February 25, 2026

Ferry - Labuan - Limbang - Lawas

 



In 1974 I started my teaching career in SMK Limbang. I had completed my degree and diploma of education in 1973. When I asked for a posting to Limbang I had to face a number of education officer in Kuching. It wasn't a difficult request. But still they had to see if there was a "vacancy" or not. Limbang then had only one secondary school. I had to wait for a while, get my marriage certificate and find an officer who could vouch for me.

So when I was given the posting in December, in black and white, my tgeaching life began. I took the small plane from Sibu to Miri. And then from Miri I had to use an even smaller plane, the Norman Britan Island. I might have gotten the name iof  the plane wrong because it was so long ago.

I remember an orientation period of my first nonth in Limbang. The shops sold very few necessities. And we  teachers managed to find a friendly towkay to let us purchase necessities on credit. I had my first 555 book. And IOU book.


Then my colleagues and I enjoyed the ferry crossing to Labuan where we could buy liquor, chocolates. My friend chucjled and said, "I am turning you all into smugglers!!" It was a kind of special experience for young starry eyed teachers. We ate our ice cream and stayed the night in Labuan.

The ferry boat was not foreign to me as there were


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Ferry - Labuan - Limbang - Lawas

  In 1974 I started my teaching career in SMK Limbang. I had completed my degree and diploma of education in 1973. When I asked for a postin...