Minister rejects call for 'alcohol zone'

The total contribution from the sectors under the Ministry of Industry and Primary Resources only generates one per cent of the Gross Domestic Product in Brunei Darussalam.

This was revealed by YB Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Utama Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Yahya, Minister of Industry and Primary Resources, adding that the sectors comprise agriculture, fishery, forestry and tourism.

He said this in response to YB Pehin Kapitan Lela Diraja Dato Paduka Goh King Chin's query on the allocation of $1.5 million to promote the tourism sector.

YB Pehin Dato Goh said, "We must attract tourists from Asia, such as China, Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong and South Korea. Together these countries represent a total population of at least 1.6 billion. I think the current allocation of $1.5 million to promote tourism is not enough."

YB Pehin Dato Goh also asked about the possibility of setting up a 'special zone' for non-Muslim tourists to purchase alcohol in Brunei.

"This area will include restaurants and other amenities for non-Muslim tourists only" and emphasised "not for Bruneians".

He elaborated further saying that these restaurants would not be permitted to sell alcohol without proper permits from the tourists and that these beverages could only be consumed in these 'special zones'. YB Pehin Goh cited the example of other Islamic nations, such as Dubai, who have already implemented such a scheme successfully.

In response, YB Pehin Dato Hj Yahya said that alcohol is not a segment targetted by the ministry for the development of tourism in Brunei, whereas it is more focussed on tourists who are searching for peace and tranquillity, as well as a healthy lifestyle.

"The ministry lays more emphasis on areas in the development of tourist infrastructure such as airports, visa approval, and upgrading the quality of services in hospitality," added the minister.

According to the minister, tourism in Brunei is focussed on the unique Islamic credibility that the country has to offer and not on "mass tourism" and that the government's effort to limit and control alcohol consumption is to prevent negative elements taking advantage of the situation.

"These restrictions are in line with the national concept of becoming a country of Dzikir, as well as to promote the Brunei Halal Brand in the Islamic world," said the minister.