A Blend of Heritage, Industry & Harmony
Batu Pahat is one of the major districts in the state of Johor, Malaysia. Known for its historical roots, industrial strength, and cultural diversity, Batu Pahat plays a vital role in the state’s economic and social landscape. The district is governed by two local authorities: Majlis Perbandaran Batu Pahat (MPBP) and Majlis Daerah Yong Peng (MDYP).
Formation & Historical Background
- The name “Batu Pahat” means “Chiseled Rock”, believed to be linked to legends involving Siamese soldiers chiseling rocks in search of fresh water during the 15th century.
- The district was officially formed in 1894 and became a major administrative and trading town during the British colonial era.
- Batu Pahat is known as “Bandar Penggaram” (Town of Salt-makers), reflecting its past in salt production.
- Over time, it evolved into a key manufacturing, furniture, and textile production hub in southern Malaysia.
Administrative & Geographical Information
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| District Name | Batu Pahat |
| State | Johor |
| Established | 1894 |
| Local Authorities | Majlis Perbandaran Batu Pahat (MPBP) & MDYP |
| District Capital | Bandar Penggaram, Batu Pahat |
| Area | Approx. 1,873 km² |
| Population (Est.) | ~450,000 (as of 2023 estimate) |
| Postal Code Range | 83xxx |
| Mukim (Sub-districts) | 14 Mukims including Simpang Kanan, Minyak Beku, Linau, etc. |
Administrative Subdivisions (Mukim)
Batu Pahat District is divided into 14 mukims:
- Simpang Kiri (includes Batu Pahat Town)
- Simpang Kanan
- Peserai
- Tanjung Semberong
- Sri Gading
- Kampung Bahru
- Linau
- Lubok
- Sungai Punggor
- Senggarang
- Bagan
- Seri Medan
- Parit Raja
- Chaah Bahru
Key Towns and Areas
- Batu Pahat Town (Bandar Penggaram) – administrative & commercial center
- Parit Raja – university and tech hub
- Sri Gading, Senggarang, Rengit – agriculture and fishing towns
- Ayer Hitam – famous for pottery and crafts
- Tongkang Pechah – known for furniture manufacturing
Public Facilities & Infrastructure
| Category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Education | UTHM, SMK Tinggi Batu Pahat, Chinese independent schools |
| Healthcare | Hospital Sultanah Nora Ismail, KPJ Batu Pahat |
| Transport | Batu Pahat Bus Terminal, North-South Expressway access |
| Markets | Pasar Awam, Pasar Malam, Batu Pahat Mall |
| Recreation | Stadium Batu Pahat, golf courses, community halls |
Law Enforcement & Safety
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Main Police Station | Ibu Pejabat Polis Daerah (IPD) Batu Pahat |
| Address | Jalan Rahmat, Batu Pahat, Johor |
| Phone | +607-434 XXXX (to be confirmed) |
| Jurisdiction | Entire Batu Pahat district including Yong Peng, Parit Raja, Rengit |
Local Governance
| Authority | Area Covered |
|---|---|
| Majlis Perbandaran Batu Pahat (MPBP) | Bandar Penggaram & surrounding urban areas |
| Majlis Daerah Yong Peng (MDYP) | Yong Peng & rural areas |
Both councils manage:
- Business licensing & enforcement
- Waste collection & public maintenance
- Development control, signage, and infrastructure
- Community engagement & local events
Economy & Industry
- Furniture manufacturing hub – exports globally
- Agriculture: oil palm, rubber, tropical fruits, fisheries
- Textiles & garments – long-standing industries
- Retail & small-medium enterprises are booming
- Parit Raja is emerging as a technology and education corridor
Education
- Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM) – major public university in Parit Raja
- Various public & private secondary schools, technical colleges
- Education-focused townships growing around Parit Raja and Sri Gading
Healthcare
- Hospital Sultanah Nora Ismail (HSNI) – main government hospital
- Multiple private clinics and specialist centers
- Traditional Malay and Chinese medicine also practiced
Transport & Connectivity
- Well-connected via Federal Route 5 and North–South Expressway (PLUS)
- Buses and taxis available within towns and rural areas
- Future improvements under Iskandar Region expansion initiatives
Tourism & Attractions
- Batu Pahat Well (Perigi Batu Pahat): Origin of the town’s name
- Dataran Penggaram: Town square and community center
- Minyak Beku Beach & Fishing Jetty
- Segenting Temple & Lover’s Bridge (Chinese temple by the sea)
- Mount Banang (Bukit Banang) – hiking & local folklore
- Ayer Hitam Pottery Market – local art and handicrafts hub
Culture & Food
- Multicultural: Malays, Chinese (especially Hokkien & Teochew), Indians
- Unique local dishes:
- Mee Racun Batu Pahat (spicy tomato noodle dish)
- Asam Pedas Ikan Pari
- Kuih Kacau, Nasi Lemak Sambal Paru, Otai Mee
- Known for vibrant night markets and festive celebrations
Summary
Batu Pahat District combines industrial strength with cultural depth. From its global furniture exports to its local delicacies and traditional crafts, Batu Pahat represents the heart of Johor’s evolving economic and cultural landscape.