Forest City Gets a No‑Entry for Foreigners
In a move that’s more dramatic than a cliffhanger episode, Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad has declared that no foreigner will be able to buy a slice of the mega‑project called Forest City. The decision comes as a smack‑down to the 100‑billion‑dollar development that was pegged to host 700,000 residents.
What’s the Deal?
- No Foreign Keys: The city’s apartments will be off‑limits to anyone who isn’t a Malaysian.
- Visa Warnings: “We’re not giving visas for people to come and live here,” Mahathir told a press briefing.
- Demand Dilemma: The project, developed by Country Garden Holdings, has seen a slowdown. The government thinks this restriction might help secure local buyers.
Why the Backlash?
Many Malaysians in Johor have been chanting “Stop the Chinese take‑over!” The main concerns? Environmental damage, flooding of the property market, and the scary impact of land reclamation on local fisheries.
Community Snapshots
- Chinese Domination – About 70 % of the apartment buyers last year were Chinese nationals.
- Reclaimed Land – Only a small chunk of the planned 20 sq km has been turned into buildable land.
- Missing Malaysian Plans – Most Malaysians find it hard to get a piece of that promised housing.
Country Garden’s Response
The developer has stayed tight‑lipped, offering no comment about the government’s “no‑visa” statement. As of now, things remain vague, and the future of Forest City still feels like it’s missing its final episode.
