Brunei sees 1.1 per cent population growth rate in 2024

National

March 24, 2025

The estimated population of Brunei Darussalam for 2024 is 455,500 persons, compared to 450,500 persons in 2023, according to the Department of Economic Planning and Statistics.

This represents an annual growth rate of 1.1 per cent, similar to that of 2023. The total population in 2024 consisted of 240,700 males (52.8 per cent) and 214,800 females (47.2 per cent). The sex ratio was 112.1 males for every 100 females.

Brunei Citizens accounted for the largest share of 76.1 per cent (346,500 persons), while the shares of the Permanent Residents and Temporary Residents were 5.8 per cent (26,300 persons) and 18.1 per cent (82,700 persons) respectively.

The Brunei Muara District had the highest population of 329,900 persons (72.4 per cent) of the total population, followed by the Belait District with 67,500 persons (14.8 per cent), the Tutong District with 48,500 persons (10.7 per cent), and the Temburong District with 9,600 persons (2.1 per cent).

From the perspective of age distribution, about 19.9 per cent (90,700 persons) of the total population were below 15 years of age, 72.8 per cent (331,700 persons) were aged 15-64 years, and 7.3 per cent (33,100 persons) were aged 65 years and over.

The median age in 2024 was 32.4 years compared to 32.5 years in 2023.

Malays were the majority, comprising 73.7 per cent (335,500 persons) of the total population. Chinese and other racial groups accounted for 9.6 per cent (43,800 persons) and 16.7 per cent (76,200 persons) of the total population, respectively.

Youth camp focuses on leadership, faith

National

March 24, 2025

The three day faith and soul camp programme themed ‘Empowering Hearts, Elevating Souls’ serves to help youth prepare themselves mentally and physically in facing the challenges of the globalisation era through religious education and general education, Nationwide Mosque Youth Executive Committee Deputy Chairperson Rahim bin Suani said.

It also serves as a platform to produce youth who are responsible, caring and devoted to His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, race, religion and the country.

The camp also aims to build leadership qualities and resilience among youth, in addition to providing them with worldly and afterlife knowledge, he said at the camp’s closing ceremony.

The camp was organised by the Syababul Iman Youth Group, Sultan Sharif Ali Mosque in Kampong Sengkurong and the Ash-Shaliheen Mosque Youth Group.

Open to youth aged 17 to 23 in conjunction with the special school holidays during Ramadhan, it was conducted at Sultan Sharif Ali Mosque in Kampong Sengkurong and Ash-Shaliheen Mosque.

Legislative Council member Yang Berhormat Abdul Aziz bin Haji Hamdan officiating the closing ceremony, presented certificates and prizes.

Among the contents of the camp were talks, spiritual workshops, group training, Islamic art activities, community activities and self-skills activities.

A spokesperson said the programme is hoped to have a huge impact on the participants, which can be a starting point for youth as the first step to migrate towards shaping themselves into Muslim youth and be ready to open their minds to face various challenges in the era of globalisation. – Lyna Mohamad

ABOVE & BELOW: Legislative Council member Yang Berhormat Abdul Aziz bin Haji Hamdan at the closing ceremony. PHOTO: LYNA MOHAMAD

Attendees during the programme. PHOTO: LYNA MOHAMAD

Raya cheer in the air as villagers flock to clothing drive

National

March 24, 2025

Kampong Sungai Liang residents flocked to the village community hall yesterday to grab festive clothing for the upcoming Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebrations.

Organised by the Village Consultative Council (MPK) of Kampong Sungai Liang and Kampong Lumut 3, the project ‘Bagi Kediok-Kediok‘ (Give little by little) saw pre-loved items of clothing collected from the extended families of Selamat and Siput as well as MPK members and families across Kampong Sungai Liang and Kampong Lumut 3. Among the apparel collected were Malay style clothes, kurtas, robes, shirts, baju kurung and headscarves for adults and children, offered free.

Legislative Council member and Penghulu of Mukim Bukit Sawat Yang Berhormat Haji Mohd Salleh bin Haji Othman attended the project’s first day, accompanied by Kampong Sungai Liang Village Head Mohammad Haszrin bin Bagol.

The project continues today. – Daniel Lim

A visitor browsing through the colourful clothing. PHOTO: DANIEL LIM

ABOVE & BELOW: Legislative Council member and Penghulu of Mukim Bukit Sawat Yang Berhormat Haji Mohd Salleh meeting committee members involved in the project; and visitors check the clothes. PHOTO: DANIEL LIM

New framework enhances village leadership competence

National

March 24, 2025

Minister of Home Affairs Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Ahmaddin bin Haji Abdul Rahman on Saturday launched the human resource competency framework for Penghulu of Mukims and village heads at the multi-purpose hall of the Ministry of Home Affairs’ building.

The newly launched human resource competency framework for Penghulu of Mukims and village heads aims to ensure that each Penghulu of Mukim and village head possess the skills and abilities to carry out the duties and responsibilities as local leaders who communicate and represent the government to the community and supervise the interests, well-being, welfare and safety of the village.

The human resource competency framework is divided into core competency, leadership competency and functional competency.

The human resource competency framework will be able to identify the competency of every Penghulu of Mukim and village head and identify strengthening programmes. – James Kon

Minister of Home Affairs Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Ahmaddin bin Haji Abdul Rahman at the event. PHOTO: MOHA

Ministry holds corporate income tax awareness session

National

March 24, 2025

The Revenue Division, Ministry of Finance and Economy (MoFE) held a socialisation session on corporate income tax recently to enhance common understanding with regards to scope of taxation among corporate taxpayers in the country.

The session also hoped to create and raise awareness on the obligations and responsibilities towards the compliance of Corporate Income Tax.

During the briefing, an officer from the Revenue Division explained in detail, among others, the basis of tax assessment, compliance on the filing of tax returns and tax computation, in accordance with the Income Tax Act, Chapter 35.

The session is part of MoFE’s efforts to further strengthen and enforce tax compliance and raise awareness about the importance of corporate taxes to the public, especially among taxpayers in the country. – James Kon

The session in progress. PHOTO: THE REVENUE DIVISION

Maju Motors Sdn Bhd clinches Best Sales Growth Award 2024 at event in China

National

March 24, 2025

Maju Motors Sdn Bhd, the sole distributor of BYD cars in the country, achieved an unprecedented feat on Saturday after being awarded the Best Sales Growth Award 2024 at the BYD Asia Pacific 2025 Dealer Conference taking place from March 18 to 25 in Shenzhen, China.

In 2024, Maju Motors sold 89 units of BYD cars and in the first quarter of 2025, the figure rose to 228 units. Maju Motors Executive Director Stanley Lim, Managing Director Chan Key Hong and staff received the award.

Managing Director Chan Key Hong thanked BYD China for believing in Maju Motors Sdn Bhd by allowing them to be one of the first in the country to bring in the PHEV models, as well as future vehicle models such as Shark 6 and Seal 5 as well as others.

He added; “BYD is packed with technology that no other car brand can beat or can provide.”

Maju Motors Sdn Bhd, he said “is proud to be able to bring all these green technology to all Bruneians.

“With such technology, it will not only save money on a daily basis but will also create a better future for our next generation.” – James Kon

Executive Director Stanley Lim, Managing Director Chan Key Hong and staff in a group photo. PHOTO: MAJU MOTORS

Youth kuih sales begin

National

March 24, 2025

The Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, through the Youth and Sports Department, held an opening ceremony to mark the start of the Jualan Kuih Muih Raya Belia 2025 at the Youth Centre in Bandar Seri Begawan.

Spouse of Minister of Religious Affairs Datin Hajah Nahriah binti Haji Awang Hasbi attended the ceremony as the guest of honour. Twenty-eight booths, set up by the Women’s Institute of Brunei Darussalam (WI) and local entrepreneurs, offer a variety of traditional and modern kuih.

The ceremony began with the recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah and Doa Selamat, followed by the presentation of assistance funds. The funds, collected from the Group of Wives of Cabinet Ministers, Deputy Ministers, Permanent Secretaries, Deputy Permanent Secretaries and affiliated members, were given to vendors identified as being in need, such as single mothers, unemployed youth and individuals. The Jualan Kuih Muih Raya Belia 2025 is one of the entrepreneurial activities held during Ramadhan in preparation for the upcoming Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebration.

The event provides an opportunity for the youth and the community to engage in entrepreneurship, while improving their skills and generating income by promoting their goods and products.

The Jualan Kuih Muih Raya Belia 2025 is open from 10am to 10pm and concludes on March 27. – Daniel Lim

ABOVE & BELOW: Spouse of Minister of Religious Affairs Datin Hajah Nahriah binti Haji Awang Hasbi in a group photo; and launches the sales event. PHOTO: MCYS

Datin Hajah Nahriah looks at a product. PHOTO: MCYS

Munajat Ramadhan emphasises health, spiritual well-being

National

March 24, 2025

The Ministry of Religious Affairs hosted the 178th Munajat Ramadhan virtually, bringing together various institutions and individuals to seek forgiveness and blessings during the holy month.

The event emphasised Islam’s focus on health and well-being, highlighting key principles such as consuming halal and nutritious food, practising moderation, maintaining hygiene and engaging in the remembrance of Allah the Almighty. These practices were supported by Al-Quran references, including Surah Al-Baqarah and Surah Al-Maidah on consuming lawful sustenance, as well as Surah Al-A’raf on avoiding excess in eating.

Institut Tahfiz Al-Quran Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah education officer Mohammad Fikri bin Haji Sharbini delivered a Tadabbur Al-Quran session focusing on Surah Al-Qadr, reflecting on the significance of Lailatul Qadr.

The event began with the recitation of Sayyidul Istighfar and Surah Al-Fatihah, led by Muhd Ashraf Ihsanie bin Abdullah Asmallee from Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD). Executive Head of Religious Affairs at UBD Muhammad Hadi Hamizan bin Syahrul Nizam led a collective zikir session.

The Doa Munajat was recited by Seri Begawan Religious Teachers University College’s (KUPU SB) Mohammad Hafizuddin bin Mohammad Saidin, followed by a group Selawat Tafrijiyyah led by Muhammad Hazwan Hasanayn bin Ismail from the Pengiran Anak Puteri Rashidah Sa’adatul Bolkiah Institute of Health Sciences, UBD. The event concluded with a Doa led by Mohd Syahmi bin Haji Zaini from Utama Muhammad Salleh Mosque in Pekan Bangar. – Fadley Faisal

A screenshot showing participants of the event. PHOTO: MORA

RCED holds religious ceremony

National

March 24, 2025

The Royal Customs and Excise Department (RCED) held a Khatam Al-Quran ceremony and presented donations to orphans in conjunction with the holy month of Ramadhan.

Acting Controller of the RCED Haji Muhammad Azizil Hakim bin Haji Brahim was the guest of honour at the event at the RCED headquarters. The ceremony began with a congregational Zohor prayer, followed by the recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah, Khatam Al-Quran, Tahlil and Doa Arwah.

The ceremony concluded with the recitation of Dikir Marhaban.

Deputy controller of the RCED, assistant controllers of the RCED, senior officers and staff of the department were also in attendance. – James Kon

Acting Controller of the Royal Customs and Excise Department Haji Muhammad Azizil Hakim bin Haji Brahim in a group photo. PHOTO: RCED

Women council marks conclusion of Tedarus

National

March 24, 2025

The Tedarus ceremony for Brunei Darussalam Women’s Council (MWNBD) members, held throughout Ramadhan, concluded with a Khatam Al-Quran at Suri Seri Begawan Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Damit Mosque.

The annual event aims to instil an Al-Quran reading culture and encourages the practice of its teachings in daily life, seeking the blessings of Allah the Almighty, especially during the month of Ramadhan.

Approximately 200 participants, representing their women’s associations attended. Among them were the council’s Vice President I Pengiran Datin Paduka Hajah Mariam binti Pengiran Haji Matarsat as guest of honour; Vice President II Datin Hajah Masni binti Haji Md Ali; and Vice President III Hajah Kertini binti Orang Kaya Paduka Setia Diraja Abang Haji Abu Hanifah.

The ceremony began with a congregational recitation of Sayyidul Istighfar and Selawat Tafrijiyyah followed by the recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah led by Pengiran Datin Paduka Hajah Mariam, who delivered the welcoming remarks. Prior to the Khatam recitation, a Doa before reading Al-Quran was recited, followed by the Khatam recitation from Surah Ad Dhuha to Surah Al Massad led by Hajah Fatimah binti Haji Ahmad from PERTIWI Association and the Takhtim led by Hajah Tambah binti Kudi from Belait District Women’s Welfare Association.

The Doa Khatam was recited by Hajah Fatimah binti Haji Abdul Ghani from the Girl Guides Association of Brunei Darussalam, while Dikir Marhaban was performed by RPN Kampong Lambak Kanan Women’s Welfare Body.

The ceremony concluded with a Doa Peliharakan Sultan dan Negara Brunei Darussalam recited by Messuri binti Musa from Kampong Junjungan Women Association.

Board of governors members of the council, the president, chief commissioner, director and permanent representatives of the 13 associations under the council were present. – Lyna Mohamad

Borneo Bulletin OnlineThe Independent Newspaper in Brunei Darussalam, Sabah and Sarawak

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