PRIME MINISTER Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim completed a two-day unofficial visit to Johor, immersing himself in the state’s rich history and culture.
Accompanied by his wife, Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, the Prime Minister visited the Royal Abu Bakar Museum, spending about an hour exploring the museum's vast collection of royal treasures and historical artefacts.
Anwar shared his experience on his official Facebook page, highlighting his appreciation for the museum’s role in showcasing the Sultanate of Johor's cultural and historical heritage.
"Alhamdulillah, today I had the opportunity to visit the Royal Abu Bakar Museum in Johor Bahru. This museum houses priceless royal treasures and a rich collection of the cultural and historical heritage of the Sultanate of Johor, set in a beautifully preserved and attractive landscape," Anwar wrote.
He commended the Johor State Government for its continued efforts to upgrade heritage assets and enhance the state’s tourism appeal.
These efforts, he noted, align with the aspirations of the Visit Johor Year campaign.
"I salute the Johor State Government for its ongoing work to enhance its heritage assets and promote tourism, in line with the Visit Johor Year initiative," he added.
Anwar emphasised that such initiatives not only contribute to Johor’s local economy but also support the national agenda for Visit Malaysia Year, preserving the nation’s cultural identity while stimulating economic growth.
Earlier in his visit, Anwar took a ride aboard the Electric Train Service 3 (ETS3) from Kuala Lumpur to Johor Bahru to attend the Wilayah Day and Thaipusam celebrations.
On the previous day, he also took time to visit the Johor Zoo with his children and grandchildren, engaging with visitors and taking photos.
He expressed hope that the zoo would continue to be strengthened as a recreational, educational, and heritage asset for the people of Johor.
In a brief statement before leaving Johor, Anwar expressed his gratitude for the visit, saying, "Alhamdulillah Johor, it’s been a great visit."
He departed from JB Sentral railway station, where he also took the time to chat and take photos with visitors and staff.
The Prime Minister and his family arrived in Johor Bahru at 3:10 pm and boarded the 4:00 pm train back to Kuala Lumpur.
Anwar’s visit highlights the importance of preserving heritage and fostering tourism as part of Johor’s vision for the Year of Visit Johor 2026 (TMJ2026), a state initiative aimed at enhancing Johor’s position as a top tourism destination. - February 2, 2026
