The Southern Capital of Malaysia
Johor Bahru (JB) is the capital city of Johor state, located at the southern tip of Peninsular Malaysia. It functions as the administrative heart and cultural soul of Johor and is governed by the Majlis Bandaraya Johor Bahru (MBJB). JB City Centre is known for its historical landmarks, modern infrastructure, business hubs, royal residences, and close linkage with Singapore.
Formation & Historical Background
- Established in 1855 by Temenggong Daeng Ibrahim, and later developed by his son Sultan Abu Bakar, known as the “Father of Modern Johor”
- Originally called Tanjung Puteri, it was renamed Johor Bahru (meaning “New Johor”) in 1866
- Served as the administrative capital of the Sultanate of Johor, housing royal palaces and British colonial buildings
- Gained Municipal Council status in 1977 and City Council (MBJB) status in 1994
- Now a core component of Iskandar Malaysia, and one of the fastest-growing cities in Southeast Asia
Administrative & Geographical Info
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| City Name | Johor Bahru (City Centre) |
| Local Authority | Majlis Bandaraya Johor Bahru (MBJB) |
| District | Johor Bahru |
| State | Johor |
| Postal Code(s) | 80000, 80100, 80200, 80300 |
| Coordinates | Approx. 1.4927° N, 103.7414° E |
| Nearby Areas | Larkin, Stulang, Wadi Hana, Taman Pelangi |
Key Landmarks & Attractions
- Bangunan Sultan Ibrahim: Iconic former state secretariat building
- Sultan Abu Bakar Mosque: A beautiful Victorian-Moorish style mosque on a hilltop
- Johor Bahru City Square & Komtar JBCC: Major shopping & lifestyle complexes
- Royal Museum & Istana Besar: Showcasing Johor’s royal heritage
- CIQ Complex (Customs, Immigration, Quarantine): Main gateway to Singapore
- Jalan Wong Ah Fook: Historic commercial street with local eateries and hotels
Public Facilities & Infrastructure
| Category | Key Facilities |
|---|---|
| Transportation | JB Sentral, CIQ, Taxi & Bus Terminals, KTM Rail Station |
| Healthcare | Hospital Sultanah Aminah, KPJ Specialist, Clinics |
| Education | Foon Yew High School, SK Bandar JB, Colleges |
| Markets | Bazar Karat (JB Night Market), Pasar Awam Johor Bahru |
| Recreation | Dataran Bandaraya, Johor Zoo, Merdeka Park |
| Government Offices | MBJB HQ, State Secretariat, Land Office |
Economic & Commercial Hub
- Home to corporate HQs, banks, legal firms, and hotels
- Popular for cross-border trade, retail, and tourism due to proximity with Singapore
- Heritage & hipster zones like Jalan Dhoby and Tan Hiok Nee attract youth and tourists
- Active construction and real estate development zone under Iskandar Malaysia initiative
Urban Governance (MBJB)
- MBJB oversees city planning, licensing, cleanliness, roadworks, waste management
- Beautification projects, digital parking, and smart city systems underway
- Promotes arts, culture, festivals, and eco-tourism through municipal grants and programs
Summary
Johor Bahru City Centre is the living heart of southern Malaysia—where history meets modernity, commerce meets culture, and people connect across borders. Under MBJB’s stewardship, JB continues to grow as a vibrant, strategic, and internationally connected metropolis.