A household name to many, Mah Sing Group Bhd has grown tremendously over the years and expanded its presence across the country. Known for its innovative approach and meticulous attention to detail, Mah Sing consistently delivers high-quality developments that blend functionality with aesthetics. Every project embodies the distinctive speciality of the group, which is the practice of designing environments that elevate and inspire modern lifestyles.

One abundantly successful project shares the same story. Named M Minori, this serviced apartment development comprises three blocks of serviced suites — Towers A, B and C — with a gross development value (GDV) of RM469 million. M Minori has a total of 1,526 residential units with built-ups of 570 to 880 sq ft and 2 retail lots. Affordably priced from RM288,000, the units come in 1-bedroom, 1+1-bedroom, 2-bedroom and 3-bedroom configurations.

The GreenRE Bronze-certified development boasts several green features as part of the developer’s environmental, social and governance (ESG) initiatives as well as its goal of achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050, in line with that of the government. These latest innovative features include electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, an automatic waste collection system, eco-label and green-certified materials, a rainwater harvesting system and low VOC (volatile organic compound) paint.

Providing something for everyone, M Minori features several fun-filled and recreational facilities, including a 2,800 sq ft multi-age gymnasium, swimming pool, Jacuzzi, pool deck, pool pavilions, playground or kids’ trails, a jogging track, badminton courts, a multipurpose hall, half basketball court and multipurpose hall, barbecue area, parcel drop-off area, and a co-working and communal space.

Adopting the well-known Japanese ikigai concept, M Minori presents harmonious minimalist homes. The development showcases a blend of traditional and contemporary designs that place emphasis on aesthetics and functionality. The units have been thoughtfully designed to maximise space and natural light.

“It is inspired by the Japanese concept of balanced living — ikigai. M Minori aims to lay down the right foundation when designing homes, with a clear sight of the intended outcome of creating a home where residents can live contentedly,” says Benjamin Ong, Mah Sing’s CEO of Property Subsidiaries.

In June 2022, Mah Sing acquired a freehold parcel in Mukim Tebrau, Johor Bahru measuring 6.938 acres for RM39.29 million. Situated in the picturesque and well-established Taman Seri Austin, this prime piece of land is now the site of M Minori.

Surrounding Taman Seri Austin are Taman Setia Indah, Taman Daya, Taman Mount Austin, Bandar Dato’ Onn and Taman Desa Tebrau. These mature residential neighbourhoods are accessible via major highways such as the North-South Expressway, Pasir Gudang Highway and Senai-Desaru Expressway.

M Minori fits well with Mah Sing’s strategy of offering affordable homes at strategic locations with good connectivity and ready amenities. This comes after its success in the region, having developed the Meridin East township in Pasir Gudang as well as Meridin Bayvue and Meridin@Medini in Iskandar Malaysia.

Although M Minori is the first M Series project in Johor, the development has received overwhelming response since its launch in November last year. Towers A and B of M Minori are 88% and 65% taken up respectively. Due to the strong demand, Tower C is now open for sale. The developer attributes this achievement to the project’s affordable pricing, strategic location and its shuttle bus service.

“We will provide a shuttle bus service (for residents only) to the CIQ and the future Johor Bahru–Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS Link) station, which is convenient for residents who commute to Singapore daily,” says Ong.

M Minori is a crowd favourite among middle-income groups. “Most [of our] buyers fall into the M40 category, mainly young professionals, newlyweds and those in the age range of 24 to 34 who are planning to grow their families. Some 50% of our buyers are Malaysians working in Singapore, and 50% are Malaysians working in Johor Bahru. They are environmentally conscious, looking for a quality lifestyle and enjoy luxury services.”

In order to expand the M Series development in Johor, the developer acquired another 75.7-acre tract of prime land in Mukim Pulai, Johor Bahru for RM76.094 million in June last year. This land has been set aside for a landed residential development named M Tiara.

M Tiara, a 75-acre development with a lush green landscape, is located in the heart of Johor Bahru. This unique residential project blends colonial charm and lush greenery, combining tradition with modern luxury. M Tiara comprises double-storey terraced houses with four bedrooms and land sizes from 20ft by 70ft for urban families.

Less than a year later, in April 2024, Mah Sing acquired 100.4 acres of freehold land in Mukim Pulai, Johor Bahru for RM103.746 million, further solidifying its commitment to grow its presence in Johor. According to the developer, this new tract is located 400m from M Tiara.

To be named M Tiara 2, the site will house landed homes, a serviced apartment development and double-storey shops, with an estimated GDV of RM1.45 billion. Based on an April 5 press statement, M Tiara 2 is envisioned to be a township comprising double-storey terraced and double-storey cluster homes with indicative land sizes of 22ft by 70ft and 24ft by 70ft; and 34ft by 70ft and 34ft by 75ft respectively. The indicative starting price of the landed units is RM771,600 while that of the serviced units is RM253,000. Registration of interest for these projects is targeted to commence in 1Q2025.

Ong says he is optimistic and believes that many opportunities await Mah Sing now and moving forward.

“Johor is our second biggest market in terms of business units. The biggest draw for Johor is its proximity to Singapore, a smaller country with limited resources. For example, land for industrial properties is scarce there, so it has no choice but to bring the lower-end production to Johor.

“We remain confident in Southeast Asia’s future, even though the US and European economies are slowing down. There are bright spots in Malaysia and our property market is still relatively stable. People have jobs and that creates a demand for our properties,” Ong explains.