BY TAN SIN CHOW

THE iconic Komtar tower is set to earn a place in the Guinness Book of World Records with the world’s tallest mural.

Five local artists have been engaged by Only World Group (OWG) to embark on the record-breaking feat starting from the middle of this month.

Completion will take about six months.

The mural will feature the essence of Penang such as the dragon boat, ferry, Penang bridge, portraits of Penangites, the architectural elements of heritage buildings, rainbow, sky and others.

It will stretch to the top of the building, measuring 230m in height and 13.1m in width.

OWG chief executive officer Datuk Seri Richard Koh said the project was in line with the company’s on-going effort to revitalise the state’s landmark.

Koh’s listed company, which specialises in theme parks and tourism attractions, has invested RM200mil to come up with The Top@Komtar late last year.

“With The Top@Komtar up and going, we hope the mural project will draw the eyes of the world towards this iconic landmark.

“We hope to get endorsement of the Guinness Book of World Records for this attempt.

“The current record for this category is 70m tall.

“Our mural will make full use of Komtar’s massive stature with a height of 230m,” he told a press conference to announce the endeavour at level 5 of the banquet hall at The Top@Komtar yesterday.

OWG sponsored RM300,000 for this project supported by the state government. Nippon Paint will sponsor RM30,000 worth of paints.

The five artists, famed for their street art, were handpicked based on their extensive experience in large murals in Malaysia as well as China, Singapore, Taiwan and the Philippines.

Group leader The Sliz said the visual elements would feature four different parts, namely sky, architecture, people and sea.

“All of us will be working simultaneously on the mural by standing on a gondola.

“We will do some sketching before using Nippon Pylox spray paint as medium for our project,” he said.

Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng, who was also present, hoped the mural would be ready by January next year.

“It will definitely put us on the world map,” he said.

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PETALING JAYA: The Sultan of Selangor is not involved in the concession agreement between the Selangor Islamic Religious Council (Mais) and contractor Redha Resources Sdn Bhd (RRSB) to the manage hostels at a local college, said Mais.

The council denied the involvement of Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah in its ongoing lawsuit against RRSB, as alleged in two articles written in two separate blogs.

Mais was responding to an article titled Selangor Royal Default? published on March 6 in the Another Brick in The Wall blog; and another titled While the Agong makes headlines published on March 7 in the Rocky’s Bru blog.

The articles alleged that Mais name-dropped the Sultan to justify the termination of a contract for RRSB to manage three blocks of Mais-owned hostels at the International Islamic University College Selangor (Kuis).

The body said it would not be making any statement concerning the case that could be considered as “sub judice”, as the court has yet to make its decision.

“Instead, Mais would like to stress that the statements in the articles are untrue and are made in bad faith to destroy the trust of Malay­sians and the citizens of Selangor in the Sultan and the credibility of Mais,” it said.

When contacted, Mais chairman Datuk Mohd Adzib Mohd Isa said the bloggers “must have heard it from somewhere else” because the public was not allowed to observe the court proceedings.

“We deny that the Sultan was involved in the matter,” he said.

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The REAL in real estate agents

Erick Kho (right) presenting a token to Lee Chee Leong (center) after the opening of the (MAREC’17) at Setia City Convention Center in Shah Alam. On the left is Lim Boon Ping.

By Yoganeswari Vellusamy

Members of the public using the services of unregistered brokers are at risk of losing their money, said Finance Deputy Minister Datuk Lee Chee Leong.

“To make matters worse, the government also loses out on revenue, as these illegals do not pay the relevant taxes, including the Goods and Services Tax (GST),” he said during the opening speech of Malaysian Annual Real Estate Convention (Marec’17) organised by Malaysian Institute of Estate Agents (MIEA).

Although the number of fraud cases related to illegal real estate agents reported last year has decreased from the previous year, in which 105 cases was reported in 2016 and 180 reported in 2015, the issue remained a serious concern within the industry.

According to the Valuers, Appraisers and Estate Agents Act 1981 (Act 242), individuals that are unregistered real estate agents or firms are prohibited from collecting any fee from property owners when assisting them in sales and purchase transactions. The act is punishable by a maximum three-year jail term, RM3000 fine or both.

“Identifying a real estate agent is easy. A registered real estate agent (Rea) will carry a four-digit Rea number on his official tag, while a real estate negotiator (Ren) will have a five-digit Ren number,” ,” said convention chairman Lim Boon Ping.

“We are not forcing the people to assign registered agents when purchasing a property but keep in mind of the consequences,” he said.

Individuals can verify the Rea and Ren numbers online through The Board of Valuers, Appraisers and Estate Agents Malaysia (BOVAEA) website before ensuing any transactions to avoid fraud cases by illegal agents.

MIEA president Erick Khoo added that the situation created the public’s feeling of distrust for the legal agents.

“Public awareness is needed to stop them from hurting the reputation of registered agents,” Khoo told the reporters during the media conference after the opening of Marec’17.

The event was sponsored by Maybank and Malaysian Resources Corporation Bhd (MRCB).

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INDIAN residents in Bukit Raja, Selangor, are upset after some 50 graves were removed from a Hindu cemetery without prior warning, Malaysia Nanban reported.

The cemetery has been there since 1963 for the Hindu communities living and working in four plantations in the area, said S. Kumaravel, a local resident.

Residents said the cemetery was used until 1988 and that some 2,000 remains were buried there.

Recently, when a highway project was being constructed near there, the estate temple committee wrote to the state government for assistance.

Residents also claimed that a signboard of the graveyard was removed to cover up the intrusion.

Residents and the next of kin, who gathered at the cemetery on Tuesday, demanded the state and Federal Government act urgently on the matter.

> Days after the Entrepreneurs Association of Little India Klang called on Tenaga Nasional Bhd to inspect the existing wiring at the shoplots there, a popular restaurant in the area went up in flames, Makkal Osai reported.

The Chennai Chettinad Restaurant caught fire around midnight on Saturday, almost destroying the whole premises.

Firemen from three fire stations rushed to the scene and managed to prevent the fire from spreading to other shops.

> Found in translation is compiled from the vernacular newspapers (Bahasa Malaysia, Chinese and Tamil dailies). As such, stories are grouped according to the respective language/medium. Where a paragraph begins with a >, it denotes a separate news item.

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It’s an age-old debate, but the R.AGE team might just have uncovered definitive proof – there is racial discrimination in the Malaysian property market.

Three R.AGE journalists, all of different races, called the same 30 property listings for their latest documentary, Racist Rentals.

Close to 50% of the agents or homeowners rejected them because they would only entertain tenants of certain races. And this was just a phone call to get a viewing, not to meet the owners, have an interview, or make an offer.

According to various real estate agents, it’s a widespread practice in Malaysia – landlords instruct agents to immediately reject people of certain races or nationalities, because based on experience, these groups tend to be bad tenants.

R.AGE released its findings in an online documentary, and the response was swift. A post on Facebook generated over 260 comments in less than 24 hours, many from renters who had faced similar discrimination.

“I was rejected by a landlord because apparently Indian cooking stinks,” commented one Facebook user Dhibeshiny K. Jaya Raman.

“Not a banana leaf lover, I guess. Another landlord said it’s okay even if I had a pet dog, but said no after meeting me, saying his other tenants wouldn’t want an Indian. Right to my face,” she said.

So essentially, that landlord is okay with pets, but not with certain races.

Several foreigners living in Malaysia chimed in as well, saying how surprised they were that racial filtering was practised so openly.

“As an Indonesian, I struggled when I first got here. I guess I could’ve just indulged the landlords and pretended to be Malay, but that would be wrong,” said another user Ari Vanuaranu.

The landlords’ perspective

Many landlords interviewed for the project insist that it has nothing to do with race – that they are simply trying to find suitable tenants based on their personal preferences, or that they’re simply protecting their investment.

Many also said they instruct agents to reject certain races to avoid conflict due to cultural differences.

“Stereotypes generally hold some weight,” said one landlord, on condition of anonymity. For example, he believes Indian nationals don’t take care of rented properties as well as other races because in India, they are used to having maids, whereas if they’re renting in Malaysia, hired help could be expensive.

Several others agreed, saying that they have had bad experiences with tenants of certain races, which led them to place blanket bans on those races.

Real estate agent Siva Shanker, former president of the Malaysian Institute of Estate Agents, disagrees with the practice, but said agents have no choice but to accept landlords’ instructions.

Countries like the United States, Australia and Singapore have anti-discrimination laws that discourage landlords from doing it, something which Malaysia does not have.

“Sometimes the agents lie, because it breaks our heart to tell the potential tenant the truth, so we say, ‘oh, the unit has already been taken’,” said Siva.

Do you agree that it’s wrong for landlords to immediately reject potential tenants based on race? Leave your comments here.

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BY PANG WENXI

Fu (second from left), Brian Iskandar (third from right) and VIPs at the launch of the project.

JOHOR BARU: Country Garden Malaysia is targeting buyers looking for affordably priced residential properties at its latest development project Central Park in Iskandar Malaysia.

Its regional chief executive officer Fu Jinling said the company was banking on the project’s strategic location along Jalan Tampoi and being clearly visible from the Pasir Gudang Highway as the strong selling point.

“We want to create a new standard in urban living with our quality houses but affordable at the same time for buyers,” he said at the soft launch of the project.

The 21.45ha freehold township development is a collaboration between Country Garden and Damansara Realty Bhd, including the 6.31ha green lung within the development for residents to enjoy outdoor living and activities.

“We will continue to manage the residential properties even after handing them over to owners and this what makes us different from other developers in the country,” he said.

Work on phase one of the project, comprising four 30-storey condominium tower blocks with 1,700 units, would start next month and is expected to be completed in 34 months.

Damansara Realty chief executive officer Brian Iskandar Zulkarim said the project would be a landmark for Johor Baru in the future.

In conjunction with the launch, a charity lucky draw “Win a World Trip for RM1” was also launched where participants who dropped a RM1 note into a lucky draw box will stand a chance to win a world trip for two.

The names of the winners will be announced on March 25 at the grand launch of the project at its sales gallery in Taman Damansara Aliff and all proceeds from the lucky draw will be donated to charity bodies.

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PETALING JAYA: Iskandar Waterfront Holdings Sdn Bhd (IWH) will include its 30% stake in the Bandar Malaysia project as part of its proposed corporate exercise to take over the listing status of Iskandar Waterfront City Bhd (IWC).

IWH has a joint venture (JV) with China Railway Engineering Corp (M) Sdn Bhd that has a 60% stake in the 485-acre Bandar Malaysia project. The remaining 40% is held by the Ministry of Finance Inc (MoF). The JV gives IWH an effective 30% interest in Bandar Malaysia.

In a statement yesterday, IWH said that its JV company with China Railway Engineering Corp was included in the proposed exercise.

“IWH would like to clarify that this prime piece of city land is included in the corporate exercise.

On Wednesday, IWH announced its plan to take over the listing status of IWC through a share swap between the two. The exercise will see the listing of IWH, which has been on the cards for more than two years now.

To facilitate the exercise, each shareholder of IWC will be offered one IWH share.

Lim owns 63% of IWH through his private company Credence Resources Sdn Bhd. The remaining shares in IWH, which owns some 4,300 acres of waterfront land in Johor Baru, are held by Kumpulan Prasarana Rakyat Johor (KPRJ). IWH, in turn, holds a 38.34% stake in IWC that has another 1,072 acres mainly located on the seafront located in Tebrau, Johor.

Under the proposed exercise announced on Wednesday, Lim would inject all the land he owns in Johor Baru outside IWH into the new entity in exchange for shares. KPRJ, The Sultan of Johor and the MoF would also be offered to consolidate their land or equity in subsidiary levels at the IWH level.

If the relevant stakeholders agree to consolidate their land at the IWH level, then it would have up to 7,400 acres of land fronting the sea between Johor Baru and Singapore.

At RM93 per sq ft, the 7,400 acres of prime city land in Johor is estimated to have a value of RM30bil.

Under the exercise, IWH will offer its shares at RM1.50 a share and redeemable convertible preference shares (RCPS) to several parties, including Lim and KPRJ, in return for injecting their land into the new-look IWH.

The RM30bil indicative valuation tag on IWH does not include the value of its effective 30% interest in Bandar Malaysia project.

Upon the conclusion of the merger and restructuring, the expanded share capital of IWH is expected to be up to 4.3 billion shares, and if based on the offer price of IWC at RM1.50, the market capitalisation of the NewCo would be RM6.45bil.

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BY TOH KAR INN

Bursa bound: (from left) Eco World International Bhd (EWI) executive vice-chairman Tan Sri Liew Kee Sin, chairman Tan Sri Azlan Mohd Zainol, and president and CEO Datuk Teow Leong Seng at the group’s prospectus launch. EWI is targeting to raise some RM2.58bil from its IPO.

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Choosing the right décor for your home is tricky business, one mistake can be an expensive time waster. While your home is a reflection of your personality, one cannot escape following the latest trends. Selecting the colours, designs, patterns and sizes can be a rigorous activity, but with some research from your end and our sincere help, you can do wonders in giving your home a stylish makeover.

Outdoor furniture is as important as the indoor decor, synchronizing colours and designs is a laborious exercise as your options are endless but so are your risks. It can be tricky business but decorating one’s home can be a fulfilling experience. So let us get started!

Walk around your working space

First things first, inspect your outdoor space. Ask yourself questions like; how big is your outdoor area? What are some existing structures like, pool, fences or gardens that surround your area? These questions are important. The size of your outdoor space will determine the nature of the furniture. For small and cosy spaces, foldable and stackable furniture is ideal, whereas for large areas you can use furniture with round edges and multiple parts, such as modular lounges and dining sets.

Structures like pools, sheds, and fences will determine the placing of your furniture. Since most of these structures cannot be shifted, you need to plan your design keeping in mind their permanent place.

Choose the colour

Choosing the colours is a daunting task; you cannot afford to mess around with the colours of your furniture. While most colour choices are a matter of personal taste and style, one has to be aware of the existing colours in their outdoor space. Take note of the colours of your shed, pavers, and fences; this will help you choose the best-suited colour for your furniture. Manufacturers offer a wide range of colours for most pieces of furniture, so although it might be harder to decide on a palette, you know there will be the perfect combination for your space, you just have to find it!

Another important point that must be kept in mind while choosing colours for your outdoor furniture is the palette inside your house. Being consistent can be a great option and an easy one as well!

Material matters

For the most of us, we are unaware of the kind of material that suits our budget and our designing needs. While the options in the market are varied, remember to keep in mind the space and setting of your outdoor space. Here is a list of some material options to choose from.

One of our absolute favourites is Rattan/Wicker. This material is commonly used in making outdoor furniture. If you’re after a more traditional look, opt for Rattan. While there is a difference between Rattan and Wicker, they are not too removed from one another. To be specific, Wicker is the process through which a Rattan material comes to be. This process is commonly referred to as “weaving” while the material weaved is called Rattan. Rattan is a natural fibre that is harvested from a variety of palms generally grown in South-East Asia. While the natural fibre can still be used, its modern and synthetic variant has gained popularity recently. The synthetic Rattan also called polyethylene Rattan is water resistant and can stop the penetration of ultraviolet rays. The new version offers an improved feature over the natural Rattan and contributes to the preservation of this natural resource. In market terms, synthetic Rattan is also called resin wicker and is a great option to go for.

The common favourite amongst outdoor furinture is Timber. This material is like wine, the older the better! Timber ages to add strength to your furniture and also makes the furniture rot resistant. With some minimal care, like oiling and cleaning, you’ll get a decent life out of your furniture.  However, if you wish to add a rustic touch to your décor, let your timber furniture remain untreated – naturally turning into a silvery-gray hue.

Aluminium our “Ironman”, a material with strength, and rust resistance, Aluminium will suit your outdoor décor perfectly. This material is a modern rage, thanks to its sleek and stylish look. You can also go for steel while choosing the material of your furniture. Steel is cheaper than aluminium but is prone to rust, so some additional care is necessary.

Let’s talk upholstery; some of the commonly used materials for pillows and cushions are polyester and cotton. Some manufacturers use a blend of cotton and polyester to make cushions, as these are UV resistant and weather treated. Most cushions can soak a small amount of water, but continuous dampening can lead to mould on the cushion. Use a mould remover and keep your cushion in dry places. For maximum life and quality keep your cushions dry and clean and place them in a weather resistant spot when not in use.

Some of the recent developments in technology have proved to be a boom for the fashion and designing market. Materials like Sunbrella are now the common choice for outdoor furniture. Sunbrella is a better alternative to polyester; though more expensive than polyester the material is highly resilient. Sunbrella is UV treated and provides durable resistance against mould, stains, and water.

Keep the environmental considerations in mind

We often forget how important our surrounding environment is while deciding our outdoor furniture.  If you reside in an area that is frequently battered by strong winds, use heavy furniture as light weighted furniture can easily blow away.  While choosing sheds and glass be careful to consider the need for sunlight and shade, apart from choosing the right colour.

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By NURUL ASMUI MD AZMI asmui@thestar.com.my

Tropicana Aman, Kota Kemuning incorporates luxuriant greenery to create an inviting and cozy environment that draws residents from their homes.

The luxurious atmosphere enveloped the clubhouse with waving foliage and glistening water.

STROLL in a serene neighbourhood, away from the hustle and bustle of city life at Tropicana Aman, Kota Kemuning, an 863-acre self-contained township by Tropicana Corp Bhd. Miraculously transformed from a swampy marshland, the tranquil development brings nature into the heart of the community and realigned lifestyle to focus on family, health and the outdoors.

Tropicana Aman encourages a healthier and wholesome living through its phenomenal concept of a walking and biking community, which carries the iconic Yellow Bike as the development icon.

Located near the affluent integrated township of Kota Kemuning, the comprehensive master plan that is currently in progress are the first three gated and guarded residential enclaves, namely Arahsia Residences, Bayan Residences and Cheria Residences; the first commercial phase of the glowing commercial hub, Sinaria Investment Grade Shop Offices; an 85-acre Central Park; a residents’ clubhouse and Tenby International School.

A peace of mind

Tropicana Aman is ringed by a 100-inch-wide tree-lined boulevard that invites residents and visitors into its lush greenery surrounding. A feature roundabout marks the entrance, in which each residential precinct has been designed to be positioned around the ring road. Thus, each precinct gets equal access to the immediate amenities as well as the Central Park that is situated at the heart of the enclave.

The Central Park, which takes 10% of the total development land, is divided into two main parks named Eastlake Park and Westlake Park. A warm and inviting environment is created by the wide variety of native and tropical tree species that can be found in and around the park, creating a serene environment to walk, jog or cycle within the neighbourhood.

Moreover, a seven-km trail in the Central Park has been designed specifically for walking, jogging and biking. Families in Tropicana Aman can also enjoy a safe and aesthetic environment as three-metre-wide designated pedestrian pathways are built separate and clearly delineated from vehicular roads.

Fronting the Eastlake Park is the Residents’ Clubhouse, which is surrounded by a unique strip of greenscape. It houses numerous leisure and sport facilities for residents to sweat, chill and relax. With 2,400 trees, 39 benches, 17 pavilions and 10 link bridges, the Central Park provides the perfect setting for one to truly appreciate Mother Nature’s embrace.

With greenery surrounding Cheria Residences, the ideal abode provides an optimal level of comfort for its residents.

Amenities on the doorstep

 Developed based on the essentials of the Tropicana unique DNA, the township focuses on accessibility, connectivity, innovative concepts and designs, generous open spaces, facilities, amenities and multi-tiered security and quality.

The first commercial development in Tropicana Aman, Sinaria, houses 152 units of two-storey investment grade shop offices on 17.93 acres of land. Slated for completion in 2019, the commercial space provides a diverse selection of retails and public amenities.

In addition to that, the amenities at Tropicana Aman also encompass the Tenby International School with a 225,000-sq-ft campus that could accommodate 1,800 students. Scheduled for first intake in September 2018, the renowned school offers international-oriented programmes for early years, primary and secondary students.

Connectivity wise, Tropicana Aman is connected to roads and highways such as Kemuning Shah Alam Highway (LKSA), Shah Alam Highway (Kesas), South Klang Valley Expressway (SKVE), Expressway Lingkaran Tengah (Elite) and the proposed West Coast Expressway (WCE) that directly links Banting to Perak.

A contemporary designed balcony from one of the residences allows residents to enjoy stunning views of the lush greenery.

Innovative Family Homes

 The first two residential phases in Tropicana Aman are Arahsia Residences and Bayan Residences. Arahsia Residences features 432 units of two-storey link houses while Bayan Residence holds 372 units of modern two- and three-storey link homes. Both have achieved good take-up rate.

The third phase of Topicana Aman is Cheria Residences, which offers 272 units of two-storey innovative semi-detached homes. Designed to be eco-friendly and energy efficient, each home has built-in Puretech Ventilation System to improve the indoor air quality, as well as ceiling heat insulation technology to help keep the living space naturally cool.

For security purposes, home network and security systems are installed in Cheria Residences to deter crime and provide peace and assurance. The Smart Security home monitoring, control and surveillance systems feature built-in video intercom, and are connected to the smartphone to enable residents to monitor their homes remotely.

For more information, visit bit.ly/tropicanaaman

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Verdi proves “park living” possible within Malaysia’s Silicon Valley.

 By VIKNESH ASHLEY vikneshashley@thestar.com.my

Verdi Residence

UEM Sunrise Bhd has created an opportunity for a variety of home owners to become part of the eco-luxurious community of Symphony Hills in Cyberjaya, via the conception of Verdi, the high-rise element within the 98-acre freehold development.

This dual-tower residence was crafted based on the idea of “Living in a Park”. Verdi brings together the best of Cyberjaya which includes an innovative architectural nuance, coupled with an array of amenities as well as an abundance of leisure added services.

Additionally the high-rise development converges the accents of fresh living as well as greener pastures, resulting in a cozy and relaxed environment solely for future residents to soak in.

Managing director and chief executive officer of UEM Sunrise Bhd, Anwar Syahrin Abdul Ajib says, “UEM Sunrise is proud to be bringing yet another quality development to the market.

Verdi, which is set in a tranquil environment and boasts modern facilities, will appeal to potential homebuyers looking for a desirable place to call home.”

Set across 9.16 acres, Verdi is presented in two residential towers standing 44 and 45 storeys.

Encapsulating a density of 800 units in total, the units within the stylish towers are offered in various configurations including built ups that range between 700 sq ft and 1,453 sq ft with an average of 10 units to each floor.

Priced between RM528,800 and RM1,187,800, the units come in four unique arrangements for home buyers to choose from. The developments consist of 240 single bedroom units with a 700 sq ft layout dubbed Type A.

Verdi also offers Type B and B2 units which make up 40% of the entire development. These units are a spacious 958 sq ft and 990 sq ft and fits up to two-bedrooms, suitable for investors as well as new families.

The three-plus-one bedroom units are the largest homes presented within Verdi, offered in a generous 1,389 sq ft and 1,442 sq ft or 1453 sq ft layouts. These units are dubbed Type C and Type D or D1 units and comprise up to 80 and 160 homes each.

Verdi is framed by six acres of greenery and facilities evident by the plush landscaping and vast open areas dedicated solely for a forest garden feel which is further enhanced by cascading water features as well as several themed gardens in line with the development’s stringent Green Building Index assessment and certification.

Verdi_Residence

Aside from escaping the hustle and bustle of the city via the verdant park provided within Verdi, future residents can also reward themselves with a multitude of familiar condominium facilities.

Residents can will have access to a multi-purpose hall, a gym, an adult’s pool, a children’s pool, a central garden, herb garden, a maze garden, gazebo, playground, a jogging trail as well as a BBQ area.

Several car park bays are available for visitors. Safety features such as a card access system and CCTV cameras will be installed at designated common areas, with a 24-hour security patrol service to top it all off.

Cyberjaya is a sought after location among many popular Malaysian developers partly due to its proud line up of educational infrastructure which include four existing and two upcoming schools, as well as popular higher learning institutions namely the Limkokwing University College of Creative Technology, Multimedia University and Cyberjaya University College of Medical Sciences.

Verdi is easily accessible via popular highway networks with Kuala Lumpur being just 20 minutes away via the Maju Expressway (MEX). The Symphony Hills township is also within minutes from the Federal Government offices located at the Putrajaya Administration Centre.

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StarpropertyTV chats with the past president of Real Estate & Housing Developers’ Association Malaysia (REHDA), Datuk Ng Seing Liong.

Ng started his journey as a qualified accountant before getting into the construction industry recommended by his father.

In this interview, he takes us through his journey of success and touches on ways to reduce the cost of developing affordable housing, timely buying of properties and rental yields.

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By JONATHAN ROBERTS jonathan@thestar.com.my

To better understand the trends in the property market, we observed the areas most searched on Propwall.my by potential homebuyers and renters. Let the countdown begin:

Aerial view of the rapidly developing golden triangle of PETALING JAYA encompassing Damasara Perdana, Mutiara Damansara and Bandar Utama.

1. Damansara Perdana

Finally, the most searched area is Damansara Perdana. Located within Petaling Jaya’s Golden Triangle, this exclusive suburb boasts many popular hotspots like 1Utama, IKEA, The Curve, Tesco, Cathay Cineleisure, PJ Trade Centre, Point92 and so on. The imminent Mutiara Damansara MRT Station will bring further positive impacts to Damansara Perdana.

Drone shot of the housing project near Ara Damansara

2. Ara Damansara

Ara Damansara is a thriving affluent township that is accessible via multiple major highways and LRT stations. With Ramsay Sime Darby Medical Centre, Citta Mall and other amenities, this neighbourhood is expected to grow rapidly.

An aerial view if the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil, June 30, 2015. GLENN GUAN/The Star

3. Bukit Jalil

No longer known only for the Bukit Jalil National Stadium, this suburb is poised to be an investment hotspot. Its strategic location – supported by efficient public transportation – has drawn property developers to this region. Housing top education institutions, it is unsurprising that the eyes are on this area.

A panoramic view of the Mont’ Kiara area from the proposed Hijauan Kiara luxury condominium

4. Mont Kiara

International schools, eateries and malls are close to home in this neighbourhood. It is little wonder that Mont Kiara is seen as an expatriate haven. Property investors remain bullish on this neighbourhood due to impressive rental yields, albeit there is a slowdown in recent times.

An aerial view of traffic congestion during the evening rush hour on Old Klang Road, April 21, 2016. GLENN GUAN/The Star

5. Old Klang Road

Often dubbed the middle-ground among many well-established neighbourhoods across Greater Kuala Lumpur, Old Klang Road, known for its eateries and wet market, still draws many potential homebuyers. In recent years, the district has welcomed a slew of projects from renowned property developers, suggesting there is nothing “old” about it.

Petronas Twin Towers & KLCC

6. Kuala Lumpur City Centre

The evergreen Kuala Lumpur city centre needs little elaboration. Malaysia’s number one shopping destination attracts tourists from all over the globe. Properties here are often exorbitantly priced, but we are witnessing many investors making good returns through short term rentals within this area.

Azura Ahdi, 23, a Rapid Rail train driver, walking back to the Sentul Timur station on the second day of Hari Raya.

7. Sentul

An old district nestled within close proximity to Kuala Lumpur city centre, Sentul is undergoing an urban transformation. Good availability of public transportations such as KTM and LRT and its accessibility via multiple highways make it a good bet for affordable home seekers.

Cyberpark’s “dragonfly”-shaped visitor information centre “hovering” above the lake.

8. Cyberjaya

As experts point towards the southern region of Greater KL, Cyberjaya is noticeably poised for growth. Touted as a business and tech hub, this town also boast top universities. With the introduction Maju Expressway (Mex) highway and the MRT SSP Line in the pipeline, Cyberjaya presents an up and coming neighbourhood.

Drone shot of the newest landed housing project near Setia Alam.

9. Setia Alam

A well-sought-after township put together by S P Setia. Far from the hustle and bustle of the city, Setia Alam carries the essence of family living. It consists of excellent schools, award-winning shopping mall, club house, parks, F&B, banks and more.

Vehicles sit in traffic on a road in the Bangsar area of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on Friday, Oct. 14th, 2016. The budget, to be tabled in parliament on Friday, will contain measures to alleviate the burden on poorer households, boost spending on education and develop infrastructure, Treasury Secretary General Mohd. Irwan Serigar Abdullah said.

10. Bangsar

The affluent residential suburb known for its expat community comprises all the amenities that caters to the young urban with certain lifestyle ideals. Its accessibility via major highways makes it a perfect location to live in for those who can afford. Thanks to ride hailing services, congestion is less of a problem.

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BY ZAZALI MUSA

JOHOR BARU: Johor Real Estate and Housing Developers Association (Rehda) welcomes the setting up of the Housing Advisory Panel committee (JPPP) by the state government.

Johor Rehda branch chairman Datuk Steve Chong Yoon On said the association was willing to assist the state authorities to further improve the delivery system.

He also lauded the decision to include former Housing and Local Government committee chairman Datuk Ahmad Zahri Jamil and state secretary Datuk Obet Tawil to sit on the board.

“Their vast experience in state ad­­­ministration is good for the advisory panel and JPPP should also have a good mix of members,” said Chong.

JPPP, he said, would see what had gone wrong, allowing certain parties to manipulate the system for their own interest.

KGV International Property Con­sultants (M) Sdn Bhd director Sa­muel Tan We Cheng said the committee should comprise civil ser­vants, re­­presentatives from develo­pers as well as related professionals.

“This is a transparent approach to reduce mishandling and enable efficiency.

“More importantly, the committee has feedback from all interested parties and it will ultimately benefit the rakyat,” he said.

Tan said issues like matching demand with supply, updating applicants list and approval of any application for release from restriction should be dealt with.

Johor Consumers Movement Asso­­ciation chairman Abdul Majid Kayat said the setting up of JPPP was long overdue but it was better than nothing at all.

“The authorities should rectify loopholes and weaknesses especially in the allocation of the Johor affordable houses,” he said.

Johor PKR deputy chairman Jimmy Puah Wee Tsee who is also Bukit Batu assemblyman said it made sense to have JPPP due to rapid development in the state, especially in Iskandar Malaysia.

Opposition and Barisan Nasional lawmakers should sit on the advisory panel for check and balance, he said.

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KUALA LUMPUR: JF Apex Research expects Gadang, TRC Synergy, Sunway Construction, WCT and Sime Darby to be among the stocks to watch on Monday following the latest corporate news.

Gadang has bagged the contract package worth RM952.09mil to build a viaduct guideway and other associated works from Serdang Raya to Universiti Putra Malaysia.

As for TRC, it has given the contract to build a viaduct guideway and other associated works from Kampung Muhibbah to Serdang Raya worth RM858.18mil.

JF Apex Research also said Sunway Construction was awarded a RM212.3mil job to build elevated stations and other associated works at Damansara Damai, Sri Damansara West and Sri Damansara East.

WCT has been slapped with an arbitrary suit over RM130.56mil from a former subcontractor for its joint venture development in Dubai.

Sime Darby announced that it has aborted its reverse take-over plan via the disposal its industrial properties in Australia to Singapore-listed Saizen Real Estate Investment Trust (Saizen REIT), as it was not able to meet the March 31 deadline.

US equities closed higher following a strong job data amid an expectation of rate hike by Federal Reserve this week.

Similarly, European markets closed slightly higher after the positive US non-farm payrolls data for February.

Last Friday, the FBM KLCI ended flat last Friday, rising 0.16 point to 1,717.58.

“We expect the local benchmark index to trend sideways between 1,700 and 1,730 as affected by sluggish crude oil prices and potential US rate hike,” it said.

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KUALA LUMPUR: CIMB Equities Research is retaining its Hold call for WCT and target price of RM2 on fresh news that China-based Triumpher Steel Construction Group Ltd has initiated arbitration proceedings against WCT-Arabtec JV (50:50).

Triumpher Steel is claiming RM131mil for subcontract works related to the Nad Al-Sheba Dubai Racecourse project (Meydan Racecourse).

The research house pointed out on Monday that Triumpher Steel was one of the subcontractors for steel-related works. Its contract was terminated in 2009, following cancellation of the Meydan contract. The arbitration will be conducted via the Dubai International Arbitration Centre (DIAC).

Recall that in September 2007, WCT-Arabtec JV was awarded the contract to build the Nad Al Sheba Racecourse in Dubai. The client was Meydan Group LLC. Total project value was about 4.6bil Emirati dirhams or RM5.6bil.

Unfortunately, about a year into the construction, the overall contract for the main building, external works and infrastructure was cancelled.

Triumphant Steel’s claims against WCT-Arabtec JV is related to work done but not paid for.

As the main contractor, WCT-Arabtec JV has its own ongoing arbitration case against Meydan LLC. The good news in July 2015 was that the DIAC had ruled in favour of the JV and ordered Meydan LLC to pay RM1bil.

“The award has not been realised as it is pending enforcement by the international courts. Typical of any historical international case, this process is likely to take a longer time.

“This news of the RM131mil claim is a negative surprise, even though it could be partially offset by the c.RM1bil incoming arbitration settlement.

“WCT’s 50% share of the claim, assuming the DIAC rules in favour of the subcontractor, could slash our FY17F net profit forecasts by 45%. RNAV impact is smaller, at less than 2%. That said, we suspect that this process will be long drawn and the resulting impact may not materialise within our forecast period.

“We retain our EPS forecasts and target price, still pegged to a 30% RNAV discount. This news could result in slight share price overhang pending the arbitration process.

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BY R. SEKARAN

Suthakar (right, in white cap) leading the residents in the ‘Black Sunday’ protest at Tanjung Court Condominium in Bandar Baru Air Itam, Penang. With them are (in white, from centre to left) Ramkarpal, Rayer and Yeoh. — Photos: CHAN BOON KAI/The Star

ABOUT 200 residents of Tanjung Court Condominium in Bandar Baru Air Itam, Penang, wore black T-shirts as a mark of protest and to voice the frustration over two issues plaguing the condominium.

The issues highlighted were the poor maintenance of the high-rise and concern over the 99-year lease which will expire in about 70 years’ time.

Bukit Gelugor MP Ramkarpal Singh, Paya Terubong assemblyman Yeoh Soon Hin and Seri Delima assemblyman R.S.N. Rayer, who were present although not invited, received a lukewarm reception from the residents yesterday.

Tanjung Court Residents Association chairman K. Suthakar said they would give Ramkarpal and Yeoh a report card with a ‘C-minus’ for failing to solve their problems although they were highlighted to them many times.

“Ramkarpal only gave promises but nothing has been solved.

“Although he recommended a lawyer from Kuala Lumpur to take up our case, we are not able to do it as we don’t have the money to pay the lawyer,” he added.

Tanjung Court residents, he said, had paid RM13.075mil in maintenance fees to Bandar Baru Air Itam Management (BBAIM) Sdn Bhd since 1993 but nothing was done to upkeep the apartment.

The residents also brought up issues such as the worsening condition of the lifts, faulty access card system, lax supervision of contractors and huge outstanding bills to the Penang Water Supply Corporation.

Residents chipping in for the cost of the banner used in the protest.

They also said the apartment buildings had not been painted since 1993 and that repairs and maintenance works were moving at a snail’s pace.

The Tanjung Court has 14 blocks of 672 units with 3,000 residents.

Lim Yoong Loon, 52, who owns a unit on the sixth floor, said the roof had been leaking for almost a year and water would seep into the rooms when it rains.

“I have reported this to the BBAIM as a few of us on the top floor are affected by this problem.

“However, the management has not taken any action,” said Lim, who runs a freight forwarding firm.

The roof over the garbage bin in the condominium compound left in disrepair.

The residents then made a request for RM10mil from the state and another RM5mil each from the Farlim Group and Khoo Kongsi to undertake the repairs, replacements and repainting of all the apartment blocks at Bandar Baru Air Itam.

Some of the unit owners also feared that they may lose their units when the remaining lease expires in about 70 years as the state and the Farlim Group had not done anything to allay their fears.

Ramkarpal, who spoke later to the residents, said the issue was a private matter and the state could not intervene although it fully supported the residents on this issue.

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BY LOGEISWARY THEVADASS

Patahiyah (right) and Jagdeep (batik shirt) looking at the toilet upgrading plan for blocks L, M and N at Taman Free School in Penang.

FOLLOWING the installation of new lifts with closed-circuit television cameras and water pumps at three Taman Free School flat blocks, now, the toilets in these blocks will also be upgraded.

Penang Island City Council (MBPP) mayor Datuk Patahiyah Ismail said the squat toilets in the three blocks’ 280 units would be replaced with sit-down toilets.

“The RM1.45mil upgrading project started on Feb 13 and is expected to be completed in November.

“The bathrooms will also be upgraded with tiles for the bathroom flooring and walls,” she said when announcing the upgrading works at the Taman Free School residents’ association hall in George Town, on Saturday.

Koay showing the toilet bowl as well as floor and wall tiles that were newly installed at his bathroom.

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BY INTAN AMALINA MOHD ALI

An artist’s impression of the waiting area after the expansion.

THRONGS of people lured by Penang Hill’s cooling air that seldom exceeds 25 degrees Celsius will soon enjoy a better train station at the foothill.

There will be better retail outlets, larger waiting areas, a rooftop walk, upgrade ticketing counters, a multipurpose hall and even a Penang Science cafe outlet.

This two-storey expansion to the station is expected to be completed in August 2018 and is the third phase of a RM18.2mil upgrading project that has been ongoing since 2012.

Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said the effort is another step towards turning Penang Hill into a hill resort of choice in Malaysia and the region.

The Penang Hill lower station will soon undergo upgrading work.

“There will be an open space concept waiting area for the comfort of visitors while waiting for the train rides,” said Lim.

“Many tourists interviewed in the past had said that they had to queue up for about two hours to buy tickets and wait long for the train during peak seasons.”

He said the first stage of the project would see the upgrading and addition of more facilities, the second stage would see the upgrading of the middle section of the station and third stage is the upgrading of ticketing counters.

Lim officiated the ground-breaking ceremony at the station on Friday.

Also present were state Local Government Committee chairman Chow Kon Yeow and Penang Hill Corporation general manager Cheok Lay Leng.

The first phase of the project, costing RM3.4mil, was completed in August 2013 which saw the construction of a retractable roof and an elevated walkway at the upper station.

In April 2015, the RM7.7mil phase two project was completed and it comprised an observation deck and the skywalk on the hilltop, about 800m above sea level.

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Experts share tips to prospective homebuyers

By Yoganeswari Vellusamy

from left: StarProperty Sdn Bhd account manager of developer business Zann Yee, MCT Bhd’s General Manager Teoh Eng Poh, Putrajaya Homes Sdn Bhd marketing and commercial division general manager Sabariah Ramli, marketing manager Hafiza Harun, head of sales and credit department Raja Azlan, Smart Financing Co. chief executive officer Gary Chua and Starproperty Sdn Bhd assistant general manager Ernest Towle.

SECURING a bank loan for your dream home could have a 90% success rate, if one uses the right strategy.

Gary Chua recently spoke at the StarProperty.my 2017 forum held at Putrajaya. The forum received an overwhelming response with visitors looking to gain an insight into the current property market. It was sponsored by Putrajaya Homes Sdn Bhd.

Smart Financing Co. chief executive officer Gary Chua said those who are looking to buy a house can take note of a few strategic steps in order to increase their chances of securing a housing mortgage.

“The first key towards securing a loan is by obtaining a high bank application score. This step involves choosing the right bank and filling up a bank loan form with the right profile and demographic information.

“A high score determines a higher chance of securing a loan, so one should not opt to deceive the bank with false information,” Chua said.

The next step, according to him, involves income recognition, which can be categorised into two aspects, self-employed or as an employed staff.

“Being an employed staff gives you the privilege of having a fixed income of providing a three months payslip to the bank.

“Due to the fluctuating nature of income sources for the self-employed, banks may recognise one’s income from Borang B or from the last six months of company bank statements.

“The third step is to manage your credit score. In order to secure a loan, one must always build valuable CCRIS score with experience. Avoid late payments and do not ever overuse your credit card,” Chua said.

Smart Financing Co. chief executive officer Gary Chua shares his strategies on securing a loan with the participants.

Chua said on top of credit scoring, the banks may still reject one’s application with a set of credit issues, including missed payment for more than three times in the last six months, missed the current monthly payment and so on.

“Next step revolves around credit issues, which often stand in the way of a mortgage loan approval. The banks look at your past performance to gauge your future performance. If you had a poor repayment track record, chances are your loan will be rejected.

“Through CCRIS, your entire payment pattern will be reviewed. Hence, you need to always maintain an exceptional record in order to secure a loan approved by the bank,” Chua explained.

Seasoned speaker Teoh Eng Poh sharing his insights on the bright prospects of Putrajaya.

The fifth step is to avoid a bad status with CCRIS. This includes allowing your existing loans to go into reschedule, restructure or AKPK status.

“If you have a bad status in CCRIS, the chances are your loan will not be approved.

“Avoiding any legal battle with the bank is the best solution as you may be sued or declared bankrupt by the bank which will be registered in your CCRIS,” Chua added.

In short, always maintain a good track record with the bank.

The sixth step involves a tight discipline with one’s cheque facility.

“If you have two or more bounced cheques in the last 12 months, say goodbye to your mortgage application,” Chua said.

The final stage involves the Debt Service Ratio (DSR). The DSR is calculated based on the total of one’s monthly debt obligations.

Chua said there are two key elements in improving one’s DSR ratio. Make the bank recognise one’s best and highest income is key as it ensures the DSR ratio gets lower and manage the monthly commitments or debts.

Another seasoned speaker was Teoh Eng Poh, who shared his insights on the promising development of the southern outskirts of Kuala Lumpur, such as Putrajaya, and how the Transit-Oriented Developments (TOD) is key to igniting a soon-to-be investor haven.

Putrajaya Homes Sdn Bhd general manager of marketing and commercial division Sabariah Ramli said the company is offering project that gives the homebuyers the option of the 10:90 scheme.

The 10:90 scheme involves 3% down payment and another 7% paid via instalment within a period of 12 months upon signing of the SPA. The interest free balance of 90% from the selling price is to be paid upon full completion of the property.

For more information, visit www.pjh.com.my or call +603-8888 6633.

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