Lutong Town - what is left after a fire

Lutong is perhaps synonymous with Shell and Petronas Carigali. To the outside world, it is perhaps only a name which didn't mean much other than the companies and opportunities. Many probably didn't realise that there are a couple of rows of shophouses. When I first arrived to work here in 1981, there are just three rows of wooden prewar structures. Then over times, they were replaced by concrete structures with only one such "original" structure left.

A fire broke out in the early hours of 25th Oct 2008. It destroyed five of this row of eight shops. I know that one of them is a "coffee shop". I can't remember the rest as I seldom went there.

Perhaps a sepia picture gives a better effect... to show how old they were!

On the left is a rebuilt from the old wooden structure, ie, the newer part of the town.

With the exception of the top two photos, these three photos were taken with me standing in front of the only Shell petrol station.

Looking across the petrol station is the newest part of Lutong town. Along the far right row, is where a few coffee shops are situated... Lutong Cafe, etc. The new Harmoni Clinic is behind these two rows.