For many Malaysians, buying a first home means balancing price, location and long-term living costs. Sustainability is often seen as something reserved for more expensive developments.
Oriental Interest Berhad (OIB) is looking to challenge that idea with Gardens Idaman, its latest affordable housing development in Rawang under Selangor’s Rumah Idaman programme.
Officially launched on 17 August 2026, the project will offer 616 semi-furnished apartments priced from RM250,000 to RM270,000, with completion scheduled for 2030.
What Homebuyers Can Expect at Gardens Idaman
Spanning 11.226 acres, Gardens Idaman has a Gross Development Value (GDV) of RM163.8 million. The leasehold development is designed as a gated and guarded community, with first-time buyers and growing families among its target residents.
Each 1,002 sq ft apartment comes with three bedrooms, two bathrooms and two parking bays. Units will also be semi-furnished with wardrobes, air-conditioners, water heaters, kitchen cabinets, a refrigerator, television and TV cabinet.
This could help new homeowners reduce some of the initial costs involved in furnishing a property after receiving their keys.
Community Facilities for Everyday Living
Gardens Idaman has been planned with shared spaces for recreation and daily community needs.
At its centre will be a park featuring a jogging track, outdoor gym and children’s playground. Residents will also have access to futsal and pickleball courts.
Other facilities include a multipurpose hall, kindergarten and surau, creating spaces that can support families and encourage interaction within the neighbourhood.
Bringing Sustainability Into Affordable Housing
One of the project’s key features is its Provisional GreenRE Bronze certification.
GreenRE is a Malaysian green building certification scheme established by the Real Estate and Housing Developers’ Association (REHDA). It assesses areas including energy and water efficiency, environmental protection and indoor environmental quality.
OIB’s upcoming Saujana Idaman development in Dengkil has also received Provisional GreenRE Bronze certification.
According to William Lew, General Manager (Essential BU) of Myra, OIB’s residential property arm, sustainability should not be limited to premium properties.
“We believe affordable housing deserves the same commitment to creating healthier, more efficient and future-ready communities.”
How Gardens Idaman Plans to Reduce Resource Use
Several sustainability measures have been incorporated into Gardens Idaman from the design stage.
These include 100% water-efficient fittings, energy-efficient lifts, lower-carbon construction materials and reusable aluminium system formwork. Low-VOC paints will also be used, while the development is designed to make better use of natural daylight.
A high-performance building envelope is intended to reduce heat gain, which can contribute to a more comfortable indoor environment.
Based on its GreenRE assessment, Gardens Idaman is expected to achieve around 30.61% in energy savings against the GreenRE baseline. OIB also expects the project to reduce operational carbon emissions by approximately 337 tonnes of CO₂e annually.
Connectivity Across Selangor and Kuala Lumpur
Location will be another consideration for future residents. Gardens Idaman is positioned within one of Selangor’s growing corridors, providing road connections towards Rawang, Sungai Buloh, Kwasa Damansara, Petaling Jaya and Kuala Lumpur.
Major routes serving the surrounding area include the Kuala Lumpur-Kuala Selangor Expressway (LATAR), Guthrie Corridor Expressway and North-South Expressway.
Residents will also have access to nearby schools, healthcare services, recreational facilities and established commercial areas.
OIB Expands Its Affordable Housing Portfolio
Gardens Idaman follows OIB’s Putra Idaman in Desa Pinggiran Putra, which was launched in 2024.
The developer is also preparing to launch Saujana Idaman in Dengkil during the third quarter of 2026, further expanding its Rumah Idaman portfolio across Selangor.
The developments point towards a broader shift in affordable housing. Price remains critical, but energy efficiency, liveability and community facilities are increasingly becoming part of the conversation around what an affordable home should provide.
For more information about Gardens Idaman, visit https://www.myra.com.my/myra-homes/gardensidaman.
