Maba Suitez: A Transformative City-Centre Development Redefining the Future of KL Property
Kuala Lumpur’s urban renewal continues to gain momentum as Exsim Development Sdn Bhd and the Malaysian Basketball Association (MABA) officially broke ground on Maba Suitez, a landmark joint-venture development rising on the former Wisma MABA site along Jalan Hang Jebat. Strategically positioned near the Merdeka 118 precinct, this new project represents more than just the construction of high-rise towers—it marks a major step in revitalising one of KL’s most established precincts while unlocking new investment opportunities in the city centre.
Maba Suitez is poised to become a signature addition to the KL skyline, reflecting Exsim’s growing presence in the high-density residential space and MABA’s long-term vision to secure sustainable financial growth.
A Prime Redevelopment in Kuala Lumpur’s Thriving Urban Core
The redevelopment of the 1.328-acre Wisma MABA site is a significant moment for the Hang Jebat corridor. Once home to Malaysia’s basketball community, the ageing structure had reached a stage where restoration was no longer viable. Instead, the redevelopment will breathe new life into the area through a modern residential concept tailored for today’s urban lifestyle.
The project carries a gross development value (GDV) of RM800 million and will feature:
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Two serviced apartment towers rising 60 storeys
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Approximately 1,300 units
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Residential sizes ranging from 484–657 sq ft
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Office suites starting from 323 sq ft
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Indicative selling prices between RM1,800–RM2,200 psf
These compact, high-efficiency layouts align with KL city-centre demand trends, where young professionals, expatriates, and investors prioritise accessibility, convenience, and rental demand over larger-sized configurations.
Strategic Location Opposite Merdeka 118: A Key Catalyst for Property Appreciation
One of the strongest appeals of Maba Suitez lies in its enviable location—directly opposite the Merdeka 118 development, one of the most transformative mega-projects in Malaysia. As the world’s second tallest tower progresses towards full activation, the entire surrounding precinct is expected to benefit from renewed commercial activity, upgraded infrastructure, and an influx of residents and tourists.
The development enjoys excellent connectivity, with walking access to:
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MRT Merdeka Station
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LRT Plaza Rakyat Station
This dual-rail convenience provides a significant advantage for both owner-occupiers and investors targeting long-term rental returns. Proximity to the city centre’s business district, Chinatown, Bukit Bintang, and the Merdeka 118 commercial ecosystem further enhances the desirability of this address.
For investors seeking high-demand KL property in a blue-chip location, Maba Suitez sits at the intersection of infrastructure, lifestyle, and capital appreciation prospects.
MABA’s Forward-Thinking Strategy: Building Long-Term Financial Assets
During the groundbreaking ceremony, MABA President Datuk Seri Lee Tian Hock—who is also the founder and group executive deputy chairman of Matrix Concepts Holdings Bhd—highlighted the association’s long-term financial strategy associated with the redevelopment.
MABA will receive RM170 million from the joint-venture arrangement. From this, the association plans to reinvest RM120 million into purchasing serviced apartment units within Maba Suitez. These properties will form a long-term rental portfolio expected to yield:
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An estimated 5% rental return
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Approximately RM6 million annual income
This income stream provides MABA with stable long-term cash flow and financial independence, ensuring the association can continue supporting Malaysian basketball while maintaining a sustainable operational model.
The new headquarters, spanning 3,000 sq ft and equipped with a half basketball court, will become a symbolic and functional home for the association’s future activities.
Why Redevelop Wisma MABA? The Case for Transformation
Lee emphasised that the decision to redevelop Wisma MABA was rooted in practicality and vision. After more than five decades of service, the building faced structural deterioration, including:
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Severe ageing issues
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Roof leakage
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A failing cooling system
Rather than continuing to invest in repairs with limited long-term prospects, MABA chose a path that maximises value for the organisation and contributes to the city’s growth. This shift represents a broader trend in KL’s urban renewal, where older structures in prime locations are being replaced by modern, efficient developments.
Maba Suitez and the Growth of the KL Property Market
From a KL property market perspective, Maba Suitez aligns with several key investment trends:
1. High-demand micro & compact units
KL’s city centre rental market increasingly favours units below 700 sq ft due to affordability and demand from mobile professionals and expatriates.
2. Transit-oriented developments (TOD)
Properties within walking distance of MRT and LRT stations enjoy stronger occupancy rates and capital appreciation.
3. Proximity to mega-developments
Being directly across from Merdeka 118 places Maba Suitez in a high-growth zone set to benefit from future commercial and tourism activities.
4. Strong developer reputation
Exsim is known for delivering lifestyle-driven residential projects with modern architecture and practical layouts—a major draw for urban buyers.
5. Urban regeneration premium
City-centre redevelopment sites are limited, making new launches in established districts particularly attractive in the long run.
Conclusion: A Promising Opportunity in KL’s Most Evolving District
Maba Suitez represents the next chapter in KL’s city-centre evolution—connecting heritage, modernity, infrastructure, and investment opportunity. With its strategic location, compact unit offerings, and integrated urban convenience, the development is positioned to attract buyers seeking both lifestyle and value.
As Kuala Lumpur continues to transform through catalytic projects like Merdeka 118, developments such as Maba Suitez offer early-mover advantages for investors and homebuyers looking to secure a foothold in the city’s most dynamic growth corridor.
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