Sungei Merah : Land Rover and Kiong Ann Brickyard

Land Rovers were mainly driven by the Government officials, especially the Police, and Public Works Department enginers. They were also driven by the British army personnel. Perhaps because they were hardy, they were popular, besides the Bedford buses, lorries and vans. I cannot remember the first makes of the saloon cars owned by the rich people of Sibu. May be there was a Vauxhall and an Austin. Probably there was a Morris Minor too.

But I was proud that my Grandfather ordered my father to get a Land Rover when he started the Kiong Ann Brickyard in Bukit Aup.

My father drove the Land Rover for over 8 years until he passed away in 1965. It was a very strong and hardy car.

There were not many cars on the roads in Sibu then. So people would always remember who could drive and who had what car. There was a great deal of respect for those people who owned cars.