'Postal Dept Still Significant'
By James Kon

Bandar Seri Begawan - The significant role played by postal services is still relevant in the modem age despite challenges posed by competitors, said Minister of Communications, Pehin Dato - Seri Setia Hj Awang Abu Bakar, in officiating the 100' Anniversary of Postal Services during a ceremony held at the General Post Office in the capital.

"The contribution of the post office to our country during the last 100 years is significant and cannot be ignored and the existence of the Postal Services Department today proves that postal services are still relevant despite the existence of competitors," he added.

"The existence of private couriers in providing express mail service and also lately the Internet, e-mail, SMS, MMS and others, has undoubtedly challenged the existence of postal services not only locally but globally where the volume of mail handled by postal operators has dropped drastically.

"In Brunei Darussalam, the volume of mail reached its lowest level in 2003, where only 9.4 million letters were handled compared to 13.2 million in 2001. In 2004 and 2005, the volume increased to 9.7 million and 11.5 million respectively," the minister said.

Existing competitors should not be seen as a threat but as an opportunity for the Postal Services Department to develop and be more efficient, he added.

The minister pointed out that with the creativity and commitment of the postmaster general and his staff, along with the support of relevant agencies, the Postal Services

Department will be able to explore new opportunities that will not only benefit the department but its customers as well. Pehin Dato Seri Setia Hj AwangAbu Bakar said that the Postal Services Department is in the process of implementing anew project, the counter automation.

This project is scheduled to be in operation later this year and is one of the efforts made by the department to diversify its services.

Meanwhile, also delivering a speech was Postmaster General, Hj Abd Kadir bin Tengah, who briefed guests on the history of the Postal Services Department. He said the postal service in Brunei began with the establishment of Central Borneo Company in Muara, which was formerly known as Brooketon town. On October 11, 1906, the proper establishment of post offices in Brunei began with the opening of the Bandar Brunei Post Office and Temburong.

Speaking on challenges posed by competitors, he said "The Brunei Postal Service Department sees it as positive response to adapt to new changes and developments. There is a growing need in postal sectors to fulfil the needs of customers as well as providing continuous improvement to offer better services. With the counter automation project and hybrid mail project in progress, we hope we can fulfil the vision and mission of the Brunei Postal Services Department."

Next, the Minister of Communications officiated the ASEANPOST CEOs roundtable meeting followed by the opening ceremony for the Stamps Gallery and launching of the 100 years stamp issue.

Also present at the ceremony were Acting Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Communications, Haji Mohd Yakub bin Pg Hj Othman, former postmaster generals, government officials, members of the Legislative Council as well as Asean delegates for the ASEANPOST CEOs roundtable meeting. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

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