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| Bahau in red, Endau in blue |
During the Japanese occupation of Singapore (1942–1945), severe food shortages in Syonan-to (the renamed city) prompted the authorities to launch rural relocation schemes. These aimed to reduce urban population pressure, promote self-sufficiency through agriculture, and ease rationing strains caused by Allied blockades.
While pitched as a voluntary programme, in reality those selected to be relocated had no say in their fate. The initial relocations started in 1943.
The two main settlements were Endau (in Johor, Malaya) and Bahau (in Negeri Sembilan, Malaya), part of the broader "Grow More Food" campaign. They were pitched as opportunities for a better life away from city hardships, including constant Kempeitai (secret police) surveillance, but reality proved far harsher for most settlers.
Endau Settlement (New Syonan or New Syonan Model Farm)
Located in Johor, Endau was chosen as relocation site for the Chinese citizenry of Singapore. The Japanese viewed this as a way to relocate potential threats while utilizing their labor. Most relocated family received a plot (e.g., 3 acres) to cultivate crops like tapioca, vegetables, and rice.
By the end war, it grew to house around 12,000 settlers by late in the occupation. Proximity to Singapore allowed some ongoing supply and support from the city. Some settlers produced food and even established small industries (e.g., cigarette factories mentioned in wartime reports). A number chose to stay after 1945 rather than return.
Bahau Settlement (Fuji-Go or Fuji Village, meaning "beautiful village")
Bahau served as a relocation point of the Chinese Christians and Eurasians of Singapore. Unlike Endau, the soil was mostly clay (poor for agriculture), vegetation hard to clear, and water/supply issues severe.
To make things worse, Baau was located far away from any Japanese or local administration so help was infrequent and unreliable.
As a result, the settlers suffered extreme malnutrition, malaria, beriberi, and other diseases, leading to high mortality. Forced labor was imposed later (e.g., growing tapioca).
After the Japanese surrendered, most chose to return to Singapore.
Conclusion
These relocations were voluntary in name—people were lured by promises of food abundance and freedom from urban terror—but driven by desperation. They reflected Japanese efforts to exploit local labor for food production while segregating communities.
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