Monday, March 31, 2008

TRIP TO MUKIM MELILAS, BELAIT DISTRICT


The journey began with a signs of bad weather

Mukim Melilas is situated at the most remote part of Belait District and it covers an area or 603 Sq. KM. To reach Mukim Melilas you can either go by boat or 4 x 4 Vehicle (Since 2006). By boat you have to depart from Sg Mau Jeti (Mukim Bukit Sawat) and it will take about 2 hours and 30 mins depending on the water level.

The unpaved roads (13 Km) connecting Mukim Sukang and Mukim Melilas was completed in 2006 and residents or vistors who wish to go to Mukim Melilas are advised to use 4 x 4 vehicle.

Eventhough Mukim Melilas is located at the far end of the Belait District, the goverment has built a primary school, a clinic, a Balai Ibadat to cater the needs of the people of Mukim Melilas. With a population of 252 people and most of them are are Muslim Ibans who are headed by Yang DiMuliakan Pehin Datu Pekema Dewa Awang Haji Ali bin Abdullah@Itam, the acting Penghulu of Mukim Melilas.

Since Mukim Melilas is located near the border between Brunei and Sarawak, from time to time you can see Forest Rangers and the Royal Brunei Army guarding the forest area where the high quality famous Oud or 'Kayu Gaharu' are to be found in Mukim Melilas.



Filling up before taking the 3-hour trip (Balai Raya Sg Liang)


The Temuai (Balancing in action heh)


The Media Crew


Jeti of Mukim Melilas Long House






Hut of the generator that runs the Long House power supply


10 mins walk from the jeti to the Melilas long House


Label infront of the Long House


One of the 4 x 4 owned by the resident of the Long House

Hall of the Long House (12 doors altogether)



Left "YDM Pehin Datu Pekerma Dewa Awg Haji Ali bin Abdullah@Itam, Acting Penghulu Of Melilas" and Right "Shahminan bin Hj Tengah, ADO of Belait District"

No comments: