Kampong Keriam

Originally an area for paddy and rubber cultivation, it transformed into a village in 1924 when residents from nearby settlements, including Kampong Penanjong, Panchor Papan, Penampang, and Kelakas, relocated there.

The village's growth was further supported by the development of the main road in the Tutong District during the 1920s, establishing it as a thriving residential area.

[6] Si Rium eventually found a hill near a river, now known as Sungai Keriam, which he deemed suitable for settling, planting rice, and farming.

Si Rium continued his routine of fishing at sea, and each time, he would bring back a basket of sand to elevate and fortify the area around his home.

[6] The village was formerly known by the name Kampong Karium or Si Rium; it was eventually 'standardised' in the Malay language to the present spelling "Keriam".

In 1924, the area where Si Rium had settled began transforming into a Tutong village when residents from Kampong Penanjong, Panchor Papan, Penampang, and Kelakas relocated there to cultivate paddy and rubber trees.

[6] In 1926, Pehin Orang Kaya Udana Laila Enche Awang, who was then the chief supervisor at the Public Works Department in Brunei Town, formally defined the village's boundaries.

[6] The first ketua kampung (village head) of Kampong Keriam was Bendahari Ibrahim, who was succeeded by Orang Kaya Jaya Putra Haji Talip.

[8] Kampong Keriam experienced rapid development with the establishment of grocery shops and government buildings such as schools and a mosque.

One night, an elder in the village had a dream that advised them not to flee, but instead gave them a remedy: they should create a boat rope made from the roots of the tuba plant, strike it to release its poison, and pour the liquid into the river.

[10] The story also carries a lesson about the karok fish, which, once small and a favourite food of the villagers, suddenly became a deadly enemy.

As for the migration of Pangkalan Jong's people to Banjarmasin, further research should be conducted to preserve these stories and evidence before they are lost forever.

Keriam Primary School