Do not underestimate the potential of HSR intermediate stations, says Ho Chin Soon

KUALA LUMPUR (Aug 27): Ho Chin Soon Research Sdn Bhd chairman Ho Chin Soon has reminded property investors not to underestimate the potential of areas where the intermediate stations of the Kuala Lumpur-Singapore High Speed Rail (HSR) link are located.

Speaking during his presentation "Hot spots along the alignment: Where are the opportunities?" at TheEdgeProperty.com’s “Symposium on Kuala Lumpur-Singapore High Speed Rail 2016” themed “Where to invest — Don’t miss the boat!” today, Ho pointed out that the HSR is expected to attract 17.6 million potential users and the number is poised to increase at a pace of 2.9% per annum to about 24 million in 10 years.

Furthermore, when the government of Malaysia and Singapore signed the memorandum of understanding (MOU) for the 350km rail link last month, some developers have started to acquire land near the proposed stations while developers with projects near the proposed stations are already promoting their projects with the HSR as a major selling point of their projects, he added.

Ho said the HSR, which will have a terminus in Bandar Malaysia and six intermediate stations in Putrajaya, Seremban, Ayer Keroh, Muar, Batu Pahat and Iskandar Puteri, offers a lot of opportunities for Malaysian real estate investors including property developers.

"There are land purchase opportunities, for developers looking for development land near HSR stations. Look for plantation land, whereas individual investors should look for small holding land."

He revealed that some well-known developers already have land near the upcoming HSR stations, such as Sime Darby Bhd (Seremban station) and the Lion Group, Bellworth Group, Encorp Bhd and MTD Capital Bhd with lands in Ayer Keroh.

While revealing the land ownership and opportunities for land purchases surrounding the proposed HSR stations, he also urged investors to not underestimate the potential of each intermediate station.

For example, Pagoh or Muar stations offer small holdings and plantation land purchase opportunities, he noted.

Ho added that Ayer Keroh — another intermediate station of the HSR — will also benefit from the HSR mega project that will shorten the travel time from Ayer Keroh to Bandar Malaysia.

The symposium, which was held at Sunway Putra Hotel, Kuala Lumpur, is organised by TheEdgeProperty.com and supported by The Edge Malaysia. The presenting sponsor is Bukit Bintang City Centre.

For more reports on the symposium, read the Sept 2, 2016, issue of TheEdgeProperty pullout. You can download the pullout for free at www.TheEdgeProperty.com.

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