Onn Hafiz speaking on some of the infrastructure improvements to boost Johor’s tourism appeal. — THOMAS YONG/ The Star
Johor government has carried out 33 infrastructure projects since last year to improve local tourism spots.
Construction as well as upgrading works have been implemented in Gunung Ledang National Park in Tangkak and Tanjung Piai National Park in Pontian.
Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi said all the projects were part of efforts to ensure the success of Visit Johor 2026 (VJ2026) which aims to attract 12 million domestic and international tourists.
“More than RM6mil has been allocated to upgrade public infrastructure at Gunung Ledang National Park where works began last August and will be completed this September.
“On a good weekend, the park is able to attract 15,000 visitors.
“We expect that once the upgrade is completed, the park will record an even higher number of visitors,” he said.
Johor Zoo will soon be open at night.
Onn Hafiz shared this with local tourism players during the VJ2026 townhall programme at a hotel in Johor Baru.
He added that the state government had also allocated RM3.2mil to upgrade facilities at Tanjung Piai National Park where works began last August and are due to be completed this October.
Nature lovers can also look forward to the official opening of Taman Botani Iskandar in Iskandar Puteri.
For history buffs, there will be the opening of Royal Abu Bakar Museum at Istana Besar, Johor Baru.
Another attraction to look forward to is the redevelopment of the century-old Kampung Sungai Melayu fishing village in Iskandar Puteri.
Other improvements include the second phase of Johor Zoo’s upgrading which will enable the attraction to extend its opening hours into the night.
Onn Hafiz noted that many people had joked, especially on social media, of having nothing else to do in the state except eat.
“That perception needs to change and the government is taking measures to ensure this happens.
While upgrades to Gunung Ledang National Park will be completed by September.
“It is time we elevate the state’s tourism sector to the highest level because Johor has many attractive destinations that were previously under-promoted.”
Onn Hafiz also expressed hope that players in the state’s tourism industry would enhance hospitality standards when welcoming foreign visitors.
“In any business, it’s all about service. We must ensure top-notch service so that tourists are encouraged to return to Johor.
“The ability to speak proper English is also a basic skill that we must improve on to attract more international tourists to Johor,” he said.
The official launch of VJ2026 is set to take place this August, supported by a large-scale advertising campaign across the state.
