The rise of Subang Jaya City Centre: From township to modern metropolis

• “High-rises are producing rental yields in the 4.4% to 6.5% range, and this consistency supports a straightforward income strategy for investors who value stable cash flow and strong occupancy."

SUBANG JAYA (Aug 14): Sime Darby Property Bhd’s new SJCC East One development is emerging as one of Subang Jaya’s most desirable addresses, thanks to its blend of convenience and modern amenities.

The transit-oriented integrated project also presents a compelling opportunity for investors, with projected rental yields well above average, said the developer during an event held last Saturday (Aug 9), which drew more than 130 EdgeProp readers to Sime Darby Property’s SJCC sales gallery.

Co-organised by EdgeProp Malaysia, the audience also saw a presentation on the rising demand, demographic shifts, and future urban planning that underpins Subang Jaya City Centre (SJCC)'s potential.

From quiet suburb to urban hub

Once a quiet corner of the Klang district, Subang Jaya has transformed into one of the Klang Valley’s most sought-after urban centres. What began in 1976 as a housing project by Sime UEP Properties Bhd (a property development division of Sime Darby Property) has evolved into a vibrant, self-sustaining city known for its educational institutions, commercial hubs, and strategic connectivity.

Early on, Subang Jaya's identity was shaped by key landmarks. Subang Parade, which opened in 1988, was the longest mall in Southeast Asia at the time, attracting shoppers and offering leisure activities to the working class.

Beyond retail, Subang Jaya’s strategic location near major highways like the Federal Highway and New Klang Valley Expressway (NKVE) has attracted industrial parks and corporate headquarters. Today, companies like Proton, Lotus Cars, and Digi Telecommunications have a significant presence here, further fuelling job creation and economic growth.

A new generation of consumers

In a market briefing titled “A bold new chapter of Subang’s City Centre”, EdgeProp Malaysia head of editorial and branding Jacqueline Lim said that the emergence of new train stations in the last decade have contributed to an increase in transit-oriented developments (TOD) located in Subang Jaya, which makes this area poised for a new era of growth.

(Read also: SJCC East One—a landmark address in the heart of Subang Jaya city centre)

If you're wondering whether Subang Jaya has reached its maturity, the latest data might surprise you.

"Our data shows that SJCC has historically commanded a 14–20% premium over the rest of Subang Jaya. High-rises are producing rental yields in the 4.4% to 6.5% range, and this consistency supports a straightforward income strategy for investors who value stable cash flow and strong occupancy," Lim said.

She also shared that while Malaysia's population is projected to grow by 10% by 2035, Subang Jaya's population is expected to grow at twice that rate, driven by transit hubs, urban renewal, and young families moving in.

“Looking ahead, the rise of Gen Z and Gen Alpha will create a new consumer class in Subang Jaya within the next five to 10 years. This is exciting because it shows strength and sustainability in the housing market here. There’ll be a continued need to accommodate future residents,” Lim elaborated.

A promising investment for property owners

Recognising the growth value, Sime Darby Property’s SJCC East One, a new serviced apartment launched in June, has received a high take-up rate.

"SJCC is the most desirable address, with SJCC East One being surrounded by established communities. Our residents have direct access to Subang Jaya LRT and KTM interchange station via a 130m covered walkway, whereas the 72-acre Subang Ria Park is just a 450m walk away.

"The existing monsoon drain will be transformed into SJCC High Street, a tree-lined, pedestrian-friendly retail boulevard set to become the upcoming lifestyle hub at SJCC," Sime Darby Property senior marketing manager Angela Ooi explained.

Ooi noted that the SJCC masterplan prioritises convenience and a modern lifestyle. The amenities include co-working spaces, meeting rooms, a podcast room with a green screen for side hustles, a karaoke lounge, and a game room.

Besides that, there is a common gym and a separate ladies-only gym for those who prefer privacy. Other facilities include a multi-purpose room that doubles as a yoga studio and convenient ground-floor retail shops.

Sime Darby Property remains dedicated to driving the growth and vibrancy of SJCC, with the goal of creating a thriving and sustainable township.

Want to have a vision of how Penang’s property segment will look like? Download a copy of EdgeProp’s PENANG Investing Towards 2030.