Optimising land use and creating a more conducive investment environment will remain among the Ministry of Development’s key priorities in supporting the coordinated implementation of Brunei Vision 2035, Minister of Development Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Muhammad Juanda bin Haji Abdul Rashid said during the Second Meeting of the 22nd Legislative Council Session.
The minister said the ministry, as the agency responsible for physical planning, sustainable land management, infrastructure development and regulatory improvements, will continue serving as catalysts for national development by supporting the National Security, Economic, and Social and Human Resources sectors.
Highlighting land as a strategic national asset, the minister revealed that 213 sites covering 17,239 hectares have been allocated for key economic sectors, including agriculture, downstream oil and gas, tourism, information and communications technology, logistics and services.
Overall, 66 per cent of the allocated land has already been developed, including 87 per cent of industrial land and 79 per cent of agricultural land.
To accommodate future growth, the ministry has identified 17,526 hectares of additional land suitable for development, including 3,324 hectares designated for the transport sector to support the expansion of Muara Port and logistics infrastructure.
The minister shared that strengthening water security remains one of the ministry’s priorities, with national clean water production capacity currently standing at 587.6 million litres per day (MLD). With several strategic projects under the National Development Plan (RKN), capacity is projected to increase to 776.1 MLD by 2035.
To improve water supply efficiency, the Department of Water Services is implementing the BND22.1 million Non-Revenue Water (NRW) Management Phase 3 Project, which began in September 2025.
As of July 19, 2026, 51,458 smart water meters had been installed, with another 77,493 units scheduled for installation by December 2027. The ministry aims to reduce the national Non-Revenue Water rate to 25 per cent by 2035.
On transport infrastructure, the minister said the ministry continues to strengthen connectivity through Brunei’s 118-kilometre Muara–Belait Highway and the 26.3-kilometre Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Bridge.
Plans are also underway to construct six new flyovers and upgrade several major roads to support industrial growth and investment.
(news source: Borneo Bulletin ; pic source: Info Foto, Jbt Penerangan)
