A $582 Million Project in Johor Bahru Will Feature Retail, Hotel, Apartments, and More
A new mixed-use development in Johor Bahru will soon be directly integrated with the Bukit Chagar station on the Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link, offering commuters easy access to a retail mall, hotel, apartments, and parking facilities. The RM2.6 billion (US$582 million) project is the result of a public-private collaboration between Malaysia’s Mass Rapid Transit Corporation (MRT Corp) and Sunway Group.
The development is set to span 1.71 hectares (17,100 sq m) and will be built over the next eight years. It will not only be linked to the RTS station but also the Johor Bahru immigration complex. The strategic partnership agreement between the two entities was signed on February 13, 2025, and witnessed by Malaysia’s Transport Minister Anthony Loke.
Scheduled to begin construction next month, the first phase of the development will include a multi-storey car park with 1,550 car spaces and more than 1,000 motorcycle lots. The car park and some of the motorcycle parking will be completed by November 2026, in time for the RTS Link’s anticipated operational launch. The serviced apartments and other amenities, including education facilities and a health and wellness hub, will be ready by early 2033.
Though specific numbers on retail outlets, hotel rooms, and apartments have yet to be disclosed, the project will cater to both local and international visitors.
The development will be well-connected to surrounding transport networks, including the KTM electric train service, city buses, and a future intra-city rail system. The project aims to ease congestion and promote the smooth dispersal of traffic, especially during peak hours.
The Johor Bahru-Singapore RTS Link, expected to begin service by late 2026, will ease the heavy traffic congestion at the Causeway. This line, which will carry up to 10,000 passengers per hour in each direction, promises to reduce cross-border travel time significantly—from the current 1.5 hours to just 15 minutes during peak periods.
Officials are confident that the joint venture will serve as a model for future public-private partnerships, showcasing the potential of Malaysian developers in large-scale infrastructure projects.
