Brunei's New Protocols: What You Need To Know

Brunei is an oil-rich, independent country located in Southeast Asia, with a population of approximately 428,962 people as of 2018. The country has a high standard of living and a relatively high life expectancy of 75.93 years as of 2020. Brunei's wealth is largely derived from its oil and gas reserves, which were discovered in 1929 and have since been a significant source of income. In recent years, the country has made headlines for its implementation of Islamic Sharia law, which has contributed to its reputation as one of the strictest countries in the world. The country's strict social regulations include bans on the sale and consumption of alcohol and restrictions on public behaviour, such as displays of affection and dress codes. Additionally, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Brunei implemented various measures to combat the spread of the virus, including international travel controls, testing policies, and school closures.

Islamic Sharia law

In 2019, Brunei implemented Islamic Sharia law, demonstrating its strong commitment to traditions and religious values. This decision attracted worldwide attention and contributed to the country's reputation as one of the strictest nations globally. The introduction of Sharia law brought about severe punishments for crimes such as theft, adultery, and blasphemy.

Under Islamic Sharia law, Brunei enforces strict regulations on social behaviour. Public displays of affection, indecent dressing, and other activities deemed inappropriate by Islamic standards are prohibited. The sale and consumption of alcohol are banned, even in private settings. These restrictions extend beyond the legal system to social norms, shaping the country's conservative culture.

In addition to its legal and social implications, Islamic Sharia law in Brunei also impacts freedom of expression and media. The government tightly controls the press, limiting the coverage of certain topics to align with the country's values. Criticising the Sultan or the royal family is forbidden, and dissent is not tolerated. This further contributes to the perception of Brunei as a country with limited freedom of speech and a regulated media environment.

The implementation of Islamic Sharia law in Brunei is a reflection of the country's dedication to preserving its cultural heritage while also embracing modern advancements. The nation has successfully blended its rich history with new developments, creating a unique atmosphere that attracts visitors interested in experiencing this fusion of tradition and modernity.

Brunei's decision to adopt Islamic Sharia law showcases its emphasis on maintaining its religious and cultural identity. The strict laws and social norms established under this legal framework have had a significant impact on the country's society, legal system, and approach to freedom of expression, shaping various aspects of life in Brunei.

Public behaviour

Brunei is considered to be the most observant Islamic nation in Southeast Asia, and its laws on public behaviour reflect this. The country has strict laws against public displays of affection, indecent dressing, and other activities deemed inappropriate by Islamic standards. This includes the sale and consumption of alcohol, even in private settings.

In 2019, Brunei introduced Islamic Sharia law, which made international news. This decision demonstrated the country's commitment to its traditions and religious values. As a result, the country now has strict laws with severe punishments for crimes such as theft, adultery, and blasphemy.

Brunei's regulations on social behaviour are tightly controlled, and freedom of expression and media are also restricted. The government exercises strict control over the press, limiting the coverage of certain topics and ensuring that media content aligns with the country's values. Criticising the Sultan or the royal family is forbidden, and dissent is not tolerated.

These measures contribute to the country's strict reputation and limit the extent to which citizens can freely express their opinions. However, despite these restrictions, Brunei successfully combines its rich history with new advancements, creating a unique atmosphere that makes it a fascinating place to visit.

Alcohol consumption

The implementation of Islamic Sharia law demonstrates Brunei's strong commitment to its traditions and religious values. It is worth noting that Brunei is considered the most observant Islamic nation in Southeast Asia, and its beautiful mosques are dotted throughout the country. While visitors are welcome inside the mosques outside of prayer times and with proper dress, the ban on alcohol consumption is strictly enforced.

The blend of tradition and modernity creates a unique atmosphere in Brunei. While the country embraces modern infrastructure developments, such as the impressive 30-kilometer bridge built in 2019, it also preserves its cultural heritage. This combination of rich history and new advancements makes Brunei a fascinating place to visit.

Freedom of expression

In Brunei, freedom of expression and media are tightly regulated. The government exercises strict control over the press, limiting the coverage of certain topics and ensuring that media content aligns with the country's values. Criticizing the Sultan or the royal family is forbidden, and dissent is not tolerated. These measures contribute to the country's strict reputation as they limit the extent to which citizens can freely express their opinions.

The government's control over the media and freedom of expression is part of its broader implementation of Islamic Sharia law, which the country adopted in 2019. This decision demonstrated Brunei's commitment to its traditions and religious values. The introduction of Sharia law also included strict laws with severe punishments for crimes such as theft, adultery, and blasphemy.

The country's strict social regulations also extend beyond the media and into the public sphere. Brunei bans the sale and consumption of alcohol, even in private settings. Public behavior is tightly controlled, with laws against public displays of affection, indecent dressing, and other activities deemed inappropriate by Islamic standards. These regulations further restrict the freedom of expression for Bruneian citizens.

While Brunei's commitment to preserving its cultural heritage and traditions is admirable, its tight control over freedom of expression and media has led to a perception of the country as being strict and intolerant of dissent. The country's media landscape is heavily monitored, and its social regulations further limit the extent to which individuals can express themselves freely.

Public health measures

The Bruneian government has implemented a range of public health measures to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. Here is a detailed overview:

Public Information Campaigns: The Ministry of Health launched a coordinated public information campaign across traditional and social media platforms. The ministry also maintains a website with relevant information about the virus and regularly issues statements to the public.

International Travel Controls: On January 30, 2020, the government barred residents of China's Hubei province from entering the country. From February 1, temperature screenings were mandated for all travellers entering Brunei through its seven entry points. Over time, the government expanded these restrictions, barring foreign visitors with recent travel history to Europe, including the UK. Eventually, a total border closure was implemented, prohibiting all foreign nationals from entering Brunei by land, sea, or air.

Testing Policy: Brunei implemented a testing policy for anyone displaying COVID-19 symptoms, particularly those with a travel history to affected countries. Close contacts of confirmed cases were also eligible for testing.

School Closures: The Ministry of Education announced the early start of the school term break on March 11, 2020. Classes were later held online, starting on March 30.

Cancellation of Public Events: The Ministry of Health temporarily prohibited all mass gatherings, including weddings and sports events, from March 13, 2020.

Restrictions on Gatherings: The government imposed restrictions on gatherings, initially limiting them to groups of 11-100 people. These restrictions were gradually eased, and by July 27, 2020, the limit was increased to 100-200 people.

Income Support: The government provided economic support by paying 25% of private sector employees' salaries in micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) for three months to help businesses during the pandemic.

Workplace Guidelines: While there were no mandatory closures, employers were advised to consider allowing vulnerable employees to work from home if possible. Flexible arrangements were emphasised, recognising the varying capabilities of different businesses.

Contact Tracing: The government launched the BruHealth contact tracing app, mandatory for all Brunei residents. The PremiseScan app was also introduced for businesses and premises to grant or deny entry to individuals unable to use the BruHealth app.

Phased Reopening: Brunei implemented a de-escalation plan to gradually reopen businesses and social activities. This included restaurants, gyms, sports facilities, driving schools, markets, and places of worship. Capacity limits were imposed, gradually increasing over time.

Border Proposals: Brunei received "travel bubble" proposals from China, Singapore, and Malaysia to restart bilateral travel. However, there was no timeframe for a decision on these proposals.

Face Mask Requirements: Face masks were mandatory on public transport, and only passengers with green or yellow BruHealth codes were allowed to board.

Vaccine Rollout: Reuters reported that as of July 15, 2022, Brunei had delivered over one billion COVID-19 vaccine doses over 12 months through the COVAX Facility.

Frequently asked questions