The Brunei Times suddenly closes after criticising Saudi Arabia's Mecca visa price-hike
The unexpected announcement followed an article that suggested Saudi Arabia increased visa prices because of economic troubles
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Your support makes all the difference.A leading newspaper has allegedly been ordered to close for linking the Saudi government’s latest visa price rises to its “economic problems”.
The Brunei Times, based in the tiny country, which borders Malaysia, unexpectedly announced its closure of all operations from Tuesday in a front-page editorial.
It followed an article published on 26 October, which reportedly suggested that economic problems in Saudi were the reason for a hike in the price of visas for the Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages to Mecca.
According to a journalist claiming to be an ex-Brunei Times reporter, it quoted an anonymous official from the Saudi embassy who was said to have been “unauthorised to speak” to the press.
The daily paper apologised for the article on its website on Friday but refused to comment on claims surrounding its mysterious shut-down.
The statement read: “The Brunei Times is ceasing media and publication operations with effect from 8 November, 2016.
“This is due to business issues, reporting and journalistic standards that should meet the mark set, and also issues relating to business sustainability, especially in the face of considerable challenges from the alternative media.”
It also thanked the Brunei government for “bearing with us” and “extending the licence” despite “issues” surrounding the paper.
The “board of directors” also thanked editorial, management and operational staff’s “dedication, zeal, enthusiasm and tremendous effort they have put into their work at all levels over the years”.
The 10-year-old paper has also shut its Twitter and Facebook accounts.
A spokesman for the publication, which said 110 people were employed there, referred a Reuters reporter to its statement when asked about the reason for its closure.
Brunei, which has a population of around 420,000, is home to predominantly Sunnis Muslims. Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah's regime banned Christmas last year.
The Saudi government recently increased visa charges for anyone completing the Hajj to approximately £410, up from around £75.
Muslims are expected to make the pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in their lifetime.
Economic troubles in Saudi Arabia have been well documented with oil prices falling as low as £21 a barrel in February.
A critical New York Times article, about Prince Mohammed bin Salman and his '£452m yacht', was published last month.
The Independent has contacted the House of Saud, Saudi Arabia’s London embassy and the British High Commission for Brunei for comment.
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