Segamat
| Segamat District | ||
|---|---|---|
| District of Malaysia | ||
|
||
| Country |
 Malaysia
|
|
| State |
 Johor Darul Takzim |
|
| Seat | Segamat | |
| Government | ||
| • District officer | Haji Mohd Haffiz bin Haji Ahmad | |
| Area | ||
| • Total | 2,825.4 km2 (1,090.9 sq mi) | |
| Population (2010) | ||
| • Total | 182,985 | |
| • Density | 65/km2 (170/sq mi) | |
| Postcode | 85xxx | |
| Telephone area code | +60-07 | |
| Vehicle registration | J | |
The Segamat District is a district located in the north of the state of Johor in Malaysia, bordering Negeri Sembilan on the west and Pahang on the north. It is located roughly 172 kilometres from Johor Bahru, the capital city of Johor State. It is 95 km travel distance via North-South Expressway from Johor Bahru to Yong Peng, and another 77 km from Federal Route 1.
Strategically situated between Kuala Lumpur and Johor Bahru, Segamat is a fast-growing agricultural oil palm and rubber district, famous for its delicious durians, hence its recent slogan to attract tourists: Selamat Datang ke Segamat - Tanah Raja Buah-buahan (Malay: Welcome to Segamat - The Land of the King of Fruits). The eponymous town is a typical medium size town with a blend of old and new cultures. A mere 45 minute drive from town offers a variety of hiking and swimming sites namely the famous Gunung Ledang, Air Panas Waterfall and Bekok Waterfall which make an enjoyable weekend getaway.
According to local historian, Hassan bin Muhammad, the area used to be known as Rantau Panjang. In around 1511, a Bendahara of Malacca, Bendahara Tepok and his troops were retreating to Johor after the fall of Melaka to the invading Portuguese forces led by Afonso de Albuquerque. The Bendahara and his troops stopped and rested by a river in the area and drank water from the river. After the drink, the Bendahara exclaimed, "Segar amat!" (Malay: "Very refreshing!"), and named the river Segar Amat, in which over time evolved into Segamat. The name Segamat was initially applied only to the river, whereas the settlement nearby was still called Rantau Panjang. The town assumed the river's name only at the turn of the 20th century.
...
Wikipedia