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From ghost town to potential wealth magnet: 6 family offices get green light to operate in Forest City

Malaysia hopes these SFOs, drawn by a zero-tax scheme, can give the zone an economic purpose beyond a cautionary tale

    • Questions remain over whether a handful of family offices can generate enough economic activity to revitalise the Forest City mega development.
    • Questions remain over whether a handful of family offices can generate enough economic activity to revitalise the Forest City mega development. PHOTO: CGPV
    Published Wed, Dec 17, 2025 · 07:00 AM

    [GELANG PATAH, JOHOR] A small but noticeable stir of activity is emerging in Forest City, hints that the vast mega development in Malaysia’s Johor Bahru may be inching away from its “ghost town” reputation – or, at least, signalling the hope that it is. 

    A growing mix of eateries, including the popular Thai outlet Kampung Carabao, which opened a year ago, now occupies part of the retail strip, in one of the clearest signs that Forest City may be coming to life.

    A transport hub anchors part of the site, with Causeway Link buses connecting the development to multiple parts of Johor Bahru and Tuas in Singapore. Routes to Kuala Lumpur are also advertised.

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