This article first appeared in City & Country, The Edge Malaysia Weekly on January 15, 2024 - January 21, 2024

IJM Land soft-launched ViO Banj’ran, a high-end bungalow development, on Jan 13. Located in the Rimbunan precinct of S2 Heights, an extension of Seremban 2, it will sit on the highest point of the township at 146m above sea level, and provide a view of the Titiwangsa Range.

IJM Land senior general manager Chai Kian Soon tells City & Country in an exclusive interview: “We have received about 200 registrations of interest from entrepreneurs, businessmen, C-suite, professionals as well as upgraders. We expect significant interest and our strategy will involve diligent follow-up to ensure a successful uptake.”

The freehold 13-acre ViO Banj’ran features a total of 40 three-storey and 2-storey bungalows. The 3-storey bungalows consist of Types A, A1, A2 and A3, with a land area of between 5,070 and 8,934 sq ft and a built-up from 5,930 to 6,944 sq ft. Meanwhile, the 2-storey Type B bungalows have a land area ranging from 5,365 to 7,789 sq ft and a built-up area of 4,765 sq ft. With a gross development value of RM183 million, the project has selling prices that start from RM3.29 million for the 2-storey bungalows and RM3.97 million for the 3-storey bungalows. ViO Banj’ran is expected to be completed by 1Q2026.

According to Chai, ViO Banj’ran bungalows feature an open-plan concept with spacious living spaces. “We purposely designed the living space to be very spacious so that families can spend time together. As such, we focus on providing more space in the living rooms than the bedrooms.”

In addition, the homes are designed for multigenerational living with a dedicated private lift space, and double-volume ceiling and floor-to-ceiling windows for ventilation and natural lighting.

Facilities provided are a signature pavilion, an adventure play zone, a picnic zone, a gateway trellis, an outdoor fitness zone, a half-acre fruit orchard, an open lawn zone and several viewpoints to take advantage of the development’s hilltop location.

“The captivating hilly landscape, design, craftsmanship and advanced security features create an unparalleled living experience. IJM Land is proud to have set a new standard for quiet luxury living that also marks a significant milestone in sustainable development practices at ViO Banj’ran,” says Chai.

Amenities nearby include AEON Mall, Mydin Mall, Seremban Gateway, Lotus’s Hypermarket, SEHAT Healthcare Centre, Columbia Asia Hospital, KPJ Seremban Specialist Hospital, Klinik Kesihatan Seremban 2, Tung Hua Primary School, Hillside Seremban Primary School, Zenith International School and Real Kids.

According to Chai, there are only 800 acres of undeveloped land left in Seremban 2 and S2 Heights. The developer will continue to develop bread-and-butter projects with the remaining undeveloped land in S2 Heights while high-rise projects will be introduced to make use of the pockets of land in Seremban 2.

“We do have a few high-rise projects in Seremban 2, but our upcoming high-rise projects will be different from our previous projects,” says Chai.

“Previously, we focused on medium-cost apartments but, now, we will be pushing out high-rise units in an integrated development. Our target market will be young professional and affluent purchasers.”

Chai says IJM Land has been looking to acquire more land in Negeri Sembilan.

Opportunities for IJM Land to capture include the Malaysia Vision Valley 2.0 (MVV 2.0) plan, a state-led programme to grow and catalyse Negeri Sembilan. Overall, MVV2.0 has a development plan that spans 379,087 acres covering the districts of Seremban and Port Dickson.  

“MVV2.0 encompasses Seremban. This vast development plan could attract numerous businesses and industries, including high-tech and advanced manufacturing, which enables job creation,” Chai says.

“The influx of professionals and workers generated by MVV2.0 could significantly boost demand for housing in Seremban, potentially driving up prices and rental yields in areas close to the development zones.

“Improved infrastructure development within MVV2.0, including enhanced transport networks and public amenities, could spill over into Seremban, making it a more attractive place to live and work in.”

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