JOHOR BARU: Little India here is set to become one of Johor Baru’s main tourist attractions once the Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link between Johor Baru and Singapore begins operations on Jan 1, 2027, says Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi.
He said the completion of the RTS Link and the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) would transform the city’s landscape and unlock vast economic potential in the coming year.
“I am confident that Johor Baru will experience a major transformation within the next 12 months, not only because of the JS-SEZ but also due to the RTS Link project.
“Once operational, about 10,000 people will be able to cross the border every hour via the RTS. This means more visitors and tourists will be coming to Johor Baru, and Little India must be one of the key attractions,” he said when launching the Deepavali Bazaar at Little India here on Sunday (Oct 12) night.
Onn Hafiz said the state government plans to beautify and revitalise the area within a three-kilometre radius of the Bangunan Sultan Iskandar (BSI) Customs, Immigration and Quarantine Complex (CIQ) and the upcoming RTS station.
He said the initiative is part of efforts to turn Johor Baru into a leading tourism hub.
“This is not just my responsibility or that of local authorities such as the Johor Baru City Council (MBJB). It must be a collective effort involving the entire community to ensure Johor continues to grow and become a major tourism destination,” he said.
The Mentri Besar also announced that priority will be given to local traders, especially 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 increased significantly compared to previous years.
He also urged Johoreans of all races to continue fostering unity and working together to strengthen harmony and progress in the state.
“In Johor, regardless of race, Malays, Chinese or Indians 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 said.
