Referring to the interim measures announced last year in March 2020 to support targeted private sectors in addressing the challenges resulting from the spread of COVID-19 in the country, the Ministry of Finance and Economy is pleased to inform that His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam has consented to the following interim measures.

Interim measures shall take effect starting from the 1^st August 2021 and will run until the 31^st December 2021;

FIRST; Deferment of Payment on TAP Contribution (5%) and SCP (3.5%) for Local Workers that earns $1,500 per month and below in the affected sectors under the category of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise (MSMEs) which have a total number of employees not exceeding 100 employees until the 31^st December 2021.

Contributions by companies will be paid in advance by the Government to ensure that annual dividend payments to employees in the private sector are not affected.

In the meantime, the affected companies are advised to submit an application to the Tabung Amanah Pekerja (TAP) via email payments@tap.com.bn to obtain the intended facility.

Companies that have been allowed to defer payment of TAP and SCP are required to repay to the Government within one year after the end of the facility period.

SECOND; Provide a salary payment subsidy of 25 percent to local workers in MSMEs which have employees not exceeding 100 people from the 1^st August to 31^st December 2021.

These subsidies aim to reduce the burden of MSMEs particularly local employees that earns $1,500 per month and below; and to contribute to Tabung Amanah Pekerja (TAP). Aligning with the government's objective to provide assistance to those who in need, companies are requested to submit a completed application form via email to payments@tap.com.bn. The form can be downloaded through the website www.tap.com.bn.

THIRD; The Government will fund SCP Contributions to the Self-Employed in the period mentioned above. This is to help self-employed people affected by the outbreak to ensure they will have ongoing Survivorship Fund coverage.

FOURTH; Provide at least 30% discount on rental rates on government buildings to MSMEs according to the affected sectors. This is to help reduce the operation costs for affected entrepreneurs.

FIFTH; Provide a tax discount of 50% on corporate income tax for the year of assessment 2022 to the affected sectors. This is to help traders who are experiencing a decline in income during the spread of this pandemic. To obtain this facility, companies are required to submit filing according to the time period set by the Revenue Division, Ministry of Finance and Economy.

SIXTH; Provide 20% discount on water and electricity bills for affected companies within the affected sectors.

SEVENTH; Temporary exemption of customs duty and excise duty for personal hygiene products until 31^st December 2021.

The Ministry of Finance and Economy through the Department of Economic Planning and Statistics will constantly monitor the prices of goods such as chicken, meat, eggs, and other necessities such as hand sanitizers and surgical face masks as stated in the Consumer Protection Order (2011) and Price Control Act (Chapter 142).

In support of the provision of virtual education and Work from Home (WFH), Unified National Networks Sdn Bhd (UNN) in collaboration with telecommunication companies has also provided affordable internet packages.

Finally, following the interim measures introduced by the Government, it is advisable for the companies to avoid laying off workers during this pandemic especially local workers.

Furthermore, the Ministry of Finance and Economy on behalf of Brunei Darussalam Central Bank (BDCB) and the Brunei Association of Banks, is pleased to announce that the measures announced last year are still ongoing until the 31^st December 2021. The measures refer to the deferment of payment of loan or financing principal and exemption of fees and charges.

For more information on the measures, the public can contact their respective banks, or contact BDCB at 8318388 or via email info@bdcb.gov.bn.

In this regard, the Government still provide various services to assist Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) with relevant agencies such as Buy Local Produce Campaign, provision of e-commerce platforms from Darussalam Enterprise (DARe), Lifelong Learning Initiatives especially upskilling and reskilling training from the Manpower Planning and Employment Council (MPEC); Community for Brunei from Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam (BIBD) and so on. In addition, the extension of the iReady Apprentice Contract Period is extended until the 31st. December 2021.