Muar was a district of Johor, but was later split into the City of Muar and the district of Tangkak. However both administrative regions are still collectively called Muar by their residents. Muar borders Malacca on the west coast of Malaysia. The whole Muar is 2346.12 km⊃2, with a population of 328,695 (2000). The name originated from the word Muara or estuary in Malay. The other possible origin is Indian influence which comes from two words; ‘Muna’ and ‘Ar’. ‘Muna’ means three and ‘Ar’ means river, denoting the three rivers flowing through Muar, 'Sungai Muar', 'Sungai Serting' and 'Sungai Pahang'.
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| District | Muar District | ||
| Area - Total (District) |
about 190 km² | ||
| Population | 80,478 328,698 | ||
| Time zone | UTC+8 | ||
| Latitude
|
2°3′N 102°34′E / 2.050°N 102.567°E | ||
Geography
The city of Muar located at 2°3′N 102°34′E / 2.050°N 102.567°E and at the mouth of the Muar River Sungai Muar. The city is about 150 km (93 miles) southeast of Malaysia's capital Kuala Lumpur, and about the same distance northwest of Singapore.
Facts
Muar has also many shopping centres and areas of recreations there.
Major Shopping Centres
- The Store (going to be replaced by Giant Hypermart)
- Senyum
- Astaka
- Hock Hai
- Giant Hypermart (replacing The Store)
- Most famous food in Muar is the Muar "Otak" or "Otah". It can be often found in roadside stores.
- Muar also has many temples and mosques.
There is a very large house in Muar, belonging to the Health Minister of Malaysia, Chua Jui Meng. The house has already been sold to a local wealthy businessman.
History
Muar played a role in resisting the Portuguese occupation of Malacca in 1511. In response to attacks from the Portuguese fleet, the Bentayan fort was built by the Sultan of Malacca to repel seaborne invasions.
Muar was the Royal city of North Johor and also known as 'Bandar Maharani' (Empress'Town), a name given by Sultan Abu Bakar in 1884.