Early Modern History/ Contents

Petroleum and mineral resources in Borneo

Amarjit Kaur

An important consideration of the governments of both Sarawak and North Borneo (Sabah) in the l9th and early 20th centuries was the utilization of three main resources: minerals, land and forest products. Sarawak proved to have much richer mineral resources, and thus gained greater rewards from their exploitation. However, there was virtually no difference between Sarawak, a 'private colony', and North Borneo, a chartered company territory, in mining administration hecause both governments monopolized mineral resources.

  • Information in the full article includes
  • Sarawak
  • North Borneo
Advertisement

A 1922 advertisement for the Asiatic Petroleum Co.'s 'Fish' brand kerosene and 'Yellow Tin' car cylinder oil, which appeared in The Straits Times.