The drive is certainly less than 45 minutes however its not a very good road, lots of bends and some single lanes, not recommended after a couple of beers or at night, Malaysians do not turn their lights on in heavy rain so it can be a bit hairy (afraid to run the battery down I was told by one).
Lots of foreigners now buying on the Gold coast, I can be in Georgetown in 12 minutes using the Jeletong Espressway and the airport in 10.