Minister of Home Affairs Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Ahmaddin bin Haji Abdul Rahman in his speech at the fifth day of the 21st Legislative Council (LegCo) session yesterday responded to a number of queries raised by LegCo members to the ministry.
Under the 12th National Development Plan, allocations have been provided for upgrading Land Immigration Border Control Posts. Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Ahmaddin shared that 32 meetings were held in 2023 and 2024 with the Ministry of Development and relevant security agencies to ensure integrated implementation.
The projects will soon be advertised, with upgrades for Sungai Tujoh, Labu and Ujong Jalan Control Posts expected to be completed by 2027, while Kuala Lurah Control Post is set for completion in 2028.
Among the 37 community halls nationwide, two – Labi Multi-purpose Hall and Kampong Merangking Multi-purpose Hall – are currently not fully operational. Efforts are underway to maintain and optimise these facilities for community and economic activities such as farmers’ markets and sports events.
Between 2022 and 2024, a total of 1,692 community activities have been conducted, reflecting the significant role of these halls in strengthening communal ties and family institutions.
The Brunei-Muara District Office has undertaken the repair and maintenance of over one kilometre of bridges in Kampong Ayer in 2024, involving local workforce participation. These bridges serve Mukim Tamoi, Mukim Burong Pingai Ayer, Mukim Peramu, Mukim Saba, Mukim Sungai Kebun, Mukim Kota Batu and Mukim Mentiri.
The number of foreign workers fluctuated over recent years, from 65,579 in 2019 to a peak of 75,402 in 2023, reflecting economic shifts post-COVID-19. Notably, 8,350 foreign workers are employed in the retail sector, compared to 6,001 local workers. Since the 2011 approval of the Bandar Seri Begawan Development Master Plan, only 18.7 per cent of the 75 planned projects have been completed, while 21.3 per cent were deemed unfeasible due to land constraints. To support micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), initiatives such as upgrading Tamu Selera and providing kiosks along Jalan Residency have been introduced.
The Prisons Department has launched ‘INSAF PRODUCTS,’ featuring items crafted by inmates, including furniture and calligraphy, to support reintegration post-release. Additionally, 26 prisoners have successfully memorised Al-Quran chapters through the Identity Strengthening Programme, with four continuing under the Reintegration Unit.
Brunei has established visa exemption arrangements with 67 countries, allowing stays between 14 and 90 days. Additionally, six countries have been granted Visa-On-Arrival facilities, boosting tourism and related economic sectors. – Lyna Mohamad
