Bangunan Sultan Ibrahim at Bukit Timbalan is a notable landmark in Johor Baru . — Courtesy photos
Four local councils working to ensure seamless Visit Johor Year 2026 experience for visitors
THE four local councils under the Greater Johor Baru (JB) initiative have teamed up to kickstart a rejuvenation plan ahead of Visit Johor Year 2026 (VJY2026).
Johor Baru City Council (MBJB), Iskandar Puteri City Council (MBIP), Pasir Gudang City Council (MBPG) and Kulai Municipal Council (MPKu) – are making early preparations to welcome a targeted 12 million domestic and foreign visitors.
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Pasir Gudang mayor Datuk Asman Shah Abd Rahman said the target set by Johor government is achievable.
“We are in full support of Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi’s aim, which is why the four councils under Greater JB are working together to ensure they complement each other, not only for tourism attractions but also in terms of infrastructure and travellers’ convenience.”
Asman Shah said the councils are also planning to discuss with Tourism Johor so that each had individual tourism packages.
Asman Shah says there will be 340 CCTVs by next year in Pasir Gudang.
“Selling tourism packages is not easy, which is why we have to start making early preparations to create brand awareness, and build momentum leading up to VJY2026.
“The most important thing is public participation in making sure amenities are well taken care of,” he said.
As part of these efforts, MBPG has embarked on a programme to instal CCTVs throughout Pasir Gudang to ensure safety and monitor traffic flow.
As of July, Asman Shah said the city council had placed 200 CCTVs and was expected to achieve its target of installing another 140 CCTVs by next year.
Mohd Haffiz: Infrastructure at Kampung Sungai Melayu is being upgraded.
“We are also planning to activate smart traffic lights next month, which will reduce traffic congestion by 30%,” he said, underscoring the crucial role played by land transportation, especially for domestic visitors.
He said the government could also improve road signs to help visitors reach tourist sites.
Pasir Gudang has several tourists attractions, including the annual kite festival which attracts thousands of local and international participants, and the Sarang Buaya Pasir Gudang crocodile sanctuary.
Asman Shah said MBPG is always on the lookout for ways to boost tourist numbers.
He noted caravan travel is a trending tourism activity which Johor could capitalise on by organising tours from Thailand to Batam, Indonesia, which would include Pasir Gudang as a stop.
Upgrading infrastructure
In Iskandar Puteri, mayor Datuk Mohd Haffiz Ahmad revealed what the council was doing to make the city more attractive to visitors.
He said the OneMap MBIP platform now included a detailed map of tourist sites, while the council’s website featured a new “Tourism” tab with information on key attractions, facilities and transportation options.
“MBIP is also working on upgrading infrastructure at Kampung Sungai Melayu and revitalising the Iskandar Puteri Tourist Assistance Centre.
Dataran Cahaya Kulai is a family-friendly park, one of several sites within the municipality.
“Additionally, promotional videos highlighting the city’s attractions are being produced,” he said, adding that the city council was planning to collaborate with tourism industry players to boost promotional efforts and publish comprehensive tourism guides.
“These collaborations are expected to drive more visitors to the city and increase its visibility as a tourist destination,” he said.
Apart from Kampung Sungai Melayu, key attractions in Iskandar Puteri include Sireh Park, Stadium Sultan Ibrahim, X-Park Sunway Iskandar, Legoland Malaysia and Hutan Bandar MBIP Mutiara Rini.
Airport expansion
MPKu president Mohd Fahmi Salam said in order to improve accessibility, Senai International Airport passenger terminal will be expanded to nine gates, from the current four.
“This upgrade will accommodate increased passenger traffic and improve the experience of visitors arriving by air.
“New international flight routes commenced from Senai airport on July 21, including direct flights from Chengdu, China, three times a week.
“Direct flights from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, started on July 23 and include umrah packages.
“These developments are expected to increase the number of international tourists arriving via Senai International Airport.”
Mohd Fahmi says there are new direct flights to Senai airport from China and Saudi Arabia.
Mohd Fahmi said Kulai was also known for its natural attractions, particularly Gunung Pulai, which was popular for picnicking, swimming and hiking.
It also has clean and safe camping sites like Sekawan Campsite at Gunung Pulai 1 and Ed Dhuha Campsite at Gunung Pulai 2, he said.
“Other recreational areas include Hutan Bandar Putra, Dataran Cahaya Bukit Liki and Kulai Cycling Park.
“For those interested in agricultural tourism, Super Fruit Farm in Senai offers educational tours with activities like fishing and vegetable picking, including tasting the exotic Jaboticaba fruit.
“Putuo Village is also a popular spot for photography and cultural exploration,” he said, adding that these initiatives and attractions aim to position Kulai as a vibrant tourist destination.
New attractions
Johor Baru mayor Datuk Mohd Noorazam Osman said in preparation for VJY2026, infrastructure improvements and new tourist attractions have been planned for the city.
“Key enhancements include upgrades to Taman Merdeka, Hutan Bandar Johor Baru and Tunku Mahkota Ismail Youth Centre (TMIYC).”
He said MBJB was working closely with the state government on new tourism products.
“One of our significant efforts includes reopening Johor Zoo, with MBJB having allocated substantial funds for its upgrading, as well as improving roads in the area.
Mohd Noorazam says JB will see infrastructure improvements and new tourist attractions.
“In addition, MBJB in collaboration with government and non-governmental agencies and organisations, is planning to establish a Tourist Information Centre in the city centre.
“This centre will facilitate tourists obtaining information about places to visit and provide insights about Johor Baru city and Johor in general.”
He said the council was also in the process of installing 500 smart CCTVs around the city to improve safety.
According to Mohd Noorazam, MBJB was exploring the potential of developing heritage sites like the former Ayer Molek Prison as a potential tourist attraction.
Crocodile keepers Ahmad Norhapiza Bashri (left) and Muhamad Hazwan Eshak holding a model of the reptile at Sarang Buaya Pasir Gudang. — Filepic
Plans include creating a mini gallery and introducing business activities at the site.
Johor Baru’s identity is shaped by its rich history and cultural heritage, he said.
“The city has numerous historical sites, including Bangunan Sultan Ibrahim, Masjid Negeri Sultan Abu Bakar, Masjid India, Jalan Tan Hiok Nee and Jalan Wong Ah Fook, alongside notable religious landmarks.
“These landmarks attract international tourists and include popular sites like Laman Serene and Laman Mahkota.
The MBIP Hutan Bandar in Mutiara Rini is a popular spot among local residents who spend their time cycling, jogging and even reading books at the public park.
“Johor Baru is also known for its diverse culinary offerings, such as kacang pool, mi rebus, satay and asam pedas, which are highlighted as part of the city’s tourism products.”
Mohd Noorazam hopes that Johor Baru will not merely serve as a transit city for international tourists arriving via Singapore.
The city and the Greater JB area offer a variety of affordable and attractive tourism products that can provide enriching experiences for visitors, he said.
“These enhancements aim to boost the city’s appeal and readiness for the influx of visitors during VJY2026,” he said.
