The Ministry of Home Affairs (MoHA) is looking at the viability of setting up floating restaurants in Brunei’s iconic Kampong Ayer.
Home Affairs Minister YB Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Hj Abu Bakar Hj Apong said that MoHA has identified Sg Kedayan and Sg Brunei as potential sites to house several food stalls and restaurants-on-water as part of a national initiative to revitalise the water village.
“We will conduct more research on this. If it’s viable, then we will make a tender offer,” he said during a meeting of the Legislative Council on Tuesday.
The ministry has set aside $45 million for upgrade works and revitalisation projects in Kampong Ayer out of its proposed budget of $148.69 million in the upcoming financial year.
He added that the floating restaurants concept is just one of the many new ideas proposed by MoHA, the Ministry of Development and the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism to further enliven the capital.
Other key sites in Bandar Seri Begawan, such as Taman Mahkota Jubli Emas and Jalan Residency will also be given attention, said the minister. “It’s in our plan to provide more facilities in those areas [to benefit visitors].”