May 12th 2024.
The once-promising Forest City in Malaysia has now gained the eerie title of 'ghost city'. It's a stark contrast to the initial vision of a bustling paradise for all. The $100 billion development, located in southern Malaysia, was meant to be a dream come true for its residents. However, after eight long years, it has turned into a deserted wasteland with empty skyscrapers and a river infested with crocodiles.
According to resident Joanne Kaur, who rents an apartment in Forest City, the place gives off an unsettling vibe. Even during the day, the corridors are dark and desolate. Joanne and her husband are the only inhabitants on their entire floor, which speaks volumes about the current state of the development. She sympathizes with those who invested in or bought a property here, as they were promised a completely different experience. Sadly, that is not what they have received.
If you were to search 'Forest City' on Google, the images that come up are far from the reality of the situation. Joanne explains that the actual project does not match up to what was initially marketed to the people. The skyscrapers, which were meant to be filled with residents, now stand empty. The beach is deserted, the children's playground is abandoned, and the shopping malls have either closed down or been abandoned due to a lack of business.
To make matters worse, Forest City is built on reclaimed land, far away from the nearest major city of Johor Bahru. This ambitious project was started by China's largest property developer, Country Garden, in 2016, with the aim of accommodating one million people. However, the average price of an apartment here is a staggering $1.14 million, which is out of reach for most Malaysians. As a result, only 15% of the project has been completed, and very few people actually live here.
The Covid-19 pandemic and the subsequent travel lockdowns have also played a significant role in hampering the development of Forest City. In comparison, the average sale price of a property in Johor Bahru is around $141,000, and the city is more easily accessible than Forest City, which requires a car to get around. The once-promised eco-friendly metropolis, complete with a golf course, waterpark, offices, bars, and restaurants, now stands at only 15% completion, with a few hundred residents scattered across the tower blocks.
At night, the entire city is enveloped in darkness, with only a few flats showing any signs of life. The abandoned beach is littered with rusting cars and empty bottles of alcohol, giving off an eerie vibe. The river, which runs alongside the development, is filled with crocodiles, with warning signs urging people not to swim in it. The shopping malls, once meant to be the hub of activity, now stand closed or abandoned due to a lack of business.
BBC analysts have labeled Forest City as a 'classic case of ambition versus reality' and 'a tough sell'. The Covid-19 pandemic has only added to the struggles of this development, leaving it a mere shadow of what was promised. It serves as a cautionary tale of the dangers of over-ambition and the importance of considering practicality in any project.
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