Leong giving a talk on Johor Baru’s history. — Courtesy photo
LEARNING about Johor’s history can help boost tourism and put the state on the world map, says the Johor Tourist Guides Association (JTGA).
Its chairman Jimmy Leong said such efforts could support preparations for Visit Johor 2026.
“History has been the foundation for the development and progress of Johor and it is sad that many do not know much about it,” he said.
“As Johoreans, they should at least know some basic history about the state.”
He said promoting the state was a shared responsibility involving everyone, including the public.
Leong, who is also Malaysian Tourist Guides Council president, urged groups and government agencies to organise free public history sessions.
“We do not have the funding to carry out such an event, but we are prepared to support in other ways, including by being speakers at such events,” he said.
“Last month, the Johor Baru City Council (MBJB) approached us and successfully carried out such an initiative and we hope to see more in the future.”
Leong said he gave a three-hour talk on the history of Johor, particularly Johor Baru, to a crowd of about 250 people.
“We focused more on Johor Baru’s history as MBJB wants people to know more about the city, including important landmarks and historical events,” he said.
“A majority of those attending the session were from MBJB, but we also had some e-hailing drivers and tour guides joining in.
“In doing so, at least they could all learn a thing or two about the city that they could share with visitors when they visit us.”
Meanwhile, Johor Baru mayor Datuk Mohd Haffiz Ahmad said in a statement that the event was organised under the council’s tourism and recreation committee.
“The committee was established to implement initiatives based on the Sustainable Development Goals.
“2026 has been designated as Visit Johor Year and this course serves as part of our preparation to welcome both local and international tourists with accurate information and warm hospitality,” he said.
Mohd Haffiz, who launched the event, said the course was organised in collaboration with strategic partners such as the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry, Tourism Johor, Grab, Yayasan Warisan Johor and the JTGA.
