Bandar Seri Begawan - A Legislative Council member yesterday mooted the idea of making the towns of Kuala Belait and Seria as the next 'Bandar'.

Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Mohd Yusof bin Haji Dulamin, who made reference to the capital, Bandar Seri Begawan, during the LegCo meeting yesterday, said: "Giving a new image to both the towns (Kuala Belait and Seria), say changes to their physical infrastructure, could change people's perception of both towns, which are now being perceived as quiet towns."

With the new image, if it were to become a reality, it could attract foreign investors and create jobs for locals in the Sultanate, he added.

YB Awang Hj Md Yusof also suggested that a new town in Belait District should be developed. The reason behind this, according to him, is that the number of people moving to the urban area of Belait District has steadily been increasing.

Such a move would also increase economic activity in the district in the long run, he added.

In response, YB Pehin Orang Kaya Indera Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Suyoi bin Hj Osman, the Minister of Development, said that his ministry would look into these suggestions and that there would be talks among relevant stakeholders.