On sides of Belaga are hilly ranges, some 1,000 feet or higher. Access to and exit from this  district are where the mighty Batang Rejang and her tributaries have sliced through softer hills. Irregular trading perahus equipped with out-board engines of Chinesetraders moved along the river from Kapit to Belaga, or vice versa. They brought form Kapit, esseential commodities and sometimes mails, from Belaga, rhinocers horns, and some rubber and rattan mats. Mails were days behind schedule if the river did not rise, and weeks, if it did. If adequately forewarned by mail of an official visit, Belaga would make special preparations in advance.

In the early years of enemy occupation, when petrol was available, ears would be keyed to catch the whine of any approaching outboard motor. Later, when oil was scare, approaching perahus bearing Japanese officials, government servants or goods were announced by an unofficial look-out with the cry. "Perahu-oo!".  ,and the call was relayed by another. the excited people of Belaga town whould then convege on the landing. The town would suddenly come alive, it seemed.

It was dusk in those uncertain days after the arrival of the Allied officers that the shouts of "Perahu-oo!' shook Belaga into intense activity.

"Per-ra-hu-oo!" echoed and re-echoed. Everyone seemed to be paralysed momentaruly at this sound. Seconds later, the civilians grabbed their precious bundles and were in full flight with their families to the hills behind the bazaar and kampung. the volunteers, the captain and the two sergeants, similarly affected, grabbed their weapons and rushed to the edge of the bank concealing themselves and pearing down the reiver rather apprehensively.

A lone kayan, paddling a small boat swiftly swept into the jelatong. After securing his perahu, he raced up the notched tree trunks. He was surprised to be confronted by armed men and the empty bazaar. He babbled breathlessly an account of a party of enemy and native paddlers who were seen putting up for the night at a kerangan some distance from Giam Tekok. His version was relayed by a look-out below his long-house.

A hurried discussion was held. Sergeant kassim left with five men, taking Sageng who knew the place well. He had always hunted and fished in that area. After an hour of fast paddling, a campfire was seen from a bend in the river 200 yards away. The perahu in which the seargeant and his men were in, hugged the bank and stopped quirte a distance away from the campfire. Sagend imparted his knowledge of the place and a battel plan was formulated.

Then from out of nowhere, two stenguns chattered deafeningly, almost simultaneously. Both the japanese officers fell, lying still. Sergean Kassim followed by Guroh approached cautiously from one end and Sageng and jalil from the other.

Sagend and Jalil melted into the dark and the perahu  moved silently away to the opposite bank. it crossed the riveragain and stopped. Sergeant Kassim and Guroh went into jungle a hundred yards away, and moved silently, crouching, and listening. Both took advantage of the overhanging branches, tree trunks and rocks which cast fantastic shadows in the campfire light. it was hard going.

At last, the position was reached. It was about fifty feet away from the six kayans who had brought the two Japanese. The two enemy officers sat apart, talking a little distance away from the fire. The kayan paddlers mumbled and smoked close to it; they were huddled together. A squatting native threw a chunk of wood into the fire. the flame drew in its mischievous tongues and sparks shout up.

On the opposite bank, a fishing net dropped into the water with a swish. A little while later, the fishing perahu nosed and grounded into the kerangan with Sageng and a native in it. Sageng jumped out. a squatting native at the campfire walked towards him. He turned round and called the other natives who rose lethargically, walking towards their companion. The two unsuspecting officers sat curiously, watching them.

Then from out of nowhere, two stenguns chattered deafeningly, almost simultaneously. Both the japanese officers fell, lying still. Sergean Kassim followed by Guroh approached cautiously from one end and Sageng and jalil from the other. The Sergeant fired once more into the still forms. Guroh, drew out his parang and severed the neck of one of the officers.

The campfire was re-stocked and all sat or squatted smoking and leaving the corpses as they were, after their sied arms were removed. one native busied himself in sub-dividing the heads. Sergeant kassim refused a share.

Belaga was relieved but not elated at the killing of the two enemy officers above Giam Tekok. The situation was more than ever delicate.