The Last Pantun: A Tribute to Haji Idris Haji Tamit, The Unsung Poet of Bandar Seri Begawan

By Malai Hassan Othman

In the heart of Bandar Seri Begawan, where festive lights dance and laughter fills the streets during special occasions, a humble man with a quiet presence and a gift few noticed once stood. 

He didn’t have a grand stage or a microphone. Instead, he had a simple stall selling knick-knacks, a heart full of warmth, and a voice that carried the rhythm of an old Malay tradition - pantun. 

Haji Idris bin Tamit, born in 1938, was more than just a seasonal vendor. He was a keeper of culture, a storyteller wrapped in modesty, and one of the last voices of a fading art. 

On the 25th of February 2025, at 87, he returned to his Creator. But what he left behind was more than a memory - it was a legacy rooted in poetry, faith, and love. 

I remember it like it was yesterday. It was National Day, 2017. The town was buzzing with joy and patriotic colours. That’s when I first saw him—cheerfully greeting customers behind a modest stall. 

Something about his energy drew me in. I walked over, and within moments, I discovered that this man was no ordinary vendor. 

He welcomed me with a smile and began to recite pantun—verses praising His Majesty for declaring Brunei as Negara Zikir. 

His voice was strong, melodic, and filled with sincerity. I quickly took out my phone and recorded the moment. I didn’t realize then that I was capturing something rare, something beautiful. 

He didn’t need an audience to shine. Whether it was a stranger or a friend, he’d share his pantun with joy. He didn’t do it for praise or applause. He did it because it was part of him. 

Not long ago, a young woman commented on a poem I had shared about zakat. 

She told me it reminded her of her grandfather, who had just recently passed away. 

Her message was full of love and sorrow. 

Her grandfather, she said, was a man who never stopped smiling - even on his deathbed. He was still reciting pantun. 

I asked her, “Who was your grandfather?” She replied, “Haji Idris bin Tamit.” My heart skipped. I knew him. 

I shared with her the video I had taken years ago. 

She was touched. There he was again - her beloved grandfather - his voice echoing through time, delivering lines filled with devotion, culture, and pride. 

She told me he never wanted to burden others. “Hidup jangan menyusahkan orang,” he often said. 

Even when he was in pain, he never failed to say the syahadah and send selawat upon the Prophet. 

Hours before he passed, he gave his final request: to donate his last bit of savings to orphans at the mosque. 

A simple act, but a reflection of his immense heart. 

He didn’t leave behind trophies or headlines. He left behind values. Faith. Poetry. Kindness. 

He was, in every sense, a true anak Melayu - embodying the humility, wisdom, and spirit of our heritage.
 
In this modern age, where traditions are slipping quietly into the shadows, Haji Idris reminds us of who we are. 

He reminds us that culture is not just kept in books - it lives in voices, hearts, and humble souls like his. 

Let us not wait until all the pantun fall silent. Let us listen. Let us remember. Let us honour. 

To Haji Idris, thank you for your words. You may be gone, but your pantun lives on. Al-Fatihah. 

 

The Retirement Time Bomb: What Brunei Risks If It Ignores the Informal Sector

He’s been selling vegetables for over 30 years. No pension. No savings. No plan for what comes next.

“Apa kan jadi bila ku inda dapat kerja lagi?”

That haunting question isn’t just his — it belongs to over 82,000 Bruneians working in the informal sector.

As Brunei’s gig economy expands, so does the risk of mass poverty in old age. The solution exists. But barely anyone knows about it.

🔍 This isn’t just about economics — it’s about justice, dignity, and the future of our society.

 

By Malai Hassan Othman

 

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, MARCH 2025: At 4:30 a.m., while most of Brunei is still asleep, Haji Mohamad quietly pushes his cart to Tamu Kianggeh. The 58-year-old has spent over three decades selling vegetables, surviving on meagre earnings to raise five children. 

 

Lately, his hands have shaken more than they used to, and his knees have complained with every step. He has no pension. No savings. No medical insurance. "Apa kan jadi bila ku inda dapat kerja lagi?" he asks softly. What will happen to me when I can no longer work?

 

His story is not unique. It is the story of thousands in Brunei’s gig and informal economy -  those who cook and deliver food, sell kuih online, drive for ride-hailing apps, or repair gadgets from makeshift stalls. 

According to official estimates, over 82,000 people work in the informal sector, with 15,000 to 25,000 engaged in gig-based roles. Yet, shockingly, only about 300 have enrolled in the country’s retirement protection scheme for self-employed individuals.

 

The Skim Persaraan Kebangsaan (SPK) - was designed for them. Introduced on 15 July 2023, it targets Bruneians in the informal and gig economy. But most don’t even know it exists.

 

 

 Forgotten by the System

Gig workers operate in a grey zone. They are neither formally employed nor protected by the benefits that come with official employment - TAP, SCP, insurance, maternity leave, or a clear path to retirement. 

Many survive month-to-month on income ranging from BND 800 to BND 1,200, or even lower depending on the business they are engaged in, and they are often excluded from accessing even basic credit or loans.

A senior official familiar with the scheme, speaking anonymously, admitted: "Our biggest challenge is awareness. Many of these workers do not think about retirement, or they think it doesn’t apply to them."

The SPK, administered by Tabung Amanah Pekerja (TAP), offers a basic social safety net. It includes monthly retirement contributions, death and survivor benefits, and access to savings at the end of one's working life. 

Contributions start as low as BND 17.50 per month. Yet, the uptake remains dismal.

Why Aren’t They Enrolling?

Fear. Mistrust. Financial illiteracy. Digital divide.

These are the barriers that keep thousands out of the system designed to protect them. 

In a small survey conducted by this writer, several home-based business owners said they had never heard of SPK. 

Others admitted they were afraid to register. "Takut ku eh, inda pasti," said one. "Inda ku pandai macam mana caranya, isi borang inda ku pandai, online atu pun inda ku tahu."

Some think SPK is only for those with permanent jobs. Others simply cannot afford to set aside any money from their already limited income.

Yet, without protection, they are left vulnerable.

A wedding photographer shared how COVID-19 wiped out all his bookings. "I lived off my savings and borrowed from friends. No one came to help. That’s when I realised I had nothing backing me up."

TAP's website offers detailed instructions and allows for walk-in registration. But for many, this isn’t enough. "We need to go to them," said another official. "Not wait for them to come to us."

Not Just a Policy, but a Lifeline

Self-employed individuals who register with SPK, complete the verification process and contribute a minimum of BND 17.50 per month to their retirement account are eligible for a Government Match-Up of an additional BND 17.50.

Upon reaching the retirement age of 60, the total accumulated contributions - including the government’s top-up - support their monthly income through the SPK Annuity Payout. 

This annuity provides a minimum monthly payout of BND 250, ensuring financial stability in later years.

As Brunei citizens or stateless permanent residents, they also qualify for the Old Age Pension of BND 250, bringing their total monthly retirement income to BND 500.

Contributors can choose to pay between BND 17.50 and BND 40.00 per month. While BND 250 remains the minimum monthly payout under SPK, contributing more increases the potential payout and can extend the duration over which the annuity is received.

Let’s explore three real-world scenarios that show how starting age and contribution level affect retirement outcomes:

 ✅ Scenario 1: Early and Consistent Saver

A 25-year-old verified self-employed individual contributes BND 17.50 monthly until retirement at 60. 

With 35 years of continuous contributions, they qualify for the minimum SPK annuity payout of BND 250, payable for up to a lifetime. 

Combined with the Old Age Pension, their retirement income reaches BND 500 monthly. Their TAP account may also hold substantial savings for lump-sum withdrawal.

 

✅ Scenario 2: Higher Tier Saver

 A self-employed individual contributes BND 40.00 monthly from age 25 until 60. 

At retirement, they are entitled to a lifetime SPK annuity payout of BND 350, in addition to the Old Age Pension - totalling BND 600 monthly. This offers stronger financial security in later life.

 

🔴 Scenario 3: Late Starter

A verified self-employed person joins SPK at age 50 and contributes BND 40.00 monthly for 10 years. They still qualify for the minimum SPK annuity payout of BND 250. 

However, the shorter contribution window means the annuity may only last for a limited time unless the monthly payout is reduced to extend its duration.

The payout amount and annuity duration depend on two key factors: how much you contribute and how long you contribute. Higher monthly payments result in greater retirement income, and starting earlier helps ensure the annuity lasts longer.

Contributions exceeding BND 40.00 per month or less than BND 17.50 go into the individual's SPK Member Account. This account gives added flexibility, allowing members to access funds before retirement or withdraw them as a lump sum at age 60.

This structure empowers Brunei’s self-employed to build a stable and secure retirement, even if they begin late. The system’s flexibility allows individuals to supplement their income and improve their long-term financial outlook.

Time to Act

Institutionalising the informal sector and gig economy is not just an economic necessity - it is also a spiritual, social, and national obligation. 

 In the context of Brunei’s identity as a Negara Zikir, a nation rooted in Melayu Islam Beraja (MIB) and guided by the vision of becoming a Baldatun Ṭayyibatun wa Rabbun Ghafūr, caring for all members of society is a reflection of Maqasid Syariah - particularly the protection of life, wealth, intellect, and lineage.

By formally including informal and gig workers in national systems like SPK, the country fulfils the Islamic ethical imperative of protecting the dignity and well-being of every citizen. 

This aligns with the broader goals of a compassionate, just, and spiritually conscious governance model. It is not just good policy - it is good faith.

Addressing this issue requires more than isolated efforts. It demands a Whole Of Nation Approach (WONA) - bringing together government agencies, financial institutions, civil society, community leaders, and the media to build a safety net that no Bruneian falls through.

If we fail to act now, the nation may face a future where tens of thousands of ageing informal workers fall into poverty. 

Many will become fully dependent on the Sistem Kebajikan Negara and Baitul Mal, putting immense pressure on welfare institutions and charitable resources meant for the most vulnerable. 

Without sustainable planning, today’s inaction could translate into tomorrow’s national crisis.

It’s not too late. The SPK has the right ingredients. But it needs amplification. 

Civil society, media, youth groups, and local councils must play a role. 

Mobile TAP booths in night markets. Digital literacy workshops for online sellers. Collaboration with gig platforms to automatically enrol users.

Because the question is not whether the gig economy is growing. It already has.

The question is: Are we doing enough to protect those who are building our economy from the ground up?

Back at Tamu Kianggeh, Haji Mohamad begins packing up. He smiles when asked if he’s ever thought of retirement. "Of course," he says. "But who will take care of me?" (MHO/03/2025)
 

What do you think needs to be done?

Are we doing enough to protect those who power our informal and gig economy?

🗣️ Join the conversation. Tag a self-employed friend running a home-based business or freelancing online.

Because safeguarding their future is not just a policy issue — it’s a moral obligation we all share.

💬 Share your thoughts below or inbox me if you want to learn more.

 

Brunei’s Consumer Fairs: A Cash Surge - But Who Really Wins?

By Malai Hassan Othman

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, MARCH 2025: Brunei’s bi-annual consumer fairs and expos attract thousands of visitors with promises of great deals and vibrant shopping experiences. 

However, while these events aim to stimulate the local economy, a growing concern is whether Bruneians are benefiting or if much of the money is flowing out of the country, enriching foreign vendors instead of local businesses.

The Timing of Consumer Events: A Strategic Move

Every year, Brunei experiences a surge in cash flow during key moments: the Kurnia Peribadi distribution just before Hari Raya and the annual bonuses at the end of the year. 

These financial boosts create the perfect conditions for consumer fairs and trade expos to thrive, encouraging Bruneians to spend. 

However, the real question is: where is the money going? 

Bruneians receive the Kurnia, Peribadi, totalling BND17,352,000 for 17,352 recipients, just before Hari Raya. 

Meanwhile, the bonus season provides a similar boost to Bruneians’ purchasing power. 

However, while these funds are intended to stimulate the local economy, they often end up being spent at foreign-run booths during consumer fairs, draining cash out of Brunei.

Who Really Profits?

Consumer fairs typically feature 600 booths offering products from both local and international vendors. 

Yet, it’s often the foreign vendors who profit the most. 

They pay minimal booth fees and set up for just a few days, walking away with substantial profits from Bruneians who’ve received their bonuses and Kurnia Peribadi gifts. 

On the other hand, local vendors who face higher operating costs, including long-term rentals and staffing, can’t compete with the quick turnover enjoyed by foreign businesses during these events. 

While Bruneians spend their money, it often ends up outside Brunei’s economy, with little reinvestment into local industries.

The Disparity: Local vs Foreign Vendors

The recent Consumer Fair in Brunei highlights a pressing concern regarding the participation of local vendors versus foreign ones. 

While foreign vendors have profited significantly from occupying a large number of booths, local vendors face significant challenges, especially due to the high rental costs and the lack of special discounts. 

This growing disparity raises important questions about the event’s real purpose - if it primarily benefits foreign vendors, then local businesses are left struggling despite the support intended to boost the local economy. 

In the bonus season and during the Kurnia Peribadi period, local vendors should be prioritised to ensure that the financial influx supports them rather than allowing foreign entities to disproportionately benefit. 

The benefits of these events should ideally remain within Brunei’s borders, helping local businesses thrive rather than fueling a system where external vendors dominate the scene.

A Broader Issue: Money Draining Out of Brunei

This is just one part of the larger problem: cross-border spending. 

Bruneians have long spent their money across the border, especially in Malaysia, and a BND1 billion leakage from Brunei’s economy is estimated annually due to cross-border spending. 

While some of this spending occurs during fairs, much of it is also driven by the desire for cheaper goods and greater variety available just a short drive away in places like Miri and Kota.Kinabalu.

This systemic issue contributes to a declining retail sector in Brunei, with recent reports indicating a 6.1% drop in retail sales. 

The outflow of Brunei's consumer dollars, whether spent across the border or at foreign-run stalls during expos, leaves local businesses struggling to survive and grow.

How Consumer Fairs & Expos Can Boost Brunei’s Retail Sector and Tourism

Rather than being an economic drain, consumer fairs and expos have the potential to be powerful drivers of growth for both Brunei’s retail sector and tourism. Here’s how:

1. Supporting Local Vendors: 

Authorities should implement terms and conditions that prioritise local vendors by offering affordable booth rentals. 

Local businesses contribute to national revenue and face numerous financial obligations, such as shop, rent, salaries, and taxes. 

By ensuring local vendors are given priority, these events can help stimulate local economic activity and provide Bruneians with opportunities to grow their businesses.

2. Economic Benefits: 

The government should emphasise supporting local businesses, ensuring they benefit from events like the Consumer Fair. 

This includes leveraging local bonuses and Kurnia Peribadi gifts to keep the economic activity within Brunei rather than allowing the money to flow out to foreign vendors who do not reinvest in the local economy.

3. Policy Reforms: 

Policies should be designed to prevent scenarios where local businesses are disadvantaged. 

This aligns with the Malay proverb, "KERA DI HUTAN DISUSUKAN, ANAK DI RUMAH KELAPARAN," which stresses the importance of prioritising one’s community, in this case, supporting Bruneian entrepreneurs and ensuring they thrive during these events.

4. Strategic Partnerships: 

Encouraging partnerships between local and foreign vendors could create a more balanced economic environment, fostering mutual growth and collaboration. 

This would ensure that both local businesses and foreign vendors contribute to the economy in a way that benefits all parties involved.

What Needs to Change?

To ensure consumer fairs contribute positively to Brunei’s economy, some adjustments are necessary:

1. Support for Local Vendors:

Offer discounted booth fees for local vendors, making it easier for them to participate and gain visibility. 

Foreign vendors should be charged higher fees for short-term participation.

2. Promote Local Products: 

Encourage local product promotion through programs or incentives that directly engage consumers with Brunei-made goods, keeping money within the local economy.

3. Limit Foreign Participation: 

Restrict the number of foreign vendors allowed at each event, ensuring that local businesses have the opportunity to showcase their products without being overshadowed by foreign competition.

 

 Conclusion

Consumer fairs and trade expos in Brunei can be powerful tools for economic stimulation, but only if they benefit the local economy. 

By restructuring these events to support local businesses and prioritise Brunei-made products, the country can ensure that more of its wealth stays within its borders, promoting job creation, retail growth, and tourism. 

Brunei has the potential to grow its local market and diversify its economy but this will only happen if we make local business growth a priority and ensure that foreign vendors contribute to Brunei’s long-term prosperity.

Join the Conversation

What do you think about the impact of consumer fairs in Brunei? 

How can Brunei better support local businesses while still benefiting from global trade? 

Share your thoughts in the comments - let’s continue the conversation on how Brunei can empower its local economy and protect its future. (MHO/03/2025)

 

The Timepiece That Found Its Way Home: A Story of Love, Memory, and Honest Hearts

By Malai Hassan Othman

In a world where honesty often seems like a fading virtue, a small restaurant in Jerudong became the unexpected stage for a story so tender that it warms the soul. 

It is a story of love kept alive through time, of memories etched in gold, and of a simple act of kindness that brought everything full circle. 

It was an ordinary morning at Restoran Morziah, a well-loved breakfast spot after Subuh prayers at the nearby Masjid Al-Ammeerah Al-Hajjah Mariam. But that morning turned extraordinary. 

While tidying up the washbasin area, a staff member stumbled upon a wristwatch — not just any watch, but a vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust, its golden face softened with age, its leather strap still noble and proud. 

To most, it was a symbol of luxury. But to Dato Paduka Haji Abdul Razak bin Haji Muhammad, it was a piece of his heart. 

Dato Razak, now in his 80s, is revered for his service to the nation — a former Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Education, and the founder and Chairman of Kemuda Institute. 

But behind the dignified statesman is a romantic soul with a quiet story of love that never aged. 

“The watch was a gift,” he said with a smile that carried decades of memories. 

“From my girlfriend at the time — now my wife — Datin Hajah Gayah, or Kamariah. She gave it to me when I got promoted early in my career. She was so proud of me. That watch wasn’t just a gift. It was her way of saying, 'I believe in you.'" 

That Rolex became his second skin — never leaving his wrist, always ticking along with his journey through life. Until one day, it was gone. 

“I panicked,” he confessed. 

“Not because of its price, but because of the love it represented. I couldn’t bring myself to tell my wife I had lost it.” 

But sometimes, love has a funny way of finding its way back to us. 

Dayang Huzai binti Ismail, the warm-hearted owner of Restoran Morziah, noticed the watch. Her staff had found it, and her instincts told her it belonged to one of her regulars — perhaps one of the gentlemen who came in after dawn prayers. And she was right. It was Dato Razak's. 

The moment he held it again, it felt like a heartbeat had returned. The flood of emotion was visible in his eyes — gratitude, relief, and something deeper: the comfort of recovering a piece of his love story. 

He was so touched by the honesty and integrity shown that he took a rare step. He issued a formal certificate of appreciation to Dayang Huzai and her staff. 

It now hangs proudly on the restaurant wall — not just a token of thanks, but a tribute to values that too often feel lost in today's world. 

And then, as with all things beautiful, came the moment of passing on. 

Today, the Rolex no longer rests on Dato Razak’s wrist. It sits proudly on the wrist of his eldest grandson — a young man now trusted with a legacy. 

When he handed it over, Dato Razak looked him in the eyes and said gently: 

“Don’t ever lose it.”

For it is more than a watch. It is the heartbeat of a love that began in youth, the silent witness to a lifetime of dedication, and the symbol of a rare virtue returned by kind strangers. 

It reminds us that what is lost is not always gone — sometimes, it is simply waiting to be found by the right hands. And so it ticks on faithfully — a keeper of time, love, memory, and a story worth believing in. (MHO/03/2025)

Dato Paduka Haji Abdul Razak (right), Dayang Huzai binti Ismail (center), and mysel(left) sharing a moment of reflection at Restoran Morziah — the very place where a lost timepiece returned, and a story of love, legacy, and honesty came full circle.