The Silent Frontliners: Reclaiming Trust Through True Public Service Communication

(This article is a follow-up to my earlier piece: Of Cowards, Critics, and the Call to Contribute, where I explored the culture of criticism, silence, and the need for constructive national engagement.)

In a nation where progress is measured not just by development projects but by public trust and national unity, a group of unsung heroes continues to labour quietly: Brunei’s civil servants. 

Often vilified in public discourse and social media chatter, many government officers work far beyond the call of duty, quietly serving the nation without expecting recognition. 

Yet their efforts are rarely celebrated; instead, they are drowned under the weight of criticism, some valid, but many fueled by hearsay and shallow understanding. 

"Sometimes, it feels like no matter how hard we work, it's never enough," shared a young officer recently. "We don't just work to earn a living; we work to serve." 

Her words are not an isolated sentiment but an echo of the silent frustration felt across the public sector.

Public and private conversations today often carry a tone of frustration.

As one commentator pointed out, during crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic, many became instant "experts," blaming and criticising rather than offering solutions. 

The real question remains: What are we going to do about it? 

Those who truly care about Brunei's future must move beyond criticism to provide suggestions, propose a way forward, and constructively engage with authorities.

Brunei's working culture in the public service is shaped by deep respect for hierarchy, risk aversion, and an overwhelming emphasis on protocol over engagement. 

Officers tread cautiously when dealing with the media or the public, often avoiding open communication for fear of overstepping. 

The prevailing mentality still echoes the blunt statement I once received as a young reporter: "We don't work for the media." 

This cautious working culture, combined with Brunei's top-down political system, fosters an environment where proactive, transparent communication is not just rare — it is discouraged. 

Many officers, no matter how dedicated, are trapped within structures that silence rather than empower them to communicate with the people they serve.

Meanwhile, the media landscape itself struggles. 

Once vibrant, it is now reduced to a handful of surviving private outlets such as Borneo Bulletin and Media Permata, alongside state-run platforms like Pelita Brunei and RTB. 

Journalism has largely been reduced to press release reporting, with little room for investigative depth or independent scrutiny. 

While the internet has expanded access to information, the tight narrative controls and cautious reporting norms have left a critical void. 

In many cases, what remains can be described as patronising journalism — content that highlights only the positives, praises authority without question, and avoids meaningful scrutiny. 

While intended to preserve stability, this approach risks alienating an increasingly discerning public who yearn for authenticity, critical thought, and genuine engagement.

In the absence of bold, credible, and timely communication, rumours, frustration, and mistrust thrive. 

Recurring patterns vividly demonstrate this communication gap: during the rollout of various public service initiatives over the years, public confusion has often escalated due to delayed, inconsistent information from official sources.

In many instances, social media filled the void with half-truths and frustrations, damaging public confidence in reforms that might otherwise have been well received. 

This was particularly evident when public debates flared up around proposed restrictions on online forums, exposing a widespread public fear that tighter media controls would further suffocate civic space.

Effective Public Relations (PR) is not a luxury. It is the lifeline of good governance. 

It builds trust, ensures transparency, and connects government institutions to the people they serve. 

Press releases, social media engagement, public outreach, media interviews, and proactive dialogues are not optional extras. 

They are critical components of modern public service. 

But beyond technical fixes, true public relations must be grounded in deeper values — the timeless Islamic principles that characterised the leadership of Prophet Muhammad SAW: Sidiq (truthfulness), Amanah (trustworthiness), Tabligh (clear communication and cascading of information), and Fatanah (wisdom). 

These principles formed the ethical foundation of his leadership, ensuring trust, clarity, and wisdom in governance and communication. 

As Caliph Umar ibn Al-Khattab (RA) wisely said: 

"The most beloved of leaders to the people is the one who strives for their welfare, and the most hated is the one who seeks to burden them." 

Leadership, therefore, is a trust that demands sincerity, clarity, and compassion. 

• Sidiq demands that the government speak the truth consistently, clearly, and courageously. -

• Amanah requires public servants to honour the trust placed in them by serving sincerely and responsibly. -

• Tabligh goes beyond mere announcements; it insists on effective cascading of information from leadership to every level, ensuring that policies are clearly understood and implemented with unity and clarity. -

• Fatanah calls for wisdom in balancing firmness with compassion, especially when facing public criticism.

If Brunei’s public sector truly wishes to rebuild public trust, then these values must not merely be quoted in speeches. 

They must be woven into daily practice, into every public statement, every engagement with the media, and every internal briefing. 

Without effective cascading communication, policies risk being misunderstood or poorly implemented, leading to frustration both within the service and among the public. 

Clarity must flow from the top down through every directorate, department, and frontline service counter.

A positive example of effective cascading communication was seen during the nationwide rollout of the BruHealth application during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Clear guidelines, proactive public briefings, and consistent messaging across ministries helped achieve rapid public compliance and understanding, demonstrating that when communication flows properly, national initiatives can succeed smoothly.

Despite the success of initiatives like BruHealth, communication gaps persist across other areas of public service.

Increasingly, even the youth are expressing frustration, seeking platforms for safe civic engagement and common dialogue. 

As one young respondent asked: "Can we share a common platform?" 

Their question reflects a growing yearning for constructive participation in national development, not just passive observation or criticism. 

This growing desire for civic participation, however, is not without risks. 

As another well-wisher warned, bold voices calling for reform may unsettle certain entrenched interests. 

The corridors of power are often more threatened by constructive criticism than by silence. 

Nevertheless, the will to speak up for a better Brunei must remain steadfast. We are not alone. 

Hope for a better future is a shared aspiration across borders and generations.

Moreover, suppressing traditional media and curbing online platforms not only stifles public discourse but threatens the very foundation of good governance. 

Without a free and responsible press, there can be no meaningful checks and balances. 

Governments operate without significant scrutiny; inefficiencies and mismanagement remain hidden, and public trust continues to erode. 

Transparency is not merely a virtue; it is an economic and social necessity, critical for attracting investments, encouraging innovation, and fostering a well-informed citizenry. 

In a time when the public demands faster answers, more transparency, and greater accountability, the solution does not lie in defensiveness or silence. 

It lies in embracing a communication culture rooted in the timeless Islamic principles of Sidiq (truthfulness), Amanah (trustworthiness), Tabligh (clear communication and effective cascading of information), and Fatanah (wisdom).

As a young officer reflected, "We inherited a legacy of problems. Fixing it will take a united nation." 

Unity will not come from slogans; it must be built through trust. And trust, ultimately, is built by speaking truthfully, wisely, and by being truly present for the people. 

If the silent frontliners are given a voice — and the trust to speak sincerely, wisely, and courageously — Brunei can nurture a stronger, more united nation ready to face its future with confidence. 

Brunei’s public service has a heart. Now, it must also find its voice. (MHO/04/2025)

#CallToContribute #NationBuilding #SilentFrontliners

Beyond Sightings: Brunei’s Real Conversation on Crocodiles and Coexistence

 A ground-up approach to managing human-wildlife conflict with empathy and strategy

 

What started over ambuyat by the Brunei River has now reached government halls.

From the heart of Kampong Ayer to the district halls of Tutong, villagers are speaking up—not against crocodiles, but for timely alerts, safe riverbanks, and policy that listens.

This isn’t just a wildlife issue. It’s a governance, communication, and coexistence challenge.

📰 Read the follow-up to Voices from the Riverbanks – now updated with field insights, agency responses, and what’s next for Brunei’s crocodile management strategy.

👇 Full story here at #KopiTalkwithMHO
#Brunei #WildlifeConservation #CommunityVoices #PublicSafety #KampongAyer #EnvironmentalPolicy #HumanWildlifeConflict

Brunei Expands Crocodile Safety Program Amid Rising Sightings and Community Concern

A Follow-Up to “Voices from the Riverbanks” | By Malai Hassan Othman

TUTONG – It began with ambuyat and crocodile talk at a long table in PABO Restaurant, perched above the legendary Brunei River and the once-bustling Kampong Ayer, now haunted by red-eyed predators.

The lunch marked the start of a scheduled five-day crocodile conservation and safety program, jointly organised by the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism and the U.S. Embassy in Brunei.

From left: Haji Dinnie Haji Mahdi, the Head of Wildlife Unit of the Forestry Department, Dr Steven G. Platt of the Wildlife Conservative Society

Led by Dr. Steven G. Platt of the Wildlife Conservation Society, the initiative aims to equip village leaders with tools to address crocodile encounters and improve ecological understanding.

This morning, the dialogue moved inland to Tutong, where the Crocodile Public Safety Briefing took place at the District Officer’s Residence, bringing together community members and officials.

The event is part of the U.S. Department of State’s Speaker Program, which facilitates global knowledge sharing in conservation, education, and civic engagement.

At the lunch in Bandar, the river wasn’t just scenery; it was a metaphor. The crocs were shy before. Now they come to the houses,' one kampong elder said over ambuyat.

That reality set the tone for Tutong. Villagers shared direct, practical experiences. They spoke of lost pets, blocked jetties, and schoolchildren rerouting to avoid crocodile haunts.

Crocodile complaints spiked from 68 in 2022 to 111 in 2023, mostly in Brunei-Muara. Experts link the rise to disturbed habitats, quiet rivers, garbage dumping, and reduced river traffic.

Dr. Platt addressed popular myths: crocodiles can live as long as humans, they don’t weaken with age, and they only stop when they lose all their teeth and can’t feed.

He emphasised that understanding crocodile behaviour is the first defence: avoiding known nesting zones, minimising splash and noise near riverbanks, and keeping waste far from waterlines.

When asked how to react to an attack, Platt advised: hit the croc with poles, target the eyes. 'Multiple people intervening often causes the crocodile to release its victim,' he noted.

The monsoon season worsens things. Waves push crocodiles inland, forcing them into calmer tributaries, right where humans gather, wash, fish, and occasionally let down their guard.

Officials highlighted the Wildlife Division’s Program Tangkap Buaya Bersama (PTBB), launched in 2023. It empowers Kampong Ayer residents to report sightings and monitor waters near their homes.

Don't be fooled by the smiles—these guys mean serious business... and soft toys.

From policy to plushies, the team behind Brunei’s crocodile safety program proves that heart, humour, and harmony go a long way in protecting communities and ecosystems.

However, community trust remains limited. 'Why do we hear about the crocodile only after someone dies?' one resident asked. 'Why not before?'

In 2024, nearly 200 crocodiles were captured and relocated. Residents say the issue lies not just with the crocodiles, but also with delayed planning, prevention, and outreach.

One village head said, 'We’re not asking for miracles, just to feel like someone cares before we end up on the news.' His words drew nods across the hall.

Among the solutions proposed: a national crocodile sighting database, school awareness programs, warning signs in danger zones, and joint kampong patrols with early-alert systems via mobile networks.

This week’s event follows up on the concerns aired in the earlier Kopi Talk with MHO column, Voices from the Riverbanks, which amplified public frustration from the ground up.

That article, framed by the haunting view of crocodiles gliding under PABO’s riverside deck, didn’t start the conversation, but it brought urgency and clarity to long-held grievances.

The Ministry now promotes a Whole-of-Nation approach, combining conservation science, grassroots cooperation, and policy alignment to protect lives and balance the ecology.

This Friday, the program will conclude with a roundtable at Universiti Brunei Darussalam, inviting young Bruneians, researchers, and officials to shape the next steps together.

As one kampong elder remarked at the end of the briefing, 'We’re not against crocodiles. We’re against being forgotten.'(MHO/04/2025)

“From the Kampong to the Policy Table - One Voice for Safer Rivers. Empowered by knowledge, connected by commitment. This is what the Whole-of-Nation Approach and collaboration look like.

Voices from the Riverbanks: Brunei Confronts Its Crocodile Crisis

Over ambuyat and local cuisine at a quiet riverside lunch, a serious conversation took shape — one that’s increasingly hard to ignore.

📍 With 111 crocodile-related complaints recorded in 2023 and nearly 200 crocodiles captured last year, Brunei is facing an urgent question: Can we coexist safely with these apex predators in an increasingly urbanised environment?

At the table were Forestry officials, local observers, and Dr. Steven Platt of the Wildlife Conservation Society — a silent observer taking in the realities shared by Brunei’s frontline managers.

🔎 What we learned:

• 51 active traps set in Kampong Ayer

• A zero-export policy for wild Crocodylus porosus (CITES compliance)

• More community talks are planned, with Tutong next in line

💬 “We blame the government. But aren’t we part of the problem too?” one participant asked.

🇧🇳 Brunei is trying — but the crocodiles are coming closer, and time is slipping away.

#Brunei #WildlifeConflict #CrocodileEncroachment #KampongAyer #EnvironmentalPolicy #CITES #Conservation #KopiTalkWithMHO

By Malai Hassan Othman

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, 21 April 2025 — As crocodile sightings and encounters rise alarmingly in Brunei's urban and riverine communities, local authorities, international conservationists, and concerned residents are grappling with one difficult question: Can humans and crocodiles continue to coexist in harmony?

This week, the U.S. Embassy in Brunei hosted American herpetologist Dr. Steven G. Platt for a public lecture and a private dialogue with Brunei's Forestry officials and selected guests. 

Ahead of the lecture scheduled for 25 April at Universiti Brunei Darussalam, a smaller lunch took place earlier in the week at PABO Soto, a riverside restaurant. 

Over plates of ambuyat and traditional Bruneian cuisine, the discussion naturally shifted toward the growing issue of crocodile encroachment. 

With the crocodile-infested Brunei River as the backdrop, the setting provided a fitting scene for a candid yet serious conversation on the country's escalating human-crocodile conflict.

Dr. Platt, a seasoned Wildlife Conservation Society herpetologist with decades of fieldwork across Southeast Asia, listened attentively as Brunei Forestry Department officials and local observers shared vivid, sometimes unsettling, accounts of crocodile encroachments into residential areas. 

Although Dr. Platt said little during the session, his attentiveness suggested keen interest in Brunei's unique ecological and social challenges.

The discussion, which overlooked the crocodile-infested Brunei River, opened with a summary by Forestry officials. According to the Wildlife Division, Brunei recorded 111 crocodile-related complaints in 2023, up from 68 the previous year. 

Most complaints came from the Brunei-Muara District, where rapid riverside development, the felling of mangroves, and changes in human activity have disturbed crocodile habitats.

Meanwhile, on the sidelines near the riverbanks, community members voiced frustration over what they viewed as ineffective mitigation. 

"The crocodiles used to stay away, but now they move closer to homes," said one villager. 

"Because of development, fewer people live in the area, and fewer water taxis are plying the river. The river is quieter, and the crocodiles are no longer afraid." 

Others blamed indiscriminate waste disposal along riverbanks and dwindling fish stocks for attracting crocodiles. 

"Our pets, along with stray dogs and displaced monkeys, are like walking buffets to them," quipped one participant. Another lamented the loss of jogging routes and riverside leisure spots due to rising fear.

As ideas were exchanged over lunch, some questioned how crocodile populations are monitored, what thresholds are used to trigger action, and whether relocation or physical barriers have been effective. 

One speaker recalled a once-displayed albino crocodile at a local museum — a haunting symbol of how long the issue has lingered without resolution.

One community member expressed frustration: "We blame the government for not doing enough. But aren't we also part of the problem? We throw rubbish in the river. We feed the imbalance." 

Forestry officials noted that 51 crocodile traps have been deployed in Zones 1 and 2 of Kampong Ayer since February, with six captures recorded so far. 

In addition, they shared during the lunch that nearly 200 crocodiles were captured last year and placed in a secure facility for monitoring and research purposes. 

These figures were previously shared during a public briefing reported by local media and reaffirmed during the lunch discussion. 

A similar community talk, modelled after Dr. Platt’s upcoming lecture at UBD, is scheduled for Tutong. The Crocodile Public Safety Briefing for village heads will take place on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, at 10:00 a.m., at the Tutong District Officer’s Residence. However, they acknowledged limitations in enforcement and public cooperation.

Dr. Platt's presence at the meal was seen as an opportunity for Brunei to tap into international best practices. 

Brunei is also a Party to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) and maintains a zero annual export quota for wild specimens of saltwater crocodiles (Crocodylus porosus). 

This commitment underscores Brunei's compliance with international conservation standards, even as it struggles with domestic management challenges. 

In places like Louisiana, crocodilian management involves a combination of habitat zoning, public education, waste control, and precise relocation protocols.

The hope is that this encounter, while informal, may spark structured cooperation in the near future.

As one participant reflected, the community is not asking for miracles - just the political will and commitment to protect both people and nature.

The conversation underscored the need for holistic, community-inclusive solutions grounded in science, policy reform, and cultural sensitivity. 

Whether Brunei can shift from reactive crocodile management to proactive coexistence planning remains to be seen.

For now, the crocodiles continue to drift ever closer, silently reminding us of the urgency to act. (MHO/04/2025)

Of Cowards, Critics, and the Call to Contribute

By Malai Hassan Othman

Recently, I came across an intriguing post on Reddit — a photo of a newspaper clipping written entirely in Chinese, with a headline that read: “(Chinese) BEDB reiterates that future is bright: Non-oil sector growing to 50% of GDP.” 

At first, I didn’t know what it was all about, as I don’t read Chinese. But what drew my attention were the comments in English beneath it. 

They gave the strong impression that the article was about Brunei — or at least, a satirical portrayal of it. 

That curiosity led me to have the article translated and carefully analysed.

What I found was a legitimate economic report, published using alternate identifiers like "Hanfei" and "Bellini." 

The article discussed non-oil and gas sector growth surpassing 50% of GDP, energy investment, and foreign partnerships with China and India - themes closely aligned with Brunei's current economic agenda. 

Indian business delegations have indeed visited Brunei recently to explore investment opportunities, as reported by reputable sources such as The Star on 14 December 2024. 

While the use of fictional names may have been a stylistic or editorial choice to avoid direct reference, the substance of the article reflects real developments. 

What struck me most, however, was not the article itself, but the public reaction to it, particularly in the English-language comments that followed. 

These reactions were laced with sarcasm, scepticism, and frustration, revealing much about our national mood.

But truthfully, what moved me to write this article began even earlier. 

In a WhatsApp group I’m part of, a discussion had unfolded - going back and forth - on whether we should continue to speak up about the state of our nation’s progress and development, or simply remain silent. The questions struck deep.

In that same conversation, several voices stood out, reflecting the inner conflict many feel. 

One participant said:

"Failures talk loud to cover their past letdown…"
"SILENCE... silent is sufficiency...!!!"
"SPEAK UP IF SOMETHING IS WRONG. SILENCE SOLVES NOTHING."

These words captured the very tension the group was debating — between staying quiet and choosing to speak with purpose.

That was the emotional undercurrent. Then came the Reddit post — and it connected everything. 

It wasn’t just about the article, but what it revealed about the public’s mood: frustration, sarcasm, fear, and a desire to say something, even if anonymously. 

To me, the use of fictional names and anonymous dissemination reflects a deeper reality — the restrictive space for freedom of speech and expression in Brunei. 

People feel compelled to resort to satire, metaphor, and pseudonyms as a safer way to express opinions and frustrations, especially when speaking openly may carry social or professional risk.

It made me reflect: How do we, as a society, express our dissatisfaction? And what do we gain or lose when we do so anonymously?

📏 But Who Was This Really Meant For? A Closer Look at the Target Audience

The article wasn’t written in English or Malay — the two most accessible languages in Brunei. 

It was published in Traditional Chinese, couched in business language, and used familiar terms: GDP growth, energy diversification, investment ties, and cross-border partnerships.

This appears tailored to a specific audience — the business community, particularly those within the local Chinese-speaking circles who often follow regional Chinese-language sources. 

The tone mimicked an economic development board press release, the kind many of us have read over the years.

Its message was subtle:

• “This sounds familiar, doesn’t it?”
• “Look beyond the slogans.”
• “Is the future as bright as promised?”

For readers attuned to these signals, it became more than satire. It became a moment of self-recognition and reflection.

🗱️ A Moment to Pause

Platforms like Reddit have become informal barometers of public sentiment — especially in places where structured public feedback is limited. 

They serve a purpose. They allow emotion. They reveal truths.

But as we lean into such spaces, we should also pause and ask:

• Are we building something when we speak anonymously?
• Are we contributing to progress, or just venting our despair?

Brunei is not short of intelligent, caring, observant people. But what we sometimes lack is courage, not to complain, but to own our voices.

🤝 Let’s Be Clear: Dissent is Not the Problem

Dissent is essential. Constructive criticism is a civic virtue. Even satire has its place.

But when satire becomes our only tool, and anonymity our only shield, we risk letting defeatism settle in.

Let’s not surrender to that. Let’s uplift our public dialogue.

🖼️ A Nation of Observers, or a Nation of Builders?

Everyone claims to want progress. But what are we doing to move us toward it?

• Can we challenge systems within the space that exists?
• Can we draft better ideas, lead grassroots efforts, and mentor the next generation?
• Can we speak boldly — even if not always publicly — but with sincerity and integrity?

Progress isn’t a punchline. It’s a process. And it needs people who are willing to show up.

🌱 To the Quiet Readers and the Brave Ones

If you feel unheard, you’re not alone. If you fear speaking up, you’re not wrong.

But still, Brunei needs your ideas. Your honesty. Your heart.

Let us raise the standard of public dialogue. Let us speak not just louder, but better.

Let us remember: The journey to Wawasan 2035 requires clarity, courage, and care.

Because if we do not speak up with wisdom, others will speak for us — in whispers, in satire, or in silence that misleads.

💬 Let’s continue the conversation—respectfully, openly, and constructively.

How do we ensure our voices push Brunei forward? I welcome your thoughts. (MHO/04/2025)

#KopiTalkWithMHO #Brunei #NationBuilding #ConstructiveDialogue #Wawasan2035 #Leadership

The Unseen Cost of Progress: When Labour Laws Exist, But Enforcement Doesn’t

Third Follow-Up to "Burnout Nation" and "The Circle of Uncertainties"

By Malai Hassan Othman

"On paper, I’m protected. In reality, I haven’t had a day off in months."
— A worker in a Brunei retail chain

In Brunei Darussalam, the ink has dried on some of Southeast Asia’s most structured employment laws. 

The Employment Order 2009 is clear: contracts must be signed, hours must be capped, rest days are mandatory, and enforcement falls squarely on the shoulders of the Labour Department. 

But for thousands of workers across the country - particularly in the private and informal sectors - those protections are little more than words in a handbook no one dares to open. 

This is the third in a series of reports sparked by a nationwide response to our previous stories: Burnout Nation and The Circle of Uncertainties. 

If the first article gave voice to the emotionally drained, and the second exposed the public’s rising frustration, then this report peels back the bureaucracy to examine the machinery - and why it isn't working.

🔹 Legal Protections That Disappear at the Doorstep

The Employment Order 2009 outlines nearly every conceivable safeguard. From written contracts and fair pay to maternity leave and weekly rest days, the law reads like a charter of labour dignity. 

But what good is a law that exists without will? 

A 2020 Department of Labour guide states that officers have the authority to inspect, audit, and act against non-compliant employers. 

Yet the testimonies of workers tell another story.

"No contract. No overtime. No breaks. They said if I don’t like it, someone else will take my place."

The Employment Information Act (Cap. 99) grants the Commissioner the power to compel any employer to provide data, contracts, or staff lists. 

Noncompliance is a punishable offence. Yet the question lingers: how many have been punished?

While the legal framework exists, including the Trade Disputes Act and Trade Unions Act, they remain rarely invoked in the private sector. 

The institutional infrastructure is present - but the will to act often is not.

🔹 The Illusion of Oversight

The Department of Labour’s stated mission includes protecting workers, enforcing employment laws, and inspecting workplaces. 

But in the private sector - especially among F&B outlets, service providers, small contractors, and boutique retail chains - the absence of oversight is palpable. 

Many workers report 12- to 14-hour shifts, seven-day weeks, and toxic managers who believe compliance is optional.

“Even on public holidays, I worked. No double pay. No choice. My boss said this isn’t Shell, this is Brunei.”

Brunei's average working hours reached 47 per week, among the highest in Southeast Asia according to ILO statistics. 

The new Minimum Wage Order 2025 has been introduced, but enforcement is still in Phase One. Meanwhile, mental health issues continue to rise in silence.

🔹 No Voice, No Union, No Exit

Brunei’s Trade Unions Act (Cap. 128) legally permits union formation. 

However heavy regulation, government registration requirements, and tight operational boundaries mean that only one known union actively exists today: BOWU. 

And that too, mainly in government-linked sectors. There is no independent federation of unions. No collective bargaining. No real pressure mechanism.

“I wanted to report my boss for mistreatment. HR said: Just be grateful you have a job.”

What happens in a workplace where laws exist, but workers have no leverage?

They endure - or exit the workforce entirely. According to CEIC data, Brunei’s labour force participation rate dipped to 64.0% in 2023, the lowest in over a decade. 

Labour turnover is also rising, as confirmed by Minister Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Awang Amin Liew in the 2025 LegCo sitting. 

Over 60% of companies struggle to retain locals, driven by poor benefits, weak career prospects, and lack of advancement.

“The system looks legal—but feels lawless.” - A former employment compliance officer who spoke on condition of anonymity

🔹 Mental Health as Policy Illusion

Mental health surveys of civil servants show 35.4% report burnout, with 27.7% experiencing anxiety. 

But critics argue that such statistics, drawn from small samples, mask the scope of private sector suffering. 

In workplaces with no HR departments, no grievance procedures, and no paid leave, mental health isn’t a metric - it’s a casualty.

“My coworker had a breakdown. The supervisor said: Go cry in the storeroom, not in front of customers.”

The WHO recognizes burnout as an occupational disease. Brunei’s 2022–2025 Mental Health Action Plan included provisions for work-life balance, including flexible hours and WFH options - but implementation remains fragmented.

🔹 A Crisis of Implementation, Not Intention

The Trade Disputes Act provides arbitration, conciliation, and mediation channels. 

The Employment Order empowers officers to act. 

The Information Act enables data collection. But these mechanisms are only as strong as their application. 

Studies from UBD show that participation in Brunei’s public sector is framed more as a management efficiency exercise than as a means to empower employee voices. 

Voice is institutionalized - but rarely heard. This is not to dismiss the genuine efforts of some employers. 

Many uphold standards. But without consistent enforcement, good becomes optional, and bad becomes cultural.

🔹 The Public Has Spoken. Who Will Listen?

The public response to this series has made one thing clear: people are not just exhausted - they feel abandoned. 

Every law left unenforced is a promise broken.

"Overtime is only worth it if the paycheck is comfortable and you get actual respect... Rights must be matched by responsibility, but someone still has to work the fields." -  A reader’s comment on Kopi Talk with MHO

Brunei Darussalam cannot afford to build its Vision 2035 on burnt-out bodies and silenced voices. 

True progress is not measured by GDP alone but by the dignity of its workers. And dignity, like enforcement, must be visible.

---

Do you have a story of unfair work conditions or silent mistreatment? Message us at Kopi Talk with MHO. Your voice matters. (MHO/04/2025)

 

Tariff Storms and Empty Fields: Will Brunei Ever Be Serious About Food Self-Sufficiency?

When tariff wars return and empty shelves loom, will Brunei finally confront the truth - that food security is not a slogan but a survival imperative?

By Malai Hassan Othman | April 2025

---

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN — As new tariff wars erupt under former U.S. President Donald Trump’s resurgence, Brunei’s dependence on food imports stands exposed - once again. 

Over 90% of essential food is still imported. The alarm bell isn't new. Yet the small, oil-rich Sultanate continues to delay real agricultural reform. Legislative promises remain plenty, but tangible food security? Still elusive.

At the heart of Brunei's vulnerability lies chronic inaction. Rice, the staple, is still mostly imported. 

Fisheries depend on foreign catches, and vegetables arrive by containers. The math is damning. 

During the 20th session of the Legislative Council this year, ministers admitted the glaring shortfall. 

Despite bold claims and budgeted infrastructure, yields are still far from national targets. 

The Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism acknowledged that only 26 of 72 Agricultural Development Areas have been fully equipped. 

This is despite years of planning and recurring budget allocations. 

Millions have been spent developing Kandol and Wasan paddy fields, hybrid rice from China, and subsidized seed schemes. Yet domestic production remains a sliver of consumption - barely above 10% for rice.

Critics within the chamber questioned the pace. Some blamed outdated irrigation. Others cited youth disinterest and the failure of past efforts, like the Katok Horticulture Centre. 

Meanwhile, Brunei’s agriculture and agrifood sector contributed just 0.61% to GDP in 2023. 

Out of over BND 20 billion in GDP, agriculture accounted for only BND 115 million. Yes, poultry and egg production nears full sufficiency, and tropical fruits and seafood too. 

But they’re the exceptions - not the rule. The rest? Left to global markets and fate. 

Only 3% of Brunei's land is allocated for agriculture. Yet more land isn’t the only answer. 

Precision farming, AI-driven irrigation, and aquaponics remain largely untapped in the Sultanate. 

Other small nations - like Singapore - have invested heavily in vertical farming and closed-loop systems. 

Brunei? Still at the pilot stages, with most innovation locked in government presentations.

Aquaculture, a potential saviour for food and jobs, remains underdeveloped. 

Fisheries experts have long called for hatcheries, investment, and serious public-private models. 

They’re still waiting. Programs like PaddyCo launched to boost rice yields sevenfold by 2025, are nowhere near achieving their goal. The deadline is months away. The results are underwhelming. 

In last year’s “Seeds of Change,” I warned about Brunei’s rentier mindset. The dependence on oil wealth breeds comfort - not urgency. 

Today, the risk is no longer theoretical. Trump’s tariffs exposed real-world consequences: price hikes, supply shocks, and a nation still ill-prepared to feed itself. Dutch disease is not just an academic term—it is Brunei’s Achilles’ heel.

So what must change? 

First, agriculture must be treated as a strategic sector - on par with energy and defence. It is not just about food; it is about sovereignty. 

Second, the government must empower universities and research bodies to drive innovation, from climate-resilient crops to biotech feed. Applied R&D is not a luxury - it is a necessity. 

Third, smart incentives are overdue: low-interest financing, co-investments with private farms, and mechanization grants for smallholders. These need policy clarity and political will. 

Fourth, revive abandoned hubs like Katok. Build agri-technology parks and connect them with logistics corridors from farm to market. Food security needs infrastructure, not just land. 

Lastly, modernize aquaculture. From shrimp hatcheries to deep-sea cages, Brunei’s fisheries sector has untapped potential. ASEAN partners are ready. Are we?

Beyond policy and planning, this is also a matter of faith. Islam does not separate governance from survival. 

The Qur’an speaks clearly of food security through the story of Prophet Yusuf (Joseph). 

In Surah Yusuf (12:47–49), Yusuf advises Egypt to plant for seven years, store food in its husks, and prepare for seven years of hardship. 

His strategy was divine foresight, not mere economics. This isn’t just historical; it’s a blueprint. It shows that Islamic governance demands preparedness, prudent storage, and agricultural self-reliance. 

Food security is an amanah - a trust placed upon those in power. According to Maqasid Syariah, preserving life (hifz al-nafs) and wealth (hifz al-mal) includes ensuring access to food. 

When a nation imports 90% of its staples, it fails that trust. 

The Brunei Government, founded upon Melayu Islam Beraja, must uphold this principle. 

This isn’t only about economics but about obedience to a higher moral and spiritual command.

One young farmer, Muhammad Khairil, 28, from Tutong, summed it up bluntly: (not his real name) “We have the land, the tools, and the heart. But policies need to match our ambition.” 

His frustration echoes across farming communities eager to contribute. Meanwhile, aspiring agri-tech entrepreneurs like Siti Nurhazirah, 26, say they face hurdles (not her real name) in accessing funding and technical support. 

“It’s not that youth are not interested. We just don’t see the system ready for us,” she said.

To truly change the course, Brunei must now involve the public. Youth must be brought into national food dialogues - not just as beneficiaries, but as innovators. 

Cross-ministry coordination is overdue. This is no longer a discussion about agriculture. It’s about national resilience. 

We cannot afford to wait until grocery shelves are empty to act. 

The government must lead with consistency - not slogans. 

Agriculture should no longer be a ceremonial footnote in budget speeches. It is Brunei’s unfinished revolution.

 

What do you think? 

Have your say. Farmers, students, parents, policymakers - your voice matters. Join the conversation. Share your ideas, frustrations, and vision for Brunei's food future. (MHO/04/2025)

 

This article is a follow-up to the author’s previous piece “The Seeds of Change,” published in November 2024.