Brunei’s Budget Breakdown: Billions Spent, But Are We Seeing Results?

By: Malai Hassan Othman

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, MARCH 2025: After weeks of deliberation, Brunei’s Legislative Council adjourned its first session of 2025 with a clear message: millions have been allocated, but public expectations for delivery remain high - and increasingly urgent.

The 14th day of proceedings on 20 March 2025 was rich in numbers but just as full of questions. 

Members voiced concerns over uncoordinated digital platforms, low industrial occupancy, and ageing populations left behind in the country’s push for modernisation. 

While ministries provided detailed responses, the recurring theme was unmistakable - spending alone no longer satisfies public scrutiny.

Digital transformation: Ambitious but fragmented

Brunei’s push to become a smart nation has been backed by a hefty B$146.5 million budget for digital systems such as TAFIS 2.0, EPRS, OneMHO, and upgrades to BruHealth. 

But on the floor of the chamber, multiple legislators pressed for greater coordination and evaluation.

Despite overlapping systems and costly upgrades, many government services remain siloed. 

Ministries march forward on their own digital agendas - often with little to no synchronisation.

The Ministry of Transport and Infocommunications acknowledged the issue and outlined upcoming efforts to synchronise systems and assess outcomes. 

But as systems multiply, so too does the risk of wasteful redundancies - raising the question: are Bruneians getting what they paid for?

Housing projects: Strong spending, slow delivery

The Ministry of Development presented its flagship housing developments in Lugu (B$108.6 million) and Tanah Jambu (B$96.97 million) as models of economic participation. 

Both projects involved local contractors, consultants, and suppliers. In total, they engaged more than a dozen local firms and employed scores of Bruneians.

But on the ground, delays persist. Applicants face long waiting lists and no system to track applications. 

Questions remain on whether these projects serve the people who need them most - or simply look good on paper.

Some legislators proposed small-scale housing projects for kampungs, such as Sungai Mau, Lamunin, and Supon Besar, noting the importance of rural revitalisation alongside national expansion.

A digital nation—but not for everyone

Not all citizens have caught up with the digital wave. In fact, a 2022 survey revealed that 72% of elderly pension recipients still prefer to collect their allowance in cash from village heads, avoiding banks and digital apps.

Though bank uptake is increasing - 45% of 44,405 recipients now receive payments through financial institutions - the gap remains wide. 

Digital illiteracy, trust issues, and physical immobility were all cited as barriers by the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports.

This digital divide raises a serious concern: while Brunei celebrates its tech milestones, thousands of its elderly are quietly left behind.

Labour pains: Minimum wage rises, retention falls

With over 700 local workers set to benefit from the new B$500/month minimum wage across seven sectors, the government is taking steps toward better income security.

Yet even with wage reforms, a majority of surveyed companies - 60% - still struggle to retain Bruneian workers. 

Job-hopping, low morale, and dissatisfaction with private sector conditions point to deeper cracks in the labour market.

Ministries cite training and support schemes. But if skills are developed only to be underpaid and underutilised, are we solving the right problem?

Industrial parks: Built, but barely filled

In Temburong, the Batu Apoi Industrial Site sits at just 7% occupancy, despite being ready for investors. 

Bukit Panggal in Tutong is currently 0% occupied. Other areas, such as Serambangun, fare better with 75% usage, but overall national industrial park occupancy remains at 61%.

The BEDB defended its long-term vision, explaining that future zones - like Bukit Pasir and Labu Estate - are part of strategic diversification. But critics ask: if the present sites remain underused, what exactly are we preparing for?

Cybersecurity: Growing risks, modest response

Only B$2.3 million more was added to the nation’s cybersecurity budget, despite rising risks from fintech, online platforms, and data-driven services.

The Ministry said the focus would be on regulation, awareness, and sector-based resilience. But with threats growing in complexity and speed, the question lingers: is this response enough to safeguard a digital Brunei?

Call centre success - and a sign of what's possible

Talian Darussalam 123, Brunei’s national feedback hotline, was lauded for handling over 5 million calls and achieving a 4.5/5 satisfaction rating. 

Members called for similar systems across ministries, integrated with real-time dashboards and AI-supported analytics.

TD123 proves that good governance can be responsive, measurable, and citizen-centred. 

But can its success be replicated in ministries still burdened by outdated workflows and manual tracking?

The role of legislators—and their limitations

Several members expressed frustration that they receive no budget for addressing local complaints such as broken drains, potholes, or lighting issues. 

Constituents often expect action, but members must channel such cases through the relevant ministries.

This structural limitation leaves lawmakers stuck between public expectations and bureaucratic procedures - raising concerns about accountability without authority.

Airport corporatisation: A proposal on the table

The Ministry of Transport and Infocommunications floated the idea of corporatising Brunei International Airport - mirroring models like Changi and Malaysia Airports Holdings.

Legislators welcomed the concept cautiously, stressing the importance of ensuring national interest and economic benefit for local workers and firms. 

But details remain scant, and follow-through will determine whether this becomes transformation or just talk.

A session ends—but the work continues

Speaker Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Lela Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Abdul Rahman confirmed the first session of the 21st Legislative Council had concluded.

Mentions of a “second session” were made, signalling that deliberations would resume in due course to address unresolved matters and continuing national strategies.

As Brunei lays out its development roadmap, the numbers may be bold - but the demand for delivery, transparency, and measurable progress is louder than ever.

What do you think?

The national budget, policies, and governance affect every Bruneian. Are the allocations reflective of public needs? Are digital advancements truly benefiting all? 

What should be done to ensure industrial zones are productive and not just ambitious blueprints? 

We invite you to join the conversation. Share your thoughts, expectations, and hopes for the next Legislative Council session. What changes do you want to see? 

Let’s make national development a collective discussion, not just a policy announcement. (MHO/03/2025)