The government’s allocation for each ministry and department is specifically designated to fund their operations and core business. For instance, funding for road repairs falls under the responsibility of the Public Works Department (JKR), while assistance for vulnerable members of the community is managed by the Community Development Department.
This was emphasised by Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Minister of Finance and Economy II Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Dr Awang Haji Mohd Amin Liew bin Abdullah in response to a query from Legislative Council (LegCo) member Yang Berhormat Mohammad bin Abdullah @ Lim Swee Ann regarding allocations for LegCo members to represent districts and assist ministries in resolving issues such as damaged roads, housing and other basic needs.
In the event of an unforeseen incident or problem not covered by a department’s allocated budget, such as a landslide or major damage requiring immediate assistance, the relevant agency may apply to the Ministry of Finance and Economy for additional funding, said the minister.
Furthermore, specific allocations for natural disasters have been established to address emergencies involving significant damage that demand immediate action.
Consequently, each relevant agency has established procedures for applying for supplementary funding in cases of urgent needs that cannot be met by their standard annual allocations. These supplemental funds will be distributed based on priorities and their suitability to the prevailing circumstances.
Regarding the question raised by LegCo member Yang Berhormat Chong Chin Yee concerning the current occupancy rates of existing industrial sites and plans to develop new industrial zones in Tutong or Temburong Districts, the minister stated that the Brunei Economic Development Board (BEDB) continuously monitors and manages the occupancy rates of existing industrial sites to ensure optimal utilisation of industrial land and to support the growth of the business and investment sectors within the country.
Currently, the overall occupancy rate for industrial sites under BEDB’s control is approximately 61 per cent, with several plots still available for new investments, particularly in the manufacturing, logistics and services sectors.
Moreover, the ready-built factories (RBF) complex, specifically designed for local micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), has achieved an encouraging occupancy rate of around 81 per cent, demonstrating positive uptake among local MSMEs of the available facilities.
The occupancy rate of existing industrial sites in Tutong District is 75 per cent at the Serambangun Industrial Park Site, while the Bukit Panggal Industrial Site remains vacant but is actively being marketed to entrepreneurs.
In Temburong District, the Batu Apoi Industrial Site currently has an occupancy rate of seven per cent and the Labu Square ‘A’ Commercial and Industrial Site is undergoing infrastructure and facilities development, including prayer rooms and public toilets, with completion expected in the second quarter of this year.
Given the relatively low occupancy rates in both districts, there is no immediate need to develop further industrial sites. However, the government, through BEDB, remains prepared to develop new sites with essential infrastructure should demand increase in the future.
The government has prepared and will gazette several additional industrial land parcels for potential development in the Tutong and Temburong Districts, should future demand warrant it. Identified sites include Kampong Bukit Pasir, Zone 1 (500 hectares); Kampong Bukit Pasir, Zone 2 (98 hectares); Kampong Bukit Beruang (10 hectares); and Kampong Labu Estate (four hectares). – Lyna Mohamad
