Surroundings in Brunei

The system for everyday living conditions in Brunei is institutionally distributed. Brunei-Muara, Tutong, Belait and Temburong have different local administrative structures; Municipal Boards exist, among other places, in Bandar Seri Begawan, Tutong, Kuala Belait and Seria, while Temburong is served by the District Office. The Public Works Department (Jabatan Kerja Raya) manages roads, bridges, side drains, wastewater and water, among other areas; maintenance includes keeping footpaths clear, desilting drains and repairing potholes. The Department of Electrical Services is responsible for street lighting. Blocked drains, flooding and infrastructure defects can be reported around the clock through Talian Darussalam 123, by calling 123, via WhatsApp at 8333123, and through the web, app or email; a ticket number makes follow-up easier. The Department of Water Services and Jabatan Kerja Raya state that drinking-water coverage is 99.9 percent. Eight treatment plants as well as storage and distribution networks are monitored; every two hours around the clock, the plants test, among other parameters, pH, colour, turbidity, aluminium, chlorine and chloride. The Water Services Laboratory operates according to ISO 17025. In the event of an interruption, reports can be made through Talian Darussalam 123 and water tankers can be used if necessary. Bills can be paid at counters, post offices and through BIBD, Baiduri and Standard Chartered; specific tariffs and individual connection rights depend on the relevant provider's information. The Department of Drainage and Sewerage handles drainage and central wastewater connections. Connection forms, development review, as-built plans and inspections are part of the process. Wastewater tankers can be hired through Pintu Malim or Talian Darussalam 123; fees and processing times are not published uniformly. Brunei is particularly affected by flooding in low-lying coastal areas. Retention ponds, pumps, floodgates, flood warnings and coastal protection reduce the risk; the National Disaster Management Centre coordinates disaster preparedness, response and recovery. The Department of Environment, Parks and Recreation (Jabatan Alam Sekitar, Taman dan Rekreasi) monitors air quality in all four districts. Haze (Jerebu) occurs mainly on a regional and episodic basis. Since 1 September 2026, the Pollutant Standards Index has also taken PM2.5 into account; Jerebu updates are issued five times a day at 7:00, 9:00, 11:00, 14:00 and 16:00. A PSI below 50 is considered good, 51 to 100 moderate, 101 to 200 unhealthy, 201 to 300 very unhealthy, and above 300 hazardous. Environmental law also covers noise. For prescribed activities, written notice to the Department of Environment, Parks and Recreation may be required before work begins; depending on the project, an environmental impact assessment or an Environmental Management and Monitoring Plan may also be required. According to the reviewed information, the activity may begin only after the response or approval. For drums, horns and other listed instruments, the period from 23:00 to 06:00 is protected in towns and villages without written police permission; on public roads, the restriction applies at all times. Following a complaint from a household, the police may require the activity to stop. Public recreational areas exist in all four districts, including Bukit Shahbandar, Berakas, Tumpuan Telisai, Sungai Liang, Luangan Lalak, Pulau Selirong and Bukit Patoi. Taman Rekreasi Hutan, Bandarku Ceria and other public areas serve different recreational and community functions. For special use or rental, the process provides for an availability inquiry, a written application and the Director's approval; after the signed approval, collection is possible after two working days. Access, fees and accessibility vary by location. The accessibility guidelines (Different Abilities Design Guidelines 2018) mention ramps, Braille and tactile information for public buildings and recreational places, among other features, but do not automatically establish an individually enforceable entitlement. Jabatan Alam Sekitar manages waste and recycling. Household collection is provided by licensed registered companies; an expressly documented subscription model exists, for example, in Kampong Rimba RPN. Direct disposal sites, listed recyclers, 3R programmes, recycling days and food-waste initiatives complement collection. Illegal dumping can be reported through Talian Darussalam 123. Talian Darussalam 123 also accepts complaints, questions, reports and suggestions; additional channels include E-Participation, social media, community consultations, Kampong leadership and programmes with communities and NGOs. Spatial changes are governed, among other instruments, by the Town and Country Planning Order 2015, which has been in force since 1 January 2017. Development Control Areas regulate land and building use as well as the subdivision and consolidation of plots; the electronic planning route (eKP) is accessed through registered architects or engineers. Capital projects of the Ministry of Development and Jabatan Kerja Raya include water, drainage, wastewater, roads, and coastal and flood protection. The Brunei Climate Change Secretariat Strategy 8 addresses adaptation to climate risks. Additional notification, assessment or approval requirements apply to prescribed environmental projects. These provisions do not establish generally free services or a nationwide uniform entitlement to every green space; water should be used sparingly and waste disposed of safely.