Some Johor Links

The word Johor is derived from Arabic Jauhar (Precious Stones) which illustrates the influence of the early spice-trading Arabs. Johor is the third largest (19,984 sq km) and today is one of the most developed states in Peninsular Malaysia. Some 2.6 million Malaysians live in Johor including 51% Malay, 36% Chinese, 7% Indians, and 6% of other ethnic background. Its capital is vibrant and exciting Johor Bahru, a commercial city linked to Singapore via a 1,056-meter causeway. Johor has experienced healthy industrial development and its infrastructure includes outstanding trade and business facilities. The present ruler is His Majesty Sultan Iskandar, who served from 1984 to 1989 as Malaysia's Eighth Yang Di Pertuan Agong ('paramount ruler'). Johor's economy is based on a mix of agriculture, manufacturing, commerce and tourism. It is a prime producer of rubber, oil palm, pineapple and pepper has been cultivated on a large scale for some time now. It also has a timber and wood-based industry. Another product, bauxite, is derived from Pengerang. The new port at Pasir Gudang on the Straits of Johor is rapidly becoming an international transportation center.
In Johor the rich mix of culture is reflected in the various places of worship: the magnificent mosques, temples and churches existing side by side. This cultural diversity is also evident in the various foods and local delicacies, the colourful and enchanting costumes, festivals, ceremonies and rituals.
History:
After the Portuguese captured Malacca in 1511, that Malay kingdom re-established itself in Johor. For the next several centuries Johor played an important role in regional power struggles, eventually allying itself with the Dutch in their successful capture of Malacca in 1641. Johor's modern history began with Dato' Temenggong Daing Ibrahim, the son of Temenggong Abdul Rahman, who was a descendant of Sultan Abdul Jalil IV of Johor. In 1855, under the terms of a treaty between the British in Singapore and Sultan Ali of Johor, control of the state was formally ceded to Dato' Temenggong Daing Ibrahim, who began to develop Johor. Land was opened to Chinese settlers from Singapore, and the cultivation of pepper was initiated, bringing Johor its initial economic base. The Temenggong was succeeded by his son, Dato' Temenggong Abu Bakar, who was formally crowned Sultan of Johor in 1866. Sultan Abu Bakar gave Johor its constitution, developed its modern administrative system, and constructed the Istana Besar - the official residence of the Sultan. He is known today as the Father of Modern Johor. The state continued to flourish throughout the 19th and 20th century.