Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Abdul Manaf bin Haji Metusin, highlighted the primary focus of the proposed allocation for the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism (MPRT) in the 2025/2026 financial year during the 21st Legislative Council session. This includes upgrading and providing essential industrial infrastructure, which is expected to ensure that all agricultural and aquaculture fisheries development areas are adequately supplied with electricity, water and drainage systems. This initiative aims to facilitate entrepreneurs in starting and expanding their businesses, contributing to the country’s food security.
Furthermore, allocations are directed towards encouraging the adoption of modern technology in agriculture and fisheries to enhance farm productivity. Efforts are also being strengthened to ensure good farm governance and to attract new entrepreneurs, particularly youth, to the sector.
Priority is being given to capacity-building programmes to enhance the capabilities of departments as competent authorities, particularly in food safety, quality control and market access.
This includes the provision of recognised reference laboratories and trained experts to meet international standards, such as Brunei Good Agricultural Practice, Brunei Good Aquaculture Practice and HACCP. These initiatives align with the Food Industry Roadmap, which serves as the guiding principle for driving growth and increasing food sector output, particularly in the production of halal, safe and high-quality food.
With positive developments in output growth and the strengthening of the industry’s ecosystem and value chain, these efforts are expected to contribute significantly to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP), food security and the growth in the volume and value of Brunei’s exports.
In an effort to boost the country’s paddy and rice production, the ministry continues to conduct research aimed at identifying superior, high-yielding rice varieties that cater to consumer preferences. Additionally, MPRT has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of China on December 25, 2024, which includes a proposal to establish a Hybrid Rice Research Centre and facilitate the supply of hybrid rice seeds to Brunei.
To support the growth of the tourism industry, the ministry is working on updating the strategic direction and initiatives identified in the Tourism Industry Roadmap. The allocation will focus on developing, diversifying, strengthening and promoting tourism products based on culture, nature and adventure. The ministry will continue improving tourism facilities, infrastructure, and services to attract and increase the number of tourist arrivals in Brunei.
To promote Brunei as an attractive tourist destination, the ministry engages social media influencers and organises familiarisation visits with travel agents from target countries. Key tourism products such as educational, Islamic, golf, birdwatching and diving tourism are being prioritised. The ministry also collaborates with online travel agencies, including Trip Advisor, Expedia and Agoda, to facilitate direct bookings. Additionally, the ministry works with airlines like Royal Brunei Airlines, AirAsia, Singapore Airlines and other new carriers to strengthen air connectivity and boost tourist numbers.
Through close cooperation with entrepreneurs and a whole-of-nation and whole-of-government approach, the challenges in these sectors can be addressed while exploring new opportunities. Various activities have already been carried out throughout 2024, with the future success of these initiatives depending on the commitment of all parties involved. – Fadhil Yunus
