A roadshow to prepare penghulus and village heads for the implementation of the National Welfare System (SKN) was held at the Kuala Belait Convention Hall yesterday.

Legislative Council members, Penghulu of Mukim Liang Yang Berhormat Haji Abdul Hamid bin Haji Mumin and Village Head of Kampong Labi 1 Yang Berhormat Hanapi bin Mohd Siput, penghulus and village heads of Belait District, Permanent Secretary (Economy) at the Ministry of Finance and Economy (MoFE) Dr Hajah May Fa’ezah binti Haji Ahmad Ariffin, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports (MCYS) Pengiran Haji Mohd Hasnan bin Pengiran Haji Ali Hassan, Deputy Permanent Secretary (Community) at the MCYS Saidah binti Haji Wahid were present.

Dr Hajah May Fa’ezah outlined the objective of the roadshow, as well as how SKN represents a centralized database to ensure that residents eligible for assistance are taken care of.

Meanwhile Saidah outlined the features and benefits of the SKN including information on how to use the unified website at www.skn.gov.bn, the registration processes and how to aid those who need assistance. Video tutorials are available on television and its Youtube channel.

Attendees posed questions to Community Development Department (JAPEM) of MYCS, MoFE, the Brunei Islamic Religious Council (MUIB) of the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Dynamik Technologies Sdn Bhd regarding the system.

Attendees also tried out the SKN website during a demonstration of the system.

Penghulus and village heads expressed support for the new system.

Yang Berhormat Hanapi said the system is beneficial for those in need of assistance, noting the ease of updating information for the applicant by utilising modern technologies as a unified and centralized system.

“SKN has the potential to accelerate the process for applicants. Instead of visiting several departments and agencies, they can simply visit the website to complete the registration,” he said.

“As a centralized database, this also benefits the departments and agencies as they can quickly process the information.”

Registration opens on July 15 for citizens and residents of Brunei Darussalam under JAPEM, MCYS and MUIB to apply for the Monthly Welfare Assistance (BKB).