Former JB jail gets new lease of life as tourist site

The Star

07-05-2025

THE transformation of the 140-year-old Ayer Molek Prison, or Kota Jail, into a new tourist attraction in Johor Baru is a good example of adaptive reuse.
Located on a 5.2ha plot in the heart of Johor Baru, the former prison which dates back to 1883 is now open to the public.
It retains much of its original structure and now houses a prison gallery as well as 30 shops, with more set to open under phase two of its development.
Following the establishment of Johor Baru Correctional Centre in Ulu Choh and Simpang Renggam Prison, the site was used as a police lock-up from 2005 before being abandoned in 2018.
It was officially reopened as a heritage and tourism site on March 14 this year.
A view of the large water tub where inmates would take a bath in public.
Johor Tourist Guides Association chairman Jimmy Leong said repurposing heritage buildings such as Kota Jail was a win-win solution for all.
'Old buildings are usually categorised as either historically or architecturally significant.
'Those of historical value were sites of important events, while architecturally significant buildings preserve their authentic designs.
'Transforming these structures into functional spaces not only ensures their preservation but also adds value to the tourism landscape.
'Cities like Johor Baru, Melaka and George Town have converted heritage sites into food and beverage outlets, drawing visitors who appreciate both history and gastronomy,' he added.
Notable landmark
Johor City and Nature Tour Guide Association chairman Sheikh Abdullah Md Taufek, however, suggested minor improvements to Kota Jail.
A visitor capturing drawings by former inmates on a cell wall.
'The exterior should be whitewashed to make it more welcoming, as the surrounding large trees and old walls can look intimidating.
'There are stories of supernatural sightings, which some tourists find fascinating.'
However, Sheikh Abdullah said guides should assure visitors of their safety while still weaving stories about the site's past.
Visitors to Kota Jail also expressed excitement over the development.
Workshop owner Andy Jelai said he first heard about the former penal facility on social media.
'It is located not far from Johor Zoo; you can visit the zoo first and then drop by here.'
Andy said that while he had known about the jail's existence for some time, this was his first visit after its transformation.
'I am glad that it has been opened so people can get a glimpse into the city's past,' he added.
Sheikh Abdullah says the jail's exterior wall should be whitewashed.
Private sector worker G. Sega said Kota Jail could also serve as an educational tool.
'Youngsters, especially those involved in illegal street racing, should be brought here to see the consequences of breaking the law,' he said.
A French backpacker, who only wanted to be known only as Florence, praised the preservation of the building but suggested more information displays for foreign tourists.
'From the outside, it looked like an abandoned building, but inside it is fascinating.
'I love that they kept the original structures, trees and even graffiti.
'I hope there will be more information explaining the building's history for visitors like me,' she said.
Melissa Tai decided to visit Kota Jail after seeing it featured online.
'I came to experience it myself. I hope to see more food stalls and vendors, to make the place even livelier,' she said.
Tenants operating within Kota Jail expressed hope for further improvements.
Shahril: Minimal alterations made to preserve jail's authenticity.
Adam Adli Zainal Abiddin, director of Loaf Adam bakery which is housed in the former prison officers' canteen, praised the preservation effort.
'When I first came to this place, it was covered in vegetation and had dirt floors.
'It is good that the building is preserved, unlike Pudu Jail in Kuala Lumpur which only has its arch left,' he said.
Adam suggested that the surau and toilet facilities be upgraded to provide greater comfort for visitors.
Accessories seller Nur Aishah Muhammad Ridhwan agreed that the toilets needed urgent attention.
'Otherwise, everything is fine. We just hope to see more visitors making purchases,' she said.
Bringing excitement to JB
Tourism Johor director Shahril Nizam said the development of Kota Jail as a new tourism product is part of a broader plan to ensure Johor Baru is no longer perceived as a 'boring' city for tourists.
A directional signboard in the prison complex.
'We are working to ensure that Visit Johor 2026 (VJ2026) will offer visitors more vibrant and interesting experiences, and Kota Jail is among the unique attractions we are proud to showcase,' he said.
Shahril highlighted that the structure of Kota Jail had been preserved with minimal alterations, to maintain its authenticity.
'The building has stood here for 143 years and for 120 years, its operations remained a mystery to the public.
'But now people can walk through the halls and experience a significant part of Johor Baru's history first-hand,' he said.
He added that Kota Jail was expected to be a key draw alongside other new projects and initiatives to rebrand Johor Baru as a vibrant and dynamic destination.
Johor Baru mayor Datuk Mohd Haffiz Ahmad said Johor Baru City Council (MBJB) was gearing up to transform the city centre into a vibrant tourism hub in preparation for VJ2026.
The city council has lined up a series of local and international events to attract tourists, and significant upgrades to infrastructure and historical landmarks.
'Our aim is for visitors to not just pass through Johor Baru, but to stay and explore the city.
'We are working on improving facilities, particularly in the city centre or Ibrahim International Business District (IIBD),' he said.
Among the upgrades are enhancements to Danga Bay, which will be revitalised as a key waterfront attraction.
On the preservation of historical buildings, Mohd Haffiz said Bukit Timbalan and a stretch of Jalan Dato' Onn, from MBJB's old office until the HSBC building, would be restored.
'We plan to close off roads around the area on Saturday and Sunday nights, beautify them with lighting and decorations, and create a vibrant atmosphere,' he said.
As part of the beautification plans, owners of older buildings have been instructed to repaint and maintain their properties to uplift the city's image in time for VJ2026.
Kota Jail is open to visitors from 10am to 10pm daily.
Entry is free but admission to the Ayer Molek Prison Gallery costs RM5.
For more information, visit www.kotajail.com