JOHOR BARU, July 4 -- Once a place to be feared, the former Ayer Molek Prison has been given a second life as Kota Jail - a new tourism attraction in the heart of Johor Baru.

The 142-year-old prison, decommissioned in 2018, is now being transformed into a creative and heritage hub that merges art, history and tourism.

Located on a 5.2-hectare plot in the city centre, Kota Jail has already begun hosting pop-up markets, art exhibitions and community events.

Some of the former prison cell blocks have been repurposed into a cafe, a bakery and even a florist, while others remain vacant and are available for rent as event spaces.

Still, much of the site remains untouched to preserve its original character.

A signboard at the entrance remin...