Pasir Gudang

In 1918, a small fishing village known as Kampung Pasir Udang nestled along the Johor Straits. This village would eventually transform into the bustling industrial hub we know today as Pasir Gudang. Pasir Gudang’s story begins with Long Abu from Riau, Indonesia. As more families joined this small community, new villages sprung up around Kampung Pasir Udang. These included Kampung Ulu, Kampung Tengah, Kampung Hilir, and Kampung Sungai Perembi. The 83 families, mostly Malay with a few Chinese, relied on fishing and plantation work. By 1920, four more villages emerged: Kampung Air Biru, Kampung Pasir Merah, Kampung Pasir Puteh, and Kampung Pulau Tekong. Interestingly, Kampung Air Biru and Kampung Pasir Merah are now part of Pasir Gudang’s port, while Kampung Pulau Tekong has become a part of Singapore. The name “Pasir Gudang” itself has a unique origin. The area was once a sand mining site. Sand, or “pasir” in Malay, was stored in pits, or “gudang,” before being exported to Singapore. This sand storage activity gave rise to the name “Pasir Gudang.” In the mid-19th century, Teochew Chinese ventured further inland, navigating the mangrove-lined rivers. They cultivated gambier and black pepper, their activities formalized by a ‘surat sungai’ from the Sultan of Johor. This allowed them to develop areas like Kangkar Masai, Kangkar Plentong, and Kangkar Lunchu, overseen by river chiefs known as ‘Kangchu.’ Pasir Gudang also played a crucial role as a center for trade and administration, serving as a police outpost, customs point, and even an opium dealer’s hub. The village headman of Mukim Pasir Gudang oversaw these activities. As the 20th century dawned, rubber plantations gained prominence. British and Singaporean entrepreneurs established large estates in the region, bringing with them an influx of Chinese and Indian laborers. The Japanese occupation during World War II and the subsequent guerilla activities significantly impacted the plantations. The Curfew Laws of the 1950s led to the creation of new villages, including some in Pasir Gudang, where estate workers were housed. This impacted small businesses and fishing villages, prompting many to seek employment on the estates. Following independence, the government implemented land schemes to alleviate poverty among landless Malays. The state government later acquired estate lands, transforming them into industrial and housing areas. This marked a turning point for Pasir Gudang. The development of the Johor Port became a vital alternative to Singapore’s port, further solidifying Pasir Gudang’s importance to Johor’s economy. From a humble fishing village, Pasir Gudang has evolved into a major industrial center and port city, its name echoing its sandy past.