Minister of Transport and Infocommunications Yang Berhormat Pengiran Dato Seri Setia Shamhary bin Pengiran Dato Paduka Haji Mustapha, revealed that since 2024, 82 fraudulent websites and 557 phone numbers have been blocked as part of ongoing efforts to combat cyber threats and scams.
The minister shared these figures during the fourth day of the 21st Legislative Council (LegCo) session in response to a question from YB Awang Haji Md Salleh bin Haji Othman regarding measures taken to protect the public from smartphone hacking and online fraud.
The minister outlined key actions implemented, including continuous efforts to block fraudulent websites and phone numbers used for scams, in collaboration with the Royal Brunei Police Force (RBPF), Unified National Networks (UNN), and telecom service providers. Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) have also been established to handle complaints related to fraudulent calls and messages.
One of the major initiatives is the re-registration of prepaid SIM cards, launched in collaboration with AITI, UNN, DST Sdn Bhd, Progresif Sdn Bhd, and Imagine Sdn Bhd. Running from January 2 to December 31, 2025, this program aims to prevent SIM card misuse for fraudulent activities. As of February 1, 2025, 55,148 prepaid users (13 per cent) have completed re-registration.
Public awareness efforts continue through AITI and service providers, including briefings for senior citizens and youth, awareness posters, and video productions. Additionally, the Cyber Security Brunei (CSB) held a cybersecurity conference workshop involving enforcement agencies and local banks (BIBD, TAIB, and Baiduri) to explore technological solutions such as the Fraud Intelligence Platform to monitor and combat online scams.
CSB is also developing a public portal for scam and fraud awareness and is exploring a mobile app with similar functionalities. AITI has introduced a centralised fact-checking platform to counter fake news and scams.
Collaboration between law enforcement agencies, including RBPF, has led to multiple arrests and court cases related to online fraud. In response to Yang Berhormat Dayang Hajah Safiah binti Sheikh Haji Abdul Salam’s query on regulating social media use among children, the minister stated that Brunei is reviewing approaches adopted by ASEAN and Australia.
Brunei is working through ASEAN Digital Senior Ministers Meeting and the ASEAN Senior Officials Meeting Responsible for Information to develop collective strategies for managing social media content. The country is also in direct contact with META (Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram) to ensure child protection and to request content removal when necessary.
A National Cyber Security Committee delegation visited META’s Singapore office last year, leading to the appointment of a META focal point to coordinate with RBPF and AITI. META also conducted workshops on cybersecurity, including refresher courses and training for law enforcement agencies.
AITI collaborates with UNN to block websites containing immoral content that violate the Internet Code of Practice. Over the past five years, 135 websites have been blocked. However, the challenge remains in regulating social media content originating from foreign platforms, where different community standards apply.
Additionally, the use of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) allows users to bypass blocked content. To counteract this, AITI is working with the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Religious Affairs, and the Ministry of Culture, Youth, and Sports on public awareness campaigns promoting responsible internet use. In July 2024, AITI updated its Online Safety Guidebook to help protect children from inappropriate content.
The Brunei Computer Emergency Response Team (BruCERT) continues to educate the public on cybersecurity threats, while CSB is engaging with the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) to develop a comprehensive online safety framework for children. – Lyna Mohammad
