Since 1800, Sungai Segget has been the source of Jalan Wong Ah Fook and Johor Bahru city development. When Temenggong Ibrahim arrive in Johor Bahru, his followers settled down by the river making it the source of their living. The river plays an important role to supply water to their home for washing, cooking and basic life needs. This settlement was Kampung Wong Ah Fook.
As the village grew, the residents of the village took the opportunity to trade due to the passing by trading ships from west to east using Selat Tebrau. Stopping by Tanjung Puteri (Johor Bahru old name), these traders reload their supplies before leaving towards their destination. Once again, the river known as Sungai Segget nowadays plays a role for small boats (sampan) from the ships to paddle towards the village and interact with the residents. These activities are the key development of Tanjung Puteri. One of the most significance growth is the establishment of Johor Market which is very popular during the early 1900's. Thus, once a village now evolved into a traders hub. Hence this event marks the beginning of the development of Johor Bahru city.
For decades, the growth of the city damages the river. Floods got worse till the need of flood gate at the mouth of the river. Thus the river is called Sea-Gate River but corrupted by locals becoming Segget River. Furthermore, pollutions becoming a major issue towards the river making it one of the most stinky and dirtiest river in Malaysia by 2005. An easy solution by the government (as always) is to cover up the river, buried the reminisce of Johor Bahru main history.
As a responsible architect, Sungai Segget is not supposed to be closed down. The river is the source of Johor Bahru city development. It was once the source of Johor Bahru golden age. Doing a project that revolves around revivalism, it is incomplete to ignore the existence of Sungai Segget. Thus, it need to be considered to be open again. With the technology available nowadays, it is not hard and very possible to revive the river into a stable state.
"Tanah Air - A Land with Water. Jalan Wong Ah Fook lives with this phrase. Without it, Jalan Wong Ah Fook would not exist." Quoted by Sanip Lasman (senior citizen, artist - painter)
Every city has a river source of their development:
London - River Thames
Egypt - River of Nile
Osaka - Osaka River
Kuala Lumpur - Klang River
Johor Bahru - Segget River???
So, are we going to ignore the existence of Sungai Segget now buried and being stomp by people walking over it? It is a debate that can go on forever...
As the village grew, the residents of the village took the opportunity to trade due to the passing by trading ships from west to east using Selat Tebrau. Stopping by Tanjung Puteri (Johor Bahru old name), these traders reload their supplies before leaving towards their destination. Once again, the river known as Sungai Segget nowadays plays a role for small boats (sampan) from the ships to paddle towards the village and interact with the residents. These activities are the key development of Tanjung Puteri. One of the most significance growth is the establishment of Johor Market which is very popular during the early 1900's. Thus, once a village now evolved into a traders hub. Hence this event marks the beginning of the development of Johor Bahru city.
For decades, the growth of the city damages the river. Floods got worse till the need of flood gate at the mouth of the river. Thus the river is called Sea-Gate River but corrupted by locals becoming Segget River. Furthermore, pollutions becoming a major issue towards the river making it one of the most stinky and dirtiest river in Malaysia by 2005. An easy solution by the government (as always) is to cover up the river, buried the reminisce of Johor Bahru main history.
As a responsible architect, Sungai Segget is not supposed to be closed down. The river is the source of Johor Bahru city development. It was once the source of Johor Bahru golden age. Doing a project that revolves around revivalism, it is incomplete to ignore the existence of Sungai Segget. Thus, it need to be considered to be open again. With the technology available nowadays, it is not hard and very possible to revive the river into a stable state.
"Tanah Air - A Land with Water. Jalan Wong Ah Fook lives with this phrase. Without it, Jalan Wong Ah Fook would not exist." Quoted by Sanip Lasman (senior citizen, artist - painter)
Every city has a river source of their development:
London - River Thames
Egypt - River of Nile
Osaka - Osaka River
Kuala Lumpur - Klang River
Johor Bahru - Segget River???
So, are we going to ignore the existence of Sungai Segget now buried and being stomp by people walking over it? It is a debate that can go on forever...
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