Kampong Kuala Tutong
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Kampong Kuala Tutong
Kampung Kuala Tutong | |
|---|---|
 The former ferry jetty | |
  Kampong Kuala Tutong Location in Brunei | |
| Coordinates: 4°46′53″N 114°36′30″E / 4.78139°N 114.60833°E | |
| Country | Brunei |
| District | Tutong |
| Mukim | Pekan Tutong |
| First settled | 19th century |
| Government | |
| • Village head | Sofiyuddin Serudin[1] |
| Area | |
• Total | 1.3 km2 (0.5 sq mi) |
| Postcode | TA3341 |
Kampong Kuala Tutong (Malay: Kampung Kuala Tutong), also simply known as Kuala Tutong, is a village in Tutong District, Brunei, within the mukim of Pekan Tutong.[2] The postcode for Kampong Kuala Tutong is TA3341.[3] Kampong Kuala Tutong covers 1.3 square kilometres (0.50 sq mi) from the mosque to the river's mouth.[4] Before World War II, a ferry jetty was constructed at the end of Jalan Kuala Tutong, approximately 5 kilometres (3.1 mi) from Kampong Penabai. Since no bridges connected the Tutong and Belait Districts at that time, the Brunei government introduced a ferry service in 1930, which operated from Kuala Sungai Tutong. This ferry became a crucial transportation link for vehicles traveling between Bandar Seri Begawan, Tutong, Seria, and Kuala Belait. However, the service ceased in 1958 following the completion of bridges in Serambangun and Telamba, which made the ferry redundant.[5]
The name "Kuala Tutong" is derived from the Malay words kuala, meaning "river mouth" or "confluence,"[6] and Tutong, referring to the Tutong River and the district it traverses.[7] This reflects the town's location at the mouth of the Tutong River, where it meets the South China Sea. Like other kuala settlements, its strategic position was likely chosen for defensive purposes and to facilitate trade and transportation along the river and nearby coastal areas.[6]
Geography
Kuala Tutong is surrounded by two bodies of water both in the North, the South China Sea and South, the Tutong River. It has coconut palms,[8] a spit and a 5 kilometres (3.1 mi) beach named Seri Kenangan Beach.[9][10] At Kuala Tutong and Kuala Belait, there are a few small mangrove areas, but they are only adequate for storing local supplies.[11]
History
The migration of Brunei Malays to the Kuala Tutong area is closely tied to the economic conditions of Brunei in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, particularly affecting those living in Kampong Ayer, who struggled to sustain their livelihoods. As the coal mining industry flourished in Muara, many Kampong Ayer residents relocated there. However, as the industry declined, some Bruneians shifted their focus to Tutong District, marking the beginning of their migration to Kampong Kuala Tutong, which later became part of Kampong Penabai.[12]
Among the first to settle in Kuala Tutong was Gunong bin Sulaiman around 1910. A trader originally from Kampong Ayer who had lived in Muara, he was drawn to the area by its strategic location as a trading hub. He was soon joined by five siblings from Kampong Saba, who also sought better opportunities. Over time, the settlement grew as more Brunei Malays established their homes there. The primary occupations of the villagers were fishing and farming, with their catches sold to Chinese traders who dominated commerce in the region.[13]
Kampong Kuala Tutong became a crucial point for the district when the Kuala Sungai Tutong emerged as the primary link between Tutong and Belait. In 1931, the British Malayan Petroleum Company took responsibility for maintaining the bridges and coastal road from Kuala Tutong to Kuala Belait, as the route fell within their operational area.[13] During World War II, the region became a battleground when the Australian Army's 20th Brigade and 2/8th Field Regiment fought against Japanese forces during the liberation of Brunei in August 1945.[14][15] The area also housed a Japanese cemetery, marking the period of Japanese occupation.[16] To maintain traffic flow between Brunei and Kuala Belait during the war, a pontoon car-ferry service was established at Kuala Tutong, with the 2/3rd Field Regiment managing ferry operations using a raft.[17]
Before the introduction of the ferry service, those wishing to cross to Kampong Danau or vice versa had to rely on private boats, with eight boats charging a fare of 25 cents per person. In 1929, the transportation service was significantly improved with the introduction of the bantun, a large vessel formed by joining two boats, capable of carrying up to four vehicles and powered by a modified car engine. This service, featuring boats named Higgins, Pemancha, and Semaun, charged a B$5.00 fare per vehicle and was predominantly used by employees of the British Malayan Petroleum Company. By 1945, the bantun was replaced by a dedicated ferry with its own engine.[13]
The government also prioritised improving road infrastructure in the region, with the construction of a coastal road between 1932 and 1933. This road, extending from Seri Kenangan Beach to Kuala Sungai Tutong, became the main route for those travelling between the Brunei and Tutong districts to Belait. Although frequently disrupted by high tides, it remained an essential link. Recognising its importance, a more reliable road leading to the Kuala Tutong jetty was completed between 1945 and 1946.[18]
Economy
Perusahaan Seri Melati was the first company in Brunei to manufacture fiberglass boats. Established in 1977 by Haji Mahmud bin Awang Damit, the company not only produces and repairs boats but also creates various fiberglass products. At the time of its founding, fiberglass boats in Brunei were imported from Sabah and Sarawak, which motivated Haji Mahmud to start his own business. He learned the craft from his relative, Peter Abu Bakar, who ran a fiberglass business in Kota Kinabalu. After gaining knowledge and experience, he launched Perusahaan Seri Melati, named after his boat. Initially, the business operated from his home, producing boats for fishermen. With guidance from Peter Abu Bakar, the company quickly grew and gained recognition, receiving many orders. In 1979, the government granted him a piece of land and financial assistance to expand the business. Since then, Perusahaan Seri Melati has become well-known throughout Tutong and Brunei.[19]
