The Ministry of Home Affairs has outlined a range of priority initiatives aligned with the ministry’s Strategic Plan 2023-2027, which focuses on security and public well-being and these initiatives also support the national budget theme Together Realising Wawasan Brunei 2035′, guided by three key focus areas of the national budget.
Minister of Home Affairs Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Ahmaddin bin Haji Abdul Rahman said the ministry’s responsibilities cover several major areas including immigration control and national registration, labour regulation and workplace protection in the private sector, public safety, fire and rescue operations, disaster management, prison administration, and district and municipal governance.
These efforts are implemented through an integrated and inclusive approach involving multiple stakeholders, including grassroots leaders, in line with the ministry’s vision of “Together Maintaining Brunei Darussalam as a Peaceful, Prosperous and Dynamic Nation’
In supporting the first focus of the national budget-strengthening fiscal stability and financial resources.
One such initiative is the leasing arrangement for operational vehicles, implemented as part of the government’s Fiscal Consolidation Programme, which has generated estimated savings of around BND436,000 over five years.
In line with the second budget focus, which is empowering the economy through transformation and innovation, the ministry has emphasised digitalisation and improved service delivery.
Among the initiatives is the One MOHA System, which includes an integrated emergency management system involving public participation, digitalisation of internal work processes, and improvements to public service delivery.
The ministry has also introduced the Immigration and National Registration System (INRS) under the Immigration and National Registration Department to improve productivity and efficiency in immigration and national registration management.
The system includes modules covering smart identity cards, border management, visas and passes, foreign marriage registration, citizenship matters, entry permits, birth and death registration, adoption registration, and law enforcement.
Under the third budget focus of ensuring social sustainability and future development, the ministry continues to strengthen public safety infrastructure and emergency response capabilities, One key initiative is the procurement of 30 Water Tender Ladder fire engines, with 10 units delivered in November 2025 and in addition, under the 12th National Development Plan (RKN12), the ministry has implemented strategic procurements including Light Fire Attack Vehicles (LFAV), new fire engines including on-board equipment along with training for fire and rescue personnel valued at BND2.9 million.
These improvements, he added, will enhance emergency response capabilities, particularly in remote or difficult-to-access areas, allowing firefighters to respond more effectively as first responders.
The ministry, through the Fire and Rescue Department and the National Disaster Management Centre, also continues to conduct public awareness programmes on disaster preparedness and safety to ensure communities are better informed and prepared to respond during emergencies.
The ministry has also allocated funds to improve public facilities and community infrastructure, including repairs to bridges in the water village as well as upgrading community halls, public toilets, market stalls and traditional markets. Plans include upgrading and improving 32 bridges spanning five kilometres and six jetties to enhance safety, accessibility and support socio-economic activities in the water village where a term contract has also been established to supply timber for bridge repairs covering 1.25 kilometres, which will be carried out by district offices.
The ministry will continue strengthening the Mukim and Village institutions by enhancing the One Village One Product (1K1P) Programme, aimed at creating more entrepreneurial and employment opportunities.
Support for inmate rehabilitation and reintegration programmes will also continue through vocational training provided by the Prisons Department that will help inmates gain relevant skills for employment and productive lives after release.
Overall, the ministry emphasised that its programmes and projects are driven by a commitment to ensure public safety, social well-being and community prosperity with these efforts reflecting a whole-of-government and whole-of-nation approach, requiring strong cooperation between government agencies, the private sector, community leaders and the public.
(news source: Borneo Bulletin; pic source: Info Foto, Jabatan Penerangan)
