March 18, 2026
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN – The Ministry of Home Affairs (MoHA) is strengthening public safety and disaster preparedness through a series of targeted initiatives aimed at safeguarding lives and property nationwide.
Minister of Home Affairs Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Ahmaddin bin Haji Abdul Rahman outlined the measures during the sixth day of the First Meeting of the 22nd Legislative Council session on Tuesday, highlighting seven key priority areas driving the ministry’s efforts.
Among the key developments is the deployment of Water Tender Ladder fire engines to stations across the country, enhancing emergency response capabilities. The vehicles were recently utilised during a water supply disruption to assist the Ministry of Development Brunei in delivering water to critical facilities, including Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha Hospital and Brunei International Airport.
Firefighting readiness has also been boosted through a nationwide hydrant replacement programme, with 700 units upgraded in two phases between 2024 and early 2026. The initiative aims to improve operational efficiency and emergency response.
The national Urban Search and Rescue team has been upgraded to Special Technical Rescue Assistance (SATREA), further strengthening response capacity during emergencies.
At the community level, more than 1,500 participants have been trained under the Lifesaver 995 Programme, while firefighting equipment has been distributed to 17 mukims covering 18 villages, including Kampong Saba, Kampong Setia and Kampong Bolkiah in Kampong Ayer.
National disaster management has also been reinforced with the introduction of the Disaster Management Strategic Policy Framework, alongside plans to conduct the National Disaster Exercise (LBK-26) this year to test and refine emergency procedures.
On infrastructure, the ministry has completed repairs to 12.5 kilometres of wooden bridges and four jetties in Kampong Ayer since 2022, with an allocation exceeding BND1.4 million. Upgrading works are also ongoing at Pasar Gadong, alongside maintenance of 16 community halls nationwide.
Efforts to support local economic development include the expansion of the Satu Kampung Satu Produk programme, with a marketing centre in Kuala Belait attracting over 100 entrepreneurs and generating more than BND17,000 in sales since late 2025. Kedai Kampung outlets and pop-up markets have further boosted opportunities for local vendors.
Social welfare initiatives remain a priority, including rehabilitation and skills training programmes for inmates in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Aftercare Support Association Brunei and Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam. Since 2018, partnerships with private companies and NGOs have supported employment opportunities for former inmates.
Under Projek Teduh, implemented with multiple partners, four homes have been delivered to underprivileged families, improving living conditions.
The ministry is also enhancing grassroots leadership through the introduction of the Mukim Penghulu and Village Head Competency Framework, with performance evaluations based on key indicators. As of February 2026, 81 per cent of penghulu mukim posts and 58 per cent of village head positions have been filled.
Enforcement and environmental efforts have been intensified, with 2,468 patrols conducted last year, resulting in 468 offences and fines totalling BND310,900 under the Miscellaneous Offences Act. Stray animal control operations have also been stepped up.
These efforts have received regional recognition, with Seria named a recipient of the ASEAN Environmentally Sustainable Cities Award 2025.
The minister said the initiatives reflect a whole-of-nation approach, underscoring the importance of collaboration between the government, private sector and communities in strengthening public safety, social well-being and national resilience.