In the photo above, show the Nanga Gaat Memorial for those members of the British Security Forces who lost their lives while serving at Nanga Gaat, Sarawak, during the Malaysia-Indonesia Confrontation (1963-66).
Nanga Gaat was history, a reminder that the British Royal Navy had secured the same brown water 18 years before we did.
Fort Sylvia, a historical landmark in Kapit, stands as a testament to the region's colonial past. Built in 1880 by Rajah Charles Brooke, named after his wife, Ranee Sylvia Brett, it served as a strategic outpost for the Brooke administration, overseeing the Rejang River and its surrounding territories.
From the deck of our River Patrol Boat, the fort's imposing structure is a constant reminder of the area's rich history and the role it played in maintaining order during turbulent times. Its walls have witnessed countless stories, from the early days of colonial governance to the more recent efforts in securing peace during the communist insurgency.
Whether under the bright sun or shrouded in mist, Fort Sylvia remains a significant point of reference, embodying the blend of history and nature that defines the region.
SARIKEI
Located in central Sarawak, known nationwide as the Fruit Basket of Sarawak for its sweet pineapples. But for us, it was a main logistic hub under RASCOM.
Photo above: The Payang Puri Hotel is in the background, with troops from the army loading meal kits/rice boxes for Ops Jala Aman. Civilians mixed with soldiers on the boat, as the jetty was also a civilian boat jetty. The troops boarded at Sarikei Jetty to go to Song, Kanowit, Kapit, Nanga Gaat, etc. The photo in 1983/84 is the old jetty before it was rebuilt.
KANOWIT
A town between Sibu and Song, about halfway up Rejang from Sibu, where the Kanowit River meets the Rejang River. Dominated by the Iban community
The photo above shows the Kanowit Memorial with the hornbill (burung Kenyalang) on top. The memorial lists the names of police and soldiers killed during fighting the communists. It is the location of the historic "Tragedi Pendam Bungkang", recounted by veteran Sarawak Border Scouts.
SONG & GAWAI FESTIVAL
Song, a quiet riverside town, capital of Song District in Kapit Division, sits between Kapit and Kanowit as the Katibas River junction.
The Gawai Dayak is the Iban Day of harvest thanksgiving, every 1st June every year. During Ops Jala Aman 1, RASCOM orders were not just to patrol but to protect longhouses. We were invited while anchored near a longhouse during Gawai 1984. Meet the Iban girl in full Ngepan Iban, a silver coin headdress, and a marik empang beaded yoke with red pom-poms.
BINTULU
Located 610 km northeast of Kuching, 216 km from Sibu and 200 km from Miri. The first time setting foot in Bintulu was in 1990 while serving aboard KD Lekir, the Royal Malaysian Navy Corvette class, alongside the Bintulu Port.
Then again in 2012, during Health Screening Programme organised by the Yayasan Jantung Malaysia from 18 to 20 May 2012 at Park City Mall, Bintulu.
Bintulu Port at Tanjung Kidurong in 1990
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Park City Mall, the main mall in Bintulu then, with the big curved roof.
Restoran Seribu Bintang in Bintulu in 2012 was a famous ikan bakar/seafood restaurant on the waterfront. Having dinner with my niece, Cikgu Intan Ernany, who was a teacher at S.K. St Anthony, Bintulu. I met her on the first day I arrived at Bintulu and had dinner with her that night.
The old Bintulu Airport, just next to S.K. St Anthony. It was opened from 1937 until 30 March 2003; it was closed after the new airport opened in Kidurong, 23 km from town.
In 1990, when I was onboard KD Lekir alongside the Bintulu Port, I would have seen this airport from the port, with aircraft landing low over the port area.
TUKAU OIL RIG, MIRI
Tukau Fields, about 40 km offshore Miri, Sarawak, was first discovered by Sarawak Shell in 1968 and has been producing since the early 70s. KD Lekir, a Kasturi class Corvette, regularly patrolled the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and offshore oil assets in Sabah and Sarawak.
KUCHING, SARAWAK
The capital of Sarawak, located on the Sarawak River at the southwestern tip of Sarawak on the island of Borneo.
From landing in Kuching Airport in 1983 as a young Navy for river patrol in Sibu to standing as a veteran in front of Cat City in 2012 – almost 30 years with Sarawak.
The old terminal of Kuching Airport
Among the photos from my album of Sarawak, each image tells a story, capturing the essence of the places and experiences that shaped my time there.
From the bustling streets of Sibu, where the Rejang River flows gracefully, to the serene landscapes of Belaga, every snapshot evokes memories of camaraderie and duty. The vibrant colours of the Gawai Festival remind me of the warmth of the Iban community, while the historical landmarks like Fort Sylvia stand as silent witnesses to the region's rich past.
Each photograph serves as a portal, transporting me back to moments of laughter, challenges, and triumphs. They encapsulate not just the beauty of Sarawak but also the spirit of the people who call it home.
As I flip through the pages of my album, I am reminded of the friendships forged and the lessons learned during my service. These images are more than just memories; they are a testament to a time when I was part of something greater, a chapter in the ongoing story of Sarawak.
I look forward to sharing these memories with others, hoping to inspire a deeper appreciation for this remarkable region and its history.
Hj Zulheimy Maamor
19 October 2026: 11:18 p.m.
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