The Sultans of Brunei cede further stretches of territory to Sarawak over the years; in 1877, stretches to the east of the capital are leased (later ceded) to the British North Borneo Chartered Company (North Borneo).

Eventually, due to these seizures of territory, which are accepted by the sultan for annual lease payments, the British occupy the vast majority of the coast of Brunei.

The Sultan only stops handing over territory when Sarawak asks for Limbang, which the Sultan refuses.

Against the Sultan's wishes, Sarawak obtains control over the territory.