When it comes to paying for Entry and Exit System (EES) and Vehicle Entry System (VES) applications, the public can make payments using credit card and other methods at immigration posts, said Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Minister of Finance and Economy II Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Dr Awang Haji Mohd Amin Liew bin Abdullah during the 20th session of the Legislative Council (LegCo) meeting yesterday.
He was responding to a query from LegCo member Yang Berhormat Mohammad bin Abdullah @ Lim Swee Ann regarding alternative payment options for EES and VES besides the online portal.
The minister added that computers are available at the counters for those applying in person, looking for cashless transaction.
Meanwhile, LegCo member Yang Berhormat Lau How Teck inquired measures that have been taken by the Ministry of Finance and Economy to encourage Bruneians to spend locally and support the local economy.
In response, the minister said that it is essential to consider the reasons behind the price disparities of goods between Brunei and other countries to understand spending habits.
The minister said certain products are manufactured abroad, leading to an increase in price when reaching the Brunei market due to transportation costs.
Nonetheless, the minister acknowledged the need to collaborate with wholesale distributors to mitigate the costs of goods and potential profit margins, with the aim of making spending locally more attractive to consumers.
In addition, the ministry has approached the National Chamber of Commerce and Industry Brunei Darussalam to address these concerns through research. – Rokiah Mahmud
