I just couldn't help but wonder how the postal service operates in Brunei as I just experimented trying to get a trouser I ordered from the UK to be delivered to Brunei via international shipping.

Being exposed to the postal service in the UK whilst I was there for a few years, I couldn't stop myself to think and compare Brunei with the UK system.

I was required to go to the nearby post office to get my parcel. I completely understand this is a measure of security required for such declaration. However, I had to spend 30 minutes in total just to fetch my parcel as the collection time is during office hours only.

I tried another order but this time using DHL International Express to be delivered from Singapore and based on my findings (via the code through which I can track the status), clearance in Brunei takes quite a long time. It does come through from Singapore quickly but gets stuck in Brunei as there is a delay in clearance.

This is really different to how I got my parcels in the UK regardless of standard air shipping, eg EMS or DHL, to be delivered to my door without the requirements to open the parcel to let the post office know the contents. Hence I could feel a better sense of both security and privacy.

I am assuming those parcels I received in the UK had been scanned prior to them being delivered at my door.

Therefore I am wondering how Brunei manages its postal service.

Can we have such a system implemented so it reduces the need for the citizens to go to the post office every now and then to fetch their parcels and avoid opening them in front of the officers to convince them that we are telling the truth.

To be honest, I really felt awkward as if I was actually importing something illegal when it's actually just a trouser ordered from the UK.

Perhaps this could be one of the factors that turns off the locals to use the postal service. Though it is a long way to go for Brunei to keep the mail security technology on par (or better) with countries around the world, I still feel grateful at least the parcels are safely kept in the post office.

Perhaps I do not have sufficient exposure to the postal service in Brunei but I am interested in getting to know more from the relevant authority as who knows there might be some interested academia ready to conduct research and perhaps from there suggest alternatives or, if better, improvements on how postal service in Brunei could be managed more efficiently.

Furthermore, the staff working in the post office would be less burdened if such a system is further improved. Till then, I will just keep on being optimistic, Insha Allah.