The Brunei Times, based in the tiny Southeast Asian country, unexpectedly announced its closure of all operations from Tuesday in a front-page editorial, The Independent reported.
It followed an article published on 26 October, which reportedly suggested that economic problems in Saudi Arabia 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 "unauthorized to speak” to the press.
The daily paper apologized 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 license” 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 Sunni Muslims.
The Saudi government recently increased visa charges for anyone completing the Hajj to approximately £410, up from around £75.
Economic troubles in Saudi Arabia have been well documented with oil prices falling as low as £21 a barrel in February.