Minister Clarifies 'Relative Poverty'

Bandar Seri Begawan - Yang Berhormat Datin Paduka Dyg Hjh Zasia binti Sirin asked the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports regarding the current developments of the Kg Pulaie Welfare Housing Complex, since its operations has been moved to the new Welfare Housing Complex in Kampung Belimbing, Subok, as YB Datin Paduka Dyg Hjh Zasia raised the issue of youths involved in immoral and other unhealthy activities such as the misuse of drugs and underaged pregnancy, amongst others.

YB Datin revealed that there were 290 youths aged 15 to 25 arrested for drug abuse in the year 2011 and 2012, 59 youths were recorded for other issues including underaged pregnancy free sex, difficult to control and leaving their homes.

She also raised the issue of children who are in the Welfare Housing Complex due to parents' negligence and other problems, whether there is an act to penalise these parents if produced in court, as well as the availability of counselling sessions for these parents.

The Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports said that the relocation of the Kg Pulaie Welfare Housing Complex children and youth is temporary, given the fact that the Kg Pulaie Welfare Housing Complex is currently under renovation and only offices that are not affected by the renovations in the complex are used.

The minister also said that the type of poverty in Brunei is 'relative poverty', and not 'absolute poverty' as can be observed especially in third-world countries. 'Relative poverty' in Brunei refers to individuals who do not have a job, no skills or they are facing diseases or physical disabilities.

Despite that, said the minister, the individuals of 'relative poverty' still have accessibility to facilities and benefits as Bruneians or residents of Brunei including education, healthcare, housing, water supply, electricity and others, when compared those facing poverty in other countries.

The minister said that through their research, steps have already been taken to overcome 'relative poverty' in Brunei Darussalam, such as the welfare assistance given to them, as well as other efforts such as providing skills training and others, which were all heading towards eradicating poverty in Brunei Darussalam. ~ Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

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