As a Muarian, I am
extremely pleased with the announcement of Muar as Bandar Diraja or royal town
by His Highness, Sultan
Ibrahim Iskandar, Sultan of Johor. I am
sure all the Muarians share the same joy and pride with the historic announcement.
Historical records show that Muar has a
history which stretches more than 100 years. The Portuguese records show Muar
existed as early as 1600. Muar was one of the earliest town established in the
state.
It is interesting to
note that Muar had its own railway known as Muar State Railway (M.S.R) in the
years 1889-1925. It operated from Maharani town to Parit Jawa to provide
transport for the residents in Parit Jawa and the neighbouring villages. The
service was terminated in 1925 when a road named Jalan Abdul Rahman was opened
from Parit Jawa to Muar town. The engine
of M.S.R is now displayed at Tanjung Emas Muar as local heritage.
The name Maharani was
given to this town by Sultan Abu Bakar who was also known as Maharaja, when he
officially named the town as Maharani, in honour his Queen in 1884. The city of
Maharani was the capital city until the capital moved later to Tanjung Puteri
(now known as Johor Bahru).
There are many
etymologies for the origin of the name Muar. One of it is said Muar obtained
its name from its geographical location at the mouth of Muar River. Muara means estuary in Malay.
Several historical
buildings stand with grandeur and majesty until today to testify Muar town is
architecturally rich and historical designs. Among them are Muar High Court
building built in 1885 in a neo-classical architecture, the Royal Customs &
Exercise built built in 1909 and High School Muar, built in 1914.
Some years ago, in
1984 Muar celebrated its 100th year celebrations with much pomp and
grandeur many years ago. At this juncture, as urged by the Sultan of Johor, the
residents of Muar should ensure that the cleanliness of the town is maintained.
Perhaps, Muarians should make efforts to change the pensioner’s town image to a
modern and developed town.
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