Most residents in quiet Renggam want to preserve the town’s unique, old-world character.
“We love things just the way they are and not every old way needs a modern fix,” said Lee Kim San, 60, who runs Kedai Chop Tai Ann Tong in Jalan Bahru.
The 80-year-old traditional sundry shop was founded by Kim San’s father, Lee Bak Her, in 1946 and still remains in the exact spot in the town located in Kluang district, Johor.
“The beauty of living in a small town like Renggam is that almost everybody knows each other,” said Kim San.
He said Renggam town’s unique features were its laid-back lifestyle, well-preserved 1930s shophouses, deep colonial-era plantation roots, and vibrant murals for photo-taking.
He noted that the electric train service (ETS) connecting Johor Baru to Renggam, which officially started on Dec 12, 2025, had drawn Singaporean visitors.
“They spend about three hours touring the town on foot before hopping on the next train to Kluang,” he said.
He added that sadly there were no local souvenirs for visitors to take home.
Labourer Saruni Bibet, 43, said the town would come alive on Saturdays during the weekly pasar pagi (morning market) from 7am to noon.
“The market is where most residents meet to exchange news, gossip and catch up,” the Kampung Tengah Renggam resident said.
Saruni suggested Simpang Renggam District Council (MDSR) come up with plans to promote traditional villages in and around Renggam, alongside Simpang Renggam, Layang-Layang and Machap.
“Traditional villages can offer authentic rural homestays, local food treats and scenic agricultural sights to visitors, especially city dwellers,” he said.
Halijah Ibrahim, 76, said the key benefits of living in the slow-paced town were its peaceful surroundings, fresh air, low stress and strong community bonds.
“Youngsters, however, do not find Renggam attractive. They leave for Kuala Lumpur, Singapore or Johor Baru due to the lack of job opportunities here,” she said.
Halijah, who runs a kiosk next to the bus terminal in the town, selling nasi lemak and Malay kuih from 10am to 4pm daily except Fridays, said her main customers were lorry drivers, schoolchildren and teachers.
“Drivers heading to Ayer Hitam, Kluang, Simpang Renggam and Layang-Layang usually stop by for toilet breaks or meals before continuing their journey,” she said.
