The Southern Gateway of Malaysia’s Economy and Innovation
Johor is the southernmost state of Peninsular Malaysia, sharing a direct land border with Singapore. Known for its strong industrial base, historical landmarks, royal heritage, and Iskandar Malaysia development corridor, Johor is a powerhouse of economic growth and international trade.
Basic Information
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| State Name | Johor (Jawi: جوهر) |
| Capital (Administrative) | Johor Bahru |
| Royal Capital | Muar |
| State Ruler (Sultan) | Sultan Ibrahim Ismail (Also current King of Malaysia, 2024–2029) |
| Chief Minister (Menteri Besar) | Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi |
| Area | 19,166 sq. km |
| Population (2025 est.) | Approx. 4.1 million |
| Major Cities | Johor Bahru, Iskandar Puteri, Muar, Batu Pahat, Kluang |
| Official Language | Malay (Bahasa Malaysia) |
| Religion | Islam (official), Buddhism, Hinduism, Christianity |
| Districts (Daerah) | 10 |
| Federal Parliamentary Seats | 26 |
Geographical Borders
- North: Melaka, Negeri Sembilan, Pahang
- South: Singapore (via Johor–Singapore Causeway and Second Link)
- West: Strait of Malacca
- East: South China Sea
Administrative Districts in Johor
- Johor Bahru District
- Batu Pahat District
- Kluang District
- Kota Tinggi District
- Pontian District
- Mersing District
- Muar District
- Segamat District
- Tangkak District
- Kulai District
Economy & Industry
- Major contributor to Malaysia’s GDP
- Core sectors: electronics, petrochemicals, manufacturing, logistics
- Home to Iskandar Malaysia—a special economic zone attracting global investment
- Tourism: heritage, islands (Desaru, Sibu Island), nature parks
- Agricultural base: oil palm, rubber, fisheries, fruits
- Border trade with Singapore is a major revenue stream
Infrastructure & Development
- Highways: North–South Expressway, Senai–Desaru Expressway
- Airports: Senai International Airport
- Seaports: Port of Tanjung Pelepas (PTP), Johor Port (Pasir Gudang)
- Railway: ETS, KTM, and future RTS link with Singapore
- Iskandar Puteri: Malaysia’s administrative hub of the south
Education & Healthcare
- Multiple public & international universities (UTM, Raffles, Southampton Malaysia)
- Technical & vocational institutions across districts
- Reputable hospitals: Sultanah Aminah Hospital, KPJ Johor, Columbia Asia
- International schools: Marlborough College, Tenby, Raffles American School
Tourism & Attractions
- Johor Bahru City Centre & Royal Palace
- Desaru Coast: luxury beach resorts and water parks
- Gunung Ledang National Park & Endau-Rompin National Park
- Legoland Malaysia Resort
- Heritage town of Muar
- Island getaways: Sibu, Rawa, and Tinggi Islands
Cultural Highlights
- Strong royal heritage and deep Islamic traditions
- Diverse ethnic makeup: Malays, Chinese, Indians, Orang Asli
- Local delicacies: Laksa Johor, Otak-otak, Mee Rebus
- Celebrates major Islamic, Chinese, and Indian festivals in harmony
Summary
Johor is Malaysia’s southern economic engine—offering robust infrastructure, vibrant cities, heritage, and proximity to Singapore. With Iskandar Malaysia shaping the future, Johor is set to become Southeast Asia’s next smart and sustainable state.