Page 37 - The Guide To Malaysia 9th Edition

Johor Darul Ta’zim
(Johor, The Abode of Dignity)
2010 - present). The State Legislative Assembly is the elected legislature. The
State Executive Council (EXCO or state cabinet) is
the executive, headed by
the Menteri Besar (Chief Minister). A professional
Civil Service (under the
State Secretary) administers and implements policy.Labuan
Major Economic Activities
Johor’s diverse economy
includes agriculture,
manufacturing and services.
Exports include palm oil,
rubber, horticulture & food
products, electrical goods,
Historical Background
petrochemicals. The long coastline, offshore islands, rainforest enclaves and heritage sites make tourism important; Johor boasts the first Legoland in Asia - with several more theme parks newly launched - as well as over 20 golf courses and several integrated resorts.
Major Industrial Areas
The 2,217sq km Iskandar Malaysia, (see page 370)
is set to become Southern Malaysia’s most developed region. Its strategic location - the southernmost part
of the entire Eurasian landmass – has positioned Iskandar to attract high value-added investments
in the following sectors; electrical and electronic, petrochemical and oil & gas, food and agro-processing, logistics, tourism, finance, property, creative industries, healthcare and education.
The name “Johor” comes from the Arabic Jauhar (gemstone). According to Portuguese writer Godinho d’Eredia, Johor was also known as Akhir Medini (Land’s Edge).
In the early 16th Century, Alauddin Riayat Shah II founded the Johor Empire, which became the major regional power. In 1855 Sultan Ali ceded Johor
to Temenggong Daing Ibrahim in exchange
for formal recognition from Britain. Daing’s
son, Sultan Abu Bakar,
the “Father of Modern Johor” implemented major administrative reforms, developed the economy,
JOHOR
SARAWAK
THE GUIDE TO MALAYSIA 33 Malaysia Maps
Population: 3.74 million Area: 19,102sq km State Capital: Johor Bahru
State Website: johor. gov.my
HOW TO GET THERE By Air: Senai International Airport, Johor Bahru.
By Road: The North- South Expressway connects from the north to the Singapore Causeway and Second Link.
By Rail: KTM Intercity stations in Segamat, Labis, Pagoh, Kulai, Kempas Baru, Johor Bahru Sentral, plus shuttle to Woodlands (Singapore).
By Sea: Major container ports at Tanjung Pelepas and Pasir Gudang.
built a new capital at Johor Bahru and introduced the Johor State Constitution
(14 April 1895). This made Johor the first Malay state to have written laws and a constitutional monarchy. Johor joined the Federation of Malaya in 1948, played a leading role in the Malayan independence movement, gained independence thereby in 1957 and became part of Malaysia in 1963.
State Government
The Sultan is Head of State, currently His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim Ibni Almarhum Sultan Iskandar, Sultan
and Sovereign Ruler of the State and Territory of Johor Darul Ta’zim (ruled
furniture, textiles and