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APPENDIX II
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APPENDIX II
the West were Jurong Road and Jalan Ahmad Ibrahim which was under construction after
Benoi Road. Between them, the ground was generally flat with patches of rubber plantation.
Jurong then was quiet with a number of small durian plantations. Along both sides of Jalan
Ahmad Ibrahim were hills. These included Jurong Hill, next to Bird Park, Hill 226 with a
communication station, now with water tanks on top. There were also rows of hills bordering
the coast at Tanjong Gul—but these had disappeared after reclamation. Towards the north to
Sungei Poyan and Chua Chu Kang Road, the areas were heavily criss-crossed with cart tracks
and foot paths, with Hill 286 dominating. The terrain was almost similar to that of Jurong.
The north and south of these two main roads were drained by the streams from Sungei Poyan,
Sungei Tengah and the Jurong River, from Tanjong Balai to Tanjong Gul. There were many
water lily ponds situated near the numerous plots of vegetable, chicken and pig farms.
The development of factories in these areas had given rise tomany deserted farmswithovergrown
vegetation, making navigation difficult. The hills were uncultivated and the vegetation covering
them was natural. In between the farms were many dirt tracks and footpaths. Inland swamps
were found near the Jurong River, Pasir Laba, Tuas and Tanjong Gul. There were tidal swamps
from the mouth of Jurong River along its shores, up to Sungei Poyam. The area around Pasir
Laba with its long ridges of hill was used by the British Forces for live firing training. This
was done mostly at a four-track junction, near the foot of Snake Ridge, which was used for
demolition training. At the time, the whole area around Jurong was used for field training. At
the start of our course, SAFTI buildings were under construction near Pasir Laba junction.
The 25m and 100m rifle ranges and the obstacle course were ready for use.
SAFTI buildings under construction near Pasir Laba junction in 1966.