HISTORY
1800
 Labuan--- was part of the Brunei Sultanate. Early history recorded that Labuan was a port of refuge for ships plying the Borneo waters from storm and pirate attacks.
1845
 The first administrative system was installed in Labuan with Sir James Brook appointed as the first governor of Labuan. Other officers included Sir Hugh Low, as chief secretary.

1847

 Coal was found on the island. The first commercial mining was carried out by Eastern Archipelago Company in 1849. It was subsequently changed to various companies under the control of the Chartered Company until the mine's closure in 1911.
1888
 The administration of Labuan was handed over to British North Borneo Company known as The Chartered Company.
1906
 Labuan reverted to a crown colony. The island was placed under Straits Settlement administration in 1907.
1942
 Japanese Imperial Army invaded Labuan and ruled the island and a large part of Borneo for four years. Labuan was renamed Pulau Maida after General Maida, the chief commander of the Japanese forces in Borneo. The general was killed in an air crash on the way to Labuan



 

HISTORY
1945
 On 10 June 1945, the Allied forces landed at Labuan with a convoy of 100 ships. An attack was launched by the 9th Australian Division resulting in the surrender of the Japanese.
1946
 Labuan was again placed under the administration of North Borneo British Crown Colony (now know as Sabah). Sir Edward Twining was the Governor of Sabah.

1956

 Labuan free port status was again reinstated making it a duty-free island.
1963
 On 16 September 1963 Labuan together with Sabah and Sarawak became independent and joined Malaysia.
1984
 Labuan was proclaimed a Federal Territory on 16 April 1984. The island was declared an International Offshore Financial Centre on 1 October 1990.
Today
 Labuan is surging ahead. It is progressing well in its development as an IBFC and as a new tourist destination. It stands to progress further as its vast potentials are gradually exploited.