| Aziz Idris |
THE Ministry of Communications (MinCom) has been allocated $68.5 million in the budget for 2016-17 fiscal year which will enable it to implement several new development programmes for the benefit of the citizens.
This was revealed by the Minister of Communications, YB Dato Paduka Awang Haji Mustappa bin Haji Sirat, during his opening remarks at the Legislative Council (LegCo) Meeting yesterday.
From the budget, $42.6 million will be devoted for the payment employees’ salaries; $17.4 million for operating expenses or recurring expenditure; and $8.5 million for special expenditure, particularly for infrastructure repairs under the Marine Department, Ports Department and the Department of Civil Aviation.
The minister also revealed that the annual revenue collected by departments under the MinCom has increased to $98.5 million in the 2014-15 fiscal compared to $75.1 million in 2013-14. The contribution of the transport sector to the gross domestic product (GDP) is three per cent, at over $600 million per year.
“His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam’s Government has allocated a relatively high budget, especially when viewed in terms of per capita spending.
“Nevertheless, we are aware of the impact of global economic uncertainty, especially with the current competitive atmosphere of international oil and gas prices which has affected the country’s fiscal stability.”
The minister went on to add that his ministry will continue to realise the aspiration of the country and will be focusing entirely on revitalising the private sector to ensure the welfare of the people and future generations.
Therefore, the ministry will continue to be prudent in spending, focus on improving productivity, avoid any wastage in its ‘performance budgeting’ and act as facilitator in all aspects of management in the interest of the people, he said.
“The communication sector plays an important role in supporting the development of the economy of the country which has been dynamic, resilient and competitive.”
He noted that every dynamic economy has an efficient communication system for the needs of the community as well as to encourage the society to explore market expansion in order to earn a comfortable income.
Another factor highlighted by the minister is to have a reliable public transport system, whether air, sea or land.
“A proper and reliable transportation system will be based on uninterrupted transport and communication services.
These factors of effective communication systems, transportation and shipping, the minister said, will further assist in “creating economic space” as well as promote the trade and tourism in the country.
“A reliable transport system will also help locals to find job opportunities, (especially school leavers who do not have their own vehicles) and also to lessen the burden from family hardships,” the minister said.
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