Visitors: Reopened KWSAB Serves As Symbol Of Unity, Bangsa Johor Identity

JOHOR BAHRU, June 6 (Bernama) -- The spirit of unity among the Bangsa Johor community was evident in the multi-ethnic crowd that attended the official reopening of the Sultan Abu Bakar Heritage Complex (KWSAB) here on Wednesday.

A Bernama survey found a lively atmosphere at the complex, with visitors from various backgrounds fascinated as they examined each exhibit's unique qualities and shared views on heritage art preservation techniques.

For K. Thananathan, 42, the reopening of the complex is an important investment in the future, helping build the younger generation's identity so they do not lose their roots amid modernisation.

"This place is excellent because it not only showcases Johor's iconic items but also provides interactive experiences that help young people appreciate their roots. The uniqueness of the weaving and traditional arts here is hard to find elsewhere," he told Bernama.

The same sentiment was shared by businessman Lee Siew Ching, 65, who views KWSAB as a highly effective external educational platform in fostering mutual respect among different races.

"When we open spaces for the community to learn about other cultures in depth, we break down walls of prejudice and build stronger bridges of understanding. We must uphold values that show how close we are as Malaysians," Lee said.

Meanwhile, civil servant Nur Najwa Atilya Mohamad, 30, described the initiative as a strategic move to elevate the local creative economy to the international level.

"KWSAB has proven our traditional heritage carries high commercial value and can serve as a catalyst for a sustainable cultural tourism industry. With the reopening of KWSAB, I am confident it will become a platform to showcase Malaysian traditional products globally," she said.

Most visitors said the facilities and friendly staff at KWSAB reflect the state government's commitment to promoting tourism.

KWSAB features various attractions, including the KWSAB Heritage Tour Package, traditional cultural performances, an art gallery, Anjung Warisan (Heritage Verandah), the Johor Weaving Gallery, an introduction to Bangsa Johor attire, traditional hair bun (Sanggul Tradisional) demonstrations, and interactive experiences showcasing the unique art, culture, and heritage of Johor's diverse population.

In conjunction with its reopening, a promotional KWSAB Tour is offered until July 2 at RM5 for adult citizens, while local senior citizens, children, and students aged two to 17 pay RM2.

For non-citizens, admission is RM30 for adults and RM20 for senior citizens, children, and students, while persons with disabilities (PwD) and children under two enter free.

Johor Heritage Foundation director Nor Syazlan Abd Razak said upgrading works at the complex involved preserving iconic architecture such as the Rumah Limas, which serves as the ticket counter, and the Rumah Zapin, as well as diversifying the art gallery's offerings for visitors.

"To add modern elements, KWSAB will feature digital immersive technology to bring local artists' artwork to life. It will also introduce a Culinary Gallery displaying visual replicas of traditional food.

"The combination of recreational elements and interactive learning aims to provide the public with a clearer understanding of the identity and ethnic diversity of Bangsa Johor," Nor Syazlan said.

Tourism Johor director Mohammad Nazrul Abd Rahim said promotion of the complex will be stepped up alongside other newly launched tourism products, such as Danga Park, to further invigorate the Visit Johor Year 2026 campaign.

He added that the diversity of tourism products rooted in history and culture could serve as a new competitive benchmark for attracting tourists and complementing the existing chain of recreational destinations in the state.

KWSAB is open Tuesday to Thursday, 9 am to 5 pm; Friday, 3 pm to 10 pm; Saturday, 9 am to 10 pm; and Sunday, 9 am to 5 pm. 

The complex underwent an extensive RM5.6 million upgrade from mid-2024 as part of a long-term strategic initiative to modernise the heritage site before reopening its doors on June 3.

-- BERNAMA