BRUNEI

DARUSSALAM
in
seconds

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 BRIEF INTRODUCTION TO
BRUNEI DARUSSALAM
Brunei Darussalam is situated on the north-west
coast of the island of Borneo, between east latitudes
1140 and 04’ and 110 23’ and north latitudes of 40 00’
and 50 05’.

It is divided into four districts; Brunei Muara (570.7

square kilometres); Tutong (1,166 square kilometres);
Belait (2,727 square kilometres); and Temburong
(1,288 square kilometres).

The country resumed full independence on January

1, 1984 where the National Day is celebrated every
February 23.

Capital
Bandar Seri Begawan is based in the Brunei-Muara
district. Total land area of the capital is 100.36 square
kilometres.

Area
Total land area is 5,765 square kilometres with a
coastline of about 161 kilometres.

Population
The population is estimated at 406,200 people (2009)
with 57 per cent are aged from 20 – 54 years old.

Majority of the population are Malays with an

estimated of 269,400 people, followed by
Chinese with 44,600 people and 92,200
people comprising of other minor
groups.

The most populous district is Brunei-

Muara with an estimated 283,300
people; followed by the Belait district:
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67,100 people; Tutong district:
45,700 people; and 10,100 people
for the Temburong district.

Official religion
The official religion is Islam.
However, other religions are also
practised.

Official language
Malay is the official language but English is also widely
spoken.

Climate
Brunei Darussalam has an equatorial climate, a uniform
temperature, high humidity and heavy rainfall.

Currency
The local currency is the Brunei Dollar
which is issued at denominations of
$10,000; $5,000; $1,000; $500; $100;
$50; $25; $20; $10; $5; and $1 notes.
Coinage is issued at 50, 20, 10 and 5
cent denominations.

It is pegged to the value of the Singapore

Dollar and both currencies can be used
in Brunei Darussalam and Singapore.

Time
Brunei Darussalam is eight hours ahead of Greenwich
Meridian Time (GMT).

Vegetation
Seventy eight per cent of the country’s total land area
is covered by forests with 40 per cent of the land is
gazetted Forests Reserve.

Main industry
Petroleum and gas has fuelled the nation’s economy
for the past 80 years and more. The industry has
come a long way from the very first commercial find
in Seria of the Belait District in 1929.

A milestone was achieved in 1991 when the Seria

field produced its billionth barrel and a monument
was built near the original site of Well No.1
to mark the achievement. The Billionth
Barrel Monument was officially opened by
His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah
Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, The Sultan and
Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam on
July 18, 1991.

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National carrier
Royal Brunei Airlines (RBA) is
the national carrier established
on November 18, 1974.

It is an independent corporation
wholly owned by the government
of Brunei Darussalam.

RBA provides scheduled services across Asia, the

Middle East, Australasia and the United Kingdom.

As an added convenience to its passengers, the

airline has code-share agreements with Thai Airways
International, Malaysia Airlines, British Midland,
Philippines Airlines and Dragon Air of Hong Kong,
allowing passengers to coordinate flights for seamless
travel to a wider choice of destinations.

Entry Checkpoints:
Airport: Brunei International Airport is the nation’s
sole airport. It is located in Berakas, about 10 to 15
minutes away from the capital.

Ferry Services and Immigration Control Post:

 Serasa Teminal: Located in Muara Town,
about 25 minutes from the capital. You
can take ferry services from here to the
Malaysian town of Labuan, Sabah. The
journey is estimated to take around 45
minutes to an hour.

 Kuala Lurah Immigration Control Post:

Located in Brunei-Muara District about 25
minutes from the capital. This control post
is a gate connecting Brunei Darussalam to
the Malaysian town of Limbang, Sarawak.

 Labu Immigration Control Post: Located in

Temburong District. This control post is a
gateway connecting Brunei Darussalam to
Malaysia’s Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.
 Sungai Tujoh Immigration Control
Post: Located in
Belait District. This
control post is a
gateway connecting
Brunei Darussalam
to Malaysian town of
Miri, Sarawak.

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Telecommunications
There are various telecommunications services offered
in Brunei Darussalam by three service providers;
Telekom Brunei Berhad(TelBru), DST Communications
and B.Mobile Communications Sdn Bhd.

Local calls cost 3 cents per minute and national calls

cost 20 cents per minute.

For local calls, direct dial the local number. For national
calls, dial the area codes 2 (for Brunei-Muara District);
3 (for Belait District); 4 (for Belait District) or 5 (for
Temburong District) followed by the number.

International calls by reverse charge, dial 01. For

direct international calls, dial 00 followed by the
country code, area code and the number.

A number of economical telephone cards ranging

from $5 above are also available.

Wi-fi and hotspots are widely available at various

dining outlets and commercial areas.

Mobile modem and router using a High Speed Downlink

Packet Access (HSDPA) or 3G (Third Generation)
Mobile Telephony Communication Protocol in high
speed are also available in Brunei.

Current HSDPA deployment in Brunei Darussalam

support downlink speed of up to 7.2 Megabits per
second.

Newspapers
Pelita Brunei is the official government newspaper
while Borneo Bulletin, The Brunei Times and
Media Permata are the three leading privately-run
newspapers. A number of foreign newspapers and
magazines are also available.

Radio and Television

There are four channels RTB1, RTB2, RTB3, RTB4 and
five radio networks run by the government through
the Department of Radio and Televisyen Brunei
(RTB). While one radio network is owned by a private
telecommunication company. Foreign channels are
also available through private cable television network
Kristal-Astro.

Banks
 AmCapital (B) Sdn Bhd
 Baiduri Bank Berhad
 BICB Capital Sdn Bhd
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  Bank Islam Brunei
Darussalam (BIBD)
 Citibank
 HongKong & Shanghai
Bank Corporation (HSBC)
 Maybank
 RHB Bank Berhad
 Standard Chartered Bank
 Tabung Amanah Islam
Brunei (TAIB)
 United Overseas Bank
Credit cards are accepted at hotels and selected shops
and restaurants. Most accepted credit cards are Visa
and Master but some also accept American Express.

National Celebrations
National Day - February 23rd
His Majesty‘s Birthday – July 15th
Royal Brunei Armed Forces anniversary – May 31st

Brunei Darussalam also celebrates:

New Islamic Year (Hijrah), Maulidur
Rasul, Isra Mikraj, First Day of
Ramadhan, Nuzul Al-Quran, Hari
Raya Aidilfitri, Hari Raya Aidiladha,
New Year (January 1st), Chinese New
Year, and Christmas. These days are
announced as public holidays.

Emergency calls
Ambulance – 991
Police – 993
Fire & Rescue – 995
Search & Rescue – 998

Hotlines
Water – 140
Electricity – 144/145
Health line – 2384234
Flight Info - 2331747

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Medical Services
The Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha General
Hospital (RIPAS) is the main referral hospital. It is
about five to 10 minutes drive from the capital.

The hotline is 224 2424.

Government hospitals can also be found at the other

three districts. There are also two private hospitals.

For convenience, 14 government health centres are

available throughout the nation. Private clinics are
also widely available.

Driving Permits
Brunei Darussalam recognises international driving
permits issued under the 1949 Convention on Road
Traffic.

Transportations
Bruneians drive on the left side of the road. The
wearing of seat belts for drivers and front passengers
is compulsory.

Public Transportations
 Taxi Services – There are taxi
services available should you wish
to hire one. For reservations, please
contact: 222 2214 or 222 6853.

The taxis are mostly available in the

capital. While there is a surcharge fee for taxi rides
from 11.00pm to 6.00am.

Taxis are also available at the Brunei International

Airport.

For inquiries on destination fares,

you may call the Land Transport
Department at 245 1979 during
the office hours.

 Bus Routes – There are

six bus routes operating around
Bandar Seri Begawan:

• Central Line – runs every

15 minutes and stops at Brunei
International Airport, Post Office, Government offices,
Terrace Hotel, Sheraton Utama Hotel, Youth Centre,
Arts and Handicraft Centre, Brunei Museum and the
Malay Technology Museum.

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• Circle Line – runs every 20 minutes and stops
at RIPAS Hospital, Jame’ ‘Asr Hassanil Bolkiah,
Gadong Wet Market, Centrepoint in Gadong,
Government offices, Immigration and National
Registration Department/Labour Department,
the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium, Islamic
Dakwah Centre, Supersave Mabohai, Terrace
Hotel, Sheraton Utama Hotel and the Youth
Centre.

The rest of the routes are Eastern Line, Southern

Line, Western Line and Northern Line. All of these bus
routes end at the main bus terminal in the capital.

Most of the bus services ends its daily operation at

6.00 or 7.00 pm.

Bus fare starts from $1.00.

There are also buses that depart

for Tutong, Kuala Belait and
Seria.

 Water Taxis – A popular

means of transportation
should you wish to explore
the famous Kampong Ayer or
Water Village is by using the
water taxi. You can hail for a
water taxi at jetties situated
along Brunei River. Regular
boat services to Temburong
district are also available
which operates from 7.45am
to 4.00pm daily.

Where to go?
A Tourist Information Centre is available at
the Brunei International Airport.

Another centre is available at the Temburong District

located at No.13/14 Bangunan Perniagaan Rakyat
Jati, Bangar Town.

Their operating hours are from 9.00am - 5.00pm

daily and will close for Friday prayers from 12.00pm
to 2pm.

Places of Interests:

Berakas Forestry Recreational Park – The 199 hectares

forestry recreation park is situated along the Muara-

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Tutong highway which is just about 10 kilometres from
the capital in Berakas. At the park, you can witness
the sun-dappled pathways meander past sheltered
picnic spots and barbeque facilities. Besides this
green forest, you can also enjoy the beach. (Brunei-
Muara District)

Brunei Arts & Handicraft Centre – Established in 1975

with the objective to preserve the skills of producing
local handicrafts. The centre until today have produced
many graduates who later are mostly involved in small-
and-medium enterprises (SMEs) mainly in producing
local h a n d ic ra f t s
like kain tenunan
(weave d c lo t h ) ,
songkok (traditional
headg e a r ) , a n d
brass-making
products.

The centre has a

gallery that displays various types of
handicrafts made by the students where
some exhibits are for sale.
(Brunei-Muara District)

Brunei Museum – Located about

five kilometres from the capital,
the Brunei Museum was officially
opened on February 29, 1972
by Her Majesty Queen Elixabeth
II of the United Kingdom. The
museum has galleries on;
Islamic arts, oil and gas, natural
history, the Sunken Treasure,
the Brunei’s traditional culture
and Brunei’s archaeology and
history. (Brunei-Muara District)

Bubungan Dua Belas – Also

known as House of Twelve Roofs. Built in 1906, it
is one of the oldest surviving buildings in Brunei
based at Kota Batu. Located along Jalan Residency,
the building was formerly used as the residence for
previous British Residents and High Commissioners.
It is now an exhibition gallery and offers a panoramic
view overlooking the famous water village. (Brunei-
Muara District)

Damuan Recreational Park – Situated next to the

Istana Nurul Iman, the Damuan Recreational Park is
the place to get the best view of the palace, Istana

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Nurul Iman. It also offers scenic park view along the
riverbank of Jalan Tutong, and it is also a popular spot
for joggers. (Brunei-Muara District)

Gadong Night Market – This market opens daily from

6.00pm until midnight. It offers various types of
cooked food ranging from local to western dishes at
affordable prices. Also available are fresh fruits and
vegetables and some clothes items. (Brunei-Muara
District)

Health Promotion Centre – Located about 10 minutes

drive from the capital, the centre was officially opened
by His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin
Waddaulah, The
Sultan and Yang Di-
Pertuan of Brunei
Darussalam on
November 13, 2008.
The centre consists
of modern exhibits
that features health
related items.
Besides viewing the modern, attractive a n d
i n n o v a t i v e exhibitions, interactive activities are
also available. (Brunei-Muara District)

Home stay at Kampong Senukoh – Kampong Senukoh

offers a concept of a village stay where visitors can
choose between a day trip or overnight programme
(two-day one night stay). During the visit/stay, visitors
are invited to join and experience traditional activities
like pounding of paddy, cooking local delicacies;
making local handicraft and playing traditional games.
(Temburong District)

Jame’ ‘Asr Hassanil Bolkiah – Built in 1994 to

commemorate the silver jubilee anniversary of His
Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin
Waddaulah, The Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei
Darussalam’s accession to the throne. It is located
in Kampong Kiarong, and about five to 10 minutes
drive from the capital. The mosque is one of the main
venue for mass prayer in the nation. (Brunei-Muara
District)

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The Kampong Ayer
Cultural and Tourism
Gallery (KACTG) - Built
with a style replicating
a grand Kampong
Ayer house and with a
distinctive observation
tower that gives
visitors a bird’s eye view of the water village and
its surroundings, the KACTG has become the latest
tourist attraction in Bandar Seri Begawan. There are
galleries containing background information of the
water village from its historical origins until its present
day. (Brunei-Muara District)

Malay Technology Museum – The Malay Technology

Museum is located next to the Brunei Museum at Kota
Batu. The Museum has three main exhibition halls,
the water village’s traditional homes; water village’s
traditional technology; and inland’s traditional
technology. (Brunei-Muara District)

Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque – Named after the 28th

Sultan of Brunei. Officially opened on September 26,
1958 by Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien
Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, the mosque is one of the
magnificent mosques in Southeast Asia. The mosque
is situated in the capital and has a majestic golden
dome. Next to the mosque (in the middle of the
lagoon) is a replica of a 16th century royal barge.
(Brunei-Muara District)

Oil and Gas Discovery Centre (OGDC)

– It is located in Seria. It was set up by
the Brunei Shell Petroleum with an aim
to educate the public about science,
technology and environment. (Belait
District)

Tasek Lama Recreational Park – Tasek

Lama Recreational Park is one of the
oldest recreational parks
located in the capital. It has
a natural waterfall and lake,
and features a beautiful
garden of trees and flowers.
(Brunei-Muara District)
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Tasek Merimbun
Heritage Park –
Located in Tutong
District, about 1
hour 15 minutes
drives from Bandar Seri Begawan. Administered by
the Brunei Museum, the park aims to provide a safe
haven for protected wildlife to breed, preserve flora and
fauna and to provide a base for scientific research and
study. For those interested in botany or bird watching,
there is also a trail through the jungle. The park was
declared as one of the ASEAN National Heritage Sites
on November 29, 1984. (Tutong District).

The Royal Regalia Building - Situated in the heart of

the capital, the building was built to commemorate
the silver jubilee anniversary of His Majesty Sultan
Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, The
Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam’s
accession to the throne. The building houses a
collection or royal regalia and associated items to the
Brunei royalty. (Brunei-Muara District)

Ulu Temburong National Park – This park is rich with

unspoiled flora and fauna. It
can be reached by using a
long boat or locally known
as Temuai. At the park,
you can enjoy strolling
on the extensive wooden
boardwalk and witness the
fresh environment. Other
excitements here are the
Canopy Walk and the waterfall. (Temburong District)

Leisure/recreational/dine in:
Anduki Jubilee Recreational Park, Belait.
Batang Duri Park, Temburong.
Billionth Barrel Monument, Seria.
Bukit Shahbandar Recreational Park, Jerudong.
Bukit Patoi Recreational Park,Temburong.
Empire Cinema, Jerudong.
The Empire Hotel & Country Club.

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Jerudong Park Playground.
Kianggeh Food Centre,
Bandar Seri Begawan.
Lumut Beach.
Mangrove Paradise Resort,
Sungai Belukut.
Muara Beach.
OGDC Cinema (Seria).
River cruise (Kampong Ayer).
Selirong Island.
Serasa Beach.
Seri Kenangan beach, Tutong.
Seri Qlap Cinema, Kiulap.
Tamu Selera, Bandar Seri Begawan.
Tamu Serambangun, Tutong.
Tamu Seria.
Tasik Buluh Aie Merah Recreation Park, Temburong.
The Mall Gadong, Cineplex.
Ulu-Ulu Resort
Wasai Wang Kadir, Belait.

Shopping
Athirah Plaza, Jalan Tutong.
Delima Square.
Galleria YMRM, Jalan Tutong.
Galleria YMRM, Tungku.
Hua Ho Mall, Tutong.
Hua Ho Mall, Manggis.
Jaya Hypermart,
Centrepoint Gadong.
Kiulap Plaza Hotel.
Kompleks Utama
Bumiputera, Temburong
Nazmi Textile Mall, Delima.
Seri Qlap Mall.
Setia Kenangan Complex, Kiulap.
Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Foundation Shopping
Complex.
The Mall, Gadong.
Sumbangsih Mulia, Beribi Gadong.

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Where to stay?
Brunei Muara District
Abdul Razak Plaza Apartments.
APEK Utama Hotel.
Brunei Hotel.
D’ Anggerek Service Apartments.
Goodview Hotel.
Grand City Hotel.
Jubilee Hotel.
KH Soon Services & Resthouse.
Kiulap Plaza Hotel.
Kompleks Mohamad Yusof Service
Apartment.
Le Gallery Suites & Hotel.
LR Asma Hotel.
Mangrove Paradise Resort.
Orchid Garden Hotel.
Palm Garden Hotel
Riverview Hotel.
Rizqun International Hotel.
Seameo Voctech.
Sheraton Utama Hotel.
Terrace Hotel.
The Centrepoint Hotel.
The Empire Hotel & Country Club.
The Holiday Lodge.
Traders Inn.
Youth Hostel.

Tutong District
Halim Plaza Hotel

Belait District
Hotel Kooperasi Seria.
Plaza Sutera Biru.
Riviera Hotel.
Sea View Hotel.
Sentosa Hotel.
The Swiss Hotel Apartment.

Temburong
Awadah Guesthouse
Haji Radin Guesthouse
Likut Intan Guesthouse.
Ulu-Ulu Resort

General Information:
Brunei Darussalam’s Milestones Since 2000
Brunei secures e-commerce and online users’
interest: Brunei has passed four legislations, effective
since 2000, in a bid to secure electronic business
transactions and curb online instances that contravene
public decency.
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1. Electronic Transactions Order 2000
2. Computer Misuse Order 2000
3. Broadcasting (Class Licence) Notification 2000
4. Internet Code of Practice Notification 2000
Brunei overhauls telecommunications and IT laws:
Brunei has passed three legislations since 2001 in
a bid to streamline its information communication
technologies (ICT) industry.
1. Authority for Information Communication
Technology Industry (AiTi) Order 2001 that establishes
an independent statutory body to regulate Brunei’s
telecommunications and ICT industries.
2. Telecommunications Order 2001 that succeeds the
Telecommunications Act 1984.
3. Telecommunications Succession Order 2001 that
enables the Telecommunications Department (JTB) to
transform into a corporate entity.
Other signatories to this treaty include Singapore and
Thailand.
Brunei strengthens human resources: Brunei’s
supply of specialist and professional workforce is set
to increase after the government has allocated the
B$250 million Human Resources Fund on January
10, 2006, which augments the current B$852 million
Education and Human Resources Development Fund.
The B$250 million funding covers six aspects of
Brunei’s human capital:
1. Specialists and professionals
2. The three-tiered scholarship schemes
3. Unemployed graduates
4. School leavers
5. Skills and knowledge development
6. Entrepreneurial development
The funding also pays for the feasibility
studies on the overseas employment inducement
schemes, and the national service scheme. The B$250
million Human Resources Fund complements the
National Development Plan, which hitherto focuses
solely on physical infrastructure development.
Brunei introduces law on disaster management: To
provide effective disaster management, a Disaster
Management Order, 2006 had been passed.
Brunei introduces nation’s first Islamic bond: Sukuk
Al-Ijarah, an Islamic bond was launched on March 14,
2006. The issuance of the Sukuk Al-Ijarah is the first
step in developing a Capital Market in Brunei. The
introduction is hoped to enhance the nation’s position
in the growing regional and global Islamic Financial
Community.
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For the issuance of the Sukuk, the Government of
His Majesty The Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of
Brunei Darussalam through Ministry of Finance had
established two companies namely; Sukuk Holding
Properties Inc and Sukuk (Brunei) Inc as the facilitators
of the government in implementing the programme.
Brunei shows strong commitment to protect the
environment: As a symbol of their support and
commitment in the area of the natural habitat and
forest conservation, Brunei Darussalam with Indonesia
and Malaysia launched the ‘Heart of Borneo’.
The ‘Heart of Borneo’ is a protected area that harbours
up to six per cent of the world’s total biodiversity. It
is the source of 14 of the island’s 20 major rivers with
some 361 new species discovered in the last 10 years.
It covers an area of approximately 220, 000 sq. km of
equatorial rainforest and numerous wildlife species.
Brunei becomes member of Asian Development Bank:
Brunei Darussalam became the 65th member of Asian
Development Bank (ADB) on April 27, 2006.
Brunei introduces Order to protect the young: In its
bid to protect her children and the young segment of
the population, the Government of His Majesty The
Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam
introduced the Children and Young Person Order,
2006 which replaced the Children Order, 2000.
Brunei sets up ‘think tank’ establishment: Under
the Centre for Strategic and Policy
Studies Order, 2006, a ‘think tank’
establishment had been set up. It
is known as the Centre for Strategic
and Policy Studies (CSPS).
Brunei joins International Labour
Organisation: Brunei Darussalam
joined and became the 180th member of the
International Labour Organisation (ILO) in 2007.
Brunei expands its capital: Bandar Seri Begawan is
now 100.35 sq.km wide where its former land area
was only 12.87 sq.km. The expansion took place
effective August 1, 2007.
Brunei ranks among top five in living standards: Brunei
Darussalam is ranked among top five in Asia and the
Pacific when it comes to economic well-being and
living standards of the population. These results are
based on a study by Asia Development Bank (ADB).
Brunei celebrates 100th anniversary of its health
services: The year 2007 marks the 100th anniversary
of Brunei’s health services. It is one of the oldest

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services in the nation and had gone through a
number of challenges and notably, achieved several
momentous successes such as the eradication of
Malaria since August 1987 and Poliomyelitis since
October 2004.
Brunei ensures education for all: To ensure that
the children of  this nation will be receiving formal
education within an appropriate period in schools
and to the enhance the quality of the education, the
Ministry of Education have enforced the ‘Compulsory
Education Order 2007’ that took effect from November
24, 2007.
The main objective of this Order is to ensure that all
children aged between six and 15 years old who meet
the requirements to receive primary and secondary
education are officially registered and getting proper
education in schools.
Brunei enforces Custom Import Duties Order and
Excise Duties Order: No import taxes on cigarettes and
tobacco, alcoholic beverages and motor vehicles, but
instead replaced with excise duties will be enforced
under the Custom Import Duties Order, 2007.
Under the Customs Import Duties Order 2007, the three
schedules include Rate of Import Duty, Exemption
From Import Duty, and Scheduled Persons.
Meanwhile, for the Excise Duties Order, the three
schedules are Rate of Excise Duty, Exemption From
Import Duty, and Scheduled Persons.
According to the Customs Import Duties Order 2007,
duty must be paid for importing products into the
country. While, Excise Duties Order 2007 requires the
payment of excise duties which applies to products
manufactured locally.
Brunei announces its long-term development plan:
A book entitled ‘Brunei Darussalam Long-Term
Development Plan’ was launched where it outlined
three major areas; Wawasan Brunei 2035; Outline
of Strategies and Policies for Development (OSPD)
2007-2017; and the National Development Plan 2007-
2012.
Through the National Vision or Wawasan Brunei
2035, it aims to make Brunei Darussalam, by 2035,
as a nation which will be widely recognised for the
accomplishments of its educated and highly skilled
people as measured by the highest international
standards; quality of life that is among the top 10
nations in the world; and a dynamic and sustainable
economy with income per capita within the top 10
countries in the world.
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Brunei establishes new department: A new
department called e-Government National Centre has
been formed where its operations began on April 1,
2008. The formation of the new department is part
of the continuous effort of the Government of His
Majesty The Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei
Darussalam to upgrade the effectiveness in providing
efficient and effective civil service in a dynamic
environment through the use and enhancement of
info-communication technology.
The main task of the centre is to provide services
in terms of operation, acquisition and human
resource development in the field of ICT related to
e-government initiatives, especially in civil service.
The centre is under the jurisdiction of the Prime
Minister’s Office.
Brunei sets up Brunei Heart of Borneo Council:
Brunei Darussalam has set up its Heart of Borneo
Council effective April 21, 2008 in its bid for a
proper management of the Heart
of Borneo initiative.
Brunei uses biometric passport:
Brunei Darussalam is the fourth
ASEAN member to use the
biometric passport. The launching
of the biometric passport fulfils the
international standard required
by the International Civil Aviation Organisation. The
launching of the biometric passport took place on May
5, 2008.
Brunei’s Broadcasting Act authority transferred:
With effect from May 21, 2008; the authority for
Broadcasting Act (Chapter 180) was transferred to
the Ministry of Communications. With the transfer of
authority, regulatory and monitoring functions of the
Act, such as the issuance of broadcasting licenses,
collection of licensing revenues, monitoring and
enforcement are now carried out by the Ministry of
Communications.
However, the two government media agencies, Radio
Televisyen Brunei and Department of Information are
not affected by the transfer and remain under the
administration of the Prime Minister’s Office.
The Broadcasting Act (Chapter 180) was formerly
under the purview of the Prime Minister’s Office.
Brunei introduces two new Orders: Two new Orders
– Takaful Order 2008 and Islamic Banking Order 2008
have been introduced in 2008 in the bid to promote
and develop the finance sector of this nation.
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Brunei meets ISPS Code standard: Brunei ports have
met the International Ship and Port Facility Security
(ISPS) Code standard since July 1, 2004.
ISPS Code is a step towards strengthening vessels’
security and ports facilities.
Brunei launched its auto-gate immigration system:
Brunei Darussalam has reached another milestone in
the field of information communication technologies
(ICT) with the launching of its auto-gate immigration
system.  
An official launching ceremony was held on December
31, 2008 at the Brunei International Airport where
passengers arriving on flight SQ182 from Singapore
holding biometric passports making their way
through the immigration clearance with the auto-gate
technology were the first to use this new system.
Through the auto-gate system, biometric passports
will be scanned using a passport scanner which
will read the information on the chip that is in the
biometric passport. Once the information has been
read, the finger print of the passport holder is needed
before the gate is opened for entering or exit.
Must try! Local dishes/delicacies/fruits:
Ambuyat – white sticky starch made from ambulong
(ambulong is produced from Rumbia tree).
Kembayau – or Canarium Odontophyllum
Mig from the family of Burseraceae. It is
a seasonal local fruit that can be found
around Borneo Island. It is tasty,
and can be eaten with a little sugar
or salt. Kembayau is cooked by soaking it in
boiling water for several minutes.
Limpaung – or Baccaurea Lanceolata Muell
is another local fruit. Its shape is slightly bigger
than a golf ball. Limpaung taste sour and slightly
bitter. This fruit can be eaten raw or used as a
cooking ingredient.
Membangan – Membangan or its botanical name
Mangifera Factida Lour (from Anacardiaceae
family) is once known as the giant mango
of Borneo island. It is only available in
Borneo. It taste sweet and fragrant.
Nasi Katok – packed rice with sambal (spicy
sauce), chicken or beef.
Sesagun – made from rice, coconut, sugar and
little salt (grinded together). Sesagun is a perfect
combination eating with banana.

19
 Editorial Board
Advisor: Dr. Haji Muhammad Hadi bin Muhammad Melayong
(hadi.melayong@information.gov.bn)
Hajah Noorashidah binti Haji Aliomar
(noorashidah.aliomar @information.gov.bn)

Editor: Sastra Sarini binti Haji Julaini (sarini.julaini@information.gov.bn)

Sub-editor & text: Hajah Noorhijrah binti Haji Idris (noorhijrah.idris@

information.gov.bn), Aida binti Hidop (aida.hidop@information.gov.bn)

Layout: Hajah Zaianit binti Haji Noorkhan (zaianit.noorkhan@information.gov.bn)

Photo credit: Photography & Audio Visual Division of Information Department;

Sastra Sarini Haji Julaini; Haji Ariffin Md. Noor; Pengiran Ikram Pengiran Haji
Ahmad; Hajah Zaianit Haji Noorkhan; Nur Amalina Jennifer Abdullah Mok;
Mahmud Ibrahim; Sahrin Md. Noor; The Empire Hotel & Country Club; Orchid
Garden Hotel; Brunei Tourism; and Royal Brunei Airlines.

Photos on front cover: Ariel view of Bandar Seri Begawan (top), the Silver Jubilee
Celebration 2009 (left), Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque (right).

Photos on back cover: Ariel view of Bandar Seri Begawan (top), Temuai (Iban long
boat) at Temburong River (middle), visitor at the top of Canopy Walk, Belalong
Temburong (bottom).

Published by Information Department, Prime Minister’s Office,

20 Brunei Darussalam
(English News & Media IT Division)