The number of Bruneian travelers visiting Malaysia last year surged by 169 per cent, with a total of 811,833 Brunei tourists recorded, compared to 301,757 in the previous year. This significant increase reflects the growing appeal of Malaysia as a destination for Bruneians, not only for its diverse culture, culinary delights, and natural attractions but also as a popular honeymoon destination.
In a move that is expected to further enhance economic cooperation between the two nations, the Sarawak Trade and Tourism Board (STATOB) will begin operations in Brunei in the fourth quarter of this year, focusing on boosting trade and tourism.
These insights were shared by Chargé d’Affaires at the Malaysian High Commission in Bandar Seri Begawan Mrs Nur Ezira Mahadi, during a dinner commemorating the 40th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations between Malaysia and Brunei Darussalam. The event, held at the Royal Berkshire Hall, Tarindak D’Polo, Jerudong last Sunday, was hosted by the Malaysian High Commission in conjunction with the working visit of Malaysia’s Foreign Minister to Brunei for the 25th Meeting of the Implementation of the Exchange of Letters between the two countries.
Guests of honour at the event were Malaysia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dato’ Seri Utama Haji Mohamad bin Haji Hasan, and Brunei’s Second Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dato Seri Setia Haji Erywan bin Pehin Datu Pekerma Jaya Haji Mohd Yusof. Other attendees included Deputy Ministers, senior Bruneian government officials, members of Brunei’s Legislative Council, heads of diplomatic missions, and business and corporate leaders.
Mrs Nur Ezira Mahadi expressed the High Commission’s gratitude for the presence of the Foreign Affairs Ministers from both countries at the dinner, highlighting the long-standing and deep-rooted diplomatic ties between Malaysia and Brunei, which officially began when Brunei achieved independence 40 years ago. The Malaysian government’s representative office, initially set up in 1981 at the Sheraton Hotel (now Radisson Hotel), was later upgraded to the Malaysian High Commission in 1984.
“Malaysia and Brunei share a close historical and social relationship, with many Bruneians having family ties in Malaysia, particularly in Sarawak and Sabah. Over the years, this relationship has grown, supported by shared Islamic values, the Malay Sultanate, culture, and kinship,” she said.
The close relationship between the two countries is evident in the frequent visits and meetings at various levels, including among the highest leaders. Last year, bilateral trade between Malaysia and Brunei reached almost MYR10 billion, reflecting a positive economic performance. The recent signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Malaysian Development Investment Authority (MIDA) and the Brunei Investment Agency (BIA) further strengthens this relationship, providing opportunities to explore bilateral investments in emerging sectors such as the digital economy, food security, artificial intelligence, and smart agriculture.
Education is another area where the bilateral relationship has flourished. Currently, there are 700 Bruneian students pursuing higher education in Malaysia, a testament to the success of the High Commission’s efforts in promoting Malaysia as an educational hub. These educational ties are seen as a bridge to even closer relations between the two nations in the future.
Military cooperation between the Malaysian Armed Forces and the Royal Brunei Armed Forces, established even before Brunei’s independence, continues to be strengthened through high-level meetings, military courses, training, and cooperation in UNIFIL missions.
“What is most important is the continued efforts by both nations to maintain and diversify their close relationship for mutual benefit,” Mrs Nur Ezira Mahadi emphasised.
She also expressed her gratitude to His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Negara Brunei Darussalam for allowing Malaysians, particularly professionals and business members, to live and work in Brunei, contributing to the nation’s economy and the realisation of Brunei Vision 2035.
The dinner also featured speeches from both Foreign Affairs Ministers and a showcase of Malaysia’s rich cultural heritage, with traditional dances and a live performance by the Negeri Sembilan cultural troupe, underscoring the significance of the four-decade-long special relationship between the two countries. – LYNA MOHAMMAD
