The efforts of the Government of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam in portraying the country as a nation that prioritise cleanliness among ASEAN member states and the world received recognition when Bandar Seri Begawan and Tutong Town were awarded the ASEAN Clean Tourist City at the 40th ASEAN Tourism Forum, AFF. The achievement was the result of integrated efforts that were strengthened and effective, involving all levels of society in together being responsible for maintaining cleanliness. The establishment of the Main Committee on Cleanliness Issues, JIIK provides policy direction and strategy to further strengthen the efficacy action implementation towards cleanliness.
JIIK is divided into 3 action groups. The Legal and Enforcement Action Group under the Ministry of Home Affairs implements amendment to Minor Offences Act, Chapter 30, and Capacity Building to handle Legal Actions and Publication of Offences related to Minor Offences Act, Chapter 30.
The Stakeholders’ Awareness and Stewardship Action Group under the Ministry of Health coordinates 5 main initiatives namely Cleaning Campaigns, Nationwide Cleaning Campaign, Cleanliness Awareness Campaign, No Plastic Bag Every day and Waste Collection Conceptual Design Competition.
Meanwhile, the Improvement of Facilities and Services for Cleanliness Action Group under the Ministry of Development provides cleaning services and facilities.
Throughout 2021, the Legal and Enforcement Action Group recorded 641 offences under Section 12 of the Minor Offences Act, Chapter 30, where compound fines amounting $107,100 have been collected. Amendment to the Minor Offences Act, Chapter 30 that was enforced in December last year was one of the initiatives in the action plan under the Main Committee on Cleanliness Issues. The amendment aimed to prevent individuals or corporate from committing offences pertaining to improper rubbish disposal in public areas in the country.
Source: Radio Television Brunei