Whispers of “sea-gate” echo through time here at Segget River. Segget River is more than just a waterway. It’s a historical artery. It once pulsed with the lifeblood of Johor Bahru.
The Segget River’s story began long ago. Temenggong Daeng Ibrahim invited Chinese planters to Johor in 1844. They cultivated pepper and gambier. These planters arrived by boat. They sailed up the Segget River to claim land.
The Segget River became a vital port. Local produce was exported. Goods were imported. The virgin jungles of Johor were rich. They provided valuable resources. There was dammar, rattan, wood oil, and ebony. There was wax and sandalwood too.
James Meldrum established Johor Steam Sawmill in 1860. It was Johor Baru’s first industry. It sat at the mouth of the Segget River. Logs were hauled up and sawn. Timber was loaded onto ships. It was then transported to Singapore.
Small boats carried pepper and gambier. They stopped for Customs inspection. This was before export through Singapore. Johor became the world’s largest gambier producer.
In 1879, Johor Bahru was a free port. Its harbour bustled. Timber and other produce were exported. Copra, coffee, tea, and areca nuts were all traded. Tapioca, sago, wood oil, rattan, and rubber were also important.
Many Chinese settled around Segget River. They opened shops and markets. They supplied food to the planters. Settlers depended on the Segget River. It was their main waterway. They used it to sell produce. They also received supplies from town.
The Segget River broadened into a deep bend. A small triangle-shaped island sat in this curve. This island housed a wet market. Bridges connected it to the shore. In 1894, a new market replaced the old one. It had modern architecture. It featured over 200 stalls. Small fishing boats unloaded their daily catch here. It was Johor Bahru’s first wet market.
Boats were the only transport. They connected Johor to the outside world. They connected various parts of town. Piers were like bus stops. The Johor Steam Ferry Boat Company started in 1875. It connected Singapore and Johor. The ferry landed east of Segget River. This was Pier Kuala Segget.
The Segget River was once called “sea-gate”. This was to regulate water levels. It was also to control traffic. Locals transformed “sea-gate” into “segget”.
The government has cleaned and beautified the Segget River. The Segget River is now a modern promenade.
The Segget River deserves the upgrading project. It includes a water treatment plant. It also includes flood mitigation. It beautifies Jalan Wong Ah Fook.
Today, the Segget River has a new look. There are photo opportunities here. There is a brief history of the Segget River here too. Now you can walk and shuttle through Johor Bahru’s old streets.