FIELD DIARY
by
Rufus Cole
As the Briggs plan started to have effect the Min Yuen found
it difficult to obtain supplies from the rural population for
their comrades in the jungle. The Communist armed units began to
look more and more to the jungle to provide their food; either by
cultivating their own crops or persuading the aboriginal jungle
communities to supply them. To combat this new strategy, in early
1954, the Federal Govt. passed the Aboriginal Peoples Act which
made the Federal Dept.of Aborigines the first point of reference
on all matters aboriginal, prior to this aboriginal affairs had
been been the responsibility of the States.To handle these
increased duties the Dept. was greatly expanded and I was
fortunate enough to obtain one of the vacant positions,
accordingly in April,1954 I resigned from the Malayan Police and
joined the Dept.of Aborigines as Assistant Protector to Howard
Biles,Protector of Aborigines, Pahang; I was stationed in
Temerloh with responsibility for aboriginal tribes South of the
Pahang river. This area including the Tasek Bera and as far South
as Kampong Aur had been subject to sustained and succesful
operations by the Govt.security forces in 1952/53.These
operations had resulted in many of the aboriginal groups
forsaking their tribal lands for safer locations; Kuala Bera
being one of them. Now that the Communist threat had been
eliminated the priority was get these groups resettled back where
they had come from and once again become self supporting. However
it soon became apparent that the best way to access this area was
by using Fort Iskandar as a start point and the airstrip at
Bahau, Negri Sembilan for airlift into the Fort thus, in July, I
moved from Temerloh to Kuala Pilah, Negri Sembilan. Kuala Pilah
was only a short distance from Bahau which meant that I no longer
had to make the long road trip from Temerloh to Bahau via the Gap
and Kuala Lumpur. I remained in Negri Sembilan until March 1957.
After returning from long service leave in Sept.1957, I was
posted to Bertam, Kelantan where I remained until mid 1959. The
following are excerpts from the diaries I kept.
May 3rd.1954
Morning by road to Lanchang and Rantau Panjang.
Walked to Bukit Liching saw Che Wong*
Headman regarding opening of new ladang for padi
cultivation. Penghulu* of
R.P. accompanied me to ensure ladang not sited in Malay Reserve.
Che Wong asked for parangs and beliongs*
but they have good rotan business so refused. Ladang will be
ready for planting mid-July. Ordered sumpitan* for $20/-. Return Temerloh 1430,
Min Pedak waiting to report CT sighting Sg.Chermer Kanan 24/4,
took him to Mentakab, OCPD decided info too old to warrant
action. Told Min that anymore sightings to be reported to P/Lt.
at Estate immediately. Wrote order for seed for Bukit Liching.
* small aboriginal tribe
* malay village headman
* bush knife & axe head
*blowpipe
May 4th.
0900 met Dr.Brunels at
Mentakab Hospital re medical supplies for Kuala Bera. Utmost
co-operation received, supplies will be ready for collection this
afternoon. Returned Temerloh, information received 61 Semelai
arrived Kuala Bera from Tasek 2/5. Advised Protector and booked
Police Launch for trip to Kuala Bera tomorrow.1410
to Lanchang Estate and saw Batin, arranged to purchase padi seed
for new paya, Manager will deduct cost from wages 110 gantangs
paya seed $13/- 30 gantangs hill seed $27/-. Advised Batin that
Game Warden not happy about snares being used to trap animals,
Batin agreed to stop this form of hunting. On way back collected
medical supplies from Mentakab.
May 5th.
To Kuala Bera by launch with F/Asst., medical
supplies and radio supplied by Protector. The new arrivals have
quite a number of sick and no food. They say that due to SF ops
in their area they were frightened to visit their ladangs or go
hunting and fishing. Dept. must get better cooperation from those
planning operations in aboriginal areas, a F/Asst sent in to
liason might have prevented this exodus. Got radio working to
everyones delight. Arrived back at Temerloh 1600,
spoke to Protector and received permission for local purchase of
food for new arrivals. Placed food orders with local shops, bulk
of order to be ready for pickup early 7/5 with balance to be
ordered from their suppliers and be ready in four days time.
May 6th.
0800 To Kerayang for weekly visit of Red Cross Nurse
Taylor. Well in centre of houses surrounded by stagnant surface
water, needs about 31yds. pre-cast concrete drain to take this
water away; must see R.O. about this. Nurse arrived 0920
with her supervisor, a Miss Irving, who had never seen
aboriginals before and was "delighted" as she
constantly told me ! The leprosy and eye infections are
responding to treatment quite well. Returned to Temerloh to find
great panic about new arrivals at Kuala Bera, apparently Clifford
had phoned from K.Lipis. Was able to calm everyone down.
May 7th.
0830 To Kuala Bera by P/Launch with some food
supplies, Temerloh shops not able supply remainder of order for
few days. F/Asst. Singh instructed on how and in what quantity to
distribute. Arrived Temerloh 1720 with
F/Staff Mat who has badly swollen arm, M.Y. says not urgent
enough to warrant trip to Mentakab Hospital tonight.
May 9th.
0800 By road to Lanchang then walked to Bukit
Liching with medical supplies. M.Y. had promised to send R.C.
nurse but she didn't arrive*, felt rather helpless but did the best I
could. The Che Wong are in quite good health all things
considered; three cases of yaws amd some tinea plus the usual
malaria. Handed over my presents, hair combs for the women and
tobacco for all. Raja says one man left three days ago for Ulu
Teris to bring in the remaining 7 Che Wong. Beng is very keen to
go to K.Lipis to meet Olgivie, once again he showed me the photos
Olgivie had given him in 1949, all carefully wrapped in water
proof cloth and very well preserved. Returned Temerloh 1700
with sore foot due to leech bites.
* Red Cross Nurses did great work for the
Aboriginals of Pahang at this time but whilst on duty were not
allowed to travel in other than clearly marked Red Cross vehicles
in the belief,probably true, that this would give them immunity
from road ambush. Likewise, because I carried an M1 Carbine, I
was not allowed to travel in R.C. vehicles.
May 10th.
0930 To Kuala Bera by Police Launch with Dept.Ag.
rep. and remainder of food, now have enough to last till end of
month. With Ag.rep to inspect new paya site allocated by Govt.
discovered no work done, instead 25 families have cleared land at
Lubok Merbau which is within the Malay Reserve, arranged meeting
for that evening to discuss situation. In the afternoon the
Launch with Ag.rep. left for Temerloh and I had my first lesson
in handling a perahu watched by large crowd who were waiting for
me to capsize but I disappointed them. In lieu of a bath had a
swim in the Sg.Bera, the water coming,as it does, from the swampy
Tasek Bera is of a brownish colour with a strong peaty odour. The
meeting to discuss the Lubok Merbau cultivation started at 7pm
and finished two hours later, according to what I was told the
local Malays told the Semelai that the site allocated always
floods after Puasa and that they,the Malays, had no objection to
the Lubok Merbau site being cultivated. Must check this out but
as it is very important to get the Semelai moving towards self
sufficiency told them to carry on with cultivation. By this time
next year I hope to have them back on the Tasek when the
situation will be resolved. Invited to Pawang's house to sample
home brew made from tapioca, everything very formal with the men
seated in a circle whilst the women and girls dressed in their
finest stand behind them or provide the music; two gongs(
different pitches)and one drum. The brew is fermented in a large
Chinese earthenware jar from which it is also served. One Chinese
rice bowl serves all with Pawang dipping the bowl into the jar
and then offering it to each man in turn, as the drinker takes it
the musicians start a one note sound which gradually rises in
volume until the drinker empties the bowl; the expectation is
that the drinker will empty bowl in one go. The brew is dark red
in colour with a yeasty taste quite drinkable, something like
Gran's Rhubarb wine. The bowl continued to circle but after the
fifth I was beginning to feel it so excused myself and went to
bed at 2am lulled to sleep by the pleasant sound of the gongs and
drum.
May 11th.
0800 R.C.Nurse arrived, quite a lot of sick people
to see. F/Asst(M) Chandersak will assist her and take notes for
continuing treatments. Left in perahu with Amin,Mentri's son, who
I suspect has leprosy, he seems quite willing to visit the
Doctor. 1600 arrived Temerloh and
immediately left by road for Mentakab Hospital, Amin was admitted
for observation promised to visit him in two days time.
May 13th
0900 To Benta airstrip meet Biles on way visited
Amin who seems quite settled, unfortunately Doctor not in so
could not get info Amin's prognosis. Met Biles at Benta 1400
took him to K.Lipis then left for K.L.enroute to
Fort Iskandar.
May 14th.
0700 Left for Bahau to catch Pioneer for Iskandar,
arrived to find general air of gloom. A company of The Queens
Regt.has been moved in, nobody seems to know why. The Regt. only
arrived in Singapore in Feb. and this is their first jungle
posting. After the extensive SF Ops. of 1952/3 the Tasek to all
intents and purposes is CT free and there will be nothing for
them to do and no info to feed them. Jim Spearman, Fort
Commander, is really pissed off has already received complaints
from Semelai about trampling ladangs and rough conduct, this
might explain the 61 Semelai who turned up at Kuala Bera. Had a
talk with Queens OC, explained that more than 99.9% of the people
his patrols would encounter would be Semelai going about their
lawful business, also explained that their ladangs, although they
might look chaotic to the untrained eye, were in fact productive
vegetable gardens on which they relied for their food. For good
measure told him that the Semelai also protect their ladangs from
pigs by mounting spring loaded spears at calf height on the
perimiter of the ladang; which is true. Met Mentri of Rangut not
to start building houses until I return on the 19th. The site
agreed on by the B.A. and Batin they now say is flooded every
year. Left Iskandar by Pioneer 1430 for
Bahau and then by road to K.L., stopped in Seremban on way and
orded Auster to take me in on the 19th.
May 19th.
0700 To Bahau for Auster to Iskandar for prolonged
stay,on landing the right wheel brake gave up and put us into the
scrub up on one wing, it all happened so quickly I didn't have
time to be scared; no serious damage. Fort news is that a Queens
patrol got in a firefight amongst themselves yesterday, 3 dead
and 3 wounded. A lot of "I told you so" about.Jim gave
me room in Mess, atmosphere rather strained with the Queens
officers around. After lunch to Rangut, they have had one death
and complain that where they are is "Tanah Panas". On
to Baapa, the Batin has started to clear for a ladang on the site
selected for the new village for the Rangut people, apparently he
had forgotten his agreement with British Adviser that this was to
be new village site. All sorted out, Batin will site his ladang
closer to Baapa. Arranged visit to village site with Che Mun
tomorrow.
May 20th.
With Che Mun marked house sites. Only cigarettes for
store in airdrop, Police received more supplies than they ordered
but only the cigarettes were marked DOA and there was no manifest
so couldn't lay any claim. Must see Herboldt, get our stuff
properly marked and manifested. 1500 By
perahu with Semelai F/staff Nick and Abbas to Tg.Kuin, Nick
marking his new status with topee,sunglasses and shoes ! Rained
all the way but arrived 1830 in good
order considering I had been balancing on three sticks for a seat
for 3 plus hours; must organise some sort of cushion next time.
Met by Billage, dried off and put dry clothes on, only one plate
so we shared it; fried onions, chips and steak. Felt a bit mean
tucking into his just airdropped fresh rations as I had dry
rations with me but it certainly tasted good. Bed at 2030
wrapped in a parachute,what luxury.
May 21st.
Woken with cup of tea. Just got dressed when Ahmad
arrived with some of the Kuin people, the rest not far behind.
Ahmad promises all his people will be at new village site by late
this afternoon told him to bring people to Iskandar tomorrow for
issue of rations. Left by perahu for Iskandar at
1100 arrived at 1500, Nick's
shoes are killing him but he won't take them off. In the evening
social visit to Rangut and Baapa with Jim, Jakera's child seems
to be very sick and, I gather, has been so for a few days, she
promised to bring it to the Dispensary tomorrow. Bed at ten,
slept like a log.
May 22nd.
Issued rations to 31 Kuin people and started new
accounting system in store. To site for new village for Rangut
people spoke with Che Mun and men working there,all going well.
To Guah, several children have severe tinea imbricata, pending
medico visit put them on Asepso bath thrice daily; might work.
May 23rd.
To Guah inspect perahus for sale one seems OK for my
weight, price under negotiation.
May 25th.
Meeting with Che Mun and his people, agreed new
village to be called Kg.Putat because it is sited on Bukit Putat.
May 27th.
Large airdrop today Rice,Coconut Oil,Ikan Belis,Salt,Tobacco.
Signal from Ops.Negri advises quantity sufficient 205 persons for
1 month but it is short by DOA ration scale; query with PofA.
Trousers and shirts received for sale are of vey poor
quality....query Herboldt.
May 29th.
Most of day at Putat, work going well but attap
scarce in this area.
June 1st.
To Putat and Baapa, three new ladangs being opened
up on Baapa track. Queens wanted pig but nobody selling.
June2nd.
O.C.Airdrops visited, told him my problems and he
told me his. William Canterbury,journalist,also, doing story on
aboriginals and Forts. Here for about 1 hour, I suppose he will
write the usual nonsense.
June 3rd.
Airdrop, pilot too low, much damage done to goods.
June 4th.
Early to Genderick and Kuin Bahru, saw Hitam and
Ahmad visited site for new village, still a few large trees to be
felled. Model makers have been busy, quite a number of perahus
and beliongs to take out with me on 11th. Issued rations to Kuin
Bahru people discovered widow with child not on ration list, with
these two total is now 57.
June 5th.
To Guah inspect my perahu, everybody busy preparing
for big feed of Rusa they had just killed. Asked Selena if she
would weave me a small mengkuang pouch for my tobacco.
June 8th.
To Kuin Bahru, first perahu journey on my own, boots
off just in case but no problems. Ahmad to come to Store tomorrow
and collect 3 weeks rations and bring with him any model perahus
and beliongs that are ready for sale. Return journey with boots
on. Later issued 3 weeks rations to Putat people.
June 9th.
Ahmad arrived bringing 20 perahus, 4 beliongs and 1
berbaling all 1st.class workmanship, issued him with the rations.
Payment for models is made by KL which takes several weeks,
discuss with Herboldt paying from Store cash. Houses at Putat
going well but material for walls, Kulit Keping, is only found
about a days journey away. Arranged for Che Mun to organise a
large party of his men and tell Jim when they are ready to leave,
Jim has agreed to provide Police escort to give the party
official status.
June 10th.
With F/asst., store accounts and instruction on new
villages and Doctors visit. Airdrop at 1300 were
advised large consignment of store goods arriving but nothing
received, most unsatisfactory. One of the Police loads came out
of the Hastings without static line attached, bread,meat and
condensed milk spread all over airstrip.
June 11th.
Pioneer arrived with Doctor, unfortunately plane is only making
two trips so couldn't spend much time with him as I had to leave
on first plane out Stopped in Bahau and bought myself small
parang, chop kaki, reputed to be made out of lorry axle spring
leaf and supposed to be the best. Car started OK, in KL by 1645,
booked into Coliseum for night.
June 12th.
To HQ discussed progress Semelai resettlement at
Iskandar and problems with air supplies and ration scales with
Adviser. Handed over Semelai handicrafts for sale, general
discussion with Herboldt. Returning Temerloh Monday.
July 2nd.
Message from Negri SWEC "will Kuin people now
at Kual Bera move back to Tasek?". As they have built houses
and are now preparing land for planting I doubt it. Left in
launch for Kuala Bera at 1015 and put the question to Batin Din ,
as I thought, he does not want to. Will explain situation to
SWEC, there will be a better chance for a move after this years
harvest and after the wet season. Arrived Temerloh 2000.
July 4th.
Pioneer from Bahau to Iskandar for few days stay to
check on building progress and preparations for crop planting
July 5th.
By perahu to visit Kuin Bahru but Tasek so low that I couldn't
get to within ¼ mile of my usual landing place,
tried walking the rest but ground too swampy. There must be
another way, ask Ahmad.
July 6th./15th.
Visiting villages,helping with store work and ration
issue.
July 16th.
0600 Walked out with Jim and 9 Semelai
APs as escort, took 6½ hours which is,apparently, a record. Lots
of small streams and leeches, one 20 minute stop for a brew.Car
started OK bought primus stove for Jim to take back for the
Dispensary when he returns tomorrow. On way to KL stopped at
Kuala Pilah to report case of chicken pox at Iskandar to M.O
arrived KL 2000 booked into Harlequin,
hot bath,sandwiches and bed; slept like a log.
July 21st.
Early to Lanchang to meet Che Wong, learnt they are
not coming because shop has no rice. Had long talk with
Penghulu, matters not good with Che Wong, four people have gone
missing, Batin Kang has died and there is a lot of fever, am told
dresser is only going as far as Bolok Ulu and not carrying on to
the Che Wong at Bukit Rimput. Ladang has been burnt off but seed
has not arrived for planting, the Penghulu and his people have
given them a hundred Jagong seeds, all they could spare, but this
is only a drop in the ocean. Must get seed organised immediately
and dresser reminded of his duties. On way back saw Batin from
Kuala Krau on road, stopped to talk and learnt he is taking one
of the Che Wong to Kuala Krau to pick up Jagong seed, gave them
lift to Mentekab, $2/- and some cigarettes each and put them on
train to Kuala Krau.
July 23rd.
Howard Biles arrived to organise our display for
Ag.Show he brought with him 500 Jagong cobs for seed for Che
Wong. Took cobs to Lanchang and left with Penghulu for
onforwarding. Afternoon spent helping assemble our stall.
July 24th.
To Mentekab Hospital, leech bites from the walkout
from Iskandar have turned septic, Doc Burnals supplied three
vials of Penicillin for a course of injections by
the dresser at Temerloh Hosp.
July 28th.
Moved to Kuala Pilah, no more long trips from
Temerloh. Rest House seems OK, better than Temerloh. Met District
Officer, nice and helpful says chance of house for me in 2/3
weeks. Now called Asst.Protector Negri Sembilan. Had tiffin with
F/asst. Mat Rijab at his house rest of day going through census
reports done by Kamaruddin.
July 29th.
Copying census reports for my own files. Afternoon
Rory Langford-Rae,Executive Sec.,SWEC turned up, discussed
general situation over few beers.
August 3rd.
To Jelebu with Mat Rijab, first visit. Jelebu F/Asst
absent told gone to KL. Spread the word, nobody leaves their
posts without my knowledge and approval.
August 4th.
To Senabai and Terachi. Senabai Temuan are well
established but those at Terachi, 20 people, are in poor
circumstances, since being moved from Ulu Mumpas three months ago
they have been living in an abandoned shophouse with half roof
missing, no effort has been made to settle them permanently or
get them self supporting; very apathetic. Kamaruddin says they
have ration entitlement for three more months. Make this
priority, speak to D.O.
August 5th.
With Mat Rijab to Kampong Kelapi, a long walk but
quite easy and pleasant. Many sawahs here, Mat tells me the
average rice harvest is 600 to 700 gantangs per acre, very
impressive. The Temuan are some 3/4 mile further on in the
jungle. The tribe seem comparatively well of, harvesting and
selling Damar Batu and Gulah Hitam; they have built and operate
two sugar mills.
August 9th.
Called to SWEC,a Guards Regt.that has recently taken
over from the Queens wants the area between Bahau and Iskandar
cleared of aboriginals who, they claim, are warning CTs of their,
the Guards, movements. This is absolute nonsense; since the SAS
ops the whole area Bahau/Iskandar/Kg.Aur/Sg.Rompin is CT free and
I said so but everybody seems mesmerised by the fact that the
request is from a Guards Regt. If this proposal goes ahead Batin
Seladang and his people who, with their trade in goats to Bahau
and K.Pilah butchers, are one of the most succesful Temuan groups
will become Govt.dependent, to say nothing of the quite
unnecessary disruption to their lives. All arguments to no avail,
a Fort is to be estabished in the Langkap area and movement of
the aboriginal groups into it ASAP (the Guards
never had a CT contact).
August 10th.
Langkap to do:
1.work out number for resettlement, mainly Batin
Seladang's people but may be able to include Terachi people
2.in conjunction with Police select site for houses,DOA buildings
(F/asst.quarters cum store& shop,dispensary and school)
3. arrange Health Dept. to inspect site
4.work out ration requirements
August 11th.
Drove to Telong and walked into Langkap, easy going
on well worn path running alongside river. F/Asst.(Medical)Maria
Das accompanied. Police already on site constructing their
quarters alongside Sg.Langkap around only Durian tree in the
area; aparently the site chosen is the best one... tactically!
O.C. Police party agreed to provide temporary accomodation for
Maria Das next week. Decided on site for our buildings
(shop/dispensary,school and staff) and village site. Late
afternoon walked back to Telong, introduced myself and Das to
Penghulu. Got back to K.P just after dark.
August 12th.
Das sent on leave till next Wednesday, to come back
prepared for extended stay at Langkap. Phoned KL asked Herboldt
to prepare basic medical kit for Das and arrange for air delivery
to Langkap early next week. Afternoon to Bahau, left car at Club
and walked to Batin Seladang's village. Seladang
took the bad news quite well, mainly concerned about the goats
which will have to be disposed of before the move and the move
itself. General discussion for the rest of evening with all
villagers or rather all that could cram into Batin's house. As
usual not much sleep due to the noise coming from the goats
penned under the house...........to be continued