BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN – The Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports (MCYS) has welcomed a proposal to stage international sporting events, such as marathons and cycling races, on the Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Bridge.
Speaking during a Legislative Council meeting on Tuesday, MCYS Minister Dato Hj Nazmi Hj Mohammad said the government “fully supports” events that promote Brunei as a unique sports tourism destination.
“Apart from boosting the economy and tourism industry, such events promote a healthy lifestyle, create a positive economic impact, and further strengthen social unity within the country,” he said.
The minister was responding to a question from LegCo member Chong Chin Yee, who asked whether there were plans to organise sporting events on the SHOAS Bridge, leveraging its status as the longest oversea bridge in Southeast Asia.
“A special committee has already been established to conduct a detailed study and feasibility assessment to ensure that international standards are met in terms of technical, logistical, and safety aspects for hosting a large-scale event,” Dato Hj Nazmi said.
“Once all necessary requirements are fulfilled, an official statement will be issued regarding this.”
LegCo member Mohammad Abdullah @ Lim Swee Ann also asked the minister whether the government had plans to build new sporting facilities capable of hosting large-scale international events.
Dato Hj Nazmi said MCYS is reviewing the need to upgrade or build new sports infrastructure in each district, “subject to demand, necessity, and the country’s fiscal sustainability.”
He added that the government has spent $15 million over the past five years on maintenance and upgrades for existing sports facilities, including the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium, the multipurpose hall at the Tutong Sports Complex, the track at the Temburong Sports Complex, the Indoor Stadium, and the multipurpose hall at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Sports Complex.