Latest news with #VisitJohor2026
Straits Times
4 days ago
- Health
- Straits Times
Johor Zoo beats the heat with blood ice cubes and fruit popsicles
JOHOR BAHRU - With the scorching heatwave, Johor Zoo has intensified health checks and implemented measures to protect the animals, which includes creative feeding, says a state executive councillor. Johor housing and local government committee chairman Datuk Jafni Shukor said the zoo focused on ensuring water sources are clean and sufficient, including for animals that rely on water to cool off, such as the Malayan tapir, tiger, hippopotamus and crocodile. 'Zookeepers are constantly monitoring and refilling pools to ensure the animals have access to sufficient water. It is a crucial step in helping wildlife regulate their body temperature during the extreme weather,' he said when contacted. The Bukit Permai assemblyman also said Johor Zoo has introduced creative feeding enrichments to help animals adapt to the hot conditions. He said carnivores are being provided with blood ice cubes while fruit eating species enjoy fruit popsicles made by the zookeepers. 'These treats help the animals at the zoo stay cool while keeping them mentally stimulated in their enclosures,' Mr Jafni said. He noted that health monitoring has been intensified with veterinarians and zoologists conducting regular checks on the animals to ensure their well-being. He said this is made with the support of the Johor Veterinary Department and the state Wildlife and National Parks Department (Perhilitan). 'Zookeepers are the frontliners in ensuring the animals' welfare. With the support of veterinary experts and relevant agencies, we are doing everything necessary to maintain the highest standards of care,' he said. Separately, Mr Jafni said that he recently carried out a working visit to Johor Zoo to inspect the ongoing second phase development plan for the 97-year-old zoo, which began earlier in May. He said the upgrades were part of a broader vision to position the zoo as a flagship tourism destination ahead of Visit Johor 2026. 'My visit was to ensure that all planning is on track to transform Johor Zoo into a major tourism hub for the state. 'With a total allocation of RM7 million (S$2.1 million), the second phase focuses on internal improvements. This includes upgrading animal enclosures, disability and stroller friendly pathways, as well as the development of a new night zoo, designed to offer a more interactive and engaging experience for visitors,' he said. Mr Jafni added that since its reopening on Aug 31, 2024, Johor Zoo has seen a remarkable increase in public interest. He said annual visitor numbers, which previously averaged around 400,000, have surged to an estimated one million over the past year. He said the jump in visitor numbers was something to be proud of, adding that it can help increase Johor Zoo's revenue from RM1.5 million to RM7 million annually. 'This is an extraordinary achievement, driven by visitor- friendly initiatives and infrastructure upgrades. As Malaysia's oldest zoo located in the heart of Johor Bahru, this transformation honours not only the zoo's legacy, but also the city's heritage. 'Enhanced facilities such as e-ticketing, shuttle bus services and more attractive zoning designs have contributed to its rising popularity, not only among locals but also international visitors, particularly from neighbouring Singapore,' he said. Mr Jafni added the state government is committed to positioning Johor Zoo as a must-visit attraction during Visit Johor 2026. THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
The Star
4 days ago
- Business
- The Star
‘Johor too long known as just Singapore's neighbour'
Johor women, family and community development committee chairman Khairin-Nisa Ismail addressing issues concerning senior citizens during the state assembly sitting in Kota Iskandar. GREATER effort is needed to improve Johor's tourism identity for it to be seen as more than just 'Singapore's neighbour' among tourists. Ng Kor Sim (PH-Jementah) said the state was often seen as a transit point for tourists from Singapore heading to Kuala Lumpur or vice-versa. 'To this day, most foreign tourists still recognise Johor as 'the Malaysian state closest to Singapore' or 'Singapore's neighbour'. 'We lack a distinct or memorable tourism identity,' she said in her debate speech during the state assembly sitting at Bangunan Sultan Ismail in Kota Iskandar. Ng said the Visit Johor 2026 logo was unveiled in January before some 1,000 local and international delegates at the Asean Tourism Forum 2025. This move, she said, reflected Johor government's commitment to promoting the state as a tourism destination. 'However, we have to realise that our state still faces challenges that can hinder its growth and competitiveness, especially against neighbours like Melaka and Singapore,' she said, adding that these neighbours had significantly outperformed Johor in tourism infrastructure and branding. Kuala Jasin is a popular spot for a cool swim in the lush forest reserve of Endau-Rompin National Park. 'Despite having attractions such as Mount Ledang, Desaru Coast and Endau-Rompin National Park, the lack of efficient public transport, limited airport capacity and poor connectivity can be major deterrents to attracting more international tourists,' said Ng. 'Destinations like Mersing, known for fresh seafood and beautiful islands, often see traffic congestion and many of its scenic areas remain difficult to access without private transport.' Popular spots like Desaru and Endau-Rompin, meanwhile, were not easily reachable from Senai International Airport or the Second Link, she said. The assemblyman also raised concerns over the limited capabilities of Senai International Airport and its struggle to attract more direct international flights due to its size and proximity to Singapore's Changi Airport. Beyond infrastructure, Ng also questioned the state's international marketing efforts. 'We are still relatively weak in promoting our state in the international market. 'Johor is often seen as an 'add-on destination' for tourists heading to Singapore, not as a primary destination. 'Foreign tourists or tour agencies often have no direct link with either government or private tourism agencies in our state,' she said. She proposed familiarisation tours to bring international tour operators, the media and key opinion leaders to Johor. She said such tours were widely used in the tourism industry to promote destinations and build long-term partnerships. It would also enable participants to create organic promotional content and help position Johor as a standalone, world-class destination, she added. Ng also urged the state government to provide financial incentives for local tourism players to participate in major global tourism trade fairs such as Internationale Tourismus-Borse (ITB) Berlin, ITB Asia and World Travel Market London. 'Most local operators cannot afford the high costs of participating in these exhibitions, which are platforms where international buyers, media and travel agencies form partnerships.' Such exposure, she said, could help Johor capture key markets such as Europe, China and the Middle East.
New Straits Times
5 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Johor must get its tourism sector in order before 2026
JOHOR BARU: With under six months to Visit Johor 2026, Malaysian Tourist Guides Council president Jimmy Leong warned the state must reform its tourism sector or risk wasting a major opportunity. Leong welcomed the Johor government's Majestic Johor campaign but said slogans must be matched by real reforms. "Johor has the potential to become the most vibrant and sustainable state in Malaysia," Leong said. "But let's be clear, we cannot do this alone. Private and public sectors must work together to create experiences, not just sell products." Leong urged Johor to move away from outdated models and tackle problems hurting legal tourism, especially illegal operators. "Licensed tourist guides are begging for action. Illegal Airbnb operations and multipurpose vehicles ferrying tourists without proper papers are running unchecked," he said. "These rogue entities are robbing the industry while the government looks away." He questioned how licensed guides can survive when undercut by unregulated operators and proposed making it mandatory for all foreign tourist groups in Johor to use licensed guides. "Tourism's success isn't measured in brochures printed, but in jobs created. If we want to raise standards, we must first treat legal tourism partners with dignity," he said, warning that morale within the industry is wearing dangerously thin. On the broader strategy, Leong said that post-pandemic traveller behaviour has shifted dramatically, with most tourists now planning and booking trips entirely online. "Visitors are not stepping into travel agencies anymore. Flights, rooms, tours are all booked online…everything's digital. "If we want Visit Johor 2026 to succeed, our strategies must be relevant to the times," he added. Despite the challenges, Leong remained optimistic. He said Johor's proximity to Singapore is an advantage. "With the right policies and better enforcement, Johor could be transformed into a garden city known for its space, hospitality and rich cultural experiences. Meanwhile, Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi, unveiled an ambitious tourism overhaul under the newly corporatised Majestic Johor Tourism (MJT) Sdn Bhd. Johor aims to draw 12 million visitors in conjunction with Visit Johor Year 2026. The strategy, announced during the recent state assembly, signalled a shift from reactive to proactive tourism management, blending upgraded infrastructure with world-class digital marketing and global partnerships. "Johor is blessed with stunning beaches, lush rainforests and rich cultural heritage, but we must be honest in acknowledging that our tourism offerings have not yet reached their full potential," Onn Hafiz said. "We have listened to feedback, especially on social media, and are using it as a catalyst to elevate our standards." Onn Hafiz said MJT will lead the charge with a corporate structure, tapping tourism professionals to steer Johor's branding, promotional campaigns and international event collaborations. This, he said, would bring professionalism, agility, and global sensibility to Johor's tourism engine. "We are not simply launching another campaign," he said. "We are laying the foundation for tourism to become a sustainable economic driver that will improve the lives of Johoreans and puts the state on the global map." Criticism, he added, had played a constructive role. "Rather than take offence, we take ownership. The feedback has galvanised our efforts to rethink, rebuild and relaunch," he said.
The Star
15-05-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Johor govt to haul up contractors if high-impact projects are delayed
JOHOR BARU: Contractors will have to answer to the Johor government if their high-impact projects, including flood mitigation works, face issues or delays in completion. Housing and local government committee chairman Datuk Mohd Jafni Md Shukor said this was to ensure that any issues arising are tackled early on to avoid delays. 'The state government has allocated about RM100mil for high-impact developments this year, which involves more than 10 projects in various parts of Johor. 'These include flood mitigation projects at hotspots such as Kampung Mohd Amin with an allocation of RM9.8mil and the construction of an on-site detention pond in the low-lying Jalan Dato Sulaiman worth RM7.7mil,' he said after visiting the project sites on Thursday (May 15). He said RM10.3mil was also allocated to upgrade Johor Baru Hutan Bandar in three phases to improve its children's pool, campsite and jogging tracks; RM2.7mil to upgrade the Taman Merdeka park; RM7.3mil for phase two upgrades of the Johor Zoo; and RM9.3mil to widen Persiaran Abu Bakar Sultan from the existing four lanes to six. The other projects include the RM18.7mil Sungai Lebam upgrading works in Pengerang to turn the area into a tourism attraction with a children's water park and recreational facilities. He said most of the projects were scheduled for completion by the end of this year, also in time for Visit Johor 2026, which is set to kick off on Jan 1. 'We are monitoring the progress of the projects regularly to give monthly updates to Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi's office, as he is particular about meeting deadlines. 'If there are... delays, the contractor will be called in for questioning as the state government wants to ensure the projects' completion." Jafni, accompanied by Johor Baru mayor Datuk Mohd Haffiz Ahmad and government agency representatives, also visited several project sites such as the roadworks near the Bangunan Sultan Iskandar customs, immigration and quarantine complex, and repainting of the overhead pedestrian crossings in Skudai Kiri.
The Star
05-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
Adding to charm of Kg Sungai Melayu
Kampung Sungai Melayu is known for Malay cuisine and river-based leisure activities. — Photos: THOMAS YONG/The Star RM12.2mil upgrade for Kota Iskandar fishing village part of preparations for Visit Johor 2026 Johor government is investing RM12.2mil to turn Kampung Sungai Melayu into a major tourist destination in time for Visit Johor 2026 (VJ2026), says Iskandar Puteri assemblyman Datuk Pandak Ahmad. He said the fishing village was already a popular weekend spot, known especially for its asam pedas dish and mangroves. 'We are upgrading the area in two phases, with work expected to wrap up by February next year. 'The upgrades include additional parking bays, jetty, concrete boardwalk, cultural walkway and a range of other tourist-friendly amenities,' he said when met at the village. Located about 20 minutes from Kota Iskandar, Kampung Sungai Melayu is also known for its river-based leisure activities such as fishing, boat tours and crab catching. Pandak showing a rendering of an upcoming development at the village located near Kota Iskandar. Pandak said the village was selected as one of the key tourism attractions for VJ2026, thanks to its growing popularity with visitors from China, Japan and South Korea. 'More than 100,000 tourists have visited the village since it became an eco-tourism hub in 2018,' he said. 'We are expecting at least 10,000 visitors next year.' One of the highlights of the upgrading project is a new village archway completed at a cost of RM500,000. Pandak said a 1.2ha parking facility costing RM3mil, meanwhile, was designed to accommodate the expected rise in visitor numbers. Shuttle buses will also be provided to help tourists move around more easily. 'We are also building facilities such as trading spaces, an information centre, electric vehicle parking bays and recreational areas. 'All of these additions are aimed at boosting economic opportunities for the village's 800 residents while enhancing the overall visitor experience,' said Pandak.
