231 / 276
229
VISITOR INFORMATION
Significant subsidies have been made
for Bruneian residents, especially in
the areas of housing, healthcare and
education. Until 2022, over 30,000
houses have been constructed under
the National Housing Scheme (RPN) and
Landless Indigenous Citizens Housing
Scheme (STKRJ), with over 29,000
having been awarded to recipients.
Through the 11
th
National Development
Plan (RKN 11), two projects are being
carried out: RPN Kampong Lugu phase 2
and RPN Kampong Tanah Jambu phase
7a. The first project involves 1,000 units
of terrace houses and is currently under
construction, expected to complete
in August 2023. The second project
involves 950 units of terrace houses
and will begin construction mid-2023,
expected to complete by January 2025.
Among the requirements to apply for
housing is for applicants to be aged 18
and above. However, applications are also
subject to other conditions such as their
income. Priority is given to RPN applicants
who aremarried and have dependents. In
efforts to reduce total dependence on the
government, the Housing Development
Department is also exploring alternatives
such as analysing alternative financing
through public-private partnership
or
sukuk
, a proposal for a developer’s
scheme,ortheoptimisationofabandoned
or empty houses.
The National Welfare System (SKN) is
a collection of welfare schemes under
one system for the public to apply for
assistance from various agencies such
as the Brunei Islamic Religious Council
(MUIB), Ministry of Culture, Youth and
Sports andothers. Acentraliseddatabase
was built allowing detailed analysis of
poverty gap ensuring that assistance is
extended to individuals in need.
SKN is open to all citizens and residents
of Brunei Darussalam. Applications
submitted through SKN will be
processed by the relevant agencies and
further investigation will be conducted
to assess if the applicant is eligible to
receive assistance.
Announced in May 2022, the National
Retirement Scheme (SPK) is a new
scheme initiated by the government
through the Ministry of Finance and
Economy (MoFE) and the Employees
Trust Fund (TAP). The new scheme
will replace TAP and Supplemental
Contributory Pension (SCP) schemes,
aimed at strengthening the social
welfare of TAPmembers at retirement by
taking into consideration the economic
challenges and other factors. Under SPK,
the contribution from employee’s salary
will be deposited to member’s account
while contributions from employers will
be collected under Retirement Account.
In addition to its housing and welfare
assistance, Bruneians are also provided
with free healthcare. Citizens are only
required to pay BND1 when consulting
practitioners, receiving medication or
obtaining a complete check-up at any
government hospital or healthcare
centres.
On the education front, the government
provides free enrolment to all citizens
at government schools nationwide.
Students who wish to continue their
education also have the opportunity to
do so through scholarships either locally
or abroad.
Welfare System