If you’ve been around KL long enough, you’ll remember that the Cheras–Maluri area wasn’t always this trendy.
Before Sunway Velocity rose into the skyline, this part of town had a very different vibe — think old shop lots, family-run eateries, and traffic that never seemed to end.

Before the Boom

In the 1980s and 1990s, Cheras was mostly a residential zone for KL’s working-class families.
It had convenience, sure — close to the city but not quite “downtown.”
Most people knew Maluri because of Jusco (now AEON Maluri), one of the earliest major shopping malls in Kuala Lumpur. That was the weekend hangout spot back then.

But as the city expanded toward areas like Bukit Bintang and Mid Valley, Cheras started to fall behind.
The roads got busier, but the buildings got older — and by the early 2000s, Maluri was considered “the old side of town.”

Then Came a New Vision

Everything changed when Sunway Group stepped in around 2010.
Their plan? To completely reimagine the area — turning it from an aging neighborhood into a modern integrated township.
They didn’t just build a mall. They built a community ecosystem:
residences, offices, hotels, a medical centre, and walkable streets all connected to the MRT Cochrane and Maluri stations.

By 2016, Sunway Velocity Mall opened its doors, and suddenly the entire Cheras–Maluri corridor came back to life.
New cafés, apartments, and hotels followed. What used to be an “uncle-aunty” area became one of the most convenient lifestyle hubs in KL South.

Now: A Mix of Old and New

Today, you’ll still find traces of the old Cheras — family noodle shops, decades-old hawker stalls, and traditional sundry stores.
But just a short walk away, you’ll see skyscrapers, rooftop bars, and stylish Airbnbs that reflect how the area has evolved.
It’s the perfect example of how Kuala Lumpur blends nostalgia and progress — without losing its soul.

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Bonus Tip for Travelers

If you want to experience this mix of old and new KL, Sunway Velocity is a great base.
Our Sunway Velocity Homestay gives you modern comfort with everything within walking distance — mall, MRT, and great food spots.
Or, if you prefer to stay near the city’s heritage zone, check out our PWTC Homestay, just minutes from KLCC and Chow Kit Market — another area with deep KL roots.