04/07/2026

SATURDAY | JULY 4, 2026

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Shining example of unity in Johor JOHOR BAHRU: Amid the bustle of Johor Bahru city, the call to prayer from a mosque, the ringing of church bells and the steady stream of people entering and leaving places of worship are familiar sights along Jalan Trus. Its surrounding streets, reflecting the harmony of the multi racial and multi-religious community, has flourished for more than a century. o ‘Harmony Street’ with places of worship for five religions pride of multi-faith communities States who wished to be known only as Bee, 48, walking through the area offered a different perspective on the cultural diversity in Malaysia. forefathers lived together peacefully, calmly and happily despite practising different religions. That spirit should be emulated,” said Tan, who was holidaying in Johor with her family. Resident Rosli Yusof, 53, who has lived in Johor for 17 years, described Jalan Trus as proof that religious diversity is not an obstacle to unity but rather a strength that brings the community together.

She said authentic hand-drawn batik can be distinguished by the way colours penetrate evenly through both sides of the fabric, a characteristic that sets it apart from printed textiles. Maimunah said Johor Batik has received encouraging response through events such as the National Craft Day celebration in Kuala Lumpur and the Johor Craft Festival, while also attracting buyers from Singapore. “The products range from RM35 for a headscarf to several hundred ringgit for a silk attire set. We are also introducing more contemporary and casual designs to appeal to young customers,” she said. Maimunah expressed hope that more programmes and training courses related to Johor Batik production would be introduced to help preserve the craft and encourage greater participation among youths. including foreign tourists. “We have lived harmoniously for so long. Many people come to buy flowers before offering prayers. It is not just the Indian community, people from other communities also stop by here,” he said. Gurdwara Sahib Johor Bahru president Dr Sarjit Singh said the gurdwara has been serving the Sikh community for over 60 years and continues to play an important role as both a place of worship and a community centre. He said the various religious communities regularly participate in interfaith activities, including heritage walks linking the different houses of worship, reflecting the mutual respect shared among them. Expressing hope that the spirit of unity would continue, Sarjit said Johor remained a model of peaceful coexistence among people of different faiths.

The close proximity of Islamic, Buddhist, Hindu, Christian and Sikh places of worship not only reflects the cultural diversity and religious tolerance that define Johor Bahru, but also stands as proof that people of different races and faiths have lived together peacefully, with mutual respect and understanding for generations. More than just a heritage location, the area continues to serve as a place of worship and a gathering space for the multi-racial community, while also attracting local and foreign tourists with its unique concentration of places of worship representing different faiths. For a tourist from the United

“It’s very colourful here and easy to walk around. It is very special to see a mix of places of worship,” she told Bernama, adding that Jalan Trus reminded her of the area around Pasar Seni in Kuala Lumpur. Another visitor, Tan, 40, from Kuala Lumpur, said the harmony enjoyed in Johor should be preserved and continued by future generations. “If this has been maintained for so many years, we must continue working to preserve it. The young generation should know that our

“There are no issues here although places of worship of different religions are located close to one another. Whenever festive seasons come around, everyone respects one another and lives peacefully,” said the Kedah native. For florist M. Rajinikannal, 45, whose shop is located near the Hindu temple, the more than 100 year-old Arulmigu Rajamariamman Devasthanam is a source of pride for the Indian community in Johor and continues to attract visitors,

Encompassing Jalan Trus, Jalan Ungku Puan, Jalan Pahang, Jalan Dhoby and Jalan Tan Hiok Nee, the heritage precinct could aptly be known as the “Street of Harmony” as it is home to places of worship representing five religions, all within a short walk of one another. Located there are Masjid An-Nur Kotaraya, Johor Bahru Old Chinese Temple, Arulmigu Rajamariamman Devasthanam, Church of the Immaculate Conception and Gurdwara Sahib Johor Bahru.

Batik with distinct state identity KOTA TINGGI: Often associated with East Coast states, batik production is also gaining a foothold in Johor, where artisans are drawing on local heritage and natural elements to create designs with a distinct state identity. in the market,” she told Bernama. She said Johor Batik is distinguished by motifs inspired by the state’s natural environment, history and cultural heritage.

“For example, Muar and Pontian are represented by motifs such as the berembang tree and pineapple. For Kota Tinggi and Sedili, we incorporate elements of mangrove forests and coral reefs as both areas are closely linked to the sea. “We also adapt symbols associated with Johor’s heritage, such as black pepper, gambir and tiger-stripe patterns, into our designs,” said Maimunah, who operates Ranorm Batik Creation in Kampung Singapura, Tanjung Sedili. Despite growing competition from machine-printed products, Maimunah said she remains committed to traditional batik making techniques using hot wax and canting tools.

Among those helping to develop and preserve the craft is Johor Batik pioneer Maimunah Yaacob, 58, who has spent 31 years promoting the art form in the state. She said she received basic hand-drawn (canting) batik training in Terengganu in 1993, before undergoing further training at Jalan Conlay in Kuala Lumpur for two years. “After completing the programme, I started the business from my kitchen with an initial capital of RM2,000. “At the time, not many people appreciated batik , but I was determined to pursue the business by focusing on designs that were different from those already available

Maimunah said she received batik training in Terengganu and Kuala Lumpur, before starting the business from her kitchen with an initial capital of RM2,000. – BERNAMAPIC