Cheras is a sprawling suburban area located to the southeast of Kuala Lumpur. It stretches across the border between the Federal Territory and the state of Selangor, making it one of the largest and most diverse residential zones in the Klang Valley. Situated roughly 10 km from downtown Kuala Lumpur, Cheras is a bustling district that combines traditional neighbourhoods, modern developments, and vibrant commercial hubs1.
The history of Cheras dates back to the late 19th century when it was primarily an agricultural and tin-mining area. The early settlements were small Malay villages interspersed with Chinese new villages established during the British colonial period. Large-scale development began in the 1970s and 1980s, when Cheras was transformed into a major residential suburb to accommodate Kuala Lumpur’s expanding population2.
Today, Cheras encompasses a wide range of neighbourhoods — from older townships such as Taman Midah and Taman Segar to newer developments like Alam Damai and Bandar Tun Hussein Onn. The area continues to grow with ongoing infrastructure upgrades, particularly the expansion of the MRT network3.
Cheras is predominantly suburban, offering a mix of residential, commercial, and light industrial zones. It is known for its local character — from bustling morning markets and roadside food stalls to busy commercial strips. Many parts of Cheras retain a community-focused feel, while newer precincts feature landscaped parks, shopping centres, and gated developments4.
Although traffic congestion can be common during peak hours, Cheras appeals to residents seeking a balance between city access and suburban affordability. It also serves as a transition area linking Kuala Lumpur with nearby towns such as Kajang and Balakong5.
The real estate landscape in Cheras is highly varied. Older sections of Cheras offer single-storey terrace houses and low-rise apartments, while newer developments include modern condominiums and serviced residences. As of August 2025, the average property price in Cheras ranges from RM400,000 to RM800,000 for landed homes and RM300,000 to RM600,000 for condominiums6.
Rental rates in the same period generally range from RM1,200 to RM2,500 per month, depending on location and property type. Areas closer to MRT stations and major highways, such as Taman Connaught and Taman Midah, tend to command higher demand7.
Cheras enjoys excellent connectivity thanks to multiple transport options. The MRT Kajang Line passes through several key stations, including Taman Mutiara, Taman Midah, Taman Connaught, and Bandar Tun Hussein Onn. The LRT Ampang Line also serves parts of northern Cheras via the Maluri Station, which offers an interchange to the MRT line8.
Major expressways such as the Connaught Highway (E37), Kajang Dispersal Link Expressway (SILK, E18), Cheras–Kajang Expressway (Grand Saga, E7), and the Maju Expressway (MEX, E20) connect Cheras to other parts of Kuala Lumpur and Selangor9.
Shopping and dining are integral to life in Cheras. The area is home to several malls such as Leisure Mall, Sunway Velocity Mall, and Cheras Sentral. Taman Connaught’s Thursday Night Market — one of the longest in Malaysia — draws large crowds every week10.
Cheras is also known for its wide variety of hawker fare, from curry noodles and dim sum to char kuey teow. In recent years, cafes and boutique eateries have emerged, especially around Taman Segar and nearby Mahkota Cheras11.
While primarily residential, Cheras offers a few local attractions. The Cheras Leisure Mall serves as a community hub, while the Taman Tasik Permaisuri and Taman Bukit Cheras provide green recreational spaces. Nearby, the UCSI University campus adds a youthful presence to the area12.
A stretch of Cheras was once jokingly called the “KL traffic endurance test” due to chronic congestion along Jalan Cheras before the opening of the MRT Kajang Line — a testament to how much locals rely on this arterial route13.
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