Semerah is a semi-urban town and administrative locality under the governance of Majlis Perbandaran Batu Pahat (MPBP) in Johor, Malaysia. Located along the Batu Pahat–Muar main road, it serves as a trading hub, residential zone, and community center for surrounding kampungs and estates.
Formation & Historical Background
The name “Semerah” is believed to have originated from the reddish soil (“merah” in Malay) or from a nearby river.
It developed as a resting point and trade stop between Batu Pahat and Muar.
Over time, it grew into a small town with residential development, local schools, markets, and a blend of rural and town life.
The area has long supported agriculture, rubber and palm oil estates, and fisheries in nearby kampungs.
Administrative & Geographic Info
Category
Details
Town Name
Semerah
Mukim
Likely overlaps with Mukim Simpang Kanan / Linau
District
Batu Pahat
State
Johor
Local Authority
Majlis Perbandaran Batu Pahat (MPBP)
Postal Code
83500
Nearby Areas
Parit Sulong, Parit Yaani, Batu Pahat town
Key Facilities & Infrastructure
Category
Examples
Education
SK Semerah, SMK Semerah, nearby KAFA & tahfiz centers
Healthcare
Klinik Kesihatan Semerah, private clinics
Markets
Pasar Awam Semerah, wet markets, agro shops, mini-marts
Religious Facilities
Masjid Jamek Semerah, several suraus in surrounding kampungs
Recreation
Padang awam, Dewan orang ramai, community sport courts
Law Enforcement & Safety
Category
Details
Police Station
Balai Polis Semerah
Fire & Rescue
Nearest: Balai Bomba Parit Sulong / Batu Pahat
Emergency Hotline
999
Leadership & Governance
Position
Name / Notes
Parliament (MP – P147 Batu Pahat)
Onn Abu Bakar (Pakatan Harapan – PKR)
State Assembly (ADUN – N25 Parit Yaani)
Likely falls under this DUN
Local Council (MPBP)
YDP: Tn. Hj. Azman bin Hj. Jaafar
Ahli Majlis MPBP (Zon Semerah)
[To be confirmed – MPBP zonal allocation]
Penghulu Mukim / Ketua Kampung
Present for each kampung – to be verified locally
Community & Lifestyle
Mixed community of Malay majority, with Chinese and Indian minorities in town
Many are involved in farming, retail business, and education sector
Active religious and cultural activities: kenduri, gotong-royong, Maulidur Rasul
Youths engage in football, religious classes, and vocational training
Summary
Semerah is a vital link between rural Batu Pahat and the broader Johor network. With strong infrastructure, civic facilities, and governance under MPBP, Semerah continues to develop while maintaining its rural charm and cultural depth.
