| Daniel Lim |
THE importance of the penghulu and head of village institution, ‘One Village, One Product’ (1K1P) initiative, and the proposal to restart the Excellent Village Award were discussed by Minister of Home Affairs Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Haji Awang Abu Bakar bin Haji Apong.
Yesterday’s dialogue session held at the Belait District Officer’s residence during his working visit to the Belait District is the first Muzakarah or discussion held for the Belait District in 2019.
“The discussion on the topics today is meant to benefit the welfare and lifestyle of the citizens and residents of the country, districts, mukims and villages,” the minister said. “I believe that the relevant agencies are constantly hearing the views and suggestions put forth by the communities of the (Belait) district and finding effective solutions to solve them.”
Speaking on the penghulu and head of village institution, the minister said the two are essential in building a strong and harmonious community, and in helping boost the local economy and improving the prosperity and comfort of the surrounding community.
He added, “In line with the Ministry of Home Affairs (MoHA) and Brunei Vision 2035’s mission of developing a united community, the smallest unit of society, which is the family, is the basis from which we can realise the mission and vision of a united community. The topic of family has been brought up in discussion not only in this year’s Legislative Council (LegCo) meeting, but also in last year’s session.
“Last year, among the suggestions brought forward included involving youth in community affairs as they not only form a large part of the community, but also can provide fresh ideas that can help in developing and bettering their community.”
The minister also congratulated the mukim penghulu and head of village of Mukim Sungai Liang for successfully revamping the Gerai Wawasan last year.
He noted that the revitalisation effort has not only helped provide the surrounding community a place to conduct their businesses, but also given residents in the area a focal location to meet with friends and family and enjoy leisure activities.
He also spoke about the 1K1P initiative, pointing out that it has since expanded to all areas since starting as a national pilot project at Temburong from 2006 to 2009.
“Today we have more than 280 products under the 1K1P banner, produced by 80 mukims and villages from across the country. There are four categories of products under the 1K1P – food and beverages, handicrafts, services and ecotourism, as well as agriculture and fishery,” the minister said.
He said though the 1K1P has been successful, there is “still room for improvement” and the initiative “has the ability to expand further to help ensure that the villages are sustainable and able to prosper as a community, which is in line with the mission of MoHA and Vision 2035”.
The minister highlighted that one of the main objectives of his visit to the Belait District is to determine the number of products under the 1K1P in the district and to identify any issues encountered by the residents making the products.
On the relaunching of the Excellent Village Award project, the minister said the project’s goal is to give village residents that incentive to develop their villages to spur economic activity and generate work opportunities.
“I hope that a committee will be established to determine and discuss the various criteria for villages in the district to achieve this award,” he said. “I also hope that (such a committee) will help drive creativity among the residents in coming up with progressive ideas to further develop their villages as a community.”