| Wani Roslan |

LEGISLATIVE Council member Yang Berhormat Haji Mohimin bin Haji Johari @ Jahari proposed that it should be made compulsory for foreign nationals to take driving licence tests in the country, due to public complaints on the recklessness of some of these individuals while driving.

In response, Minister of Transport and Infocommunications Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Awang Abdul Mutalib bin Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Setia Dato Paduka Haji Mohd Yusof suggested for a mechanism or policy to improve the driving capacity and capability of the foreign drivers to be implemented properly.

“This effort should also take into account drivers of commercial vehicles,” he said. “This matter has been implemented, and steps taken include providing endorsement licence and interview by licence officers. When a foreign driver gets involved in traffic offences, they will need to re-take the driving tests.”

The minister added this procedure has bore fruit in the past two years, especially last year, with the rate of commercial vehicles being involved in accidents decreasing by over 60 to 70 per cent since the policy was implemented.

Yang Berhormat Haji Mohimin, meanwhile, raised concern on roads in need of repairs.

“The Ministry of Transport and Infocommunications through the Brunei Darussalam National Road Safety Council (MKKJR) continues its efforts by collaborating with other agencies, especially the Public Works Department (JKR) under the Ministry of Development to carry out road safety audits, with repairs on some roads at some areas already carried out.”