The Brunei Darussalam Meteorological Department (BDMD) under the Ministry of Transport and Infocommunications (MTIC) marked World Meteorological Day 2025 with a religious gathering at the Brunei International Airport Surau in Berakas yesterday.
The ceremony began with a congregational Zuhur prayer, followed by the recitation of Surah Yasin, Tahlil, and Doa Selamat, led by Imam Haji Ashraf bin Haji Bujang of the Brunei International Airport Surau.
Minister of Transport and Infocommunications Pengiran Dato Seri Setia Shamhary bin Pengiran Dato Paduka Haji Mustapha, senior officials from MTIC, department heads and representatives from agencies under the ministry were present.
World Meteorological Day, observed annually on March 23, highlights the crucial role of meteorology and climate science in strengthening global resilience.
This year’s celebration is significant as it marks the 75th anniversary of the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) which continues to lead global efforts in mitigating the impact of climate change.
Themed ‘Closing the Early Warning Gap Together’, this year’s observance emphasises the importance of accessible early warning systems for all communities. As climate change intensifies, extreme weather events such as heatwaves, severe floods, storms and rising sea levels pose increasing threats to lives and economies worldwide. Over the past decade, global temperatures have reached record highs, with climate-related disasters becoming more frequent and severe.
The Early Warnings for All (EW4A) initiative, spearheaded by the United Nations, aims to ensure that by 2027, every individual worldwide will have access to early warning systems. In line with this global effort, MTIC, through BDMD, continues to strengthen Brunei’s early warning capabilities by providing accurate and timely weather information.
A key component of this initiative is BDMD’s colour-coded warning system, which categorises weather alerts into three levels: Yellow, Orange, and Red. The system enables the public, government agencies and stakeholders to assess risks and take precautions during extreme weather events.
To further enhance the country’s meteorological capabilities, BDMD is adopting advanced forecasting technologies and climate monitoring tools, ensuring greater accuracy in weather predictions. As part of the Early Warnings for All Initiative (EWAAI), Brunei remains committed to investing in modern forecasting technologies, capacity-building programmes, and public awareness campaigns to ensure an effective, efficient, and accessible early warning system for the nation’s safety and well-being.
Aligned with Brunei Vision 2035 and MTIC’s Strategic Plan, the country is dedicated to strengthening its early warning systems, improving public access to meteorological data, and expanding international collaborations. Through partnerships with WMO, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), and other global meteorological agencies, Brunei will continue working towards a safer and more resilient future.
A whole-of-government and whole-of-nation approach is essential to ensuring the successful implementation of the EW4A initiative, requiring close cooperation among relevant agencies to enhance meteorological capabilities, develop early warning technologies, and strengthen disaster preparedness and response. – Fadley Faisal
