CHANGES OF BAU TOWN AFTER 1963

From a small Chinese settlement at Mau San (Bau Lama) which was established in about 1820, Bau slowly developed into a rural town. In 1963, the population of Bau Town was 1760 and in 1985, there were 3102. These two figures show that more rural people prefer to stay in the town areas. As a result, squatters are found at Tasik Biru and Jambusan areas.

In 1963, Bau Town consisted of about 75 shop-houses, a theatre and the council market which were all wooden buildings. A new District Office was built to replace the old one. Besides, more and more government residential houses and private houses were built within the vicinity of the town. Bau Town was expanding. It had obviously achieved a greater and faster development after Sarawak achieved independence within Malaysia.

The first Government secondary school was completed in 1963 and it was declared open by the then Chief Minister of Sarawak YAB Datuk Stephen Kalong Ningkan. The parents were very happy because their children could receive secondary education nearby; in the past their children had to be sent to Kuching for it. Today, Bau Town has three secondary schools.

Antimony Rush' in Bau took place in 1969-1970. Heavy demand for the ore in the world market sent the price to an all-time record high. All the antimony mines in Jambusan, Paku, Pangga and Buso area were reopened., The revival of antimony mining had resulted in the construction of a modern antimony smelter at Buso in 1971. The 'Antimony Rush' had not only brought profit to the mining companies but also earned more revenue for the government.

Tai Parit Lake, a disused open cast goldmine had been renamed Tasik Biru. It was officially declared open by the then Ketua Menteri Sarawak, YAB Tun Haji Abdul Rahman Ya'kub on 21.7.1973. The natural beauty and scenic view of the lake attracted hundreds of people from Kuching and elsewhere to spend their weekend around the lake.