Muar residents say quality jobs, stronger economic growth and better opportunities are key to keeping young people from leaving the district.
MUAR: Every afternoon, after completing his food delivery rounds under the scorching Johor sun, 20-year-old Muhammad Luqman heads to a quiet spot beneath a tree at Tanjung Agas.
From there, he looks across the Muar River towards Pekan Muar – a town he proudly calls home, but one he fears many young individuals may eventually have to leave.
For Luqman, Muar has all the elements of a thriving town: rich heritage, vibrant culture and close-knit communities.
He expressed belief that what it lacks are enough quality jobs to convince youth to build their futures here.
“Our town has so much potential. We have seen many positive changes over the years and I hope to see it continue growing.
“I love it here but eventually I may have to move to the Klang Valley because the opportunities and income are better. Even as a delivery rider, the earnings there could be much higher.”
Luqman, who expressed hope to further his studies in business, said development should go beyond physical infrastructure.
“What young people really need are better career opportunities. If there are good jobs here, more of us would choose to stay.”
He said while Johor Bahru has grown into the state’s economic powerhouse, he expressed belief that northern Johor, including Muar, has equal potential if given the right investment and opportunities.
Muar, one of Johor’s oldest districts, is renowned for its rich heritage, riverside charm and vibrant food culture.
Widely recognised as a centre for Malaysia’s furniture manufacturing industry, it has also sought to diversify its economy through tourism, education and investment.
The development of Pagoh as an education hub and the proposed Maharani Gateway waterfront project reflect broader ambitions to strengthen northern Johor as a growth corridor alongside Johor Bahru.
However, many residents expressed belief that the district’s long-term success would depend not only on attracting visitors and investment but also on creating quality jobs that encourage youth to stay.
Those concerns are shared by many across the district.
Joanna (not her real name), 27, who grew up in nearby Bentayan, said development in Muar had been encouraging, but economic growth must translate into meaningful employment for residents.
“The changes are positive, but they need to benefit the public directly. Good jobs with respectable wages remain important, especially for the younger generation facing rising living costs.
“That is why many choose to look elsewhere for better opportunities.”
She believed that Muar, Bakri and Pagoh have the potential to become stronger economic and education hubs capable of retaining more young talent.
She added that the Maharani Gateway project, envisioned as a catalyst for Muar’s waterfront and economic growth, alongside Pagoh’s development as an education hub, could help transform the area.
However, she also said long-term success would depend on whether the initiatives created sustainable employment rather than simply attracting visitors. For retiree Teng, 68, the priorities are more straightforward.
He said residents were less concerned with politics than with improvements that made everyday life better.
“People want better roads, a stronger economy, more business opportunities and jobs for their children. Whoever is in charge should remember that.”
Like many parts of Johor, Muar has evolved over the years while retaining its distinct identity. Residents say regardless of who governs, their priorities have remained largely unchanged – better infrastructure, stronger economic opportunities and a better future for the next generation.
For many traders, political changes have made little difference to their day-to-day lives. Asam pedas stall owner Kak Naz, 52, who operates her business along Jalan Abdul Rahman, said what mattered most was having leaders who remained close to the public.
“Business owners just want to continue earning a living. Whoever leads, we hope they continue helping ordinary people,” said the Simpang Jeram native.
She added that Muar had seen different administrations over the years, but residents consistently valued leaders who listened, remained visible and understood the community’s concerns.
“What people want is someone who comes down, listens and understands their problems,” she said, praising Muar MP Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman as a hands-on representative who remained engaged with residents on the ground.
A customer at her stall, who wished to be known only as Pak Man, said good governance mattered more than political labels.
“Many residents appreciate the stability and development initiatives delivered under the Johor administration led by Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi.
“Regardless of whether it is PAS, Amanah, Muda or another party, people will support leaders who deliver.
“For many of us here in Muar, as long as our lives improve and the state continues moving forward, that is what matters.”
For generations, Muar has been a place residents are proud to call home. They say the challenge now is ensuring it remains a place where young people could also build their future.
For Luqman, the answer is simple.
“Muar has everything – history, culture and good people. “We just need more opportunities so the youth do not have to leave to build their future elsewhere.”
