Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Haji Nazmi bin Haji Mohamad highlighted an integrated approach to improving the well-being of senior citizens during the ongoing 21st Legislative Council meeting on Tuesday. The strategy aligns with the three goals of the Special Committee on Elderly People: Development of the Elderly, Welfare and Well-being of the Elderly, and Support Systems for the Elderly.
Financial and in-kind assistance
As of February 2025, 44,405 individuals receive the Old Age Pension, while 1,607 senior citizens benefit from assistance under Department of Community Development (JAPEM) and Zakat, Waqaf and Baitulmal Management Department (JUZWAB), making up nearly 17 per cent of recipients. Additionally, 147 elderly individuals facing financial difficulties receive an extra BND100 monthly under JAPEM, while 83 feeble senior citizens are provided with BND100 worth of diapers and BND100 worth of milk every month.
Community involvement and initiatives
Efforts to promote active aging include various awareness programs and community engagement activities:
Healthy lifestyle awareness: Initiatives such as the TEGAS Walkathon 2023 by Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) medical students and the virtual “Golden Milestones 2024” by the Brunei Medical Students Association.
Senior citizen care project: Currently supporting 57 elderly individuals across all four districts, with collaboration from Youth Ship Alumni, HEART Volunteers, and Food Life Organisation for food distribution to those living alone.
Community outreach programs: Youth engagement activities such as bowling competitions, cleanliness campaigns, and volunteer efforts involving students from UBD, IBTE, UNISSA, and PKBN.
Mental and physical well-being programs: Activities include barista training, traditional games, resistance training, and strength and balance exercises with elements of prayer.
Enhancing senior citizen activity centres (PKWE)
The Senior Citizen Activity Centres (PKWE) continue to improve, with 1,302 members nationwide participating in 791 capacity-building activities focused on religion, community, health, and entrepreneurship. PKWE Tutong has also been recognised in the World Health Organisation (WHO) Global Database on Age-Friendly Practices. Plans are underway to establish more PKWEs to expand program reach and accessibility.
Commitment to sustainable development
The ministry aims to enhance the quality of life for senior citizens by fostering an ecosystem that integrates financial support, healthy living, skills development, entrepreneurship, intergenerational relationships, and digital technology.
The Minister called for continuous collaboration from all stakeholders, stating, “By working together, we can create a self-reliant and progressive society, ensuring a better quality of life for those in need and breaking the cycle of poverty.” – Lyna Mohammad
