JB’s Hutan Bandar park set for RM6mil facelift

Johor Baru City Council (MBJB) Hutan Bandar park is set for an RM6mil upgrade.

State housing and local government committee chairman Datuk Mohd Jafni Md Shukor said works included sprucing up the park and upgrading facilities such as the children’s pool and camping area.

He said it would also enhance security measures by installing closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras and carrying out landscaping works.

“This will make it safer for people to be there even at night.

“This is part of the state government’s efforts to provide more recreational areas in line with Visit Johor Year 2026 (VJY 2026),” he said, adding that it was in the process of appointing a contractor for the project.

Mohd Jafni says the parks’ upgrade is part of VJY 2026.

Mohd Jafni said the upgrading was slated for completion in the first quarter of 2026, where the park would be reopened in phases by the fourth quarter of next year.

He added that Laman Tun Sri Lanang in the city centre would also see some upgrades soon.

“We want to add some new facilities to transform the park into a lively place.

“We are in the final stages of discussions with the consultant and are waiting for the allocation to go through for the project to begin,” he said.

Regarding the issue of homeless people around Laman Tun Sri Lanang, Mohd Jafni said the relevant government agencies would conduct frequent raids to address the problem.

“Most of them are homeless by choice.

“We found out that they actually have jobs in Singapore and choose to sleep on the streets in Johor Baru to save money; they are usually from other states.

“As for those who are truly homeless, we have taken action by placing them in welfare homes if they are elderly and arranged for psychological help if they need it,” he said.

Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi, when attending an event at the Pasar Karat night bazaar in the city, said public parks in Johor Baru would be upgraded to provide locals and visitors an alternative place to spend their leisure time.

“When people visit Johor Baru, going to Pasar Karat is a must.

“As such, we have made several improvements including building a new toilet and surau facilities for visitors and traders,” said Onn Hafiz.

Mohd Jafni added that the Pasar Karat toilet took about eight months to complete at a cost of RM500,000.

“The facilities available include separate surau for men and women as well as toilets for people with special needs.

“We also added a ramp to make it more accessible,” he said, adding that visitors would be charged a fee of RM1.