Datuk Seri Salahuddin Ayub (second left) visits the the Petronas Dagangan Bhd depot in Sepanggar here today. – Bernama photo
KOTA KINABALU (June 23): The Malaysia-Brunei Border Economic Rahmah Mission is expected to bolster the supply security of essential goods and trade cooperation between the two countries.
Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Seri Salahuddin Ayub said the programme was an economic collaboration between Malaysia and its neighbouring country, focusing on the supply of essential goods.
He said the mission had begun with the supply of non-subsidised liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) from Malaysia to Brunei from June 16, 2023, until July 1, 2023.
“It will be expanded to other essential goods, which will be further detailed between the two countries in the future. On this mission, Petroliam Nasional Bhd (Petronas) through its LPG production at the Teluk Sepanggar plant, Sabah agreed to supply 150 metric tonnes of non-subsidised LPG to Brunei.
“The supply of non-subsidised LPG to Brunei will not affect the continuity of LPG supply in the country, especially for households or industries, as we have an excess supply of about 20 per cent,” he told reporters after launching the initiative at the Petronas Dagangan Bhd depot in Sepanggar, here today.
Also present were Brunei Energy Deputy Minister Datuk Seri Awang Matsetejo Sokiaw, Brunei High Commissioner to Malaysia Brig Gen (R) Datuk Mahmud Saidin, and Petronas Dagangan Bhd chief operating officer Khalil Jaffri Muhammad Muri.
Salahuddin said the amount and frequency of supply of LPG and other essential goods through the mission will be undertaken according to the demand and needs of both countries.
“I intend to make an official visit to Brunei in August to explore the potential and boost economic activities along the border.
“This will enable us to not only generate new income but also create employment opportunities for both countries in our border area,” he said.
He added that regional cooperation, especially with neighbouring countries, is a potential that should be explored and bolstered, and a mission like this is expected to provide added value to both countries in the face of current economic uncertainties. – Bernama