Report on the Development of Transportat
1. Introduction
Brunei Darussalam is the country with the smallest population in ASEAN with about
0.4 million people in the nation. In terms of urbanization, over 70 percent of its
population are living in urban areas (refer to Table 1). In terms of transportation
modes, Brunei has one airport and one national airline. In addition to that, the country
has three ports: Muara, Bandar Seri Begawan and Kuala Belait port. Besides that, it
has developed paved road over 77 percent in the country in 2005 (refer to Table 2).
This paper will discuss on the transportation development in the Sultanate. In order to
fully understand the development, the paper will explain the development of three
modes of transportation (land, air and sea) in Brunei Darussalam by decades from
1970s to 2010s. In addition to that, the paper will suggest some recommendation to
the problems encountered during these transportation developments.
Table 1: Population residing in urban areas by ASEAN countries (%)
Source: World Urbanization Prospects: The 2009 Revision
Table 2: Percentage of paved road in 2005 in ASEAN countries
Source: World Development Indicators, World Bank
1
2. Literature Reviews (from the Unhabitat, 2013)
In accordance to the Global Report on Human Settlements 2013 by Unhabitat, despite
the increasing level of urban mobility worldwide, access to places, activities and
services has become increasingly difficult. Sustainable mobility extends beyond
technicalities of increasing speed and improving the effectiveness and efficiency of
transport systems, to include demand-oriented measures. While the speed and
efficiency of travel are important, more critical however, is the ease of reaching those
destinations in terms of proximity, convenience as well as positive externalities.
Mobility is not only a matter of developing transport infrastructure and services, but
also of overcoming the social, economic, political and physical constraints to
movement. Globally, the transport bias of urban mobility is demonstrated by the
dominance of private motor vehicles.
The Unhabitat (2013) also reported that the most advanced public transport systems in
the world include all dimensions of quality that is travel time, reliability, safety and
security, comfort and user information to provide a very attractive alternative to car
and motorcycle use. Funding for capital investments in high-capacity public transport
requires the participation of local, regional and national governments. Therefore,
integration is important for public transport systems to be efficient and sustainable.
The most efficient systems are those that have achieved route integration; integration
with other public transport systems; integration with private motorized transport;
integration with non-motorized modes; and fare integration.
The Global Report on Human Settlements (2013) has also added up that globalization
has enabled the expansion of the distribution sector as a more prevalent element of the
urban landscape, with facilities such as terminals and distribution centers. The growth
in global distribution has reinforces the role of gateway cities, nodes interfacing with
global economic processes, mostly through ports and airport terminals. Apart from
that, the form and functionality of a city is crucial for the promotion of sustainable
mobility. Accessibility lies at the core of achieving an urban form that is
environmentally sustainable, socially equitable and inclusive.
2
3. The Developments by Decades
In regards to the Report on Brunei in 1904 by McArthur, during that time, the country
possesses no roads, only rough tracks used chiefly by the “Kadayans” in bringing
goods to native markets, which is held periodically at convenient “pengkalans”. All
travelling is in consequences done by water. Fortunately, there are numerous
waterways and tributary streams, which make access to most parts of Brunei. The
capital of the state is distant 42 miles from Labuan. A local ship the steamship
“Taganac” calls twice a month to bring in cargoes of sundries and taking out exports,
chiefly cutch.
JPD (n.d) stated that in 1907, the first footpath has been built between Residency and
Brunei Town at Jalan Subok. In 1914, a 60 miles distance pilot scheme has been
constructed to communicated Brunei Town and Kuala Belait. In 1924, the Road
Traffic Regulations were first introduced under Chapter 68 of Brunei Laws called
“Traction Engines and Motor Cars Enactment 1924”, which is then in 1954 has been
amended and known as “The Road Traffic Enactment 1954”. By 1960, a total of 7992
vehicles have been registered and 7519 driving licenses have been issued.
According to the Brunei’s Department of Civil Aviation (n.d), in 1953, the first
commercial air transport in Brunei, connecting Bandar Seri Begawan with Anduki in
the Belait district. Airport services were operated from the Berakas area at an old
runway site built by the Japanese during World War 2 which then known as Brunei
Airport. The airport became operational in 1974.
Marine Department of Brunei first operated as Department of Custom and Marine,
which is in 1948. The main services then was to provide transportation of passengers
and mail 3 times a week to Labuan. Also, during that time, it only operated 8
outboards and 6 vessels as maritime transportations (Marine Department, n.d).
There are three ports operated in Brunei Darussalam namely: Muara port, Bandar Seri
Begawan port and Kuala Belait port.
3
Muara port, which is situated about 27 kilometers to the northeast of the capital, is the
largest of the country’s harbors as the bulk of imports and exports go through it.
Meanwhile, Bandar Seri Begawan port has existed since before the Second World
War. Currently, it serves the needs of passenger vessels ferrying commuters to and
from the various neighboring Malaysian towns apart from carrying bulk cargoes for
direct delivery. Lastly, Kuala Belait port is located at the mouth of the Belait River.
The port, which is 61 meters long, serves the Belait district and caters to cargo vessels
from the neighboring countries.
3.1 Developments in 1970s
All information regarding the developments in 1970s is found in Annual Report:
Brunei (1977) and Brunei (1978-1981).
3.1.1 Department of Land Transport
The number of new vehicle license registration in 1977 was 4,942, an increase of
1,000 from 1976. In addition to that, a total of 5,513 driving test had been held but the
result was not satisfying because there was only 48.6 percent of them passed the test.
Thus, the Department of Land Transport is required to organize an even firmer test in
order to maintain and enhance the quality of driving in the nation. The next year,
43,844 vehicles are registered and 46136 driver who has driving license. The
department accumulated $1,167,826 profits that year of 1978. The Road Safety
Council was established in 1978, as an effort to promote road safety consciousness
among motorists.
3.1.2 Department of Civil Aviation
The safety of the airport is critically important. Therefore, various safety projects and
measures were launched at this time for instances: building walls for entry counter at
the terminal so that the X-ray system can be used, renovation of immigration area,
provision of gate for safety, and so forth. The movements of the airplanes in 1977
show a fall of 10 percent. However, the number of passengers of the year 1977
increased by 12.6 percent compared to 1976 and an increase of 4.8 percent of cargo
being moved out and in. In 1978, some of the new equipment and facilities are main
radar for air traffic control and training console in ATC.
4
3.1.3 Marine Department/ Port Department
The Ports Department reported a generation of profits of $127,895 in 1977, 17 percent
increase from last year. During this year, the department has requested one tractor or
loader to help the sender transferring heavy loads to its storage area. By the end of
this year, a 90,000 square feet warehouse will complete its construction and will be
able to accommodate more loads to prevent congestions.
3.2 Developments in 1980s
All information regarding the developments in 1980s is found in Brunei (1982),
Brunei Darussalam (1983-1984), (1985-1986), (1987), (1988), and (1989).
3.2.1 Department of Land Transport
By the end of 1981, 62,047 vehicles were registered and 49,500 driver who has
driving license. The department accumulated $2,470,631 profits that year. At the end
of 1982, a total of 8,358 drivers took their driving test, out of which only 4,057
passed. By 1984, 77,680 motorized vehicles were registered. Driving tests continued
to be stringent in order to maintain the country’s high driving standards. The number
of tests totaled 11,494 in 1985 and 8157 the following year with passes averaging
around 64 percent only. Apart from that, road taxes, and the fees for vehicle
registration, examination and driving test continued to be among the lowest in the
world. The number of licensed motor vehicles in use during 1989 was estimated at
72,291 made up of 62,418 private motorcars, 7,540 commercial vehicles including
buses and taxis, 333 motorbikes and scooters. The figures do not include government
and military vehicles. Also, the number of passes (of driving test and highway code
test) has slightly improved since the creation of a legislation that enabled the official
establishments of a driving school in September 1987.
3.2.2 Department of Civil Aviation
Profit generations from landing pay, rent, flying license and airplane registration fees
are $10.5 million in 1978 and increase to $1.75 million in 1981. A freight unloaded/
unloaded also increase by 35 percent in these years. An international airport
consultant was appointed in February 1982 to review and update the Master Plan
layout to further develop the current capacity and facilities of the airport to cater for
forecast traffic 15 years ahead.
5
At the end of 1984, a third B-737 was added to the national flag carrier, Royal Brunei
Airlines (RBA). The third aircraft is intended to reduce the average use of aircraft in
which the previous two aircrafts have reached maximum average use. In that year,
RBA had also offered twice-weekly fly to Jakarta and Darwin. With this addition,
RBA is set to offer all ASEAN’s cities destination. During 1985 and 1986, RBA
achieved another milestone when it took delivery of three new Boeing 757 aircrafts.
Airport Development Project (ADP) that began in November 1984 was completed in
September 1987 at an overall cost of more than $52 million. The ADP has not only
enhanced the existing facilities of the Brunei International Airport but has also given
it a host of new ones including a sterile transit hall capable of accommodating 1,000
passengers at a time and six aero-bridges connecting the aircraft to the terminal.
In 1989, Royal Brunei (RB) celebrated 15 th anniversary of its foundation. The year
also saw RB joining five other airlines as part owner of a new US$100 million
regional computerized reservation system called ABACUS, enabling agents to book
and confirm customers’ ticket on a ‘real time’ basis from data to a broad range of
carriers – all by a simple keyboard entry on an Abacus terminal. The system also
provides many other services, including hotel and car rental bookings. During the
year, express check-ins was introduced at the Brunei International Airport; and the
airlines’ second B737 was sold after 14 years’ service, leaving Royal Brunei with
three B757s and one B737.
3.2.3 Marine Department/ Port Department
More container ships entered both ports in Muara and Bandar Seri Begawan in 1980
and in 1981 394 containers entered Muara port. In 1982, the Muara port’s expansion
programme was carried out. The major project planned during the year was the dwarf
extension scheme at a price of $26.5 million. The work scheduled to be completed
early in 1985. In order to speed up the container clearance, the department has
acquired many facilities and equipment such as one unit of Kalmar Forklift truck, two
prime movers and three trailers. Containerized cargo increases at the rate of 15
percent a year. In 1986, the average number of containers handled per month was 800
TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units).
6
The following year, the Marine Department set up the Commercial Vessel Licensing
Board to smoothen furthers the administration and regulation of vessel registration
and licensing. The department registered a total of 28 vessels with a combined Gross
Register Tonnage of 5,828 tonnes and 143 licensed vessels in 1987. Under the Five
Year National Development Plan (NDP), the department purchased two vessels, one
was for the installation and maintenance of buoys costing more than $1.4 million and
the other a dredger costing nearly $2 million. Also during that year, an allocation of
$10 million for the construction of the department’s headquarters which has been
entrusted to a consultant to design and supervise its implementation.
In 1988, there were 600 applications for permits to operate water taxis in Kampong
Ayer (water village), the Belait River, and between Bandar Seri Begawan (BSB) and
Bangar in the Temburong District. In addition, applications for permits to run ferries
to destinations outside the State such as BSB to Labuan and Limbang were received.
After a study, three permits for the BSB/Labuan destination were issued to local
operators. The year under review saw the department taking delivery of the port
maintenance and inspection vessel, which was built in Hong Kong at a cost of $1.8
million.
3.3 Developments in 1990s
All information regarding the developments in 1990s is found in Brunei Darussalam
(1990), (1991), (1992), (1993), and (1994-1995).
3.3.1 Department of Land Transport
Road taxes as well as fees for vehicle registration, examination, driving test and
others, which amounted to $5.44 million in 1990, continued to be among the lowest in
the world. In 1991, the actual number of private cars still active on Brunei roads,
which was 86,318 thus, giving a slight ratio of just slightly over 3 persons per
vehicles. During 1992, the road network is being expanded to cope with the increase
in vehicular traffic. Work on new several projects costing more than $60 million was
in progress. The next year, 98.7 km length of road was completed. Under the Sixth
NDP, the total length of roads in the State was 1,525 km of which the end of 1995
paved 2,328 km. A more systematic transport had been introduced in 1996, which
included buses and taxis.
7
3.3.2 Department of Civil Aviation
The year 1990 show the number of passengers who passed through the International
Brunei Airport were 244,802 inbound; 243,742 outbound; and 8,796 transit, thus
recording increases of 5.11 percent; 7.8 percent; and 29.73 percent respectively over
1989. During that year, RBA opened two new routes, namely Frankfurt and London’s
Gatwick. The year also saw the delivery of the first of two new B767s to extended
range, wide-bodied aircraft and last of RBA’s original fleet of B737s being sold to
Aloha Airlines. The year after, RBA won the prestigious “Koala Award” in the best
airline category for its innovation, commitment and contribution to Australian
tourism. During 1992, RBA purchased three B767-300 extended range aircraft in
addition to its existing fleet of three B757ERs.
In 1993, its network of routes comprised Singapore, Manila, Kuching, Kota Kinabalu,
Hong Kong, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta, Darwin, Taipei, Dubai, Frankfurt,
London, Perth, Jeddah, Abu Dhabi, Bali, Bahrain, Zurich, Beijing, and Cairo. In
accordance with the practice of many airlines of other Muslim countries, RBA does
not serve pork or alcohol on board. The year also saw it taking delivery of one of two
Boeing 767-300 Extended Range (ER) it ordered from United States. This brought the
total to seven aircraft in active service during 1993. Between 1994 and 1995, there
were several projects undertaken by the DCA. One of the most notable and significant
of these was the upgrading of the Air Traffic Services Communications and
Surveillance facilities at the Brunei International Airport, which is scheduled to be
completed and fully operational by early 1997. The DCA’s annual revenue amounted
to $9.8 million in 1994 and $11.2 million the following year. Among other things, the
State flag carrier celebrated two decades of achievement and established six new
destinations namely Balikpapan, Miri, Labuan, Osaka, Brisbane and Culcutta.
Furthermore, during the periods of 1994 and 1995, RBA took delivery of Boeing 767300 ER and two Fokker (F) 50 aircraft; one of its 757-200s ER was purchased by
Almaty Air Kazakhstan; this brought the total to eleven aircrafts in active service. Its
other notable achievements included being rated 18 th out of 105 airlines by UK’s
Inflight Research Surveys and its inflight magazine Muhibah’s entertainment guide
being voted Runner-Up in the AVION Awards competition organized in conjunction
with the World Airline Entertainment Association. In 1993, it won fourth place.
8
3.3.3 Marine Department/ Port Department
In 1990, a total of 821 vessels were called at Muara port, 10 percent less than 1989; in
Bandar Seri Begawan port the number of vessels arrived rose by 9 percent from 266
in 1989 to 291; and Kuala Belait port handled 238 vessels which is down by 45
percent. In 1991, the Government officially formed the Merchant Shipping Licensing
Board (MSLB). Its functions include considering applications for the setting up of a
marine transport business; determining the number of vessels to be licensed; and
finding ways to solve any problem that might arise from such enterprise.
Since joining the International Maritime Organization, the level of maritime safety
has been further raised with the signing and enforcement in 1992 of the International
Convention on Civil Liability for Oil Pollution Damage 1969; and International
Convention on the Establishment of International Fund for Compensation for Oil
Pollution Damage 1971. In comparison of last year’s figures, the import show a rise
of 16 percent and exports a decrease of 37 percent due to reduction of timber products
being sent through the Tanjong Selirong anchorage in 1993. In 1994, a joint project
with Japan to keep oil spills in check was carried out.
3.4 Developments in 2000s
All information regarding the developments in 2000s is found in Brunei Darussalam
Statistical Yearbook (2004), (2005), (2008), and (2009).
Both the arrivals and departures through all three modes of transportation (by air, sea
and land), showed falling figures from the periods 2000 to 2004 (refer to Table 3). In
comparison between 2004 and 2005, the number of arrivals and departures by air
decreased from 307,828 to 272,810 and from 281,055 to 259,902 accordingly.
However, the total arrivals and departures through all modes of transportation showed
an increase from 1,821,273 in 2004 to 2,534,568 in 2005 and from 1,769,478 in 2004
to 2,318,991 in 2005 accordingly. Table 4 shows that both the total arrivals and total
departures from the periods 2005 to 2008 increased and fell slightly in 2009.
9
Table 3: Arrivals and Departures by air, sea and land (2000-2004)
Source: Immigration and National Registration Department, Ministry of Home Affairs
Table 4: Arrivals and Departures by air, sea and land (2005-2009)
Source: Immigration and National Registration Department, Ministry of Home Affairs
3.4.1 Department of Land Transport
In 2001, import duty for personal car has been reduced to 20 percent and 15 percent
for heavy vehicles. In 2004, there were 14,514 newly registered vehicles in Brunei
Darussalam of which 14,368 (98.9 percent) were non-government vehicles (refer to
Table 6). The lengths of roads from 1999 to 2003 are gradually increased yearly to
accommodate the accessibility and increase of registered vehicles (refer to Table 7).
In 2004, the length of the road was recorded at about 3,560 kilometers. In 2005, the
number of newly registered vehicles increased by 12.6 percent compared to 2004.
Whereas in 2009, the number of newly registered vehicles decreased by 5 percent
compared to 2008 (refer to Table 6). During the same year, the length of the road was
recorded at about 3,063.60 kilometers (refer to Table 7).
10
Table 6: Number of Newly Registered Vehicles (2000-2008)
Source: Land Transport Department, Ministry of Communication
Table 7: Length of Roads (1999-2003) and (2005-2009)
Source: Public Works Department, Ministry of Development
3.4.2 Department of Civil Aviation
The Department reported that both the number of aircraft movement and passenger
displayed an increasing number from the year 2000 to 2004, excluding the year 2003
which showed slight decline (refer to Table 8). In addition to that, the number of
scheduled, non-scheduled and military aircraft movement increased throughout the
years under review from 2005 to 2008; and the figures for scheduled and military
aircraft movement fell in 2009 compared to the previous year. Also, in 2009, the
number of inward and transit passengers slightly down from 632,339 in 2008 to
626,439 in 2009 and 248,156 in 2008 and 270,423 in 2009. The number of outward
passengers slightly increased in 2009 compared to the previous year.
Table 8: Aircraft Movement and Passenger (2000-2009)
Source: Civil Aviation Department, Ministry of Communication
11
3.4.3 Marine Department/ Port Department
Table 9 shows the yearly number of boats licensed. During the periods between 2000
and 2004, in terms of passenger boats, the figures are declining meanwhile the
government vessels that were registered are increasing. In 2009, the Marine
Department recorded 9 cargo boats, 147 passenger boats, 43 fishing boats, 36 leisure
crafts and 44 government vessels were licensed.
Table 9: Number of Boats Licensed (2000-2009)
Sources: Marine Department, Ministry of Communication
3.5 Developments in 2010s
All information regarding the developments in 2010s is found in Brunei Darussalam
Statistical Yearbook (2010), (2011), and Quarterly Statistical Indicators: Negara
Brunei Darussalam (Quarter 4, 2012).
The number of both arrivals and departures (by air, sea and land) in 2012 shows an
increase from 3,997,238 in 2010 to 5,653,575 in 2012 and from 3,947,290 in 2010 to
5,601,962 in 2012 accordingly.
Table 10: Arrivals and Departures by air, sea and land (2010-2012)
Source: Immigration and National Registration Department, Ministry of Home Affairs
12
3.5.1 Department of Land Transport
In 2011, the number of newly licensed registered vehicles was 15,900 with an
increase of 5.5 percent as compared to 2010 (refer to Table 11). In 2012, it also
increased to 18,562 non-government vehicles and 89 government vehicles, which give
a total of 18,651 newly, registered vehicles. The length of road in 2011 increased from
3,028.11 kilometers in 2012 to 3,127.35 kilometers in 2011.
Table 11: Number of Newly Registered Vehicles (2010-2012)
Source: Land Transport Department, Ministry of Communication
3.5.2 Department of Civil Aviation
Table 12 shows that the number of aircraft movement (excluding scheduled) and
passengers fell down in 2012 as compared to 2011.
Table 12: Aircraft Movement and Passenger
Source: Civil Aviation Department, Ministry of Communications
3.5.3 Marine Department/ Port Department
In 2011, 8 cargo boats; 145 passenger boats; 45 fishing boats; 21 leisure crafts; and 54
government vessels were licensed as compared to 2010: 11 cargo boats; 125
passenger boats; 42 fishing boats; 30 leisure crafts; and 45 government vessels.
4. Recent Major Projects
All information is found in The Report: Brunei Darussalam (2008), (2010, (2011), and
(2013).
13
Improved road connectivity between logistics hubs, including 2.7 kilometers bridge to
link the Pulau Muara Besar port and manufacturing center with the mainland. Other
projects include Temburong Bridge and bridge in Sg. Brunei, which connect Jalan
Rsidency in Bandar with Kg. Sg. Kebun in Lumapas to reduce transit times (this
project costs about 139 millions).
A project in Brunei Airport costs 150 million to support 3 million passengers a year
(which almost reached the maximum capacity). Between 2011 and 2012, tenders
proposed out to revamp bus system, which includes features for disability access,
communication radios, CCTV, onboard ticket machine and luggage compartments.
Apart from that, Proposed Integrated Public Transit System of light rail transit system.
However, research found out that it would bring losses if implemented. In 2013,
Telisai-Lumut dual carriageways of 18.6 kilometers were constructed.
In 2014, Government allocated 19.79 percent of its national budget for 2014/2015
$226.6 millions for road, bridges and civil aviation. The national carrier is requested
to increase short haul travel like Malaysia from five times a week to twice a day. In
addition to that, four 787 Dreamliner for long haul routes are in operations. With
these, they can have extended range with a lot of options in North Asia and Indian
sub-continents. Four primary highways of Muara-Tutong are being joined now by
18.6 kilometers Telisai-Lumut highway. Once Temburong Bridge is completed in
2018, travel distance will be 30 to 40 minutes, which significantly improve, compare
to two hours by boat and multiple border crossing via Sarawak on land.
5. Recent Technological Developments
Rabiatul Kamit (2013) reported in its news article that Brunei recorded 13.8 road
deaths per 100,000 people in 2011, according to the World Health Organizations. That
compares unfavorably with Singapore where the death rate per 100,000 people was
4.8 and the United Kingdom where it was 5.4. Hence, the need for positive measure
was required to ensure the safety of roads in Brunei Darussalam.
14
The long awaited demerit point system, officially launched in October known as
SiKAP (Sistem Keselamatan Amalan Pemandu) in a major effort to reduce the high
rate of road accidents in the country. Under this system, motorists will be issued three
demerit points for lesser driving offences such as parking haphazardly, dangerously or
illegally, and up to 24 points for reckless driving cause death. Additionally, motorists
who accumulate 24 or more demerit point within a two-year period will have their
driving license suspended for a period of time. A third suspension will lead to the
driving license being revoked for a year.
At the end of February this year (Analisa Amu, 2015), the minister of Ministry of
Communications stated more than 60 drivers accumulated 21 demerit points. He
further added that the demerit point system has been effective in reducing road
fatalities and preventing serious injuries. The number of road fatalities dropped 25
percent in 2014 form the previous year. It was also previously reported that there were
24 deaths in 2014, down from 32 in 2013. Severe and minor injuries resulting from
road accidents decreased 35 percent and 12 percent respectively.
Another initiative organized by the Land Transport Department is the JPD online apps
for smartphones, which is available in both App Store and Google Play. The apps
consist of SiKAP demerit point’s details, driving license renewal and vehicle license
renewal to produce an effective system and efficient service to the public. Working
online from home and through mobile phones will further enhance the department’s
productivity, the people and a positive effect on the country’s productivity.
Apart from that, this year also saw that the online applications for vehicle and driving
licenses could be done and processed in one day, requiring only one visit to the Land
Transport Department’s Headquarter in Beribi.
Meanwhile, the Department of Civil Aviation launched a new mobile application
called iFlyBrunei app informing people about flight information such as flight delays.
The application comes in handy in informing people instantly on their phones about
flight delays, arrival and departures. It can help and save the time of those going to
pick up their friend and relatives.
15
The app would also help people reach the airport at the right time. In addition to that,
it offers information on safety rules and services available at the Brunei International
Airport. The Ministry of Communications in a statement (DCA, 2014) said
iFlyBrunei is in line with the DCA’s initiatives to better its services and provide easier
options for users to gain information through their mobile devices. It also upholds the
ministry’s vision: Towards a Smart Society and Excellence in Communication for
Enhancing National Competitiveness by 2017.
6. Recommendations
In my honest opinion, it is crucially important to improve the efficiencies of the
public transport in order to reduce the number of registered vehicles (of nongovernment). The importance of having efficient and effective public transportation
system help to reduce traffic congestion, fuel consumption, carbon emission and
pollution, and the number of newly registered vehicles. In some sense, this helps to
achieve sustainable transportation in social, economic, environment, infrastructure
development and wealth creation. Instead of subsidizing the car fuels, the amount of
subsidies can be used to subsidies the fare of public transportation for instances buses
and taxis. Hence, the use of public transportation can be common in the country.
However, in order to achieve such success, three important factors need to be taken
into consideration: improve buses and taxis services, road accessibility for public
transportation, and subsidies the fares for public transportation.
Firstly, we have seen changes made to the color public buses in order to change the
perspective of “purple bus”. In addition to that, the color represents the zone. Yet, it is
still considered failure because of the lack awareness of using public buses. Also,
schedule for buses arrivals need to be fixed and follow other foreign countries’
standard for example in South Korea. When I was studying for exchange program in
South Korea, it was convenient because of the fixed schedule. Therefore, I believe
public transportation in South Korea can be the best example for Brunei to follow
even their subway, which can be taken into consideration by the Ministry of
Communication.
16
Secondly is the road accessibility of the public transportation such as the buses. There
should be adequate place for bus waiting point instead of just having few selected
area. In other words, the routes for each bus should be reduced to improve efficiency
and time promptness. When each area is maximized, shorter distance and more
accurate time arrival can be achieved. For instance, buses for Rimba area. The bus can
accommodate for residents in Rimba to go the schools, universities and supermarket.
And from there, another bus with another route can bring the residents outside their
area. In my case, Lambak area has many zones like Lambak Kanan, Lambak Kiri,
Lambak Tengah and so forth. Having each zone to have each bus or one specific bus
to go around this area can help to improve efficiencies of the public transport. From
there, another bus can bring students to go universities area (in Rimba) for example.
By having this kind of improved and precise road accessibility would help to
encourage more public to use the buses instead of using private vehicles.
Thirdly, if the fares of the public transportation are reduced or subsidies by the
government, it would probably help to encourage more people to use public transport.
The high amount of subsidies for fuel can be used for public transportation’
subsidized fares. When there are many people using the public transportation, it
means that continuous improvements in its structure or system are needed. Failure to
adhere to such needs would let the public back to use private vehicles instead of
public transportation.
In terms of sustainable transportation, above recommendations are relatable. In terms
of social, the culture of the society will change whereby the community prefers to use
public transportation. In terms of economic, high quality of public transportation
would indirectly encourage more tourists because they are complaining on the
transportation system in Brunei. Next, using public transportation is more
environmentally friendly due to less carbon dioxide emission compare to using
private vehicles. Lastly, improving public transportation could lead to better
infrastructure development due to the needs for continuous improvements. This helps
to increase interests in tourism, which generate more economy for the country, and
helps building a more developed and quality society. In other words, wealth creation
can be achieved.
17
Other recommendations include the improvements in online system in transportation
such as renewal of driving license, and the speed of procedures in transportationrelated transaction and activities. Apart from that, Brunei Airport needs to be
developed into better and improved place such as calling for more international
brands to put their foot in the airport terminals like in the Changi Airport in
Singapore. In terms of marine and ports, the government is required to put priorities
on investing advanced equipment in the port area. These advancements will help more
containers and vessels to visit the airport and make business transactions.
7. References
Analisa Amu (2015). Keep your driving record clean, check SiKAP mobile app.
Retrieved from: http://www.bt.com.bn/frontpage-news-national/2015/02/25/keepyour-driving-record-clean-check-sikap-mobile-app Last accessed 15th March 2015
Annual Report Brunei (1977). Department of Statistics, Department of Economic
Planning and Development, Prime Minister’s Office.
Brunei (1978-1981). Department of Statistics, Department of Economic Planning and
Development, Prime Minister’s Office.
Brunei (1982). Department of Statistics, Department of Economic Planning and
Development, Prime Minister’s Office.
Brunei Darussalam (1983-1984). Department of Statistics, Department of Economic
Planning and Development, Prime Minister’s Office.
Brunei Darussalam (1985-1986). Department of Statistics, Department of Economic
Planning and Development, Prime Minister’s Office.
Brunei Darussalam (1987). Department of Statistics, Department of Economic
Planning and Development, Prime Minister’s Office.
Brunei Darussalam (1988). Department of Statistics, Department of Economic
Planning and Development, Prime Minister’s Office.
Brunei Darussalam (1989). Department of Statistics, Department of Economic
Planning and Development, Prime Minister’s Office.
Brunei Darussalam (1990). Department of Statistics, Department of Economic
Planning and Development, Prime Minister’s Office.
Brunei Darussalam (1991). Department of Statistics, Department of Economic
Planning and Development, Prime Minister’s Office.
18
Brunei Darussalam (1992). Department of Statistics, Department of Economic
Planning and Development, Prime Minister’s Office.
Brunei Darussalam (1993). Department of Statistics, Department of Economic
Planning and Development, Prime Minister’s Office.
Brunei Darussalam (1994-1995). Department of Statistics, Department of Economic
Planning and Development, Prime Minister’s Office.
Brunei Darussalam Statistical Yearbook 2004. Department of Statistics, Department
of Economic Planning and Development, Prime Minister’s Office.
Brunei Darussalam Statistical Yearbook 2005. Department of Statistics, Department
of Economic Planning and Development, Prime Minister’s Office.
Brunei Darussalam Statistical Yearbook 2008. Department of Statistics, Department
of Economic Planning and Development, Prime Minister’s Office.
Brunei Darussalam Statistical Yearbook 2009. Department of Statistics, Department
of Economic Planning and Development, Prime Minister’s Office.
Brunei Darussalam Statistical Yearbook 2010. Department of Statistics, Department
of Economic Planning and Development, Prime Minister’s Office.
Brunei Darussalam Statistical Yearbook 2011. Department of Statistics, Department
of Economic Planning and Development, Prime Minister’s Office.
Brunei’s Department of Civil Aviation (n.d). History. Retrieved from:
http://www.civil-aviation.gov.bn/index.php/about-dca/introduction?id=72 Last
Accessed 10th March 2015
DCA (2014). iFlyBrunei app launched to assist air travellers. Retrieved from:
http://www.civil-aviation.gov.bn/index.php/news-highlights/212-iflybrunei-applaunched-to-assist-air-travellers Last Accessed 15th March 2015
JPD (n.d) History. Retrieved from: http://www.landtransport.gov.bn/History/history.htm Last Accessed 10th March 2015
Marine
Department
(n.d).
History.
Retrieved
from:
http://www.marine.gov.bn/history.htm Last Accessed 10th March 2015
McArthur, M.S.H (1987). Report on Brunei in 1904. Ohio University Press, Center
for Southeast Asian Studies.
Quarterly Statistical Indicators: Negara Brunei Darussalam (Quarter 4, 2012).
Rabiatul Kamit (2013) SiKAP aims at reducing road mishaps. Retrieved from:
http://www.bt.com.bn/news-national/2013/10/02/sikap-aims-reducing-road-mishaps
Last Accessed 15th March 2015
19
The Report: Brunei Darussalam (2008). Oxford Business Group
The Report: Brunei Darussalam (2010). Oxford Business Group
The Report: Brunei Darussalam (2011). Oxford Business Group
The Report: Brunei Darussalam (2013). Oxford Business Group
Unhabitat (2013). Planning and Design for Sustainable Urban Mobility. Global Report
on Human Settlements 2013. United Nations Human Settlements Programme.
20
Brunei Darussalam is the country with the smallest population in ASEAN with about
0.4 million people in the nation. In terms of urbanization, over 70 percent of its
population are living in urban areas (refer to Table 1). In terms of transportation
modes, Brunei has one airport and one national airline. In addition to that, the country
has three ports: Muara, Bandar Seri Begawan and Kuala Belait port. Besides that, it
has developed paved road over 77 percent in the country in 2005 (refer to Table 2).
This paper will discuss on the transportation development in the Sultanate. In order to
fully understand the development, the paper will explain the development of three
modes of transportation (land, air and sea) in Brunei Darussalam by decades from
1970s to 2010s. In addition to that, the paper will suggest some recommendation to
the problems encountered during these transportation developments.
Table 1: Population residing in urban areas by ASEAN countries (%)
Source: World Urbanization Prospects: The 2009 Revision
Table 2: Percentage of paved road in 2005 in ASEAN countries
Source: World Development Indicators, World Bank
1
2. Literature Reviews (from the Unhabitat, 2013)
In accordance to the Global Report on Human Settlements 2013 by Unhabitat, despite
the increasing level of urban mobility worldwide, access to places, activities and
services has become increasingly difficult. Sustainable mobility extends beyond
technicalities of increasing speed and improving the effectiveness and efficiency of
transport systems, to include demand-oriented measures. While the speed and
efficiency of travel are important, more critical however, is the ease of reaching those
destinations in terms of proximity, convenience as well as positive externalities.
Mobility is not only a matter of developing transport infrastructure and services, but
also of overcoming the social, economic, political and physical constraints to
movement. Globally, the transport bias of urban mobility is demonstrated by the
dominance of private motor vehicles.
The Unhabitat (2013) also reported that the most advanced public transport systems in
the world include all dimensions of quality that is travel time, reliability, safety and
security, comfort and user information to provide a very attractive alternative to car
and motorcycle use. Funding for capital investments in high-capacity public transport
requires the participation of local, regional and national governments. Therefore,
integration is important for public transport systems to be efficient and sustainable.
The most efficient systems are those that have achieved route integration; integration
with other public transport systems; integration with private motorized transport;
integration with non-motorized modes; and fare integration.
The Global Report on Human Settlements (2013) has also added up that globalization
has enabled the expansion of the distribution sector as a more prevalent element of the
urban landscape, with facilities such as terminals and distribution centers. The growth
in global distribution has reinforces the role of gateway cities, nodes interfacing with
global economic processes, mostly through ports and airport terminals. Apart from
that, the form and functionality of a city is crucial for the promotion of sustainable
mobility. Accessibility lies at the core of achieving an urban form that is
environmentally sustainable, socially equitable and inclusive.
2
3. The Developments by Decades
In regards to the Report on Brunei in 1904 by McArthur, during that time, the country
possesses no roads, only rough tracks used chiefly by the “Kadayans” in bringing
goods to native markets, which is held periodically at convenient “pengkalans”. All
travelling is in consequences done by water. Fortunately, there are numerous
waterways and tributary streams, which make access to most parts of Brunei. The
capital of the state is distant 42 miles from Labuan. A local ship the steamship
“Taganac” calls twice a month to bring in cargoes of sundries and taking out exports,
chiefly cutch.
JPD (n.d) stated that in 1907, the first footpath has been built between Residency and
Brunei Town at Jalan Subok. In 1914, a 60 miles distance pilot scheme has been
constructed to communicated Brunei Town and Kuala Belait. In 1924, the Road
Traffic Regulations were first introduced under Chapter 68 of Brunei Laws called
“Traction Engines and Motor Cars Enactment 1924”, which is then in 1954 has been
amended and known as “The Road Traffic Enactment 1954”. By 1960, a total of 7992
vehicles have been registered and 7519 driving licenses have been issued.
According to the Brunei’s Department of Civil Aviation (n.d), in 1953, the first
commercial air transport in Brunei, connecting Bandar Seri Begawan with Anduki in
the Belait district. Airport services were operated from the Berakas area at an old
runway site built by the Japanese during World War 2 which then known as Brunei
Airport. The airport became operational in 1974.
Marine Department of Brunei first operated as Department of Custom and Marine,
which is in 1948. The main services then was to provide transportation of passengers
and mail 3 times a week to Labuan. Also, during that time, it only operated 8
outboards and 6 vessels as maritime transportations (Marine Department, n.d).
There are three ports operated in Brunei Darussalam namely: Muara port, Bandar Seri
Begawan port and Kuala Belait port.
3
Muara port, which is situated about 27 kilometers to the northeast of the capital, is the
largest of the country’s harbors as the bulk of imports and exports go through it.
Meanwhile, Bandar Seri Begawan port has existed since before the Second World
War. Currently, it serves the needs of passenger vessels ferrying commuters to and
from the various neighboring Malaysian towns apart from carrying bulk cargoes for
direct delivery. Lastly, Kuala Belait port is located at the mouth of the Belait River.
The port, which is 61 meters long, serves the Belait district and caters to cargo vessels
from the neighboring countries.
3.1 Developments in 1970s
All information regarding the developments in 1970s is found in Annual Report:
Brunei (1977) and Brunei (1978-1981).
3.1.1 Department of Land Transport
The number of new vehicle license registration in 1977 was 4,942, an increase of
1,000 from 1976. In addition to that, a total of 5,513 driving test had been held but the
result was not satisfying because there was only 48.6 percent of them passed the test.
Thus, the Department of Land Transport is required to organize an even firmer test in
order to maintain and enhance the quality of driving in the nation. The next year,
43,844 vehicles are registered and 46136 driver who has driving license. The
department accumulated $1,167,826 profits that year of 1978. The Road Safety
Council was established in 1978, as an effort to promote road safety consciousness
among motorists.
3.1.2 Department of Civil Aviation
The safety of the airport is critically important. Therefore, various safety projects and
measures were launched at this time for instances: building walls for entry counter at
the terminal so that the X-ray system can be used, renovation of immigration area,
provision of gate for safety, and so forth. The movements of the airplanes in 1977
show a fall of 10 percent. However, the number of passengers of the year 1977
increased by 12.6 percent compared to 1976 and an increase of 4.8 percent of cargo
being moved out and in. In 1978, some of the new equipment and facilities are main
radar for air traffic control and training console in ATC.
4
3.1.3 Marine Department/ Port Department
The Ports Department reported a generation of profits of $127,895 in 1977, 17 percent
increase from last year. During this year, the department has requested one tractor or
loader to help the sender transferring heavy loads to its storage area. By the end of
this year, a 90,000 square feet warehouse will complete its construction and will be
able to accommodate more loads to prevent congestions.
3.2 Developments in 1980s
All information regarding the developments in 1980s is found in Brunei (1982),
Brunei Darussalam (1983-1984), (1985-1986), (1987), (1988), and (1989).
3.2.1 Department of Land Transport
By the end of 1981, 62,047 vehicles were registered and 49,500 driver who has
driving license. The department accumulated $2,470,631 profits that year. At the end
of 1982, a total of 8,358 drivers took their driving test, out of which only 4,057
passed. By 1984, 77,680 motorized vehicles were registered. Driving tests continued
to be stringent in order to maintain the country’s high driving standards. The number
of tests totaled 11,494 in 1985 and 8157 the following year with passes averaging
around 64 percent only. Apart from that, road taxes, and the fees for vehicle
registration, examination and driving test continued to be among the lowest in the
world. The number of licensed motor vehicles in use during 1989 was estimated at
72,291 made up of 62,418 private motorcars, 7,540 commercial vehicles including
buses and taxis, 333 motorbikes and scooters. The figures do not include government
and military vehicles. Also, the number of passes (of driving test and highway code
test) has slightly improved since the creation of a legislation that enabled the official
establishments of a driving school in September 1987.
3.2.2 Department of Civil Aviation
Profit generations from landing pay, rent, flying license and airplane registration fees
are $10.5 million in 1978 and increase to $1.75 million in 1981. A freight unloaded/
unloaded also increase by 35 percent in these years. An international airport
consultant was appointed in February 1982 to review and update the Master Plan
layout to further develop the current capacity and facilities of the airport to cater for
forecast traffic 15 years ahead.
5
At the end of 1984, a third B-737 was added to the national flag carrier, Royal Brunei
Airlines (RBA). The third aircraft is intended to reduce the average use of aircraft in
which the previous two aircrafts have reached maximum average use. In that year,
RBA had also offered twice-weekly fly to Jakarta and Darwin. With this addition,
RBA is set to offer all ASEAN’s cities destination. During 1985 and 1986, RBA
achieved another milestone when it took delivery of three new Boeing 757 aircrafts.
Airport Development Project (ADP) that began in November 1984 was completed in
September 1987 at an overall cost of more than $52 million. The ADP has not only
enhanced the existing facilities of the Brunei International Airport but has also given
it a host of new ones including a sterile transit hall capable of accommodating 1,000
passengers at a time and six aero-bridges connecting the aircraft to the terminal.
In 1989, Royal Brunei (RB) celebrated 15 th anniversary of its foundation. The year
also saw RB joining five other airlines as part owner of a new US$100 million
regional computerized reservation system called ABACUS, enabling agents to book
and confirm customers’ ticket on a ‘real time’ basis from data to a broad range of
carriers – all by a simple keyboard entry on an Abacus terminal. The system also
provides many other services, including hotel and car rental bookings. During the
year, express check-ins was introduced at the Brunei International Airport; and the
airlines’ second B737 was sold after 14 years’ service, leaving Royal Brunei with
three B757s and one B737.
3.2.3 Marine Department/ Port Department
More container ships entered both ports in Muara and Bandar Seri Begawan in 1980
and in 1981 394 containers entered Muara port. In 1982, the Muara port’s expansion
programme was carried out. The major project planned during the year was the dwarf
extension scheme at a price of $26.5 million. The work scheduled to be completed
early in 1985. In order to speed up the container clearance, the department has
acquired many facilities and equipment such as one unit of Kalmar Forklift truck, two
prime movers and three trailers. Containerized cargo increases at the rate of 15
percent a year. In 1986, the average number of containers handled per month was 800
TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units).
6
The following year, the Marine Department set up the Commercial Vessel Licensing
Board to smoothen furthers the administration and regulation of vessel registration
and licensing. The department registered a total of 28 vessels with a combined Gross
Register Tonnage of 5,828 tonnes and 143 licensed vessels in 1987. Under the Five
Year National Development Plan (NDP), the department purchased two vessels, one
was for the installation and maintenance of buoys costing more than $1.4 million and
the other a dredger costing nearly $2 million. Also during that year, an allocation of
$10 million for the construction of the department’s headquarters which has been
entrusted to a consultant to design and supervise its implementation.
In 1988, there were 600 applications for permits to operate water taxis in Kampong
Ayer (water village), the Belait River, and between Bandar Seri Begawan (BSB) and
Bangar in the Temburong District. In addition, applications for permits to run ferries
to destinations outside the State such as BSB to Labuan and Limbang were received.
After a study, three permits for the BSB/Labuan destination were issued to local
operators. The year under review saw the department taking delivery of the port
maintenance and inspection vessel, which was built in Hong Kong at a cost of $1.8
million.
3.3 Developments in 1990s
All information regarding the developments in 1990s is found in Brunei Darussalam
(1990), (1991), (1992), (1993), and (1994-1995).
3.3.1 Department of Land Transport
Road taxes as well as fees for vehicle registration, examination, driving test and
others, which amounted to $5.44 million in 1990, continued to be among the lowest in
the world. In 1991, the actual number of private cars still active on Brunei roads,
which was 86,318 thus, giving a slight ratio of just slightly over 3 persons per
vehicles. During 1992, the road network is being expanded to cope with the increase
in vehicular traffic. Work on new several projects costing more than $60 million was
in progress. The next year, 98.7 km length of road was completed. Under the Sixth
NDP, the total length of roads in the State was 1,525 km of which the end of 1995
paved 2,328 km. A more systematic transport had been introduced in 1996, which
included buses and taxis.
7
3.3.2 Department of Civil Aviation
The year 1990 show the number of passengers who passed through the International
Brunei Airport were 244,802 inbound; 243,742 outbound; and 8,796 transit, thus
recording increases of 5.11 percent; 7.8 percent; and 29.73 percent respectively over
1989. During that year, RBA opened two new routes, namely Frankfurt and London’s
Gatwick. The year also saw the delivery of the first of two new B767s to extended
range, wide-bodied aircraft and last of RBA’s original fleet of B737s being sold to
Aloha Airlines. The year after, RBA won the prestigious “Koala Award” in the best
airline category for its innovation, commitment and contribution to Australian
tourism. During 1992, RBA purchased three B767-300 extended range aircraft in
addition to its existing fleet of three B757ERs.
In 1993, its network of routes comprised Singapore, Manila, Kuching, Kota Kinabalu,
Hong Kong, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta, Darwin, Taipei, Dubai, Frankfurt,
London, Perth, Jeddah, Abu Dhabi, Bali, Bahrain, Zurich, Beijing, and Cairo. In
accordance with the practice of many airlines of other Muslim countries, RBA does
not serve pork or alcohol on board. The year also saw it taking delivery of one of two
Boeing 767-300 Extended Range (ER) it ordered from United States. This brought the
total to seven aircraft in active service during 1993. Between 1994 and 1995, there
were several projects undertaken by the DCA. One of the most notable and significant
of these was the upgrading of the Air Traffic Services Communications and
Surveillance facilities at the Brunei International Airport, which is scheduled to be
completed and fully operational by early 1997. The DCA’s annual revenue amounted
to $9.8 million in 1994 and $11.2 million the following year. Among other things, the
State flag carrier celebrated two decades of achievement and established six new
destinations namely Balikpapan, Miri, Labuan, Osaka, Brisbane and Culcutta.
Furthermore, during the periods of 1994 and 1995, RBA took delivery of Boeing 767300 ER and two Fokker (F) 50 aircraft; one of its 757-200s ER was purchased by
Almaty Air Kazakhstan; this brought the total to eleven aircrafts in active service. Its
other notable achievements included being rated 18 th out of 105 airlines by UK’s
Inflight Research Surveys and its inflight magazine Muhibah’s entertainment guide
being voted Runner-Up in the AVION Awards competition organized in conjunction
with the World Airline Entertainment Association. In 1993, it won fourth place.
8
3.3.3 Marine Department/ Port Department
In 1990, a total of 821 vessels were called at Muara port, 10 percent less than 1989; in
Bandar Seri Begawan port the number of vessels arrived rose by 9 percent from 266
in 1989 to 291; and Kuala Belait port handled 238 vessels which is down by 45
percent. In 1991, the Government officially formed the Merchant Shipping Licensing
Board (MSLB). Its functions include considering applications for the setting up of a
marine transport business; determining the number of vessels to be licensed; and
finding ways to solve any problem that might arise from such enterprise.
Since joining the International Maritime Organization, the level of maritime safety
has been further raised with the signing and enforcement in 1992 of the International
Convention on Civil Liability for Oil Pollution Damage 1969; and International
Convention on the Establishment of International Fund for Compensation for Oil
Pollution Damage 1971. In comparison of last year’s figures, the import show a rise
of 16 percent and exports a decrease of 37 percent due to reduction of timber products
being sent through the Tanjong Selirong anchorage in 1993. In 1994, a joint project
with Japan to keep oil spills in check was carried out.
3.4 Developments in 2000s
All information regarding the developments in 2000s is found in Brunei Darussalam
Statistical Yearbook (2004), (2005), (2008), and (2009).
Both the arrivals and departures through all three modes of transportation (by air, sea
and land), showed falling figures from the periods 2000 to 2004 (refer to Table 3). In
comparison between 2004 and 2005, the number of arrivals and departures by air
decreased from 307,828 to 272,810 and from 281,055 to 259,902 accordingly.
However, the total arrivals and departures through all modes of transportation showed
an increase from 1,821,273 in 2004 to 2,534,568 in 2005 and from 1,769,478 in 2004
to 2,318,991 in 2005 accordingly. Table 4 shows that both the total arrivals and total
departures from the periods 2005 to 2008 increased and fell slightly in 2009.
9
Table 3: Arrivals and Departures by air, sea and land (2000-2004)
Source: Immigration and National Registration Department, Ministry of Home Affairs
Table 4: Arrivals and Departures by air, sea and land (2005-2009)
Source: Immigration and National Registration Department, Ministry of Home Affairs
3.4.1 Department of Land Transport
In 2001, import duty for personal car has been reduced to 20 percent and 15 percent
for heavy vehicles. In 2004, there were 14,514 newly registered vehicles in Brunei
Darussalam of which 14,368 (98.9 percent) were non-government vehicles (refer to
Table 6). The lengths of roads from 1999 to 2003 are gradually increased yearly to
accommodate the accessibility and increase of registered vehicles (refer to Table 7).
In 2004, the length of the road was recorded at about 3,560 kilometers. In 2005, the
number of newly registered vehicles increased by 12.6 percent compared to 2004.
Whereas in 2009, the number of newly registered vehicles decreased by 5 percent
compared to 2008 (refer to Table 6). During the same year, the length of the road was
recorded at about 3,063.60 kilometers (refer to Table 7).
10
Table 6: Number of Newly Registered Vehicles (2000-2008)
Source: Land Transport Department, Ministry of Communication
Table 7: Length of Roads (1999-2003) and (2005-2009)
Source: Public Works Department, Ministry of Development
3.4.2 Department of Civil Aviation
The Department reported that both the number of aircraft movement and passenger
displayed an increasing number from the year 2000 to 2004, excluding the year 2003
which showed slight decline (refer to Table 8). In addition to that, the number of
scheduled, non-scheduled and military aircraft movement increased throughout the
years under review from 2005 to 2008; and the figures for scheduled and military
aircraft movement fell in 2009 compared to the previous year. Also, in 2009, the
number of inward and transit passengers slightly down from 632,339 in 2008 to
626,439 in 2009 and 248,156 in 2008 and 270,423 in 2009. The number of outward
passengers slightly increased in 2009 compared to the previous year.
Table 8: Aircraft Movement and Passenger (2000-2009)
Source: Civil Aviation Department, Ministry of Communication
11
3.4.3 Marine Department/ Port Department
Table 9 shows the yearly number of boats licensed. During the periods between 2000
and 2004, in terms of passenger boats, the figures are declining meanwhile the
government vessels that were registered are increasing. In 2009, the Marine
Department recorded 9 cargo boats, 147 passenger boats, 43 fishing boats, 36 leisure
crafts and 44 government vessels were licensed.
Table 9: Number of Boats Licensed (2000-2009)
Sources: Marine Department, Ministry of Communication
3.5 Developments in 2010s
All information regarding the developments in 2010s is found in Brunei Darussalam
Statistical Yearbook (2010), (2011), and Quarterly Statistical Indicators: Negara
Brunei Darussalam (Quarter 4, 2012).
The number of both arrivals and departures (by air, sea and land) in 2012 shows an
increase from 3,997,238 in 2010 to 5,653,575 in 2012 and from 3,947,290 in 2010 to
5,601,962 in 2012 accordingly.
Table 10: Arrivals and Departures by air, sea and land (2010-2012)
Source: Immigration and National Registration Department, Ministry of Home Affairs
12
3.5.1 Department of Land Transport
In 2011, the number of newly licensed registered vehicles was 15,900 with an
increase of 5.5 percent as compared to 2010 (refer to Table 11). In 2012, it also
increased to 18,562 non-government vehicles and 89 government vehicles, which give
a total of 18,651 newly, registered vehicles. The length of road in 2011 increased from
3,028.11 kilometers in 2012 to 3,127.35 kilometers in 2011.
Table 11: Number of Newly Registered Vehicles (2010-2012)
Source: Land Transport Department, Ministry of Communication
3.5.2 Department of Civil Aviation
Table 12 shows that the number of aircraft movement (excluding scheduled) and
passengers fell down in 2012 as compared to 2011.
Table 12: Aircraft Movement and Passenger
Source: Civil Aviation Department, Ministry of Communications
3.5.3 Marine Department/ Port Department
In 2011, 8 cargo boats; 145 passenger boats; 45 fishing boats; 21 leisure crafts; and 54
government vessels were licensed as compared to 2010: 11 cargo boats; 125
passenger boats; 42 fishing boats; 30 leisure crafts; and 45 government vessels.
4. Recent Major Projects
All information is found in The Report: Brunei Darussalam (2008), (2010, (2011), and
(2013).
13
Improved road connectivity between logistics hubs, including 2.7 kilometers bridge to
link the Pulau Muara Besar port and manufacturing center with the mainland. Other
projects include Temburong Bridge and bridge in Sg. Brunei, which connect Jalan
Rsidency in Bandar with Kg. Sg. Kebun in Lumapas to reduce transit times (this
project costs about 139 millions).
A project in Brunei Airport costs 150 million to support 3 million passengers a year
(which almost reached the maximum capacity). Between 2011 and 2012, tenders
proposed out to revamp bus system, which includes features for disability access,
communication radios, CCTV, onboard ticket machine and luggage compartments.
Apart from that, Proposed Integrated Public Transit System of light rail transit system.
However, research found out that it would bring losses if implemented. In 2013,
Telisai-Lumut dual carriageways of 18.6 kilometers were constructed.
In 2014, Government allocated 19.79 percent of its national budget for 2014/2015
$226.6 millions for road, bridges and civil aviation. The national carrier is requested
to increase short haul travel like Malaysia from five times a week to twice a day. In
addition to that, four 787 Dreamliner for long haul routes are in operations. With
these, they can have extended range with a lot of options in North Asia and Indian
sub-continents. Four primary highways of Muara-Tutong are being joined now by
18.6 kilometers Telisai-Lumut highway. Once Temburong Bridge is completed in
2018, travel distance will be 30 to 40 minutes, which significantly improve, compare
to two hours by boat and multiple border crossing via Sarawak on land.
5. Recent Technological Developments
Rabiatul Kamit (2013) reported in its news article that Brunei recorded 13.8 road
deaths per 100,000 people in 2011, according to the World Health Organizations. That
compares unfavorably with Singapore where the death rate per 100,000 people was
4.8 and the United Kingdom where it was 5.4. Hence, the need for positive measure
was required to ensure the safety of roads in Brunei Darussalam.
14
The long awaited demerit point system, officially launched in October known as
SiKAP (Sistem Keselamatan Amalan Pemandu) in a major effort to reduce the high
rate of road accidents in the country. Under this system, motorists will be issued three
demerit points for lesser driving offences such as parking haphazardly, dangerously or
illegally, and up to 24 points for reckless driving cause death. Additionally, motorists
who accumulate 24 or more demerit point within a two-year period will have their
driving license suspended for a period of time. A third suspension will lead to the
driving license being revoked for a year.
At the end of February this year (Analisa Amu, 2015), the minister of Ministry of
Communications stated more than 60 drivers accumulated 21 demerit points. He
further added that the demerit point system has been effective in reducing road
fatalities and preventing serious injuries. The number of road fatalities dropped 25
percent in 2014 form the previous year. It was also previously reported that there were
24 deaths in 2014, down from 32 in 2013. Severe and minor injuries resulting from
road accidents decreased 35 percent and 12 percent respectively.
Another initiative organized by the Land Transport Department is the JPD online apps
for smartphones, which is available in both App Store and Google Play. The apps
consist of SiKAP demerit point’s details, driving license renewal and vehicle license
renewal to produce an effective system and efficient service to the public. Working
online from home and through mobile phones will further enhance the department’s
productivity, the people and a positive effect on the country’s productivity.
Apart from that, this year also saw that the online applications for vehicle and driving
licenses could be done and processed in one day, requiring only one visit to the Land
Transport Department’s Headquarter in Beribi.
Meanwhile, the Department of Civil Aviation launched a new mobile application
called iFlyBrunei app informing people about flight information such as flight delays.
The application comes in handy in informing people instantly on their phones about
flight delays, arrival and departures. It can help and save the time of those going to
pick up their friend and relatives.
15
The app would also help people reach the airport at the right time. In addition to that,
it offers information on safety rules and services available at the Brunei International
Airport. The Ministry of Communications in a statement (DCA, 2014) said
iFlyBrunei is in line with the DCA’s initiatives to better its services and provide easier
options for users to gain information through their mobile devices. It also upholds the
ministry’s vision: Towards a Smart Society and Excellence in Communication for
Enhancing National Competitiveness by 2017.
6. Recommendations
In my honest opinion, it is crucially important to improve the efficiencies of the
public transport in order to reduce the number of registered vehicles (of nongovernment). The importance of having efficient and effective public transportation
system help to reduce traffic congestion, fuel consumption, carbon emission and
pollution, and the number of newly registered vehicles. In some sense, this helps to
achieve sustainable transportation in social, economic, environment, infrastructure
development and wealth creation. Instead of subsidizing the car fuels, the amount of
subsidies can be used to subsidies the fare of public transportation for instances buses
and taxis. Hence, the use of public transportation can be common in the country.
However, in order to achieve such success, three important factors need to be taken
into consideration: improve buses and taxis services, road accessibility for public
transportation, and subsidies the fares for public transportation.
Firstly, we have seen changes made to the color public buses in order to change the
perspective of “purple bus”. In addition to that, the color represents the zone. Yet, it is
still considered failure because of the lack awareness of using public buses. Also,
schedule for buses arrivals need to be fixed and follow other foreign countries’
standard for example in South Korea. When I was studying for exchange program in
South Korea, it was convenient because of the fixed schedule. Therefore, I believe
public transportation in South Korea can be the best example for Brunei to follow
even their subway, which can be taken into consideration by the Ministry of
Communication.
16
Secondly is the road accessibility of the public transportation such as the buses. There
should be adequate place for bus waiting point instead of just having few selected
area. In other words, the routes for each bus should be reduced to improve efficiency
and time promptness. When each area is maximized, shorter distance and more
accurate time arrival can be achieved. For instance, buses for Rimba area. The bus can
accommodate for residents in Rimba to go the schools, universities and supermarket.
And from there, another bus with another route can bring the residents outside their
area. In my case, Lambak area has many zones like Lambak Kanan, Lambak Kiri,
Lambak Tengah and so forth. Having each zone to have each bus or one specific bus
to go around this area can help to improve efficiencies of the public transport. From
there, another bus can bring students to go universities area (in Rimba) for example.
By having this kind of improved and precise road accessibility would help to
encourage more public to use the buses instead of using private vehicles.
Thirdly, if the fares of the public transportation are reduced or subsidies by the
government, it would probably help to encourage more people to use public transport.
The high amount of subsidies for fuel can be used for public transportation’
subsidized fares. When there are many people using the public transportation, it
means that continuous improvements in its structure or system are needed. Failure to
adhere to such needs would let the public back to use private vehicles instead of
public transportation.
In terms of sustainable transportation, above recommendations are relatable. In terms
of social, the culture of the society will change whereby the community prefers to use
public transportation. In terms of economic, high quality of public transportation
would indirectly encourage more tourists because they are complaining on the
transportation system in Brunei. Next, using public transportation is more
environmentally friendly due to less carbon dioxide emission compare to using
private vehicles. Lastly, improving public transportation could lead to better
infrastructure development due to the needs for continuous improvements. This helps
to increase interests in tourism, which generate more economy for the country, and
helps building a more developed and quality society. In other words, wealth creation
can be achieved.
17
Other recommendations include the improvements in online system in transportation
such as renewal of driving license, and the speed of procedures in transportationrelated transaction and activities. Apart from that, Brunei Airport needs to be
developed into better and improved place such as calling for more international
brands to put their foot in the airport terminals like in the Changi Airport in
Singapore. In terms of marine and ports, the government is required to put priorities
on investing advanced equipment in the port area. These advancements will help more
containers and vessels to visit the airport and make business transactions.
7. References
Analisa Amu (2015). Keep your driving record clean, check SiKAP mobile app.
Retrieved from: http://www.bt.com.bn/frontpage-news-national/2015/02/25/keepyour-driving-record-clean-check-sikap-mobile-app Last accessed 15th March 2015
Annual Report Brunei (1977). Department of Statistics, Department of Economic
Planning and Development, Prime Minister’s Office.
Brunei (1978-1981). Department of Statistics, Department of Economic Planning and
Development, Prime Minister’s Office.
Brunei (1982). Department of Statistics, Department of Economic Planning and
Development, Prime Minister’s Office.
Brunei Darussalam (1983-1984). Department of Statistics, Department of Economic
Planning and Development, Prime Minister’s Office.
Brunei Darussalam (1985-1986). Department of Statistics, Department of Economic
Planning and Development, Prime Minister’s Office.
Brunei Darussalam (1987). Department of Statistics, Department of Economic
Planning and Development, Prime Minister’s Office.
Brunei Darussalam (1988). Department of Statistics, Department of Economic
Planning and Development, Prime Minister’s Office.
Brunei Darussalam (1989). Department of Statistics, Department of Economic
Planning and Development, Prime Minister’s Office.
Brunei Darussalam (1990). Department of Statistics, Department of Economic
Planning and Development, Prime Minister’s Office.
Brunei Darussalam (1991). Department of Statistics, Department of Economic
Planning and Development, Prime Minister’s Office.
18
Brunei Darussalam (1992). Department of Statistics, Department of Economic
Planning and Development, Prime Minister’s Office.
Brunei Darussalam (1993). Department of Statistics, Department of Economic
Planning and Development, Prime Minister’s Office.
Brunei Darussalam (1994-1995). Department of Statistics, Department of Economic
Planning and Development, Prime Minister’s Office.
Brunei Darussalam Statistical Yearbook 2004. Department of Statistics, Department
of Economic Planning and Development, Prime Minister’s Office.
Brunei Darussalam Statistical Yearbook 2005. Department of Statistics, Department
of Economic Planning and Development, Prime Minister’s Office.
Brunei Darussalam Statistical Yearbook 2008. Department of Statistics, Department
of Economic Planning and Development, Prime Minister’s Office.
Brunei Darussalam Statistical Yearbook 2009. Department of Statistics, Department
of Economic Planning and Development, Prime Minister’s Office.
Brunei Darussalam Statistical Yearbook 2010. Department of Statistics, Department
of Economic Planning and Development, Prime Minister’s Office.
Brunei Darussalam Statistical Yearbook 2011. Department of Statistics, Department
of Economic Planning and Development, Prime Minister’s Office.
Brunei’s Department of Civil Aviation (n.d). History. Retrieved from:
http://www.civil-aviation.gov.bn/index.php/about-dca/introduction?id=72 Last
Accessed 10th March 2015
DCA (2014). iFlyBrunei app launched to assist air travellers. Retrieved from:
http://www.civil-aviation.gov.bn/index.php/news-highlights/212-iflybrunei-applaunched-to-assist-air-travellers Last Accessed 15th March 2015
JPD (n.d) History. Retrieved from: http://www.landtransport.gov.bn/History/history.htm Last Accessed 10th March 2015
Marine
Department
(n.d).
History.
Retrieved
from:
http://www.marine.gov.bn/history.htm Last Accessed 10th March 2015
McArthur, M.S.H (1987). Report on Brunei in 1904. Ohio University Press, Center
for Southeast Asian Studies.
Quarterly Statistical Indicators: Negara Brunei Darussalam (Quarter 4, 2012).
Rabiatul Kamit (2013) SiKAP aims at reducing road mishaps. Retrieved from:
http://www.bt.com.bn/news-national/2013/10/02/sikap-aims-reducing-road-mishaps
Last Accessed 15th March 2015
19
The Report: Brunei Darussalam (2008). Oxford Business Group
The Report: Brunei Darussalam (2010). Oxford Business Group
The Report: Brunei Darussalam (2011). Oxford Business Group
The Report: Brunei Darussalam (2013). Oxford Business Group
Unhabitat (2013). Planning and Design for Sustainable Urban Mobility. Global Report
on Human Settlements 2013. United Nations Human Settlements Programme.
20