Malaysia: Forest City set to become iconic urban area

MOHD FARHAAN SHAH The Star 19 Dec 15;

GUANZHOU: The much talked about Forest City project in Johor will be a catalyst for modern developments in the future and become an iconic urban area in the world in 20 years.

Country Garden Holdings chairman Yeung Kwok Keung said Forest City would trigger great changes on how development projects being carry out not only within developing countries but throughout the world.

He said the 1,740ha reclaimed land was design to be environmental friendly and the first such urban development in the world.

“This is a fresh idea where it will have four multi-layers development and the public would not see any vehicles on the road as Forest City would be filled with greenery on the top layer while underneath is for roads and parking bays use by vehicles.

“We also provide effective transportation system for more than 100,000 residents living there. Forest City will be a dream for the community to live and work there,” he said.

Yeung said Country Garden Holdings had been involved in property, construction, logistic, and hotels for more than 20 years and operated in 300 cities including in Malaysia. “I am confident that Forest City will become a smart urban area and an example to other projects where we are committed to make it into a reality.”

He said this in his speech during Forest City media briefing held at Country Garden headquarters here yesterday.

Meanwhile Country Garden Pacificview Sdn Bhd executive director Datuk Daing A Malek Daing A Rahaman, who was present at the event, said the project, located in Iskandar Malaysia, would offer various opportunities to foreign investors.

“Besides its location along Johor Straits, its unique designs will attract foreign investors and offer opportunities to all,” he said.

Launched in 2013, Forest City initial gross development project is RM450bil and is expected to create 220,000 job opportunities upon completion in 2035.

Forest City, build on four man-made islands near Tanjung Kupang, has already received RM170bil worth of commitment investment.