JOHOR BAHRU, July 2 — The concrete walls and barbed wire that once symbolized physical restrictions are now being given a new look as Ayer Molek Prison is being revived as an iconic creative and local tourism hub known as Kota Jail.
The 143-year-old historic monument, built in 1883, has been given a new lease of life as an arts, culture and community centre, thus saving the iconic structure from further deterioration.
Kota Jail Operations Director, Zul Abbas, said the premises’ operation as a prison ended in 2005 before being completely abandoned around 2017. However, since December 2024, the area has been busy with human activity again.
“Restoration, cleaning and reconnection of utilities such as electricity supply are being carried out to ensure the building’s structure is safe before its doors open for the first time through the pre-launch phase on March 14, 2025,” he told Bernama here recently.
He said that since it was opened to the public, Kota Jail has sparked a new tourism phenomenon when it recorded an extraordinary attendance of more than two million visitors, including domestic and international visitors.
“The special thing about this place is that it does not involve any large-scale reconstruction that could affect its historical value. On the contrary, the character of the peeling walls, rusty iron bars, and the emotional graffiti of past prisoners have been deliberately maintained.”
“The concept we hold is ‘raw’ (original) and ‘beautifully broken’ (aesthetically damaged). Any parts that collapse, are damaged or rot due to termites, we simply repair and ensure that they are safe for visitors without changing the original facade,” he said.
He said the strategy successfully translated the ruins of the past, which were rich in history, into a space for the future that was quite artistic.
Zul said the detention cells are now filled with various creative economic activities involving local tenants, a contemporary exhibition space, a historical gallery and an aesthetic cafe that is a focus for young people.
“To ensure the sustainability of the creative hub, which was developed entirely using its own funds at this early stage, Kota Jail plans to introduce several new tourism products such as backpacker-style accommodation, spirit-building programmes, pop-up bazaars, street fashion shows and periodic historical forums,” he said.
Zul said Kota Jail is not a conventional museum that is one-way, but rather functions as a dynamic ‘third space’ for the community.
“We want the younger generation to come here not to look for paranormal things, but rather to learn about the heritage, origins, architecture of the past century, and appreciate the history that happened around us,” he said.
Located on Jalan Ayer Molek, Kota Jail is open every day from 10 am to 10 pm.
Entry to the general area is free, while tickets to the gallery are charged at RM5 for adults, RM3 for children, seniors and the disabled, and RM15 for foreigners.
— BERNAMA
