In the past, Islamic law in Brunei largely followed developments elsewhere in the Malay worlds, particularly in Malaysia. In more recent times, however, Brunei has begun to follow an independent path, with the government promoting ‘Islamisation of the law' pursuant to the concept of a monarchy based on Malay Islamic principles as a unifying national force.

This new, state-driven politicisation of Islam has resulted in the rapid growth of a state-sanctioned culture of Islamisation in Brunei. This has manifested through fresh Islamic regulation and the creation of new or reformed Islamic institutions under the auspices of the crown. As Brunei is a net importer of food products, its food laws reflect its Islamic culture, small population and current requirements.