Batu Pahat
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Image:MalaysiaJohorBatuPahat.jpg | |
| District | Batu Pahat |
| Area | 1,878 km² |
| District Population | 335,368 (2000) |
| Time zone | UTC+8 |
Batu Pahat (also known as Bandar Penggaram) is a town and a district located on the west coast of the state of Johor, Malaysia. It lies south-east of Muar, south-west of Kluang, north-west of Pontian and south of Segamat.
Contents |
[edit] Origin of name
The name Batu Pahat means 'chiseled rock' in Malay. The origin of this name can be dated back to the 19th century; when the Siamese soldiers were chiselling rocks at a rocky spot in the coastal village of Kampung Minyak Beku, in hope to get fresh water to continue their seafare.
Today, the ancient well can still be found in Minyak Beku, though little was done to maintain this ancient landmark which gives name to the town. For the town's centennial celebration in the early 90's, a quaint monument depicting a 'floating hand chiselling a rock' was set up in the town square. It became the landmark of the town instantaneously. Currently, the newly refurbished town square is popular with locals to chill out on weekend nights and also provides as a venue for many public festive celebrations.
[edit] Location
Batu Pahat is located . It is 239 km from Kuala Lumpur. Next nearest town is Muar which is 50 km northwest of Batu Pahat. The town of Kluang is located about 52 km to the northeast. Johor Bahru is located about 70 to 100 km to the south east of the town.
[edit] Population
The town of Batu Pahat has a population of about 140,000 local residents. There are about 59,587 households with 295,474 population in this district <ref>Malaysian Population and Housing Census, Department of Statistics, 1991</ref>
Batu Pahat is administered by Majlis Perbandaran Batu Pahat or Batu Pahat Municipal Council.
[edit] Attractions
Batu Pahat is famous for its local delicacies and textile industry. Once regarded as the 'Little Paris' of Malaysia, Batu Pahat was famed for its 'red-light town' reputation in the 1960's - 1970's. However, there are only 1-2 bars of such kind left in town now like Tiong Ah Bar, the oldest bar in town.
The Summit, a shopping complex of an admirable size is popular among townfolks and also attracting Singaporean tourists for a stop-over shopping day tour on the weekends.
In September 2006, French retail giant Carrefour invested a total of RM90 million to set up its latest chain of hypermarkets in Taman Flora Utama. This is the second Carrefour in Johore, and the tenth in Malaysia.
The town square was built in the 1990s on the occasion of the town's centennial celebration. The landmark, which depicts a floating hand chiselling a rock, is popular among locals to chill out at night. Common activities such as children playing with balloon, remote-control cars and kite-flying can be seen during weekend nights.
Among some of the secondary schools in Batu Pahat are: SMK Tinggi Batu Pahat (High School), The Chinese High School (华仁中学）, SMK Convent, SMK Jalan Kolam Air, SMK Temenggung Ibrahim (Temenggung Ibrahim Girl School), SMK Munshi Sulaiman, SMK Dato Bentara Luar, SMK Datuk Onn Jaafar and SMK Tun Aminah.
The place of Parit Sulong Massacre (The Bridge of Pekan Parit Sulong) was situated in this district. It is located in Mukim Simpang Kiri at Pekan Parit Sulong. The original bridge has now been demolished and it was replaced by new bridge, the plaque of the massacre existing until today.
[edit] List of Mukims (sub-districts) in Batu Pahat
- Bagan (Mukim 2)
- Chaah Bahru (Mukim)
- Kampong Bahru (Mukim)
- Linau (Mukim)
- Lubok (Mukim 1)
- Minyak Beku (Mukim)
- Peserai (Mukim)
- Simpang Kanan (Mukim 3)
- Simpang Kiri (Mukim 4)
- Parit Raja (Mukim 8)
- Sri Medan (Mukim)
- Sungai Kluang (Mukim)
- Sungai Punggor (Mukim)
- Tanjong Sembrong (Mukim)
[edit] Gallery
Located along Jalan Rahmat, BP Walk is a popular hangout spot for town folks. |
The old Rex Cinema currently being used as part of the BP Walk food square. |
Swampy riparian land of Batu Pahat River moored with fishing and trading boats. |
The few remaining old shophouses with residents still living on the second floor. |
Art Deco eagles |
Art Deco lion at a goldsmith. |
Ornate door handle, prewar shophouses. |
Another Art Deco example at corner of Jalan Rahmat and Hakka Street. |
Warehouse at market area, next to Batu Pahat River. |
Warehouse and office at market area 2. |
The hidden back area of the Malay market. |
Views of the shophouses' 'rear towers' taken at one of the backlane. |
A tree growing out of a building at one of the backlane near the market area. |
[edit] Footnote
<references/>
[edit] External links
