Piracy, probably the most serious problem facing…

Piracy, probably the most serious problem facing Singapore at mid-century, is  practiced by a number of groups who find easy pickings in the waters around the thriving port.

Some of the followers of the temenggong's son and heir, Ibrahim, were still engaging in their "patrolling" activities in the late 1830s.

Most dangerous of the various pirate groups, however, are the Illanun (Lanun) of Mindanao in the Philippines and northern Borneo.

These fierce sea raiders send out annual fleets of fifty to one hundred well-armed prahu, which raid settlements, attack ships, and carry off prisoners who are pressed into service as oarsmen.

The Illanun attack not only small craft from the archipelago but also Chinese and European sailing ships.

Bugis trading captains threatened to quit trading at Singapore unless the piracy is stopped.