Legislative Council (LegCo) members visited the rural areas of Belait District yesterday to discover its unique tourism potential.
The visit was part of an ongoing initiative to promote the Sultanate as a leading tourism destination that values cultural and natural heritage, promotes sustainability and contributes to the nation’s socio-economic development.
Deputy Permanent Secretaries at the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism (MPRT) Haji Mohd Yusree bin Haji Junaidi and Noralinda binti Haji Ibrahim, accompanied the LegCo delegation, along with senior officials from the ministry.
The delegation’s first stop was the Tropical Biodiversity Centre (TBC), a vital establishment in preserving the nation’s biodiversity. It serves as a conservation hub and a key source for disseminating information about the region’s diverse ecosystems.
The centre engages in research, and education, ensuring easy access for the public about Brunei’s flora and fauna.
The delegation also visited Pertanian Tropikal Utama’s Labi Coffee Farm, where they sampled coffee beans and toured the plantation, home to around 18,000 Arabica and Robusta coffee trees across nine hectares.
The visit continued with stops at two longhouses – the Teraja Longhouse and Mendaram Besar Longhouse.
At Teraja Longhouse, the delegation reviewed plans for a bridge to facilitate access to Wasai Teraja and Wasai Belulok under the 11th National Development Plan. The visit to Mendaram Besar Longhouse featured traditional gulingtangan music and dance performances by longhouse residents, providing a glimpse into the Iban culture, including weaving and handicrafts.
After a midday break, the delegation explored Luagan Lalak Forest Recreation Park, which offers a close-up view of the local flora and fauna.
The park has undergone renovations, including upgraded walkways and leisure lodges, as part of the third phase of the 11th National Development Plan.
The final stop for the LegCo members was the National Herbarium, home to over 47,000 dried plant specimens representing various tree and herbaceous species.
The herbarium serves as a reference centre, enabling researchers and scientists to conduct studies on the nation’s biodiversity. – Daniel Lim
