AMONG the main factors that attract people to invest or grow in a new area are how well connected it is, how well it bridges convenience to everyday living and how safe it really is for our family members.
These are some of the thoughts that came to the minds of the people behind IJM Land.
But it did not just stop there. The developer decided they could give much more to the community who was willing to invest in their interest. IJM Land sharpened their whole philosophy to provide an ecosystem that infuses infrastructure, connectivity, commerce, education and especially green areas.
IJM Land is a wholly-owned subsidiary and property development arm of IJM Corporation Bhd (IJM Group).
“The IJM Group’s combined capabilities enables a holistic approach: good property development combines sound engineering, thoughtful master planning and understanding how people want to live,” says its chief executive officer Datuk Tony Ling.
Putting this in simple terms, building a living residential community is not easy. It needs important building blocks to sustain value over generations to come.
“How do we know we are doing well? Our townships are really measured by families enjoying parks, children growing in the neighbourhood, businesses establishing themselves and residents developing a sense of belonging,” notes Ling.
“That is when a township becomes a community!”
True to this, the company has served Malaysians for over four decades. They have, since then, grown at a steady pace to meet the market’s demand. Their priority is to listen to the people living in their townships.
Today, IJM Rimbayu is one of their flagship townships. It was established in 2013 and continues to develop to meet their resident’s needs. Located in Telok Panglima Garang in Selangor, the township has 5,000 homes and 323 shop offices.
Residents presently enjoy the lifestyle facilities like The ARC (social and community living space), The Club (sports and wellness), the 0.063ha (6.3 acres) Rimbayu Linear Park (thematic gardens, eco-learning and inclusive of a play area), Oasis International School and Lotus’s Rimbayu to meet daily needs like food and beverage outlets and groceries.
Upcoming commercial developments in Rimbayu include ROAM and District 28.
ROAM is envisioned as a hub for entrepreneurs and small and medium enterprises (SMEs), set within a beautifully landscaped public area.
Its 195 strata retail and office units will provide affordable spaces for start-ups, small businesses and those looking to expand their ventures. From outdoor dining and retail spaces to small shoplots and offices close to home, ROAM will cater to a range of business needs.
District 28, on the other hand, targets a prime business experience. It is a three-storey premium semi-detached shop office with just 28 units. It will feature exclusive expansions and amenities within Rimbayu.
The township also features 56.66ha (140 acres) of green spaces comprising tropical orchards, community farms, pocket parks, woodlands, camping and picnic areas, as well as jogging and cycling facilities, giving residents easy access to nature and outdoor recreation.
IJM Land also built linkages connecting Rimbayu to Kota Kemuning and Saujana Putra, providing access to major highway networks including the Shah Alam Expressway (Kesas), Kemuning-Shah Alam Expressway (LKSA), South Klang Valley Expressway (SKVE) and North-South Expressway Central Link (Elite).
“When IJM Rimbayu was first conceived, the site was largely agricultural land in a considerably less-developed southern Selangor. We saw an opportunity to transform it into a well-planned, green and sustainable township growing alongside the Klang Valley.
“The vision extended beyond homes to creating a self-sustaining community where residents could live close to nature while accessing daily amenities and connectivity.
“Master-planned as an integrated township with residential, commercial, recreational and parkland components, green spaces and community facilities were incorporated from the outset,” says Ling.
He adds that IJM Rimbayu’s growth has progressed alongside the development of southern Selangor, guided by a long-term approach that brings homes, workplaces, education, retail and nature together within a well-connected township.
Another major township in the developer’s portfolio is Alam Suria in Puncak Alam. Launched in 2001, the 470.6ha (1,163 acres) township has grown into an established community of more than 28,000 residents, with ongoing developments including Daffodil Residency and the 68.8ha (170 acres) Suria Hill precinct.
The township is supported by a range of surrounding amenities, including Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) and Hospital UiTM, while its strategic location provides access to major highways serving Puncak Alam and the wider Klang Valley.
Connectivity is set to be further enhanced by the upcoming East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) Puncak Alam station, which is expected to open in 2028. Located approximately 1km from Alam Suria, the station is set to improve the township’s connectivity and accessibility.
Within Alam Suria, residents also have access to the 4.45ha (11 acres) Central Park and 1.79ha (4.42 acres) Suria Park, providing green and recreational spaces within the township. Suria Park features a 1.8km pedestrian loop, multipurpose courts, a skate park, wall-climbing facilities and fitness stations.
Sustainability and future-ready living are also increasingly important in Alam Suria’s newer developments. Daffodil Residency and Suria Hill have obtained GreenRE assessment certification, while the newest landed homes also incorporate EV isolator points, preparing homeowners for future electric vehicle charging requirements.
“Placemaking is central to the Group’s approach. We want residents to feel a part of a community, not simply returning to a house at day’s end. We build the environment, but people ultimately give a township its soul,” says Ling.
The development of Rimbayu and Alam Suria reflects IJM Land’s township philosophy of going beyond creating homes to building ecosystems that combine infrastructure, connectivity, commerce, education and green spaces to support long-term community growth.
That focus on quality of life is also taking shape in new ways.
In Subang Jaya, Ren Wellness Retreat marks a move towards wellness and active living, bringing healthcare, wellness, hospitality and lifestyle offerings together in one destination.
Overlooking Subang Ria lake, the private wellness retreat will offer services ranging from preventive and complementary care to rehabilitation, nursing care, counselling, fitness and hospitality. Ren is also affiliated with Beijing University of Chinese Medicine and the First Affiliated Hospital of Tianjin University of Chinese Medicine.
“We listen closely to customers and communities, remaining prepared to evolve. Our responsibility is understanding how people will live tomorrow and ensuring today’s developments adapt accordingly,” says Ling.
As those needs continue to evolve, IJM Land sees its role in Selangor extending beyond individual developments to supporting the state’s next phase of growth.
“Selangor will continue evolving, and we wish to remain a meaningful partner in that journey. Our role is creating long-term value through new communities, continuing township evolution, better connectivity and more sustainable development approaches.
“Legacy should not be measured by project numbers completed. If, decades from now, people still see IJM Land developments as good places to live, raise families, build businesses and belong to communities, we will have made meaningful contributions to Selangor.”
