The Museums Department through the Antiquities and Hidden Treasure Trove Act gazetted 27 historic sites, comprising 15 monuments and 12 royal mausoleums, which are recognised based on historical, architectural, cultural and economic value.
However, not all of these buildings are under the administration of the Museums Department but are still subject to the Act.
Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Nazmi bin Haji Mohamad underscored this in his response to Legislative Council (LegCo) member Yang Berhormat Abdul Aziz bin Haji Hamdan on the ministry’s plans to conserve and preserve protected historic buildings.
The minister further stated that various initiatives have been implemented since 2015 to ensure the conservation and preservation of the country’s historical heritage. These include the restoration of the Kota Batu Archaeological Park in 2015, the Belait District Museum in 2016, the Conservation of the Tombs of Sultan Bolkiah and Sultan Sharif Ali in 2020, the Brunei Energy Hub Dermaga Diraja in 2022 and the conservation of the Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Mosque and Coal Site in 2024.
The Heritage Trail Project, which was introduced in 2017, has connected several historical monuments in the capital, and has so far attracted more than 30,000 visitors per year.
Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Nazmi further noted that in ensuring the safety and preservation of historical sites, several steps have been taken and planned, which includes the installation of information and prohibition signs at risky locations, the provision of security fences and information centres for visitors and collaboration with United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) to obtain expertise in heritage conservation.
The ministry is also actively compiling a list of potential buildings to be included in the National Heritage Inventory, to ensure that historical heritage of high value continues to be preserved.
“With this ongoing effort, heritage preservation not only safeguards the country’s history and identity, but also has the potential to have a positive impact on Brunei’s tourism and economy, in line with the aspirations of Brunei Vision 2035,” said the minister. – Lyna Mohamad
