Johor Bahru's central business district faces walkability test as RTS Link nears opening

Johor Bahru's central business district is a bustling area, but the reality for pedestrians often involves navigating potholed walkways and dodging haphazardly parked vehicles. Efforts to create a more car-lite city center are hampered by these issues, with some prime land lying vacant and neglected.

Malaysian Johnson Anthony, a 71-year-old security officer who works in Singapore, finds walking in central Johor Bahru more pleasant than before, but still believes it has a long way to go. "There's still too many cars," he noted, recounting a struggle to cross a road due to unyielding vehicles.

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It’s cleaner now than before, but there are ways to make it more comfortable and convenient for pedestrians.

With the Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link set to open in January 2027 and the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) poised to attract more businesses and visitors, the district's development is a key focus. However, urban planning experts point out a lack of a continuous pedestrian network and the area's persistent reliance on cars.

Despite these challenges, there's optimism that authorities are seeking solutions, evidenced by a recent seminar featuring Zaha Hadid Architects discussing urban system improvements. The Johor state government has also reiterated plans to make the Ibrahim International Business District a "world-class business hub."

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There’s still too many cars.