OT Drive-by: If you’re planning to visit Brunei, you might want to make sure you do it in the next 5 months or so. The Mufti says there’s no need for tourists to worry, but…

Brunei’s sultan announces strict Islamic penalties

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, Brunei (AP) - A new criminal law that could include penalties like amputation for theft and stoning for adultery will be enforced for Muslims in Brunei in six months, its ruling sultan announced.

Brunei’s Shariah Islamic court had previously handled mainly family-related disputes. The sultan has been hoping to implement the new law for years to bolster the influence of Islam in the tiny, oil-rich monarchy on Southeast Asia’s Borneo island. […]

[Brunei’s Mufti] Awang said there should be no concerns that foreign travelers might end up avoiding Brunei after the law is implemented.

“Please listen to our answer. Sir, do all potential tourists to Brunei plan to steal? If they do not, then what do they need to fear,” he said. “Believe me when I say that with our Shariah criminal law, everyone, including tourists, will receive proper protection.” […]