Nestled along Malaysia’s southern coast near Singapore, a massive urban project called Forest City stands as an ambitious vision that hasn’t quite materialized as planned. Developed by Chinese real estate giant Country Garden, this sprawling 1,740-hectare complex—equivalent to four Monacos—was designed to house up to 700,000 residents.
Despite its grand scale, the development has struggled to attract occupants. Initial reports in 2019 indicated only about 500 residents, far below projections. While anonymous sources suggest the population has since grown to a few thousand, this still represents a fraction of the original target.
Country Garden has remained tight-lipped about current occupancy rates, leaving questions about the project’s long-term viability. The muted response from the developer has fueled speculation about whether Forest City will ever reach its intended capacity.
The situation highlights the challenges of large-scale urban developments, particularly those dependent on foreign investment and migration. Forest City’s slow growth raises broader questions about the sustainability of such megaprojects in the region.