JOHOR BARU: Little India here is poised to become a major tourism attraction once the Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link connecting Johor Baru and Singapore begins operations on Jan 1, 2027, says Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi.
The Johor Mentri Besar said the completion of the RTS project, together with the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ), would transform Johor Baru’s landscape and boost its economic potential within the next year.
“I am confident that Johor Baru will see a major transformation within the next 12 months, not only because of the JS-SEZ but also due to the RTS Link project.
“Once it is operational, about 10,000 people will be able to cross the border every hour using the RTS. This means more visitors and tourists will be coming into Johor Baru, and Little India must become one of the key attractions,” he said when officiating the Deepavali Bazaar at Little India here on Sunday (Oct 12) night.
Onn Hafiz added the state government plans to beautify and revitalise the area within a three-kilometre radius from the Bangunan Sultan Iskandar (BSI) Customs, Immigration and Quarantine Complex (CIQ) and the upcoming RTS station.
He said the initiative aims to turn Johor Baru into a leading tourism hub in the state.
“This is not just my responsibility or that of local authorities such as Johor Baru City Council (MBJB). It must be a collective effort involving the entire community to ensure Johor continues to develop and become a major tourism destination,” he added.
The Mentri Besar also announced plans to give priority to local traders, particularly those from the Indian community, during next year’s Deepavali bazaar.
“We will limit participation from out-of-state traders two months before the festival so that priority is given to Indian traders from Johor. I believe everyone agrees this is the right move,” he said.
Onn Hafiz commended the organisers for the success of this year’s bazaar, noting that the number of traders had grown significantly compared to previous years.
He also called on Johoreans of all races to continue fostering unity and working together to strengthen the state’s harmony and progress.
“In Johor, regardless of race – Malay, Chinese or Indian – we are all part of one family, the Bangsa Johor family.
“Unity is our strength. Together, we can build a stronger and more prosperous Johor,” he added.
