Here stands Mukim Berakas B. It is a mukim in Brunei-Muara District. Mukim Berakas B has a story that stretches back decades.
Let’s journey back to the late 1940s. Mukim Berakas was primarily forest land then. Slowly people began to move in. The Kedayans were among the first residents.
In the 1950s a resettlement scheme changed the landscape. Lands in Anggerek Desa and Burong Pingai were allotted. This was part of the first Kampong Ayer resettlement.
The name “Berakas” has interesting origins. People from Kampong Ayer traveled here. They came to gather firewood. They bundled the woods they collected. In Brunei Malay bundling wood is “berkas”. The act of gathering firewood became “memberakas kayu”. Over time the place became known as Berakas.
Mukim Berakas B has undergone administrative changes. Originally Mukim Berakas A and B were one. They were known simply as Mukim Berakas. In 1996 the mukim was divided. This split created the Mukim Berakas we know today.
Mukim Berakas B is located in the north-east center of Brunei-Muara District. It borders several other mukims. Mentiri is to the north-east. Kota Batu is to the south-east. Kianggeh lies to the south. Mukim Berakas A is to the west and north.
The population of Mukim Berakas B is significant. The 2016 census recorded 40710 residents. There were slightly more males at 50.7%. Females made up 49.3% of the population. The mukim had 6461 households. These households occupied 6397 dwellings. The entire population lived in urban areas.
Mukim Berakas B includes several villages. These include Kampong Madang Kampong Manggis and Kampong Sungai Akar. Others are Kampong Sungai Hanching and Kampong Salambigar. You will also find Kampong Sungai Orok and Kampong Sungai Tilong. RPN Lambak Kanan is also here.
Public housing is a feature of Mukim Berakas B. The Rancangan Perumahan Negara Lambak Kanan is located in Kampong Lambak Kanan. It is a major public housing area.
Since 2007 parts of Mukim Berakas B have become part of Bandar Seri Begawan. These areas include Kampong Madang Kampong Manggis and Kampong Sungai Akar. This integration highlights the mukim’s growing importance.
Today Mukim Berakas B is a thriving community. It has a rich history and a vibrant present. From its origins as a forest to its current urban landscape it has evolved significantly. Its story reflects the broader development of Brunei-Muara District. The spirit of “berkas” the act of gathering remains a part of its identity.