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The Penghulu of Kampung Sungei Durian

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Haji Salleh bin Haji Abdul Rahim was the former headman of Kampung Sungei Durian, Pulau Ubin, from 1961 to 1962. I met his son, Haji Abdul Malek bin Haji Salleh, to learn more;

Haji Salleh was believed to have been born in Kampung Bugis near Sungei Kallang. He moved into Pulau Ubin upon marrying a resident there, Hajjah Esah binti Keleh.


Haji Salleh adorned in his Baju Melayu. Photo courtesy of Haji Abdul Malek.

Haji Salleh was appointed to become the penghulu (headman) of Kampung Sungei Durian by Engku Ahmad; the penghulu of Pulau Tekong whose jurisdiction covered all of the Northeastern Islands; namely Tekong Besar, Tekong Kechil, Sajahat Besar, Sajahat Kechil, Unum, Sanyongkong, Seranggong (present-day Coney Island), Ketam, Sekudu and Ubin.

Engku Ahmad was also believed to have been a descendant of royalty, having been the grandson of Tengku Abdul Jalil, son of Sultan Hussain Muazzam Shah, the sultan of Johor-Singapore from 1819 to 1835. Tengku Abdul Jalil was assigned to rule over the aforementioned islands.

When asked on the possible reasons as to why his father was appointed for the role, Haji Malek believed that it was "due to his military background and qualifications".

Haji Salleh served in the Malay Regiment during WWII, and later joined the police force under the Royal Armed Forces (RAF).

Haji Salleh served in the Malay Regiment during WWII. Photo courtesy of Haji Abdul Malek.

Haji Salleh (in darker Baju Melayu) walking with Yang di-Pertuan Negara Yusof Ishak (center) on the Pulau Ubin Public Jetty. Photo courtesy of Haji Abdul Malek.

One of the highlights of Haji Salleh's term as penghulu was having the honour of welcoming and introducing then-Yang di-Pertuan Negara Yusof Ishak to the Ubin residents.

Unfortunately, due to the nature of his work, he would spend most of his time fulfilling his duties in the mainland. This had proven challenging for Haji Salleh, and eventually led him to hand over his penghulu obligations to Cik Latiff bin Ahmad (Tok Busu Latip), who was then already penghulu for Kampung Surau and Kampung Tanjung (Chek Jawa).

Despite this, the Malay residents still highly respected Haji Salleh and viewed him as an invaluable member of the Ubin Malay community.

Haji Salleh passed away in 1983, and was subsequently buried on the island at the Kampung Surau Muslim Cemetery. He is survived by his five daughters and two sons.

Photo with Haji Abdul Malek at his home in the mainland.

I thank Haji Abdul Malek for his time in sharing his father's story with me. This post is dedicated to the the family in remembrance of Haji Salleh bin Haji Abdul Rahim; for his life-long service to Pulau Ubin and Singapore.

May he be placed amongst the righteous in the highest level of Paradise, Ameen.

Al-Fatihah.

May Pulau Ubin thrive again, with its people in its heart. 

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