Malaysia’s $100bn Forest City-turned-‘ghost town’: Can this mega-project be revived?

Follow us on our Malay and English WhatsApp, Telegram, Instagram, Tiktok and Youtube channels.

On 20 September 2024, the Malaysian government unveiled a series of incentives aimed at transforming Forest City, the multi-billion-dollar mixed-use mega-city project, into a special financial zone.

Among these incentives are a 15% income tax rate for skilled workers, multiple-entry visas, a zero tax rate for family wealth offices, and attractive corporate tax rates.

The goal: sparking life into what has been dubbed Malaysia’s Ghost Town.

Once touted as an eco-friendly metropolis, why did Forest City become a largely vacant white elephant, with only 15% of the development completed? The project, which was expected to house 700,000 residents, has attracted just 9,000 inhabitants to date.

Will these new measures rejuvenate this struggling mega-city? Can Forest City, originally designed as a residential and lifestyle hub, finally fulfil its original vision – or will it remain a cautionary tale of hyper-ambition meeting economic realities?

Produced by: CNA Insight

The views expressed in Aliran's media statements and the NGO statements we have endorsed reflect Aliran's official stand. Views and opinions expressed in other pieces published here do not necessarily reflect Aliran's official position.
AGENDA RAKYAT - Lima perkara utama
  1. Tegakkan maruah serta kualiti kehidupan rakyat
  2. Galakkan pembangunan saksama, lestari serta tangani krisis alam sekitar
  3. Raikan kerencaman dan keterangkuman
  4. Selamatkan demokrasi dan angkatkan keluhuran undang-undang
  5. Lawan rasuah dan kronisme
Support Aliran's work with an online donation. Scan this QR code using your mobile phone e-wallet or banking app:
Subscribe
Notify of
guest
0 Comments
Newest
Oldest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments