Minister of Home Affairs Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Ahmaddin bin Haji Abdul Rahman, unveiled the budget allocation for the 2024-2025 financial year during the 20th session of the Legislative Council (LegCo) meeting recently.
During the session, the minister also highlighted key developments, initiatives and programmes planned by the ministry and the departments under it.
PASSPORT INDEX
Brunei’s passport currently ranks 20th on the Henley Passport Ranking Index, with 168 countries exempting visa entry requirements.
According to the minister, as of December 2023, Brunei has granted visa exemptions ranging from 14 days to 90 days for 65 countries, with seven countries receiving visa on arrival facilities.
These efforts align with the government’s strategy to boost tourism by making it easier for visitors to enter the country.
BRUNEI CITIZENSHIP
In 2023, the Chapter 15 is the Brunei Nationality Act awarded Brunei Darussalam citizenship to 2,089 individuals, highlighting the country’s commitment to inclusivity and national identity.
FLOOD MITIGATION
The minister also shared that through the National Disaster Management Centre (NDMC) and the Public Works Department, the ministry has undertaken a project to upgrade road infrastructure in flood-prone areas across Tutong, Temburong, and Belait districts.
Progress included the completion of road works in Temburong District and over 70 per cent completion in Belait District, with Tutong exceeding 60 per cent.
ENHANCED COOPERATION FOR EMERGENCY AND DISASTER MANAGEMENT
A memorandum of understanding was signed between Brunei Darussalam and Malaysia in 2021 which has led to strengthened coordination in emergency response and disaster management.
A joint training exercise conducted in January 2024 involved 166 officers and personnel from both countries, focusing on border coordination and emergency response. In terms of raising public awareness, the NDMC and the Fire and Rescue Department in 2023 organised a number of public awareness programmes, hosting 417 sessions which saw the participation of 27,055 individuals.
One notable collaboration, the Community First Aiders initiative, has united the NDMC, the Brunei Darussalam Red Crescent Society, and several departments under the Ministry of Home Affairs.
The programme aims to empower citizens of Brunei Darussalam to take an active role in aiding their families and communities during emergencies.
As of December 2023, 51 participants, including government officials, employees, village residents and youth, have successfully completed the basic community first aid course.
PRISONS DEPARTMENT’S REHABILITATION INITIATIVES
The Prisons Department is dedicated to enhancing rehabilitation through various inmate activities, such as sports, gardening, and vocational training.
The fourth phase of the construction of the Maraburong Prison, a key part of the National Development Plan, is underway, with plans to offer vocational programmes like baking.
Meanwhile, the fifth-phase construction will focus on accommodating female inmates, centralising supervision and administration.
In the upcoming 2024-2025 financial year, a dental clinic will be established at Maraburong Prison in collaboration with the Ministry of Health to reduce inmate movement.
Furthermore, to bolster in-care and aftercare programmes, the Prisons Department has been collaborating with government agencies and non-governmental organisations like the Islamic Da’wah Centre, while also offering inmates technical skills and business venture opportunities.
In 2023, 64 former prisoners registered as Friends under Supervision, showing a positive response to rehabilitation efforts.
The department also engaged with grassroots leaders through the One Village One Family (1K1K) programme, reducing social stigma and supporting families of inmates and former inmates.
Additionally, the Prisons Department signed the Treaty on International Transfer of Prisoners (ITOP) with Malaysia in 2023, fostering international cooperation in corrections. – Rokiah Mahmud
