Labuan: Tourism ties between Labuan and Brunei are set to be revitalised following high-level discussions aimed at boosting regional travel and strengthening cross-border cooperation, ahead of the Borneo Flora Festival (BFF) 2025.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, a delegation from the Federal Territories led by Minister in the Prime Minister Department (Federal Territories) Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa held courtesy visits in Brunei with the Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism Datuk Seri Setia Dr Abdul Manaf Metussin, and the Minister of Development Datuk Seri Setia Awang Mohd Juanda Abdul Rashid. Dr Zaliha indicated that central to the discussion was the re-establishment of tourism connectivity between Labuan and Brunei, with a shared commitment to promote sustainable travel routes and reposition Labuan as a strategic gateway for Borneo tourism.

During the meeting, the delegation also promoted the upcoming Labuan Borneo Flora Festival (BFF), which will take place from July 26 to 30. Brunei has been officially invited to participate as a strategic regional partner, with the event expected to serve as a platform for promoting floriculture and eco-tourism across Borneo.

Dr Zaliha further mentioned that the meeting explored opportunities for technology and knowledge exchange, particularly between Brunei’s Ministry of Development and Putrajaya Corporation, including the sharing of smart city practices such as AI-based tree mapping systems already in use in Putrajaya. Both sides expressed a positive mutual understanding, with plans underway for technical collaboration involving the Department of Federal Territories, Putrajaya Corporation, and Labuan Corporation to refine and implement the agreed initiatives.

This renewed engagement is expected to boost regional tourism momentum, led by Labuan with the support of Putrajaya and the wider Federal Territories administration.