Gateway of Ceramics, Culture & Commerce
Ayer Hitam is a historically significant town located at the intersection of Federal Route 1 and PLUS Expressway (Exit 244). Though part of Ayer Hitam falls under Majlis Daerah Yong Peng (MDYP), several expanding residential, commercial, and semi-rural parts now fall within the administrative zone of MPBP due to urban growth and jurisdiction overlap.
Formation & Historical Background
- The name “Ayer Hitam” means “Black Water”, believed to be named after the dark-colored river running nearby.
- Historically a rest stop town, it became renowned for handicrafts, ceramic goods, dried snacks, and floral markets.
- The town has grown from a small trading post to a gateway town for southern Johor.
- With urban sprawl from Parit Raja, Sri Gading, and Yong Peng, several fringe neighborhoods now fall under MPBP.
Administrative & Geographic Info (MPBP Coverage)
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Covered Name | Ayer Hitam (selected neighborhoods under MPBP) |
| District | Batu Pahat |
| State | Johor |
| Local Authority | Majlis Perbandaran Batu Pahat (MPBP) & MDYP (core) |
| Postal Codes (MPBP) | 86100 (shared) |
| Nearby Areas | Parit Raja, Parit Yaani, Yong Peng |
Note: Only selected housing estates, fringe kampungs, and industrial zones are under MPBP; core Ayer Hitam town is under MDYP.
Notable Areas Likely Under MPBP Jurisdiction
- Taman Ayer Hitam Utama (partial)
- Taman Ayer Hitam Jaya
- Kampung Sungai Suloh (fringe zones)
- Industrial parks between Ayer Hitam – Parit Raja corridor
- Agro-nurseries and warehouses along Jalan Kluang – Parit Raja road
Public Services (MPBP Zones)
| Category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Education | Schools under Parit Raja / Linau zones (SK Air Hitam, SJKC Ayer Hitam) |
| Healthcare | Klinik Kesihatan Parit Raja, Klinik Desa (fringe) |
| Markets | Ceramic shops, souvenir centers, roadside stalls |
| Transport | Access to PLUS Highway, Federal Route 1, Jalan Parit Raja |
Leadership & Governance (MPBP Area)
| Position | Name / Notes |
|---|---|
| Parliament (MP – P147 Batu Pahat) | Onn Abu Bakar (Pakatan Harapan – PKR) |
| State Assembly (ADUN – N25 Parit Yaani) | [Ayer Hitam fringe often falls under this] |
| Local Council (MPBP) | YDP: Tn. Hj. Azman bin Hj. Jaafar |
| Ahli Majlis MPBP (Ayer Hitam Zone) | [To be confirmed based on subdivision] |
| Penghulu Mukim / Ketua Kampung | Based on kampung jurisdiction – partial overlaps exist |
Community & Lifestyle
- Busy during weekends and holidays due to ceramic markets and food stalls
- Mixed population: Malay majority, active Chinese traders, Indian service workers
- Well-known for “keropok, kerepek, bunga plastik, pasu tanah”
- Youths engaged in part-time sales, farming, or schooling in nearby Parit Raja
Summary
Parts of Ayer Hitam under MPBP reflect the blend between traditional commerce and modern suburban expansion. While its heart may belong to MDYP, its boundaries are stretching into MPBP’s care, bringing with it opportunity, growth, and a strong cultural legacy.