Johor Launches Official Mascots, Tagline, Song and Video for Visit Johor Year 2026

A new era of tourism begins as Johor prepares to welcome the world in 2026. In a lively and meaningful ceremony at Zoo Johor, the Johor State Government, through Tourism Johor and Majestic Johor Tourism Sdn. Bhd., officially unveiled the mascots, tagline, song, and video for the upcoming Visit Johor Year 2026 (VJY2026) campaign.

This symbolic event marks the official kick-off to Johor’s preparations in conjunction with Visit Malaysia Year 2026, as the state aims to attract 12 million visitors and generate over RM42 billion in economic returns. The launch also signifies Johor’s determination to strengthen its position as a premier tourism destination in Malaysia and beyond.

Cuping and Jucy: The Pride of Johor

Every great campaign needs a face or two. Meet Cuping and Jucy, two magnificent Malayan tigers (Panthera tigris), chosen as the official mascots of Visit Johor 2026.

Cuping, the male tiger born in Zoo Johor in 2013, takes his name from a scar on his ear (“cuping”), a mark left by his mother that now stands as a symbol of strength, resilience, and courage. He embodies the spirit of Johor’s people: protective, dignified, yet welcoming to guests.

Alongside him is Jucy, a graceful female tiger born in 2018, named after her ancestors, Jeli and Juli, who were once icons of Zoo Johor. Jucy represents elegance, warmth, and hospitality, mirroring Johor’s caring and friendly nature.

Together, they symbolise balance and harmony, the union of strength and gentleness, masculinity and femininity, tradition and modernity. As Johor’s tourism ambassadors, Cuping and Jucy will bring the state’s story to life, embodying its vibrant and welcoming spirit.

“Meh Lah Johor!” Tagline Welcomes All

Simple, warm, and unmistakably Johorean, the tagline “Meh Lah Johor!” captures the heart of the state’s hospitality.

Translated loosely as “Come to Johor!”, it’s a friendly, open invitation that reflects the cheerful and approachable character of Johor’s people. More than a slogan, it’s a heartfelt message: an encouragement for locals and tourists alike to explore the state’s beauty, diversity, and charm.

This tagline embodies the very essence of Johor: a place that welcomes everyone with open arms.

“Pesona Johor” Official Song Captures the State’s Soul

Music often says what words cannot, and Johor’s official song, “Pesona Johor”, does exactly that.

Every verse celebrates the ten districts of Johor, their unique attractions, and their cultural richness, from the tranquil islands of Mersing to the bustling energy of Johor Bahru. The melody and lyrics showcase the unity, pride, and warmth of Johoreans, while reflecting the beauty of the state’s landscapes and heritage.

“Pesona Johor” serves as both a musical tribute and a tourism anthem, reminding everyone that Johor’s charm lies in its people, culture, and nature.

The Official Video: Johor’s Story in Motion

Accompanying the song is the official Visit Johor 2026 video, a stunning visual masterpiece that captures the diversity, vitality, and uniqueness of Johor.

The video highlights everything from modern cityscapes and natural wonders to cultural traditions and local lifestyles, offering the world a glimpse into the true identity of Johor: majestic, welcoming, and full of life.

This audiovisual presentation encapsulates Majestic Johor’s spirit and positions the state as a destination ready to shine on the world stage.

Building Momentum Towards December’s Grand Launch

This October launch at Zoo Johor serves as a prelude to the main celebration, which will take place on 14th December 2025 at Dataran MBJB.

That event is expected to unite Johoreans and visitors in a grand celebration, marking the official start of Visit Johor Year 2026. The campaign promises a series of exciting events and collaborations that will promote Johor’s heritage, nature, and modern progress.

Promotional Kits to Strengthen District Pride

To ensure consistent branding and community involvement, Tourism Johor distributed Promotional Kits to district officers during the event. These kits include travel guides, fun maps, roll-up buntings, beach flags, banners, and other promotional materials designed to help every district proudly promote its attractions.

According to Tourism Johor Director En. Mohammad Nazrul Abd Rahim, “The strength of Johor’s tourism lies in the uniqueness of each district. We want every district to champion the Visit Johor brand with pride.”

Each of Johor’s ten districts plays a vital role:

Mersing enchants visitors with pristine beaches and island getaways.

Kota Tinggi boasts Desaru Coast’s world-class resorts and historical sites.

Johor Bahru and Iskandar Puteri showcase urban vibrancy and modern lifestyle.

Muar captivates with its culture, art, and renowned local cuisine.

Batu Pahat highlights creative craftsmanship and historical charm.

Pontian is home to Tanjung Piai, Asia’s southernmost tip.

Kluang offers agro-tourism and eco-adventures surrounded by lush greenery.

Tangkak invites hikers to the legendary Gunung Ledang.

Segamat delights with tropical orchards and scenic nature.

Kulai combines spirituality and modern retail with Putuo Village and Johor Premium Outlets.

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Together, they form a colourful mosaic of experiences, showcasing why Johor is more than a destination; it’s a journey through culture, nature, and innovation.

Zoo Johor’s Millionth Visitor and a Symbol of Family Tourism

The ceremony also marked a proud milestone – the one-millionth visitor to Zoo Johor since its reopening in August 2024.

This achievement reflects the zoo’s enduring popularity as a family-friendly attraction and a place where visitors can connect with nature. As En. Nazrul noted, Zoo Johor is not merely a recreational park but also “a source of pride, learning, and family bonding for Johoreans.”

Collaboration with PAJ and Grab

Tourism Johor and Majestic Johor Tourism Sdn. Bhd. also announced a strategic collaboration with Perbadanan Pengangkutan Awam Johor (PAJ) and Grab Car Sdn. Bhd. to make travel within Johor more convenient.

As part of this partnership, 20,000 Grab Ride promo codes will be distributed for public use at major tourist attractions across the state. Additionally, Visit Johor 2026 stickers were ceremoniously affixed to PAJ buses and Grab vehicles, turning every ride into a mobile ambassador for Johor tourism.

“Every vehicle that travels across Johor now carries our message: that Johor is ready to welcome the world,” said En. Nazrul.

The Spirit of “Bangsa Johor” in Action

In his speech, En. Mohammad Nazrul Abd Rahim (Tourism Johor Director) described Visit Johor 2026 as more than just a promotional campaign. “It is a collective movement: a story of a state rich in heritage, beauty, and unity,” he said.

He emphasised that the success of Visit Johor 2026 relies on collaboration between the state government, local authorities, industry players, and communities. This spirit of togetherness, known as “Bangsa Johor”or the Johor race, reflects the unity and pride of the people working together for their beloved state.

Johor, The Gateway of Malaysia

En. Nazrul ended his speech with an inspiring pantun that encapsulated the heart of Johor’s mission:

Kain tenun Johor indah teranyam,
Tarian Zapin lambang budaya.
Visit Johor 2026 kita jayakan bersama,
Agar Johor dikenang seluruh dunia.

Indeed, Johor, the gateway of Malaysia, stands ready to greet the world with its roar of pride, melody of culture, and a warm invitation: “Meh Lah Johor!”

Event: Launch of Official Mascots, Tagline, Song, and Video for Visit Johor Year 2026
Venue: Zoo Johor
Date: 13th Oct, 2025
Time: 6pm