JOHOR BAHRU, 8 October 2026 : Johor Bahru's public transportation landscape is entering a new phase of transformation as the Ministry of Transport Malaysia (MOT) announced the expansion of BAS.MY Johor Bahru services, reinforcing the Government's commitment to delivering a more accessible, efficient and sustainable public transport network.

The announcement, made during the launch of the BAS.MY Johor Bahru service expansion, marks another important milestone in strengthening urban mobility, improving public transport connectivity and preparing the city for the anticipated commencement of the Johor Bahru–Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link.

Since its introduction under the Stage Bus Services Transformation (SBST) programme in 2022, BAS.MY Johor Bahru has demonstrated encouraging growth, reflecting increasing public confidence in reliable and affordable bus transportation.

Monthly passenger journeys increased from approximately 450,000 in December 2022 to 1.06 million in December 2025, before reaching a record 1.28 million journeys in January 2026.

Today, the BAS.MY Johor Bahru network operates approximately 16 million kilometres annually, serving an average of nearly one million passenger journeys every month.

These achievements highlight the growing importance of public bus transportation in supporting the daily mobility needs of Johor Bahru residents, commuters, students and visitors.

More importantly, they demonstrate how consistent improvements in service frequency, network accessibility and operational reliability can encourage greater adoption of public transportation as an alternative to private vehicles.

Expanding the Network for 2027–2031

A key highlight of the announcement was the Government's decision to extend the SBST Johor Bahru programme for another five years, covering the period from 2027 to 2031.

The next phase will focus on expanding service coverage, increasing bus capacity and improving frequencies along major corridors to accommodate growing passenger demand.

Under the expansion programme, key routes are targeted to operate at intervals of approximately 15 to 20 minutes, while feeder services are expected to maintain frequencies of 20 to 30 minutes.

Service coverage is also planned to extend into emerging residential, commercial and high-demand areas, including Terminal Tiram, Johor Jaya, Eco Tropics, Mall of Medini and Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM).

With these improvements, annual passenger journeys are targeted to reach approximately 14.99 million.

The expansion represents more than an increase in bus services. It is part of a broader effort to make public transportation a more practical, dependable and convenient choice for everyday travel.

Preparing Johor Bahru for the RTS Link Era

One of the most significant aspects of the BAS.MY expansion is its strategic role in supporting the upcoming RTS Link connecting Johor Bahru and Singapore.

With approximately 40,000 daily RTS Link passengers projected for 2027, the need for an efficient and interconnected public transportation network has become increasingly important.

The BAS.MY Johor Bahru expansion is expected to support passenger distribution from major transit hubs, particularly around Bukit Chagar and JB Sentral, while improving first-mile and last-mile connectivity.

This integrated approach will help commuters continue their journeys beyond the RTS Link station and reach residential areas, commercial centres, educational institutions and other destinations across Johor Bahru.

The broader mobility strategy also includes improvements to rail services, Demand Responsive Transit (DRT), shuttle buses and complementary transport solutions.

At the state level, PAJ is also undertaking various initiatives to strengthen traffic management and connectivity, including Park & Ride facilities, feeder bus services, public transport priority lanes, contraflow arrangements, smart traffic lights and infrastructure improvements along major corridors.

Together, these initiatives are intended to create a more coordinated and seamless transport ecosystem capable of supporting Johor Bahru's continued urban and economic development.

Strengthening Collaboration for Better Public Transport

The BAS.MY Johor Bahru expansion reflects the importance of strong collaboration among the Ministry of Transport, the Johor State Government, APAD, PAJ, local authorities and public transport operators.

As Johor Bahru continues to grow as a major economic and cross-border transportation hub, an integrated approach to public transport planning and service delivery will be essential.

Beyond infrastructure and fleet expansion, the success of the programme will depend on consistent service delivery, effective operational coordination and the ability to respond to evolving passenger expectations.

The continued participation of transport operators, frontline employees and bus drivers will remain equally important in ensuring that improvements translate into meaningful benefits for the travelling public.

Moving Towards a More Connected and Sustainable Johor Bahru

The expansion of BAS.MY Johor Bahru signals a positive step towards building a more inclusive, efficient and resilient public transport system.

As the city prepares for the RTS Link and its next phase of development, the focus is increasingly shifting towards an integrated mobility experience in which buses, rail services and other transport solutions complement one another.

For the people of Johor Bahru, these improvements are expected to translate into better connectivity, shorter waiting times, more convenient journeys and greater access to employment, education and economic opportunities.

With sustained government commitment, stronger industry collaboration and continued investment in service improvements, BAS.MY Johor Bahru is well-positioned to play an increasingly important role in shaping the future of public transportation in southern Malaysia.

The next chapter of Johor Bahru's mobility transformation is not simply about introducing more buses or expanding routes. It is about connecting people, communities and opportunities through a public transport system designed for the future.

The event was attended by Johor State Executive Councillor for Works, Transport, Infrastructure and Communications, YB Mohamad Fazli Mohamad Salleh, alongside senior representatives from the Ministry of Transport, including the Secretary-General of MOT, the Director-General of the Land Public Transport Agency (APAD), the Chief Executive Officer of Perbadanan Pengangkutan Awam Johor (PAJ), Chief Executive Officer of HI Mobility, and the Founder of Handal Indah Sdn Bhd.

 

If you are looking for a Chinese restaurant in Johor Bahru where traditional flavours meet a fresh and modern presentation, TS Treasures in Taman Molek is certainly a place worth discovering.

Located at 26–28, Jalan Molek 1/13, Taman Molek, Johor Bahru, TS Taison offers a comfortable dining environment suitable for families, gatherings and special occasions. Current listings show the restaurant serving both lunch and dinner, with reservations available.

For our latest food adventure, we decided to explore a selection of dishes from their menu and discover what this restaurant has to offer.

A Restaurant With a Story

TS Taison Chinese Restaurant traces its roots back to April 1995, when it was founded by Mr. John Ng.

The restaurant quickly became known among diners in Johor Bahru, developing a reputation as one of the early-generation eateries that gained strong word-of-mouth and popularity.

The name itself carries an interesting story. The business began around the time the founder's eldest son was born, inspiring the name "Tai Zi", meaning "Crown Prince".

Over the years, TS Taison has built its identity around Chinese cuisine, seafood and its own collection of signature creations.

One of the restaurant's notable claims is its early association with salted egg-style dishes, including creations such as Salted Egg Crab and Salted Egg Squid.

Beyond salted egg dishes, the restaurant's menu features a variety of specialities, including Deep-Fried Pig Intestines, Dragon and Phoenix Cold Platter, Stir-Fried Yam Cake, Oyster Omelet, Fried Rice Vermicelli and Baked Green Mussels.

Another dish worth highlighting is its Authentic Hakka Poon Choi, also known as Treasure Pot. The recipe is said to have been acquired through an exchange with a chef from China, adding another interesting chapter to the restaurant's culinary story.

A New Chapter for a Familiar Name

After being away for a period of time, TS Taison has returned with a new team and a renewed approach.

The idea is not simply to recreate the past, but to bring the familiar flavours into a new era.

The restaurant's philosophy of combining heritage with innovation can be seen in its approach to ingredients, cooking techniques and presentation.

This creates an interesting balance between old-school Chinese flavours that longtime diners may remember and a more contemporary dining experience that can appeal to younger food lovers.

It is essentially where classic meets new flavours.

Our Food Adventure Begins

For our visit, we ordered a selection of dishes so that we could experience different flavours and textures throughout the meal.

Our table included Steamed Clams with Ginger, Lotus Leaf Steamed Chicken, Dragon Beard with Chinese Lettuce and Bean Sprouts, Tofu with Preserved Radish, Minced Pork and Wheat Grass, Braised Pork Belly with Rice Vermicelli, Black Sweet Vinegar Pork Trotter, Crispy Spring Rolls and Thai Sauce Cold Squid Platter.

We also had a jug of Hawthorn Juice, followed by Fried Ice Cream for dessert. Before we started, one of the F&B staff kindly helped us slice the Lotus Leaf Steamed Chicken.

Even before tasting it, the aroma from the freshly steamed chicken was already inviting. The chicken also looked tender and juicy, making it one of the dishes we were eager to try.

Braised Pork Belly with Rice Vermicelli

We started our food adventure with their Braised Pork Belly with Rice Vermicelli. The pork belly was tender and succulent, carrying a savoury and aromatic braising flavour with a subtle sweetness.

What made it even more enjoyable was the rice vermicelli, which absorbed the braising sauce beautifully.

Each bite brought together the soft vermicelli and rich pork belly, making this a comforting dish to begin the meal.

Lotus Leaf Steamed Chicken

Next came their Lotus Leaf Steamed Chicken. Since the chicken had already been sliced for us by the F&B team, it was easy to scoop up a piece and give it a try.

The chicken was tender and juicy, with a lovely savoury taste and a subtle fragrance from the lotus leaf.

The meat was soft and easy to bite, while the aromatic flavours gave the chicken an extra layer of character.

It was a comforting dish that was enjoyable on its own and also worked well with rice.

Dragon Beard with Chinese Lettuce and Bean Sprout

Next up was their Dragon Beard with Chinese Lettuce and Bean Sprout. This was one of the more interesting dishes on our table, particularly because of its presentation.

The crispy elements on top added a lovely crunch, creating a contrast against the softer vegetables underneath.

The Chinese lettuce and bean sprouts provided a fresh texture, while the crispy topping added another layer of flavour.

It was a simple combination, but the contrast in textures made it something different for us to explore.

Crispy Spring Roll and Thai Sauce Cold Squid Platter

We then moved on to their Crispy Spring Roll and Thai Sauce Cold Squid Platter. The spring roll was wonderfully crispy, especially when enjoyed fresh from the kitchen.

That first bite gave us the satisfying crunch we were looking for, while the filling inside made it a tasty little bite to enjoy between the other dishes. We also tried the Cold Squid Platter.

The squid was nicely prepared and, importantly for us, it wasn't overly chewy.

It was easy to bite and enjoyable with the Thai sauce, which added a refreshing and slightly more vibrant flavour to the squid.

Tofu with Preserved Radish, Minced Pork and Wheat Grass

Next came their Tofu with Preserved Radish, Minced Pork and Wheat Grass. Personally, I really enjoyed mixing this with white rice.

The soft tofu worked nicely with the savoury minced pork and preserved radish, while the flavours from the dish blended naturally with the rice.

Sometimes, a dish doesn't need to be overly complicated to be enjoyable.

Once everything was mixed together with the rice, the combination became really comforting and satisfying.

Steamed Clams with Ginger

For me, the Steamed Clams with Ginger was definitely one of the dishes to try. The natural sweetness and freshness of the clams came through nicely, while the ginger and garlic added a wonderful aroma.

The sauce brought the different flavours together without overpowering the clams.

Every bite had a nice balance of freshness and savouriness, making this a particularly enjoyable dish for seafood lovers.

Black Sweet Vinegar Pork Trotter

Then came another highlight of our meal — the Black Sweet Vinegar Pork Trotter. This was another game changer for us.

The pork was tender with a satisfying texture, while the black sweet vinegar sauce provided a balance of sweetness and tanginess.

The slightly acidic character of the vinegar helped balance the richness of the pork, making the dish surprisingly enjoyable.

This was definitely one of those dishes that left an impression on us.

Hawthorn Juice

Of course, with so many rich and savoury dishes on the table, we also had their Hawthorn Juice. Served in a jug, it was a refreshing accompaniment to the meal.

The fruity and slightly tangy flavour helped refresh the palate between dishes and provided a nice contrast to the richer flavours we had been enjoying. And yes, even the kids enjoyed it!

Fried Ice Cream to Finish

And what better way to finish our food adventure than with their own version of Fried Ice Cream?

The crispy outer layer gave us a lovely crunch, while the cold and creamy ice cream inside created an enjoyable contrast.

It was a fun dessert and a sweet way to bring our meal to an end.

After exploring so many different flavours and textures, this was definitely a satisfying way to finish our dining experience.

Classic Heritage Meets a New Generation

What makes TS Taison interesting is not only the food itself, but also the story behind the restaurant.

It carries a history that stretches back to 1995, while the renewed restaurant is looking to introduce those familiar flavours to a new generation.

The combination of traditional Chinese cooking, signature dishes and updated presentation gives diners an opportunity to experience something that connects the past with the present.

Whether you are visiting with family, friends or a larger group, the comfortable dining environment also makes it suitable for different occasions. The restaurant offers group dining and accepts reservations, while its current listings also highlight features such as dine-in service and parking.

For us, it was more than just having a meal. It was about discovering the story, tasting the dishes and experiencing how a familiar name can return with a fresh perspective.

So, if you are exploring the food scene around Taman Molek and looking for a Chinese dining experience with a touch of heritage and plenty of dishes to explore, TS Treasures is certainly one place you can put on your food discovery list.

There is something special about discovering the flavours of Thailand without having to travel far. This time, our food journey brought us to Amaya Food Gallery, located on Level 6 of Amari Hotel Johor Bahru, where we had the opportunity to experience the hotel’s Taste of ChomSindh Weekend Buffet Dinner.

The special buffet showcases Thai-inspired flavours and culinary creations prepared by Chef Jo, Executive Sous Chef from Amari Pattaya in Thailand, bringing a taste of Thailand all the way to Johor Bahru.

From live cooking stations and fresh seafood to Thai specialities and desserts, the evening offered plenty of opportunities to explore.

An Evening of Thai Flavours and Entertainment

The Taste of ChomSindh buffet launch was more than just a dining experience. Guests were also treated to cultural performances by Aliff Tariif, live cooking sessions and entertainment by the One Avenue Band, creating a lively atmosphere throughout the evening.

As we explored the buffet, the chefs and F&B team were busy preparing and serving dishes at the different stations. Each section had its own speciality, giving diners plenty of choices throughout the evening.

The Story Behind ChomSindh

One of the interesting parts of the evening was learning about the story behind the name ChomSindh.

According to Mr. Carl Isaac, General Manager of Amari Hotel Johor Bahru, the name carries the meaning of “to view the flowing water.”

The story is closely connected to a family fishing boat that inspired the restaurant's concept.

The boat belonged to the founder’s grandfather, who would take the family fishing, swimming and camping during weekends and school holidays.

Those memories of spending time together by the water have now been incorporated into the ChomSindh concept.

Today, ChomSindh combines the nostalgic charm of previous generations with a contemporary dining environment while remaining rooted in the culinary traditions of Thailand.

And with Chef Jo bringing his culinary experience from Thailand, guests in Johor Bahru now have the opportunity to explore these flavours closer to home.

Meeting Chef Jo from Amari Pattaya

Before continuing our food exploration, we also had the opportunity to hear a few words from Chef Jo, Executive Sous Chef of Amari Pattaya.

His presence added another special touch to the evening, as he personally prepared some of the Thai specialities featured during the buffet.

It was interesting to see the chefs and F&B team working behind the scenes to prepare the different dishes while keeping up with the steady flow of diners.

Fresh Seafood on Ice

One of the first sections that caught our attention was the seafood-on-ice counter. The selection included fresh seafood such as snow crab, tiger prawns and other seafood offerings, making it an appealing stop for seafood lovers.

The team was also busy grilling fresh oysters and topping them with their own versions of homemade Thai sauces.

The combination of freshly grilled oysters and Thai-inspired sauces added an interesting twist to the usual oyster experience.

Plenty of Choices to Explore

Beyond the seafood section, the buffet offered a wide range of dishes to explore. There was mushroom soup served with bread rolls, along with various main courses and other selections prepared for diners.

With so many different dishes available, it was definitely the kind of buffet where you would want to take your time and explore the different counters.

For those who enjoy live cooking stations, there were also several options where the F&B team prepared dishes fresh upon request.

Live Pasta and Thai Cooking Stations

The pasta station was another live-action counter where diners could have their dishes prepared with assistance from the dedicated F&B team.

But for us, one of the highlights was definitely the Thai Specialties corner. Following Chef Jo’s recommendation, we explored several of the Thai dishes prepared especially for the buffet.

The station was busy throughout the evening, with diners lining up to try the different Thai flavours. We also discovered their selection of Thai-style sauces, while the team continued preparing dishes for the guests.

One of the highlights was watching Chef Jo prepare his speciality Pad Thai. Naturally, we had to try it!

Seeing the dish prepared fresh while watching the chef at work made the experience even more enjoyable.

Freshly Prepared and Served

One thing we noticed throughout the evening was how busy the entire team was. The chefs and F&B staff were constantly preparing, cooking and serving dishes to diners.

Many of the live-action selections were prepared on the spot, which added an element of excitement to the buffet experience.

It was not simply about picking up food from a counter — there was an opportunity to watch the preparation and interact with the team along the way.

A Refreshing Lemongrass Welcome Drink

We also tried the hotel’s version of a lemongrass drink, served as part of the welcome experience.

The refreshing drink was a pleasant introduction before we continued exploring the many dishes available around the buffet.

By this point, there was already plenty to discover, from seafood and grilled items to Thai specialities, live cooking stations and desserts.

How Much Is the Taste of ChomSindh Buffet?

The Taste of ChomSindh Weekend Buffet Dinner is priced at:

• RM188 nett per adult
• Senior citizens enjoy 20% off, while children enjoy 50% off.

The buffet is available every Friday and Saturday, from 6:30 PM to 10:00 PM.

This makes it an option worth considering for a weekend dinner with family or friends, especially for those who enjoy exploring different cuisines and live cooking experiences.

Don't Miss the Thai Bua Loy

One of the desserts that caught our attention was their Thai version of Bua Loy, sometimes familiar to Malaysian diners as a type of bubur candil.

Bua Loy is a popular Thai dessert featuring soft and chewy glutinous rice balls served with warm coconut cream.

The combination of the chewy rice balls and creamy coconut base makes it a comforting way to finish a Thai-inspired meal.

Tropical Fruits and Ice Cream for the Kids

The dessert experience did not stop there.The buffet also featured a selection of tropical fruits, giving diners a refreshing option after enjoying the heavier dishes.

And, of course, the kids had their own favourites.

The ice cream station was definitely a popular stop, giving the younger diners something sweet to enjoy towards the end of their buffet experience.

A Taste of Thailand in Johor Bahru

Overall, the Taste of ChomSindh Weekend Buffet Dinner at Amari Hotel Johor Bahru offers plenty to explore.

From fresh seafood on ice and grilled oysters to live pasta, Thai specialities, Chef Jo’s Pad Thai, Bua Loy, tropical fruits and ice cream, there is a wide selection for diners to discover.

What makes the experience even more interesting is the story behind ChomSindh and the connection to family, memories and the traditions of Thailand.

For those looking for a weekend buffet experience in Johor Bahru with a Thai culinary touch, this is certainly one dining experience worth exploring.

So, if you are planning your next weekend food adventure in JB, perhaps it is time to discover Taste of ChomSindh for yourself.

Another great discovery by Jomtaralets, a foodie and travel blogger you can trust.

Taste of ChomSindh Weekend Buffet

📍 Amaya Food Gallery, Level 6, Amari Hotel Johor Bahru
📅 Every Friday & Saturday
⏰ 6:30 PM – 10:00 PM
💰 RM188 nett per adult
👴 Senior citizens: 20% off
👧 Children: 50% off