah Ugama Kampung Senukoh and 12 mosques is allocated as follows, there are many mosques in the National Development Plan in Brunei Muara, construction of the new mosque at RPN Kampung Mengkubau which is already now under development, so subsequent payments, and the new mosque at RPN Kampung Meragang which has been completed and is in use, so the commitments to be approved, allocations to settle them have already been provided this year.

Construction of the mosque at RPN Kampung Rimba. Construction of a new mosque at STKRJ Kampung Mata-Mata, Katok B and construction of a new mosque at Kampung Sinarubai and Burong Lepas. Likewise, the mosques mentioned earlier have allocations for this year.

Construction of a new mosque at Rancangan Perumahan Negara Kampung Tanah Jambu and next is the construction of a new mosque at Kampung Lugu.

For Belait District, this financial year allocates for the construction of a new mosque at RPN Kampung Lumut and the construction of a new mosque at Rancangan Perumahan Negara Kampung Penaga. For Tutong District, this financial year allocates for the construction of a new mosque at STKRJ Kampung Telisai. Meanwhile, for Temburong it is for the construction of a new mosque at Kampung Batu Apoi and the construction of a new mosque at Kampung Selapon, and the construction of Batu Apoi Mosque and one more planned at Selapon, Batu Apoi and Selapon only.

Praise be to Allah. Such is all, Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua.

Kaola once again expresses thanks and seeks forgiveness for any awkwardness in this delivery by kaola. May it be of benefit and I conclude, and with Allah comes guidance and success, peace be upon you and the mercy of Allah the Exalted and His blessings.

Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua​

Thank you Yang Berhormat Menteri Hal Ehwal Ugama. Your Honourable Members. Before this policy stage debate is closed, I would like to invite Yang Berhormat Menteri who has brought this Bill and Motion to give his final remarks. I now invite Yang Berhormat Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri dan Menteri Kewangan dan Ekonomi II.

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

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Thank you Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua. Peace be upon you and Allah’s mercy and blessings.

First of all, kaola would like to record the highest appreciation as well as express utmost gratitude and thanks to Your Honourable Members who took part in the policy-level debate for the Supply Bill and the Development Fund Motion for the Financial Year 2026/2027.

The concern shown by Your Honourable Members reflects our shared commitment to ensuring that government policies and initiatives remain relevant, effective and, most importantly, provide benefits to the people of the country without burdening certain groups.

The Ministry of Finance and Economy takes note of every view that has been raised and the suggestions put forward and, God willing, will examine their suitability and practicality as well as ensure that whatever policy is introduced will not burden the government’s fiscal position. Kaola is also in fact looking forward to practical suggestions to increase government revenue from Your Honourable Members. Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua. Since the past two days, the matters raised by Your Honourable Members have touched on various important and wide-ranging aspects and some of them have been and can be further explained by my fellow colleagues according to the jurisdiction of their respective ministries.

Matters specifically related to particular programmes or initiatives will, God willing, be discussed in greater depth during the Committee of Supply debate. From the overall debate that has taken place, there are several main matters that were repeatedly raised and kaola would like to summarise them as follows:

First, on improving the country’s economic performance. Through efforts to accelerate the country’s economic diversification by implementing development blueprints more effectively, strengthening priority sectors, strengthening the Foreign Direct Investment strategy as well as ensuring the growth of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises;

Second, on social well-being including the job market as well as efforts to ensure that local people are better prepared to seize the economic and employment opportunities created; and

Third, on the country’s fiscal sustainability as well as efforts to ensure that every public expenditure is carried out more prudently, with discipline and results-oriented, including strengthening the monitoring of the implementation of projects under the National Development Plan so that they truly provide clear benefits to the people and the country.

Allow kaola to elaborate on and explain these three matters one by one. Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua.

First, on accelerating the country’s economic diversification, several Your Honourable Members touched on the importance of attracting FDI as a catalyst for economic growth and job creation. In this regard, kaola is pleased to share once again positive developments whereby a total of 25 FDI companies have begun operations and several new investment projects are under implementation, which are expected to create employment opportunities for local citizens.

In this connection, efforts to strengthen the investment ecosystem will continue to be intensified, including through improving the business environment, strengthening cooperation between the public and private sectors and developing local workforce skills so that they are aligned with industry needs. In strengthening efforts to attract FDI, the government is now implementing a more mature and strategic approach. This approach involves a shift in the investment attraction strategy that is no longer focused solely on promoting investment opportunities in general, but now places emphasis on preparing and presenting investment projects that have been identified, structured and are ready for implementation, reflecting Negara Brunei Darussalam’s position in the regional value chain.

Projects promoted to investors are now supported by more comprehensive information including the availability of industrial sites, infrastructure and utilities, local supplier networks as well as the availability of skilled labour. With this information, investors are able to assess investment opportunities more clearly, thereby increasing certainty, reducing risk and speeding up the investment decision-making process. This approach can be seen in the development phase of the downstream oil and gas industry in Pulau Muara Besar.

Next, Hengyi Industries, which has been operating for more than 6 years, has created a mature industrial ecosystem, including infrastructure facilities such as a power plant, jetty and logistics as well as water treatment facilities. The availability of this infrastructure and ecosystem is now being utilised by BEDB to attract investors in downstream products such as Aniline, Isopropyl Alcohol and so on, thereby enabling new projects to be implemented more quickly and at more competitive costs.

In addition, the same approach is also being applied in the development of the food sector through initiatives such as the Brunei-Singapore Agritech Food Zone. This initiative leverages the strengths of both parties, whereby Negara Brunei Darussalam provides the site as well as the food industry environment.

Meanwhile, the Republic of Singapore contributes industrial expertise, market networks as well as access to a wider food ecosystem. Overall, this approach ensures that investors not only see the potential of investment opportunities but also projects that have been developed in a more planned manner with a clear business model as well as a strong position in the regional value chain.

Through this more integrated approach, incoming investments have the potential to generate a stronger value chain across various sectors while opening wider opportunities for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises as well as supporting industries to also be involved in the supply chain and value-added activities. This approach enables foreign investment not only to bring capital into the country but also to contribute more meaningfully to economic diversification efforts, the development of local enterprises as well as the creation of quality employment opportunities.

The government also takes note of views on the importance of empowering strategic sectors such as agriculture, aquaculture, the food industry, logistics, tourism as well as the halal industry, which have great potential to contribute to the country’s economic diversification. Initiatives currently being implemented, including the development of research and innovation infrastructure as well as strengthening industrial value chains, are hoped to increase the productivity and competitiveness of these sectors.

In addition, several Yang Berhormat Members also raised the importance of environmental sustainability aspects as well as green economic development. The government is aware that climate change and energy transition issues are now important factors influencing global economic competitiveness. Therefore, efforts to leverage the country’s strengths in environmental conservation as well as the development of nature-based solutions will continue to be enhanced, including in attracting new investments and creating employment opportunities in the green economy sector.

Referring to the question from Yang Berhormat Dayang Hajah Rosmawatty binti Haji Abdul Mumin regarding green economy projects available to be offered to investors as well as cross-agency coordination mechanisms to ensure their implementation is swift and consistent. In relation to green building projects under the 12th National Development Plan, a working group or project team has been established to identify and review existing projects that have green elements in order to further strengthen the application of those elements while also developing new building projects with a green concept. Through this approach, projects with the potential to be offered will open space for private sector involvement including foreign investors who have expertise in green concept building construction.

In addition, under the project team, the updating and preparation of the Construction Course Hand Book 2024 is being coordinated together with the Ministry of Development and is expected to be published in 2026. This guide will cover the basics of construction cost estimation based on the latest data to serve as a main reference for ministries as well as the industrial sector in strengthening cost planning parameters, preparing projects and implementing development in a more orderly, relevant and current manner.

The project team and the secretariat of the RKN Committee are actively planning a workshop to increase the capacity and capability of project officers carrying out green concept projects in collaboration with the Asian Development Bank to enhance understanding, the sharing of best practices and technical capability.

In measuring RKN projects that have the potential to adopt the green element concept, a local green benchmark assessment tool or achievement indicator, namely the Brunei Accredited Green Unified Seal, BAGUS, under the Authority for Building Control and Construction Industry, ABCi, will be used. The project team’s plan is for BAGUS to obtain accreditation and be made a standard to be adopted by government building projects and the private sector in this country.

Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua, in debating the country’s economic growth, kaola would like to emphasise one important matter, namely public support for domestic spending. This matter may be regarded as minor, but it actually has a major impact in strengthening our country’s economy.

In any economy, consumer spending or household consumption is one of the main drivers of economic growth. When people spend within the country, that money circulates in the domestic economy, supports local businesses, helps Small and Medium Enterprises grow and in turn creates job opportunities for local people.

This is often referred to as the multiplier effect where each expenditure is able to generate broader economic activity. However, when a large portion of our spending flows abroad through the purchase of goods or services from overseas, the positive effect on the domestic economy becomes limited. The money spent no longer circulates in the local economic system, thereby limiting opportunities to strengthen enterprises and jobs within the country.

Therefore, it is important for all of us to play a role in supporting the local economy by choosing to spend domestically, buying local products and using domestic business services, we directly help strengthen the foundation of our own national economy. This does not mean that we reject international trade, rather it is about a balance in spending so that a larger portion of economic value can remain and circulate within the country. When local businesses grow, they will be able to reinvest, expand operations, increase productivity and open more employment opportunities for local people.

In the long term, this support for the domestic economy will contribute to growth that is more resilient, inclusive and sustainable. Therefore, kaola would like to call on all levels of society, consumers, entrepreneurs and communities to jointly foster a culture that better values and supports local products and services. Through small steps like this, each of us is in fact contributing to the overall resilience of the national economy.

Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua and Your Honourable Members.

Moving to the second issue regarding social well-being. Several matters were also raised in the debate including job opportunities for youths, skills development, the local workforce, family well-being as well as the need to strengthen social protection. The government takes note of these matters and will continue to work together with various parties to ensure that the country’s economic development can be translated into inclusive benefits for all levels of society.

Kaola also takes note of the views of Your Honourable Members regarding changes in the current job market landscape including increased participation in flexible employment sectors such as the gig economy as well as temporary work. These developments open opportunities for more people to generate income through various forms of new employment based on skills and technology in line with changes in the economic structure and digital developments.

Accordingly, it is important to ensure that workers in this sector are also given attention in terms of social protection, particularly in aspects of long-term financial planning. In this regard, the government will continue to examine appropriate measures to encourage the participation of Gig workers and temporary workers in making contributions to the National Retirement Scheme as an effort to ensure their financial well-being upon retirement later. This approach is also in line with the government’s efforts to strengthen the country’s social protection system so that it is more inclusive and sustainable while ensuring that changes in the job market structure do not affect guarantees of the people’s well-being in the long term.

Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua and Your Honourable Members, in facing global challenges such as geopolitical uncertainty, supply chain disruptions, climate change and fluctuations in commodity prices, food security remains a priority for Negara Brunei Darussalam. Efforts to strengthen food supply continue to be implemented through a comprehensive approach covering the strengthening of supply sources, resilient supply chains as well as market stability. For the period 2015 to 2025, the food sector showed positive development with GDP increasing on a prorated basis by 1.3 per cent per year driven by growth in the fisheries and livestock sectors.

Chicken and meat production increased from around 23 thousand to nearly 30 thousand metric tonnes. Egg production increased from 131 million to 200.05 million eggs. Meanwhile, aquaculture increased from 984 to 1,533 metric tonnes. The export value of food commodities also increased from BND6.98 million in 2015 to BND13.8 million in 2025. In strengthening the food supply chain, the Government is implementing several initiatives including improving logistics efficiency and maritime connectivity through cooperation between Warisan Shipping Line Sdn. Bhd. and DP World Logistic Malaysia.

The development of the Agri-Tech Food Zone as well as strengthening empowerment of innovation and research in the food sector. This includes sorghum planting and processing projects by Enserv Holding as well as commercial aquaculture facilities by Jets Sdn. Bhd. that use solar energy and Artificial Intelligence systems. In addition, a Memorandum of Understanding between PDS Abattoir Sdn. Bhd. and a company from Singapore was also signed to assess a pilot project for commercial cattle breeding to increase the self-sufficiency rate of meat.

From the market perspective, monitoring of staple food commodity prices is carried out to increase price transparency as well as enable proactive measures such as diversifying import sources to be taken in order to ensure the stability of the country’s food supply.

Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua and Your Honourable Members.

Regarding the third issue, National Fiscal Sustainability. Kaola welcomes the views of several Ahli Yang Berhormat who have stressed that in an increasingly uncertain global economic environment, as well as a national revenue position exposed to market changes, prudent fiscal management is becoming ever more important to ensure that the country's economic stability can continue to be preserved. In this regard, the Government will continue to strengthen public financial management through a more results-oriented expenditure approach by ensuring that every allocation provided delivers clear value and impact to national development as well as the well-being of the people.

The Government also appreciates the views emphasising the importance of strengthening governance, integrity as well as accountability in the management of national finances. In this regard, efforts to strengthen monitoring systems, audit as well as reporting mechanisms will continue to be enhanced to ensure that every Government expenditure is carried out transparently, efficiently and in a results-oriented manner. The budget that was tabled last Saturday was formulated taking into account the global economic environment that still faces uncertainties including geopolitical challenges, climate change and global economic developments that affect market stability.

In this situation, the Government will continue to adhere to a prudent fiscal management approach through a growth-friendly fiscal consolidation strategy to ensure that the country's fiscal position remains sustainable while continuing to support economic growth and the well-being of the people.

As also raised by Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Salleh Bostaman bin Haji Zainal Abidin, the Fiscal Consolidation Program, FCP should not merely be an effort to reduce costs or budget cuts and simply limit activities. The Fiscal Consolidation Program is intended to make processes more efficient as well as flexible and consumer-centric in order to facilitate and expedite users' affairs as well as obtain approvals more quickly.

The Fiscal Consolidation Program covers policy review, structural reforms, improving expenditure efficiency and revenue collection as well as enhancing government service delivery. Through this approach, existing policies and programmes are reassessed to ensure that public expenditure is focused on national priorities, increasing value in public expenditure including those that can be implemented through Public-Private Partnership, PPP initiatives and corporatisation by strengthening the role of the private sector in economic development.

In efforts to strengthen this results-oriented expenditure approach, the Government is also continuing to empower the implementation of Program Performance Budgeting. Through this approach, budget allocations are not only focused on inputs or the amount of expenditure alone but are also linked more clearly with programmes, performance targets and the outcomes to be achieved. In this way, the effectiveness of every Government expenditure can be assessed more systematically as well as ensuring that the country's financial resources are utilised more efficiently and have a greater impact on the people and national development.

In this regard as well, to strengthen understanding and implementation of this approach throughout the public service, the Ministry of Finance and Economy in collaboration with the Center for Strategic and Policy Study, CSPS is currently implementing a Budget Workshop Series titled Performance-Based Budgeting in the Public Sector: Enhancing Accountability and Efficiency which will be delivered to officers from various ministries and departments. This workshop aims to enhance officers' capability in planning programmes more strategically, setting clear performance indicators as well as strengthening monitoring of the achievement of outcomes from an allocation. This effort is important to ensure that the program and performance budgeting approach can be implemented more effectively and subsequently improve the overall quality of Government expenditure management.

Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua and Your Honourable Members.

As kaola has shared before in this august hall, the Government's fiscal position depends on the revenue received, including tax revenue and service charges as well as the expenditure incurred. If compared with other countries, when their Gross Domestic Product, GDP, increases, then the country will also obtain more revenue. This is because those countries have broader fiscal tools which enable them to derive income through economic activity, such as by imposing various types of charges and taxes.

Meanwhile, as we are aware, the country's revenue depends only on several types of taxes, including corporate tax, withholding tax, excise tax as well as fees, charges and rent. Therefore, even if the country records high economic growth, national revenue does not necessarily increase.

In this regard, to enable tax collection to be carried out more efficiently, focused and effectively, the Ministry of Finance and Economy through the Registry of Companies and Business Names Division, or ROCBN, has implemented the Inactive Companies Strike-Off initiative in phases from 1 November 2025, aimed at striking off inactive companies from the Register of Companies in line with Companies Act Chapter 39, 287A. Among the objectives of the initiative are to identify companies that are still active or otherwise, as well as companies that require assistance to achieve compliance; and to increase the compliance rate of registered companies with the requirements stated in the Companies Act Chapter 39.

With quality company data, this will help policymakers formulate more effective targeted policies and assistance to facilitate the development and advancement of companies in Negara Brunei Darussalam so that they can contribute to strengthening the national economy. Indirectly, it will also protect consumers and traders from businesses whose legitimacy is doubtful.

This may otherwise give rise to undesirable problems for companies as well as local citizens such as non-compliance costs, fraud, legal action or legal cost and so on, especially if those companies are involved in undesirable matters such as money laundering activities. As of this first phase, a total of 758 companies have been gazetted for striking off from the register of companies. This effort will improve the accuracy and quality of data in the Register of Companies, particularly active companies. At the same time, ROCBN is reviewing and updating amendments to the legal frameworks related to the incorporation of companies and business names so that they are aligned with the ministry's efforts in strengthening the country's fiscal resilience.

Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua and Your Honourable Members.

Alhamdulillah, the Government records its appreciation for the sensitivity and awareness shown among Ahli-Ahli Yang Berhormat regarding the importance of tax contributions as part of a shared responsibility in increasing fiscal revenue and subsequently helping to advance the national economy.

As is well known, the current existing tax policy, whether from indirect taxes such as duty stamp, excise customs tax, land tax, building tax, or direct taxes such as income tax which is imposed only on business companies registered under the Companies Act Chapter 39, is still insufficient to finance Government expenditure, especially in covering subsidy expenditure as well as enhancing infrastructure development and social programmes which form the basis of the country's prosperity.

At the same time, in answering the question regarding changes to the existing corporate income tax policy, the Government continually reassesses the country's fiscal policy to ensure that our taxation system remains sustainable, fair and supportive of long-term economic development. In that context, there are also policy-level discussions regarding possible improvements to the existing corporate tax structure.

Among the matters being studied is how the corporate tax system can be aligned so that it is more comprehensive, including considering whether its scope should cover various forms of enterprises including sole proprietorships and partnerships.

The purpose of this discussion is to ensure a more balanced and transparent taxation system, while maintaining a competitive business environment and supporting the growth of local enterprises. However, any proposal is still at an early stage of study and the Government is committed to obtaining views from industry, entrepreneurs and stakeholders before any decision is made. The Government greatly values the role of the private sector as an important partner in the country's economic development and any policy change will take into account the well-being of the overall business ecosystem.

Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua and Your Honourable Members.

Apart from identifying new revenues and also strengthening revenue collection, the Government is also working hard to reduce the amount of revenue arrears. Alhamdulillah, revenue arrears for the Department of Electrical Services have also decreased by 9 per cent in Financial Year 2025/2006 compared to Financial Year 2024/2025, with the total arrears declining from BND406 million to BND369 million.

Meanwhile, revenue arrears for the Department of Water Services have also decreased by 47 per cent in Financial Year 2025/2026 compared to the previous Financial Year, namely from BND31 million to BND16 million. Among the reasons for this reduction in arrears is the introduction of smart meter through the GLC company, namely Syarikat USMS Sendirian Berhad, and users with electricity and water debts have begun making payments by instalments. Nevertheless, housing revenue arrears regrettably remain at BND59.8 million over the past 3 years. Therefore, it is important for all of us to play our part and the Government greatly appreciates the efforts of every citizen and resident to pay their debts, which will contribute to strengthening the country's overall fiscal resilience.

Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua and Your Honourable Members.

In order to further strengthen the resilience and capacity of the Government's fiscal position in the long term, the Government will continue to intensify corporatisation initiatives for Government agencies that have been identified as having the potential to be commercialised. This approach is aimed at increasing operational efficiency, encouraging more performance-oriented governance towards better service delivery as well as reducing dependence on Government allocations.

Allow kaola to share several achievements attained through the corporatisation initiative of Government agencies which have successfully increased productivity, strengthened operational efficiency, reduced the burden of Government expenditure as well as contributed to national revenue.

First, Wasan Milling Company Sendirian Berhad has increased annual rice production from 1,209 metric tonnes in Financial Year 2022/2023 to 2,283 metric tonnes in Financial Year 2024/2025. This corporatisation step has helped reduce Government expenditure since before corporatisation the operating cost of the rice milling factory on a pro rata basis reached around BND7.6 million a year. In addition, Darussalam Pilotage Services Sdn Bhd or DPS has also shown very encouraging performance in providing ship pilotage and towage services in the Muara Pilotage District.

This company has not only fully achieved the service labour requirements and KPI targets set, but has also ensured that services are carried out in a more orderly and efficient manner. Since its establishment in 2018, the company has achieved financial capability by generating revenue of BND31 million for Financial Year 2024/2025.

In addition, DPS has also contributed to national revenue through corporate income tax payments totalling BND3.25 million overall since it began operations. As for Syarikat Print Plus Sdn Bhd, corporatised from the Government Printing Department, the company has successfully achieved financial sustainability with revenue of BND2.45 million for Financial Year 2024/2025.

In addition to achievements in operational efficiency, Syarikat Print Plus has also contributed corporate income tax to the Government amounting to around BND224 thousand. These efforts are also reflected through a high level of customer satisfaction with a score reaching 93 per cent in the fourth quarter of Financial Year 2025/2026.

Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua and Your Honourable Members.

The Government also notes the importance of strengthening alignment between the national budget, the implementation of Rancangan Kemajuan Negara Ke-12 as well as the country's economic development priorities. In this matter, aspects of development project management and monitoring will continue to be enhanced including through periodic monitoring, strengthening detection mechanisms, early identification of any delays or increases in project costs as well as realignment of project priorities to ensure that every development allocation gives optimal impact to the economy and the well-being of the people.

To enhance the Government's efforts in implementing development projects for the well-being of the people, a more comprehensive monitoring focus and emphasis has been practised in project management and in the cooperation as well as continuous commitment from all parties involved to ensure that every project can be completed properly, on schedule and achieve the objectives of the projects. This means that each ministry as the project owner plays a proactive and responsible role in ensuring that every issue and challenge faced can be addressed immediately and project implementation is not affected.

In this regard, monitoring mechanisms will continue to be enhanced and improved through monitoring meetings at every officer level, including at Permanent Secretary level. This approach is important to enable intervention measures to be taken immediately, ensuring that issues do not drag on and guaranteeing that the momentum of project implementation can be maintained from time to time in ensuring that development outcomes can be achieved as planned.

This is the commitment that must continue to be strengthened so that every Government effort can truly be felt by the people and guarantee the well-being of the people and the nation's progress. In addition, in the Government's efforts to improve the efficiency of monitoring project implementation, several initiatives have been implemented taking into account the challenges faced during the implementation of RKN11. Among them is the limited capacity of ministries, given that the same project officers are also responsible for managing non-RKN projects.

In addressing issues in the implementation of RKN projects, the following initiatives have been implemented. Each ministry has been advised to strengthen the role and responsibilities of the RKN team in their respective ministry so that they can be more focused, proactive, attentive and act holistically in safeguarding the quality of project implementation, monitoring the progress of projects under their respective ministries so that they proceed efficiently and are not impeded.

There are ministries that have established their respective RKN units, while other ministries have appointed dedicated and focused focal person to monitor the progress of RKN projects, conduct knowledge sharing sessions with stakeholders from the government such as ABCi, the Audit Department, and Brunei Shell Petroleum Company to learn best practices for monitoring projects.

The RKN secretariat also holds monthly monitoring meetings with project managers from each ministry to discuss project progress and issues faced in project implementation. Each project deliverables will be monitored to determine the status of readiness in terms of physical progress and utilisation of allocations including payment status using the traffic lights concept as an early warning system in addition to the use of the project module system in TAFIS 2.0.

The RKN secretariat also conducts scheduled visits to project sites at the officer and project manager level. Visits are also conducted at the RKN Working Committee level to review the performance and development status of projects. To enhance the level of learning from each completed project, a self-evaluation study, self assessment will be given to project officers to empower their knowledge and to provide deeper learning or lesson learned from each project implemented for the purpose of improving the management of future projects. Further monitoring will be extended after one year of project completion, namely a post-learning review to monitor the achievement of Key Performance Indicators, KPI to ensure that the objectives and outcome of the project have been achieved or otherwise.

Entering the third year of RKN12 this year, the RKN secretariat will conduct a mid-term review or Mid-Term Review with the ministries to assess the level of progress, identify implementation gaps, explore alternative financing or through PPP, and ensure that the direction of their respective RKN projects remains relevant, especially projects that have yet to move, whether they should continue to be maintained in RKN12 or be cancelled, in addition to preparations for RKN13.

In terms of digital transformation, a total of 31 projects have been approved under RKN12 to ensure that the government is prepared and adaptable to the new economy which makes extensive use of AI. Allocations have also been provided to strengthen ICT infrastructure, which will improve the efficiency of public services to the public and create a conducive and business-friendly environment.

Next, in relation to 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 Md. Yusof regarding the government's efforts to enhance the implementation of development projects to strengthen innovation and research.

Innovation and research projects or Research and Development are long-term strategic investments to enhance the country's competitiveness, strengthen local innovation capabilities, and create high-value economic and employment opportunities. In this regard, the allocation under CREATES is one of the important efforts to develop high-potential R&D projects. To date, a total of 17 research projects have been approved, with five completed, nine being implemented, two to be implemented, and one terminated.

Several projects have shown progress including the publication of research papers in highly reputed international journals, the development of user-focused applications, achievements in national and international competitions which have attained commendable accomplishments, as well as the production of intellectual property with potential for commercialisation.

For the information of Your Honourable Members, CSPS has been appointed by Kementerian Pengangkutan dan Infokomunikasi, MTIC to support the development of the National Science, Technology and Innovation Strategy of Negara Brunei Darussalam for the period from 2026 to 2030. This strategy aims to further strengthen the country's science, technology and innovation ecosystem including enhancing collaboration between universities, industry and the government as well as supporting research, innovation and technology development.

This strategy is expected to contribute towards strengthening the country's capabilities in science and technology while supporting the socio-economic development and long-term resilience of Negara Brunei Darussalam. Further details will be informed by Kementerian Pengangkutan dan Infokomunikasi at the appropriate time once the strategy has been finalised.

Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua and Your Honourable Members.

In facing future challenges, the government realises that efforts to develop the national economy require a whole of nation approach involving close cooperation between the government, the private sector and the people as a whole. Therefore, the government will continue to welcome views and cooperation from all parties to ensure that every development initiative can be implemented more effectively.

At the same time, the government will continue to focus its efforts towards achieving the aspirations of Wawasan Brunei 2035 through the implementation of the strategies outlined in the Economic Blueprint, Social Blueprint and Manpower Blueprint as raised by several Ahli Yang Berhormat.

The success of these plans depends not only on policy planning but also on effective implementation and continuous monitoring to ensure that every initiative achieves the intended results. In this matter, Kementerian Kewangan dan Ekonomi will also continue to strive to further expand the consultative approach in the preparation of national expenditure not only by involving the private sector but also at the grassroots level. This more inclusive approach is very important to ensure that the achievement of the country's long-term development aspirations and the goals of Wawasan Brunei 2035 can be realised.

Finally, once again kaola records appreciation to all Ahli-Ahli Yang Berhormat for the views and suggestions that have been put forward. The government is committed to examining each of those views and will continue striving to ensure that this national budget can be implemented effectively in order to strengthen the resilience of the national economy and realise the shared aspirations towards achieving Wawasan Brunei 2035.

That is all, wabillahi taufik walhidayah wassalamualaikum warahmatullahi ta'ala wabarakatuh.

Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua​

Praise be to Allah, with the remarks made by Yang Berhormat Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri dan Menteri Kewangan dan Ekonomi II, that concludes the discussion or debate on the Bill and Motion presented. God willing, we will bring it forward again at the Committee stage later to be discussed further in greater detail.

Nevertheless, I think we have sat long enough for today. I propose that we adjourn this meeting. God willing, we will reconvene tomorrow, Wednesday, 18 March 2026, starting at 9.30 in the morning.

That is all, wabillahi taufik walhidayah wassalamualaikum warahmatullahi ta’ala wabarakatuh.

(The Council meeting was adjourned)

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