Legislative Council (LegCo) members have weighed in on Brunei’s proposed BND6.35 billion budget for the 2025/2026 financial year, calling for stronger measures to boost economic resilience, food security, local business development, and youth engagement.
During the general policy debate, LegCo member Yang Berhormat Lau How Teck praised the government’s strategic approach to economic growth but urged for a comprehensive National Food Security Framework. Highlighting Brunei’s continued reliance on imported food—over 70 per cent of national supply—he emphasised the importance of expanding local production, particularly through initiatives like the Kawasan Kemajuan Pertanian Kandol, which is projected to yield 2,088 metric tons of rice annually.
YB Lau proposed increasing support for agribusiness through investment in irrigation, private sector incentives, and research collaborations. He also called for the establishment of a National Agri-Food Hub to enhance food processing facilities, storage, and farmer training.
On the business front, LegCo member Yang Berhormat Chong Chin Yee questioned the availability of funding for local entrepreneurs beyond the BND20,000 co-matching scheme. She urged the government to explore co-investment opportunities with promising local businesses in priority non-oil and gas sectors to enhance global competitiveness.
YB Chong also raised concerns about Brunei’s ICT innovation landscape, noting that while participation in the Brunei Info-Communication Technology Awards (BICTA) has increased among younger students, engagement from startups and tertiary institutions remains low. She suggested post-competition funding and mentorship programs to nurture talent beyond the initial stages.
Meanwhile, LegCo member Yang Berhormat Haji Salleh Bostamam Haji Zainal Abidin addressed Brunei’s economic outlook, acknowledging that while GDP growth stood at 4.2 per cent, non-oil and gas sectors have yet to fully compensate for declining oil revenues. With a BND3.1 billion budget deficit projected for 2025/2026, he raised concerns over the sustainability of fiscal policies and called for greater economic diversification efforts.
YB Haji Salleh also highlighted youth engagement in economic planning, questioning the lack of platforms like the National Youth Congress, which has only been held twice since 2008. He proposed the establishment of a Youth Development Fund to support young entrepreneurs, as well as structured mentorship programs across various industries.
LegCo members collectively expressed their support for the budget while urging the government to refine strategies for economic transformation, entrepreneurship, and innovation. They emphasised need for collaborative efforts between the government, private sector, and the public to ensure a sustainable and inclusive future for Brunei. – Fadley Faisal
