Brunei Darussalam successfully exported meat-based agri-food products to Sarawak and Sabah for the first time last year, marking an encouraging achievement for the agri-food industry, said Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism, Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Abdul Manaf bin Haji Metussin, during the final day of the Second Meeting of the 21st Legislative Council (LegCo) Session yesterday.
He made this statement in response to a question by LegCo member Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Indera Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Suyoi bin Haji Osman, who asked whether the ministry is exploring cooperation with Sarawak and Sabah in the agri-food sector.
The minister confirmed that since 2023, the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism has been strengthening bilateral ties and cooperation in areas like seed technology, food processing and trade. As a result, agri-food and processed seafood exports to these regions reached BND 0.34 million from 2023 to 2025.
FOOD SECURITY
The ministry, in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance and Economy, has also begun exploring opportunities to invest in paddy cultivation and the commercial livestock sector to enhance food security.
The ministry is also focusing on contract farming with farmers in the BIMP-EAGA region, particularly Sarawak and Sabah. The ministry has established an Agrifood Taskforce to promote Brunei’s agri-food products internationally, with priority markets in Sabah and Sarawak. It also participates in expos and networking events in these regions.
AGRI-TOURISM
Meanwhile, LegCo member Yang Berhormat Pengiran Haji Isa bin Pengiran Haji Aliuddin asked about the ministry’s efforts to develop agri-tourism in Brunei.
The minister explained that the Tourism Development Department, alongside the Department of Agriculture and Agri-Food, has identified several sites for agri-tourism.
Plantation operators are being trained to prepare their products for tourism, and several farms are already offering farm tours, fruit picking, and other plantation activities.
Promotional efforts include featuring agri-tourism sites online and conducting fam trips for travel agents and media. Tourism packages have also been designed in collaboration with local agencies to support study tours. While promoting agri-tourism, increasing agricultural production remains a priority for the ministry.
PAST ISSUES
The minister highlighted that several issues had been raised over the past few years, hoping they would lead to meaningful discussions and actions for the development of agriculture, fisheries, forestry, and tourism. These sectors are key to diversifying Brunei’s economy and creating jobs, reducing reliance on oil and gas revenues.
GRATITUDE AND APPRECIATION
The minister congratulated the Speaker of the LegCo for his leadership in chairing the session with wisdom, efficiency, and dedication, which enabled the session to run smoothly.
He also expressed appreciation to his colleagues and LegCo members for their dedication in raising strategic and grassroots issues, noting that their proposals will be carefully reviewed for relevance to future policies and planning.
(News source: Borneo Bulletin)
