Ensure Bandar Malaysia Is Future Ready Says Urban Planning Expert

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In December, KLCC (Holdings) Sdn Bhd, a Petronas subsidiary, announced its acquisition of 486 acres of Bandar Malaysia land for an undisclosed sum. (File pic)PETALING JAYA: An urban planning expert has called for the Bandar Malaysia project to exemplify the qualities of a future-ready township, ensuring it benefits the local residents

Universiti Malaya’s Goh Hong Ching said integrating green and smart city components would be essential in achieving this goal.
“These measures would promote ecological balance and energy efficiency while enhancing the wellbeing and quality of life of its community.
“The benefits for the residents in the area will also depend on the level of community engagement and the project’s ability to address pressing issues such as flooding, traffic congestion and the lack of public parks,” she told FMT.

Last month, KLCC (Holdings) Sdn Bhd (KLCCH), a Petronas subsidiary, announced its acquisition of 486 acres of Bandar Malaysia land for an undisclosed sum.
KLCCH said a sale and purchase agreement was signed on Oct 4 with Bandar Malaysia Sdn Bhd and Bandar Malaysia Land Sdn Bhd for the site, which previously housed the Royal Malaysian Air Force base on Jalan Sungai Besi, Kuala Lumpur.
The company said the development would be based on commercial viability over a long term period, with the development envisioned as an international business hub as well as a liveable and inclusive city for the community.
Goh said to become a liveable city, Bandar Malaysia must prioritise accessibility, efficiency, affordability and future-proof architecture to enhance the wellbeing and quality of life of its diverse communities.
She said future plans for Bandar Malaysia should include community spaces for social interaction, known as “third places”, alongside strategies for climate-resilient development.
Bandar Malaysia could boost government coffers
Meanwhile, economist Geoffrey Williams said the township has the potential to serve as a source of non-tax revenue for the government.
“Since the funds come from a Petronas subsidiary, it also aligns with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s call for government-linked entities to boost domestic investment. It is a long-term investment and its success will depend on market driven-demand,” he told FMT.
He added that, conservatively, the investment in Bandar Malaysia could more than double in 10 years and grow tenfold over three decades, with rental income contributing significantly to returns.
However, Williams warned that the development may exacerbate an overhang of unsold properties.
“Variations in property and land use should be considered, including setting parts aside (to develop) public amenities and transport,” he said.
According to the National Property Information Centre (Napic), overhang units increased by 3% in the second quarter of 2024, totalling 127,180 units, up from 125,362 in the previous quarter.
These unsold properties are concentrated in urbanised areas like Johor, Kuala Lumpur and Selangor, where high land prices and the demand-supply mismatch are more pronounced. - FMT

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