Mention Muar and thoughts immediately turn to local favourites like asam pedas, otak-otak and mee bandung.
Yet, beyond its reputation as a food haven, this royal town in north-western Johor has also built a name for itself as a clean and charming destination, winning the Asean Clean Tourist City Standard Award in 2017.
According to locals, about 90% of Muar town falls within the Bentayan state constituency, where residents enjoy a slower, more deliberate pace of life – a quality that has earned it the nickname “retirement town”.
Self-employed resident Muhammad Fahmi Md Johan, 35, said he was not bothered by the label, believing Muar’s peaceful environment made it a suitable place to raise a family.
“I am fine with Muar being called a retirement town because it means there are fewer social problems here.
“It is a calm and safe place for my four children.
“As parents, we do not have to worry as much,” he told StarMetro.
However, he hopes long-standing issues in Bentayan, particularly flash floods and traffic congestion, would be addressed swiftly.
“Areas near the Bentayan bus terminal and Hospital Pakar Sultanah Fatimah are among the locations that frequently experience congestion,” he added.
University student Celine Sim, 21, believes Muar holds untapped tourism potential that can be further developed.
She said while the town boasts unique attractions, including firefly watching activities in Sabak Awor and well-preserved pre-war buildings featuring British, Chinese, Dutch, Indian, Malay and Peranakan architectural influences, these gems were under-promoted.
“When I travel with my parents, I realise some of the attractions we go and see elsewhere are actually available right here in Muar.
“Why are they not promoted more?” she asked.
Sim noted existing initiatives such as local walking tours, marathons and cultural festivals were steps in the right direction but more could be done to package Muar as a tourism destination.
“I hope more people get to know about my beautiful hometown,” she added.
For Ng Kim Wee, 57, who operates a herbal drink stall along Jalan Haji Abu, popularly known as “Glutton Street” for its many food stalls, preserving the town’s culinary heritage is important.
He said the area, which once had more than 30 stalls, now has around 20 in operation.
“Decades ago, there was a cinema here and business boomed, especially at night before and after the movie screenings.
“Things have changed so much since the cinema closed down,” he said, adding that business had also declined due to inconsistent operating hours among remaining vendors.
“I hope the local council and the next Bentayan elected representative can look into improving this area and bring in wider variety of food choices,” he said.
Ng pointed out that many iconic food businesses had disappeared as ageing operators retire and younger family members were reluctant to take over.
“It is not easy work because the hours are long and the kitchen environment is hot and tiring.
“But there are also success stories, such as traditional biscuit shops where the younger generation has taken over, rebranded the business and used social media to give it a fresh identity,” he said.
Retired kindergarten teacher B. Mallika, 66, said creating more job opportunities was crucial to encourage young people to stay in Muar.
“Many highly educated youths have moved to Kuala Lumpur or Johor Baru in search of better- paying jobs.
“My own children are working outside Muar.
“I hope more investments can come in to create better jobs and business opportunities in future,” she said.
The Taman Sri Cempaka resident also said Muar’s lower cost of living remained one of its strengths.
“The beauty of Muar is that we enjoy a relaxed pace of life and the cost of living is not as high as in major cities.
“In Johor Baru, a piece of kuih can cost RM1 and above, while in Muar, we can still get it for 50sen or 60sen,” she said.
Bentayan, which comprises 34,205 voters, is one of three state constituencies under the Bakri parliamentary constituency.
It has a demographic composition of about 69.9% Chinese voters, 26.8% Malays, 2.4% Indians and 0.7% others.
In the 15th Johor polls in March 2022, Pakatan Harapan’s Ng Yak Howe retained the seat with 10,973 votes, securing a 7,476-vote majority against Barisan Nasional’s Gan Q’i Ru (3,497 votes) and Perikatan Nasional’s Eddy Tan Kok Hong (2,534 votes).
The upcoming 16th Johor state election will see a straight fight between incumbent Ng and Barisan’s Chua Lee Huat.
Polling day is set for July 11, with early voting scheduled for July 7.
