The lack of personal identity, inability to cope with challenges in the real world, lack of familial support, peer pressure, unemployment, financial constraint and alienation were among the reasons for repeat offenders.
Minister of Home Affairs Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Ahmaddin bin Haji Abdul Rahman said this at the 20th session Legislative Council (LegCo) meeting yesterday.
He added that in 2022, 395 inmates were let out of prison, 74 of them committed crime following release, and in 2023, 545 were set free of which 102 broke the law again.
Meanwhile, on queries from LegCo member Yang Berhormat Hajah Rosmawatty binti Haji Abdul Momin on the need to monitor inflow of foreign workers to the country and for Temburong shops to be run by locals and not foreign nationals, Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Ahmaddin said with the Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Bridge it is more accessible for foreign workers.
On the foreign workers license, raised by Yang Berhormat Hajah Rosmawatty, the minister said the matter is being examined, adding that it is the national aspiration to have locals operate shops in the country. On the One Village, One Product (1K1P) and the reasons why entrepreneurs reject cooperation with Ghanim International Corporation Sdn Bhd to market their products raised by LegCo member Yang Berhormat Hajah Safiah binti Sheikh Haji Abdul Salam, Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Ahmaddin said only one of 11 companies is willing to have business dealings with Ghanim International Corporation. The minister said 1K1P entrepreneurs are satisfied with the profits generated domestically as most regard the initiative as a hobby and not as a business.
On upgrading of vendors stalls at Tamu Selera in the capital and the tamu in Kampong Jerudong, Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Ahmaddin said it has been under scrutiny by the Ministry of Home Affairs. The minister also said Tamu Selera was earmarked to receive a permanent structure. However, the project has been postponed.
Meanwhile, LegCo member Yang Berhormat Chong Chin Yee queried steps taken to promote ambuyat globally and called for cooperation with other ministries to promote the sago industry in Mukim Ukong in the Tutong District to make ambuyat.
The minister said during a visit with the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism officials to promote village’s economy, officials of Kampong Batu Apoi and Ukong village consultative councils looked for collaborations to market it globally. – Azlan Othman
