Muar
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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| District | Muar District | ||
| Area - Total (District) |
2346.12 km² | ||
| Population | 228,865
330,355 |
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| Time zone | UTC+8 | ||
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Muar (also referred to as Bandar Maharani) is a town in northwestern Johor, Malaysia. The name "Muar" is also used for the name of its district, which is further sub-divided between the Town of Muar and the sub-district of Tangkak. Muar district borders Malacca on the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia. However, both administrative regions are still collectively called Muar by their residents.
Muar district is 2346.12 km², with a population of 328,695 (2000). The name originated from the word Muara or estuary in Malay. The other possible origin is Indian influence which comes from two words; ‘Muna’ and ‘Ar’. ‘Muna’ means three and ‘Ar’ means river, denoting the Muar River, which flows through Muar.
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[edit] Geography
The town of Muar is located at , at the mouth of the Muar River. The town is about 150 km (93 miles) southeast of Malaysia's capital Kuala Lumpur, and about the same distance(179 km) northwest of Singapore . It is 45km south of Malacca Town and 50 km north of Batu Pahat.
[edit] History
Muar is rich in history but due to the absence of proper historical record and archeological evidence, Muar's history mostly remains in oblivion. It is believed that the history of Muar started much earlier than the Sultanate of Malacca. In 1361, there was an account that claimed Muar as part of the Majapahit empire. Another account had also stated that Parameswara, founder of the Malacca empire, had established a settlement at Pagoh, Ulu Muar upon his exile from Temasik before proceeding to Melaka. Muar is also the home for the one and only tomb of the Malacca Sultanate, Sultan Alauddin Riayat Shah (1477 - 1488). Other tombs were brutally destroyed by the Portuguese during their occupation of Malacca. Muar played a role in resisting the Portuguese occupation of Malacca in 1511. In response to attacks from the Portuguese fleet, the Bentayan fort was built by the Sultan of Malacca to repel seaborne invasions.
Muar, during the Portuguese era, had been a site for a Portuguese fort named Fortaleza de Muar to defend the colony against the Dutch and Acheh attack.
Muar was the Royal town of northern Johor. It had in fact been an independent kingdom ruled by Sultan Ali for a short period (1855-1877), when control of the state of Johor (except Muar) was formally ceded to Dato' Temenggong Daing Ibrahim under the terms of a treaty between the British in Singapore and Sultan Ali. He was in fact the real heir of the Johor Sultanate but due to his weakness, the rule of Johor was controlled by "Temenggong".
Upon his death in 1877, he crowned his 11-year-old son named Tengku Mahmood as his successor, fueling anger and unsatisfaction of Tengku Alam. Colonel Archibald Anson's action of returning Muar to Sultan Abu Bakar made him became even more unsatisfied. Therefore, Tengku Alam launched Jementah Civil War to force the government of Johor to return Muar to him but the government refused. After Johor government's victory in Jementah Civil War on 30 December 1879, Muar was finally annexed as part of the Johor state. Muar was also known as 'Bandar Maharani' (Empress'Town), a name given by Sultan Abu Bakar in 1884. Muar for many years has been the second largest town (in terms of population) in Johor but that spot has now been taken over by the neighbouring town of Batu Pahat. Nonetheless, Muar still remains the second most important town administratively after the state capital, Johor Bahru.
Muar Town was found by Lim Tong Lian [1]who was Leader of Muar Straits called " Kang Chu" during 19th Century. During that period, most chinese involved in plantation of "Gambir" which the plant seeds could be used for spices. Subsequently, Muar town developed growing to a commercial center and variety of business exists.
[edit] Muar State Railway
Muar is the only town in Malaysia that had been served by its own railway network, known as Muar State Railways (MSR), operating just 4 years after the first railway line of the country from Taiping to Port Weld was inaugurated in 1885. The railway operated from 1889 to 1925 linking Jalan Sulaiman in Bandar Maharani and Sungai Pulai for a distance of 22.5 km. Being the local light railway, MSR was isolated from the national railway network but there was a plan in 1916 to extend the line to Batu Pahat. However, the project has never taken off due to financial and geographical constraints. The railway was profitable and had facilitated the mobility of people and goods besides promoting the economic development through opening of new coconut plantations along the railway corridor. However, its prominence had dwindled upon the opening of Jalan Abdul Rahman in 1918 that linked Bandar Maharani and Parit Jawa. In addition, maintenance of the dilapidated infrastructure was very limited. The track was often neglected to the extent that poor drainage had damaged the track substructure. Moreover, the absence of ballast stone in the track construction had also contributed to the fast deterioration of the track that ground settlements were common and had caused several derailments. Huge fund was required to rehabilitate the railway. Being saddled with financial constraints and declining popularity, MSR's glorious existence of 36 years finally came to an end in 1925. Remnants of the track has disappeared since the track had been replaced by Jalan Temenggung Ahmad. The display of MSR locomotive at Taman Tanjung Emas is the only relic that proves the presence of MSR in the past. It is believed that the locomotive is the oldest in the country that can be seen intact since the steam locomotive on display at the National Museum in Kuala Lumpur is of a later model. Considering that Muar has never been a state capital nor largest town of the state, it was a remarkable feat for Muar to have its own and exclusive railway network comparable to the present day LRT system, a facility that even Kuala Lumpur, the nation's capital, did not have at that time.
[edit] Administration
Muar District is divided into two entities, administratively, Muar town and Tangkak. Muar town is administered by Muar Municipal Council, while Tangkak is administered by Tangkak District Council.
A new administration centre, called Muar Two, is being planned for Muar town. The new administration centre which will house all the federal and state administrative buildings will be situated on the inner ring road of Muar town.
[edit] Commerce & Industry
Muar is known as the furniture capital of Malaysia. It has more furniture factories than any other towns or cities in Malaysia. In addition, Muar is also the home of two factories belonging to multinational companies, i.e., SGS-Thomson (ST) Microelectronic and Pioneer. Industrial estates within Muar district are located at Tanjung Agas, Pagoh and Tangkak,Parit Bakar.
There are many supermarkets in Muar, such as The Store, Hock Hai Plaza (to be replaced by Giant soon) and Astaka. Wetex Parade (housing The Store) is the only shopping mall available in Muar at present, located at Jalan Ali, in the heart of the business and shopping district. In the past five years, a new business centre has sprung up along Jalan Bakri at the junction of Jalan Haji Jaib, Jalan Bakri and Kampung Kenangan Tun Dr. Ismail, where the Econsave Hypermarket has just opened for business (03/10/2006).
Besides, new commercial development which is expected to house a private hospital and shopping centre is ongoing on the northern bank of Muar River, on a site reclaimed from a mangrove forest.
[edit] Towns in Muar
The following are some of the small towns in Muar:
- Parit Bakar
- Parit Jawa
- Bukit Bakri
- Bukit Pasir
- Pagoh
- Bukit Gambir
- Sungai Mati
[edit] Infrastructure
The 14 km Muar bypass highway (2 lane dual carriageway) inclusive of a picturesque Muar Second Bridge that was completed in 2005 is the latest landmark of the town. The highway that traverses through the outskirts of the town would ease the journey by diverting the traffic from Muar town, and thus, alleviating the congestion at the older Sultan Ismail Bridge. Such highway (or ring road) is normally a feature for Kuala Lumpur, Johor Bahru, Penang, Malacca and Seremban which are all state capitals. Although Muar does not enjoy the status of a major city, its provision in Muar has illustrated the economic importance of Muar and would enable Muar to regain its former spot as the second largest town in Johor.
Besides federal roads, Muar is also accessible via the North-South Expressway through the Tangkak and Pagoh interchanges which are located 20 km and 30 km from the town, respectively.
Ferry services to Dumai, Sumatra, Indonesia is also available on regular basis, departing from the Custom Jetty.
[edit] Tourism
[edit] Gunung Ledang National Park
One of the main tourist attractions in Muar is the Gunung Ledang National Park. The park is situated 170 km from Johor Bahru and has an area of 107 km². The park has two entry points, one in Sagil, Johor and the other in Asahan, Melaka. Gunung Ledang's peak, which is 1276 m above sea level is the highest point in the park and Johor. Gunung Ledang is also the 64th highest mountain in Malaysia and arguably the most climbed mountain in the country. Sagil waterfall, which is also in the park is a famous picnic site.
See also Legend of Gunung Ledang
[edit] Food
Muar is also famous for its food. The most well-known local food are "Otak-otak" and "Mee Bandung Muar". Muar is also known for being one of the few places where satay (a Malaysian delicacy of skewered grilled chicken or beef) is served for breakfast.
Visiting some restaurants and coffee shops in Muar would give nostalgic experience since the environment and food/beverage being served have not changed since the 60s and 70s. Coffee served by these restaurants has its unique taste which is believed to be comparable to the famed Kluang coffee.
Muar has a famous street, "Jalan Haji Abu", known as "Dham Chia Kuey" in Hokkien, which is well known for it variety of food. Many local Chinese food are available here, including wanton mee, otak-otak, "Õ jian" (Fried Oyster Omelette), and etc.
[edit] Accommodation
There are also a few hotels which cater to tourists who wish to stay overnight in Muar town. These include:
- Apartel Maharani
- Classic Hotel
- Riverview Hotel
- Embassy Hotel
- Hotel Sri Pelangi
- Kingdom Hotel
- Leewa Hotel
- Nam Yang Hotel.
[edit] Local Attractions
Rows of well preserved pre-war buildings still dominate the town’s architecture. These buildings still house various shops along Jalan Abdullah, dubbed as Muar’s central business district. Prominent heritage buildings, among others, are the Abu Bakar Building (completed in 1929) that houses the town’s administrative offices and the Custom building (completed in 1909). The age of most buildings can be easily identified since the date of completion (ranging from 1930s to 1950s) were cast on the buildings’ exterior. These buildings are the priceless heritage that portrays Muar’s prosperous past and appreciating this splendour would bring one’s memory back to the nostalgic yesteryears.
Another attraction of Muar town is Taman Tanjung Emas, the town’s park, which is located at the estuary of Muar river. It is outlined by a picturesque esplanade overlooking the scenic river. The park, which is much visited during the weekends, also houses a 9-hole golf course. A 45 minute to one hour river cruise departing from this park is also available to offer tourists views of Muar town from the river.
The Sultan Ibrahim Jamek Mosque is one of the major landmarks of Muar town. Completed in 1927, its architectural design has British influence. The mosque is noted for its four-storey minaret in its backyard. The latest icon of the town is the Sultan Ismail Mosque, located at the northern bank of Muar River in Tanjung Agas. Its design is similar to the first mosque. Completed in 2002, it is the biggest mosque in town. Both mosques offer a breathtaking scenery when viewed from the Muar River mouth, while on a river cruise.
[edit] Education
Education of Muar's younger generation is adequately provided by the schools in Muar. This is an incomplete list of schools in Muar.
Secondary Schools
- SMK St. Andrew (SAS)
- SMK(A) Ma'ahad Muar
- Muar High School
- SMK Convent
- SMK Bandar Maharani (SMKBM)
- SMK Dato' Sri Amar Diraja (SEDAR)
- SMK(P) Sultan Abu Bakar (SAB)
- SMK Jalan Junid
- SMK Sri Muar
- MRSM Muar (full boarding school)
- Sekolah Menengah Sains Muar (full boarding school)
- SMK Tun Mamat (half boarding school)
- Chung Hwa High School
Muar High School (麻坡高级中学) was established in 1904 and the majestic building built in 1915 is still standing. During the Second World War,
the school was used as a Japanese concentration camp. Its alumni include national and state leaders, high-ranking government officials and industrialists, such as Tan Sri Osman Saat, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, Dato Seri Abdul Ghani Othman and Dato Chua Jui Meng.
National Primary Schools
- SK Sawah Ring
- SK Bukit Gambir
- SK Simpang Lima
Chinese Primary Schools
- SRJK Chung Hwa 1A (中化一小)
- SRJK Chung Hwa 1B
- SRJK Chung Hwa 2A (中化二小)
- SRJK Chung Hwa 2B
- SRJK Chung Hwa 3 (中化三小)
- SRJK Chung Hwa Presbyterian (中化基小)
- SRJK C Sing Hwa (醒华小学）)
- SRJK Chian Kuo
[edit] Hospitals
Muar and Tangkak are served by two government hospitals as well as numerous primary health centres. The two hospitals are:
- Muar General Hospital, which has recently been upgraded to specialist hospital status and renamed Hospital Pakar Sultanah Fatimah.
- Tangkak District Hospital
Currently, both hospitals also serve as teaching hospitals for Melaka Manipal Medical College.
[edit] Culture
Muar is the birthplace of ‘Ghazal', Johor’s traditional musical heritage, which has a Persian origin.
It is generally acknowledged that the local dialect of Malay spoken here (and throughout the state of Johor) is the standard version of the language adopted by the country.
Other than the above, the Muar Chinese community is well known for their lion dance. Muar "Guan Sheng Temple" had been world champion for 10 times consecutively in the International Championship for Lion Dance.
[edit] Notable people from Muar
This is an incomplete list of famous current and former residents of Muar.
- Johor Menteri Besar, Datuk Abdul Ghani Othman.
- Former Johor Menteri Besar, Tan Sri Osman Saat.
- Minister of Agriculture and Agro Based Industry who was also a former Johor Menteri Besar, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.
- Former Health Minister of Malaysia, Chua Jui Meng.
- Famous singer/celebrity, Ramlah Ram, Nash, Zainal Abidin,TRO Group and Jaafar Onn.
- Malaysia top badminton player, Yap Kim Hock.
- Former Minister of Law and the Judiciary, Lord President of the Supreme Court and Attorney-General of Malaysia, Tan Sri Abdul Kadir Yusuf was born in Parit Sakai.
- The former Minister of Home Affairs and first Speaker of the Dewan Rakyat, Tan Sri Mohammad Noah.
- Former UMNO meeting chairman Tun Sulaiman Ninam Shah.
- Former Acting President of Malaysian Chinese Association (MCA), Datuk Dr. Neo Yee Pan.
[edit] Developments
The sub-districts of Muar and Tangkak will be separated and each upgraded to a full-fledged district next year, but it won't be called Tangkak district.
Mentri Besar Datuk Abdul Ghani Othman said the new Ledang district would cover Tangkak town, Tangjung Agas, Kesang, Sungai Mati, Serom, Sagil and Bukit Gambir.
“We are looking for a suitable site to build the administrative centre. When Ledang is a district, those from here can say they are from Ledang, not Muar,” he told reporters at the Ledang Umno Hari Raya gathering on November 18, 2006.
[edit] External links
- Muar @ Talk Malaysia
- Magazine of Muar
- History of Muar
- The Official Website Of Muar Municipal Council
- Muar city center map
[edit] Gallery
 A view of Muar from MARA Bazaar. |
 Scene of Muar River bank from Sultan Ismail Bridge. |
 One of the unique buildings in the town centre. |
 View of Gunung Ledang (Mount Ophir) from Muar River bank. |
 Muar River mouth. Mosque at right side of river bank is Sultan Ibrahim Mosque 2. |
 Muar River view. |
 Muar Jalan Haji Abu Hawker Centre. |
 Muar Jalan Bentayan Hawker Centre. |
 Muar old shop. |
 Muar Jalan Abdullah Street View. |
 Bus Station Muar. |
 Teochew Association Building. |
 Eng Choon, Hokkien Association Building. |
 Jalan Ali. |
 Fish Market Muar. |
 Temple at Muar. |
[edit] References
- Muar to say goodbye to Tangkak, The Star, November 20, 2006
