[6] Due to its strategic location, Petani has increasingly become a popular destination for people from surrounding villages, who visit for business or other daily affairs, almost becoming a central hub or "pekan" (town).
This can be attributed to its positioning along the riverbank, which serves as the main route for those coming from the sea (entering the mouth of the Tutong River) and moving upstream, as well as for those from inland areas heading downstream.
Over time, the settlement has evolved into a strategic area and a key point for trade and other activities, eventually becoming the central "capital" for the administration under the British Resident.
[17] After the war ended in 1946, the facilities were repaired and expanded, including the addition of a police station and the introduction of maternal healthcare services.
[19] In 1958, the completion of direct road links between Tutong and Kuala Belait improved traffic flow,[20] and the magneto-telephone switchboard was installed at key government offices.
[21] During the 1962 Brunei revolt, rebels from the North Kalimantan National Army briefly took control of Tutong,[22][23] and a convoy of soldiers from the Royal Gurkha Rifles was ambushed.
The fire station, which became fully operational on 19 April 1969, housed a trained brigade with 104 firefighters and the necessary equipment to serve the town and surrounding areas.
[29] Although initially limited in scope under British Resident administration, Tutong town became a focal point for the growing needs of the local population.
Over time, the government's responsibilities expanded to cover various areas, including trade, security, customs, and land management, with district officers playing a key role.
As the town and surrounding community evolved, administrative duties extended to the wider district and its interior, addressing the basic needs of the population.
The influence of the national development plan, particularly during the early reign of Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien III, contributed to the growth of Tutong town, alongside the 1959 Agreement and the formation of the constitution, which granted full local administrative control.
The appointment of local leaders, such as district officers and department heads, instilled a sense of confidence, competence, and direction in the region.
[32] The members consist of government officers, the penghulu of Mukim Pekan Tutong, and appointed representatives from the local residents, organisations, and business community.
This population increase spurred the development of residential areas to accommodate the growing community, which in turn required the establishment of public facilities to ensure the welfare and well-being of the residents.
Located at Bukit Bendera, opposite the playground of the Muda Hashim Secondary School, the building was completed and began operations in 1980.
According to the annual report of 1959, the government had established 13 primary schools outside Tutong town and in remote villages across the district, catering to 1,230 students.
[45] Another notable landmark is Istana Pantai, a palace built by Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien III in the 1950s, located along Seri Kenangan Beach.
Made entirely of concrete, the monument was inaugurated by Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah during a thanksgiving and royal visit ceremony to the Tutong District, marking the 25th anniversary of his ascension to the throne on 26 October 1992.
Made entirely of concrete, the monument is themed "Bangsaku Berjaya Seja Tugu Mega Tanda Kenangan" and was constructed to commemorate the 58th birthday celebration of Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah.
Oral history from Kampong Panchor claims that "Si Ugan," a member of the Tutong people, was the first person interred there.
[50] Telting Muslim Cemetery is situated on a small hill about ten feet above sea level in Tutong town, beside the police barracks.
However, driven by ambition and the desire to expand his fortune through trade, the young and determined Si Untak sought his mother's permission to journey abroad.
[52] Si Untak, confident that his mother would not endure hardship thanks to the wealth left by his late father and the support of their kind-hearted villagers, embarked on his journey.
With a capable crew and ample supplies, his grand ship sailed through Kuala Tutong, and into the South China Sea without incident.
To this day, the ship-shaped rock, along with smaller formations, serves as a poignant reminder of the tale—a lesson to the younger generation about the consequences of dishonouring one’s mother.
[55] In Mukim Pekan Tutong, the legend of Ajung Si Untak continues to be a cherished part of local heritage, with the story physically linked to a significant site.