Program Akar Umbi emphasises the issues faced by citizens, especially those related to employment, and provides a better understanding of the initiatives that aim to tackle these issues.
This was said by Head of the Manpower Planning and Employment Council (MPEC) Secretariat at the Prime Minister’s Office Dr Hajah Siti Haziah binti Pehin Orang Kaya Saiful Mulok Dato Seri Paduka Haji Abidin during the programme at the Belait District Officer’s residence in Jalan Maulana yesterday.
Dr Hajah Siti Haziah added that the programme is a joint effort between the MPEC Secretariat and grassroots leaders to strengthen ties and provide opportunities for locals to be more employable, marketable, and to be upskilled.
“Alhamdulillah, this programme implemented in the Brunei-Muara District last May has been well received.
“Several policies and initiatives introduced to deal with the unemployment issues in the nation will be highlighted as part of the programme for the attending grassroots leaders.”
These include the launch of MPEC’s website and the implementation of Salary Guidelines and Employment (Minimum Wage) Order, 2023.
Dr Hajah Siti Haziah also shared statistics collected by the Department of Economic Planning and Statistics, Ministry of Finance and Economy, where the unemployment rate has increased slightly from 4.9 per cent in 2021 to 5.2 per cent in 2022.
“However, the rate is lower than the unemployment rate (7.3 per cent) in 2020. To deal with this issue, cooperation through a whole-of-nation and whole-of-government approach is necessary,” she added.
Haji Amirol Hafidzin also urged grassroots leaders to use of the opportunity to engage with MPEC Secretariat representatives to fulfil the aspiration of the nation in realising Brunei Vision 2035.
The programme continued with presentations by Acting Director of Policy and Planning Division Pengiran Hajah Nurul Ihsan binti Pengiran Haji Damit, and Special Duties Officer Qairawani binti Haji Yacob.
Grassroots leaders also shared their concerns and suggestions for improvements towards reducing the unemployment rate and increasing employability and skills during a dialogue session.
Acting Belait District Officer Haji Amirol Hafidzin bin Haji Muhammad attended the event. – Daniel Lim
