Malaysia’s property sector is entering 2026 with renewed optimism as developers report stable performances and maintain their sales targets for the year ahead. According to the news from The Star, the recently concluded 3Q25 results season showed that most major developers delivered earnings largely within expectations, reinforcing confidence that the sector is on track for a stronger cycle.

Seasoned investor Ian Yoong noted that property stocks are gearing up for potential outperformance in 2026, backed by an anticipated 21% earnings growth for the sector. He said the expected fall in global interest rates could act as a key catalyst, further stimulating buying interest. Growth is projected to remain concentrated in mid-market residential, affordable housing and industrial developments — particularly in Johor, the Klang Valley and Penang. Yoong also highlighted that Malaysian property prices remain significantly lower than in other developed ASEAN markets, strengthening the country’s comparative appeal.

However, not all analysts shared the same level of enthusiasm. Areca Capital CIO Ch’ng Cheng Siew pointed out that although earnings were mostly within expectations, the results leaned more toward disappointment, with “more misses than beats.” Moving forward, she noted that investor attention will likely focus on strong take-up in landed homes and industrial products, effective de-gearing strategies, and catalysts emerging from Johor Baru — including improving sentiment ahead of the Rapid Transit System (RTS) link completion in late 2026. She added that opportunities are “pick-driven, not sector-wide,” especially with data-centre land demand rising amid the growth of AI and cloud infrastructure.

Research houses echoed a generally steady outlook. TA Research reported that all developers under its coverage maintained their FY25 sales targets, supported by solid 9M25 performance and a healthy pipeline of launches in 4Q25. Sime Darby Property and Sunway were highlighted as being on track to exceed their targets. Meanwhile, CIMB Securities cautioned that rising logistics and construction costs may create short-term delivery challenges, though demand for industrial properties remains strong — especially in Johor as infrastructure spending accelerates ahead of the RTS launch in January 2027.

TA Research also noted that the positive effects of Bank Negara’s earlier rate cut to 2.75% continue to support buying sentiment, improving mortgage affordability and lowering financing costs for developers. Industrial parks remain the sector’s strongest growth engine, driven by manufacturing FDI, data-centre expansion and supply chain diversification into Malaysia. Residential launches are expected to perform better toward year-end, though buyers will remain selective, favouring affordable, well-located and landed options.

Looking into 2026, analysts anticipate broadly positive sentiment as pro-homeownership policies, infrastructure rollouts and strategic corridors such as the Johor-Singapore SEZ and Malaysia Vision Valley continue to advance. These factors, combined with easing financial conditions and steady demand for industrial and affordable homes, are expected to support stronger earnings recovery and potential re-rating for developers with strategic landbanks and diversified income streams.

M Cora is a proposed mixed-use development by Mah Sing Group Berhad with an estimated gross development value (GDV) of RM528 million, strategically located just 450 metres from the future Mutiara LRT Line’s Bandar Sri Pinang Station. Spanning 2.83 acres near Karpal Singh Drive, this well-connected project will feature modern condominiums and commercial suites, catering to first-time homebuyers, professionals, families, and investors seeking long-term value.

Designed as a transit-oriented community, M Cora offers seamless connectivity across Penang Island and to the mainland via Penang Sentral, while enjoying direct access to the Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Expressway for convenient travel to George Town and Bayan Lepas. Subject to authorities’ approval, the project will comprise two-bedroom condominiums with built-up areas ranging from 904 sq ft to 1,015 sq ft, as well as commercial suites in sizes of 450 sq ft, 660 sq ft, and 750 sq ft.

Surrounded by established schools, healthcare facilities, and retail destinations, M Cora combines modern lifestyle conveniences with sustainable urban design. Aligned with Penang’s vision for smart, inclusive, and connected development, it marks Mah Sing’s continued confidence in the state’s growth potential and reinforces the Group’s commitment to creating well-designed, accessible communities for future generations.

Project Name : M Cora
Location : George Town
Property Type : Mixed development
Tenure: (to be confirmed)
Land Area: 2.83 acres
Built-up Size: 450 sq.ft. – 750 sq.ft. (commercial suite), 904 sq.ft. – 1,015 sq.ft. (condo)
Total Units : (to be confirmed)
Indicative Price : RM426,000 onwards (commercial suite)
Developer : Mah Sing Group

DISCLAIMER: This article is solely based on research done using publicly available data at the time of publication. This is not an advertisement. Any claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a project or service should be verified with the developer, provider, or party in question.

Photo: @DroneAriel

Pesta Pulau Pinang, a beloved year-end tradition for generations of Penangites, is taking place for the final time at its long-time home in Sungai Nibong. The month-long festival, running from now until January 10, marks the end of an era as the site will soon be handed over to MRT Corp for the construction of the Mutiara Line Light Rail Transit (LRT) depot and station.

Penang’s tourism and creative economy committee chairman, Wong Hon Wai, confirmed that there are no plans for Pesta to continue in the immediate future. With the land scheduled for takeover in June and no alternative venue ready, the state government has decided to pause the festival until the LRT project is completed in 2031.

Wong noted that replicating Pesta at a new location would require major infrastructure, time, and significant investment. While there have been suggestions to relocate the festival to Seberang Perai, no concrete plans have been established. “Any move must ensure Pesta remains accessible and attractive to families from both the island and mainland,” he said.

The Sungai Nibong grounds, which have hosted the festival since the early 1970s, will be partially absorbed into the LRT alignment for station and support facilities. This will result in the longest hiatus in the festival’s history. Originating in the late 1960s as a state fair promoting tourism and community activities, Pesta Pulau Pinang has since grown into a nostalgic highlight of the year-end school holidays, drawing visitors from across the northern region.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim earlier emphasized that Pesta holds deep sentimental value and urged that the transition be handled with sensitivity. Wong assured that the state shares this sentiment and intends to revive the fair—albeit in a potentially smaller format—once the LRT is completed. “We are not scrapping Pesta. Construction must take place, and once the LRT is completed, we could bring it back within the new site’s layout,” he said.

For now, this year’s edition aims to give visitors a memorable send-off. The festival features a range of attractions, including daily concerts by top Malaysian artists such as Datuk Awie and Ella, alongside cultural showcases, e-sports tournaments, muay thai and silat demonstrations, and a Bollywood night.

Thrill seekers can enjoy the newly introduced Air Force ride imported from Italy, suspended 30 metres in the air, as well as favourites like the Kids Roller Coaster, Euro Wheel, Vortex, and Sky Rider. There are also 17 game booths offering prizes, plus an extensive food section that includes 20 food trucks, 40 stalls, and five kiosks serving Thai cuisine.

Pesta Pulau Pinang is open daily from 5.30pm to midnight. Entry fees are RM5 for Malaysian adults, RM10 for foreigners, while children aged 12 and below enter for free.

About The Pier

A mixed-development project by Asia Green Group in Bayan Mutiara, Penang, strategically located along Tun Dr. Lim Chong Eu Expressway near the Penang Bridge’s Bayan Lepas exit. Adjacent to The Zen development (formerly Zen 9), it comprises two residential towers—Tower A with 496 units and Tower B with 438 units, totaling 934 units. The development includes facilities on level 8, a 7-level car parking podium, and 64 shop offices at ground level.

Find out more about The Pier

Taman Bistari Indah is a residential development by Capaian Setia Sdn. Bhd. in Nibong Tebal. Located along Jalan Ooi Kar Seng, diagonally opposite SJK(C) Pai Teik. The area is well-connected, situated approximately 1.5km from the Nibong Tebal KTM station and about a 10-minute drive from the Jawi Toll Plaza. A wide range of essential amenities, including schools, shops, and services, can be found within the surrounding neighbourhood.

The development comprises 66 units of 2-storey terrace homes, each designed with five rooms and four bathrooms, along with parking space for two cars. Indicative pricing starts from RM792,000.

Project Name : Taman Bistari Indah
Location : Nibong Tebal
Property Type : Residential
Tenure: Freehold
Land Area: (to be confirmed)
Built-up Size: (to be confirmed)
Total Units : 66
Indicative Price : RM792,000 onwards
Developer : Capaian Setia Sdn. Bhd.