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The Star
27-07-2025
- Business
- The Star
Brunei's total trade hits BND1.8B in May
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: Brunei's total trade for May reached BND1,803.5 million, according to the International Merchandise Trade Statistics report released by the Department of Economic Planning and Statistics Saturday (July 26). The amount comprised of exports valued at BND1,027.9 million and imports amounting to BND775.6 million. The major contributors to the export value were mineral fuels accounting for 70.9 per cent, followed by chemicals at 26.1 per cent, and manufactured goods at one per cent. The main export markets were China accounting for 19.4 per cent, followed by Australia and Korea at 17.1 per cent and 10.9 per cent. The largest export commodities to these countries were mineral fuels and chemicals. Meanwhile, imports in May were valued at BND775.6 million. The three main import commodities were mineral fuels, accounting for 68.9 per cent, followed by machinery and transport equipment at 9.7 per cent, and food at 8.0 per cent. The largest import partners were Malaysia, accounting for 39.6 per cent, followed by China at 6.8 per cent, and Australia at 4.9 per cent. The main import commodities from these trading partners were mineral fuels, food as well as machinery and transport equipment. The total trade declined by seven per cent in May, compared to April, due to a 11.9 per cent decrease in exports. The imports for end use categories were mainly used as intermediate goods processing accounting for 58.1 per cent, followed by capital goods for business operations at 38.7 per cent, and consumption goods for household use at 3.2 per cent. - Borneo Bulletin/ANN
The Star
21-07-2025
- The Star
35 arrested in major anti-drug operation in Brunei
Drug items that were picked during the special operation by Brunei police. - Borneo Bulletin/ANN BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN (Borneo Bulletin/ANN): The Narcotics Control Bureau (BKN) arrested 35 individuals and smashed a major drug syndicate during 'Operasi Tokek', a large-scale anti-drug operation conducted from June 29 to July 14. The arrests, comprising 25 local citizens, nine permanent residents, and one foreign national aged between 17 and 59, were made in various locations across the Brunei-Muara and Belait districts, with the majority taking place at Jalan Nenas Sanggol, Kampong Katok. The operation uncovered 38.67 grammes of syabu (methamphetamine), 9.2 grammes of Ganja, and smaller amounts of ecstasy and Erimin 5 pills. Investigations revealed the syndicate was allegedly orchestrated by a 27-year-old local man, who employed several individuals, including minors, for drug smuggling and distribution. One family was also found to be involved, with each member playing a different role. Authorities also discovered that some members had been misusing their monthly welfare assistance to fund their drug trafficking activities. As part of the operation, two suspects were apprehended at the Sungai Tujoh Control Post in the Belait District while attempting to smuggle drugs into the country. They are being investigated under Section 5 of the Misuse of Drugs Act for importing controlled substances. Four other individuals are under investigation under Section 3A of the same act for possession of drugs with the intent to distribute. The BKN stated that the operation reflects its ongoing efforts to eradicate criminal activity in the Jalan Nenas Sanggol area. The bureau reaffirmed its commitment to continuing its crackdown on drug-related crimes to ensure the safety and well-being of the community. Authorities also seized BND1,156 and SGD2 in cash, suspected to be proceeds from drug trafficking, along with a vehicle and tools used for packaging and consuming drugs. - Borneo Bulletin/ANN
The Star
04-07-2025
- Health
- The Star
Brunei Health Ministry limits free health care to citizens and stateless persons; other foreign dependents no longer exempted
Citizens and stateless persons are exempted from all health service charges including referral to Pantai Jerudong Specialist Centre and three other medical centres. - BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: The Ministry of Health yesterday issued an update on Health Service Charge Policy in healthcare centres and hospitals as well as other government healthcare facilities nationwide, that went into effect on July 1. The exemption from medical treatment fees for green and purple identity card (IC) holders (foreign nationals) who were previously dependents of yellow (citizens) or purple IC holders (stateless) has been revoked. Fee exemption is only to be granted individually to holders of yellow (citizen) and purple IC (stateless) only. For yellow IC holders (citizen) and purple IC holders (stateless), the registration fee is at BND1 (US$0.78) and they are exempted from all health service charges including referral to Pantai Jerudong Specialist Centre (PJSC), Brunei Neuroscience Stroke and Rehabilitation Centre (BNSRC), The Brunei Cancer Centre (TBCC) and Gleneagles JPMC. Meanwhile, for purple IC holders (foreign citizens) the registration fee is BND3 and green IC holders (foreign citizens), the registration fee is at BND5 and full charges will be applied for health services including referral to PJSC, BNSRC, TBCC and Gleneagles JPMC. - Borneo Bulletin/ANN
The Star
24-06-2025
- The Star
Court dismisses former Brunei narcotics officer's appeal against jail term
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: The Court of Appeal has dismissed an appeal by a former Assistant Narcotics Officer against his three-year jail sentence for criminal breach of trust by a public servant. Mohd Asmawi Zulkifli was convicted by the Intermediate Court on 29 April 2024, following a trial, for misappropriating exhibits under his custody during a drug-related investigation in 2016. The exhibits — BND1,075 in cash and a mobile phone — had been entrusted to him for safekeeping in the Narcotics Control Bureau's strong room at its Tutong branch. Instead, he misappropriated the items. The Intermediate Court sentenced the applicant to three years' imprisonment, ruling that the return of the misappropriated items carried little mitigating weight, as the breach had compromised the integrity of the investigation. The court also found no sufficient medical basis to warrant judicial mercy. In his application before the Court of Appeal, the applicant sought leave to appeal against the sentence out of time, primarily citing deteriorating health following brain surgery, as well as the hardship faced by his dependent family. He also raised concerns for his personal safety in prison, alleging that he had received verbal threats from other inmates. The appellate court, comprising Chief Justice Datuk Seri Paduka Steven Chong, Justices Michael Lunn, and Sir Peter Gross, found no merit in the argument that the sentence was manifestly excessive. The court acknowledged the seriousness of the applicant's medical condition but noted it was manageable within the prison system. It also confirmed that prison authorities had implemented precautionary measures, including placing the applicant in a single-occupancy cell for his safety. The court reiterated the established principle that a serious medical condition does not, on its own, justify a reduced sentence unless exceptional circumstances are present. In this case, it agreed with the Intermediate Court's assessment that the threshold for judicial mercy had not been met. Finding no arguable case for the appeal, the Court of Appeal refused the application. The respondent was represented by Deputy Public Prosecutor Pengiran Nor 'Azmeena Pengiran Mohiddin, while the applicant represented himself. - Borneo Bulletin/ANN
The Star
21-06-2025
- The Star
Labour Department uncovers violations in Kampong Tagap, Brunei
Labour enforcement officers during the inspection. - Photo: LED BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: The Labour Enforcement Division under the Labour Department has uncovered several employment violations during Operasi Waspada 117/2025 conducted in Kampong Tagap on Monday (June 16). The operation was aimed at enforcing compliance with the Employment Order, Chapter 278, and ensuring employers uphold their responsibilities towards their workers. During inspections of workers' accommodation, authorities identified six violations under the Employment Order, including: Failure to provide weekly rest days (Section 63); Requiring employees to work on rest days (Section 64); Failure to grant paid annual leave (Section 71); And inadequate and unhygienic worker accommodations (Section 80). Additionally, two offences were recorded under Section 112(2) for breaching the conditions of the Foreign Worker Licence. Foreign workers employed under construction roles were found performing tasks outside their approved scope, such as tending to livestock including goats, chickens, and ducks. The activities were also not aligned with the company's licensed construction operations, which were instead being used for animal farming and distribution. Further investigations are underway. If found guilty, the employer may be fined up to BND1,000 per offence. Failure to pay compound fines may result in court proceedings. The Labour Department reminds all employers to remain vigilant in safeguarding workers' welfare in accordance with the Employment Order, including providing at least one rest day per week, paid annual leave, and clean accommodation. Employees must also only perform work aligned with their approved job titles, and businesses must strictly adhere to their licensed activities. - Borneo Bulletin/ANN
