the muar bridge was officially opened by the late sultan of johor, almarhum sultan sir ismail al-khalidi ibni almarhum sultan sir ibrahim al-masyhur on saturday, 16 april 1967 at 10.30 am and was named officially as the sultan ismail bridge. the inauguration was witnessed by thousands of people who first opened and crossed the muar river to use the bridge. following the opening of the bridge, the "penambang" ferry service was terminated effective midnight friday, 15 april 1967.