Seremban: The Seremban Sentral transit-oriented development (TOD) is anticipated to generate up to RM300 million in business revenue annually and create approximately 2,500 new jobs in various sectors, aiming to propel Negeri Sembilan towards becoming a modern and competitive urban hub. Transport Minister Anthony Loke stated that the 8.42-hectare development involves an estimated gross development value (GDV) of RM2 billion.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the development is expected to generate up to RM300 million in annual business revenue, which includes at least RM15 million in monthly income for the local workforce through direct and support-chain economic activities. The Seremban Sentral development also targets at least 6,000 daily commuters traveling between homes, workplaces, and healthcare and lifestyle centers, marking a significant advancement towards modern urban mobility, as mentioned at the groundbreaking ceremony organized by the Railway Assets Corporation (RAC) and lead developer Sunway Group.
The ceremony saw the presence of Sunway Group founder and chairman Tan Sri Dr Jeffrey Cheah, Transport Ministry secretary general and RAC board chairman Datuk Seri Jana Santhiran Muniayan, and RAC chief executive officer Datuk Azhar Ahmad. Loke emphasized that Seremban Sentral is not merely a physical development project but a symbol of resurgence that bolsters the city's identity as a modern and sustainable economic center.
The first phase of the development, slated from 2026 to 2030, will focus on core components such as the Sunway Medical Centre Seremban, a modern private hospital with over 250 beds and 480,000 square feet of space, marking it as the first hospital in the state to be built next to the Seremban Railway Station. Additionally, a new 1.2-million-sq-ft shopping mall managed by Sunway Malls and a 300,000-sq-ft office tower, one of the tallest buildings in the state, are being developed.
The second phase will see further residential and commercial development, along with community facilities covering 3.2 million sq ft, to be developed in stages from 2029 to 2039. Once fully completed, the project will reflect a large-scale development that is modern, comprehensive, and focused on the well-being and convenience of the people of Seremban. Loke highlighted the project's emphasis on developing medical tourism in Negeri Sembilan, particularly with the establishment of the Sunway Medical Centre, expected to be a catalyst for the sector.
The project aims to attract patients from other states and abroad for treatment, indirectly stimulating tourism activities in the state. Loke noted that medical tourism has been successful in Penang and Melaka, and with Negeri Sembilan's strategic location near the Klang Valley, it is believed to have strong potential in attracting international tourists.
Furthermore, the project will preserve existing heritage elements through the conservation and upgrading of Seremban Yard as a historic colonial building and by retaining mature trees in the area to preserve its original landscape. This approach ensures the heritage value of Seremban Yard remains safeguarded while creating a sustainable, attractive, and functional environment for the community. The Heritage Market is being restructured as a cultural attraction, becoming a more organized and appealing trading area.
Cheah of Sunway Group mentioned that Negeri Sembilan has recorded encouraging economic growth in recent years, with Seremban rapidly emerging as a key logistics and industrial hub connected to the Klang Valley's southern growth corridor. The momentum is expected to be further strengthened with the implementation of the Seremban Sentral project, which will significantly expand and enhance rail connectivity in the area, positioning the city as a more competitive and accessible regional center in the years ahead. This aligns with the state-led Malaysia Vision Valley 2.0, where Negeri Sembilan plans to transform the state into a high-value and future-ready economy by 2045. Cheah expressed Sunway's intention to be a strong, supportive, and long-term partner in this ambitious agenda to drive sustainable, inclusive, and equitable economic development in the state.