The proposed Kuala Balai Eco-Tourism Heritage Centre in the Belait District is being studied and discussed among several government agencies and academic institutions including the Belait District Office, Tourism Development Department, Universiti Brunei Darussalam and Kg Kuala Balai Village Consultative Council.

Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Utama Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Yahya bin Begawan Mudim Dato Paduka Haji Bakar, during the sixth Legislative Council Meeting on Saturday said that besides having historical heritage, the proposed Kuala Balai Eco-Tourism Heritage Centre will also house several eco-tourism products that highly possess the potential to be developed.

The LegCo member of the cabinet, as the Minister of Industry and Primary Resources answered to the question whether or not the proposed Kuala balai Eco-Tourism Heritage is frozen. The proposed eco-tourism centre was highlighted during last year’s 5th LegCo and has since raised excitement in the Belait District, especially in the Kuala Balai area.

YB Awg Hj Mohd Shafiee bin Ahmad asked the relevant cabinet minister during yesterday’s LegCo meeting to shed some light on the proposed heritage centre. “During last year’s LegCo, the honourable minister stated that the project has been given $12 million allocation to be implemented as soon as possible, but a year has passed and there is still no sight and sound of it happening.

“Has it been frozen?” YB Awg Hj Mohd Shafiee asked the honorable cabinet member of the Legislative Council. Pehin Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Yahya, however, said the project is not frozen but as a matter of fact, is still being studied. Plus, the proposed project has not been given an allocation of $12 million as mentioned.

The minister said several agencies from the private sector are also involved in the project.

“Brunei Shell Petroleum for example is involved in constructing the cultural house. Meanwhile, the Mona Flora Fauna Tours Enterprise is involved in the promotion and marketing of the centre as an eco-tourism destination,” Pehin Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Yahya said.

Water sports at the unspoilt Kuala Balai River is also a potential eco-tourism activity including fishing and jet ski. Home Stay is also another way to experience eco-tourism as tourists can get a taste of the unique village life.

To make Kuala Balai as an eco-tourism destination, the minister said that MIPR has suggested the upgrading of infrastructure and services including re-developing and upgrading the Belait Cultural House.

“The ministry is in the opinion that if Kuala Balai can be made into an eco-tourism destination, it can also attract people to reside in Kuala Balai once again. This is the prime factor for the success of Kuala Balai to become eco-tourism destination,” Pehin Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Yahya said.

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