Johor pushes for Kampung Sungai Melayu to gain UNESCO heritage recognition

Efforts to nominate Kampung Sungai Melayu here as a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) heritage site will continue through further discussions with Tourism Johor and the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC).

Kota Iskandar assemblyman Datuk Pandak Ahmad said the proposal is expected to be presented to the relevant agencies soon as part of an initiative to position the fishing village, which boasts rich natural and cultural heritage, as a leading ecotourism destination in Johor.

“The process of obtaining UNESCO recognition involves several stages of evaluation and documentation. A follow-up meeting with Tourism Johor and MOTAC will be held to discuss the next steps,” he told Bernama after attending the Media Friendship Programme with the Social Security Organisation (PERKESO) at Eco Tourism Kampung Sungai Melayu recently.

According to Pandak, the initiative to gazette Kampung Sungai Melayu as a heritage site began in 2015, with various studies conducted by government agencies to assess its historical and environmental significance.

He added that a water taxi service connecting Puteri Harbour and Kampung Sungai Melayu is being considered for introduction as early as next year to enhance accessibility and attract more visitors to the area.

“The distance between the two locations is only about eight kilometres. This service will not only attract tourists but also benefit residents and workers in the surrounding areas,” he said, adding that discussions on the proposal have been held with the Iskandar Regional Development Authority (IRDA) to assess its feasibility.

In conjunction with Visit Johor Year 2026, Pandak aims to attract at least 10,000 visitors within the first six months of next year.

Since 2016, Kampung Sungai Melayu has welcomed more than 100,000 international visitors, mainly from South Korea, China and Japan. To boost its appeal, several new attractions are being planned, including traditional water sports, cultural performances and a river treasure hunt activity.

The number of tour boat operators will also be increased to accommodate between 200 and 300 visitors at a time.

Among the village’s main attractions are mangrove river cruises, bird watching, crab catching activities and sightings of migratory birds from November to March each year. The village is also well known for its signature dish, the spicy and flavourful ‘asam pedas’, which continues to draw both local and international visitors.