Brunei: Public welcomes implementation of exit, entry charges

The Kuala Lurah Control Post, a border check post in Brunei. - The Borneo Bulletin/Asian News Network

BANDRA SERI BEGAWAN, July 12 (Borneo Bulletin/ANN): The public yesterday welcomed the move made by the government where from August 1 all citizens, residents and foreigners travelling through land border control posts or checkpoints in Brunei Darussalam will need to pay exit and entry charges known as Caj Perkhidmatan (CaP), which is BND3 per person for a one-way trip and BND6 per person for a return trip. The implementation for Exit and Entry Charges Order, 2020 was announced by the Ministry of Finance and Economy (MoFE) on Thursday. Brunei Darussalam’s business community strongly supports the MoFE move stating that it encourages Bruneians to spend locally and empower businesses in the country. They also said the price of local commodities like cucumber, chili and onions should not be hiked. Businessman Halim said as a Brunei citizen and a local businessman he fully supports the move made by the MoFE. He said it was time for the government to strengthen the country’s economy by updating existing policies. A public servant speaking on condition of anonymity said the charges should be over BND3 per trip to discourage people from crossing the border and reducing the outflow of the local currency overseas. He said Bruneians staying domestically will boost the local economy. Businessman Shariful said in terms of economic point of view, it is a good move and should have been introduced decades ago. “It will help local businesses and our own economy will thrive,” he said. Netizens said it is sensible policy and will at least reduce the headcount of people going abroad and make it manageable to control any outbreak of COVID-19. “The COVID-19 threat is still present. Consider how Melbourne had to initiate another lockdown after over 190 new infections recorded several days ago, its highest daily number since the pandemic began.” Despite the latest announcement, the prohibition for Brunei citizens and residents to leave the country is still being maintained, as advised by the Ministry of Health (MoH). Those who intend to leave and enter Brunei are still required to obtain clearance from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO). - Borneo Bulletin/Asian News Network