This is a dedicated page to covering business news in Brunei relating to the COVID-19 outbreak, backdated to include announcements since March 12, 2020. Check-in for live updates on regulations, announcements and opportunities.

Wednesday, July 22

Fourth round of COVID-19 de-escalation: Eateries, markets and gyms to operate at full capacity, expos allowed in malls

The Brunei government announced today the fourth round of COVID-19 de-escalation, with several commercial establishments including eateries, markets and gyms allowed to operate at full capacity starting July 27.

The Minister of Health YB Dato Seri Setia Dr Hj Mohammad Isham Hj Jaafar announced the latest measures at the COVID-19 press conference alongside other cabinet ministers as Brunei recorded its 76th successive day without new coronavirus cases.

The government has mapped out four levels of de-escalation but the starting date of each level differs based on the type of activity or premise. Today’s announcement mark’s the fourth round of de-escalation, but several activities are still within the first three levels.

YB Dato Dr Hj Mohd Isham stressed that the BruHealth QR code should continue to be used with the new de-escalation to allow the government to identify and control the source of any potential future outbreak.

Detailed guidelines for specific activities and sectors can be viewed on the Ministry of Health’s website. Below are the latest updates for businesses effective July 27:

Expos and bazaars allowed in malls

Businesses can resume applications to organize expos and bazaars in Brunei but only within retail buildings or shopping malls.

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MoHA) said that bazaars are to use the BruHealth QR code for visitors upon entry and exit, check visitor’s temperature and provide hand sanitisers.

Bazaars and expos at convention, meeting or public halls are not allowed for the time being. Booths must be spaced out every three meters and staff manning them should wear face masks.

Dining in increases to 100% capacity, buffets still not permitted

Restaurants, cafes and food courts can resume operations at 100%. Buffets are still not allowed.

Gyms increase to 100% capacity, with no time limit per session

Gyms, fitness centres and other sporting facilities can operate at 100% with no time limits for each session. Bowling centres can cater up to four people in one lane, while golf buggies can be used by two people at a time.

Swimming pools increase to 60% capacity

Swimming pools can accept up to 60% capacity for those above 12-years-old with a two hour limit on each session.

Cinemas increase to 60% capacity, families allowed to sit together

Cinemas will be allowed to accept up to 60% of their seating capacity with family groups allowed to sit together.

Other groups or individuals must continue to maintain distance at least two seats apart, while those below 12-years-old still not allowed to enter. Patrons are now allowed to eat and drink in the theatre.

The booking or purchasing of tickets should continue to be made in advance online or through the phone.

Child care and special needs centres increase to 80% capacity

Child care and special needs centres can utilise up to 80% of their premise capacity.

Child care centres can only accept those above six months old and can begin hosting group activities after being approved by the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports.

Meanwhile special needs centres can only be open to low to medium risk individuals and are now allowed to host group activities both indoors and outdoors.

Arcade and indoor playground can accept up to 30% capacity

Arcades and indoor playgrounds can accept up to 30% capacity with each visitor limited to an hour’s use a day.

Both establishments must close every 30 minutes every two hours for cleaning and ensure a one metre distance between games and consoles.

Internet cafes can accept up to 90% capacity

Internet cafes can accept up to 90% capacity but should maintain a one metre distance between users.

Tutong market resumes with 100% vendor capacity

Pasarneka & Tamu Tutong Complex will resume with 100% vendor capacity every Thursday and Sunday starting July 30.

Mass gatherings increased to 100 people

Mass gatherings of up to 100 people are now permitted with events limited to two hours.

Tuition and music schools can operate at full capacity

Galleries, museums and libraries can accept up to 70 people at a time

Driving schools can resume full capacity



Wednesday, July 1

Third round of COVID-19 de-escalation: Cinemas, swimming pools to reopen, weekly tamus return

The Brunei government announced today the third round of COVID-19 de-escalation, allowing cinemas and swimming pools to reopen at 30% capacity starting next Monday (July 6) and further increasing the customer capacity at business premises.

The Minister of Health YB Dato Seri Setia Dr Hj Mohammad Isham Hj Jaafar announced the latest measures at the daily COVID-19 press conference alongside other cabinet ministers as Brunei recorded its 55th successive day without new coronavirus cases.

The third round of lifting restrictions follows the second round on June 15 and the first round on May 16. Restrictions on activities and premises currently follow a four level de-escalation plan but with varying timelines of implementation.

Detailed guidelines for specific activities and sectors can be viewed on the Ministry of Health’s website.

Below are the latest updates for businesses:

Cinemas to reopen at 30% capacity

Cinemas have been given the green light to open from July 6 at 30% capacity for those above 15-years-old.

Tickets must be sold online and the BruHealth QR code is to be used upon entry and exit. Eating and drinking is not allowed within the theatre, and visitors must be kept two seats apart. After each screening, operators must sanitise the theater.

Cinema staff are to wear face masks, measure temperatures for visitors and provide hand sanitisers.

Tutong and Belait weekly markets to return

The weekly markets in Tutong and Belait will return on July 9 with vendors divided into separate groups to prevent overcrowding.

Vendors of the Pasarneka & Tamu Tutong Complex will operate every Thursday and Sunday. The groups will rotate weekly, keeping the market’s vendor capacity at 50%.

The weekly Seria market at the car park of Pasarneka Seria that previously operated from Thursday to Friday and the weekly KB market at car park of Pasarneka Kuala Belait that ran from Saturday to Sunday will both be moved inside the Pasarneka Seria building, which is mostly unoccupied at present.

Vendors will also be split into two groups running from Thursday to Friday and Saturday to Sunday. Meanhwile dining in at open air stalls or markets under the Municipal Department and District Office can operate at 100% starting July 6.

Swimming pools to reopen; gym visitor capacity increased to 90%

Swimming pools will reopen from July 6 at 30% capacity but will be limited to an hour a day for those above 15-years-old. Commercial pools are free to set their own operating hours while those under the government will open on Tuesday, Friday and Sunday.

Gyms, indoor and outdoor sporting facilities will be able to accommodate up to 90% of their premise capacity with visitors – including non-members – now permitted to use facilities for up to two hours a time from July 6.

Locker rooms and showers are also now permitted. Sports – including contact, individual and team – are permitted for training purposes only.

Training involving sparring and physical contact is still not permitted and team sports must be limited to five athletes a team. Sharing equipment is also not allowed.

Bowling centres can now accommodate two players an alley for up to two hours. Golf courses are now open to non members.

Tuition and music schools

Classes up to 10 persons are allowed. Operators must register and visitors must use the BruHealth QR code when entering and exiting. Other existing regulations remain; including checking temperatures, physical distancing of one metre, cleaning and disinfecting after each class and providing hand sanitisers.

Childcare, special need centres and galleries can operate at 60% from July 6

Childcare centres can now increase their capacity to 60% but can only accept those above one-year-old with activities limited to a one-to-one basis.

Special need centres also have their capacity raised to 60% for individuals who are at low and medium risk. Galleries, along with libraries and museums, can increase visitor capacity up to 60%, while group visits cannot exceed more than 50 at a time.

Eateries can operate up to 80% of seating capacity from July 6

Driving classes can operate at 90% capacity

Internet cafe can operate at 60% capacity

Mass gatherings increase from 30 to 50 people

Public and social gatherings can now be up to 50 people while still observing physical distancing.

Saturday, June 13

No plans to open borders for non-essential travel

Brunei has no plans to its open borders for non-essential travel, although the government has set up a committee to oversee deliberations on the opening of its borders once the global COVID-19 pandemic subsides.

Second Minister of Finance and Economy and Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office

YB Dato Seri Setia Dr Hj Mohd Amin Liew Abdullah said at the daily COVID-19 press conference that formal discussions had yet to take place with other countries on opening travel routes.

“Maybe there is a misconception or misunderstanding,” said the minister on a recent news report that Brunei is considering opening its borders after it sets up a regulating committee.

“If we open the borders it will be a matter taken very seriously, as with other countries who have imposed specific conditions for travel (such as testing/isolating) before leaving or on arrival). If we do decide (to do open borders) there must be sufficient precautions and we have to see developments in the (other) country first.”

Several countries have restarted international travel by reaching bilateral agreements for “green lanes” or “travel bubbles”.

These typically involve two countries – who have controlled the outbreak of COVID-19 in their respective boundaries – reach an agreement to allow their residents to travel into their countries under set conditions.

Brunei currently bans all non-essential travel to and from its borders, with special exemptions for work and family evaluated by the government through application.

For June, Royal Brunei Airlines operates flights to Kuala Lumpur, Hong Kong, Melbourne and Singapore twice a week and once a week to Manila for transporting goods and guests with special approval.

YB Dato Dr Hj Mohd Amin, who is also the national carrier’s chairman, said the aviation industry must brace for prolonged downtime and its workforce need to seek out re-skilling or training to remain employable.

“In normal circumstances, if we want to start a new destination, we would need to announce it at least two months in advance so that you have time to sell your tickets and market the destination…

“The fact that we haven’t announced any reopening of some of the existing, previous destinations, it means we are still quite a few months away from (any) actual opening,” he said in response to a reporter’s question on what Royal Brunei’s revitalisation plans are post COVID-19.

“But I can assure you there is a very intensive discussion within RB at the moment in terms of what would be our strategy going forward because things are not going back to normal as we had last time.”



The minister said that domestic tourism should be the industry’s focus, but operators need to find innovative ways to offer travel experiences while maintaining social distancing and other health guidelines.

Brunei enters second de-escalation phase; internet cafes reopen at 30% capacity, eateries and gyms raised to 60%

Brunei will enter the second level of the government’s four level de-escalation plan for COVID-19 restrictions on June 15 which will enable eateries, fitness and sporting centres and driving schools to increase occupancy from 30% to 60% of their premise capacity.

Internet cafes and exhibition galleries will reopen at 30% capacity alongside senior citizen centres, museums and libraries. Markets with dining spaces can now accommodate up to 75% of their seating capacity.

Premise capacity levels apply throughout operation hours, while customers and premises must continue to use the BruHealth application when visiting premises.

The Minister of Health announced today that the Sultanate would be entering a new phase as the country records its 37th day without new coronavirus cases and with a sole active case being treated at the National Isolation Centre.

Existing regulations at premises must be maintained include social distancing and the use of face masks for staff in close contact with customers or preparing food or items for them.

Organised, team and contact sports are still not allowed, but golf courses are now open to four players within a single flight. Buggies can only be used by one person at a time.

Privately-owned galleries will decide their own opening hours added the Ministrer of Culture, Youth and Sports YB Major General (R) Dato Paduka Seri Hj Aminuddin Ihsan Pehin Orang Kaya Saiful Mulok Dato Seri Paduka Hj Abidin.

Government galleries, libraries and museums will open on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays for five hours. Meanwhile senior citizen centres are only open to those without chronic conditions or flu and fever symptoms, and can only host indoor activities for the time being.

Brunei initiated the first level of de-escalation last May 16.

Monday, June 8

MOH: Over 50% of eateries in Brunei-Muara not meeting safety guidelines

Over 50% of eateries in Brunei-Muara were found to not be meeting the government’s health and safety guidelines to curb the spread of COVID-19 during inspections lead by the Ministry of Health (MoH) last weekend.

MoH Minister YB Dato Seri Setia Dr Hj Mohammad Isham Hj Jaafar said at the daily COVID-19 press conference that businesses in violation were issued notices, and will be charged in court if they are still found to be not complying with regulations during the next round of inspections.

103 businesses were visited during the inspection code named Ops Merati in Gadong, Kiulap, Serusop, Berakas, Menglait, Kiarong, Batu Bersurat and Batu Satu.

The most common violations were not displaying the BruHealth QR code for customers to sign in when entering;not practicing distancing at counters, waiting lines and tables; staff handling food not wearing face masks and gloves and exceeding 30% of their premise seating capacity.

MoH has also advised restaurants to check customers’ temperatures upon entry and maintain good hygiene in their premises.

Under the Infectious Diseases Act, anyone found guilty of violating government issued directives may face a fine of up to $10,000 or jailed for up to six months, or both.

Dining in was allowed by the government starting May 16, but eateries must operate under specific conditions including registering for BruHealth, limiting their premise seating capacity to 30% and having staff preparing food wear face masks and gloves.

Saturday, June 6

Sporting facilities allowed to host select one-on-one sports

Brunei residents can now engage in a select list of one-on-one sports at sporting and recreational facilities starting tomorrow, announced the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports (MCYS).

The select sports are badminton, tennis, squash, ping pong, cue sports, lawn bowls, petanque and archery. Organised, team or contact sports are still not allowed.

Prior to today’s announcement, only sports played on in a solo format were allowed following the reopening of sporting and fitness facilities on May 16.

The new announcement applies for indoor and outdoor facilities – both government and privately-owned – with the select sports only to be conducted in a single match format. Sporting events or tournaments in person are still prohibited.

MCYS Minister YB Major General (R) Dato Paduka Seri Hj Aminuddin Ihsan Pehin Orang Kaya Saiful Mulok Dato Seri Paduka Hj Abidin said at the daily COVID-19 press conference that May 16’s guidelines on the operations of sporting and fitness centres still apply.

These include limiting visitors up to 30% of the premise’s capacity and limiting usage to an hour at a time. Visitors must gain entry codes through the BruHealth app and sign in and out of the premise.

Since the limited reopening on May 16, 5,854 people have entered gyms, 2,342 people have visited government sporting facilities and another 3,989 have played at the country’s seven golf courses.

Bandarku Ceria returns June 7

The weekly Sunday Bandarku Ceria returns tomorrow but without group or team-based activities, said the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Vendors and businesses will be allowed to operate while the public can participate in individual recreational activities while maintaining social distancing.

Bandarku Ceria has been suspended since Ramadhan as part of wider measures to curb the spread of COVID-19.

The weekly morning event in the capital closes off the roads to motorists and opens up Taman SOAS to the public for recreational activities while also allowing local businesses to set up shop around the city centre.

Child care and special needs centres to resume operations at 30% with approval

Child care and special needs centres can resume operations at 30% of their premise capacity subject to inspection and approval from the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports (MCYS).

Centres that have received approval can begin opening tomorrow, said YB Major General (R) Dato Paduka Seri Hj Aminuddin Ihsan Pehin Orang Kaya Saiful Mulok Dato Seri Paduka Hj Abidin at the daily COVID-19 press conference.

MCYS has already inspected several centres. Individuals with flu-like symptoms or existing health conditions that puts them at a higher risk for COVID-19 such as asthma, eczema and epilepsy cannot be accepted into premises.

Child care centres are open only for toddlers above one-year-old, with a focus on care taking while developmental activities are prohibited.

Special need centres can only accept low risk individuals, defined as those with the ability to communicate, practise good hygiene and are able to understand COVID-19 risks and how to mitigate them.

Both types of centres also have to sign for the BruHealth application and regulate entry use the QR codes while taking the health and safety measures prescribed by MCYS and the Ministry of Health.

There are 43 child care centres registered under MCYS, attended by approximately 550 children.

Thursday, June 4

Tuition and music schools allowed to resume one-to-one classes

Tuition and music schools will be allowed to resume one-to-one classes in person starting tomorrow as Brunei records its 28th day without new coronavirus cases.

The latest easing of restrictions was announced by the Minister of Health YB Dato Seri Setia Dr Hj Mohammad Isham Hj Jaafar at the daily COVID-19 press conference today.

Tution and music schools are to register for the BruHealth code, conduct temperature checks for those entering, maintain social distancing guidelines and advice people with signs of infection or who are at a high risk to not come to their premises.

June 5 update: One-to-one quran recital and cooking classes are also allowed with face masks.

COVID-19: Two weeks monitoring after 28-day period before further de-escalation

An additional two weeks of monitoring is needed before the government will proceed with lifting more restrictions after the country recorded 28 days without new coronavirus cases.

The government has allowed eateries, sporting facilities, schools and mosques to begin accepting people into their premises in a limited capacity under specific conditions last month in first major de-escalation of COVID-19 restrictions.

The Minister of Health YB Dato Seri Setia Dr Hj Mohammad Isham Hj Jaafar said at the daily COVID-19 press conference today that while the outbreak within the country has been controlled, the virus still continues to spread in several neighbouring countries.

“Brunei started the de-escalation plans, beginning with the reopening of schools aside from mosques, where the progress will be closely monitored the next two weeks, to see the outcome before moving on to stage two of the plan, which will see an increase in capacity within restaurants, schools and the like,” he said.

“We will announce it in more detail, when the time is near. But so far, what the public needs to know and remember is that we are still in a state of emergency in light of COVID-19, even though we reached the two incubation periods (28 days).”

The minister reminded that personnel servicing customers directly – such as cashiers and barbers – and those who are preparing items for customers – including chefs and delivery persons – should continue to follow the prescribed health guidelines which include wearing face masks while on duty.

The government’s online monitoring and contact tracing application BruHealth now has 272,190 residents and 5,330 businesses registered.

Thursday, May 28

Unable to download BruHealth app? Obtain QR entry code from healthinfo.gov.bn

Residents who cannot download the BruHealth mobile application can now obtain QR entry codes from healthinfo.gov.bn which need to be scanned by premises they are looking to visit.

Business owners will need to download a new application called PremiseScan – an extension of the BruHealth system – to scan customers’ QR codes from healthinfo.gov.bn which are either printed out or saved as an image on their phones.

PremiseScan functions in reverse to the existing scanning method for BruHealth, in which customers use the app on their phones to scan the premise’s respective QR codes.

The latest features were announced at the daily COVID-19 press conference today by the Second Finance and Economy Minister YB Dato Seri Setia Dr Hj Mohd Amin Liew Abdullah, following concerns by mobile users who are unable to download the BruHealth app which is incompatible for systems below Android 7 and iOS 10.

The codes issued by healthinfo.gov.bn and their 24-hour validity period are identical to those issued by BruHealth. Individuals with green or yellow codes are allowed to enter public spaces while those with red, blue and purple codes are required to stay home.

The minister added that PremiseScan will also update business owners on the live number of customers within their premises, enabling them to practice crowd control in line with the government’s prescribed capacity levels during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Business owners need to have registered on healthinfo.gov.bn before using PremiseScan. A total of 233,737 of Brunei residents and 3,825 businesses have registered for BruHealth.

Tuesday, May 23

Temburong bridge opening hours revised to 6am to 10pm daily

The Temburong bridge will be open from 6am to 10pm starting tomorrow as no new coronavirus cases were recorded for the 18th successive day.

Second Finance and Economy Minister YB Dato Seri Setia Dr Hj Mohd Amin Liew Abdullah said at the daily COVID-19 press conference that 24-hour CCTV cameras have been installed along the 26.3km oversea bridge.

The public has been warned not to stop along the bridge without reason and not to litter after a motorist was caught throwing garbage on CCTV. The $1.4 billion bridge was opened ahead of schedule of March 17 to allow residents to bypass Limbang as Brunei closed its borders amidst the COVID-19 outbreak.

The bridge initially opened from 6am to 10pm but was shortened to 6am to 6pm two days after heavy traffic was reported. Inquiries on the bridge can be directed to the national 123 Talian Darussalam hotline.

Monday, May 22

Delivery persons should use face masks and gloves

Delivery persons should use face masks, gloves and other personal protectice equipment (PPE) when handling packages of customers, said the Minister of Health.

YB Dato Seri Setia Dr Hj Mohammad Isham Hj Jaafar said at the daily COVID-19 press conference that delivery persons or runners doing cross border deliveries should follow the government’s previously issued guidelines or face legal action and have their permits cancelled.

The minister’s reminder follows reports made directly to the ministry about runners not following guidelines. Other wearable PPE includes wearing an apron, raincoat or poncho.

Thursday, May 21

BruHealth: Customers automatically signed out after two hours in eateries

Customers who forget to scan their BruHealth QR code when exiting eateries will be automatically signed out from the BruHealth system after two hours, said the Minister of Health at the daily COVID-19 press conference.

A QR code specific for takeaway customers can also be applied for by eateries through www.healthinfo.gov/register starting tomorrow. 2,852 companies and 180,540 residents have registered for the BruHealth application since it’s introduction last week.

YB Dato Seri Setia Dr Hj Mohammad Isham Hj Jaafar warned companies not to falsify their maximum capacity of their establishment when registering. The Brunei government has allowed limited dining in and the use of sporting and fitness facilities up to to 30% of a premise’s capacity since May 16.

Providing the government with false information is an offence under the Infectious Diseases Act, reminded the minister, which carries a fine of up to $10,000 or jail time of up to six months or both.

The minister added that the government working on making the BruHealth accessible for mobiles with operating systems below Android 7 and iOS 10.

Wednesday, May 20

BruHealth app may be mandatory in future

The Brunei government’s contact tracing mobile app BruHealth may become mandatory in the near future a the coronavirus pandemic may continue until next year.

The Minister of Health YB Dato Seri Setia Dr Hj Mohammad Isham Hj Jaafar said at the daily COVID-19 press conference that the government is targeting 80% of the population to register for the app in order for its effectiveness to be optimised for contact tracing if a new outbreak occurs.

36.8% or 169,212 residents have registered on the app since the app was released a week ago, along with 2,552 businesses who will display QR codes for users to sign in and out using the app at their premises.

The minister also encouraged government agencies dealing or providing services to the public directly to register for the BruHealth QR code.

‘“If a ministry has various different departments under it, they are able to register for a QR code of their own for each department. It is not limited to one QR code per ministry,” said the minister.



No new COVID-19 cases were recorded for the 13th consecutive day, keeping the cumulative number of confirmed cases at 141. Four patients are still being treated at the National Isolation Centre.

Barbershops, health and beauty establishment staff to wear masks and gloves

Health and beauty businesses servicing customers directly including barbershops, saloons and massage parlours are required to have their staff wear face masks, aprons and gloves when operating.

The Minister of Health YB Dato Seri Setia Dr Hj Mohammad Isham Hj Jaafar said at the daily COVID-19 press conference that customers should always be spaced a meter apart.

“Businesses that offer services such as haircuts, facials and massages are to maintain personal hygiene and cleanliness of their premises as well as using face masks, aprons, gloves and to clean the seat or bed each time it is used,” he said.

Failure to comply with the regulations may result in fines under the Infectious Diseases Act. Health and beauty businesses have not been restricted in opening and serving customers directly during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Monday, May 18

MoH urges businesses to obey directives or face legal action

The Ministry of Health (MoH) is urging businesses to obey directives relating to COVID-19 or face legal action after reports of regulations being flouted after the first stage of easing restrictions was announced last Saturday.

MoH Minister YB Dato Seri Setia Dr Hj Mohammad Isham Hj Jaafar said at the daily COVID-19 press conference that the authorities will be conducting spot checks on business premises and “will not hesitate” to close down and take legal action against premises that are not in compliance.

“There are still a handful of people, including certain vendors, who disregard the instructions,” he said. “MoH would like to remind the public to not be comfortable and complacent with the reduction of restriction measures already in place. Although the COVID-19 infection in our country is under control, we are still under threat from the infection.”

The minister added that there were no plans yet to re-open day care centres in response to a question from the media. The public were also advised to use BruHealth when ordering takeaways and not just when dining in at eateries.

Eateries, sports facilities and driving schools have been allowed to accept customers into their premises starting May 16 using the BruHealth app, but cannot fill more than 30% of their space’s capacity while operating.

Sunday, May 17

MoH encourages all businesses to register for BruHealth QR code

The Ministry of Health (MOH) is encouraging all businesses to register for the BruHealth QR code to enable more efficient contact tracing should new cases emerge.

1,492 businesses and 119,477 Brunei residents have registered on the app since it was released last Thursday, said MOH YB Dato Seri Setia Dr Hj Mohammad Isham Hj Jaafar at the daily COVID-19 press conference.

BruHealth enables residents to report their health status through an assessment which in turn generates a five-tiered colour code which regulates whether or not they should stay home.

Individuals issued green or yellow codes are allowed to enter public spaces while red, blue and purple code are required to stay home.

Eateries and sports facilities can only accept customers into their premises if they register and display the BruHealth QR code for customers to sign in and out. Other businesses are not legally required to do so at present, but MoH is encouraging all businesses dealing directly with the public to do so.

Brunei has recorded no new COVID-19 cases for 10 consecutive days, while four cases are currently being treated at the National Isolation Centre.

Saturday, May 16

Demand for chicken drops amongst restaurants, increases within households

The demand for chicken in Brunei has shifted from eateries towards households during the COVID-19 outbreak according to leading local poultry producers.

Overall demand for chicken meat has fallen from 1,426,368 chickens in January to 1,424,122 in February to 1,312,644 chickens in March, but the cumulative amount is still 6.5% higher than the same period last year, according to the Department of Agriculture and Agrifood (DAA).

Borneo Bulletin reported that DAA visited poultry producers to ensure chicken meat and eggs continue to be available during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, which has seen regional and international supply chains disrupted.

However since Brunei has achieved self-sufficiency in poultry, fluctuations in local production are more likely to affect the availability of chicken in the market.

Poultry businesses who supply to the food and beverage and hospitality industry have been affected the most. In the same news report Riza Fudhlana Farming and Golden Chickens Livestock said that demand from eateries has dropped as they have been limited to only offer takeaway during the pandemic.

Other poultry businesses are reporting a rise in demand for cut pieces as the grocery industry has been buoyed by more families spending time at home.

Hua Ho Farm owner Lau How Teck said they have retained their level of poultry production during the pandemic as consumer demand has been increasing at their retail stores.

Friday, May 15

Eateries expected to distance customers seating at tables

Eateries in Brunei are expected to practice social distancing within seating at tables in addition to limiting their overall premise seating capacity to 30% when the dining in ban lifts tomorrow.

The Minister of Health YB Dato Seri Setia Dr Hj Mohd Isham Hj Jaafar said at the daily COVID-19 press conference today that while the 30% limit within the premise ensures distancing between groups of customers, eateries should also limit each table’s capacity to ensure distancing within a group.

“Automatically, this (30%) will ensure social or physical distancing, and that is why only 30 per cent has been allocated,” he said.

“Another example is that if a table is meant for 10 people, we expect no more than three or four people at that table. As for a table of four, only two people are allowed.”

The minister also clarified that playgrounds or communal play areas within eateries are not allowed to operate until further notice to reduce the risk of the coronavirus from spreading through close contact.

Brunei announced the first stage of easing COVID-19 restrictions yesterday, which included allowing eateries, fitness centres and driving schools to accept customers within their premises. The first stage will take effect on May 16.

One COVID-19 patient was discharged today, leaving five patients currently being treated for the virus at the National Isolation Center.

BruHealth verification code validity extended to a week

The validity for the BruHealth verification code has been extended to a week as people have reported being unable to receive the code through SMS immediately after registering through the app.

The Minister of Health YB Dato Seri Setia Dr Hj Mohd Isham Hj Jaafar said in the daily COVID-19 press conference that SMS verification code issue has been rectified with all but one telco provider.

He advised public to only register once, as multiple registrations will further jam the system. The BruHealth application enables the public to self-report their health status and generate entry codes to public premises.

The app uses Bluetooth technology to track users movements which provides the government with data to do contract tracing more efficiently when new coronavirus cases are detected.

Thursday, May 14

Postal services collect 5,156 parcels belonging to Bruneians across border

Brunei’s Postal Services Department has collected 5,156 stranded parcels belonging to Bruneians from postal offices in Miri and Limbang as of May 13.

The parcels are currently being disinfected and quarantined for 72 hours according to the Ministry of Transport and Infocommunications (MTIC), and will be handed over to by postal services who will contact customers in advance to set a scheduled time for pick up at the Mail Processing Centre in Berakas.

The MTIC minister announced last April 20 that Brunei’s postal services had reached an arrangement with their Malaysian counterparts to pick up Bruneians’ parcels delivered to Miri and Limbang.

Bruneians who have their items sent to neighbouring Malaysian states to be picked up typically cite lower delivery costs and flexibility as certain sellers may not deliver to Brunei.

Brunei closed its borders on March 16 with exceptions for emergency travel and the delivery of essential supplies.

Inquiries can be directed to the postal services’ customer hotline at 8711002, 2380481 or [email protected]

Restaurants, sports facilities, driving schools allowed to operate at 30% of premise capacity

The Brunei government has allowed six premises starting May 16 (Saturday) to begin operating in a limited capacity with the use of the BruHealth application in the first de-escalation of coronavirus restrictions.

The six premises are: driving schools, gyms and fitness centres, sports facilities, golf courses, restaurants, cafes and food courts and stalls and markets.

Driving schools, gyms and fitness centres, sports facilities, restaurants, cafes and food courts will be allowed to operate at 30% of their premise capacity.

Dining in at stalls and markets under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MoHA) and Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports (MCYS) will be limited to 50% of seating capacity.

The easing of restrictions was announced at the daily COVID-19 press conference by the Minister of Health YB Dato Seri Setia Dr Hj Mohammad Isham Hj Jaafar, who said the coronavirus outbreak has been brought under control.

Six COVID-19 cases are currently being treated, with no new cases reported for a week.

BruHealth application available for download

Second Minister of Finance and Economy and Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office YB Dato Seri Setia Dr Hj Mohd Amin Liew Abdullah also announced that the BruHealth application was available for both Android and iOS for the public and businesses to register.

BruHealth will provide the government with data effectively trace new cases and their potential spread.

Users are required to routinely fill a self-assessment form on the application – which together with their medical history under Bru-HIMS – generates entry codes to commercial and public premises according to the users’ risk profile.

Green and yellow codes allow access, while users given red, blue and purple codes have to stay within their existing residence.

Owners of business premises – especially those who have had their operations restricted – need to register their business and employees on healthinfo.gov.bn/register to receive a QR code that must be displayed at their premise’s entry.

Businesses will also have to ensure their employees use the self-assessment tool on the application to ensure they are fit for duty.

Users must then scan their entry codes to gain access and leave their Bluetooth on for their movement to be recorded accurately. The minister warned that entering incorrect information into the app is an offence under the Infectious Diseases Act.

Specific regulations for six premises

In addition to requiring the six premises to register and use the BruHealth QR code, the government also outlined specific regulations each premise:

Restaurants, cafes and food courts

Eateries are allowed to fill up to 30% of their seating capacity at any period, and must ensure customer seating are spaced out evenly in addition to publicly displaying their seating capacity.

Customers must have their temperature checked before entering and are advised to make reservations in advance. Buffets are not allowed.

Businesses must also offer a takeaway lane and have hand sanitisers for customer use. Cooking staff should also wear face masks while on duty.

Stalls and markets

All stalls and marketplaces under MCYS and MoHA will reopen with the exception of weekly markets including the Tutong Tamu and the weekend tamu in the parking lot of Pasarneka Kuala Belait. The Gerai Ramadhan also remains cancelled.

Stalls and markets must also observe the same guidelines as eateries, with the exception of being able to fill their seated dining capacity up to 50%.

Driving schools

Classroom based lessons for students can only be filled to 30% of seating capacity. Temperature checks will be taken before classes, with those showing signs on infection ordered to stay home. Students are also encouraged to wear face masks.

The Land Transport Department will shortly announce guidelines for driving (practical) classes which typically involve both student and teacher sitting next to each other in a vehicle.

Applications for driving classes and tests will also resume this Saturday.

Gym and fitness centres

Registered members of gyms must book in advance to use facilities for up to an hour at a time. Walk ins are not allowed, and operators must ensure centres are only filled to 30% of capacity at any particular period.

Sporting facilities (indoor and outdoor)

Sporting facilities (indoor and outdoor) can operate up to 30% of capacity for individual use, but users must bring their own equipment. Organized (team) and contact sports activities and the use of swimming pools are not permitted.

Golf courses

Golf courses are only open to registered members, who must book in advance before use. Each flight is limited to two players and each player must use their own buggy and equipment.

Full statement from MoH:

Wednesday, May 13

Supply chain disruption due to COVID-19 increases price of goods

The disruption in the global supply chain due to COVID-19 has increased import prices and driven up the cost of goods in Brunei, said the Second Minister of Finance and Economy.

YB Dato Seri Setia Dr Hj Mohd Amin Liew Abdullah said in the daily COVID-19 press conference that over 200 public complaints have been received by the Department of Competition and Consumer Affairs (DCCA) of the Department of Economic Planning and Statistics (JPES).

90% of the complaints were about price increases; the majority on personal hygiene products like sanitisers and face masks, while others raised concerns over groceries, especially fruits and vegetables.

The minister said investigations by DCCA showed that higher prices were due to rising import costs. He explained that the government has introduced new measures to facilitate cross-border delivery to help bring down prices.

However air cargo will continue to be affected as flights have been limited. Brunei currently only has scheduled flights coming in from Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Hong Kong, Manila and Melbourne.

Flights from Singapore are down from 14 times a week to twice a week.

“If there are items to be imported from Kuala Lumpur, they have to wait once a week and it depends on the amount of items as there is a limit on how much the flight can carry. We would not be able to bring everything in one week,” said YB Dato Amin, who advised businesses to look into shipping options instead.

“It is part of the challenge and we hope that in the future when COVID-19 starts to ease, we will look at having more frequent flights to some of the cities.”

The government has also taken steps to ensure local food production and distribution continues, including an initiative to buy produce directly from farmers to be sold to supermarkets and other shops.

The initiative called ‘Buy Local Campaign’ is run by government-owned company Ghanim International Corporation and managed to collect over 500kg of local produce in less than two weeks after it launched on April 22.

Monday, May 11

Dart introduces Gerai Ramadhan application

Ride hailing service Dart has partnered with a local restaurant with a certified five-star kitchen to roll out a food delivery mobile application called Gerai Ramadhan (GR).

The application is now available on the Google Playstore and soon the Apple App Store, and caters to orders specifically for the breaking of fast, which must be ordered the day prior by 9pm.

Like its namesake, the GR application offers almost 100 affordable local food stall staples like roti john, nasi katok, kueh malaya and grilled lamb, cooked by 15 new local vendors and GR’s partner restaurant.

CEO and co-founder of Dart Zul’Amali DP Hj Idris said the undisclosed partner restaurant has also allowed the local vendors to use its certified kitchen ensuring the food prepared is “Halal and cooked under high quality assurance measures”.

Orders within Brunei-Muara are charged $4.40, Tutong and Temburong $8 and $12 for Belait. Customers can also order from multiple vendors under single checkout and pay a single delivery fee. Dart’s pool of 200 drivers will be dispatching the orders.

Read the full story here.

5,000 foreign workers tested for COVID-19

Over 5,000 foreign workers have been randomly tested for COVID-19 since April 6 as part of the Ministry of Health’s surveillance efforts, accounting for more than a third of all testing in the Sultanate.

Minister of Health YB Dato Seri Setia Dr Hj Mohd Isham Hj Jaafar said at the daily COVID-19 press conference that the foreigners tested covered a wide range of professions including those working in construction, retail stores and food and beverage.

Brunei’s last three recorded cases on May 6 and 7 were foreigners working for a company in Belait who were living dormitory. However all three are asymptomatic, with only one developing flu-like symptoms back in March.

The minister said it is highly likely that case 141 was the first to shown signs and infected case 139 and 140. 114 of the trio’s contacts have been tested negative for the coronavirus.

Six people are still being treated for COVID-19.

Brunei has “flattened the curve” of the coronavirus outbreak said the minister previously, with the Ministry of Health now undertaking more research and preparedness measures before restrictions can be lifted in stages.

Six out of 527 people were found to have developed antibodies for COVID-19 as part of a new community screening effort at five public health centres from May 4 to 6.

The minister said this could potentially mean that segments of the general population have been exposed to the coronavirus in the country and developed an immunity to it.

The six who tested positive for antibodies – and their contacts – later all tested negative for COVID-19.

Thursday, May 10

Pasarpbg.com: 12 vendors sell over 1,500 items in first six days

Over 1,500 food items have been sold on the online Gadong night market (Pasar Pelbagai Barangan Gadong – PPBG) from 12 vendors since the platform’s launch six days ago.

Co-founder of Beep Digital Solutions Denny Muslim, whose startup is operating the platform, said that the sales volume was meeting expectations but acknowledged challenges in convincing more of the market’s vendors to sell online.

Beep currently levies a 3% charge on each vendor’s sale and accepts payment from customers in the form of online bank transfer, with debit and credit cards expected to be integrated soon.

“We have streamlined the process so that vendors will simply receive a text with confirmed orders (with a cut off time of 1.30pm) which they then prepare and drop off at PPBG,” said Denny.

“The customer then can pick up from 4pm to 5.30pm or have it delivered to their doorstep from 5pm to 6pm for a single delivery fee of $4.50.”

Over 1,500 food items have been sold on the online Gadong night market (Pasar Pelbagai Barangan Gadong – PPBG) from 12 vendors since the platform’s launch six days ago.

Pasarpbg.com was launched on May 4 in response to the closure of PPBG – home to approximately 150 vendors – on the first day of Ramadhan to prevent overcrowding during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Read the full story here.

Thursday, May 9

Weelago launches online bazaar with drive-through pick up

Online marketplace Weelago has launched a three month online bazaar with drive-through stations at Little Soho and Yayasan Shopping Complex to help local businesses digitise and encourage in-country spending during the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak.

The WeeLAH!Go Bazaar integrates into the existing Weelago website through a dedicated category page that houses close to 100 local vendors selling food, clothes and other consumer products for Ramadhan and the upcoming Hari Raya festivities.

Co-founder of Weelago Chris Wong said that their platform has waived monthly listing fees and absorbed online banking transaction charges for vendors, and will only retain a commission fee of 5% off the sale of food and beverage items.

Other items carry a commission fee between 5% to 20% depending on their product category. Wong said their central drive-through stations at Little Soho and Yayasan enables customers to place orders from multiple food and beverage vendors and pick up at a single location for free or pay a single delivery fee of $5 to have all their items sent to them through their logistics partner Hey Domo.

Food and beverage orders placed before 2.30pm can be picked up or be delivered from 4pm onwards for the breaking of fast. Orders placed after 2.30pm will be delivered the following day.

Read the full story here.

50% glutinous rice subsidy extended to June 6

The Treasury Department has extended the 50% subsidy on glutinous rice to June 6 to help accomodate increased demand for the upcoming Hari Raya festivities.

The subsidy was first announced on April 8 and is exclusively for the self-employed and micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) as part of wider economic relief measures to help them cope with the downturn caused by the COVID-19 outbreak.

The discount brings down the price of a 10kg bag from $7.80 to $3.80 and will be available from the State Supply and Store Complex, whose opening days have also been extended to every day except Friday, Sundays and public holidays.

Thursday, May 7

Up to 50% building tax cut for landlords reducing tenants’ rent

The government will reduce the annual building tax up to 50% for landlords who reduce or waive their tenants’ rent, announced the Minister of Home Affairs in the daily COVID-19 press conference.

Landlords will have to reduce rent by at least 10% for six months to qualify for the deduction, which applies to commercial and residential premises used for business operations that fall under the jurisdiction of Brunei’s municipal departments.

The latest economic relief measure adds on to the government’s wider economic stimulus package for businesses worth $450 million, and is a follow up to His Majesty’s address on April 13 in which he called on landlords to reduce or waive rent to help businesses manage the downturn caused by the ongoing pandemic.

The building tax breaks apply this year and are tiered according to the amount of deduction in rent to tenants. Landlords who cut rent by 10% to 14% will receive up to 20% off their annual tax, those reducing rent by 15% to 19% will receive 35% off and those cutting rent by 20% and above will receive up to 50% off.

YB Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Hj Abu Bakar Hj Apong added that landlords of residential properties renting out to businesses such as daycare centres, tailors and convenience stores were also eligible for the tax break.

Landlords must apply to their respective municipalities to be eligible for the deduction. Businesses can inquire to: Bandar Seri Begawan Municipal Department at 2232424 ext 120/7179900/[email protected], Kuala Belait and Seria Municipal Department at 3347300/[email protected] and Tutong Municipal Department at 4221009/8117115/[email protected]

Businesses can register for BruHealth tracing app

Brunei businesses – especially those affected by COVID-19 restrictions – can now register for the government’s BruHealth application to receive a QR code which will enable them to receive customers once restrictions are lifted.

Second Minister of Finance and Economy and Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office YB Dato Seri Setia Dr Hj Mohd Amin Liew Abdullah unveiled two instructional videos on BruHealth at the daily COVID-19 press conference but clarified that all restrictions were still in place.

The app has been sent to Google Playstore and Apple AppStore and is expected to be available for download over the next few days. Businesses can also register through healthinfo.gov.bn/register

Brunei recorded 16 consecutive days without new coronavirus cases until May 6 and May 7 where one and two new cases were recorded respectively.

The first video for Brunei residents explains the BruHealth’s functionality which involves filling in a self-assessment form to receive a tiered coloured code which approves different levels of public movement including dining in at restaurants and working out at gyms which is currently banned.

The second video is targeted towards businesses to register for the application to generate a QR code that they must display at their storefront for customers to scan their tiered code before entering.

Users’ Bluetooth must remain on while accessing certain public spaces for the government to be able to track data that will be used for contact tracing should a new COVID-19 case be recorded.

The minister added that commercial premises that are currently not banned from operating such as supermarkets and other retail stores will also have to register for the app as their locations are frequented by the public.

BruHealth will also prevent segments of the population who are at a higher risk of spreading or contracting COVID-19 from entering public spaces, including those under quarantine and isolation or who have existing conditions or non-communicable diseases (NCDs).

Entering false information within the application is a punishable offence under the Infectious Diseases Act.

Local spend increasing with border closure; e-commerce becoming popular

Local spending has increased within the country since Brunei closed its borders in March to help curb the spread of COVID-19, said the Second Minister of Finance and Economy.

YB Dato Seri Setia Dr Hj Mohd Amin Liew Abdullah said at the daily COVID-19 press conference that some businesses in Belait have reported an increase in sales by 30% presumably because residents cannot travel to neighbouring Miri.

Brunei barred its residents from leaving the country on March 16 and banned visitors from entering the country on March 24. Bruneians spent $1.16 billion in Malaysia in 2019, according to Tourism Malaysia.

The minister said more data is needed before conclusions can be drawn, but pointed out that increasing in in-country spending would help boost employment and the overall economy.

In other countries, consumer spending has decreased overall with the exception of groceries and household supplies, as consumers look to limit their spending on essentials.

Last Tuesday, YB Dato Amin said Brunei’s e-commerce sector was growing, especially for food takeaway and delivery services since dining in at eateries has been banned.

There more than 14 verified local e-commerce platforms listed on the Authority for Info-communications Technology Industry of Brunei Darussalam’s (AITI) e-commerce directory eKadaiBrunei housing approximately 180 businesses. The directory has recorded over 14,000 views since its launch on April 1.

“With e-commerce (growing) it allows the companies to hire more people now; we have seen a lot of new jobs being created, hiring delivery (personnel), so it helps with the overall economy,” he said. “Each customer is spending $40 to $50 on average (per order) a day.”

Meanwhile BIBD’s e-commerce platform Community for Brunei currently has onboarded 120 vendors, with another 300 in the pipeline for their virtual Gerai Ramadhan.



Tuesday, May 5

Government issues new guidelines enabling cross border delivery

Brunei and Malaysia commercial vehicles will be able to undertake cross border deliveries under specific conditions starting tomorrow to ensure the country’s supply chains remains open.

Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Second Finance and Economy Minister YB Dato Seri Setia Dr Hj Mohd Amin Liew Abdullah said that all transporters must return the same day of delivery and complete job sheets detailing their consignment and hiring company.

The easing of cross border trade comes a day after the Malaysian government began lifting restrictions to stimulate economic activity.

Transport personnel will have to wear the iMsafe tracking wristbands for authorities to monitor their movements. Items collected will also need to be quarantined for three days or 72 hours at the company’s respective premises before being handed over to customers.

All Brunei transporters must obtain the exit country approval from the Prime Minister’s Office before crossing which needs to be submitted three working days before the date of travel.

The government has classified Brunei transporters into two categories each with separate travel conditions. Transport companies deliver items belonging to businesses, while runners deliver items to individuals.

Transport companies are allowed entry and exit at four border checkpoints: Sungai Tujoh and Labu – where they can spend up to five hours across the border – and Ujung Jalan and Kuala Lurah which has a time cap of three hours.

Runners can only access Sungai Tujoh and and Ujung Jalan checkpoints once a week and must pick up items at a designated exchange centres located at border checkpoint itself within the span of an hour. Runners must work for or be registered as companies, and use commercially registered vehicles.

The minister said there are approximately 25 registered runner companies in Brunei, who will be allowed to travel in batches.

“So far we don’t allow them to go in one go. For example ,we will separate them into different days. For the start, we will allow maybe five runners on one day. So then we will see how it goes. If we can allow more, like 10 runners to do it on one day then we will do so,” he said.



Employees transporting are also required to update their health status every day through the self-assessment tool on healthinfo.gov.bn for 14 days after crossing the border.



For more information visit PMO’s website.

Over 600 jobs and i-Ready apprenticeships offered during COVID-19 outbreak

Over 600 jobs and i-Ready apprenticeships have been listed on Job Centre Brunei (JCB) during the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak.

Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Second Finance and Economy Minister YB Dato Seri Setia Dr Hj Mohd Amin Liew Abdullah said at the daily COVID-19 press conference that unemployment has not significantly increased since the outbreak began on March 9.

JCB has been continuously following up with companies to provide their openings, he said. As a result, 272 jobs – 150 which have been filled – and 340 i-Ready apprenticeships have been listed on JCB.

The minister attributed the new employment opportunities to Brunei’s major industries continuing to operate during the pandemic.

“It’s not as bad as we feared from the outset as most businesses are still operating, with the exception of restaurants that can only do takeaway,” he said.

“The most heavily impacted sector is still tourism and gym operators; but others are running close to normal so that’s why I don’t foresee (many) people losing their jobs.”

JCB’s website listed over 9,000 job seekers as of 9pm yesterday, but the minister said this was not a complete account of unemployment as not all job seekers may be registered with JCB. According to government’s latest labour survey, 16,234 were unemployed in 2019 corresponding to a rate 6.8%, down 1.9% from the year prior.

The revamping of JCB’s website and the expansion of the i-Ready scheme to diploma and technical and vocational education training (TVET) holders was announced on March 28 as part of the government’s wider economic stimulus measures to combat the outbreak.

211 companies apply for 25% salary subsidy; 139 companies apply for TAP and SCP deferments

211 micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) have applied for the government’s 25% salary subsidy for 2,203 employees as of March 5.

Another 139 companies have applied for deferment of TAP and SCP (social security) payments for six months covering 1,428 employees.

Both measures are part of the Ministry of Finance and Economy’s (MoFE) stimulus measures to help businesses mitigate the economic impact of the COVID-19 outbreak.

Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and MoFE Second Minister YB Dato Seri Setia Dr Hj Mohd Amin Liew Abdullah shared the numbers during the daily COVID-19 press conference.

The subsidy covers salaries for three months and applies only to Bruneian staff employed by MSMEs – defined as businesses with less than 100 employees – with salaries less than $1,500. Businesses need to pay employees’ salaries in full before claiming the subsidy through TAP.

The social security deferments also apply to employees working for MSMEs earning less than $1,500 and must be repaid within a year of the final month of deferment.

Meanwhile the COVID-19 Relief Fund has raised $9.82 million since it was set up on March 21. The minister added that a portion of the fund may be used to pay for the $11 million extension at the National Isolation Centre in Tutong.

Monday, May 4

Gadong night market now online with pasarpbg.com



Food from the Gadong night market (Pasar Pelbagai Barangan Gadong – PPBG) can now be ordered online through www.pasarpbg.com to be picked up at the market or be delivered to customers’ homes.

The website enables PPBG’s cooked food vendors to continue doing business after the Brunei-Muara District Office ordered them to close on the first day of Ramadhan to prevent mass gatherings during the COVID-19 outbreak.

Local fintech startup Beep Digital Solutions proposed and received approval from the governing agencies to begin offering the service to the public today.

The website allows customers to browse and order a variety of food from multiple vendors which will be delivered within Brunei-Muara at a flat rate of $4.50 or be picked up at a designated drive through spot at the market.

Orders made before 1.30pm will be delivered or be available for pick up on the same day between 3pm to 5pm. Orders after 1.30pm will be delivered or be available for pick up the following day. Customers will receive updates on their orders through SMS.

Full story here.

Contact tracing app to enable access to eateries, mosques and gyms

The government’s contract tracing application is expected to review and grant approvals for applications by the public to access eateries, mosques and gyms, said the Minister of Health.

YB Dato Seri Setia Dr Hj Mohammad Isham Hj Jaafar said in the daily COVID-19 press conference earlier today that the application is currently awaiting approval, and is expected to be available for iOs and Android in English and Malay this week.

The software will generate a three-tiered colour code which approves of users’ movement; those given the green light can move freely, yellow signals that external permission must be sought – potentially from doctors – while red prohibits users from leaving their residence.

As Brunei enters its third week without new COVID-19 infections and over 94% of cases recovered, the government is planning how to lift the current restrictions in stages.

The Minister of Health previously said that the restrictions for people to enter and leave Brunei will the last measure to be lifted.

Mosques will be open for Friday prayers starting May 29, although physical distancing and controlling the number of congregants are expected to be implemented.

The app is expected to be implemented before the mosque opening, and be socialised immediately upon approval. “It will not just apply to (entering) mosques but to restaurants, gyms and other (places),” said the minister.

The tracing application will track people’s movements, providing data that allows the government to trace the source of new cases more efficiently, as well as identify individuals who may be at risk.

The application is part of the government’s wider readiness and control measures to combat COVID-19, which also include doubling the National Isolation Centre’s bed capacity to 296 – the main site of treatment – as well as setting up a new virology which increased their testing capacity tenfold to a thousand tests daily.

As part of measures to help curb the spread of COVID-19, the government has also ordered the closure of schools, gyms and sporting facilities, cinemas and several marketplaces, while eateries have been banned from allowing customers to dine in.

Saturday, May 2

Big BWN partners with Ta-Pow! to deliver sahur every day

Event management company Big BWN have partnered with food delivery application Ta-Pow! to offer daily deliveries for sahur (pre-dawn) meals from 25 local businesses.

The project called Sahur Everyday is an expansion from Big BWN’s popular pop-up sales event Sahur Saturday held annually during Ramadhan for the past five years, which had to be cancelled this year line with restrictions preventing mass gatherings during the COVID-19 outbreak.

Sahur Everyday will be accessible through the newly launched Ta-Pow! website and mobile application on Google’s Playstore and the Apple App Store.

Ta-Pow! functions as a mobile-based food marketplace where customers can order food online to be delivered to them within Brunei-Muara with tiered rates between $2.50 to $5.

Founder of Ta-Pow! Ryan Yusof said 13 additional vendors have signed onto the platform alongside Sahur Everyday’s 25 vendors to offer meals for sungkai (breaking of fast).

Deliveries for sahur will be made from 9pm to 2am with the final order at 1am. Customers can also place their orders in advance for both sahur and sungkai.

Home-based vendors are charged a commission fee of 10% of each transaction while the full delivery fee is given to Ta-Pow!’s drivers as payment.

Full story here.

Friday, May 1

Relapse cases not infectious, safe to return to work after isolation

COVID-19 relapse cases that have been re-admitted to the National Isolation Centre (NIC) and have completed 14 days of isolation after being discharged can safely return to work without risk of being contagious, said the Minister of Health.

YB Dato Seri Setia Dr Hj Mohammad Isham said in the daily COVID-19 press conference that there is no evidence that relapse patients are infectious, as Brunei records no new cases for the 12th consecutive day.

22 COVID-19 patients have tested positive after initially testing negative following treatment and being discharged from NIC. 124 out of the 138 cases have recovered.

The Ministry of Health (MoH) has since required relapse patients to take to swab test 11 days after being discharged for the second time along with serving an additional 14 days of self-isolation.

“For such patients in the country, MoH has a clear and comprehensive procedure for providing follow up care. Therefore, the public does not have to worry about the risk of infection from these former patients; they can return to their former lives once the self-isolation is completed,” said the minister.

“Therefore, employers do not need to take actions such as forcing them to take unpaid leave or isolating them from others. It is sufficient by ensuring that general precautions are taken at work by all employers and staff… Avoid discriminating against these former patients.”

Tuesday, April 28

Food trucks to operate drive-through at HB National Stadium

Food truck vendors will be allowed to operate drive-through services for customers at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium starting this Friday (May 1) as a replacement for the cancelled Gerai Ramadhan.

The Minister of Home Affairs YB Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Hj Abu Bakar Hj Apong said at the daily COVID-19 press conference that food trucks can apply to operate in the stadium’s vicinity.

Customers must place their orders first, before picking up their items through via drive through to prevent overcrowding. The minister added that the service may be extended to other locations across the country.

Businesses can apply to be part of the initiative by contacting:

Centralised drop off service for food vendors coming soon

The government is looking into hosting central drop off points for cooked food stall vendors where customers can pick up from or have a local courier deliver to them.

The Minister of Home Affairs YB Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Hj Abu Bakar Hj Apong said in the daily COVID-19 press conference that customers will order by selecting food items online. The vendors will then prepare the food and drop off the order at the central point.

The latest initiative comes after the government has cancelled Gerai Ramadhan and subsequently banned the sale of cooked food by food stalls within tamus or marketplaces under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Home Affairs as part of wider measures to help curb the spread of COVID-19.

“We understand that some are not familiar with using e-commerce platforms to sell, so we are in discussions with AITI to host a place where businesses can drop off their products – we will give a cut off time – and then this will be dispatched by local delivery services,” he said.



“They (vendors) will only need to attach an image through their phones so customers can see what they are buying and at what price. So vendors that do not want to do business online can use this service. InsyaAllah it will be notified soon once everything is ready.”

Roadside stalls not permitted; businesses can operate from home

Businesses are not allowed to set up stalls by the roadside but can continue to operate from home, said the Minister of Home Affairs.

YB Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Hj Abu Bakar Hj Apong said at the daily COVID-19 press conference that the Public Works Department has the authority to take action against roadside stalls in the interest of public safety.

Businesses can continue to operate from home if they are offering pick up or takeaway. Brunei still bans customers from dining in at eateries, including those based from home, as part of wider measures to help curb the spread of COVID-19.

The minister also urged vendors to consider using local e-commerce platforms and delivery services to continue doing business.

Monday, April 27

Contact tracing app will help ease restrictions; border closure to be last measure lifted

The adoption of a contact tracing application that allows the government to monitor the movement and contacts made by potential carries COVID-19 will be key to helping lift restrictions, said the Minister of Health.

YB Dato Seri Setia Dr Hj Mohammad Isham Hj Jaafar said in the daily press conference that the government is currently planning the lifting of restrictions in stages as the country records no new cases for the eighth day with almost 90% of its 138 cases recovered.

While the curve of the current outbreak in Brunei has flattened, the situation must be fully under control and the government must be equipped to respond to another outbreak before restrictions can be lifted.

Using the tracing application “will be the new norm” for Brunei residents, he said, with the software generating a three-tiered colour code which approves of users’ levels of movement; those given the green light can move freely, yellow signals that external permission must be sought – potentially from doctors – while red prohibits users from leaving their existing residence.

“It (restrictions) cannot be done all in one go, but whatever it is, the border will remain the last (measure to be lifted),” said the minister. “For the border (restrictions), we may have to wait for the surrounding and global pandemic situation to end. But at the moment what is being discussed is how within the country – we have been flat for a while, there is one or two cases – so how can we lift (restrictions) in stages. InsyaAllah with the app it will help to lift the restrictions.”

The application currently in development and will be accessible in Malay and English. The data from the app will allow the government to trace the source of new cases more efficiently, as well as identify individuals who may be at risk.

“The app will be able to tell who was around with you, so it is easy to contract trace especially when you are out (for example) at the mosque or a restaurant,” he added.

Aside from restricting people from entering and leaving the country, the government has ordered the closure of schools, mosques, gyms and sporting facilities, cinemas and several marketplaces to help curb the spread of COVID-19. Restaurants have also been banned from allowing customers to dine in.

Tuesday, April 26

Ghanim’s Buy Local Produce campaign collects over 500kg

Ghanim International Corporation has collected over 500kg of 40 varieties of fruits and vegetables from local farmers and market vendors in Tutong and Belait to be supplied to supermarkets as part of their Buy Local Produce campaign.

Close to 60 vendors dropped off their produce at the Seria wet market and Tutong’s Serambangun over the past two weeks, which Ghanim purchased outright and then sold to supermarkets who either arrived later to pick up or had the items delivered to them.

Ghanim plans to facilitate the drop offs for local vendors every Tuesday in Seria (Belait) and every Thursday in Tutong as marketplaces (tamu) in both districts have been closed since last month as part of measures to help curb the spread of COVID-19.

Ghanim CEO Dr Nur Rahman is encouraging farmers and vendors to contact their hotline 8890020 to notify what their supply capabilities are to allow their products to better marketed to supermarkets. Retail outlets and eateries are also invited to participate in the initiative.

“The three things we really need (from the farmers/vendors); product (type), the volume (amount) for each product and how much price they are expecting, so that our team can negotiate and discuss with the supermarkets,” said Dr Nur.

“Although we are trying to support farmers in districts where the markets are closed (Brunei-Muara markets are still open) this initiative is open to all local farmers and market vendors.”

Produce bought from vendors by Ghanim for less than $200 is paid in full, while larger supply is paid 50% upfront and the remaining 50% the following week.

Ghanim sells the majority of the produce to Hua Ho, Sim Kim Huat, Jaya Hypermart and the Millimewah Group. The products are also sold to eateries and at Ghanim’s kiosk at the Ministry of Finance and Economy’s building.

Second Finance and Economy Minister YB Dato Seri Setia Dr Hj Mohd Amin Liew Abdullah announced the Buy Local Produce campaign on April 22 to help vendors and farmers mitigate losses caused by the markets’ closure.

Full story here.

Tuesday, April 21

Brunei’s economy will not enter recession despite coronavirus crisis

Brunei’s gross domestic product (GDP) is expected to record growth in 2020 despite the global coronavirus crisis driving oil prices to record lows, said the Second Minister of Finance and Economy.

The International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) latest report revised their projection for Brunei’s GDP from growing 4.7% to 1.3% this year due to the ongoing pandemic which is expected to cause the global economy to decline by 3%.

In the daily COVID-19 press conference, YB Dato Seri Setia Dr Hj Mohd Amin Liew Abdullah said that IMF’s latest projections show that Brunei’s economy remains on track as major industries continue productivity during the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak.

“Based on our internal assessment we are still able to achieve a respectable growth rate for this year,” said the minister.

“In Brunei, with the exception of a few businesses in tourism (and other) sectors, many businesses continue to operate. Many of us continue to work and that’s why we are lucky compared to other countries (in lockdown or shutdown). Based on that assumption that we can continue to do this, we foresee our economic growth to be quite strong.”

Brunei’s economy grew 3.9% last year, the highest rate in 13 years. According to IMF’s report, two major FDI projects – Hengy Industries’ US$3.45 billion oil refinery and petrochemical plant and the $1.8 billion Brunei Fertilizer Industries (BFI) plant – are expected to play a significant role in increasing Brunei’s GDP.

Hengyi has already begun exporting petrochemical products to 15 countries, while BFI is expected to be completed in 2020.

The minister added that oil production – which together with natural gas accounts for almost 90% of Brunei’s exports – will continue despite lower global demand, although selling prices will be negatively affected.

Yesterday, the US benchmark for crude oil, West Texas Intermediate (WTI) dropped to US$-37.63 a barrel for the first time in history, while Brent Crude – the more ubiquitous standard in the market – dropped to US$26.44 a barrel.

Reuters reported that the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and a Russia-led group of allies including Brunei agreed to collectively cut production by 9.7 million barrels per day from May to June to prop up oil prices amid lower demand. According to the report, Brunei will lower production by 23,000 barrels per day.

“This is the time when you really need to make sure that you always have a diversified portfolio of buyers; a lot of our buyers are in this Asia-Pacific region,” said the minister.

“Now China has started some factories, so their economy starts to move on. We also have buyers from other North Asian countries and also in the region. We are able to sell our cargo (of oil), the question is not so much whether you can sell but what price you will sell at.”

Ghanim to help farmers sell to supermarkets and eateries

State-owned Ghanim International Corporation (GIC) will be helping farmers and market vendors sell their produce to supermarkets and eateries to help prevent losses incurred from the closure of several marketplaces due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

Second Finance and Economy Minister YB Dato Seri Setia Dr Hj Mohd Amin Liew Abdullah said the Buy Local Produce campaign has already drawn 54 farmers and market vendors from Tutong and Seria with four supermarket chains signing on to purchase from them.

Farmers, market vendors, supermarkets, eateries and other retail establishments are encouraged to participate.

“The main objective of the campaign is to ensure that the income of farmers and vendors is maintained during the temporary closure (applying to the Belait and Tutong markets),” said the minister in a press conference earlier today.

The initiative will also ensure regular supply of local fruits and vegetables which will help stabilise prices and encourage farmers to continue planting.

In the long-term this will help Brunei reduce its reliance on food imports, although certain varieties that cannot be planted will continue to be imported.

“We need the farmers to continue growing. Don’t stop. Because when we first approached them… a lot of them actually stopped farming and a lot of them do not know how (where) to market their produce, and one or two would say that their vegetables would just go to rot,” he added.

“We will market for them and let them concentrate on the farming side so the more they produce, the more we can channel to the right places.”

GIC has already hosted exchanges for vendors in Tutong and Seria last week and will continue this week in Tutong. Darussalam Enterprise (DARe), the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Ministry of Finance and Economy are also facilitating the initiative.

For more information contact GIC at 8890020.

Monday, April 20

Postal services to collect Bruneians’ parcels delivered to Miri and Limbang

Brunei’s Postal Services Department have reached an agreement with their Malaysian counterparts to pick up Bruneians’ parcels delivered to Miri and Limbang.

Minister of Transport and Infocommunications YB Dato Seri Setia Abdul Mutalib Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Setia Dato Paduka Hj Mohammad Yusof said in a press conference today that Brunei residents with unclaimed parcels will have to fill in a declaration form online for postal services to collect their items on their behalf.

Bruneian shoppers who order items online and have them sent to neighbouring Miri and Limbang typically engage “runners” from Brunei to pick up their items for a fee that ranges from $6 to $18. However Brunei has banned residents from leaving the country since March 16 to help curb the spread of COVID-19.

The announcement comes after a viral image on April 18 claiming that parcels belonging to Bruneians were being left uncollected in Limbang. However the minister said the image itself has yet to be verified.

YB Dato Abd Mutalib said that Pos Malaysia shared that there were approximately 3,800 unclaimed parcels at neighbouring postal centres, but it has yet to be confirmed how many belong to Brunei residents.

He added that the parcel collection service is optional, but stressed this was the officially approved method during travel restrictions for Brunei customers to receive their items.

“The post (services) will become the runner on your behalf; it is a voluntary service to the people, but MTIC advises to use this service, it is proper and through an established arrangement,” he said.

The parcels will be processed at the Mail Processing Centre in Berakas before being delivered to the owner’s residences, with the exception of items with dutiable tax or requiring approval.

The minister added that Brunei residents should use their local address for online purchases to simplify the process in the future.

Bruneians who have their items sent to neighbouring Malaysian states to be picked up typically cite lower delivery costs and flexibility as certain sellers may not deliver to Brunei.

The fees for the parcel collection across the border have yet to be disclosed. Inquiries can be directed to the postal services’ customer hotline at 8711002, 2380481 or [email protected]

Government cancels $25 annual license fee for mobile lines

The $25 annual license fee for mobile line subscribers has been cancelled starting January 24 this year, announced the Minister of Transport and Infocommunications today.

Pre-paid and post-paid line subscribers who have paid the annual fee after January 24 will receive refunds through their respective telecommunications.

YB Dato Seri Setia Abd Mutalib Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Setia Dato Paduka Hj Mohd Yusof said in a press conference that the move is part of wider efforts to steer the country towards becoming a ‘Smart Nation’ where telecommunications is affordable and accessible to society, enabling them to adopt new technologies and digital services.

Refunds will be issued when the telcos have completed the administrative procedures. The public can visit AITI’s webiste for more information or contact their service providers directly.

UNN partners with cable provider to restore internet connectivity

Brunei’s telecommunications network provider Unified National Network (UNN) has partnered with a submarine cable provider to restore internet connectivity that was disrupted by damage to several international underwater cables.

Minister of Transport and Infocommunications YB Dato Seri Setia Abd Mutalib Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Setia Dato Paduka Hj Mohd Yusof said in a press conference today that repairs off the current network will be competed soon.

To minimize immediate disruptions, UNN has deployed traffic flow management and increased the capacity of functioning cable systems. The slowdown also comes amidst a surge in internet use from home with schools closing nationwide and more working remotely due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

Three underwater cable networks have been damaged: the SEA-ME-WE3 (SMW3) underwater cable system since February 23, the Asia-America Gateway (AAG) submarine cable system on April 2, and the Southeast Asia Japan Cable System (SJC) submarine cable system on April 17.

The slowdown has been compounded by problems with the Trans-Borneo link cable system – often used by UNN to diversify its capacity acquisition. The minister added that the compromised underwater cable systems have also affected connectivity in Malaysia, Vietnam, Singapore, the Philippines and the Indian sub-continent.



Saturday, April 18

28 day period resets with new locally transmitted case

The 28 period for the COVID-19 outbreak to be considered under control has been reset with the first locally transmitted case since April 2.

The latest case is a 31-year-old woman who had previously tested negative after her husband tested positive. She was only found positive after being tested again because her close relative with COVID-19 relapsed 11 days after being discharged.

Although she is asymptomatic and is considered “mildly” positive according to the Minister of Health YB Dato Seri Setia Dr Hj Mohammad Isham Hj Jaafar, the case nevertheless resets the 28 day period, he said.

113 of the 137 cases have recovered. 16 recovered cases have tested positive – four who have been allowed home while the remaining undergo further examination.

The incubation period of COVID-19 is 14 days according to the World Health Organisation. If no cases are reported within the second incubation period, the outbreak is considered to be under control.

However the risk of the virus spreading after this period still remains if the country receives people from regions where the outbreak is still happening. The situation is also complicated by relapsing cases, a relatively new development that has yet to be conclusively explained.

The minister previously said the lifting of restrictions to curb the spread of COVID-19 will be done in stages after the outbreak is controlled and the government reviews the situation locally and overseas.

2,154 identified micro businesses to receive $300 for three months

MoRA Minister YB Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Hj Awg Badaruddin (R) handing over financial assistance to MoHA Minister YB Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Hj Abu Bakar for businesses under their purview.

2,154 identified micro businesses and self-employed Bruneians will receive $300 for three months ($900) to help manage losses sustained during the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak.

The Brunei Islamic Religious Council (MUIB) has handed over $1,938,600 to three government ministries to be distributed to businesses under their purview, including those owned by non-Muslims.

The assistance was first announced on April 13 by His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei.

MUIB said in a press statement today that the assistance comes from their General Administration Fund, which receives money for Syariah Court services, Halal certificate and permit fees, bank interest, rent from shops and land, sale and repossession of government land and from unclaimed assets and money given to Baitul Mal.

The breakdown for distribution:

$1,719,000 for 1,910 market vendors under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MoHA).

$104,400 for 116 taxi drivers, Dart drivers and water taxi operators under the Ministry of Transporation and Infocommunications.

$72,900 for 81 tour guides under the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism.

$42,300 for 47 micro businesses under the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports.

The recipients were identified by a taskforce appointed by MUIB, which is chaired by MoHA’s permanent secretary and includes several other permanent secretaries, district officers, municipal board members and other related agencies.

MoH issues latest guidelines on mass gatherings

Friday, April 17

BIBD’s online marketplace Community for Brunei goes live



BIBD and stakeholders implementing The Community for Brunei project posing for a photo after a virtual press conference to explain the website.



BIBD’s virtual marketplace, Community for Brunei, went live at 7pm today as the country’s first integrated e-commerce platform with zero costs for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to do business on.



43 MSMEs in food and beverage, handcrafted products and services – part of BIBD’s CSR initiatives and The Collective’s network – have on boarded the platform, with vendor applications for their “online Gerai Ramadhan” open from April 20 to 23.

The Community for Ramadhan project is targeting 250 F&B vendors said BIBD’s Chief Marketing Officer Hjh Nurul Akmar Hj Mohd Jaafar in a press conference today.

All platform fees will be waived for the first three months, allowing vendors to keep 100% of their sales. Hjh Nurul said rates after three months would be discussed with vendors.

Second Minister of Finance and Economy and Chairman of BIBD YB Dato Seri Setia Dr Hj Mohd Amin Liew Abdullah announced in a press conference yesterday that the platform will be a virtual replacement for the Gerai Ramadhan which has been canceled this year, and is part of wider relief measures to help mitigate the downturn faced by businesses in the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak.

Vendors will need to be officially registered as a business through the government’s Registry of Companies and Business Names, which is currently waiving the $30 registration fee for the first 300 businesses until April 30.

Vendors will also need to have an MSME account with BIBD – which requires an opening balance of $50 – and sign up for their QR mobile payment service QuickPay.

Meanwhile the website’s donation platform Community for Covid is already live and provides real-time updates to the public on the needs of healthcare frontliners and facilities to avoid waste and better coordinate donations that are sourced from the platform’s vendors.

Full story here.

Thursday, April 16

BIBD launching online marketplace for MSMEs tomorrow

BIBD will be launching an online marketplace tomorrow targeted at helping micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to continue doing business virtually during the COVID-19 outbreak, announced the Second Minister of Finance and Economy.

www.communityforbrunei.com is being developed by local startups including The Collective, Think Axis and Alicia Newn and will be focusing on two projects: Community for Covid and Community for Ramadhan.

Community for Covid will provide real-time updates to the public on the needs of healthcare frontliners to avoid wastage and better coordinate donations – which will be sourced from MSMEs.

Community for Ramadhan will act as an online Gerai Ramadhan – which has been physically cancelled nationwide – and will begin onboarding food and beverage MSMEs starting April 20.

Sellers will need to have registered officially as a business through the Registry of Companies and Business Names and select and fill in details required under Business Activity 56: Food & Beverages Services Activities. The first 300 newly registered businesses by April 30 will have the $30 registration fee waived.

The platform will integrate debit and credit card payments, while local delivery services Gomamam and Dart will be engaged to dispatch orders, providing work for local drivers.

YB Dato Seri Setia Dr Hj Mohd Amin Liew Abdullah said the platform – which also involves the Ministry of Finance and Economy, the Ministry of Home Affairs and Darussalam Enterprise (DARe) – is a collaborative effort between the government and private sector to help MSMEs, especially those in the F&B industry, who have had to cope with a dining in ban and the closure of several marketplaces.

BIBD will provide more updates on the platform tomorrow at a virtual press conference at 2.30pm. Business registration inquiries can be directed to ROCBN at 2380505/2383444 or [email protected].

Foreigners arriving in Brunei to pay $1,000 for COVID-19 testing

All foreigners arriving in Brunei starting April 16 will have to pay $1,000 to be tested for COVID-19 in addition to bearing the costs of the 14-day mandatory isolation at designated monitoring centers.

The Minister of Health YB Dato Seri Setia Dr Hj Mohammad Isham Hj Jaafar said in a press conference today that the fee covers the cost of laboratory testing for the virus.

Medical treatment for foreigners confirmed with COVID-19 will continue to be borne by the Brunei government.

“Healthcare is not free – it’s expensive. What we want to ensure is those who come here must, (or) really need to come. Once it’s (a case) is positive, we will have to look after them,” said the minister in response to a reporter’s question on the rationale behind the $1,000 fee.

“It will be free (treatment for COVID-19 for all in Brunei). So $1,000 is nothing (in comparison to treatment costs) for you to come here.”

Brunei introduced a ban on foreigners entering the country on March 24, but allowed exemptions for essential services, which have to be applied and approved by the Department of Immigration and National Registration.

The minister also clarified that the $1,000 testing fee does not apply to transport companies’ personnel who arrive in Brunei to deliver goods and leave on the same day.

The cost of mandatory isolation at designated centres – which includes several hotels – is $30 to $50 a night for foreigners, inclusive of food.

Outbreak increases demand for broadband; slow internet due to faulty submarine cables

The COVID-19 outbreak has caused a surge in fixed-line broadband applications in Brunei, with 2,400 new applications in the first two weeks of April.

Second Finance and Economy Minister YB Dato Seri Setia Dr Hj Mohd Amin Liew Abdullah said in a press conference that 700 applications have already been installed, with 60 new installations completed every day.

The nationwide closure of schools, flexible working arrangements and social distancing has seen increased usage of the internet in homes.

However the slower than usual internet speeds are mainly due to faulty submarine cables outside Brunei, according to the minister.

Three of the five cables that provide connectivity to Brunei are down and are in the process of being repaired.

YB Dato Dr Hj Mohd Amin added that 200 to 300 of Brunei’s 800 sites are now 4G+, while 3G base stations are also being upgraded by Brunei’s network infrastructure provider Unified National Networks.

Internet prices have also been reduced accordingly for students, with 10GB dropping from $40 to $16, said the minister.

Customers facing difficulty receiving refunds to report to DCCA

Customers facing difficulties in receiving refunds for goods or services that cannot be delivered because of the COVID-19 outbreak can lodge their complaints to The Department of Competition and Consumer Affairs (DCCA).

Second Finance and Economy Minister YB Dato Seri Setia Dr Hj Mohd Amin Liew Abdullah said in a press conference said that DCCA, which is under the Department of Economic Planning & Statistics, are looking into consumer complaints.

The minister said that several companies have been flexible in giving refunds for services affected by the outbreak, including Royal Brunei, in response to a reporter’s question on businesses not receiving refunds for registering for now-cancelled expos and customers who have placed orders for marriage-related services that now have to be postponed.

The public can direct their complaints to DCCA’s hotline at 8333123, mobile app PenggunaBijak or [email protected]



Weelago gaining traction as trusted e-commerce platform for Brunei distributors

Brunei online marketplace Weelago is gaining traction as a trusted e-commerce platform for Brunei distributors and manufacturers for providing integrated end-to-end solutions from online payment to marketing.

Weelago has recently onboarded over 20 businesses, including Brunei’s only pharmaceutical producer Simpor Pharma – whom they are the exclusive online retailer for – as well as established distributors Guan Hock Lee and Chop Kian Chuang and electronics retailer CF King.

With the public advised to limit their travel during the COVID-19 outbreak, Weelago has seen an increase in popularity – especially for personal hygiene items – selling over 1,000 bottles of hand sanitisers in less than two days. The website currently lists over 2,000 items for sale covering furniture, groceries, packaged food, fashion and health and beauty.

General Manager of Weelago Chris Wong said each seller is given their own e-Shop builder which helps automate inventory management, transactions and generates reports which enables them to better manage their accounts.

Weelago has multiple payment gateways; accepting Visa, MasterCard, Alipay and BruPay, while customers can opt for deliveries from either Go Rush, PosLaju and FedEx or self pick up at their Menglait office.

Full story here.

Tuesday, April 14

Brunei’s first online marketplace for farmers launched

Brunei agritech startup Agrome IQ has launched Brunei’s first online marketplace for local farmers to sell directly customers.

Agromemarket.com currently has 20 farmers selling 13 different types of vegetables and fruits and is planning to on board 100 farmers in two months, and 1,500 farmers in 12 months based on a national pool of farmers identified by the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism to be certified for Brunei’s Good Agricultural Practice (GAP).

Agrome IQ founder Dr. Vanessa Teo said an online marketplace has always been in the company’s plans, but its development and launch has been accelerated because of the challenges smallholder farmers currently face in marketing their produce amid the COVID-19 crisis.

Agrome IQ – the first company to be endorsed by MPRT to conduct GAP training and consulting – will also be doing physical checks on the produce to ensure customers receive quality items. They will also be handling logistics for the farmers, picking up and packing orders and making deliveries nationwide.

Delivery charges are $2 for BSB, $3 for Muara, $4 for Tutong and $5 for Temburong and Belait, with a delivery time of three to four working days. There is no minimum order, and orders above $45 are delivered free.

Farmers meanwhile are charged a commission fee between 8% to 10%. Registration fees have been waived during the COVID-19 outbreak. Farmers interested in joining the platform can register here.



Full story here.

Monday, April 13

HM asks landlords to consider lowering rent; MUIB to help self-employed

His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam has asked landlords to consider lowering rent while assuring that the self-employed will be further helped by the Islamic Religious Council (MUIB) during the COVID-19 outbreak.

Addressing the ongoing pandemic in a broadcast earlier this evening on RTB, His Majesty acknowledged the financial impact the outbreak has had on local businesses, especially micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and those who are self-employed.

He also announced that all frontline healthcare staff, volunteers and security guards at Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha Hospital and the National Isolation Centre would receive a $400 monthly allowance until the outbreak is controlled.

“Meanwhile, those who will also receive help are market vendors, taxi drivers and water taxi drivers, whose income has been negatively affected by COVID-19. The assistance will be managed by MUIB,” said the monarch.



“As a sign of charity or compassion in these times, it would be good for those who own rental premises such as stores to consider lessening the burden of their tenants who have seen their business be negatively impacted by waiving or reducing rental for such a time until this outbreak comes to an end.”

Businesses have reported mixed results in negotiating with their landlords on rent. Eateries, who are only allowed to cater to takeaways, tourism businesses and fitness facilities – who have been ordered to close outright – are amongst those struggling to make rent.

Businesses whose services or products are deemed not essential have also suffered, as customers tighten wallets during the outbreak.

The Ministry of Finance and Economy has lead the development of economic stimulus packages collectively worth $450 million, which includes banks offering loan deferments starting this month, which businesses are hoping will translate to flexibility over rent.

Prior to the loan deferment announcement, several businesses were vocal on social media that their landlords are unable to delay or reduce their rent claiming they have loan repayments of their own.

Sunday, April 12

Gadong night market to continue during Ramadhan with amended hours

The Gadong night market (Pasar Pelbagai Barangan Gadong – PPBG) will continue to operate during Ramadhan but with amended hours which will be announced soon, said 