Malay Fisherman

One of the earliest immigrants in Singapore was a group of Malays, known as the Orang Laut,

which translates as “Sea People”.

The Orang Laut inhabited our little island before Raffles Stamford founded Singapore in 1819. They settled along the coastline of Singapore where they built their villages that is now known as Kampong.

As sea travellers, the Orang Laut naturally gravitated to make a living as Fishermen.

Their main livelihood depended both on their boats known as Sampang, and the waters surrounding Singapore, in order to catch fishes and other sea life.

In this segment, the life of a Malay Fisherman will be presented in three categories: family life, on sea activities and gathering of the Orang Laut. You will also be accompanied by the stories of Mr Salim, the tok batin (chief), while you view the artefacts.