Brunei's Banned: Exploring The Country's Prohibited Items And Activities

Brunei is a small, wealthy, and predominantly Islamic nation with a formidable set of laws and customs. The country operates under Sharia law, which includes corporal and capital punishments for offences such as murder, kidnapping, drug offences, and blasphemy. As a result, many activities that are commonplace in other countries are banned in Brunei. This includes the sale and public consumption of alcohol, public displays of affection between unmarried couples, and the open celebration of non-Islamic festivals such as Christmas. Brunei also has strict laws governing dress and behaviour, and non-Muslims are expected to follow these rules closely, with few exceptions made for foreign visitors.

Alcohol

Brunei's Sharia law, which forms the basis of its legal system, prohibits the consumption of alcohol by Muslims. The sale and public consumption of alcohol are banned in the country. However, non-Muslims are allowed to drink alcohol in private, such as in their hotel rooms or private residences, as long as they are not intoxicated in public.

Bringing Alcohol into Brunei

Non-Muslim foreigners above the age of 17 can bring a limited amount of alcohol into Brunei for personal consumption. The duty-free allowance permits two litres of liquor or 12 cans of beer (330 ml each) every 48 hours. To legally bring alcohol into the country, individuals must declare it on their customs form and keep the form with them during their stay. This process applies regardless of the point of entry, including the Brunei International Airport, Labuan ferry, or overland from Malaysia. It is important to note that the Brunei airport does not sell alcohol in its duty-free section.

Consumption of Alcohol in Brunei

It is prohibited to consume alcohol on any Royal Brunei Airlines flight. As the national airline, it enforces Islamic law during its flights and serves only "halal" food prepared according to Islamic law. However, foreign travellers are permitted to transport alcohol in their carry-on and checked luggage, provided it is in its original retail packaging, contains less than 70% alcohol by volume, and is stored in a receptacle of five litres or less.

Public displays of affection

Brunei is a small, wealthy, and predominantly Islamic nation with a strong set of laws and customs. The country operates under Sharia law, which includes strict rules that are deeply rooted in its reverence for religion. While the country sees very few tourists, it boasts untouched natural beauty and a fascinating culture.

For married couples, hugging and holding hands are generally tolerated, but kissing on the mouth may still draw stares and negative reactions from locals. It is worth noting that Brunei has a conservative dress code, and wearing revealing clothing, such as sleeveless tops or shorts, may attract unwanted attention, especially for women. Tattoos are generally acceptable, and men wearing sleeveless shirts and shorts is also considered fine.

When it comes to unmarried couples, the restrictions on PDA are even more stringent. It is illegal for unmarried couples to share a hotel room, and they are expected to maintain a certain level of distance in public. While foreigners may sometimes be exempt from these rules, it is important to be mindful of local customs and laws to avoid any potential issues.

Overall, while Brunei may allow some forms of PDA, it is important to be respectful and mindful of the local culture and customs. Keeping displays of affection modest and avoiding excessive behaviour will help ensure a smooth and positive experience during your time in the country.

Eating during Ramadan

During the month of Ramadan in Brunei, Muslims fast from dawn until dusk. This means that many restaurants and cafes are closed during the day and only reopen after Iftar, when Muslims break their fast. It is illegal for anyone, including non-Muslims, to eat, drink, or smoke in public during this time. Offenders can face a fine of up to B$4,000 ($2,932 USD) or a one-year prison sentence.

Non-Muslims are advised to avoid eating, drinking, or smoking in public during Ramadan to avoid causing offence. Many non-Muslims in Brunei also fast during Ramadan out of respect for their Muslim friends. Those who do not fast are expected to abstain from eating, drinking, or smoking in public places.

During Ramadan, shops and restaurants are closed during the day and reopen after Iftar. Muslims spend their time in acts of worship and supplication, seeking Allah's pardon and forgiveness. They also hold gatherings in mosques after Taraweeh prayers to recite one chapter of the Holy Quran every night.

The Sultan of Brunei also attends religious ceremonies during Ramadan in the grand mosque with his ministers and the public. He is known to prepare sahur (pre-dawn meals) for worshippers.

While most tourist attractions remain open during Ramadan, their operating hours may differ. Visitors are advised to plan their travel itineraries carefully and check the opening and closing times of attractions in advance. It is also important to be mindful of prayer times and avoid visiting mosques during these times.

Criticising the Sultan

Brunei has no provisions for freedom of speech or freedom of the press. While Legislative Council members are allowed to "express their opinions freely" on behalf of the people, they are forbidden from using language or acting in ways that are "irresponsible, insulting, scandalous, or damaging". To question the authority of the royal family is against the law.

The Sultan's family runs Borneo Bulletin, the primary English-language daily newspaper in the nation, and many of its writers engage in self-censorship. According to Reporters Without Borders, self-censorship is the norm for journalists in Brunei, which was ranked 154th out of 180 nations in its press freedom ranking. For reporting that is judged false and malicious, officials have the power to shut down newspapers without justification, fine, and imprison journalists for up to three years.

The Royal Brunei Police Force (RBPF) and the Internal Security Department (ISD) are in charge of maintaining order and enforcing the law in the nation. The punishment for most criminal activity is fairly extreme, and this extends to criticising the Sultan. In 2024, a government employee was demoted and accused under Section 4(1)(c) of the Sedition Act for making remarks on Facebook that the Ministry of Religious Affairs deemed "offensive".

It is worth noting that Brunei is an absolute monarchy and has been ruled by Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah since 1967. The Sultan is also the Prime Minister, Defence Minister, and Finance Minister.

Homosexuality

In 2014, Brunei began a staged implementation of Sharia law. Provisions of the SPCO dealing with adultery and sodomy, prescribing death by stoning and corporal punishments, were scheduled to come into force on 3 April 2019. Following widespread international condemnation, the Brunei government extended its moratorium on the death penalty to encompass the SPCO in May 2019. Under the moratorium, the code's death by stoning penalty provisions are not enacted, for as long as the moratorium continues. The moratorium could be lifted at any time by the sultanate, allowing such death-by-stoning punishments to commence.

Under the SPCO, the de jure penalty for same-sex sexual relations between men is death by stoning, if married, provided they admit to the acts or four male adult Muslim eyewitnesses testify to the acts. If the evidentiary standards are not met, the maximum penalty is seven years' imprisonment and a whipping of thirty strokes. This is also the de facto penalty while the moratorium on the death penalty continues. For unmarried men, the penalty is one year in prison or 100 lashes. Sexual relations between women are punishable by a combination of any two of three stipulated penalties: a caning of forty lashes, a maximum prison term of 10 years, and a fine of up to B$40,000.

The LGBT community in Brunei is very hidden and secret, and Bruneian society tends to associate homosexuality with "effeminate men". In 2011, academics at the University of Brunei carried out a formal study of gay people in the country. The researchers were only able to find 29 LGBT respondents, some of whom were foreigners.

In addition to the laws that criminalise same-sex activity, trans people may also face prosecution under a provision criminalising 'posing as the opposite sex', with a maximum penalty of one year's imprisonment and a fine.

Frequently asked questions