Facelift plans for Jalan Wong Ah Fook, Little India to boost JB heritage tourism

By the Editorial Team · Friday, October 2, 2026

Johor Baru is launching heritage-focused improvements in its city centre, including a historical walking trail and interactive QR codes, to enhance tourism around Jalan Wong Ah Fook and Little India. These efforts aim to boost visitor engagement with the city’s cultural past, particularly attracting international tourists and younger locals, with work expected to start after the Deepavali festival.

Johor Baru’s city centre is poised for a series of heritage-focused enhancements aimed at boosting tourism, particularly around Jalan Wong Ah Fook and the adjacent Little India district. The initiatives are part of a broader strategy by Tourism Johor, in collaboration with the Johor Baru City Council (MBJB), to revitalize the area’s historical appeal.

State Unity, Heritage and Culture Committee chairman P. Pannir Selvam outlined plans to develop a historical walking trail along Jalan Wong Ah Fook, complemented by upgrades to Little India. He emphasized that the project does not entail major redevelopment but will focus on select touch-ups and improvements to better showcase the locality’s cultural heritage.

More extensive refurbishment is anticipated in Little India, with project details and budgets currently under review. Authorities aim to commence work following the Deepavali festival, once final calculations are completed.

One innovative component of the plan includes the installation of QR codes on signboards throughout Jalan Wong Ah Fook and other streets across the city. These codes will provide visitors with easy access to historical information via their mobile devices, enhancing engagement with Johor Baru’s rich heritage. This feature targets a wider area beyond the immediate facelift zones, supporting the goal of promoting the city’s overall historical identity.

Pannir Selvam highlighted the potential for these enhancements to attract a larger number of tourists, including international visitors, by deepening their understanding of Johor’s past. He noted a growing interest among local residents—especially younger generations—in exploring the city centre and learning about its history. According to him, such initiatives have begun to yield positive results, reflecting effective state government efforts to spark greater engagement with Johor’s heritage.

Additional programs aimed at schoolchildren, such as museum visits and educational activities focused on historical figures, are being developed to further cultivate historical awareness. Improvements to existing museums and heritage sites are also under consideration as part of the state’s comprehensive approach to heritage tourism development.

The planned upgrades at Jalan Wong Ah Fook and Little India demonstrate Johor Baru’s commitment to preserving its historical character while encouraging cultural tourism as a means of economic and social enrichment.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.