Eyes on Johor’s upcoming tourism revival

 

JOHOR BARU: With just five months to go before Visit Johor 2026 (VJ2026), many are talking about what the southern state has to offer. 

With an upcoming trip to Johor, Sabahan Jordy Elver Osmond, 24, who is pursuing a degree in education, said he was eagerly awaiting it. 

“I have always heard from my Johor friends that the state is more advanced than many other states, especially in terms of leisure attractions.

“As a waterpark lover, I’m exci­ted. There are at least three major theme parks to explore. 

“Hopefully, there will be special promotions offered,” he said in an interview. 

Jordy hopes to see Johor elevate its appeal by hosting more international-scale events.

“Many Malaysians will agree that we need more international concerts. Why should they be limited to Kuala Lumpur? 

“I hope Johor can bring in what others cannot,” he said. 

Public relations practitioner Yew Chin Choon, 23, said a friend in Johor invited her to visit. 

“To be honest, my family and I have not seen much publicity about VJ2026, but I am excited to see what is in store compared to other states I have visited. 

“As the one who usually plans our family trips, I hope to disco­ver more family-friendly recreational spots beyond just shopping malls,” she said. 

She said eco-tourism within city areas would be an added attraction. 

“Coming from a town like Klang, I would love to see green spaces and eco-tourism destinations in urban areas, something I hear Johor has a lot of,” said Yew. 

Intern M. Daneswaren, 23, from Penang, said he was eager to explore Johor’s tourism scene, given the state’s larger size and resources. 

“As a Penangite, I am curious to see how Johor compares with Penang, which is a global tourism spot. 

“I have heard Johor is a hub for sports enthusiasts, and as someone who enjoys various sports, I do want to see what it has to offer. 

“Aside from scenic spots, international-scale events like youth forums or major sports tournaments would be something interesting,” he said. 

For pharmacist Doretty Epina Richard, 27, of Sarawak, travelling with her large family means that accessibility and convenience will be key. 

“Good transport and tour packages that suit all age groups make a big difference. It has been three years since we visited Johor. 

“I look forward to seeing how Johor has changed,” she said. 

In April, Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi said the state government carried out 33 infrastructure projects over the past year to improve local tourism spots. 

Among the projects were the second phase of upgrading works at the Johor Zoo, redevelopment of Kampung Sungai Melayu, opening of the Royal Botanical Garden and restoration of the Royal Abu Bakar Museum at Istana Besar Johor here. 

Other projects included the upgrade of the Gunung Ledang National Park in Tangkak and the Tanjung Piai National Park in Pontian.

-thestar online.