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“Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim says 50 acres within the RM140 billion Bandar Malaysia project will be gazetted as Malay Reserve Land to safeguard Bumiputera interests.”
Kuala Lumpur, 29th June 2026, 01.30pm – Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has announced that 50 acres of land within the Bandar Malaysia development will be gazetted as Malay Reserve Land, describing the move as an important step to safeguard Bumiputera interests while ensuring the long-term success of the landmark project.
Speaking at the National Convention of the Syariah Legal Profession 2026, Anwar said the decision required careful consultation and political consensus given the strategic value of the land.
According to the Prime Minister, the 50-acre parcel carries exceptional value due to its location within Bandar Malaysia.
He noted that the land’s value is comparable to approximately 5,000 acres in Kedah, underscoring the significance of the government’s decision.
Government-Owned Land
Anwar stressed that the move does not involve acquiring land from any community, as the site is already owned by the Federal Government.
He explained that the 480-acre Bandar Malaysia project was taken back by the government after the previous development plan failed to proceed and is now jointly managed by Khazanah Nasional Bhd and Petroliam Nasional Bhd (PETRONAS).
The Prime Minister added that leaders from various communities had been briefed on the rationale behind the decision to minimise misunderstandings and facilitate implementation.
Part of the Bandar Malaysia Master Plan
The Ministry of Finance previously said further studies are being undertaken to ensure the proposed Malay Reserve Land aligns with Bandar Malaysia’s vision as an international business hub.
Among the planning principles being considered are:
- Clustered residential areas close to community facilities such as mosques.
- Integrated mixed-use development aligned with the Malaysia Madani framework.
- Potential cultural and heritage tourism attractions highlighting Malay history and identity.
Bandar Malaysia is being developed on the former Royal Malaysian Air Force base in Sungai Besi and has an estimated gross development value (GDV) of RM140 billion, making it one of Malaysia’s largest urban regeneration projects.
MetProperty Analysis
The gazettement of 50 acres as Malay Reserve Land introduces a new planning component within Bandar Malaysia while leaving the broader mixed-use masterplan intact.
Rather than reducing the project’s strategic importance, the decision reflects the government’s intention to balance economic development with social and policy objectives.
For property investors and market observers, the key consideration will be how the reserved land is ultimately integrated into the wider township, particularly as Bandar Malaysia is expected to become a major international business district featuring commercial, residential, transport and lifestyle components.
As planning progresses, further details on land use, development density and implementation timelines are likely to shape market sentiment toward one of Kuala Lumpur’s most significant redevelopment projects.
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