BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

THE total number of unemployed locals aged between 18 and 59 years old has been reduced by 0.7 per cent in June in comparison to May, the Department of Economic Planning and Development (JPKE) said yesterday.

The JPKE said the number of unemployed citizens and permanent residents went down to 11,469 compared to 11,546 in May.

Most of the jobless locals are female in their twenties, who have only finished their secondary school education, according to JPKE’s data.

A total of 3,252 people aged between 20 and 24 accounted for the highest number of the unemployed locals. This figure, however, is 1.6 per cent lower than May’s.

Most of the unemployed locals live in the highly-populated Brunei-Muara district.

The number of jobless locals in the 25-29 age group increased to 2,494 in June from 2,485 in May . Likewise, the number of jobless locals aged 30-34 years old increased to 1,809 in June from 1,797 in May. A total of 8,160 unemployed locals are those who have only finished their secondary school education.

The JPKE said there are more unemployed women than men. Nearly 60 per cent, or 6,733 people, of the total number of jobless locals in June are women.

A JPKE press release said that the monthly statistics aim to provide “the latest estimates” for unemployed Brunei citizens and permanent residents aged between 18 and 59 years old who are either without jobs or are seeking for one.

More information on the statistics can be obtained by contacting 2230250 or 2233344 during office hours. Interested parties can also visit www.depd.gov.bn or email info.statistics@ jpke.gov.bn.

The Brunei Times