Azlan Othman

Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Minister of Finance and Economy II Dato Seri Setia Dr Awang Haji Mohd Amin Liew bin Abdullah said people should not take COVID-19 lightly as the outbreak can go on for months.

“Each business has to look into strategic plans, operating costs and uncertainties ahead. If this pandemic prolongs, it hits a lot of businesses and some may not be able to maintain current employment. We in the government are very concerned about this,” the minister said when asked about the extent of COVID-19’s impact on the country’s economy.

On travel bans for Brunei citizens, permanent residents and foreigners holding valid identification cards (IC) starting yesterday, except in cases of medical treatment, court hearings or studying overseas, the minister added goods to be exported need to obtain permission from the Prime Minister’s Office.

Minister of Transport and Infocommunications Dato Seri Setia Awang Abdul Mutalib bin Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Setia Dato Paduka Haji Mohd Yusof said despite the opening of the Temburong bridge for Brunei registered vehicles starting today, boat services from Bandar Seri Begawan to Pekan Bangar will operate as usual.

On providing health facilities to curb COVID-19 spread on public transportation, the minister said, “We have been discussing for public transport operators to provide health facilities like hand sanitisers and temperature check. Taxi operators should also provide such health facilities.

“The Ministry of Transport and Infocommunications (MTIC) throughthe Maritime Port Authority of Brunei Darussalam in cooperation with ferry boat owners will provide hand sanitisers at boat terminals in the capital and in Bangar for passengers. Boat operating hours are still the same, depending on commercial aspects.

“If the number of passengers drops, the frequency might also be affected,” the minister said.