Kota Jail in Johor Baru, the country’s third-oldest prison, is being turned into a major tourist attraction.
AN abandoned prison in Johor Baru built in the late 1800s is being turned into a place for the local art, culture and heritage scene by youth group Joho.
Joho co-founder Zul Abas said they are working closely with Johor Baru City Council (MBJB) and Prisons Department to bring the Ayer Molek prison back to life.
It is located within a 5.2ha plot in the heart of the city.
“Among our plans is to have a museum, seminar area, work places and multipurpose area.
“We are carrying out repair and restoration works involving 10 buildings within the old prison complex.
“Works started in October,” he told StarMetro.
Among the oldest in the country after Pudu and Taiping prisons, Ayer Molek – also known as Kota Jail – opened in 1883.
Following the setting up of Johor Baru Correctional Centre in Ulu Choh and Simpang Renggam Prison, Kota Jail was used as a police lockup from 2005 before being abandoned in 2018.
Zul said the prison had heritage and historical value.
“It would be a waste to see Kota Jail developed into a commercial site similar to what has happened to other historical buildings in the country.
“The work is being done in three phases,” he said, adding that the first phase was expected to be completed by the first quarter of next year.
“Hopefully, part of the old prison will be open to the public by Jan 29.”
Zul also spoke about the in-depth research on the jail carried out since 2018.
The research team, including local historians, had engaged with the National Archives of Malaysia and their Singapore counterparts, he said.
“All the information we received, including documents, will be on display at the museum.
“We are also roping in former inmates to work as tour guides.
“By doing this, they will be able to tell their stories and recount what it was like to be in the prison.”
Zul said the former prison would be a new attraction ahead of Visit Johor Year 2026.
On another matter, he said there will be a flea market held at the prison carpark from Dec 25 to 27.
This follows a flea market previously held at the venue involving 50 traders.
Zul said the event, called jail market, garnered positive feedback from visitors.
Joho, he said, would also work closely with Tourism Johor and other local industry players to promote Kota Jail as a tourist destination.
