The defunct Ayer Molek Prison in Johor Baru has been given a new lease of life as Kota Jail, a creative community hub and tourism destination.
The 143-year-old landmark has been transformed into a centre for arts, culture and community activities, preserving one of Johor’s most distinctive heritage buildings while preventing it from falling into further disrepair.
Kota Jail operations director Zul Abbas said the prison ceased operations in 2005 and was left completely abandoned by 2017 before being revived as a social enterprise in December 2024.
“Extensive restoration and cleaning works were carried out, including reconnecting essential utilities such as electricity, to ensure the building was safe before we welcomed visitors during our soft launch on March 14, 2025,” he said recently.
Since opening to the public, Kota Jail has become one of Johor Baru’s popular tourism attractions, drawing more than two million local and international visitors.
“What makes this place special is that we did not undertake large- scale reconstruction that could compromise its historical value. Instead, we deliberately preserved its peeling walls, rusted iron bars and even the emotional graffiti left behind by former inmates.
“Our guiding principle is ‘raw’ and ‘beautifully broken’. Those parts of the building that had collapsed, deteriorated or suffered termite damage, we restored them only to the extent necessary to ensure visitor safety while preserving the original facade,” he said.
Zul said the approach had transformed the remnants of the prison’s past into an artistic “space of the future”.
Former detention cells have been repurposed into rentable spaces for creative enterprises and contemporary art exhibitions. The site also features a history gallery and a cafe.
To ensure the long-term sustainability of the self-funded creative hub, Kota Jail plans to introduce new offerings, including pop-up bazaars, street fashion showcases, history forums and backpacker-style accommodation.
Zul said Kota Jail was never intended to operate as a conventional museum with static, one-way displays, but rather as a dynamic “third space” for the community.
“We want young people to come here not in search of paranormal experiences but to appreciate our heritage, understand the site’s history, and explore its century-old architecture and history,” he said.
Located along Jalan Ayer Molek, Kota Jail is open daily from 10am to 10pm.
Admission to the public areas is free, while gallery entry is ticketed. – Bernama
