Brunei is set to introduce new laws next week that could see LGBT people whipped or stoned to death for same-sex relations, according to human rights groups that have urged the country to abandon the plan.

Key points: Muslims could face whipping or stoning for same-sex relations, adultery and rape

Muslims could face whipping or stoning for same-sex relations, adultery and rape Brunei delayed implementing the legislation after an international outcry in 2014

Brunei delayed implementing the legislation after an international outcry in 2014 A document posted to a government website shows it will come into effect next week

Homosexuality is already illegal and punishable by up to 10 years imprisonment in the tiny sultanate, but the changes would see Brunei become the first Asian country to make homosexuality punishable by death.

Brunei became the first East Asian country to introduce Islamic criminal law in 2014 when it announced the first of three stages of legal changes that included fines or jail for offences such as pregnancy outside marriage or failing to pray on Friday.

It delayed implementing the final two stages of changes after an international backlash in 2014, including a boycott of the Beverley Hills Hotel, which is linked to Brunei's government.

But it now plans to proceed with the changes — that would allow whipping and stoning to death for Muslims found guilty of same-sex relations, adultery, sodomy and rape — on April 3, said Matthew Woolfe, founder of human rights group The Brunei Project.

"We are trying to get pressure placed on the government of Brunei but realise there is a very short time frame until the laws take affect," the Australia-based campaigner said, calling on governments to step up diplomatic pressure on Brunei.

"It took us by surprise that the government has now given a date and is rushing through implementation," he said.

Mr Woolfe said there had been no major public announcements on the implementation of the penal code changes aside from a statement posted on the attorney general's website late December, which only came to light this week.

Brunei's Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah has overseen the introduction of Sharia law. ( Reuters: Ahim Rani )

Manila-based human rights group ASEAN SOGIE Caucus confirmed government documents showed the Sharia laws were due to be implemented on April 3, as did a third human rights organisation.

The Brunei Prime Minister's Department did not respond to an emailed request for comment.

Socially conservative attitudes prevail across much of Asia with Myanmar, Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei banning sexual relationships between men while Indonesia has seen an increase in raids targeting LGBT people in recent years.

Brunei is a former British protectorate nestled between two Malaysian states on Borneo island. The population of 400,000 — 67 per cent of whom are Muslim and therefore subject to the Sharia law — is ruled by a sultan.

Dede Oetomo, one of Indonesia's most prominent LGBT activists, said it would be a gross violation of international human rights if the changes went ahead.

"It is horrible. Brunei is imitating the most conservative Arab states," he said.

Homosexuality is punishable by death in several Muslim-majority countries, including death by stoning in Yemen, Saudi Arabia and Mauritania.

Reuters/ABC