[5] The transition from Kampong Ayer to the mainland commenced with the Bruneian royal family, who recognised the potential of British Resident McArthur's vision for establishing an administrative capital on land.

By 1910, McArthur officially proposed relocating Kampong Ayer residents to the mainland, beginning with areas along the Brunei River and later extending to the outskirts for agricultural development.

[6] During the 1950s, Kampung Sumbiling Lama played a crucial role in Brunei's development, particularly in facilitating the construction of the Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque.

The area underwent significant changes, including road widening and the construction of the Supreme Court building near the riverbanks, replacing the original Kampong Parit.

Heads of households were granted freehold land titles, while their descendants paid monthly instalments, completing a significant phase in Brunei’s transition from water-based to land-based living.