Azlan Othman
Businesses dominated by foreign workers in this country came to the fore at the deliberation on the final day of 18th Legislative Council (LegCo) session yesterday.
LegCo member Yang Berhormat Haji Mohimin bin Haji Johari @ Jahari called for more millionaires among the locals to be produced in the country and for the number of millionaires among foreign residents to be revealed.
He said it is saddening to see convenience stores, hardware and laundry shops, contractors, tailors and suppliers of convenience stores, the selling of dry prawn and anchovies are dominated by foreign workers.
“They have even abused their work permits,” he said.
He said foreign workers have their own association to assist them, resulting in more success compared to local enterpreneurs. “This should not happen. We must be patriotic, innovative and creative.”
Meanwhile, LegCo member Yang Berhormat Naim bin Haji Kamis called for the authorities for better links to be set up for villages found in Pulau Berambang near the capital, namely Kampong Sungai Bunga, Kampong Tanjung Kindana, Kampong Pudak and Kampong Menunggol which are separated by the Brunei River.
“This can be done by building bridges to the island to facilitate commuting, going to school, buying groceries, transporting construction materials,” he said.
He also called for improvements to the road connecting Kampong Sungai Lampai to Kampong Sungai Belukut, which needs to be widened, while requesting for the government to provide land for entrepreneurs who wish to venture into agriculture, fertiliser production and training on modern agro technique.
Meanwhile, LegCo member Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Pendikar Alam Dato Paduka Seri Haji Hasrin bin Dato Paduka Haji Sabtu said, “The pandemic has demonstrated the importance for digitalisation and adoption of technology,” and stressed that the differently-abled and elderly should be helped in acquiring such technology. He also called on strengthening law enforcement and reinforcing family institutions as they are crucial to the community.
LegCo member Yang Berhormat Haji Abdul Hamid @Sabli bin Haji Arsad said the ‘One Village, One Product’ initiative can boost the country’s economy and tourism.
On food security, he said the nation needs to attract more investors into the agriculture sector as well as encourage more students enrolling in vocational institutions to be employable in the sector.
