Daniel Lim

The National Service Programme (PKBN), under the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, is currently holding a three-day roadshow on its programme at KB Sentral Shopping Centre, Belait District.

Comes to a close today at 7pm, the roadshow is aimed at recruiting interested youth for the 10^th intake of the PKBN.

Deputy Commandant of the PKBN Training Camp in Batu Apoi, Temburong District Major (Rtd) Sofian bin Haji Mohd Yassin, who was present to oversee the roadshow, told the Sunday Bulletin that the programme promotes the spirit of volunteerism among youth through the various charitable works incorporated into the training, adding that it also provides the graduates with an edge over their counterparts in the job market.

“Having gone through the training in PKBN and excelled in it means that they have proven themselves both physically and mentally fit for life and professional challenges,” he said.

Meanwhile, Muhammad Hazim bin Haji Hamzulani from Platoon 7 of the 9^th intake of PKBN said the event provides an opportunity for prospective recruits to learn about the various activities in the three-month training programme.

He also noted enthusiasm from the public of the concept of PKBN, attributing it to the programme’s potential to “build character and confidence in tackling future challenges not just in the army but the overall working life”.

With the 10^th intake slated for late November, Muhammad Hazim hopes the new intake will take the opportunity to support the Brunei Vision 2035.

Some 393 youngsters completed their training last March, and Major (Rtd) Sofian expects an increase in participation in the upcoming intake.

Borneo Bulletin Online

Daniel Lim

One hundred and eighty-seven bags of trash were collected during a beach cleaning campaign organised by the Liang Lumut Recreation Club (LLRC) on Friday.

The campaign saw 180 students and staff members from the Institute of Brunei Technical Education Sultan Bolkiah Campus (IBTE SBC) Seria cleaning a 400-metre section of the beach bordering LLRC.

Student representative at IBTE SBC Seria Mohammad Khairol Harni bin Haji Mohd Gani said, “It is important to care for our environment, which includes the beaches of Brunei.

“That’s why cleaning campaigns are important.”

The LLRC plans to hold more beach cleaning campaigns as part of its weekly activities.

Borneo Bulletin Online

James Kon

Instilling the importance on public and workplace safety, Concepts Group of Companies engaged local HSE solution service provider Berjaya Aman Sdn Bhd to provide training on health and safety knowledge involving the management of risks and hazards in many areas of retail IT business.

A signing ceremony between Concepts Group of Companies and Berjaya Aman Sdn Bhd took place at the meeting room of Concepts Group of Companies on Friday.

Signing on behalf of Concepts Group of Companies was General Manager Vincent Pao with Head of HSE Jovie Folloso. Chief Executive Officer Md Rufian bin Pengarah Haji Abdul Rahman and General Manager Pui Chin Siong represented Berjaya Aman Sdn Bhd.

Vincent Pao said, “For lifelong learning, we are committed to the development of our employees. This is the reason that we appointed 10 employees to train under Berjaya Aman Sdn Bhd. With this HSE training, we hope Concepts Group of Companies can better achieve the goals of serving with not only excellent retail services but also ensuring their safety.”

Jovie Folloso said, “Safety is not just a one-time concern for us, therefore Concepts Group of Companies will carry out continuous training in the future.”

The selected staff already started the HSE training in July and are set to finish in three months.

Borneo Bulletin Online

Syazwani Hj Rosli

A certificate presentation was held yesterday for 119 staff members of Abdul Razak Holdings (ARH) for completing a recent fire marshall training.

The event at Rizqun International Hotel was attended by Deputy Technical Director of the Fire and Rescue Department (FRD) Nohi Irwan Sukarki bin Haji Pawi who presented the certificates to the staff on behalf of the Acting Director of FRD.

According to ARH Human Resources and Security Manager Pengiran Haji Manshor bin Pengiran Haji Jaya, the training was aimed at providing the skills needed to be the first responders in fire emergencies.

Among the topics covered during the course were evacuation drills, correct use of a fire extinguisher and steps in preventing the spread of fire.

There were also hands-on exercises for staff members to practise life-saving manoeuvres.

Borneo Bulletin Online

Izah Azahari

A total of 15 youth were selected to participate in the Play Naturally filmmaking programme. Their main task is to create films on nature engaging with the indigenous community of Tasek Merimbun.

The launch, held at the Collective Makerspace, saw Acting Public Affairs Officer of the United States (US) Embassy in Brunei Darussalam Paul Estrada as the guest of honour.

The programme, funded by the US Mission to ASEAN through the Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) Seeds for the Future grant, was developed to provide youth the opportunity to engage with conservationists, filmmakers and elders of the Dusun community in Tasek Merimbun.

They will undergo three-month training in environment and filmmaking, as well as create short films based on their experiences in Tasek Merimbun, that will be featured on local and regional platforms.

The group will be assisted by local production companies such as Lailatul Shazanas Studios, Filterworks Productions and Otter Co, as well as celebrated local filmmakers such as Abdul Zainidi, Azeez Danial and Aznniel Yunus to mentor and guide participants on the creation of the short films.

By bringing together young, budding filmmakers with the indigenous community of Tasek Merimbun, along with established players in Brunei’s film industry, the group hopes to foster a creative community with a heart for environmental and social impact.

“We hope that the short films that we are producing with our participants can promote dialogue about the value of natural spaces in Brunei and also provide a wider platform for the understanding of Dusun culture,” said one of the co-founders of Play Naturally Jazie Zaini.

During the launch, Acting Village Head of Kampong Merimbun and Kampong Kuala Ungar Sani bin Nangkat, in a video message, said the programme will introduce Tasek Merimbun and its culture, the Dusun community, legends and history as well as ways to preserve the natural habitat of Tasek Merimbun.

“With this project introduced by Play Naturally, I hope it will provide more information regarding Tasek Merimbun and the Dusun community to the public,” said Sani.

Play Naturally also staged their first conservation theatre production in Tasek Merimbun in July last year.

Borneo Bulletin Online

Hakim Hayat

No crime was detected during a nationwide surveillance conducted by the Royal Brunei Police Force (RBPF) with the Neighbourhood Watch groups on Friday night, as the police step up cooperation with the community to ensure public safety and harmony and a crime-free nation.

In Muara, an evening surveillance was conducted around the vicinity of RPN Kampong Meragang. Muara Police Station Commanding Officer P/ASP Hajah Nur Azhani binti Haji Johaini led the operation with 22 police personnel and four Neighbourhood Watch members. Kampong Kapok and RPN Kampong Meragang Acting Village Head Pengiran Haji Ibrahim bin Pengiran Haji Timbang also participated.

Prior to the operation, both sides held a meeting to discuss about acquiring new members for the Neighbourhood Watch group. A brief presentation on the objectives was also held.

In Belait District, Kampong Pandan was the focus of the surveillance led by Kuala Belait Police Station Assistant Commanding Officer Inspector Md Bahren bin Haji Abdul Ghani. Personnel from the station and Kampong Pandan ‘A’ and ‘B’ Neighbourhood Watch members also participated.

Kampong Pandan ‘B’ Acting Village Head Morney bin Amat and Kampong Pandan ‘A’ Acting Village Head Haji Sulaiman bin Udin were also present.

A briefing was held before the operation, that also covered commercial, school and residential areas of Kampong Pandan ‘A’ and ‘B’.

Meanwhile in Mukim Sengkurong, Sengkurong Police Station Assistant Commanding Officer Inspector Pengiran Mohd Noorhasni bin Pengiran Haji Omar led a similar operation with the local Neighbourhood Watch group around the vicinity of Kampong Mulaut and Kampong Sengkurong ‘A’.

In the capital, the Bandar Seri Begawan Central Police Station and Kampong Ayer Police Station Neighbourhood Watch Units conducted a surveillance around the Kampong Ayer area led by Kampong Ayer Police Station Assistant Commanding Officer Inspector Mohd Salman bin Muhd Sima Al-Islam and also Kampong Tamoi Acting Village Head Haji Tarip bin Haji Asgar.

An efficient and strong working bond between the RBPF and Neighbourhood Watch groups is crucial in ensuring the programme’s success and to achieve its goals towards peace and harmony, the RBPF said in a statement.

In its proactive effort to ensure this is sustained, more joint surveillance activities were carried out recently from different police stations and Neighbourhood Watch groups in their jurisdictions.

The RBPF said the surveillance will continue to be held from time to time to prevent any criminal activities and reduce the crime rate in the country.

Borneo Bulletin Online

Lyna Mohamad

The Brunei Darussalam Scout Association (PPNBD) marked the World Scouts Scarf Day at Super Tree, Pekan Bangar in Temburong District yesterday, joined by scouts across the country.

Celebrated by scout members around the globe every August 1, the PPNBD event was joined by Acting Temburong District Officer Pengiran Muhammad Ameer Mubaarak bin Pengiran Haji Hashim.

The ceremony began with a speech from event chairman Pengiran Mahdi bin Pengiran Haji Salleh, followed by a presentation of a souvenir to the acting district officer from PPNBD President Haji Metussin bin Orang Kaya Sura Haji Tuba.

On top of a scarf exhibition, the event also saw activities such as a display of scout badges and uniforms, a Beyblade competition and quizzes to test the knowledge of the association.

During the celebration, active and former scout members were encouraged to don their scarfs in public in support of the scout mantra: Once a Scout, Always a Scout.

Among the objectives of the event was to raise public awareness of scouts’ contribution to the local communities.

Also present at yesterday’s celebration were penghulus and village heads in Temburong as well as senior members of the PPNBD including Chief Commissioner Haji Awang Badar bin Haji Awang Ali and Deputy Chief Commissioner Junaidi bin Haji Hussin.

Borneo Bulletin Online

Rokiah Mahmud

Darussalam Holdings Sdn Bhd (DHSB) is offering domestic travel packages for 2020 to boost the local tourism market.

One new package allows the public to explore the local culture of the community while learning about places to visit.

Some 82 people participated in the Temburong 1 Kampong 1 Produk (Temburong 1K1P) package led by three DHSB Travel and Tours guides yesterday.

The group visited Kampong Batu Apoi in Mukim Batu Apoi and continued their journey to Pekan Bangar visiting Kampong Sibut Longhouse hosted by the Kampong Sibut Consultative Council (MPK) in Mukim Amo.

The group was welcomed with traditional music performances by the Iban community and greeting from Kampong Sibut Acting Village Head Haji Suhaili. The group explored the longhouse and watched an ayam pansuh (chicken and bamboo) cooking demonstration. The local MPK also showcased their products.

The group headed to Kampong Amo MPK in Mukim Amo to visit another longhouse where they were briefed by Kampong Amo Village Head Hujan anak Miut. He explained the historical background and socio-economic activities by longhouse residents. The group then witnessed a roti jala cooking demonstration and a showcase of hand-made baskets.

The group learnt how to make ambulong from MPK Kampong Batu Apoi Consultative Council.

They later visited MPK Kampong Puni in Mukim Bangar where they were greeted by Acting Village Head of Kampong Puni and Batang Tuau and watched a demonstration on how to make salted eggs.

The group on arrival at MPK Kampong Menengah was greeted by Kampong Menengah Deputy Village Head. They watched a demonstration on how to make mini curry puffs and toured Haji Rosli bin Haji Hamid’s house to watch a bead-crafting activity.

Borneo Bulletin Online

Daniel Lim

The Operation ‘B’ Branch of the Fire and Rescue Department (FRD) held a ceremony to welcome its new commanding officer at the SPARK Fire Station in Sungai Liang last Saturday.

The event saw outgoing Commanding Officer Superintendent Muhd Shahreeni bin Haji Mohd Yussof receiving an honorary salute from 24 firefighters, led by Superintendent Ajak bin Haji Jais, followed by the signing over of duties to new Commanding Officer Senior Superintendent Noor Aflan bin Kachi.

The outgoing commanding officer also received a plaque from Acting Assistant Superintendent Abdul Wahid bin Haji Abdullah.

The ceremony concluded with a salute to welcome Senior Superintendent Noor Aflan to the FRD branch and the recitation of Doa Selamat by Imam of Sungai Liang Mosque Mohd Zulhilmi bin Mohd Jefri.

Borneo Bulletin Online

Syazwani Hj Rosli

The Girl Guides Association of Brunei Darussalam (PPPBD) distributed 500 containers of Bubur Nasi and 500 containers of Bubur Ubi yesterday.

The annual project held to observe the Day of Asyura in the month of Muharram saw PPPBD members preparing, cooking and packing meals at its headquarters in Kampong Anggerek Desa in the morning before distributing them to the public.

PPPBD Chief Commissioner Hajah Siti Hafsah binti Haji Abdul Halim, PPPBD Deputy Chief Commissioner Hajah Viviyanti binti Haji Aji, assistant head of commissioners and association members were present.

Used clothes collected by the association last Friday were also distributed to those in need.

Borneo Bulletin Online

Izah Azahari

The Kampong Bolkiah Community Development Centre founded by the Big BWN Project under the initiative of Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah’s (YSHHB) Ristaan Abadi received a positive response during its launch yesterday.

Legislative Council members Yang Berhormat Nik Hafimi binti Abdul Haadii and Yang Berhormat Khairunnisa binti Haji Ash’ari, Permanent Secretary (Planning, Land Use and Environment) at the Ministry of Development (MoD) and Acting Managing Director of YSHHB Dr Nor Imtihan binti Haji Abdul Razak and Permanent Secretary (Administration, Finance and Estate) at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports (MCYS) Pengiran Mohd Amirrizal bin Pengiran Haji Mahmud were present.

The centre encourages Kampong Bolkiah residents to develop their socio-economic status through entrepreneurship training and technical education among others.

Twenty Bolkiah Women’s Club members showcased their handicraft and traditional dishes at the launch.

Borneo Bulletin Online

James kon

Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Minister of Finance and Economy II Dato Seri Setia Dr Awang Haji Mohd Amin Liew bin Abdullah recently joined other economic ministers in the 52nd ASEAN Economic Ministers’ Meeting (52nd AEM Meeting) and Related Meetings via video conference hosted by Vietnam as the Chair of ASEAN 2020.

The series of meetings included the AEM-ASEAN Business Advisory Interface, 34th ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA) Council Meeting, 23rd ASEAN Investment Area Council Meeting, 52nd AEM Meeting, the 8th Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Ministerial Meeting, and the various AEM Consultations with ASEAN’s Dialogue Partners, including Australia, Canada, China, India, Japan, Korea, New Zealand, Russia and the United States (US).

The ASEAN economic ministers also held a separate open dialogue with the United Kingdom’s (UK) Secretary of State for International Trade.

According to the statement from Ministry of Finance and Economy (MoFE), during the six-day meetings, ASEAN economic ministers discussed the progress on the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) 2025 Blueprint and economic deliverables under Vietnam’s
ASEAN Chairmanship.

The ministers also welcomed the implementation of the ‘First Protocol to amend the ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA)’, which will enter into force on September 20.

During the AEM-ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ASEAN-BAC) Interface, the ministers were briefed by the ASEAN-BAC on the progress of the implementation of their legacy projects.

In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the ministers also exchanged views on ASEAN’s economic responsiveness and possible areas for cooperation and collaboration to support mitigation as well as post-pandemic recovery efforts.

Dato Seri Setia Dr Awang Haji Mohd Amin Liew emphasised on the importance of continuously sharing information, lessons learnt, experiences and best practices. The need to adopt digital transformation, strengthening the resilience of our society and businesses and enhance our community building efforts in facing the adverse impact of COVID-19 was also stressed.

The minister also briefed the meeting on Brunei’s measures in handling the pandemic and preparations for its ASEAN Chairmanship in 2021.

At the 8th Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Meeting, Dato Seri Setia Dr Awang Haji Mohd Amin Liew expressed the view that the signing of the RCEP Agreement can help rebuild confidence for businesses, contribute to wider trade and help accelerate the much-needed recovery of trade and investment in the region.

Permanent Secretary (Economy) at the MoFE Dr Hajah May Fa’ezah binti Haji Ahmad Ariffin and officers from the Trade Division were also present at the meetings.

Borneo Bulletin Online

Wani Roslan

Dynamik Technologies in collaboration with Bistec Global organised an educational programme entitled ‘Brunei Kids Can Code’ at Anggerek Desa Technology Park.

The programme kicked off with a coding competition starting yesterday and ending on September 11.

The competition is divided into two age categories – Syntax Ninjas (eight-12 years) and Code Pirates (13-16 years).

Fifty participants are taking part in the competition which offers cash prizes.

The competition opened with an introduction to coding and demonstration by Haris Walker and Danial Yus.

After the competition, the participants will receive membership to the Brunei Kids Can Code Club where classes will be held monthly to develop their programming abilities.

“We believe an early introduction to coding will generate interest and cultivate the passion of our youth to learn and develop coding skills,” said Dynamik Technologies Head of Corporate Services Siti Rozana binti Dato Haji Mohd Yunos.

“Programming is a highly sought after skill that we want to nurture in our youth for their and our nation’s future”.

Borneo Bulletin Online

Daniel Lim

A foreign man died in a motorcycle accident along Jalan Tengah, Panaga, Seria yesterday.
The Royal Brunei Police Force (RBPF) received an emergency call at 3.37pm about the car and motorcycle accident. Police officers from the Panaga Police Station were dispatched to the scene of the accident.

Initial investigations revealed the 42-year-old British national was riding a motorcycle which is believed to have crashed into a car about to enter a junction.

The victim was immediately rushed to Suri Seri Begawan Hospital, Kuala Belait where he was pronounced dead. The RBPF is investigating the cause of accident.

The RBPF reminded road users to follow the speed limit and be aware of surrounding vehicles as well as road conditions.

Borneo Bulletin Online

Lyna Mohamad

Malaysians in Brunei must keep in touch with one another and help those in need, said Charge d’Affaires at the Malaysian High Commission in Brunei Darussalam Nadia Azura Muhd Nudri.

She made these comment when the Malaysian High Commission in Brunei Darussalam hosted a reception to mark the 63rd National Day of Malaysia at the embassy’s hall in the Diplomatic Enclave in Jalan Kebangsaan last night.

Nadia Azura said 2020 is a challenging year for everyone as COVID-19 impacted lives in many ways.

She said this year’s theme ‘Malaysia Prihatin’ is especially fitting in the current situation. She added that the economic sector is getting the highest impact of this pandemic and the Malaysian High Commission received assistance requests from Malaysians affected financially.

The high commission reached out to 257 Malaysians and provided them basic necessities and medical assistance.

She also expressed her deepest appreciation to the government of 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 for the continuos support to the Malaysian High Commission.

President of the Persatuan Warganegara Malaysia (PWM) James Lee and President of the Persatuan Kebajikan SeMalaysia (PKS) Haji Shahdan Abdol, prominent Malaysian business figures and Malaysians working and residing in Brunei attended the reception.

Borneo Bulletin Online

Lyna Mohamad

Permanent Secretary (Energy) at the Ministry of Energy and Interim Managing Director of the Petroleum Authority of Brunei Darussalam Haji Azhar bin Haji Yahya officiated and witnessed the promotion of Brunei Gas Carriers Sdn Bhd (BGC) ship officers and the signing of BGC’s new cadets at the Maritime Talent Pipeline Achievement Ceremony at the Indera Samudra Grand Hall, The Empire Brunei yesterday.

The event began with the recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah followed by a welcoming remark by BGC Managing Director John Douglas Cook.

He said the country has always had a rich maritime heritage with shipping playing an essential role in supporting the nation’s economy.

He also said BGC remains an important asset to the Sultanate as the country relies on its oil and gas trade as one of its major revenue streams and it is imperative for the industry to continually develop strategies ensuring safety and sustainability both for the raw materials that are transported and also for its people.

The managing director said BGC aims to be the leading developer of local shipping and maritime skills from cadet level up to senior management in support of Brunei Vision 2035 and befitting its own mission of developing the nation’s resources for safe, reliable and sustainable maritime transportation.

Yesterday’s series of ceremonies demonstrate BGC’s efforts to strengthen Bruneian workforce, to fill both employment and key positions within the company.

“We believe in having the right people, with the right skills, in the right jobs, who display the right behaviours and share the same commitment,” he said.

The promotion of seven BGC officers, including one who achieved the rank of Captain and the first under BGC’s own management since the completion of its Ship Management Transition, are a major accomplishment and a clear demonstration that BGC is progressing.

Fleet Manager Captain Abdul Mateen Abdurrahman Liew presented the promotions.

The managing director also spoke on the recognition awarded to BGC including full-term Document of Compliance (DoC) in June last year.

The award officially recognised BGC as a fully fledged ship owner and manager in its own right, and the first local deep-water shipping company in the country.

“We still have a long journey ahead and we will continue to strive to set the benchmark for Brunei’s maritime industry to help further strengthen the country’s economy,” said the managing director.

The ceremonies also saw the guest of honour touring the poster displays showcasing life at sea and the cadetship recruitment process.

Borneo Bulletin Online

Lyna Mohamad

Brunei Gas Carriers Sdn Bhd (BGC) and the Brunei Maritime Academy (BMA) under the Institute of Brunei Technical Education (IBTE) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the Maritime Talent Pipeline Achievement Ceremony yesterday.

The signing was witnessed by guest of honour Permanent Secretary (Energy) at the Ministry of Energy and Interim Managing Director of the Petroleum Authority of Brunei Darussalam Haji Azhar bin Haji Yahya at The Empire Brunei, Jerudong.

BGC Managing Director John Douglas Cook and IBTE Acting Chief Executive Officer Dr Haji Mohammad Zamri bin Haji Sabli signed the MoU.

John Douglas Cook in his welcoming remark said BGC looks forward to having the five new cadets under the MoU onboard.

The signing marks BGC embarking on a journey to support the growth of local talent in the maritime industry.

“Our main objective in signing this MoU is to help cultivate sustainable development of the maritime industry in the country and increase initiatives to boost local employment.”

He said the MoU supports the learning of future mariners by providing an avenue for experienced BGC officers to become adjunct lecturers, further fuelling the talent pipeline for potential future seafarers.

The managing director said BGC has always pushed and supported the initiative of 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’s government to see the development of local talent since its establishment in 1998.

“We have seen BGC achieve this feat on several occasions such as the delivery of BGC A-Class vessels Amani and Amadi in 2014 and 2015, where 98 per cent of the ships crew were Bruneian seafarers.”

Borneo Bulletin Online

Wani Roslan

Eight units of Automated External Defibrillator (AED) were donated to the local community by Fitness Zone in conjunction with its 17th anniversary with support from the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports (MCYS) yesterday.

The handing over was held at Fitness Zone in Kiulap.

Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Awang Haji Aminuddin Ihsan bin Pehin Orang Kaya Saiful Mulok Dato Seri Paduka Haji Abidin was the guest of honour.

Brunei’s international celebrity and Fitness Zone Managing Director Wu Chun said he always wanted to create a safe environment for Fitness Zone and AED machines can help save lives.

The guest of honour presented the certificates to those who had completed the cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and AED Course while the AED units were presented by Wu Chun.

The AED was handed over to representatives from Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium, Indoor Stadium of the Hassanal Bolkiah National Sports Complex, Ministry of Home Affairs, Malam Minggu Pusat Belia, International Convention Centre (ICC), Chung Hwa School, St Andrew’s School and Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD).

Borneo Bulletin Online

Syazwani Hj Rosli

The Koperasi Ikatan Teluk Mewah (ITM) handed over business Zakat of BND5,512.60 for the financial year 2019 to the Brunei Islamic Religious Council (MUIB) in a ceremony at the Ministry of Religious Affairs’ new extension building yesterday.

Minister of Religious Affairs and President of MUIB Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Badaruddin bin Pengarah Dato Paduka Haji Awang Othman received the business Zakat from ITM Chairman Haji Hambali bin Tengah.

Deputy Minister of Religious Affairs Pengiran Dato Seri Paduka Haji Bahrom bin Pengiran Haji Bahar as the Vice-President of MUIB, MUIB Acting Secretary Haji Abdul Aziz bin Haji Akop; ITM Board members and MUIB officers were also present.

The Zakat money will be distributed among the Asnaf Fakir, poor, Muslim converts, Amil, Al-Gharimin and Ibnu Sabil.

Borneo Bulletin Online

The Brunei economy recovered in 2019 and the recovery is expected to continue this year amid a sharp slowdown in the global economy, according to the 2019 Annual Consultation Report on Brunei Darussalam published yesterday by the ASEAN+3 Macroeconomic Research Office (AMRO).

The agency said, “The gross domestic product (GDP) grew by 3.9 per cent in 2019, and is expected to continue to expand by 2.2 per cent in 2020, supported by the full operation of Hengyi’s refinery production, amid a sharp slowdown in the global economy as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Inflation rate returned to the negative territory at 0.4 per cent in 2019 and is projected to turn at 1.3 per cent in 2020, partly because of the weakening of the exchange rate amid the coronavirus pandemic.”

AMRO sees a strong external sector despite the decline in the current account surplus in recent years.

“Although construction and foreign direct investment (FDI) related imports have been falling with the near completion of some FDI projects, the commencement of Hengyi’s refinery operation had led to a sharp increase in crude oil and chemical imports in 2019,” it said.

“Along with a larger service definite since 2018, the current account surplus is estimated to have narrowed further in 2019.”

It projected the reduction of current account surplus to continue in 2020, in light of a sharp decline in oil and gas prices. However, due to the ample official reserves and foreign assets of the sovereign wealth fund, “the external position should remain strong”.

AMRO continued, “The fiscal balance is expected to return to deficit in the fiscal year of 2019/2020. The fiscal situation improved considerably from a deficit of 12.9 per cent of GDP in the fiscal year of 2017/2018 to a surplus at 0.2 per cent of GDP in the following fiscal year, reflecting higher oil and gas prices and continued restraint in fiscal spending.

“However, oil and gas prices declined in 2019 and fell sharply in early 2020, and are expected to remain low for the rest of 2020. As a result, the fiscal balance is estimated to return to deficit of 7.2 per cent of GDP in the fiscal year of 2019/2020 and 11.1 per cent of GDP in the fiscal year of 2020/2021.”

When it comes to the financial sector, the agency sees a recovery in credit growth.

“Banks continue to be well capitalised as reflected in the high capital adequacy ratio of 20.1 per cent in 2019. They continue to be profitable and have increased their returns, amid a relatively low loan-to-deposit ratio, which has been improving in recent quarters as credit growth increased.

“Credit growth has recovered since 2018 and is expected to remain positive in 2020, supported by household credit. Regarding asset quality, the non-performing loans ratio has been contained in 2019,” it said.

AMRO sees major risks facing the Brunei economy in the near- to medium-term relating to the high dependence on the oil and gas sector.

“Risks to the sector can arise from unexpected disruptions in oil and gas production, geopolitical situations and a slowdown in major global economies, possibly amplified by ongoing trade tensions and the coronavirus pandemic,” it said.

The agency cautioned, “If the oil price war were to happen again, it will lower oil and gas prices further, which will adversely affect the economy.”

Borneo Bulletin Online