Taman Laman Rimbunan, a commercial area in Kepong, has undergone significant transformation over the past decade. The area, which was once a quiet suburban retreat, has evolved into a hub with a high-energy vibe.
The transformation began with the arrival of the MRT Putrajaya Line in 2022, which brought a steady increase in foot traffic to the area. The opening of a new access road in 2024 further enhanced the area’s accessibility, funnelling traffic directly from the Middle Ring Road 2 into the commercial hub.
According to Stanley Toh Kim Seng, executive director of Laurelcap Sdn Bhd, the 80-acre township development was a collaborative effort between Faber Group and Metro Kajang Holdings Bhd. The area was initially designed to serve the immediate needs of pioneering residents, with a mix of local hardware stores, small clinics, and basic eateries.
As the residential phases matured, the commercial strip underwent a dramatic transformation, shifting from a support centre for locals to a regional lifestyle destination. Trendy F&B brands and teahouses, alongside specialised services like luxury confinement centres, contributed to the area’s transformation.
The MRT station, located just across the road from the shoplots, has been a major factor in the area’s transformation. With the station’s high-frequency artery pumping visitors from across the city directly to the neighbourhood’s doorstep, the area’s accessibility and value have increased.
James Wong, managing director of VPC Malaysia, highlights that improved road connectivity and a more matured and affluent middle-class population in Kepong have also contributed to the transformation of the area. The tenant mix of Laman Rimbunan has shifted from neighbourhood shops to more destination shopping, with fast-food restaurants, pharmacies, banks, and popular mini markets now occupying the shoplots.
The area has seen significant capital appreciation, with standard 3-storey shopoffices currently transacting at an average of RM4 million to RM4.6 million, compared to the launch price of RM888,888 in 2007.
Toh attributes the commercial resilience to a “Golden Triangle” factor, which acts as a safety net against market downturns. The MRT station, Kepong Metropolitan Park, and the sheer density of the neighbourhood provide a massive, captive audience that keeps the shops busy even on quiet weekdays.
One challenge the area faces is parking, with only street parking available, resulting in traffic congestion, especially during weekends. However, the MRT station has partly alleviated this issue.
Despite nearby competition, Toh believes that Laman Rimbunan will retain its crown as the commercial backbone of the area. Newer lakeside projects may offer curated aesthetics and al fresco event spaces, but they cannot easily replicate the high-visibility, “main-street” exposure that Laman Rimbunan provides.
As the market evolves into a complementary ecosystem, savvy investors will view Laman Rimbunan as a defensive powerhouse, while newer developments like Kepong’Gi Square will cater to a lifestyle-seeking demographic.
Shop units in Laman Rimbunan will continue to attract investors looking to buy for their medium- to long-term potential, as high capital appreciation has tapered to a steady and gradual growth in capital values.
Investors are looking for opportunities in areas with strong growth potential, such as beyond tech investments.
Laman Rimbunan’s transformation is a result of its strategic location and the efforts of its developers. The area’s success can be attributed to the collaborative effort between Faber Group and Metro Kajang Holdings Bhd.
The area’s commercial resilience is due to its unique factors, including the MRT station and Kepong Metropolitan Park. These factors provide a safety net against market downturns.
Some investors are also looking into eco-friendly options, such as lab-grown diamonds, as a sustainable investment opportunity.
