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'Muar' (also referred to as 'Bandar Maharani') is a town in northwestern Johor, Malaysia. The name "Muar" is also used for the name of its district, which is further sub-divided between the Town of Muar and the sub-district of Tangkak. Muar district borders Malacca on the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia. However, both administrative regions are still collectively called Muar by their residents.
Muar district is 2346.12 km², with a population of 328,695 (2000). The name originated from the word ''Muara'' or estuary in Malay. The other possible origin is Indian influence which comes from two words; ‘Muna’ and ‘Ar’. ‘Muna’ means three and ‘Ar’ means river, denoting the Muar River, which flows through Muar.

Contents

Geography

Climate

2006-2007 floods

History

Muar State Railway

Administration

Future development

Commerce & Industry

Towns in Muar

Infrastructure

Tourism

Gunung Ledang National Park

Food

Accommodation

Local Attractions

Education

Hospitals

Culture

Notable people from Muar

External links

Gallery

References

Geography

The town of Muar is located at , at the mouth of the Muar River. The town is about 150 km (93 miles) southeast of Malaysia's capital Kuala Lumpur, and about the same distance(179 km) northwest of Singapore . It is 45km south of Malacca Town and 50 km north of Batu Pahat.

Climate

2006-2007 floods

On 19 December 2006, unusually heavy rainfall in the states of Johor and Melaka resulted in the worst flooding in southern Peninsular Malaysia. Muar was not spared from this dreadful disaster which lasted almost a month. Many areas of Muar such as Pagoh, Lenga, Kundang Ulu, Bukit Gambir and Sawah Ring were seriously flooded with some areas up to 10 feet. About 22,933 people were evacuated to relief centres (reported by The Star, 25 Dec 2006). Flood waters also damaged freshwater pumps and electric generators. Consequently, in an ironic twist, water supply was cut off in Muar for almost one week. During that period which coincided with the Christmas and the Aidil Adha celebrations, most of the residents in Muar could not obtain clean fresh water supply and people had to resort to collecting rain water. Overall, the flood resulted in huge losses in Muar where many possessions and infrastructure were destroyed.

History

Muar is rich in history but due to the absence of proper historical record and archeological evidence, Muar's history mostly remains in oblivion. It is believed that the history of Muar started much earlier than the Sultanate of Malacca. In 1361, there was an account that claimed Muar as part of the Majapahit empire. Another account had also stated that Parameswara, founder of the Malacca empire, had established a settlement at Pagoh, Ulu Muar upon his exile from Temasik before proceeding to Melaka. Muar is also the home for the one and only tomb of the Malacca Sultanate, Sultan Alauddin Riayat Shah (1477 - 1488). Other tombs were brutally destroyed by the Portuguese during their occupation of Malacca. Muar played a role in resisting the Portuguese occupation of Malacca in 1511. In response to attacks from the Portuguese fleet, the Bentayan fort was built by the Sultan of Malacca to repel seaborne invasions.
Muar, during the Portuguese era, had been a site for a Portuguese fort named Fortaleza de Muar to defend the colony against the Dutch and Acheh attack.
Muar was the royal town of northern Johor. It had in fact been an independent kingdom ruled by Sultan Ali for a short period, when control of the state of Johor (except Muar) was formally ceded to Dato' Temenggong Daing Ibrahim under the terms of a treaty between the British in Singapore and Sultan Ali. He was in fact the real heir of the Johor Sultanate but due to his weakness, the Temenggong was the ''de facto'' ruler, instead.
Upon his death in 1877, his 11-year-old son, Tengku Mahmood, was named his successor, fueling anger and dissatisfaction of Tengku Alam. Colonel Archibald Anson's action of returning Muar to Sultan Abu Bakar made him even more dissatisfied. Therefore, Tengku Alam launched Jementah Civil War to force the government of Johor to return Muar to him but the government refused. After Johor government's victory in Jementah Civil War on 30 December 1879, Muar was finally annexed as part of the Johor state. Muar was also known as 'Bandar Maharani' (Empress'Town), a name given by Sultan Abu Bakar in 1884. Muar for many years has been the second largest town (in terms of population) in Johor but that spot has now been taken over by the neighbouring town of Batu Pahat. Nonetheless, Muar still remains the second most important town administratively after the state capital, Johor Bahru.
Muar Town was founded by Lim Tong Lian^[1] who was leader of Muar Straits, called Kangchu, during the 19th century. During that period, most Chinese were involved in the plantation of gambier, a type of spice. Subsequently, Muar town developed into a commercial center.

Muar State Railway

Muar is the only town in Malaysia that had been served by its own railway network, known as Muar State Railways (MSR), operating just 4 years after the first railway line of the country from Taiping to Port Weld was inaugurated in 1885. The railway operated from 1889 to 1925 linking Jalan Sulaiman in Bandar Maharani and Sungai Pulai for a distance of 22.5 km. Being the local light railway, MSR was isolated from the national railway network but there was a plan in 1916 to extend the line to Batu Pahat. However, the project has never taken off due to financial and geographical constraints. The railway was profitable and had facilitated the mobility of people and goods besides promoting the economic development through opening of new coconut plantations along the railway corridor. However, its prominence had dwindled upon the opening of Jalan Abdul Rahman in 1918 that linked Bandar Maharani and Parit Jawa. In addition, maintenance of the dilapidated infrastructure was very limited. The track was often neglected to the extent that poor drainage had damaged the track substructure. Moreover, the absence of ballast stone in the track construction had also contributed to the fast deterioration of the track that ground settlements were common and had caused several derailments. Huge fund was required to rehabilitate the railway. Being saddled with financial constraints and declining popularity, MSR's glorious existence of 36 years finally came to an end in 1925. Remnants of the track has disappeared since the track had been replaced by Jalan Temenggung Ahmad. The display of MSR locomotive at Taman Tanjung Emas is the only relic that proves the presence of MSR in the past. It is believed that the locomotive is the oldest in the country that can be seen intact since the steam locomotive on display at the National Museum in Kuala Lumpur is of a later model. Considering that Muar has never been a state capital nor largest town of the state, it was a remarkable feat for Muar to have its own and exclusive railway network comparable to the present day LRT system, a facility that even Kuala Lumpur, the nation's capital, did not have at that time.

Administration

Muar District is currently divided into two entities, administratively, Muar town and Tangkak. Muar town is administered by Muar Municipal Council, while Tangkak is administered by Tangkak District Council. Muar also has a marine police base.
A new administration centre, called ''Muar Two'', is being planned for Muar town. The new administration centre which will house all the federal and state administrative buildings will be situated on the inner ring road of Muar town.

Future development

The sub-districts of Muar and Tangkak will be separated and each upgraded to full-fledged districts in 2007. Tangkak will not be called Tangkak district but Ledang district.
Mentri Besar Datuk Abdul Ghani Othman said the new Ledang district would cover Tangkak town, Tanjung Agas, Kesang, Sungai Mati, Serom, Sagil and Bukit Gambir.
“We are looking for a suitable site to build the administrative centre. When Ledang is a district, those from here can say they are from Ledang, not Muar,” he told reporters at the Ledang Umno Hari Raya gathering on November 18, 2006.

Commerce & Industry

Muar is known as the furniture capital of Malaysia. It has more furniture factories than any other towns or cities in Malaysia. In addition, Muar is also the home of two factories belonging to multinational companies, i.e., SGS-Thomson (ST) Microelectronic and Pioneer. Industrial estates within Muar district are located at Tanjung Agas, Pagoh and Tangkak, Parit Bakar.
There are many supermarkets in Muar, such as The Store, One-Stop, Astaka and K-Mart. Wetex Parade (housing The Store) is the only shopping mall available in Muar at present, located at Jalan Ali, in the heart of the business and shopping district. In the past five years, a new business centre has sprung up along Jalan Bakri at the junction of Jalan Haji Jaib, Jalan Bakri and Kampung Kenangan Tun Dr. Ismail, where the Econsave Hypermarket has just opened for business (03/10/2006).
Besides, new commercial development which is expected to house a private hospital and shopping centre, including Giant Hypermarket is ongoing on the northern bank of Muar River, on a site reclaimed from a mangrove forest.

Towns in Muar

The following are some of the small towns in Muar:

★ Parit Bakar

★ Parit Jawa

★ Bukit Bakri

★ Bukit Pasir

★ Pagoh

★ Bukit Gambir

★ Sungai Mati

Infrastructure

The 14 km Muar Bypass highway (2 lane dual carriageway) inclusive of a picturesque Muar Second Bridge that was completed in 2005 is the latest landmark of the town. The highway that traverses through the outskirts of the town would ease the journey by diverting the traffic from Muar town, and thus, alleviating the congestion at the older Sultan Ismail Bridge. Such highway (or ring road) is normally a feature for Kuala Lumpur, Johor Bahru, Penang, Malacca and Seremban which are all state capitals. Although Muar does not enjoy the status of a major city, its provision in Muar has illustrated the economic importance of Muar and would enable Muar to regain its former spot as the second largest town in Johor.
Besides federal roads, Muar is also accessible via the North-South Expressway through the Tangkak and Pagoh interchanges which are located 20 km and 30 km from the town, respectively.
Ferry services to Dumai, Sumatra, Indonesia is also available on regular basis, departing from the Custom Jetty.

Tourism

Gunung Ledang National Park

One of the main tourist attractions in Muar is the Gunung Ledang National Park. The park is situated 170 km from Johor Bahru and has an area of 107 km². The park has two entry points, one in Sagil, Johor and the other in Asahan, Melaka. Gunung Ledang's peak, which is 1276 m above sea level is the highest point in the park and Johor. Gunung Ledang is also the 64th highest mountain in Malaysia and arguably the most climbed mountain in the country. Sagil waterfall, which is also in the park is a famous picnic site.
''See also'' Legend of Gunung Ledang

Food

Muar is also famous for its food. The most well-known local food are "Otak-otak" and "Mee Bandung Muar", a rich spicy and sour noodle soup originating from Indonesia. Muar is also known for being one of the few places where satay (a Malaysian delicacy of skewered grilled chicken or beef) is served for breakfast. The most famous place to have mee bandung and satay for breakfast is along Jalan Abdullah.
Visiting some restaurants and coffee shops in Muar would give nostalgic experience since the environment and food/beverage being served have not changed since the 60s and 70s. Coffee served by these restaurants has its unique taste which is believed to be comparable to the famed Kluang coffee.
Muar has a famous street, "Jalan Haji Abu", known as "Dham Chia Kuey" in Hokkien (Min Nan), which is well known for it variety of food. Many local Chinese food are available here, including wanton mee, otak-otak, "Õ jian" ''(Fried Oyster Omelette)'', and etc. The prawn noodles here known as hey mee is cooked differently from the rest of the country. Instead of being made as a soup, in Muar they prepare it dry.
Besides that, Muar has two well-known Hainanese Chicken Rice Ball shops located at Jalan Meriam. The chicken rice is made into sphere shapes, which look like tennis balls.

Accommodation

There are also a few hotels which cater to tourists who wish to stay overnight in Muar town. These include:

★ Apartel Maharani

★ Classic Hotel

★ Riverview Hotel

★ Embassy Hotel

★ Hotel Sri Pelangi

★ Kingdom Hotel

★ Leewa Hotel

★ Nam Yang Hotel

★ Muar Trader's Hotel(opened in 2007, located at the building formerly owned by Muar/Pagoh UMNO division).

Local Attractions

Rows of well preserved pre-war buildings still dominate the town’s architecture. These buildings still house various shops along Jalan Abdullah, dubbed as Muar’s central business district. Prominent heritage buildings, among others, are the Abu Bakar Building (completed in 1929) that houses the town’s administrative offices and the Custom building (completed in 1909). The age of most buildings can be easily identified since the date of completion (ranging from 1930s to 1950s) were cast on the buildings’ exterior. These buildings are the priceless heritage that portrays Muar’s prosperous past and appreciating this splendour would bring one’s memory back to the nostalgic yesteryears.
Another attraction of Muar town is Taman Tanjung Emas, the town’s park, which is located at the estuary of Muar river. It is outlined by a picturesque esplanade overlooking the scenic river. The park, which is much visited during the weekends, also houses a 9-hole golf course. A 45 minute to one hour river cruise departing from this park is also available to offer tourists views of Muar town from the river.

The Sultan Ibrahim Jamek Mosque is one of the major landmarks of Muar town. Completed in 1927, its architectural design has British influence. The mosque is noted for its four-storey minaret in its backyard. The latest icon of the town is the Sultan Ismail Mosque, located at the northern bank of Muar River in Tanjung Agas. Its design is similar to the first mosque. Completed in 2002, it is the biggest mosque in town. Both mosques offer a breathtaking scenery when viewed from the Muar River mouth, while on a river cruise.

Education

Education of Muar's younger generation is adequately provided by the schools in Muar. This is an incomplete list of schools in Muar.
'Secondary Schools'

Muar High School (麻坡高级中学) was established in 1904 and the majestic building built in 1915 is still standing. During the Second World War, the school was used as a Japanese concentration camp. Its alumni include national and state leaders, high-ranking government officials and industrialists, such as Tan Sri Osman Saat, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, Dato Seri Abdul Ghani Othman and human rights activist Rahul Doraisamy.

★ SMK St. Andrew (SAS)

★ SMK(A) Ma'ahad Muar

★ Muar High School

★ SMK Convent

★ SMK Bandar Maharani (SMKBM)

★ SMK Dato' Sri Amar Diraja (SEDAR)

★ SMK(P) Sultan Abu Bakar (SAB)

★ SMK Tengku Mahkota (SMTM)

★ SMK Jalan Junid

★ SMK Sri Muar

★ MRSM Muar (full boarding school)

★ Sekolah Menengah Sains Muar (full boarding school)

★ SMK Tun Mamat (half boarding school)

★ SMK Bukit Pasir

★ Chung Hwa High School

★ SM Teknik Muar ( formerly known as Sekolah Menengah Vokasional Muar)
'National Primary Schools'

★ SRK St. Andrew (SAS)

★ SRK Ismail 1

★ SRK Ismail 2

★ SRK Convent Infant Jesus

★ SRK Sawah ring

★ SRK Bukit Gambir

★ SRK Simpang Lima

★ SRK Serom 3[1]
'Chinese Primary Schools'

★ SRJK Chung Hwa 1A (中化一小)

★ SRJK Chung Hwa 1B

★ SRJK Chung Hwa 2A (中化二小)

★ SRJK Chung Hwa 2B

★ SRJK Chung Hwa 3 (中化三小)

★ SRJK Chung Hwa Presbyterian (中化基小)

★ SRJK San Chai

★ SRJK Sing Hwa (醒华小学)

★ SRJK Chian Kuo

★ SRJK Hwa Ming (华明小学)

★ SRJK Pu Nan

★ SRJK Pei Yang

Hospitals

Muar and Tangkak are served by two government hospitals as well as numerous primary health centres. The two hospitals are:

★ Muar General Hospital, which has recently been upgraded to specialist hospital status and renamed Hospital Pakar Sultanah Fatimah.

★ Tangkak District Hospital
Currently, both hospitals also serve as teaching hospitals for Melaka Manipal Medical College.

Culture

Muar is the birthplace of ‘Ghazal', Johor’s traditional musical heritage, which has a Persian origin.
'Kuda Kepang', a traditional horse dance originating from Indonesia is believed to be best performed by the Muarians especially the Sg. Balang troup.
It is generally acknowledged that the local dialect of Malay spoken here (and throughout the state of Johor) is the standard version of the language adopted by the country.
Other than the above, the Muar Chinese community is well known for their lion dance. Muar "Guan Sheng Temple" had been world champion for 10 times consecutively in the International Championship for Lion Dance.
Among the Indian community, Muar has a famous hill temple called the Nagamalai Koil Alaiyam in Bukit Pasir. The temple is very auspicious among Hindus from Malaysia and Singapore and is believed to be the third most important hill temple in Malaysia after Batu Caves temple in Kuala Lumpur and Thannimalai temple in Penang.

Notable people from Muar

★ Sellapan Ramanathan, President of Singapore, was born in Singapore but grew up in Muar. He has generously contributed personal donations to the development of the town's Hindu temples.

★ Datuk Abdul Ghani Othman, Menteri Besar of Johor.

★ Tan Sri Osman Saat, former Menteri Besar of Johor.

★ Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, currently Minister of Agriculture and Agro Based Industry who was also a former Menteri Besar of Johor.

★ Chua Jui Meng, former Health Minister of Malaysia.

★ Famous singer/celebrity, Ramlah Ram, Nash, Zainal Abidin,TRO Group and Jaafar Onn.

★ Yap Kim Hock, Malaysia's former top badminton player.

★ Tan Sri Abdul Kadir Yusuf , former Minister of Law and the Judiciary, Lord President of the Supreme Court and Attorney General of Malaysia, was born in Parit Sakai.

★ Tan Sri Mohammad Noah, the former Minister of Home Affairs and first Speaker of the Dewan Rakyat.

★ Tun Sulaiman Ninam Shah, former UMNO meeting chairman.

★ Datuk Dr. Neo Yee Pan, former Acting President of Malaysian Chinese Association (MCA).

★ Dave Chong Min Kuin, Founder and Former Managing Director of NEC Infrontia Asia Pacific.

★ Pei Chin Yau, notable lawyer on the international war crimes tribunal

★ Wee Meng Chee (also known by the alias Namewee), best known for composing and performing ''Negarakuku'', based on the Malaysian national anthem.

External links

★ Maps of Muar Town

★ History of Muar

★ Magazine of Muar

★ Muar city center map

Gallery

References

★ Muar to say goodbye to Tangkak, The Star, November 20, 2006.

★ Muar reference page