Answer for Written Question PT014

QUESTION

Yang Berhormat Dr. Awang Haji Mahali bin Haji Momin

YANG BERHORMAT DR. AWANG HAJI MAHALI BIN HAJI MOMIN requested MENTERI SUMBER-SUMBER UTAMA DAN PELANCONGAN to state the integrated cooperation between agencies to identify specific areas in Kampung Ayer to be preserved as cultural heritage areas for the preservation and appreciation of traditional living experiences.

ANSWER

Yang Berhormat Menteri Sumber-Sumber Utama dan Pelancongan

In the context of tourism development, Kampung Ayer continues to be promoted as one of the country's main attractions. The approach taken is to ensure that tourism development carried out supports the preservation of the cultural heritage and traditional way of life of the local community.

Under the 12th National Development Plan, efforts are being undertaken to upgrade the facilities at the Kampung Ayer Cultural and Tourism Gallery so that it can become a more interactive interpretation centre for introducing the history, heritage and way of life of the Kampung Ayer community to visitors.

In addition, various tourism experience packages have also been introduced by tourism service providers to enable visitors to gain a closer understanding of the life of the Kampung Ayer community, including activities involving cruises along the Brunei River, visits to traditional villages and interaction with the local community.

In this regard, several Government agencies play their respective roles through a whole-of-government approach, including the Ministry of Development through its relevant departments, the Museums Department under the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, the Brunei and Muara District Office, as well as the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism through the Tourism Development Department. This cooperation aims to assess and identify areas in Kampung Ayer possessing significant historical and cultural value, as well as community identity, for consideration as areas worthy of preservation and enhancement as the nation's cultural heritage.

Efforts are also focused on upgrading basic facilities through works such as the construction of pedestrian bridges (titian) connecting the Kampong Ayer Cultural and Tourism Gallery with Perumahan Lorong Sikuna and the jetties along the Brunei River, as well as the installation of information boards at tourism destinations. This initiative represents the continued commitment of the Tourism Development Department, in cooperation with the relevant ministries and agencies such as the Ministry of Home Affairs; the Ministry of Development; and the Maritime and Port Authority of Brunei Darussalam (MPABD), to provide safe infrastructure while supporting a more positive visitor experience in the area.

These efforts also take into account the importance of maintaining the authenticity of the life of the Kampung Ayer community, including its lifestyle, small-scale economic activities, and social and cultural practices that form the unique identity of the water village.

Through this integrated approach, the Ministry hopes that Kampung Ayer will continue to be preserved as an icon of the nation's cultural heritage, while also becoming a tourism destination that benefits the local community and contributes to the sustainable development of the country's tourism sector.