Johor Bahru

Johor Bahru, city, southern West Malaysia. It lies at the southern end of the Malay Peninsula and is separated from Singapore Island by the Johor Strait. At this point, a short rail and road causeway (0.75 mile [1.2 km]) crosses the strait to link the mainland with Singapore. Founded by Temenggong Ibrahim, the ruler of Johore, it was called Tanjung Putri until renamed Johore Bahru (“New Johore”) in 1866, replacing Johore Lama (“Old Johore”), 18 miles (29 km) east.

The city, long a trade outlet for the products of the peninsula and a major port of entry, is on low hills surrounded by rubber, oil-palm, and pineapple estates. It has a textile industry, and bauxite is mined at Teluk Ramunia to the southeast. Many of its residents use the amenities of the city of Singapore, of which it is almost a satellite. The Malay dialect spoken in the Johor Bahru region is considered the standard for Malaysia. The city, largely Chinese in character, has the Istana Besar (“Big Palace”), the picturesque Abu Bakar Mosque, the Bukit Serene Palace (the sultan’s residence), and a public zoo. The Technological University of Malaysia (founded 1904; university status 1972) is located there. Pop. (2000 prelim.) city, 384,613; urban agglom., 630,603.