​05 October 2025 

Yang Mulia Muhammad Azizil Hakim bin Haji Brahim, Acting Controller along with Senior Officers from the Royal Customs and Excise Department, Ministry of Finance and Economy attended the 16th BIMP-EAGA Customs Heads Meeting. The meeting was chaired by YBhg. Datuk Wira Anis Rizana binti Mohd Zainudin, Director General of Royal Malaysian Customs Department.

The meeting was also attended by the Directors-General of Customs and Senior Customs officers of BIMP-EAGA, representatives from the BIMP-EAGA Facilitation Centre (BIMP FC), the BIMP-EAGA Business Council (BEBC), and the Asian Development Bank (ADB). The main agenda discussed included projects update under the BIMP-EAGA Trade Facilitation Cluster, Customs Working Group; consultations with the private sector through BEBC on potential convergence projects; and technical assistance provided by ADB. 

One of the key outcomes of the meeting was the endorsement of The Royal Malaysian Customs Academy (AKMAL) in Kuching, Sarawak, as the BIMP-EAGA Training Centre (BETC), which will serve as the main training hub for the Customs Administrations of BIMP EAGA. Delegates also attended the official ceremony of the BETC, officiated by the Director General of Customs, Royal Malaysian Customs Department, followed by a briefing and tour of the training facilities. AKMAL is also recognized as a Regional Training Centre by the World Customs Organization (WCO).The meeting further agreed that the next BIMP-EAGA Heads of Customs Meeting will be held biennially, with the next session scheduled to take place in the Philippines in 2027. 

Brunei Darussalam’s participation in this meeting reflects the continued commitment of RCED in supporting the BIMP-EAGA agenda to strengthen regional economic integration, facilitate trade, and enhance cooperation among BIMP-EAGA member countries. 

Royal Customs and Excise Department 

Ministry of Finance and Economy 

 Date: 13 Rabiulakhir 1447 | 5 October 2025