Minister of Home Affairs Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Ahmaddin bin Haji Abdul Rahman noted that the Ministry of Home Affairs continues to strengthen public safety and disaster preparedness in Brunei Darussalam through a range of strategic initiatives focused on protecting lives, property and community well-being.
He said this during the First Meeting of the 22nd Session of the Legislative Council yesterday.
A key development is the deployment of Water Tender Ladder fire engines nationwide, enhancing emergency response capabilities. These assets were recently used during a water supply disruption to support critical facilities, including hospitals and the airport. Firefighting readiness has also been improved through a nationwide fire hydrant replacement project, with 700 hydrants upgraded in two phases between 2024 and early 2026 to boost efficiency and response times.
Disaster response capacity has been further reinforced with the upgrade of the Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) team to Special Technical Rescue Assistance (SA-TREA). At the community level, over 1,500 participants have been trained under the Lifesaver 995 Programme, while firefighting equipment has been distributed to villages, including those in Kampong Ayer, to strengthen grassroots response.
The introduction of the Disaster Management Strategic Policy Framework (DMSPF) and an upcoming National Disaster Exercise (LBK-26) reflect ongoing efforts to enhance national preparedness and coordination.
Infrastructure improvements include repairs to 12.5 kilometres of wooden bridges and jetties in Kampong Ayer, upgrades to Pasar Gadong, and maintenance of community halls to ensure safe and functional public facilities.
On socioeconomic development, initiatives such as the One Village One Product (1K1P) programme, Kedai Kampong outlets and pop-up markets have supported local entrepreneurs, generating income and expanding business opportunities.
Social welfare efforts focus on reintegration programmes for inmates, including education, vocational training and job placement through partnerships with private and non-governmental organisations. Housing support has also been provided to underprivileged families under Projek Teduh’.
Community governance has been strengthened through a competency framework for grassroots leaders, alongside performance evaluations and increased youth participation.
Environmental efforts include stricter enforcement under the Miscellaneous Of-fences Act, public cleanliness campaigns and stray animal control, contributing to regional recognition for sustainability.
Overall, these initiatives reflect a whole-of-government and whole-of-nation approach, emphasising collaboration between authorities, communities and stakeholders to achieve sustainable development, public safety and social well-being.
(news source: Borneo Bulletin; pic source: Info Foto, Jabatan Penerangan)
