Rokiah Mahmud
Legislative Council (LegCo) members unanimously approved the Ministry of Transport and Infocommunications’ (MTIC) proposed budget allocation of BND163,366,455 for the financial year 2023-2024 yesterday, following deliberations during the 19th LegCo session.
Minister of Transport and Infocommunications Yang Berhormat Pengiran Dato Seri Setia Shamhary bin Pengiran Dato Paduka Haji Mustapha said 68 per cent from the budget will be allocated for general expenditures, while 38 per cent is for development expenditures.
He said with the extension of the 11th National Development Plan (RKN 11) for another year, it will provide an opportunity for the ministry to carry out and complete delayed projects as well as to reassess and refine ideas in preparation for the next development plan.
Meanwhile, the minister said under the development expenditure for the financial year 2023-2024, the MTIC aimed to complete the RKN 11 projects related to construction and upgrading of infrastructure, replacement of critical safety equipment for navigation control, weather forecasting and security.
The minister shared that in further improving the infrastructure and facilities at the Brunei International Airport, an allocation of approximately BND34,400,000 will be provided to replace the landing system equipment, repair the runway and upgrade aerodrome infrastructure.
Meanwhile, to improve safety measure capability at the airport, the ministry has allocated BND3,400,000.
“This includes upgrading the radar system, installation of safety fences and trespassing detection system, and upgrading security inspection and detection equipment including latest x-ray machines,” the minister said.
Pertaining to weather forecasts, an allocation of BND4,500,000 has been provided to replace the airport weather observation system and the setting up of automatic weather station network.
“This is to assist the Brunei Darussalam Meteorological Department in further disseminating information to the public, particularly in issuing weather warnings,” he said.
In addition, BND3 million is allocated for the construction of additional telecommunications towers in rural areas.