DAY 11 AFTERNOON
16TH MARCH 2023 - AFTERNOON
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(The meeting began at 2.30 pm)
Clerk
بسم هللا الرحمن الرحيمThe First Meeting of the Nineteenth Session of the National Assembly for the National Assembly meeting on the eleventh day, Monday, 23rd of Sha'ban 1444H corresponding to the 16th of March 2023M, began with a prayer.
PRAYER
The prayer was recited by Your Honorable Begawan Pehin Khatib Dato Paduka Awang Haji Emran bin Haji Kunchang, (Imam of Masjid Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien).
Your Honorable Speaker
ُالرحْ يم السَّال ُم عل ْي ُك ْم ورحْ مةُ هللاِ وبركاتُهَّ الرحْ َٰم ِنَّ ّٰللاِ ِبس ِْم هْ ألح ْمدُ ِ هلِلWe thank Allah SWT for His blessings that we are able to gather here again on this eleventh day of the First Meeting of the Nineteenth Session of the National Assembly.
Greetings and peace be upon our Great Leader Prophet Muhammad SAW, his family, his companions and his followers who are faithful and loyal until the end of time.
Honorable Members. The National Assembly meeting is still discussing the Supply Bill (2023), 2023/2024 which has been proposed by Your Honorable Minister in the Prime Minister's Department and the Minister of Finance and Economy II.
In order to enable us to continue to discuss and examine the topics contained in this Bill, I propose that we adjourn this National Assembly meeting and convene at the Committee level.
(The National Assembly meeting was adjourned)
(The meeting continued as a Committee)
Your Honorable Speaker
بسم هللا الرحمن الرحيم
Honorable Members. The meeting is now fully convened at the Committee level to consider and discuss the Supply Bill (2023), 2023/2024 one by one.
Honorable Members, we have been in session for 11 days and there are still many topics from various ministries that need to be examined and discussed in order to be passed, as we will soon welcome the holy month of Ramadan.
Therefore, I hope that the Committee meeting can be expedited before the intended time and let the questions asked be relevant and focused on the issues we mean.
Yesterday evening, the Committee Meeting began to examine and discuss the topic of the Ministry of Religious Affairs. Along with me here, there are still many Your Honorable Members who would like to discuss this topic.
I would also like to draw the attention of Your Honorable Members that the financial year will be approaching soon. That means, on April 1, 2023, we will enter a new financial year. Before the new financial year, we need to resolve the issues we are facing so that the government's journey can run smoothly.
Therefore, I now invite Your Honorable Dayang Hajah Rosmawatty binti Haji Abdul Momin. Please proceed, Your Honorable.
Your Honorable Dayang Hajah Rosmawatty binti Haji Abdul Mumin
Thank you, Your Honorable Speaker. Kaola has 3 questions Your Honorable Speaker:
Regarding the Management of Hajj Account Code 001/002. Referring to the latest list of Hajj and Umrah service providers updated by the Ministry of Religious Affairs on March 4, 2023, the ministry has granted permission to 8 tour companies in this country to handle Hajj and Umrah packages using Umrah visas and tourist visas for a period of 3 years from 2022 to 2024. Meanwhile, 7 other companies have been granted permission to handle Umrah packages using only tourist visas.
This development shows an increase in awareness among Muslims in this country towards the practice of Islamic teachings as a way of life through the implementation of Sunnah practices such as the Umrah worship. Kaola's questions are:
What are the criteria that allow these 8 companies to be granted permission to handle all three categories, namely Umrah packages, Hajj packages, Umrah packages using Umrah visas, and Umrah packages using Saudi Arabian tourist visas?
How does the Ministry of Religious Affairs assist other companies to achieve the same level? Kaola believes that if more companies are granted permission to handle these Hajj and Umrah packages, it will increase competitiveness among these companies to remain committed to producing better services at reasonable costs, and open up more job opportunities for local children.
Here, Kaola is also pleased to suggest that the Ministry of Religious Affairs, through the Hajj Affairs Department, issue minimum standards for the management of Hajj and Umrah services as a guide for company managers and ensure compliance with these minimum standards for the well-being of pilgrims so that they can perform these worship practices perfectly.
This is in line with the role of the Hajj Affairs Department as a facilitator in handling matters related to the implementation of Hajj and Umrah in this country and is also responsible for providing up-to-date information on the status of Hajj and Umrah management to company managers and the general public to avoid any confusion among the people in this country.
Furthermore, I would like to take this opportunity to express my support for the proposal to develop the country's real estate investment in Mecca and Medina to improve the country's economy and ensure the welfare of the people performing Hajj and Umrah, as proposed by Your Honorable for consideration by the stakeholders.
Referring to the KPI related to the number of new cases of Shariah crimes recorded each year, which targets a 3% reduction each year. My question is, what initiatives has the Ministry of Religious Affairs taken to ensure that this 3% reduction target can be achieved? Can Your Honorable Minister of Religious Affairs share the categories of Shariah criminal cases that have been convicted according to the Shariah Criminal Code?
The concerns raised by the public are:
I would like to seek clarification from Your Honorable Minister of Religious Affairs regarding the specific guidelines on appropriate attire for women, as looking at the current fashion trend, there are some women who deliberately dress inappropriately in public.
There are still mixed-gender gymnasiums being used at the same time. Therefore, I suggest that the usage time for men and women be separated in accordance with the philosophy of the Malay Islamic Monarchy practiced in this country.
Regarding taxes, the Royal Malaysian Customs and Excise Department uses import duties by rounding up the amount of tax charged. For example, if the tax set is $1.10, it will be rounded up to $2.00. This means that taxpayers are required to pay an additional $0.90 from the amount of tax that should be paid. This regulation is contained in the Customs Import Duties Order 2007, which states that if the amount exceeds one dollar and includes a fraction of a dollar, the fraction shall be treated as a complete dollar. I would like to seek clarification from Your Honorable Minister of Religious Affairs on the Islamic view regarding the additional payment imposed. Thank you, Your Honorable Speaker.
Your Honorable Menteri Hal Ehwal Ugama
Thank you Your Honorable Speaker. أ َ ْل َح ْمد ّ ٰلِل, Your Honorable counted the questions as 1, 2, 3, but if they are arranged in sequence, there are more than 1, 2, 3 questions because they are interrelated.
أ َ ْل َح ْم ّ ٰد ِللwhere kaola can explain here because some of these matters are related to other authorities outside the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Religious Affairs.
Regarding the Hajj, in brief, I can state that the truths are already allowed for operators that the ministry calls Hajj and Umrah operators who are allowed within certain periods. But for them to execute or carry out the permission they obtained, they must first request permission to perform Umrah during that season. Hajj is indeed known.
This is for control purposes, meaning that nothing unwanted happens to the pilgrims or the packages concerned that are not previously known by the Ministry of Religious Affairs, namely the Hajj Affairs Department.
The main requirement is that they must be license holders who handle Hajj and Umrah Package Affairs, and these license holders must have valid permission from the Hajj Affairs Department, Ministry of Religious Affairs. That is the first requirement, Your Honorable Speaker.
Therefore, the Hajj Affairs Department is responsible for issuing permits to companies that have travel agency licenses issued by other authorities, such as the Tourism Development Department.
They intend to conduct regular tourism, but for Umrah, there must be details provided to the Hajj Affairs Department. After obtaining the permit, it will be offered to the pilgrims. Control over such operators is solely for the benefit of the company itself, as kaola explained earlier, especially for the benefit of the pilgrims.
The Hajj Affairs Department, in cooperation with the Tourism Development Department, always assists these operators. This is a good business and is related to worship. Therefore, the Ministry of Religious Affairs and the Hajj Affairs Department will always do it. So, let us all understand such matters. If the regulations imposed on these companies are already licensed, the regulations are in terms of implementing the license to allow them to collect their pilgrims. But the implementation, how it is done, must be known to the Ministry of Religious Affairs first.
Your Honorable Speaker, briefly, I can mention first that regarding how to help other companies to improve their competitiveness, it is a matter of theory that if we know that there are more companies involved, there will be more opportunities for users. However, this is subject to the Ministry of Religious Affairs not limiting the number for a certain period of time.
In other words, it is up to any tourism company that feels they can carry out operations to bring pilgrims back to them. If this happens, there is no obstacle for the government or the Ministry.
Regarding the management of Hajj, Your Honorable Dayang Hajah Rosmawatty binti Haji Abdul Mumin supports the suggestion put forward by Your Honorable Dayang Hajah Safiah binti Sheikh Haji Abd Salam that our government should consider guaranteeing real estate investment, having houses or hotels owned by the government as a profitable investment. We have also heard from Your Honorable Minister in the Prime Minister's Department and the Second Minister of Finance and Economy that we have hotels and investments there. And no matter how the situation develops, we will see it further.
The important thing is that the government is paying attention to this matter. Sharia crime has decreased, أ َ ْل َح ْم ّ ٰد ّ ٰلِلbut I apologize, Your Honorable Speaker, I cannot provide the details. I request to defer this matter. We need to refer to the relevant data on how the decrease is, what the trend is, and whether the reported numbers have been resolved in court or NFA.
For Muslim women, modest clothing means covering their aurat. Covering aurat has its own measurements. As for what we see happening now, whether it is modest or immodest, it is very relative, Your Honorable Speaker. "Some say this is wrong" from a Sharia perspective. As for the legal aspect, we must see how it is. "Don't let the rich people be indecent."
In this matter, it is related to the gym, and we may need to refer to the relevant parties. Does the license in such places require separate times for the use of men and women? I request to skip this matter, Your Honorable Speaker.
Payment of taxes, if asked, Kaola, regarding matters related to law in terms of fatwa or guidance. The Ministry of Religious Affairs is not authorized in that matter, Your Honorable Speaker. The matter can be referred either by the ministry or by Your Honorable to the relevant authority. Thank you.
Your Honorable Speaker
I now invite Your Honorable Dr. Awang Haji Mahali bin Haji Momin.
Your Honorable Dr. Awang Haji Mahali bin Haji Momin
Thank you, Your Honorable Speaker. Peace be upon you. First of all, I would like to express my utmost gratitude to the Minister of Religious Affairs for delivering a clear and concise opening speech yesterday.
Kaola would like to touch on the subject of Account Code 002/003 - Mosque Maintenance, Religious Promotion. It is stated there that in promoting religion, the Ministry of Religious Affairs has set an objective to ensure the effective dissemination of Islamic teachings by strengthening the culture and practice of religious devotion as a complete and perfect way of life towards a successful worldly and hereafter life. This is in line with the Ahli Sunnah Wal Jamaah.
Regarding the mosque maintenance program, Kaola suggests:
The role of the mosque should be strengthened as a center for the dissemination of knowledge and equipped with scientific references and internet access to attract young people to attend programs organized such as the Ministry of Religious Affairs' Night of Prayers, which has received encouraging response among the Muslim community throughout the country. Congratulations to Kaola.
Strengthening the role of imams in conveying and upholding the teachings of Islam, especially during Friday prayers. Imams are given exposure to read sermons and lead Friday prayers in different mosques in a particular area. This will provide more extensive experience for imams and congregants.
Special recognition for those who contribute to the maintenance of the mosque, consisting of imams and congregants with various categories such as the elderly, youth, and teenagers.
Layers of imams. Kaola notes that there are mosques that appoint lay imams. In this regard, Kaola suggests that these layers of imams be given appropriate courses in the field of duties and responsibilities of an imam to ensure that their duties can be carried out perfectly.
In the discussion of mosque management, I suggest that religious teachers actively participate in any activities organized by the Mosque Management Committee. If possible, they should serve as examples to the youth and their students. In this regard, I suggest that mosque activities be taken into account in their performance appraisals as an incentive for these religious teachers.
Thank you, Your Honorable Speaker.
Assalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh.
Your Honorable Minister of Religious Affairs
Thank you, Your Honorable.
It would be better if I answer the final question first because it is easier for me to remember. My suggestion is for religious teachers to be involved in mosque activities and their involvement should be considered in their performance appraisals as teachers.
This is a suggestion that is open to public evaluation and I believe that if it is evaluated positively, some may hope for such an incentive, Your Honorable Speaker.
This is also the hope of the ministry itself because every member of the ministry, especially those who have teaching qualifications, should have a place in the hearts of the community as trusted individuals in religious matters. They should be involved in community activities in the village and surrounding areas, especially in schools.
In schools, there is a mosque. The mosque has a congregation, including the school. So it would be good if we hope that they will be active in the Mosque Management Committee. With this, more ideas can be gathered by the committee to manage the mosque.
So mosque management is related to several programs, some of which have been heard from several Honorable Members before. They have detailed or suggested several programs, and I welcomed them yesterday. Now we are in a discussion, and it would be good if these ideas have a base in their respective villages and Honorable Members also have a base. In other words, if people mention "roots", we do not call them supporters because "galak" sounds better.
As the roots, let us think together. We know the activities that are already organized at this time, for the youth and women, and several programs organized by mosque officials themselves. To increase and better organize them, new ideas from new participants are very welcome, Your Honorable Speaker.
Regarding these imams, they should be strengthened, as it is the responsibility of Your Honorable Speaker from time to time. Actually, Your Honorable did not deny that in his statement earlier, it does exist, but strengthening it to the extent of its effectiveness must be evaluated. Its effectiveness, as we understand it, can be seen first in their duties as imams and leading the congregation, not just leading in obligatory prayers.
Leading the congregation because the duties of imams are determined by their work regulations, which are arranged among others by becoming the chairman of the mosque takmir committee. This is an activity and a leadership style. That is what is taught and understood by them from time to time, in terms of regular readings, Al-Fatihah and its verses, and in terms of sermon readings, all of which are continued. That is all we will see in evaluating the effectiveness of these plans, Your Honorable Speaker.
Regarding the replacement imams. If it is for the ministry, it is to provide opportunities during university or school holidays for students from higher education or former graduates who do not have permanent jobs to be taken as replacements according to their needs. If I may say, the allowance scheme is determined by Your Honorable Speaker, if the imam is $20 per day, the bilal is $10 per day, there are regulations.
This can be implemented by the mosques themselves according to their needs. Moreover, if they have sufficient fortune to cover these expenses, they are encouraged to strive for it.
The filling of imam positions is continuously carried out, but the filling of those positions, mosque officials, various levels of imams, bilals, and even lower positions, is continuously carried out by Your Honorable Speaker. The need is there and the way we fill it is continued even though the process is not as fast as we hope, for example, 3-4 times a year.
Perhaps Your Honorable remembers the various awards in the past, such as the Excellent Mosque Award, which is calculated or measured from their activities, the Excellent Imam Award, and the Excellent Bilal Award.
This award will also be given to the Takmir Committee, but this matter has not been heard for a long time. It is good to be heard now in this meeting and I thank Your Honorable for it, so that the Department of Mosque Affairs, especially, will evaluate its necessity.
In the past, "grand" meant the delivery of the Address to the Majlis by His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan Negara Brunei Darussalam on the occasion of the Israk and Mikraj Celebration.
Thank you, Your Honorable Speaker, that is all I can answer for now. Thank you.
Your Honorable Speaker
I now invite Your Honorable Awang Mohamad Ali bin Tanjong.
Your Honorable Awang Mohamad Ali bin Tanjong
Thank you, Your Honorable Speaker.
"O my Lord! Expand my breast for me and make my task easy for me, and make loose the knot from my tongue, (so that) they understand my speech." Assalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh and salutations. Your Honorable Speaker. All praise is due to Allah. The country of Brunei Darussalam through the Islamic Religious Council, Ministry of Religious Affairs has given many certifications to the preachers.
I would like to ask:
Are foreign residents in this country also given certifications by the preachers?
Does the Islamic Religious Council always monitor these preachers, including lecturers who come from abroad?
That is all.
"And peace be upon you and the mercy of Allah and His blessings." "And with Allah is all success and guidance."
Your Honorable Minister of Religious Affairs
Thank you, Your Honorable Speaker and thank you to Your Honorable.
This is one of the ways we intensify our preaching, not only carried out by those in certain positions, especially at the Islamic Da'wah Centre. The public needs preachers or what we call daie from outside our country.
Even outside the Ministry of Religious Affairs, there are those we call preachers from the Royal Brunei Armed Forces, even from any Islamic Higher Education Institution and also those who have such qualifications. Therefore, to accommodate these needs, permission is given for the public to request for themselves or for a certain season for someone to deliver a sermon, lecture or sermon and so on.
For its control, certification is to ensure that those who will carry out duties as preachers, whether preachers to deliver religious teachings or preachers who deliver only motivations. There are preachers who are broadly referred to, covering certification, whether they continue to deliver religious teachings or become teachers such as Quran teachers, from time to time, preachers who come to this country are required to be certified.
Firstly, if the speaker is from within the country, their accreditation is evaluated annually to determine whether it should be extended or not. This ensures that the needs of the community are met and so far, the advisory committee has not faced any major problems in granting accreditation because the applicants are generally qualified. However, it is important to remind them of their limits and to ensure that they are aware of the laws, practices, and understanding of Islam in Brunei Darussalam so that they do not deviate from the religion.
Secondly, if the speaker is invited from outside the country, they are also subject to the same requirements and guidelines, whether it is before or during their stay in Brunei Darussalam. If they have visited Brunei Darussalam multiple times, it is easier to evaluate their records to determine if they have any issues. If there are no issues, the process is much easier.
The concern here is that there may be speakers from outside the country who are sought after by some of our people for certain gatherings or meetings. This is what the Ministry of Religious Affairs is concerned about.
If they have a good record in their preaching, that is very interesting and advantageous. However, we also need to look at their records outside the country, identify their tendencies and how they operate.
Sometimes, we do not know much about them, only that their name is famous and they are used in their respective fields, especially in motivation and so on, but there are other records that we need to know.
Fortunately, in this day and age, we can find out about such things from the internet. Thank you, Your Honorable Speaker.
Your Honorable Speaker
I now invite Your Honorable Awang Mohammad bin Abdullah @ Lim Swee Ann.
Your Honorable Awang Mohammad bin Abdullah @ Lim Swee Ann
Thank you, Your Honorable Speaker, In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful, peace be upon you.
Firstly, I would like to thank the Minister of Religious Affairs for his introduction on the topic under SJ01A - the Ministry of Religious Affairs regarding the planning and budgeting for the 2023 Law (Supply) Bill, 2023/2024. I have two questions, Your Honorable Speaker.
I am pleased to touch on the matter of the mosque in the Pekan Belait area which is currently unable to accommodate the increasing number of worshippers, especially during peak times such as Friday prayers and Hari Raya. I would like to know if there are any plans to build new mosques in the area?
I have received requests from the public to address the issue of financial assistance for new Muslim converts to perform the Hajj pilgrimage.
What are the requirements set by the government to apply for this assistance? Also, if there are new Muslim converts who have already performed the Hajj using their own funds, can they still apply for this assistance?
I would appreciate clarification from the Honorable Minister of Religious Affairs regarding the government's efforts to help stabilize the cost of Hajj packages and expenses, making it more affordable for the public to choose as an alternative to existing packages.
Thank you for your attention, Honorable Minister of Religious Affairs.
Your Honorable Menteri Hal Ehwal Ugama
Thank you Your Honorable. Firstly, regarding the Hajj pilgrimage, the ministry is aware of the increasing cost of Hajj packages each year.
The ministry has proposed the establishment of an ad hoc committee with various agencies, not only the existing Hajj advisory council, but also other parties who may have ideas or initiatives to contribute to the committee. The ad hoc committee will have two levels, the operational level for the secretariat and, after receiving support, will be elevated to a higher level for further support.
However, in the matter of the Hajj pilgrimage, we must also consider what will be done at the places we visit, such as Jeddah, Mecca, or Medina, where we will be staying in hotels. This is important. Then, when it comes to the actual day of performing the Hajj in Arafah and Mina, there are other important considerations.
These issues seem to be a trend. The prices are not only set by operators outside of Mecca or Medina, but also based on the conditions there. Prices have skyrocketed.
Regarding this matter, there are things that cannot be controlled and guaranteed. But so far, the hajj pilgrimage has not been burdensome. Last year and the year before, Alhamdulillah, it was the same, and this year it is not yet known but believed to not be burdensome. Our efforts so far are to think about it.
Hopefully, our thoughts will be blessed by Allah and at least we can find some ways to convey our intentions. If present, "Kaola" knows that among us, there are those who have heard various suggested ways from outside the country for the upcoming hajj pilgrimage.
We will see how practical those ways are or not, and the Ad hoc Committee will also evaluate them in terms of cost and other aspects. Regarding the cost, "Kaola" states that it is not very worrying because if we look at the trend of the past two years, there has been no increase. There is assistance for our new brothers and sisters.
In other words, the Kurnia Hajj Fund Scheme under the patronage of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam for new brothers and sisters who have embraced Islam for not less than 10 years with certain conditions, namely for men aged not less than 40 years and for women aged not less than 45 years.
They will be determined based on their qualifications and abilities, and a committee will evaluate and determine the conditions from among so many applicants. They will be determined fairly, Insha'Allah. This is in line with the regulations that were in place in Saudi Arabia in the past, but now it is free.
We look at it from various aspects, including welfare and even Sharia aspects. For us, those who have not reached the age of maturity, for example, it is not obligatory for them to perform the hajj pilgrimage. Certainly, they have never performed the hajj pilgrimage. It is called assistance, once they have performed the hajj pilgrimage, then the fifth pillar of Islam is completed. If there is such a case or eligibility, they can submit it to the Secretary of the Islamic Religious Council.
Regarding the mosque in the Belait area, this area is actually included in the 11th plan, including the Mumong and Lumut areas. If in Lumut, Insha'Allah, next week on March 23, 2023, "Kaola" and the Honorable Minister of Development will lay the foundation stone in Lumut. In Panaga, there are plans included in the ministry's proposed list, but it is not certain. Hopefully, "Kaola" can summarize the answers to the Honorable Member's questions.
However, about 2 years ago, a servant of Allah contacted the Islamic Religious Council with the intention of endowing the construction of a mosque and the location was chosen in Panaga. But recently, the person concerned, after obtaining permission from the Council, has requested a postponement for a certain matter. Hopefully, I can summarize the answers to the Honorable Member's questions.
Your Honorable Speaker
Does anyone else wish to continue?
Your Honorable Minister of Religious Affairs
I think that's all I remember in my notes, Your Honorable. Maybe if there's anything missed, I will answer it later.
Your Honorable Speaker
Thank you.
Your Honorable Speaker
Thank you. Now, I invite Your Honorable Awang Haji Daud bin Jihan.
Your Honorable Awang Haji Daud bin Jihan
Alhamdulillah. Thank you, Your Honorable Speaker.
Bismillahirrahmanirrahim. Assalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh.
Undoubtedly, the Islamic Religious Council of Brunei, including the Islamic Religious Council, is one of the strategic institutions or organizations in the country of Brunei Darussalam. Its scope of duties covers matters that have a significant impact on the socio-economy of this country.
Alhamdulillah, as mentioned by Your Honorable Minister of Religious Affairs, the Zakat Department will be established soon, Alhamdulillah. By focusing on the management of Baitulmal's zakat and endowments.
There are many studies or research conducted by renowned regional and international Islamic economic and financial professionals that state that it is more effective or efficient and effective if it is managed and administered through a statutory body managed by certain professional experts such as management and financial experts. This approach has been implemented in neighboring countries such as Malaysia and Singapore, where their Baitulmal zakat and endowment management and administration systems can be emulated as benchmarks.
Alhamdulillah, as reported in the media, a delegation from the Ministry of Religious Affairs visited Malaysia and the Republic of Singapore from January 30th to February 7th, 2023, led by the Deputy Minister of Religious Affairs who is also the Deputy Chairman of the Islamic Religious Council of Brunei Darussalam.
Discussions have also been held with the Federal Territory Islamic Religious Council, Selangor Islamic Religious Council, Pahang Islamic Religious and Malay Customs Council, Johor Islamic Religious Council and its subsidiaries, and the Singapore Islamic Religious Council.
In this regard, Your Honorable would like to request clarification on the results of the visit and discussions. Will the system be implemented and practiced with proven best practices as practiced in foreign countries including neighboring countries that have been frequently visited? Considering that this matter is very strategic and has a significant impact on the economy of Brunei Darussalam and the welfare of its people, perhaps this matter can also be viewed and reviewed by the Honorable Minister in the Prime Minister's Department and the Second Minister of Finance and Economy or perhaps by the Honorable Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports.
Furthermore, I would like to touch on the delay in applicants receiving decisions from MUIB regarding applications for distribution to the needy or housing. This matter is being widely discussed among applicants, and the places to complain are mostly to the Village Chiefs, but what power do the Village Chiefs have, who can only bring the matter to the relevant parties?
After investigating or asking the authorities, one of the reasons given is the lack of staff to interview due to the increasing number of applications.
If Your Honorable Abdul Aziz bin Haji Hamdan suggests involving youth to enhance the mosque and the platform provided for the youth is managed by the mosque. Perhaps as a solution before the Zakat Department is established, I suggest that if there are mosques with their youth, why not establish or organize MUIB youth for mosques throughout the country, and these MUIB youth are managed by the mosque and supported by MUIB, especially the Zakat Division. The participants can consist of mosque youth or be dedicated to MUIB youth only, and their age is limited to a suitable age range.
These MUIB youth will be given guidance, including guidelines on how to interview applicants. After these MUIB youth are considered suitable for interviewing, they will be assigned to interview applicants from their environment. Since they are local residents, when assigned, they will know the residents in their environment to some extent, making it easier to carry out the tasks assigned to them.
Let us consider giving a reasonable reward to these youths based on the tasks given. Perhaps this suggestion will be able to overcome the issue of delays to some extent. That's all, hopefully this suggestion, if implemented, will be beneficial to the Department. Thank you, Your Honorable Speaker.
Your Honorable Minister of Religious Affairs
Thank you, Your Honorable Awang Haji Daud bin Jihan. Earlier, you mentioned the Islamic Religious Council and its strategic position.
Indeed, the Islamic Religious Council is a body that follows the Constitution as the highest advisory body on religious matters to His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan Negara Brunei Darussalam.
However, what I understood from the presentation made by Your Honorable earlier, if it is related to zakat or the like, it is two different matters.
As a body, we have never thought of turning the Council into a cooperative or a private entity.
If in the Peninsula, such matters are still under the government or the Islamic Affairs Department in Malaysia, namely JAKIM, and in the states with their respective Islamic Religious Councils under their Sultans or Rulers.
What we are thinking about the privatization of the zakat and wakaf systems is for the sake of efficiency and to obtain the best results. This has been circulating for the past few years as mentioned in the speech and visits have been made. Indeed, the intention is towards the idea of implementing the possibility of privatizing wakaf and zakat.
If I may briefly read the report, it is very positive to choose several models that can be considered for implementation here, with the reminder that it still follows the regulations, Sharia laws and laws that are in force in this country.
The use of the zakat and wakaf systems is still proven and proven in the countries visited that it contributes greatly to the country's socio-economy.
Although the results are not directly to the government's fiscal and treasury, it is a social entity that can accommodate the country's needs such as schools, mosques and even in the long run, many things can be done from the wakaf's results that are managed professionally.
That is what we desire, that it is managed by the relevant parties who are skilled in investment, business management, and so on. That needs to be seen and hopefully, it will be implemented as we desire, God willing. It should be noted that what will be privatized is not MUIB but rather the management of zakat and waqf so that it can have a greater impact.
Currently, with an income of $17 million to $18 million, zakat has already assisted almost 17,000 to 18,000 poor individuals or 3,000 to 4,000 families. This has helped in terms of distribution to the asnaf and has also reduced the allocation given to JAPEM. If it all relied on JAPEM, the allocation would be high.
The third issue mentioned earlier is the delay. This delay, I, for one, cannot do anything about it even though it has been set in the TPOR for a certain number of days. The first reason for the delay is understandable.
The shortage has been addressed by appointing qualified individuals who are registered and placed in certain positions or departments. These are individuals who are unemployed but qualified to assist the work of the Islamic Religious Council.
In terms of zakat distribution, it requires efficient management in the form of personnel who cannot be obtained through established posts but through appointment. Their appointment is based on their qualifications and expertise. Some are in the Zakat Division, Investigation Division, and Finance Division, in addition to being seconded from the Ministry of Finance, a senior officer to assist in auditing matters, and so on.
I sympathize with the heavy responsibility of the Village Head or Penghulu, including the imam who is approached by those waiting for a decision on this matter. I will do my best to expedite it, and it is important that the village heads or penghulus and imams who receive these complaints investigate them thoroughly.
For example, there was a recent complaint about a housing application that had been supported by a letter for five years.
So, the construction of houses under the Brunei Islamic Religious Council only provides the allocation for building houses, but its management is under a special committee that includes district officers and is overseen by the Prime Minister's Department (JPM), namely the Quick Win project. However, they cannot be blamed entirely.
It has been investigated that the land is good and suitable, but upon further investigation, it was found that the land is overlapping, and when preparing the plan, it was found that the land is hilly and such things that slow down the process.
Hopefully, these issues can be resolved and together with the village head, chief and imam or whoever received the report of this delay, we can investigate. The investigation may have bureaucratic delays that we can change the way, but if the delay concerns its foundation, it will be difficult until there is a solution agreed upon and decided by the Quickwin Committee.
Regarding the proposal for the existence of MUIB youth. If these MUIB youth are appointed as additional workers in MUIB, they will be placed in MUIB, but if mentioned to be connected with the mosque.
This matter has been previously presented that not only youth, but even the mosque takmir committee itself will involve the community in the mosque's activities. That is the takmir committee's service besides looking at mosque damages, organizing events and celebrations, and organizing religious and worship programs. But also these social programs that seem to be overlooked.
So, there is no need to name it MUIB youth, it is enough for the mosque youth itself together with the takmir committee to involve in the local community's affairs. For example, if there is a delay in the issuance of permits, let them find solutions besides the village head.
Kaola welcomes efforts among youth like this that are not specific to just one village but generally throughout the country they carry out charitable projects. It is very good but seasonal. It is almost the fasting and Eid season, and there will be many projects.
As if on social media, kaola heard at one time that this is the season to showcase, not about the sense of community caring, but to project how poverty still exists in Brunei society.
So, these things should be considered among community leaders together with the grassroots. Thank you, Your Honorable Speaker.
Your Honorable Speaker
I invite Your Honorable Awang Haji Mohd. Salleh bin Haji Othman.
Your Honorable Awang Haji Mohd. Salleh bin Haji Othman
Thank you, Your Honorable Speaker, and greetings. Your Honorable Speaker, first of all, kaola would like to express gratitude for the introduction regarding the topic of SJ01A, Ministry of Religious Affairs, Brunei Darussalam.
Your Honorable, Kaola would like to raise some questions and suggestions regarding several matters:
Regarding the salaries of the appointed imams. For the position of Imam Tingkat III, the salary ranges from $1280 to $2270, and for the position of Imam Tingkat IV, the salary ranges from $1225 to $1785. For Imams with an HND qualification, the starting salary is $1990. In this regard, Kaola requests that the appointed Imams with an HND qualification for the position of Imam Tingkat IV be considered for a maximum salary of $1785.
Regarding divorce cases in Brunei Darussalam. Kaola would like to know whether the number of divorce cases is increasing or decreasing each year, and according to statistics, how many of these cases are caused by married men and women. Kaola also requests information on counseling processes for married couples who have marital problems.
Kaola would like to know about the Badan Tanmiah Harta Majlis Ugama Islam Brunei. Besides developing and advancing the properties of the Majlis Ugama Islam, what initiatives have been implemented to assist the community, especially those in need such as poor families, single mothers, and the like. How many assets of land are currently managed by the Badan Tanmiah?
Kaola would like clarification on the issue of apostasy involving our community. How many cases of apostasy have been recorded so far, and what are the main causes that lead them to leave the Islamic religion? Kaola requests further information on this matter.
Thank you, Your Honorable Speaker.
Your Honorable Minister of Religious Affairs
Thank you, Your Honorable. Regarding the first matter, as Your Honorable may have heard outside this assembly and as I repeat here, I suggest that the relevant department in the Ministry of Religious Affairs be alerted to look into this matter. What needs to be clarified here is the difference in salary positions for entry into these positions. Imam Tingkat IV is indeed subject to the division in which he is appointed based on the qualifications he is appointed with.
Through the newly approved Service Scheme, the qualification requirements for the positions of Imam Tingkat III and Imam Tingkat IV are a Diploma in Islamic Studies or equivalent and must pass the Certificate of Religious Primary School (SSSRU).
Your Honorable Speaker, the salary for Imam Level III is C1-2 EB.3 in Division III with a starting salary of $1280 up to $2270, while the salary for the position of Imam Level IV is in Division IV - 5 EB. 6 in Division 4 with a scale of D.4 - 5 EB. 6, which is $1,225.00. The difference between $25 and $80 is $55.
Therefore, even though they are both called imams, the positions of Imam Level III and Level IV are different. The scheme is the same, and the required qualifications are as mentioned earlier, which is a Diploma in Islamic Studies or equivalent and must pass the Primary School Certificate.
For your information, Your Honorable Speaker, these positions of bilal and imam, although outside the scope of the Public Service Commission, are from the Ministry of Religious Affairs, the Islamic Religious Council, and His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, but in terms of implementation, the schemes are according to the schemes set by the Public Service Commission.
This ministry also proposes and the proposal must follow the rules stated earlier, that is its division is stated and recorded by the relevant party, namely SPA.
Regarding such a decision, as happened, Your Honorable requested that it be reconsidered.
So the committee, if it is only the Ministry of Religious Affairs, can only see this case as a case that is seen but to ensure what is desired, it is subject to the existing service schemes because the service scheme, is not easy and not quickly decided or determined and it is not quickly changed either. It involves policies in ensuring the "cleanliness" of public administration.
The approval of the harmonization obtained from SPA at this time for the applicant for the Level 3 Imam position in Division 3 who has an HND qualification will be given a salary of $1,990.00 per month.
If this apprentice is different from this decision, then this matter will be given further details to be investigated together by the Administration Division of the Ministry of Religious Affairs as to how far it has been implemented or not.
Meanwhile, for the applicant for the Level 4 position in Division 4 who has an HND qualification, the starting salary will be $1225.00, but in Division 4, that is the difference.
Whether this is appropriate or not in terms of its implementation in the Ministry of Religious Affairs has been carried out according to the rules and job descriptions and service levels. However, if Your Honorable wants the details, it is necessary to provide the details in detail.
Regarding divorce cases. Is it increasing or decreasing? If we look at the statistical figures given to me in 2019, there were 624 divorce cases, the highest and then it decreased in the last 5 years. Meanwhile, there was a decrease of 2 years after that from 64 to 583.
As we know, due to the pandemic, our movements are limited, so work is also limited, so cases like this are often postponed, there are people who want to divorce but in such circumstances, they do not divorce. Whether it is decreasing or waiting again if.
But hopefully, the trend during COVID-19 shows that many people have short-term thinking but because of that, Allah has decreed that we cannot go anywhere to complain to the court, so it may be better to postpone it.
That is the position in terms of statistics, but if it is to be determined what types of reasons, it is "difficult" to mention. Is it because of someone's wife or someone's husband? Imagining it like that. That could be one of the reasons, but how many, it is not known here.
Efforts made by the Family Counseling Advisory Service Division at the Ministry of Religious Affairs, namely under the Shariah Department, are to hold courses, raise awareness, various courses, if before marriage there is a pre-marriage course, that course in the past only covered legal matters regarding marriage and so on but did not cover 2 important things.
In recent years, Alhamdulillah, there have been two important aspects that have been covered, namely financial awareness and health. This includes pre-marital courses, as well as post-marital courses. The advice given in these courses is aimed at raising awareness to ensure the integrity of the household and to prevent issues such as adultery. This can be avoided if religious teachings are emphasized, which means avoiding things that can cause slander.
There may also be cases where the husband hears rumors about his wife or vice versa. This is a form of slander from others, but slander from the husband or wife themselves is also included in the post-marital course. This course also includes information on financial and health awareness, as well as specific briefings on "My Family, My Hope" to increase awareness of the importance of family for future generations.
Finally, there is a program that will be introduced, which has already been tried at the departmental level. Congregational prayer is one way to strengthen and dignify the relationship between husband and wife. Kaola is not mentioned in this report. Your Honorable Speaker is currently based on the COVID-19 situation. During this time, husbands who work in offices or do not work are required to stay put and cannot go to any mosque for prayer. However, during the lockdown, there was a desire to pray congregationally with family members. This is a blessing that we can get from Allah SWT due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and it is recommended to pray congregationally with family members to improve the quality of our prayers.
If a person's worship has improved and their recitation is good, as they age, they should continue to increase their knowledge. What we hear must be learned. Alhamdulillah, religious services can accommodate matters like this, whether through preaching, mosques, or schools.
Your Honorable, the third matter is regarding the Tanmiah Body, which is a body that develops the assets of the Brunei Islamic Religious Council. The capital used by them is from waqf lands or other lands owned by the Brunei Islamic Religious Council. Their task is to develop the assets in their financial group and to be developed, not for charitable purposes. Charitable matters are managed by the zakat division.
Assistance for housing is not expected from the Tanmiah Body. The development of the assets of the Brunei Islamic Religious Council in the form of property, such as rental houses and so on, has been ongoing for the past 20 years or more.
How many property assets are managed by the Brunei Islamic Religious Council? If not mistaken, there are 163 units in 19 locations containing residential and commercial buildings throughout the country, with 141 units located in the Brunei-Muara District, 30 units in the Tutong District, and 2 units in the Belait District. There are none in Temburong. This development is intended to develop the Brunei Islamic Religious Council for fundraising and general administration purposes.
Excess funds that are deposited will be used indirectly for charitable purposes, but not directly, such as during the COVID-19 pandemic, where an allocation of several million was made to help affected small traders, workers, and miners.
This decision was made by the council and taken from the general administration account of the Brunei Islamic Religious Council. During the COVID-19 pandemic, some needs for children in the asnaf families who require devices and equipment were also funded from that account.
From that account, the income will indirectly increase. In the past two years, the Tanmiah Body has been decided by the council to further expand its investment operations. Investment operations usually involve land-related businesses. Hopefully, this can be implemented.
What are the future plans for the assets? At present, the Tanmiah Body has determined the types of land to be developed. There are waqf lands and non-waqf lands from the excess of inheritance distribution for those who have passed away.
When the waqf is established as a corporation, this income will be deposited into the corporation's account. Apart from that corporation, it will be responsible for developing waqf assets.
May we have a long life to welcome the year 2035 Vision of Brunei. Kaola will be in his 90s at that time. We have been taught prayers to extend our lives without illness and without burdening others for worship. We ask Allah to protect us from a long life with illness and burdening others.
That's all I have to convey and thank you to Your Honorable Awang Haji Mohd Salleh bin Haji Othman.
Your Honorable Speaker
I now invite Your Honorable Awang Haji Salleh Bostaman bin Haji Zainal Abidin.
Your Honorable Awang Haji Salleh Bostaman bin Haji Zainal Abidin
ِ ُIn the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
Thank you, Your Honorable Speaker and Honorable Members.
May blessings and salutations be upon the Prophet Muhammad and his loyal companions throughout time. All praise be to Allah for the opportunity to contribute to this discussion.
Thank you, Your Honorable Pehin Minister of Religious Affairs, for the explanation regarding the Ministry of Religious Affairs' budget achievement of $230 million.
I have some issues that I would like clarification on and some suggestions for Your Honorable Minister to consider. The first issue is regarding Fardhu Haji from a different perspective. How can we make it easier for those who are unable to perform the first obligatory pillar of Hajj? We understand that performing Fardhu Haji is obligatory for those who are able. I am saddened when approached by some elderly citizens who have never performed Umrah or Hajj and are somewhat less capable and financially constrained.
They have no income other than their old-age pension, and this group would like me to convey their concerns about performing their obligatory Hajj because the cost of performing Hajj has skyrocketed. Since they retired and with their savings in the Hajj fund, it is no longer sufficient for them and their spouses to perform Fardhu Hajj. They do not have any Hajj assistance packages like retired government employees, their age is increasing, their energy is decreasing, and the cost is increasing. I would like to propose some suggestions to make it easier for this group to perform their obligatory Hajj.
They accept their financial constraints and understand that one of the obligatory laws of Hajj is to be financially capable. They are not asking for charity or assistance, but they are requesting if there is an alternative way to enable them to afford to perform their obligatory Hajj with their own money and the funds they have.
I understand that the cost of Hajj in Brunei depends on several factors beyond the control of travel agents, such as hotel accommodation costs during the Hajj season, lunch costs, transportation costs, costs set by the Saudi Arabian government, whether they are in Arafah or Mina, and land transportation costs.
Kaola is excited to hear the response of the Minister in the Prime Minister's Department and Second Minister of Finance and Economy II in answering the question of Your Honorable Dayang Hajah Safiah binti Sheikh Haji Abd Salam that the Brunei Government does indeed have hotel accommodations in Mecca and Medina. ألحمدُ هلِل
Kaola's suggestions:
Realizing that the main cost of Hajj packages is due to the cost of accommodation and flights, both of which are provided by government GLCs, namely Darussalam Holdings and RBA. Could these costs be reduced? For example, from a 28-day schedule during the Hajj season, it could be reviewed to 15 days. If necessary, accommodation, even in 4-5 star hotels, could be changed to basic hostels, bunk beds, communal living, without meals and drinks, and not at a lucky price. Perhaps in this way, a special basic price can be offered and achieved by senior citizens to perform their obligatory Hajj with their own sustenance ان شاء هللا.; and
Involving local travel agencies in discussions to find solutions to reduce the price of Hajj and Umrah packages with this basic price. Could the Ministry of Religious Affairs and other government agencies evaluate the proposal and make appropriate considerations?
Hopefully, with our efforts to lighten and facilitate senior citizens or any citizens who are less able to perform their obligatory Hajj. Not those who repeat, but those who perform their obligatory Hajj for the first time. Hopefully, with their sustenance, it will make it easier for these people to perform their obligatory Hajj, and the sustenance of GLC agencies and the sustenance of the country will increase in blessings. ان شاء هللا.
The second issue is to increase the number of mosques in residential areas and enliven mosques during Ramadan. What is the strategy of the Ministry of Religious Affairs to ensure that there is a mosque in every residential area of the country and that it is given priority in national housing development? Infrastructure and mosque locations are taken into account for ease, comfort, and safety for residents who are fortunate enough to have a neighbor with a mosque. Especially for senior citizens and children in the village. The concept of a mosque as a place of worship as well as an institution for learning and a place for the community to gather in joy and sorrow can strengthen the sense of neighborhood and sincerely develop the spread of Islam ان شاء هللا.
First suggestion: Prioritize the establishment of mosques in residential areas that may have been overlooked and not built with a mosque. أ ْلح ْمدُ ِ هلِلKaola is happy to hear that the Mumong Housing Area will be processed as a place to build a mosque. Therefore, consider building a mosque in the Penaga Housing Area and in any other national housing areas. The mosque does not need to be as large as the main mosques, just enough to accommodate 100 to 150 worshipers.
For large congregational prayers in mosques such as Friday prayers, Eid al-Fitr, and Eid al-Adha, they can be held in existing main mosques. This initiative will also increase employment opportunities for graduates of religious institutions such as Al-Azhar University, Al-Tahfiz, and UNISSA to serve as mosque officials.
May our intention to enhance the house of Allah in our residential areas be facilitated and blessed by Allah.
Speaking of enlivening mosques, especially during the upcoming month of Ramadan, I request the Ministry of Religious Affairs to allow mosques to use funds from public donation boxes for mosque purposes or to allocate special funds to hold iftar gatherings throughout Ramadan in mosques.
Moreover, mosques that are known to be frequented by foreign workers or less privileged residents who cannot break their fast in the mosque together should be given priority. With this effort, we can enliven the mosque during iftar time and have the opportunity to host foreign workers and less privileged residents. It should be noted that not all mosques have neighbors who can donate for iftar every day during Ramadan.
Certainly, if there are foreign workers around the mosque, based on my experience, they will come to the mosque to break their fast, perform Maghrib and Tarawih prayers, and continue with Quranic recitation.
The third issue is the collection of zakat on wealth to increase revenue. Honorable members have discussed this issue extensively, but I would like to add a few points.
We have the best opportunity to conduct a quick survey during this Ramadan to ask zakat payers to answer surveys about their knowledge of zakat on wealth.
While waiting to pay zakat al-fitr, surveys can be distributed to be answered quickly to find out the reasons why zakat on wealth is not paid through Baitulmal or not paid by those who pay zakat al-fitr.
The fourth issue is the Brunei Halal Brand, an opportunity to strengthen it. Efforts and processes to obtain the Brunei Halal Certificate to ensure that imported food and meat are halal according to the laws of halal and thayyiban sharia and safe to eat for Brunei residents should not be questioned. Praise be to Allah for the initiatives of ministries that fund and maintain this process, and the Brunei Halal Brand has become our Premier Brand that we need to penetrate the market with Made in Brunei Products.
The agency that issues the Brunei Halal Certificate also inspects and verifies the halal status of any products that are in doubt. Sometimes, the assessment from our agency differs from the assessment of foreign agencies.
Thank you to Your Honorable Minister of Health for enlightening us that our machines are more sensitive and can detect doubtful substances. This is the concern of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam to ensure and invest in such advanced machines to verify the halal status of food in Brunei. Alhamdulillah.
To help increase public and consumer confidence in the integrity of the certification process and further empower this premier brand, I suggest that the public be educated and informed about this process, which is monitored 100% from start to finish by representatives of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MOHA). If possible, a public documentary should be aired so that the public knows and understands the challenges faced in ensuring the 100% authenticity of imported meat.
Is there also an intention to appoint a third-party agency that can perform independent ad-hoc verification and quality control, similar to the concept in other industries where a free third party accesses the competency of the assessor and their compliance, such as who verified the verifier?
I suggest that the training and competencies required for MOHA officers before being assigned as Halal Certifiers be formalized.
The process for conducting food lab testing should be clear and always beyond doubt. If the above process is formalized, it is not impossible for Brunei's halal process to achieve ISO quality certification for the Brunei Halal Certificate, which will add value to this premier brand and gain public trust in this sensitive process.
That is all I have to request for enlightenment and suggestions. Thank you. Assalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh.
Your Honorable Minister of Religious Affairs
Waalaikumsalam warahmatullahi wabarakatuh. Thank you. Your Honorable Chairperson for giving the floor to Kaola to respond.
He thought there were only four, but the issues he raised were so interesting that they multiplied and I thought there were six, but let me summarize them and bring them to a conclusion.
Regarding the hajj, as I have explained earlier, there have been attempts to establish an ad-hoc committee at the operational level, at the level of the Permanent Secretary, to search various relevant agencies for solutions to reduce the cost or expenditure of performing the hajj.
So, we welcome any ideas from Your Honorable and other members of parliament. This is what we call a Whole of Nation Approach, not just involving the government but also involving people outside the government.
So they are not asking for charity but they want to request for possible solutions. Among them, Your Honorable mentioned that we still have hotels in Mecca and Medina and so on, with the method presented by Your Honorable, are those methods practical in terms of business and so on.
That is up to the considerations of the people later, but what is important is that there are ways, for example, we must strive.
So it is pleasing to me, because the person who complained agrees that the obligation to perform the pilgrimage is based on the ability to do so and they are unable.
So when they are unable, it is not obligatory but they still want to enable it, but in terms of financial inability, it means that if there are other obstacles and so on. That makes the laws at the time of inability for someone mean that it is okay for them because they are unable.
So that is one of the inputs that Your Honorable received, that they are asking for charity but requesting consideration for one point, but another point they state that they are unable, so that inability does not make them okay in this matter, that is the second point.
Regarding these aspects, I have explained earlier, the hotels, not only the hotels, transportation expenses, especially during the last 3 days and 5 days in Mina, 3 days in Arafah, not just one day, it can be said to be 5 days.
All of these expenses are increasing, so let the committee work and manage its proposals, hopefully we will achieve what is desired.
I also appreciate Your Honorable's suggestion that there are suggestions, such as the royal room with its GLC, to strive towards it in terms of hotels and so on, in terms of transportation, that is what is suggested by Your Honorable.
Regarding reducing the cost by shortening the pilgrimage from 28 days or less to 15 days, 12 days, that is also a suggestion that we hear from abroad to try, but it is not yet possible to implement it this year, we will see which state can do it and how to do it, we will study it. So these are the actual matters.
One thing that can reduce the cost of Hajj is if the arrangements in the holy land are not based on the packages that we currently use. The package that we use now is called "Nikfimi" instead of the previous package called "Mua'sasah". Mua'sasah was about the accommodation, food, and so on.
But now we use agencies, so we must also consider this. If we usually have 28 days of stay, for example, 10 days in Madinah, how many days in Jeddah and how many days in Makkah? The staff who will handle this matter will also be focused on it.
If there is a package and in addition to that, there is a 15-day package or a package with a different number of days, we need to see how the management is. The management will also depend on how much it costs. Moreover, we must remember that hotel prices during the Hajj season depend on the season.
One night's rent is equal to one season, remember that. We do not know if the Hajj operations can negotiate how to get a cheaper price. That is one of the ways to negotiate the usual seasonal prices charged by hotels. So we leave these matters regarding the Hajj arrangements to Allah's will and hopefully, besides our efforts, He will grant us success because it is part of worship.
The second matter is the ministry's strategy in building mosques in housing areas. The ministry's strategy in building mosques in areas with many residents is already in place. The National Housing Department, the government itself, has provided land plots for mosques in every housing plan, just like how the government provides plots for schools. It is just a matter of implementation. This is where the ministry's planning comes in, to include it in the 11th Malaysia Plan. The 11th Malaysia Plan will end in a year and will be included in the 12th Malaysia Plan as a planning proposal. But to what extent, the planning will be further studied at the RKN Committee level to consider its priorities, that is already in place.
But what is important is that if we look at the many plans for new mosques, if mentioned in any housing area, the honorable members do not want a large mosque. But a mosque is still needed, so why not build one more thing?
So it's not about the size of the people, but the strategy must be to build mosques in those areas. I have mentioned earlier that in Belait ani, the National Housing Mosque in Kampung Lumut will be started. The site has been handed over to the contractor and next week on the 23rd or 22nd, I and Your Honorable Minister of Development will lay the foundation stone for its construction.
In Kampung Lumut 1, there is a fund from the return fund. In Belait itself, under RKN. Kaola wants to mention that Your Honorable Speaker here, as of now, since its launch in 2015 until now, it has collected almost $28 million, of which around $7 million or $8 million has been spent, leaving a balance of $21 million.
أ ْلح ْمدُ ِ هلِلuntil our goal is achieved, with this fund, two mosques will be built. In fact, Kaola's plan in this council in 2015 or 2016 mentioned a 5-year plan to build 4 mosques. With an estimate at that time, a mosque would cost $3.5 million to $4 million. So if 4 of them can be built, the income for 5 years can be accommodated. And it has been planned. A mosque in Junjungan is included in the ongoing plan. This is for 2023, hopefully not until 2024, we can complete the mosque. We can only implement 3 mosques instead of 5.
So these are the factors, COVID is a very bad factor, COVID is the reason and so on, but that is the reality. Because the mosque is not ready with just a drawing, but it is ready with construction. So we must consider such things. But the clear strategy is that the Ministry of Religious Affairs is building mosques where the population is dense.
Regarding the issue of zakat, Kaola has responded to many suggestions that Kaola has received. This suggestion is from Your Honorable Tuan Awang Haji Salleh Bostaman bin Haji Zainal Abidin to further spread information about zakat on wealth. If we mention it in another language, why are our people willing to pay zakat fitrah but at the same time they do not show their zakat on wealth.
So where is the awareness? That is the only suggestion and way. But raising awareness about zakat on wealth is not just about preaching here and there or promoting here and there. But أ ْلح ْمدُ ِ هلِلwhen our government media and non-government print media other than Pelita Brunei provide good coverage when there are events for the delivery of zakat on wealth from those who pay it. With good coverage, the awareness will increase.
In the past, it was never heard of that oil stations and companies paid zakat. But lately, for at least 3 years, some have been doing so. However, among the many stations, only one or two may have done so. So, praise be to Allah, that is how awareness is raised.
The second awareness is to be aware of paying zakat, but many do not know the ways and methods. Perhaps this should also be raised, especially if it is easy in terms of accounting, the contribution can be handed over to financial institutions that keep our money. But if we calculate it ourselves, it is also easy because we already have it.
So, should the estimated amount be presented to representatives of the Islamic Religious Council of Brunei (MUIB) or the Amil Office at the Islamic Religious Council of Brunei to calculate it? The awareness of the estimated amount must be expanded, not just the nisab. If gold is to be given, it must be taken to the Islamic Religious Council of Brunei to be weighed and so on.
But other methods can be sought. If not mistaken, there are methods that were mentioned yesterday by the Honorable Dayang Hajah Safiah binti Sheikh Haji Abdul Salam. Let the measurements and weights be known beforehand before going to the counter to pay zakat and be shown at the weighing place in the gold shop, even if the gold shop is not owned by Muslims.
Indeed, during the presentation, Kaola welcomed suggestions from the Honorable on other methods to increase zakat collection, and Kaola himself felt comfortable handling its distribution when considering new applications, not worrying about the validity of the applications for up to 2 years. It is unknown whether the allocation will be sufficient in the following year. This means that no longer will any new applications be entertained. Hopefully, this will not happen with the increase in zakat collection.
Turning to the issue of Halal food. Kaola feels that the research conducted by the Honorable has made certain suggestions, but at the same time, Kaola also wants to explain the SOP to ensure that the process is monitored 100% from start to finish.
It should be formalized and there should be a hole point from the representative of the slaughter agency that we have implemented at this time. However, the Honorable wants there to be other ways to further convince us to raise our Halal Certificate to a premium level.
Your Honorable, the law certificate is such that it ensures that the slaughterhouses are audited not only on paper but also in the field. However, it is not just that, as it is also examined how the quality of the slaughterhouses is. Kaola heard the inspectors assigned to verify what else is needed and what is being done by the slaughterhouses. What are the standards? In addition to the standards set in Brunei Darussalam in terms of its Thayib and safety, it can be consumed in terms of its halal regulations and SOPs.
Just like in Australia and New Zealand, there are various other requirements that need to be met before licenses are granted to the slaughterhouses. Although these requirements are not explicitly related to religion, when we have established cleanliness and compliance with all of these, it is related. So, let us not think that we are just going there to observe. It is indeed very thorough.
We have a responsibility to the public and to Allah SWT that we are inspectors. Then, after the slaughterhouse is recognized, it will be visited again before exportation. There are supervisors, observers, and inspectors.
Your Honorable, Kaola apologizes if, upon hearing Your Honorable's presentation earlier, it seemed that what we are doing is below standard. As if there are no measurements and SOPs. But in reality, if we go into more detail, it can be obtained from the Halal Food Division, which has various certificates such as HACCP, WHM, GMP, ISO, in addition to appointed quality control, and so on. Everything is ensured.
It is not that they are given verification, but we are the ones who verify the people we inspect. This means that our SOPs are not sub-standard, Alhamdulillah. It remains to be seen in terms of implementation.
What is important is the qualifications for them, in addition to formal courses available in higher education institutions such as UNISSA, there is a course called Halalan Thayiban. They are among the people who work in this field, and various courses are given to understand their duties and laws.
For example, for those who are on duty tomorrow at the border areas, what are the standard operating procedures? It is not only for those who are responsible for Halal certification, but also involves the Royal Customs and Excise Department, and the Customs Department knows what is being brought in and what types there are, as can be seen.
So, we feel that we need to ensure that it is done or carried out well, and we need close cooperation from the general public. That is what I feel to ensure its Halal status, and we will no longer have doubts. When we no longer have doubts, we can avoid doubts, and what was originally not edible due to doubts will disappear. When efforts are made towards ensuring its Halal status, its slaughter will be guaranteed.
And the laws regarding Halal certification, Halal labels, and the Halal Meat Act are efforts to avoid and eliminate doubts. That is the method. So, when this is implemented, what is categorized as Halal, God willing, is Halal.
In addition, regarding yesterday's question from the Honorable Pengiran Haji Isa bin Pengiran Haji Aliuddin regarding the consumption of canned meat, the answer, if I understand correctly, is related to the law, as raised by the Honorable himself. However, regarding such labels, we are more concerned with the Halal label from the state that we believe in.
In terms of the MABIMS states, we feel that it is a bit easier, and it is recognized at this time, although it has not been formalized in an agreement between the MABIMS countries. However, we see it ad-hoc and on a case-by-case basis, and at the same time, our role is to inspect, as clearly explained by the Honorable Minister of Health, our laboratory, the Honorable Awang Haji Salleh Bostaman bin Haji Zainal Abidin, credits the government with such inspections. That is one of our efforts as to why such things can be consumed. Then, if the opposite happens, we verify it again through our laboratory.
So, it is not neglected like that. It is like in a can, but food consisting of meat, whether it is chicken or other types, must be inspected, just as we inspect slaughterhouses for imported meat that is slaughtered abroad.
We also request this. But if we need to explain further, we do not need to ask for time to explain to the Honorable, and what is called for by the Abiskoala party is for Halal certification applicants and others to cooperate.
Firstly, to facilitate auditing on them, they use materials that have been recognized by the Food Control Division of the Islamic Religious Council. Their recognized soy sauce. No longer need to be tested in the laboratory. If that's the case, it will take more time. These things work together in that way.
There is an idea that some people do not need to be examined, which is not the buyer but the importer who is subject to halal requirements. The producer and importer who are responsible for importing meat are responsible for ensuring that what they import is halal, as well as their other products, they must obtain guarantees of their halalness.
There is a suggestion that everything we use in Brunei Darussalam is halal because it has been verified through restrictions on importers, not on users. Among the ideas of the past, Your Honorable Speaker.
The laws regarding all of these matters revolve in our minds and in the end, we will find a practical and applicable solution. Insha'Allah, there are countries that do this, Your Honorable Speaker, and there is no need to send anything. But to what extent it guarantees and so on, food issues are not only about comfort but we also look at their safety, their goodness, and we, who have faith in their halalness, consider them.
So, I think, I summarize the questions and suggestions raised by my fellow parliamentarian, Your Honorable Awang Haji Salleh Bostaman bin Haji Zainal Abidin. Thank you.
Your Honorable Speaker
Thank you, Your Honorable Minister of Religious Affairs. Honorable Members. Alhamdulillah, I think we have discussed enough on this topic so far.
I would like to propose that we adjourn this Committee Meeting and reconvene at the National Assembly Meeting level.
(The Committee Meeting is adjourned)
(The National Assembly Meeting reconvenes)
Your Honorable Speaker
Honorable Members are reconvening in the National Assembly Meeting. I would like to propose that we adjourn this meeting for now. Insha'Allah, we will reconvene on Saturday, March 18, 2023, as usual, starting at 9:30 am.
That's all, Peace be upon you and Allah's mercy and blessings. And with Allah's help and guidance.
ADJOURNED
(The National Assembly Meeting is adjourned)
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