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PETALING JAYA (June 15): Malaysia Rapid Transit Corp Sdn Bhd (MRT Corp) and IJM Land Bhd have unveiled The Linque, a transit-oriented development (TOD) with an estimated gross development value of around RM600 million directly integrated with Cochrane MRT Station, marking MRT Corp's first TOD initiative in the Klang Valley.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook said the project reflects a broader shift in how public transport infrastructure is being leveraged to generate economic activity and create integrated urban communities.
"The success of our rail network cannot be measured solely by the number of trains we operate or the number of passengers we carry. The true measure of success is the value that is created around the network," he said at the unveiling ceremony today.
"Every MRT station should become more than a transport node. It should become an engine for investment, jobs, economic activity and vibrant communities."
Developed through a strategic partnership between MRT Corp and IJM Land, The Linque will comprise approximately 586 serviced apartment units with retail components and direct covered access to Cochrane MRT Station.
Loke said transit-oriented development was not simply about constructing projects beside train stations.
"It is about creating integrated communities where people can live, work, shop and travel with greater convenience while reducing dependence on private vehicles, ensuring that public transport infrastructure continues to deliver value long after construction has been completed," he said.
He cited Hong Kong, Taipei, Seoul, Tokyo and Singapore as cities that had demonstrated how rail infrastructure and property development could be integrated to create sustainable urban ecosystems, adding that Malaysia was moving in the same direction.
Loke also called on developers to extend the spirit of connectivity beyond individual project boundaries. "It is my hope that developers will work together to create connected pedestrian networks that extend beyond individual project boundaries, linking stations with surrounding buildings, destinations and public spaces," he said.
Such collaboration, he added, was essential to creating a truly connected urban environment where people could move without relying on private vehicles for short journeys.
MRT Corp's next chapter
MRT Corp CEO Datuk Mohd Zarif Hashim said The Linque represents the next phase of the company's Rail Plus Property strategy, which focuses on creating long-term value around transport infrastructure.
"Our responsibility does not end when a station is completed. It extends to ensuring the areas around our stations continue to benefit from the connectivity and opportunities that public transport creates," he said.
Zarif said Cochrane emerged as one of MRT Corp's most compelling TOD opportunities due to its direct MRT connectivity, proximity to TRX and interchange access at Maluri between the MRT Kajang Line and the LRT Ampang Line.
The site is also flanked by MyTOWN Shopping Centre, IKEA Cheras, Sunway Velocity, healthcare facilities and educational institutions.
"In many ways, the foundations of a successful TOD already existed. Our objective was to unlock its full potential," he said.
Zarif described the basement-to-concourse connection to the MRT station as "a first-of-its-kind feature for an MRT-integrated residential development", allowing residents to access the rail network without stepping outdoors.
"This is the kind of connectivity that transit-oriented development is meant to deliver, where public transport is not simply nearby, but fully integrated into the way people live, move and connect every day," he said.
Zarif said MRT Corp had departed from the conventional landowner-developer model in structuring the partnership.
"Rather than adopting a traditional landowner-developer relationship, MRT Corp has worked closely alongside IJM Land in shaping the development concept, ensuring that design, connectivity and placemaking considerations remain fully aligned with the long-term objectives of the MRT network.
“Key design and development decisions have been made jointly, bringing together the perspectives and expertise of both organisations," he said.
MRT Corp and IJM Land signed a joint development agreement in December 2025, with the development order submission completed within approximately five months.
Zarif said MRT Corp would maintain an active project management role through to delivery.
He added that The Linque is not MRT Corp's only TOD in the pipeline. "In Johor Bahru, MRT Corp is also developing the Bukit Chagar Integrated Development adjacent to the RTS Link Station, creating another opportunity to unlock value around strategic transport infrastructure.
“Although these developments are located in different cities, they share a common purpose — creating better-connected communities and generating long-term value for the areas they serve," he said.
IJM Land's first MRT collaboration
IJM Land CEO Datuk Tony Ling Thou Lung said The Linque marks the developer's first collaboration with MRT Corp and reflects a fundamental shift in what urban residents expect from their homes.
"Convenience is no longer a luxury but an expectation. People want to spend less time commuting and more time focusing on the things that matter. They want easy access to transportation, lifestyle destinations, workplaces and essential amenities — all within easy reach of home," he said.
Guided by the concept "Living Above the Line", the development is designed to bring together accessibility, convenience and lifestyle within a single address.
Ling described the resident experience the project was built around: He said: "Imagine stepping out of your home in the morning and being just moments away from the MRT station, without having to worry about traffic, the weather, or finding a parking space.
“Whether it is commuting to work, meeting friends in TRX — which is just one MRT stop away — or spending the weekend at neighbouring retail and lifestyle destinations, everything is within easy and efficient reach."
"We are confident that this development will set a new reference point for future transit-oriented developments in Kuala Lumpur, and contribute meaningfully to the continued growth and liveability of our city," he added.
Loke offered the closing perspective. "The significance of this project is not defined by the number of units being built, nor by its development value alone, but lies in what it represents for the future of public transport connectivity and transit-oriented development in Malaysia.
“It demonstrates how infrastructure, when planned strategically and supported by strong partnerships, can become a powerful driver of urban transformation, economic growth and sustainable development," he said.
The event was also attended by Ministry of Transport secretary general Datuk Seri Jana Santhiran Muniayan, as well as IJM Corp Bhd non-executive chairman Tan Sri Krishnan Tan.
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