Economy

The Temenggong and later Abu Bakar invited people from the Indonesian islands, the other Malay States, the Chinese from mainland China, the Indians from the Indian subcontinent, and the Ceylonese and other races to migrate to Johor and participate actively in its development. As an added incentive, they were accorded freedom of religion, culture and belief, way of life, farming and animal husbandry practices without let or hindrance.

In 1840, the Temenggong permitted the early Chinese community to move to Johor from Singapore due to the lack of suitable areas for commercial agriculture, the threat of secret societies, and the influence of opium and illegal activities there. They were settled at Kangkars or river settlements. They appointed their leaders known as Kangchu or Lord of the River.

The first river settlement Kangkar Tebrau was established at Tebrau River in Johor Bahru. By 1920 there were 29 such settlements along the rivers in Johor. As farmers, they were involved in cultivating gambier (Uncaria gambir) and pepper (piper nigrum). They were granted Surat Sungai or river titles as an inducement and for permanency. The Temenggong and Abu Bakar cooperated with the Chinese in commercially cultivating gambier and pepper. At one time, they held a monopoly in the international trading of these commodities.

The two agricultural commodities brought wealth and progress to Johor. Today the motif of gambier leaves and pepper berries adorn official government documents, emblems, and ceremonial instruments and form decorative pieces for furniture and the like.

Sultan Abu Bakar initiated the modern method of developing Johor through joint ventures and privatization. He continued the initiative of the Temenggong, who, jointly with the Chinese, embarked on the commercial development of gambier and pepper.

The Ngee Heng Society, headed by Mejor Cina Tan Hiok Nee, provided the necessary funds. This resulted in a vast area from the left bank of the Johor River to the shores of the Straits of Johor facing Pulau Ubin in the west being planted with the crops.