In a major push to deepen its presence in southern Malaysia, Sunway Property, in partnership with Majestic Gen, has officially broken ground on a RM4 billion mixed-use development in Yahya Awal, Johor Bahru — marking one of the largest new urban projects in the state’s capital city.
The 15.5-acre joint venture project, situated strategically near the Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) Complex and the upcoming RTS Link, aims to tap into growing demand from both Malaysia-Singapore commuters and cross-border investors.
The development, which will roll out in phases, will feature a mix of serviced apartments, retail outlets, lifestyle amenities, food and beverage hubs, and a dedicated education and wellness zone. The first phase — comprising over 1,000 Small Office/Home Office (SOHO) units — is slated for launch in Q3 2025.
Sunway Property Managing Director Chung Soo Kiong, CEO Gerard Soosay, and Majestic Gen executives Ta Wee Dher and Kee Ju Hun officiated the ground-breaking ceremony today.
“As Johor Bahru evolves into a prominent economic hub, this project sets a new benchmark for integrated city living,” said Gerard Soosay. “It reflects our vision of safe, sustainable, and connected communities, especially by leveraging our location next to the 50-acre Hutan Bandar Johor Bahru to seamlessly blend urban development with nature.”
Surrounded by key public amenities — including top-ranked schools SJK (C) Foon Yew 2 and SMK Sultan Ismail, hospitals, and public transport links — the Yahya Awal project is being positioned as a lifestyle-driven urban enclave with high accessibility and long-term growth potential.
For Majestic Gen, the partnership represents a landmark entry into large-scale urban development.
“This is our inaugural joint venture with Sunway Property and one of the largest projects in our portfolio,” said Majestic Gen Executive Director Ta Wee Dher. “We are honoured to collaborate with a leader in sustainable urban development on such a high-impact initiative.”
This latest project forms part of Sunway Property’s larger strategy to expand its footprint in Johor’s city centre and along key economic corridors. It complements Sunway’s recent RM2.6 billion Bukit Chagar Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) with MRT Corp — another major project positioned near the Johor-Singapore border.
“Together, these two developments reinforce our commitment to anchor growth near strategic checkpoints — from Bukit Chagar to the Second Link via our flagship Sunway City Iskandar Puteri,” Soosay said. “We see Johor Bahru transforming into an international gateway city, especially with initiatives like the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) gaining traction.”
With total gross development value across both projects exceeding RM6.6 billion, Sunway Property is doubling down on its bet that Johor Bahru — backed by cross-border infrastructure and policy support — is poised to become one of Southeast Asia’s next high-growth urban centres.