Bintulu history

The history of Bintulu is rooted in the era when a small settlement, inhabited primarily by the Melanau people, existed at the mouth of the Kemena River. For a long time, this territory was under the influence of the Sultanate of Brunei until 1861, when James Brooke, the first "White Rajah" of Sarawak, acquired the area. From that moment, the formation of a new administrative structure began, marking the gradual integration of the town into Sarawak.

The city holds a special place in the political chronicles of the region. It was here, on September 8, 1867, that the historic first meeting of the General Council took place, which became the prototype for the modern State Legislative Assembly. This event not only elevated the prestige of the settlement but also cemented its status as an important centre that influenced the further development of local government institutions on the island of Borneo.

The economic life of old Bintulu was inextricably linked to natural riches and traditional trades. Its strategic location made the town a natural gateway to the interior, facilitating river trade. The livelihood of the local residents was based on the production of sago from palms, fishing, and the harvesting of valuable jungle resources. Traders actively exported rattan, camphor, and various tree resins, which were highly valued beyond the region.

The Colonial Era and Establishment

• 1861 — James Brooke acquires the territory of Bintulu from the Sultanate of Brunei, officially annexing it to the dominion of Sarawak.
• 1867 — The town hosts the first historic meeting of the General Council, laying the foundation for the state's legislative system.
• 1920s — The construction of the first airstrip marks the beginning of aviation development in the region.

Period of Change and Independence

• 1941–1945 — The town is under Japanese occupation during World War II, which ends with the arrival of Allied forces.
• 1963 — Bintulu, along with the rest of Sarawak, becomes part of the newly formed Federation of Malaysia.
• 1969 — Geologists discover large natural gas reserves offshore, fundamentally changing the economic potential of the region.

Era of Industrialisation and Modernity

• 1978 — The Bintulu Development Authority (BDA) is established to coordinate large-scale urban planning and industrial growth.
• 1979 — Construction begins on the first Liquefied Natural Gas (MLNG) plant, becoming a city-forming enterprise.
• 1983 — The new deepwater port opens, and the first export shipment of liquefied gas is carried out.
• 2008 — The "Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy" (SCORE) project is launched, with the city assigned the role of a key industrial hub.
• 2012 — The Samalaju Industrial Park begins active operations, attracting international investment in heavy industry.

Key Stages of the City's Transformation

The development of Bintulu is a story of rapid transformation from a quiet coastal settlement into the industrial heart of Sarawak. Below are the main milestones that defined the modern appearance and status of the city:

• Birth of Legislative Power (1867). The holding of the first meeting of the General Council (Council Negri) in Bintulu is of fundamental historical significance. This event secured the city's status as the "cradle of democracy" of Sarawak, which is today immortalised in monuments and remains an important part of the region's cultural heritage.
• Discovery of Natural Gas Reserves (1969). The discovery of large hydrocarbon deposits offshore became the main economic catalyst. This event forever changed the city's development vector, reorienting it from traditional fishing and sago production to high-tech energy.
• Establishment of the Bintulu Development Authority (BDA, 1978). The creation of this body was a unique administrative decision. The BDA combined the functions of a local municipality and a development agency, which allowed for the implementation of a massive master plan and the creation of modern urban infrastructure in record time.
• Launch of MLNG Plant and Deepwater Port (1983). The commencement of the liquefied natural gas complex and the opening of the port propelled Bintulu onto the global economic stage. The city became a key transport and export hub for Malaysia, contributing a significant portion of the national revenue.
• Launch of SCORE Project and Samalaju Park (2008). The inclusion of the city in the "Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy" marked a transition to heavy industry. The creation of the Samalaju Industrial Park attracted billions in investment in metallurgy and polysilicon production, diversifying the regional economy.
• Development of Scientific and Educational Potential. The strengthening of the Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) campus gave the city an intellectual boost. This allowed for the training of qualified personnel locally and the conduct of research in agriculture and forestry, maintaining a balance between industry and ecology.

Urban Evolution and Cityscape

The architectural landscape of Bintulu is a clear reflection of its rapid transformation from a traditional fishing settlement into a modern industrial centre. Unlike cities with a thousand-year history, it is difficult to find examples of Gothic or classical Baroque here. The appearance of Bintulu was formed under the influence of practical needs, the tropical climate, and the oil boom of the late 20th century.

The city is clearly zoned thanks to a master plan developed by the Bintulu Development Authority (BDA). The historic centre retains features of the old trading port, while new districts represent examples of modern functionalism and planned development.

Architectural Styles and Eras

Several key layers can be distinguished in the city's development, coexisting to create a unique atmosphere:

• Traditional Vernacular Architecture (Pre-Industrial Era).
  Represented by water settlements such as Kampung Jepak. These are classic Malay and Melanau stilt houses, built from wood for protection against tides and floods. The style is characterised by pitched roofs to drain tropical rains and open verandas for ventilation.
• Chinese-Colonial Commercial Style (Mid-20th Century).
  Rows of traditional shophouses have been preserved in the old part of the city. These are two- or three-storey buildings where the ground floor was used for trade and the upper floors for living quarters. The architecture is utilitarian with eclectic elements: covered galleries ("five-foot ways") protect pedestrians from the sun and rain.
• Industrial Modernism and Functionalism (From the 1980s).
  After the discovery of gas fields, the city began to be built up with concrete administrative and residential buildings. The style is distinguished by conciseness, straight lines, and a lack of excess. Examples include administrative complexes and residential quarters for oil and gas sector workers.
• Modern Islamic Architecture and Postmodernism (21st Century).
  New public buildings and religious structures demonstrate a striving for aesthetics and symbolism. Modern materials (glass, steel) are used in combination with traditional Islamic motifs (domes, arches, geometric ornaments).

Landmarks Shaping the City's Image

Several objects serve as architectural dominants and symbols of Bintulu's development:

• Council Negri Monument. An architectural and sculptural complex symbolising Sarawak's first legislative assembly. Its form resembles the traditional roof of local dwellings, stylised in a modern key, highlighting the connection between history and progress.
• Masjid Assyakirin (Assyakirin Mosque). A striking example of modern Islamic architecture. The building is distinguished by the complex geometry of its dome and the use of artificial water features in the landscape design, creating the effect of a "floating" mosque.
• Tua Pek Kong Temple. An example of traditional Chinese temple architecture with curved roofs, rich decor, carvings, and dragon statues, contrasting with the modern development of the centre.
• Wisma Bintulu. An administrative building reflecting the era of the city's corporate development, executed in a strict modern style.

Distinguished Personalities in Bintulu's History

The history of Bintulu is not just a chronicle of industrial growth, but also the lives of people who made key decisions, shaped the culture of the region, and brought glory to it in sports arenas. Here is a list of persons whose names are inextricably linked with the development of this city.

• James Brooke
  First "White Rajah" of Sarawak
  A key figure in the region's history. It was on his initiative in 1861 that the territory of Bintulu was acquired from the Sultanate of Brunei. This decision became the starting point for the city's integration into Sarawak and the beginning of the formation of an administrative system here.

• Charles Brooke
  Second Rajah of Sarawak
  Played a decisive role in the political establishment of the city. In 1867, he chose Bintulu as the venue for the first meeting of the General Council (Council Negri). This event secured the city's status as the historical cradle of the state's legislative power.

• Tun Abdul Taib Mahmud
  Former Chief Minister and Governor of Sarawak
  Considered the "architect" of modern Bintulu. In the late 1970s, he initiated the creation of the Bintulu Development Authority (BDA) and promoted projects for the construction of LNG plants. His vision turned a fishing village into a world-class industrial centre.

• Tun Abang Muhammad Salahuddin
  Statesman, former Governor of Sarawak
  Although born in another district, a significant part of his early career was spent in Bintulu, where he served as a Native Officer. He made a great contribution to establishing ties between the government and the local Melanau communities in the mid-20th century.

• Asshri Chuchu
  Professional Footballer
  A representative of the younger generation and a native of Bintulu. Known for his performances for the Sarawak football club and the Malaysian national team. He serves as an example of sporting success for the city's youth, proving that talents from the region can reach the national level.