January 30, 2026
Minister of Transport and Infocommunications Pengiran Dato Seri Setia Shamhary bin Pengiran Dato Paduka Haji Mustapha highlighted the progress of key initiatives and projects implemented in past year by the Ministry of Transport and Infocommunications (MTIC) during a Muhibah meeting with Legislative Council (LegCo) members yesterday.
In ensuring the safety and security of the transport sector as well as cyberspace, he said, “Among the initiatives that have been successfully implemented are the enactment of Personal Data Protection Order, which came into effect in January this year; the drafting and launch of the Brunei Darussalam Artificial Intelligence (AI) Governance and Ethics Guidelines; the launch of Waspada.bn, a fact-checking platform to verify the authenticity of news and information received via social media; the establishment of the Anti-Scam Centre, serving as an integrated initiative to address fraud cases and cybercrime; the issuance of several directives by the CIO Forum to further strengthen government systems that have been planned over the past few years; the National Road Safety Council (MKKJR) has installed five Speed Monitoring Devices to enhance public awareness on compliance with safe speed limits; and the launch of the Road Safety Action 2030 or Buku Tindakan Keselamatan 2030. This Action Plan is a continuous initiative by the MKKJR, focus on more action-oriented focus to enhance road safety in the country.”
In enhancing the well-being of the public by providing efficient, transparent, and technology-enabled services, he said, “The ministry has launched the Brunei Digital Identity, known as BruneiID, which serves as the national digital identity platform, enabling secure identity verification and access to online government services using a government-issued digital ID; the launch of Ikhlas, an online feedback platform aimed at improving services and facilities at Brunei International Airport; the launch of the Maritime Single Window, enabling the digital submission and processing of port clearance documentation, supporting faster decision-making and smoother port operations; the introduction of the Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) Parking System at Brunei International Airport; the launch of the Brunei Maritime and Port Authority Customer Service Hub as an integrated one-stop service centre; the update and launch of the iFlyBrunei mobile application, featuring new functionalities; the implementation of Phase One of the DriveBN project, involving the migration of the Land Transport System aimed at improving public services delivered by the Land Transport Department (JPD); and the launch of FormBN, an online platform that enables government agencies to transition from paper-based forms to digital forms.”
The ministry also plays a vital role as a facilitator in supporting revenue growth, economic progress, as well as sustainable national development with key achievements including the Two Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) closed tender via ‘Click & Bid’ contributing BND3 million to government revenue in 2025. Meanwhile, ‘Click & Buy’ generated approximately BND1 million, and collections from tinted window permit fees amounted to nearly BND500,000. The Department of Civil Aviation Brunei Darussalam has also officially adopted the airworthiness certification standards of the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC), allowing and approving COMAC-manufactured aircraft to operate in the country. The Maritime Cadet Programme was also launched, under which nine cadets were fully sponsored by the Brunei Maritime and Port Authority to participate in the programme for the 2025 intake.
Five apprentices also participated in the TechEXPLORE Programme, an overseas apprenticeship programme providing learning opportunities and work experience abroad while The Brunei Maritime and Port Authority Strategic Plan, ‘Navigating 2030’, was launched, outlining the strategic direction of the Authority in strengthening Brunei Darussalam’s maritime and port sectors as key drivers of national connectivity, economic resilience, and sustainable development.
In addition, His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam has consented to the establishment of the Civil Aviation Steering Committee (Aviation Co) and the formation of a High-Level Task Force for Low-Cost Carriers (LCC) in Brunei Darussalam to oversee and drive the advancement of the civil aviation sector. The corporatisation of the Postal Services Department – whereby all functions and operations of the Department has been taken over by PosBru effective January 1 – is expected to further strengthen PosBru’s capabilities in developing the postal services industry, making it more efficient, competitive, customer-responsive and aligned with international standards. This move will also create opportunities for the introduction of new, more dynamic, innovative and flexible services to meet current market demands.
The MTIC continues to actively advance the implementation of projects under the 12th National Development Plan (RKN12) and as of December 2025, six projects (29 per cent) are at the design stage, four projects (19 per cent) in the tender stage, six projects (29 per cent) under implementation; and five projects (23 per cent) have been completed.
The minister said, “The Request for Proposal (RFP) process for the Provision, Operation, Management, and Maintenance of Public Transport Services in Brunei Darussalam, which was previously opened, attracted participation from more than 10 companies. Following a detailed evaluation and assessment process, two companies were shortlisted. A Letter of Intent (LOI) was signed on December 23, 2025, with one of these companies to proceed with further negotiations towards finalising the operational plan, financial structure, and the framework for a long-term service agreement, in line with the defined scope of services.”
On the Smart Transportation System (STS) project which involves the development of a digital public transport platform aimed at optimising transport network management and operations through technology-based solutions, including in-vehicle monitoring and on demand transport services (e-hailing) he revealed, “the tender documents for this project are expected to be issued in the second half of this year.”
The year 2025, Pengiran Dato Seri Setia Shamhary explained, “marks the closing year for the implementation of several strategic plans and initiatives under MTIC. In reviewing the achievements over the period, particularly the MTIC Strategic Plan 2020-2025, starting with the growth rate in 2024, where the Transport and Infocommunications sectors recorded growth of 6.6 per cent and 2.9 per cent, respectively. Meanwhile, in terms of the contribution of both sectors to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) up to the third quarter (Q3) of 2025, the transport sector contributed BND253.2 million, while the infocommunications sector contributed BND426.7 million.”
On the 34 Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) under MTIC 2025, he said, “The overall implementation status shows that 42 per cent of KPIs have met their targets, while eight per cent of KPIs have demonstrated positive progress towards the set targets. In line with this, several major achievements from 2020 to 2025 have been recorded, reflecting the efforts, commitment, and close collaboration among all departments and authorities under MTIC. These achievements are highlighted in the MTIC 2025 Future Outlook, where 15 initiatives have already been successfully implemented.”
Regarding national digitalisation, he said, “As of December 2025, the Government Service Digitalisation Rate stands at 35 per cent, equivalent to 281 government services that have been digitised. Insyaa Allah, with the introduction of BruneiID, access to government services will be further facilitated.”
The use of online government services in delivering services to the public has also been very encouraging. The minister shared, “For example, through platforms such as Nomborku, provided by the JPD, it has contributed to 40 per cent of JPD’s revenue. This indicates that technology adoption among the public is steadily increasing.”
The session continued with a reply speech by LegCo member Yang Berhormat Haji Daud bin Jihan as the Head of the Delegation of LegCo members.
The session also provided an opportunity for an open exchange of views and ideas between MTIC and LegCo members, particularly in planning future steps towards achieving the development aspirations of Brunei Darussalam, while reviewing the proposals and perspectives of the members to continue supporting the vision and strategic direction of the ministry.
The LegCo members also had the opportunity to visit the information exhibition, particularly focusing on Key Highlights 2025, which showcased MTIC’s achievements throughout 2025, projects under RKN12 within MTIC, the Road Safety Action Plan 2030, and the introduction of Brunei ID.
Permanent Secretary at the MTIC Ir Haji Mohammad Nazri bin Haji Mohammad Yusof and Deputy Permanent Secretary (Infocommunications) at the MTIC Haji Hairul Mohd Daud bin Haji Abdul Karim were also present.