Johor’s Royal Town of Furniture, Food, and River Heritage
Muar District, located on the northwestern coast of Johor, Malaysia, is a district rich in culture, colonial history, and industrial innovation. Declared as “Bandar Maharani Bandar Diraja” (Royal Town), Muar is famous for its furniture industry, heritage buildings, and irresistible food culture.
Basic Information
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| District Name | Muar District |
| State | Johor |
| District Capital | Bandar Maharani (Muar Town) |
| Area | Approx. 2,346 sq. km |
| Population (2025 est.) | Approx. 300,000 |
| Parliamentary Seat | 2 (Muar, Pagoh) |
| Local Authority | Majlis Perbandaran Muar (MPM) |
Administrative Subdivisions (Mukim)
Muar District is divided into 6 main mukims:
- Bandar Maharani
- Sungai Balang
- Parit Jawa
- Ayer Hitam
- Lenga
- Bukit Kepong
Key Towns and Settlements
- Muar Town (Bandar Maharani): Cultural, administrative, and commercial hub
- Parit Jawa: Famous for seafood and fishing heritage
- Pagoh: Growing educational and agro-industrial zone
- Bukit Kepong: Historical village related to Malayan Emergency
Economy & Industry
- Furniture capital of Malaysia – major exporter to global markets
- SMEs in woodworking, food processing, and manufacturing
- Agriculture: oil palm, rubber, vegetables, paddy
- Fishing and seafood in coastal towns
- Tourism and heritage-based businesses increasing
Education
- Government and private secondary schools
- Higher Education:
- Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia – Pagoh Campus
- Pagoh Education Hub (multiple institutions)
- Vocational and technical schools active in Muar town
Healthcare
- Hospital Pakar Sultanah Fatimah (HPSF) – main referral hospital
- Private clinics and specialist centers across the district
- Traditional Chinese medicine and Malay herbal practices also found
Transport & Connectivity
- Linked via North–South Expressway (Pagoh Interchange)
- Federal Route 5 runs through the town
- Intercity buses and local taxis available
- Nearest airports: Melaka Airport and Senai International Airport (1–2 hours drive)
Tourism & Attractions
- Muar River Cruise – scenic views of colonial buildings and mosques
- Tanjung Emas Park & Food Court – riverfront leisure and local eats
- Sultan Ibrahim Jamek Mosque – historical mosque on the riverbank
- Muar Clock Tower & Street Art Alleys
- Bukit Kepong Historical Gallery – site of 1950s police station battle
- Wet markets, furniture showrooms, and weekend night bazaars
Culture & Food
- Ethnic blend: Malays, Chinese (Teochew & Hokkien), Indians
- Known for being one of Malaysia’s top food destinations
- Famous dishes:
- Mee Bandung Muar
- Satay Muar (especially Otak-Otak)
- Asam Pedas Ikan Pari
- Nasi Beriani Gam
- Roti John, Cendol Pulut, Kuih Lapis
- Cultural events: Royal celebrations, river parades, and Chinese festivals
Summary
Muar District is where royalty, tradition, and industry blend in harmony. From its furniture factories to food streets and river cruises, Muar offers a unique Malaysian experience—steeped in heritage and driven by innovation.