Kuala Belait

The name "Kuala Belait" originates from the Malay words kuala, meaning "river mouth" or "confluence,"{{cite web |title=Kuala |url=https://prpm.dbp.gov.my/Cari1?keyword=kuala |website=Pusat Rujukan Persuratan Melayu |publisher=Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka |access-date=7 January 2025 |language=ms |quote=kuala (noun): Synonymous with estuary, river mouth, downstream, confluence, entrance; Derivatives: berkuala, ke kuala.}} {{Sfn|Airriess|2003|p=92}} and Belait, referring to the Belait River and the indigenous Belait people who inhabit the region.{{Cite web |title=Belait River |url=https://www.britannica.com/place/Belait-River |access-date=2024-08-21 |website=Britannica |language=en}} This naming reflects the town's geographical position at the mouth of the Belait River, where it empties into the South China Sea. As with other kuala settlements, the location was likely chosen for its strategic significance, offering both defensive advantages and accessibility for trade and transportation along the river and coastal routes.{{Sfn|Airriess|2003|p=92}}

Before 1909, Kuala Belait was a small fishing village with little development. Although oil exploration began in the Belait District as early as 1911, and some oil was found in Labi in 1914, it had minimal impact on Kuala Belait's growth at that time. However, the discovery of oil in Labi convinced prospectors that further deposits might be found along the higher banks of the Belait River.{{Sfn|Singh|Sidhu|1997|p=79}} That same year, a 60-mile (97 km) road was constructed, linking Kuala Belait to Brunei Town.{{Cite web |title=Brief History |url=http://www.jpd.gov.bn/SitePages/Land%20Transport%20Department/About%20Us/Brief%20History.aspx |access-date=12 June 2022 |website=Land Transport Department}}

Oil companies began concentrating their activities in the area, leading to the emergence of a thriving village in Kuala Belait by 1927. At the time, it served as a port for transporting machinery crucial to oil prospecting, primarily managed by the British Malayan Petroleum Company (BMPC). Kuala Belait soon became a key entry point to the upper reaches of the Belait River, and the government recognised its growing significance by establishing it as the headquarters of the Belait District that same year. In 1929, BMPC followed suit by relocating its headquarters to Kuala Belait, further boosting the village's development. The discovery of large oil reserves in Seria, in April 1929, significantly increased Kuala Belait's importance as a strategic hub for the oil industry.{{Sfn|Singh|Sidhu|1997|p=79}} During the oil boom, the position of Assistant British Resident was reinstated and based in the town to oversee British oil interests, marking the town's growing administrative significance in Brunei's petroleum sector.{{Sfn|Hussainmiya|1995|p=23}} In that same year, Kuala Belait became a town after the establishment of the Kuala Belait Sanitary Board,{{Sfn|Saunders|2003|p=118}} which is run by the Assistant Resident.{{Cite web |title=Mengenai Jabatan Bandaran Kuala Belait dan Seria |url=https://www.moha.gov.bn/Jabatan/JBKBS/mengenaijabatan.aspx |access-date=4 December 2024 |website=Ministry of Home Affairs |language=ms}}

File:Kuala Belait Police Station 1933.webp

The 1930s marked a period of rapid growth for Kuala Belait, largely driven by the BMPC. In 1931, the town became the site of Brunei's first English school, and it also boasted the best hospital in the country at the time. Its population grew significantly, from 1,193 in 1931 to 3,000 by 1935, fueled by the thriving oil industry. Despite this progress, the town was heavily bombed during World War II, leading to widespread destruction and the need to rebuild.{{Sfn|Singh|Sidhu|p=79|1997}} The BMPC also played a crucial role in infrastructure development, constructing a telephone line along the Belait coastline earlier in 1930, linking Seria and Rasau to their headquarters in Kuala Belait.{{Sfn|Great Britain Colonial Office|1930|pp=12}} However, a telephone line connecting Kuala Belait to Tutong was dismantled in 1934 after failing to meet expectations.{{Sfn|Shariffuddin|Omar|1994|pp=35}} By 1939, pipelines and roads between Kuala Belait and Miri had been established, further enhancing the town's connectivity and industrial growth.{{Sfn|Cleary|Wong|2016|pp=44}}

File:KUALA BELAIT, BORNEO. 27 JUNE 1945. 02.jpg under the supervision of an Australian soldier in 1945|200x200px]]

On 16 December 1941, Kuala Belait was captured after an amphibious assault on the Belait coast by 10,000 soldiers from the Japanese Kawaguchi Detachment. The town remained under Japanese occupation during World War II.{{Sfn|Saunders|2003|p=121}} During this time, war crimes were committed by the Japanese,{{Sfn|James|2010|p=253}}{{Sfn|Malone|2020}} including the massacre and execution of Indian prisoners of wars (POW) from the 2/15th Punjab Regiment. Additionally, 55 Indian prisoners died from starvation in the town's POW camp.{{Sfn|Felton|2010}} As part of Operation Oboe Six, the Australian 9th Division arrived in Kuala Belait on 24 June 1945,{{Sfn|Pratten|2016|pp=298–319}} leading to the recapture of the port. In 1949, reconstruction plans for the war-torn town were approved.{{Sfn|Saunders|2003|pp=126}}{{Sfn|Great Britain Colonial Office|1955|pp=99}}

In 1950, concerned about the potential spread of Chinese Communist ideology among Kuala Belait's urban working-class population, the Brunei government relocated the police headquarters from Brunei Town to Kuala Belait and established both a Criminal Investigation Department and a Special Branch to enhance security.{{Sfn|Hussainmiya|1995|p=100}} The town experienced significant growth during the 1950s and 1960s, spurred by increased revenue from the booming oil industry.{{Sfn|Singh|Sidhu|1997|p=80}} Post-war development transformed Kuala Belait, with the construction of reinforced concrete shophouses, government offices, godowns, and a wharf, alongside improvements to roads and health facilities that modernised the town by the early 1950s.{{Sfn|Hussainmiya|1995|p=114}} In 1952, plans were initiated to build a country palace for Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien III in Kuala Belait—he had previously stayed at the rest house during visits—highlighting the town's rising status and the Omar Ali's growing prestige.{{Sfn|Hussainmiya|1995|p=62–63}} The same period saw the upgrade of the Sanitary Board to a Municipal Board in 1953. However, British experts expressed scepticism about large-scale infrastructure projects, particularly the proposal to build a modern 175-bed hospital, arguing that the town's population would likely decline after the oil boom. They warned that such a facility might become a white elephant and instead recommended a temporary hospital, while questioning the broader value of heavy investment in the area.{{Sfn|Hussainmiya|1995|p=124}}

The discovery of the first offshore gas field, South West Ampa, located {{Convert|13|km}} off Kuala Belait in 1963, further boosted the town's growth.{{Sfn|Mikoley|2022|pp=49}} During the 1962 Brunei revolt, TKNU rebels briefly gained control of the town, but the town was soon liberated by the 1/2nd Battalion Gurkha Rifles Regiment,{{Sfn|Ness|1962|pp=4}} with local police successfully defending the police station.{{Sfn|Ooi|2004|pp=278}}

After Brunei's independence in 1984, several new government buildings were constructed to house local services. In the 1990s, the coastal road from Muara to Kuala Belait was upgraded to a four-lane highway, further enhancing the town's infrastructure.{{Sfn|Europa Publications Limited|1995|pp=167}} The Municipal Board was overseen by the Belait District Officer from 31 October 1985. From 1 November 1985, the municipality has been administered by a chairman. By 1997, it had become Brunei's second-largest town, following Bandar Seri Begawan. Often referred to as a "Shell town," much of its postwar development was attributed to Shell's efforts.{{Sfn|Singh|Sidhu|1997|p=80}}

File:Aerial view of Belait Town in c.1965.jpg

{{Further|Administrative divisions of Brunei}}

The area of Kuala Belait comprises territorial division which can be informally grouped into three main areas: Pekan Kuala Belait or Kuala Belait Town, and Kampong Pandan and Mumong suburbs. The latter two areas are further divided into three and two kampongs or villages respectively. Pekan Kuala Belait is also officially a kampong-level administrative division. All of the villages constitute almost all of Mukim Kuala Belait, a subdistrict of Belait.{{Cite web|url=http://www.information.gov.bn/PublishingImages/SitePages/Publication%20Lists/BelaitDistrict.pdf|title=Belait District|website=Information Department, Prime Minister's Office {{!}} Brunei Darussalam}}

The town of Kuala Belait is administered under Jabatan Bandaran Kuala Belait dan Seria (Kuala Belait and Seria Municipal Department), a government department under Kementerian Hal Ehwal Dalam Negeri (the Ministry of Home Affairs).{{Cite web|url=http://bandaran-kb.gov.bn/Theme/Home.aspx|title=Home – Jabatan Bandaran Kuala Belait dan Seria, Kementerian Hal Ehwal Dalam Negeri|website=bandaran-kb.gov.bn|language=en-GB|access-date=2017-08-29}} The department comprises Lembaga Bandaran or the Municipal Board, which is headed by Pengerusi Lembaga Bandaran (Chairman of the Municipal Board). The current chairman is Ridzuan Haji Ahmad.{{Cite web |title=Ketua-Ketua Jabatan |url=http://www.moha.gov.bn/SitePages/Ketua-Ketua%20Jabatan.aspx |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210307153732/http://www.moha.gov.bn/SitePages/Ketua-Ketua%20Jabatan.aspx |archive-date=2021-03-07 |access-date=2017-08-29 |website=Ministry of Home Affairs |language=en-GB}}

The area under the authority of the Municipal Department overlaps with that under Jabatan Daerah Belait or the Belait District Office. The municipal area consists of Pekan Kuala Belait, the whole of Kampong Pandan suburb, and parts of Mumong suburb. However, all of the kampongs are also under the governance of the Belait District Office, since they constitute the proper subdivisions of the district and subdistricts, and subsequently the headmen of the kampongs, known as ketua kampong (with the exception of Pekan Kuala Belait since there is none assigned), answers to the Pegawai Daerah or District Officer.

File:Kuala Belait 9 July 2022 07.jpg

Kuala Belait is located in the vicinity of the onshore Rasau gas field.[http://www.bsp.com.bn/main/aboutbsp/about_oil_gas.asp About BSP – History of Oil and Gas] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070515060155/http://www.bsp.com.bn/main/aboutbsp/about_oil_gas.asp|date=15 May 2007}} – retrieved 18-04-2007 However Brunei Shell has various facilities in town to support the oil and gas production facilities in the vicinity.

The Kuala Belait Bunkering Station (KBBS) is located near the mouth of the Belait River.{{Cite web |date=2021 |title=public-notification-domestic-gas-feb-2021 |url=https://www.bsp.com.bn/uploads/cms/main-notices/public-notification-domestic-gas-feb-2021.pdf}} It supplies domestic gas to the town and other bulk chemicals in support of the various activities. The Kuala Belait Wharf is the main point from which personnel to and from the offshore platforms, off the Belait districts, embark and disembark.

The Kuala Belait supply base is located to the south of the wharf, and is the main point for logistics for Shell.{{Cite book |last=Inc |first=IBP |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=z3CxDwAAQBAJ&dq=Kuala+Belait+shell+wharf&pg=PA103 |title=Brunei Business and Investment Opportunities Yearbook Volume 1 Strategic Information and Opportunities |date=2016-05-14 |publisher=Lulu.com |isbn=978-1-4387-0627-6 |pages=103 |language=en}} The Marine Construction Yard (MCY) in Sungai Duhon, commonly known as SCO, is where construction of marine structures are carried out prior to installation offshore.{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=t8JGP4RRA1cC&dq=Marine+Construction+Yard+Brunei&pg=PA81 |title=The Report: Brunei Darussalam 2009 |date=2009 |publisher=Oxford Business Group |isbn=978-1-907065-09-5 |pages=81 |language=en}}

Kampong Kuala Balai has historically served as the Belait population's hub. However, the population has scattered over the past 50 years, and now, Belait tribe members may be found in and around the town.{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=PuB-AAAAMAAJ&q=demography+of+Kuala+belait |title=Anthropos |date=1996 |publisher=Zaunrith'sche Buch-, Kunst- und Steindruckerei |pages=202 |language=en}} By 1938, Kuala Belait's population had increased to 5,000, and the BMPC was the city's major employer, with 1,185 out of 2,265 workers under its payroll.{{Cite book |last=Saunders |first=Graham |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=DUv8AQAAQBAJ&dq=demography+of+Kuala+belait&pg=PA119 |title=A History of Brunei |date=2013-11-05 |publisher=Routledge |isbn=978-1-136-87394-2 |pages=119 |language=en}} 1,193 people were counted in Kuala Belait at the time of the 1931 census. It was reportedly 12,000 in 1948, due to the development around the district's oilfield.{{Cite book |last=Brunei |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Q0oqAAAAMAAJ&dq=demography+of+Kuala+belait&pg=PA11 |title=Annual Report on the Social and Economic Progress of the People of Brunei |date=1948 |publisher=Printed at the Brunei Press |pages=11 |language=en}} The town has a sizable Chinese population,{{Cite book |last=Phillips |first=David R. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=yrSCAgAAQBAJ&dq=demography+of+Kuala+belait&pg=PA324 |title=Ageing in the Asia-Pacific Region: Issues, Policies and Future Trends |date=2002 |publisher=Routledge |isbn=978-1-134-60036-6 |pages=324 |language=en}} and most Europeans are concentrated in Kuala Belait and Seria.{{Cite book |last=Rao |first=Shangdong |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=fDwxAQAAIAAJ&q=demography+of+Kuala+belait |title=Demographic Trends in Negara Brunei Darussalam |date=2000 |publisher=Educational Technology Centre, Universiti Brunei Darussalam |pages=18 |language=en}}

The climate of Kuala Belait is tropical. The weather is warm, humid and rainy all year.{{Cite web |title=Kuala Belait climate: Average Temperature, weather by month, Kuala Belait water temperature - Climate-Data.org |url=https://en.climate-data.org/asia/brunei/kuala-belait/kuala-belait-5740/ |access-date=2022-06-12 |website=en.climate-data.org}}

{{Clear}}

File:Kuala Belait Highway 15 July 2023 01.jpg

Road transportation in Kuala Belait has evolved significantly, particularly following the discovery of oil. Initially, communication with the capital was challenging, as access by land required traveling along the beach between Kuala Belait and Tutong, where a road existed. In 1931, the appointment of an assistant British Resident marked a turning point, although land connections with Brunei Town remained difficult. The BMPC played a crucial role in enhancing road infrastructure, providing necessary improvements to support the growing immigrant population associated with the oilfields. By 1938, the population of Kuala Belait had reached 5,000, with the BMPC being the largest employer in the district and continuing to invest in local infrastructure.{{Sfn|Saunders|2003|p=119}} In the 21st century, most roads in Kuala Belait are surfaced, and there are bus services transporting passengers to Miri. The Lumut–Belait Highway connects the Malaysian border west of Sungai Tujoh with various highways that lead to Bandar Seri Begawan and Muara town.{{Cite book |last=Thiessen |first=Tamara |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=g9sj_FMSMu8C&dq=Kuala+Belait+highway+Seria&pg=PA147 |title=Bradt Travel Guide – Borneo |date=2008 |publisher=Bradt Travel Guides |isbn=978-1-84162-252-1 |pages=147 |language=en}}

File:Kuala Belait 11 December 2022 15.jpg in 2022]]

Water transportation has historically been vital for Kuala Belait, particularly before the improvement of road infrastructure. Initially, communication with the capital was primarily by sea and via Labuan, as the Belait River was closed for six months each year due to the monsoon, which hindered trade. This reliance on water routes limited the movement of goods and people until road access improved. The BMPC contributed significantly to the development of water transport facilities by establishing wharves to facilitate the movement of materials and personnel to and from the oilfields. Despite these advancements, the oilfield community in Brunei often had closer contact with the oilfield community in Sarawak, where oil was piped for refining, highlighting the ongoing importance of water transportation in the region.{{Sfn|Saunders|2003|p=119}}

Water transportation in Kuala Belait is facilitated by a public wharf near the market, where visitors can hire water taxis to travel upriver towards Kuala Balai. Additionally, the Kuala Belait Boat Club organizses trips for sailing out to the open sea and visiting various nearby destinations.{{Cite web |title=Kuala Belait Boat Club |url=https://panagaclub.com/pages/kuala-belait-boat-club |access-date=2022-06-12 |website=Panaga Club |language=en}} Historically, a timber jetty existed in Rasau as early as 1930. The Kuala Belait Port, one of Brunei's three ports,{{Cite book |last=Page |first=Kogan |title=Asia and Pacific Review 2003/04: The Economic and Business Report |date=2003 |publisher=Kogan Page Publishers |isbn=978-0-7494-4063-3 |pages=222 |language=en}} has sections near the river mouth operated by Brunei Shell, restricting public access. The commercial port is situated further upriver in Kampong Sungai Duhon and surrounding areas.{{Cite book |last= |first= |title=Sailing Directions for Soenda Strait and the Western and Northeast Coasts of Borneo and Offlying Islands |publisher=United States Naval Oceanographic Office |pages=220a |language=en}} However, due to silting at the river mouth, the port can only accommodate shallow draft vessels.{{Cite book |last=Page |first=Kogan |title=Asia and Pacific Review 2003/04: The Economic and Business Report |date=2003 |publisher=Kogan Page Publishers |isbn=978-0-7494-4063-3 |pages=39 |language=en}} To combat this issue, two breakwaters have been constructed at the mouth of the Belait River to help reduce silting.{{Cite web |title=KUALA BELAIT BREAKWATER EA |url=https://iec-brunei.com/IEC_project_pages/kb_breakwater_ea.htm |access-date=2022-06-12 |website=iec-brunei.com}}

{{Main|Category:Buildings and structures in Kuala Belait}}

The town is home to the Kuala Belait Library, consulate of Mexico{{Cite web |title=Embassy |url=https://www.information.gov.bn/SitePages/Embassy.aspx |access-date=2023-08-06 |website=Information Department, Prime Minister's Office}} and St. John's Church.

File:Sayyidina Ali Secondary School (main gate-1).jpgFile:Administration Building, Chung Hua Middle School Kuala Belait.jpgPrimary education in Kuala Belait is provided by various government and private schools, with three government primary schools currently in operation. For secondary education, the government has established three schools: Perdana Wazir Secondary School,{{cite news |author1= |date=16 September 1970 |title=SABDA Y.T.M. DULI PENGIRAN PERDANA WAZIR DI-MAJLIS PEMBUKAAN RASMI SEK. INGGERIS PERDANA WAZIR |url=http://www.pelitabrunei.gov.bn/Arkib%20Dokumen/1970/16%20sept%201970.pdf |access-date=14 July 2021 |newspaper=Pelita Brunei |pages=1,8 |language=ms |number=37}} Pengiran Jaya Negara Pengiran Haji Abu Bakar Secondary School,{{Efn|SMPJNPHAB is located approximately 5.6 kilometers from Kuala Belait. It was opened on 9 March 1987 on a {{Convert|28.18|acre}} government-owned land. Initially known as Mumong Secondary School, it was renamed on 22 August 1998 to Pengiran Jaya Negara Pengiran Haji Abu Bakar Secondary School (SMPJNPHAB) in honour of Pengiran Abu Bakar, the first district officer of Belait, and was officially opened by Pengiran Anak Abdul Aziz. The school offers general secondary education from Year 7 to Year 11, culminating in the Sijil Am Pelajaran Peringkat Biasa academic qualification. In 1995, SMPJNPHAB introduced a boarding facility for students from remote areas within the Belait District and was designated as a "Special Science School," enrolling high-achieving students with five 'A's from the Primary School Assessment Examination of the Tutong and Belait districts. On 1 May 2003, the school also began offering afternoon religious education for its enrolled students.{{Cite journal |last=A. H. |first=Amdiah |year=2020 |title=Sekolah Menengah Pengiran Jaya Negara Pengiran Haji Abu Bakar |journal=Majalah Pusaka |language=ms |location=Bandar Seri Begawan |publisher=Brunei History Centre, Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports |volume=48 |pages=18}}}}{{cite news |author=Aliddin HM |date=3 March 1992 |title=Berkenan mengurniakan kunci rumah kepada 158 peserta Skim Tanah Kurnia Rakyat Jati |url=http://www.pelitabrunei.gov.bn/Arkib%20Dokumen/1992/Pelita%20Brunei%2011%20Mac%201992.pdf |access-date=17 October 2021 |newspaper=Pelita Brunei |pages=1,4 |language=ms |issue=37 No. 11 |agency=Jabatan Penerangan}} and Sayyidina Ali Secondary School. In addition, there are four private schools in the area, offering primary, secondary, or both levels of education, with Chung Hua Middle School being the most notable among them.

Secondary students who choose sixth form education study at Belait Sixth Form Centre. Alternatively, students pursuing vocational education can attend one of two post-secondary institutions: the IBTE Jefri Bolkiah Campus, a government institution offering technical and vocational qualifications, and Kemuda Institute, a private college that provides foundation, diploma, and advanced diploma courses.

File:Kuala Belait 30 May 2023 23.jpg

Kuala Belait town boasts several landmarks, including the Belait District Museum, Istana Kota Manggalela, and Belait Beach. Other notable sites include:

• Silver Jubilee Park is a park built to commemorate the Silver Jubilee of Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah’s accession to the throne, as a gift from the people of Kuala Belait.{{Cite web |title=Place of Attraction in Belait |url=https://green-brunei.com/kenali-negara-kitani/belait-3/place-of-attraction/ |website=GREEN BRUNEI}}
• The Memorial Landmark Monument ({{Lang|ms|Menara Cendera Kenangan}}) was built around 1996, located along the banks of the Belait River, near the entrance to the Kuala Belait Boat Club and Jalan Sungai. Made of concrete, tiles, and glass, this monument was constructed to commemorate the 50th birthday celebration of Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah on 15 July 1996.{{Sfn|Haji Adanan|2012|p=24–25}}
• The {{Lang|ms|Tugu Replika Sumbangsih Ciri}} or Tea Pot Roundabout{{Cite web |date=2021-06-30 |title=Call for KB tea pot to light up again |url=https://borneobulletin.com.bn/call-for-kb-tea-pot-to-light-up-again/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210629222217/https://borneobulletin.com.bn/call-for-kb-tea-pot-to-light-up-again/ |archive-date=2021-06-29 |access-date=2025-02-05 |website=Borneo Bulletin Online |language=en-US}} in Kampong Pandan was built around 2001 and is located at the roundabout on Jalan Singa Menteri and Jalan Pandan Lima. Constructed entirely of concrete, it serves as one of the landmarks in Kuala Belait, a gift from Brunei Shell Petroleum (BSP) to Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah in honour of the Visit Brunei Year 2001. Standing at a height of {{Convert|58|ft}}, the monument features a teapot at the top, with four large cups on either side, each symbolising the hospitality, warmth, and respect the people of Brunei show to visitors.{{Sfn|Haji Adanan|2012|p=31–32}}
• The Clock Tower and Water Fountain Monument ({{Lang|ms|Tugu Menara Jam dan Pancutan Air}}) was built around 1968, located at the roundabout on Jalan McKerron and Jalan Bunga Raya. Made entirely of concrete, this monument was constructed to commemorate the coronation of Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah. The monument reaches a height of approximately 40 feet and is adorned with four Seiko clocks, one at each corner.{{Sfn|Haji Adanan|2012|p=27–28}}
• Kampong Pandan Mosque is a mosque in Kampong Pandan, built in 1994.{{Cite web |title=SenaraiMasjid – All Pictures |url=http://www.kheu.gov.bn/senaraimasjid/forms/allitems.aspx |access-date=2022-06-14 |website=www.kheu.gov.bn}}
• Mohammad Jamalul Alam Mosque is a mosque in Kampong Melayu, built in 1961.{{Cite web |title=SenaraiMasjid – All Pictures |url=http://www.kheu.gov.bn/SenaraiMasjid/Forms/AllItems.aspx?Paged=TRUE&p_SortBehavior=0&p_FileLeafRef=Masjid%20Mohammad%20Bolkiah,%20Serusop.jpg&p_ID=15&PageFirstRow=81&&View=%7B60CEA631-34AC-4AC9-B873-CBCFF25C0F7A%7D |access-date=2022-06-14 |website=www.kheu.gov.bn}}

== Notable people ==

• Yusoff Abdul Hamid (born 1949), politician and diplomat{{Cite book |last=Sidhu |first=Jatswan S. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Bry0sOwstIMC&dq=Yusoff+Abdul+Hamid+Brunei&pg=PA248 |title=Historical Dictionary of Brunei Darussalam |date=2009-12-22 |publisher=Scarecrow Press |isbn=978-0-8108-7078-9 |pages=248 |language=en}}
• Maizurah Abdul Rahim (born 1999), sprinter{{Cite web |date=2017-03-21 |title=Double gold for Fakhri at Brunei Open |url=https://www.brusports.com/2017/03/21/double-gold-for-fakhri-at-brunei-open/ |access-date=2023-08-15 |website=BruSports News |language=en-GB}}
• Abu Sufian Ali (born 1966), diplomat
• Salleh Bostaman, businessman and politician
• Johnie Everett (born 1964), Scottish cricketer{{cite web |title=Johnie Everett |url=https://heritage.derbyshireccc.com/Archive/Players/17/17643/17643.html |access-date=6 July 2022 |publisher=Association of Cricket Statisticians and Historians}}
• Abdul Hariz Herman (born 2000), national footballer
• Hong Kok Tin (1910–1989), businessman and aristocrat{{Cite web |date=2018-12-16 |title=Pehin Hong Kok Tin 方国珍 – Biography |url=https://memoriesofthewaywewere.blog/2018/12/16/pehin-hong-kok-tin-%e6%96%b9%e5%9b%bd%e7%8f%8d-biography/ |access-date=2023-09-17 |website=Memories of The Way We Were |language=en}}
• Adinin Ibrahim (1932–2023), businessman{{Cite web |last=Wong |first=Aaron |date=2018-12-17 |title=At 86, business icon Hj Adnin is determined to champion Brunei's ceramic making |url=https://www.bizbrunei.com/2018/12/at-86-business-icon-hj-adnin-is-determined-to-champion-bruneis-ceramic-making-maha-seramik/ |access-date=2023-07-20 |website=Biz Brunei |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Zurah |first=Abu |date=2023-12-18 |title=Berita Keluarga |url=https://www.facebook.com/groups/795801173828900/permalink/6950487051693584/ |access-date=2023-12-19 |website=Berita Keluarga Brunei Darussalam}}
• Jefri Syafiq Ishak (born 2002), national footballer
• Princess Jaga (died 1967), daughter of Sultan Hashim Jalilul Alam Aqamaddin{{Cite news |date=1967-04-05 |title=Pengiran Anak Jaga Meninggal Dunia |pages=1 |work=Pelita Brunei |url=https://www.pelitabrunei.gov.bn/Arkib%20Dokumen/1967/PB%205%20Apr%201967.pdf |access-date=2023-10-21}}
• Christina Koning, novelist and writer{{Cite web |title=Christina Koning |url=https://www.rlf.org.uk/fellowships/christina-koning/ |access-date=2021-05-31 |website=The Royal Literary Fund |language=en-GB}}
• Tiger Lim (born 1974), blogger and YouTube comedian{{cite web |title=TIGER.LIM™: Happy Birthday To Me!!! |url=http://www.tigerlim.com/2010/09/blog-post.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100907071424/http://www.tigerlim.com/2010/09/blog-post.html |archive-date=2010-09-07 |website=www.tigerlim.com}}
• Ng Teck Hock (1928–2008), aristocrat{{Cite web |title=Negara Brunei Darussalam: obituary 2008. – Free Online Library |url=https://www.thefreelibrary.com/Negara+Brunei+Darussalam:+obituary+2008.-a0201548857 |access-date=2023-08-19 |website=www.thefreelibrary.com}}
• Suyoi Osman (born 1952), civil servant and politician{{Cite news |date=12 June 2010 |title=Keluaran Khas Sempena Pelantikan Menteri-Menteri Kabinet dan Timbalan-Timbalan Menteri |pages=3, 7 |work=Pelita Brunei |url=https://www.pelitabrunei.gov.bn/Arkib%20Dokumen/2010/Jun/EK120610.pdf}}
• Adina Othman (born 1955), civil servant and politician
• Zulkhairy Razali (born 1996), national footballer{{cite news |date=29 November 2013 |title=Battered but still standing |newspaper=The Brunei Times |url=http://www.bruneiolympic.org/?t=news/index&p=news/2013/20131129b |access-date=4 August 2017}}
• Abdul Rahman Taib (born 1942), civil servant and politician{{Cite web |title=H.E. Pehin Dato Abdul Rahman Taib: Minister Of Industry And Primary Resources |url=https://www.asean.or.id/cv/aem_bru.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241128000155/https://www.asean.or.id/cv/aem_bru.htm |archive-date=2024-11-28 |access-date=2025-01-12 |website=www.asean.or.id |publisher=ASEAN}}

File:Belait Beach 02.jpg|Belait Beach

File:Menara Cendera Kenangan (30042022).jpg|Menara Cendera Kenangan

File:Ramah Mesra Kuala Belait 21 July 2022 69.jpg|Mohammad Jamalul Alam Mosque

File:Silver Jubilee Park arch front angle 1-Dec-2021.jpg|Silver Jubilee Park

File:Kuala Belait 23 January 2023 49.jpg|Istana Kota Manggalela

File:Kuala Belait Library 04.jpg|Kuala Belait Library

File:Kuala Belait 30 May 2023 30.jpg|Mumong Sports Complex

File:Tudung Saji.jpg|Tudung Saji

File:Kuala Belait 23 January 2023 41.jpg|V Plaza Hotel

File:Kuala Belait 30 May 2023 22.jpg|Belait Arabic School

File:Kuala Belait Fire Station 25-07-2021 (1).jpg|Kuala Belait Fire Station

{{Notelist}}

{{Reflist}}

{{refbegin}}

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• {{Cite book |last=Malone |first=Paul |title=Kill the Major: The true story of the most successful Allied guerrilla war in Borneo |date=2020 |publisher=For Pity Sake Publishing |isbn=978-0-6487587-4-7 |language=en}}
• {{Cite book |last=Pratten |first=Garth |author-link=Garth Pratten |title=Australia 1944–45: Victory in the Pacific |publisher=Cambridge University Press |year=2016 |isbn=978-1-107-08346-2 |location=Port Melbourne}}
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• {{Cite book |last=Felton |first=Mark |author-link=Mark Felton |title=The Final Betrayal: MacArthur and the Tragedy of Japanese POWs |date=2010-06-19 |publisher=Pen and Sword |isbn=978-1-84468-478-6 |language=en}}
• {{Cite book |last=James |first=David H. |title=The Rise and Fall of the Japanese Empire |date=2010 |publisher=Routledge |isbn=978-1-136-92547-4 |volume=35 |location=Abingdon and New York City |language=en}}
• {{Cite book |last=Ooi |first=Keat Gin |title=Southeast Asia: A Historical Encyclopedia, from Angkor Wat to East Timor |date=2004 |publisher=ABC-CLIO |isbn=978-1-57607-770-2 |language=en}}
• {{Cite book |last=Saunders |first=Graham |title=A History of Brunei |date=2003 |publisher=RoutledgeCurzon |isbn=9781138863453 |edition=2nd |location=London and New York}}
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• {{Cite book |last=Singh |first=D. S. Ranjit |title=Historical Dictionary of Brunei Darussalam |last2=Sidhu |first2=Jatswan S. |publisher=Scarecrow Press |year=1997 |isbn=9780810832763 |location=London |pages=79-80}}
• {{Cite book |last=Europa Publications Limited |title=The Far East and Australasia 1995 |date=1995 |publisher=London Europa Publications |edition=26th}}
• {{Cite book |last=Hussainmiya |first=B. A. |title=Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddin III and Britain: The Making of Brunei Darussalam |publisher=Oxford University Press |year=1995 |isbn=967-65-3106-5 |location=Oxford |pages=}}
• {{Cite book |title=The Brunei Museum Journal |publisher=The Brunei Museums Department, Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports |editor-last=Shariffuddin |editor-first=P. M. |editor-link=Pengiran Shariffuddin |location=Bandar Seri Begawan |publication-date=1994 |editor-last2=Omar |editor-first2=Hj. Matussin |editor-link2=Matussin Omar}}
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• {{Cite book |last=Great Britain Colonial Office |author-link=Colonial Office |title=State of Brunei Annual Report 1955 |date=1955 |language=en}}
• {{Cite book |last=Great Britain Colonial Office |title=Report of the State of Brunei for the Year 1936 |date=1936 |publisher=Her Majesty's Stationery Office |location=London |language=en}}
• {{Cite book |last=Great Britain Colonial Office |title=Report of the State of Brunei for the Year 1930 |date=1930 |publisher=Her Majesty's Stationery Office |location=London |language=en}}

{{refend}}

{{Commons category|Kuala Belait}}

• [https://archive.today/20120805104927/http://www.municipal-kb.gov.bn/ Kuala Belait Municipal Board]

{{Belait District}}

{{Authority control}}

Category:Populated places in Brunei

Category:Municipalities of Brunei