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More electric vehicles (EVs), shopping options and tourism are among the things locals would like to see in the Sultanate in 2024. **GOING GREENER** Nur Anisha would love to see more family-friendly events such as Bandarku Ceria, food bazaars and fun fairs, particularly during school holidays. “Not everyone is able to go abroad to have fun,” she said to the Bulletin, adding that having events at several locations instead of one could reduce traffic congestion. Nur Anisha would also like to see more EVs on the road. “However, it would be good if EVs have a more affordable maintenance fee,” she said. “Some of us doubt our ability to maintain EVs with the current average income in the country.” She also feels there needs to be more emphasis on recycling, and the need for a proper industry for people to send rubbers and plastics to, instead disposing items such as worn-out tyres in public areas. Ahmad would also like to see more EVs in the country. He hopes for more government initiatives to educate the public on EVs and incentives for automobile dealers to bring in and sell EVs at affordable prices be introduced, as well as development of necessary infrastructure to support EVs for domestic use. ![](https://media.everythingbrunei.com/public/r8W2S_bLNFwWCpSGMx0rL-Hma3Fzu07wooEBlBJV7aX.jpeg) The major roundabout at Kampong Kiulap, connected to several commercial areas and the Brunei International Airport. PHOTO: KHAYR ZAKARIYYA ![](https://media.everythingbrunei.com/public/WwkEqnZX5KPtmB_tQuwXt-j85w15qjIXiO_jihGVx3x.jpeg) ABOVE & BELOW: Nur Anisha during the interview; and Haji Mohammad Eddie Hardie. PHOTO: LYNA MOHAMAD ![](https://media.everythingbrunei.com/public/Q5zLh6AFB7b7bTTYypS8R-cUsIWa-VO0He7phNbIVaV.jpeg) PHOTO: LYNA MOHAMAD ![](https://media.everythingbrunei.com/public/nlYQjXTmSBhuoHhtohUTH-AL0FVopC_DSmIcHDs_Vod.jpeg) ABOVE & BELOW: Hajah Mardini; Mark; and Bolhassan. PHOTO: LYNA MOHAMAD ![](https://media.everythingbrunei.com/public/M4c9LvL0HDLDetl2y0jkj-k511qGVU4hdZAceNpyN_2.jpeg) PHOTO: LYNA MOHAMAD ![](https://media.everythingbrunei.com/public/vrCtG8yAmwxkCvbkglgYZ-E-edKDAMWc6W8Q7P8V5_R.jpeg) PHOTO: LYNA MOHAMAD Haji Mohammad Eddie Hardie said while EVs have drawn greater interest in other countries, the Sultanate still does not see many EVs on the road. He believes more people will begin opting for EV cars, as spare parts may not be as high when compared to conventional cars. Electricity is cheaper than petrol, he added. More importantly, adoption of EVs is important to curb air pollution, he said, noting that reducing the use of petrol is important in reducing overall carbon emissions. “There is a need for EVs to be expanded in our country, for the choice of using it to have a reasonable price,” he said to the *Bulletin*. Meanwhile, Syahmie said he noticed comments from tourists saying that it was hard to access public transport in the country. He believes examples from other countries on how to handle these problems could be the key to addressing the issue. “If we track when people need rides the most, the relevant industries can step in, making transportation smoother for everyone,” he said. Beyond that, Syahmie said he and his family would like to see more seafood places in the country, and the authorities to continue ensuring regulations and guidelines for food safety and keeping public restrooms clean are followed. **TOURISM, SHOPPING** Ahmad would love to see a boost in local tourism in 2024. He believes that creating more leisure spaces, such as theme parks or better malls with popular branded goods that people travel abroad to buy will draw in more tourists. “It will also be good to see more Korean and Chinese tourists like in pre-covid times,” he added. Authorities should also promote domestic tourism for locals, he said, adding that it would create employment and opportunity for low-income households. Haji Mohammad Eddie Hardie hopes more popular brand stores found abroad will come into the country, as their popularity drew local shoppers across the border. “They have things sold at reasonable prices, the latest trend and styles and there’s always collaboration with different brands that we can only get abroad,” he said. Hajah Mardini said that local entrepreneurs should take notes on comparisons of products sold in the country and those abroad. She hopes they will ensure local products are competitive, whether it be on price or quality. “While some things are cheaper and have a higher quality, I feel there are still shortcomings and it is one of the reasons we buy from abroad.” Mark also hopes to see more high-end or branded stores, believing it will help the economy while attracting more tourists. For retiree Bolhassan, he wants more 24-hour convenience stores as seen in other countries. He hopes locals can open up these stores, with their own branding. – Lyna Mohamad

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