Kampung Sungai Melayu is known for Malay cuisine and river-based leisure activities. — Photos: THOMAS YONG/The Star
RM12.2mil upgrade for Kota Iskandar fishing village part of preparations for Visit Johor 2026
Johor government is investing RM12.2mil to turn Kampung Sungai Melayu into a major tourist destination in time for Visit Johor 2026 (VJ2026), says Iskandar Puteri assemblyman Datuk Pandak Ahmad.
He said the fishing village was already a popular weekend spot, known especially for its asam pedas dish and mangroves.
“We are upgrading the area in two phases, with work expected to wrap up by February next year.
“The upgrades include additional parking bays, jetty, concrete boardwalk, cultural walkway and a range of other tourist-friendly amenities,” he said when met at the village.
Located about 20 minutes from Kota Iskandar, Kampung Sungai Melayu is also known for its river-based leisure activities such as fishing, boat tours and crab catching.
Pandak showing a rendering of an upcoming development at the village located near Kota Iskandar.
Pandak said the village was selected as one of the key tourism attractions for VJ2026, thanks to its growing popularity with visitors from China, Japan and South Korea.
“More than 100,000 tourists have visited the village since it became an eco-tourism hub in 2018,” he said.
“We are expecting at least 10,000 visitors next year.”
One of the highlights of the upgrading project is a new village archway completed at a cost of RM500,000.
Pandak said a 1.2ha parking facility costing RM3mil, meanwhile, was designed to accommodate the expected rise in visitor numbers.
Shuttle buses will also be provided to help tourists move around more easily.
“We are also building facilities such as trading spaces, an information centre, electric vehicle parking bays and recreational areas.
“All of these additions are aimed at boosting economic opportunities for the village’s 800 residents while enhancing the overall visitor experience,” said Pandak.
