### Inside Malaysia’s £80 Billion Ghost City: A YouTuber’s Surprising Discovery
YouTuber Ben Morris recently ventured into an £80 billion “ghost city” and made an astonishing discovery.
His destination? The ambitious Forest City project in Johor, Malaysia, touted as a futuristic urban paradise.
Initially launched in 2016, this high-tech development promised luxury living, modern infrastructure, and an eco-friendly lifestyle.
But things quickly took a downturn after its grand launch.
Morris revealed that changes in China’s capital controls in 2017 severely impacted foreign investment.
Wealthy buyers, once eager for a secondary property abroad, suddenly vanished.
“A major property crisis in China affected not just their developments but overseas ones too,” he explained in his YouTube video.
This crisis hit Forest City hard, as developers struggled with cash flow and incomplete projects.
Compounding the issue, Malaysia’s former prime minister imposed visa restrictions for Chinese buyers.
This move aimed to prevent the area from becoming a foreign enclave.
With local Malaysians already feeling priced out, the imbalance between supply and demand worsened.
Many luxurious units now sit vacant, a stark contrast to their intended opulence.
Yet, as Morris explored, he was taken aback by the grandeur of the properties.
Touring a state-of-the-art complex, he remarked, “This is your own private floor and entrance, you can even see the bridge from your balcony.”
Amenities included tennis courts, swimming pools, and gyms—everything for an ideal lifestyle.
However, not everyone is enamored with Forest City.
Nazmi Hanafiah, an IT engineer who briefly lived there, shared a drastically different experience.
“I managed to escape this place,” he told the BBC after just six months of renting a one-bedroom flat.
“I didn’t care about my deposit or the money. I just had to get out.”
He recalled feeling “creepy” vibes in the eerily quiet surroundings.
“It’s lonely around here—just you and your thoughts,” Nazmi added.
His high expectations crumbled into disappointment, highlighting the disparity between vision and reality.
The story of Forest City isn’t just about a failed development; it’s a cautionary tale about ambition gone awry.
Initially, the project was designed to attract affluent Chinese buyers looking for an escape from overcrowded cities.
Promoted as an eco-friendly hub, it was meant to showcase cutting-edge technology and luxury.
However, the intended clientele disappeared as economic conditions shifted drastically.
As empty buildings rise against a backdrop of ambitious plans, the city stands as a monument to overreach.
Morris’s exploration reveals both the stunning architecture and the haunting emptiness within.
“There’s something eerie about walking through these lavish halls with no one around,” he commented.
It raises questions about the sustainability of such mega-projects in an ever-changing economic landscape.
Forest City serves as a reminder of the fine line between visionary projects and the realities of market demand.
Will the Malaysian government find a way to breathe life into this ghost city?
For now, it remains a luxurious dream turned nightmare, echoing with the whispers of unfulfilled promises.
As Morris left, he couldn’t help but wonder if this grand vision could ever come to life.
Stay tuned as the saga of Forest City unfolds—will it remain a ghost, or can it rise again?