Bandar Seri Begawan - Private schools have been exempted from paying a premium for land, according to the Minister of Development.

Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Indera Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Hj Suyoi Hj Osman who made the announcement yesterday in an exclusive report on Radio Television Brunei (RTB), said that the government had approved land allocation to build private schools without paying a premium.

The unprecedented move was approved "because private schools also play a role in contributing towards the educational development" in the country.

According to the minister, it is expected to alleviate the traffic congestion issues caused by private schools that are renting buildings and have constructed the buildings along the roads, noting that the problem affected areas such as Gadong.

He hoped that the government's move to exempt private schools from paying a premium for land will be "well received" by all stakeholders.

YB Pehin Dato Hj Suyoi also stated that the government had taken appropriate measures to optimise the use of land, such as for agriculture, industrial and housing purposes.