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Kg Jerudong - a thriving fishing village

JERUDONG has been well-known for years. This once humble agricultural village is renowned for its seven star hotel, famed amusement park, superb recreational park and thriving fishing activities. Doubtlessly, the rapid development that has been taking place in the span of 25 years has positioned Kg Jerudong as a popular spot for holiday makers, nature lovers, sports enthusiasts and fishermen. Reminiscence of its yesteryear, Kg Jerudong is a tranquil outback which lacks modern infrastructures and largely covers with thick vegetations. The only accessible road connecting it with the rest of the villages is via Jalan Tutong. There were no highway, flyover or alternative linkages for people to reach this almost far-flung kampong. However, a major development project transformed the landscape of the whole village in the late 70’s thus stimulating trade activities and giving kampong folks cause for optimism. By early 1980’s, the first single lane bypass along the coast was constructed linking Tutong District and Gadong area with Kg Jerudong as a passageway for travelers. Following the discovery of the newly-flourished land, land seeking individuals or groups from neighboring villages and afar bought pieces of land offered by villagers as the price of land was cheaper at that time. The spin off from the development is a shot in the arms for new settlers and the population increased. Today, commercial buildings are mushrooming as landowners and developers reap benefits from the fast-tracked growth and still expanding. The existence of retailing shops, supermarkets, commercial bank, workshops, secondary school, petrol station, restaurants and wet market bears the testimony to its success.

Fishing boats stay idylic on shore

Way back in the midst of 70’s, a handful of home-based retailing shops are flourishing notably run by local villagers whereas Chinese and Indian shops make up the rest of low proportions local business circle. During that time, I used to patronize a popular eatery shop and my favorite dish was mee goring (fried mee). Significantly, it was the first ‘food zone’ ever to emerge catering local villagers and not surprising though kampong folks turned up in numbers to savor its delicacies. The shop still exists till today but the activity has change to barbershop.

Buzzing during fruits season

Another past time memories worth mentioning is the prestige of having basikal lumba (racing bicycle). It is considered a luxury commodity at my time and to own one would propel oneself to pride. We take on the road solely not to become a champion but in order not to lose face to rivalries as we attempt to outshine each other during a race. I have had a bad experience too but not as a racer. It is down to negligence and a truck driver saves my day. My bicycle was flattened to pieces after he obliviously reversed its gear and crushed on it which was parked at the back of his stationary truck. I was dead loss and cried profoundly upon seeing it reduced into a mangle of twisted metal to the dismay of onlookers and pointed fingers at me as the culprit. Luckily the truck driver was compassionate and the next day, I peddled a brand new racing bicycle! Kg Jerudong is also famous for its beach as it offers facilities from fishing to chilling out as people from all walks of life converge especially at weekends bringing the atmosphere to life. As an economic generating source, sea is synonymous with fishermen in shaping the village’s economy in the past although most of the villagers are employed with government-run agriculture department and other private companies. The bulk of the fishermen are full timers while the rest represents either part timers or seasonal individuals. But time has changed considerably as local villagers able to boost their catch with the provision of a proper fish landing ramp to facilitate the movement of boats in and out of sea. A well-built business building adds up to the convenience for fishermen and vegetable stall operators to market their catch and goods.

Children playing mini beach football

Nevertheless, fishermen have had their bad days. During turbulent weather conditions, their catch dwindles dramatically as they pull off their cravings for marine life momentarily. Cases of missing fishermen at sea prove a chilling remainder with not less than five people are either perished or listed as missing in the last three years. In spite of the hiccup, perennial owners who sustain their livelihood through fishing may find it hard to resist a temptation to venture out at sea during bad weather pattern even if it poses imminent danger to their lives. But for now, I could not help but relish the achievements that my village has accomplished and I believe it would remain thriving for generations. Who would thought this tiny and undeveloped village has risen up the standard of living of local folks by the creation of job and business opportunities from a well-planned development which transforms the image of once idyllic neighborhood into the hustle and bustle of city-like affairs.