Austral Residences @ Metro Puchong

Austral Yarra Link is architecturally superior to other link house. Here, every feature is designed so that you enjoy seamless integration between the indoor and outdoor spaces of your home. Foldable sliding doors extend your living area outdoor, adding to the sense of spaciousness. Large aluminum windows not only let the light and air in but provide most beautiful views of the landscape and streetscape around.

Additionally, a rear balcony on the first floor provides the perfect nook for a cuppa overlooking the landscaped back lane, a feature hardly found anywhere else. At Austral Yarra Link we’ve transformed the back lane that separates two rows of houses into a garden complete with turfing and plants, creating a green belt of extra recreation space.

http://www.austral-residences.com/

Puchong Needs A Hospital

It is hard to believe that the thriving township of Puchong, which has about 300,000 residents does not have a government hospital.

MP for Puchong, Gobind Singh Deo: You don’t want the person to die in an ambulance.

Awtar Singh: What about poor people? These people also deserve proper medical attention.

If its residents need to go to a government hospital, they will have to go to Petaling Jaya, Serdang or Putrajaya.

For many years, the low income group, which comprises 40 per cent of the population of Puchong, has appealed for a government hospital to be built in the area. Now, they are making another appeal to the authorities.

At present, the residents can only depend on a government polyclinic at Batu 14, Jalan Puchong and the Petaling Bahagia Community Clinic at the 6th mile of Jalan Puchong.

The residents were happy with the services at the army hospital in Kinrara but all that ended when the camp was closed down two years ago.

Abu Osman, 66, a resident said: "The army camp in Kinrara used to provide medical services and we were happy going there,"

He said it was difficult for old folks and small children to go to government hospitals as bus services to Serdang, Putrajaya and Petaling Jaya are not regular and direct to the hospitals.

"Many of us cannot afford taxi fares. It takes about an hour to get to any of these hospitals from here.

"Try to imagine our situation during emergencies like heart attack, premature delivery or accident," he said.

Puchong MP Gobind Singh Deo said: "I have raised this issue in Parliament. The Batu 14 clinic is in front of my service centre and I can see there is a pressing need for a hospital in Puchong.

"The minister of health and his deputy should come unannounced if they want to see the problems faced by the people of Puchong. If a new hospital cannot be built, I don't see why the Batu 14 government clinic in Puchong cannot be upgraded to a hospital. There is enough space there.

"Puchong has developed very significantly and even a private hospital has been set up here which goes to show there are enough people in this constituency for a hospital.

"If you take a trip to the Batu 14 clinic, you'll find it is overcrowded, understaffed, lacking in facilities and equipment and doctors often have no choice but to refer patients to other hospitals.

"Serdang Hospital, Universiti Hospital and other hospitals are not very far away. But, when there is an emergency here, you need to get to the nearest hospital quickly, you don't want the person to die in an ambulance," he said.

Awtar Singh, a member of Pusat Bandar Puchong Residents' Association, said: "Residents in Puchong have to depend on a couple of government clinics for their medical needs.

"The population in Puchong is growing rapidly and even though there is a private hospital, not everyone can afford private medical care. What about poor people? These people also deserve proper medical attention. How can they afford exorbitant fees in private hospitals?

"We have been asking for a government hospital for three years. It would be good if the government polyclinic in Batu 14 is upgraded to a hospital complete with wards. Alternatively, the army camp in Batu 7 1/2 in Kinrara is an excellent place for a government hospital as it already has wards.

"Yes, there is one government clinic at Batu 6 near Jalan Klang Lama but it comes under the Federal Territory. The present government clinics are overcrowded. I understand that there are only five doctors at the polyclinic in Batu 14.

Source: NST

Gourmet Fair For Vegans

If you are a committed vegetarian, you will be well-advised to make your way to the Loving Hut fast-food chain restaurant as the outlet serves wholesome vegetarian fare to appease your appetite.

The newly-opened restaurant in Bandar Puteri, Puchong, also offers an accessible starting point for those who want to make the transition from an omnivorous diet to a plant-based diet.

Loving Hut, which is opening around the world, was created with the vision of offering an international gourmet menu prepared from wholesome vegan ingredients.

“All our dishes are prepared without animal products as we believe in a healthier environment and minimising the global environmental effect,” said Loving Hut Malaysia co-owner and chief executive officer Aaron Sim.

The Bandar Puteri restaurant is the first such outlet for Sim and his partner, Tracy Wong, who is the director of marketing.

“We are planning to open 10 more outlets in the next three years — six in the Klang Valley and the rest in major cities,” Sim said.

Loving Hut is one of the fastest-growing international vegan fast food chain in the world now.

The first Loving Hut outlet was opened in April in Taipeh, Taiwan, while the first outlet in the United States opened in July in the heart of Silicon Valley in California.

There is also an outlet each in Au Lac, Vietnam, and Hong Kong, and more outlets will be opening in various locations all around the world in the coming months.

Sim said as part of the company’s philosophy to reduce adverse environmental impact, all waste is recycled or composted whenever possible and packaging is made of recycled or post-consumer environment-friendly materials.
He said the only way to a sustainable planet was to encourage people to adopt a plant-based diet.

For more details on the fast-food chain, visit www.lovinghut.com

Classical Feng Shui - Part 3

Classical Feng Shui - Part 2

Classical Feng Shui - Part 1

The Verve By IOI

38 Business Park @ Bukit Puchong

38 Business Park @ Bukit Puchong by Bukit Hitam Development Sdn Bhd

Freehold 3 storey shop offices, within a self-contained regional town centre, main southern entry point to Puchong, dual direct highway access to LDP, up and coming township development, ample parking, growing market catchment within 15 minutes driving time.

Built-up: 4,198 - 8,051 square feet, price from RM767,888 and above.

For more information: 1-300-88-3888 or 03-8068 3388

10 Tips For Buying Property

If you are looking for a property here are ten tips.

1. Location: Fundamental to your wellbeing and will determine potential value.

2. Ability to repay: You have to service your loan for many years to come and should buy within your means.

3. Rental or occupation: Establishing your objective to buy will ensure that look for the right property at the price.

4. Quality: Find out the materials used, finishes and project maintenance standards to ensure that you get value for money.

5. Developer’s reputation: Buying from a reputable developer will ensure a project will be completed on time will not be abandoned during difficulty times.

6. Neighbourhood: The surrounding neighbourhood will determine safety and wellbeing of you and family.

7. Facilities: Good amenities and facilities will ensure convenience and comfort.

8. Accessibility: Having good road connectivity will ensure easy travel and accessibility.

9. Resale value: The property should potentially provide good capital appreciation in the future.

10. Financing: Choosing the best loan package will protect your interest the long term.

Source: The Star

YTL Land Goes Ahead With Projects

YTL Land & Development Bhd, the property arm of YTL Corp Bhd, has no intention of deferring any of its projects despite the current economic downturn.

Executive director Datuk Yeoh Seok Kian says the company’s plans are on track despite the weaker market sentiment.

“We are not isolated from the effects of the current credit crunch but neither are we scaling back or deferring any of our projects.

“In fact, we have gone ahead with both our Malaysian and Singapore property launches with the confidence that residential properties in prime locations or in well-populated catchment areas will continue to enjoy good appreciation and attract investors,” he says.

YTL Land is currently focusing on its Lake Edge development located in Puchong, where it has just launched its latest phase of landed homes. Called Waterville, the development comprises 50 units of 2½-storey semi-detached houses.

Apart from its Waterville homes, which have already secured a 30% take-up rate, YTL Land will also launch its Parkville homes (also in Lake Edge), which comprises a collection of eight bungalows and eight semi-detached homes.

“We are optimistic of achieving the RM120mil GDV (gross development value) target set for both our Waterville and Parkville launches by our financial year end in June 2009,” Yeoh says.

Despite the weaker economic climate, Yeoh says YTL Land would not be revising the prices of its ongoing projects downwards.“We will not devalue any one of our projects, primarily because most of the acquisition of our land-bank has been the result of smart partnerships, resulting in lower upfront investment costs. This gives us room to pace ourselves against market conditions,” he says.

YTL Land is cautiously optimistic about the economic climate ahead.

“Although consumer sentiment has been dampened by the current economic situation, there are many buyers who are still on the lookout for good buys that can provide returns over the long term,’’ Yeoh says, adding that the company is working with banks and other relevant parties to ensure buyers’ needs are taken care of.

Yeoh believes that Malaysia remains an attractive market for foreigners as properties are still very affordable compared to neighbouring countries. The Government’s continued push of the Malaysia Property Inc (MPI) and “Malaysia My 2nd Home” programme has opened up opportunities for the country.

“The abolishment of the Real Property Gains Tax and the limit on the number of residential property loans obtained by foreigners has also added to Malaysia’s appeal as a property haven,” he adds.

Source: The Star

Trading Licences In Markets For Puchong Folks

Subang Jaya municipal councillors in Puchong want to ensure that Puchong residents are given priority to occupying the trading spots in the morning and night markets.

Councillors Gary Chong and Hamdan Ismail conducted an interview with traders, who have applied for trading licences to operate in Puchong recently.

A total of 68 applicants turned out for the interview held at the community hall in Taman Puchong Intan.

“We want to take care of our people, that’s why we are eliminating those who do not reside here. From now onwards, new applications will be screened and only Puchong folk will be given the licences,” Chong said.

Most of the traders who turned up applied for the licences to operate in the 78 stalls built by the Selangor State Economic Planning Unit (UPEN) in six areas in Puchong and Seri Kembangan.

The areas include Taman Kinrara 1, Bukit Kuchai, Jalan Merbuk, Taman Puchong Intan and Taman Perindustrian Puchong in Puchong, and Jalan Perusahaan 1 in Seri Kembangan.

“Most of the applicants are now operating illegally by the road. We want them to operate their businesses from a proper place,” Chong said.

In the inteview, the councillors checked the nature of the applicants’ businesses, their attendance in the basic food handling course and whether they had taken the typhoid fever vaccination.

Hamdan also reminded them not to lease the stalls to third parties.

“The rental is only RM50 per month and some might take the opportunity to rent the stalls to others. We do not allow such practice.

“We will conduct random checks to make sure that they adhere to the rule. We will not hesitate to revoke the licences,” Chong said.

He added that he also wanted to stop the unhealthy practice by associations to collect money from the hawkers.

“The association has no rights to collect the money, only the MPSJ can do so. Afterall, it is the council which provides the clean-up services after the market is closed,” he said.

Chong added that more interviews would be conducted in the future for the morning and night market applicants.

Source: The Star

Taman Perindustrian Tasik Perdana

Strategically located at the thriving and robust Puchong, Tasik Perdana Industrial Park is a light industrial hub ideal for all sorts of Small and Medium Industrial (SMIs). Offering choices of one and a half storey Semi-D factory, bungalow factory and industrial lots. Tasik Perdana industrial park places you in an advantageous position to prosper your business.

Big House Management Services Sdn Bhd (573843-W),

5-6-1, Block B, Jalan 1/125E,

Taman Desa Petaling, 57100 Kuala Lumpur.

www.bighouse.com.my

Mature Property Neighbourhoods Remain Popular

Some popular locations in the Klang Valley still attract buying interest for secondary properties, either for investment or own occupancy, despite the softening property market in the country, industry players said.

Townships with mature neighbourhoods and high-end residences in Kuala Lumpur which are close to the city centre remain popular secondary property markets, even for next year, according to real estate agents contacted by StarBiz.

Hartamas Real Estate Sdn Bhd managing director Eric Lim said popular locations for landed secondary residential properties in the Klang Valley included Ara Damansara, Bandar Utama, Bukit Jelutong and Kemuning Utama in Shah Alam, with people still buying properties there.

“It is expected to continue to remain active next year as the prices there are affordable versus the more mature residential areas such as Petaling Jaya. “Buyers, especially the young executives, are willing to go slightly further for more affordable property prices,” he said.

For condominiums, Lim is positive about locations such as Bangsar and KL Sentral as fewer launches in these areas in recent years have contributed to a stable supply.

Chester Properties senior real estate negotiator Kam Jun Yin said Petaling Jaya, Subang and Puchong were still the popular locations for those who planned to purchase properties for own occupancy.

Kam observed that the KLCC vicinity and Mont Kiara areas were most popular with buyers who bought for both own occupany and investment purposes, noting that prices in these two high-end locations had risen more than 100% in three years.

Secondary property prices in KLCC vicinity were ranging from RM1,000 to RM1,400 per sq ft, he said.

“Given that most of the new properties in the KLCC vicinity are looking to achieve RM2,500 to RM3,000 per sq ft, perhaps next year, secondary prices may be pushed higher,” Kam said.

According to S.K. Brothers Realty (M) Sdn Bhd general manager Chan Ai Cheng, Petaling Jaya, Damansara Heights are also attractive to secondary property buyers.

“These locations are well-established with mature neighbourhoods and populated with growing families creating natural demand as well as coveted residential address to match people’s lifestyle and demands today,” she said.

J A Valleys Properties real estate negotiator, Raymond Phuah, noted that “coupled with the limited land with freehold title in these areas, Petaling Jaya has attracted a lot of potential buyers for secondary properties.”

Source: The Star

Easing Home Renovation Hassles

Finally, some sense emerges from the chaos that usually surrounds the building or major renovation of a home.

Anyone who has ever renovated a home or had one built will know how frustrating the experience can be.

If you’re particular about the materials that will be used in your dream house, you have to run around different parts of town to hunt for products, enduring traffic jams and parking woes. And this is before a single brick is laid or wall demolished!

Stephen Tew is all too familiar with home renovation hassles.

The founding shareholder and current director of Malaysia’s first real estate investment trust, Axis Reit, has carried out the hands-on renovations of three bungalows and numerous commercial projects.

“I believe it’s important for us to examine and select building materials like tiles and sanitary ware personally, but it is so bothersome having to go to industrial areas like Selayang, Balakong, Klang, and Segambut just to check them out,” he says, referring to areas in the Klang Valley.

“In Australia and New Zealand, one-stop centres for building materials are popular. As a developer I was and am always interested in new products so I frequently visit such centres. I always wondered why there were none in Malaysia.

“We have beautiful products but why are we not showcasing them? The showrooms or shops are located in industrial areas, far from city centres and commercial and residential areas, and they rarely advertise or promote their products.”

And so, earlier this year, Tew opened the Segambut Tile and Interior Decoration Centre (Stadec).

It is Malaysia’s first one-stop centre offering “choices, solutions, and convenience in one place” for anyone thinking of renovating or building a house – or, as he calls it, “a platform and a meeting point to connect manufacturers with buyers”.

And even more than that, “Stadec offers a shopping centre environment for home renovation products,” explains Tew.
Tenants at Stadec have ample space to display their products.

“You can shop here in air-conditioned comfort, and there’s free parking, 24-hour security, a children’s room with TV, and a café to sit down and discuss and contemplate your ideas.”

Some 56 shops and booths are spread across almost 6,000 sq m (or 64,000 sq feet) in Stadec.

Having been through my own nightmarish home renovation experience, to me, what is attractive about the centre is the level of comfort offered. You can browse, touch, and experience the products personally, and at leisure, as most of the showrooms have ample display space.

For example, German-designed Hansa bathroom accessories, like its luxurious Jacuzzis and very tempting showers, can actually be tested on site.

Stadec’s anchor tenants are tile, terracotta, and mosaic manufacturers that include Swiss brand Niro Granite and Cotto Tiles from Thailand, whose products are currently hugely popular for their blend of quirkiness, creativity, and affordability.

On the first floor is a mix of established brands from other construction and interior decor specialities – everything from Scott’s bedding and sofas and an European wallpaper shop to an art gallery and kitchen cabinet specialists.
A seminar room provides space for talks that range from technical level lectures to consumer- and layperson-friendly talks; fees from all these talks are donated to charity homes.

What consumers might find especially reassuring is Tew’s assurance: “Stadec is not dominated by one single brand; rather, we offer a good mix of companies and products.

“As landlord, we do not own nor are we involved with any of the shops. As such, we select our tenants carefully to ensure they offer quality products, and we offer unbiased advice and consultation.

“We have all been ‘victims’ of the market’s shortcomings, the way various brands are scattered all over the Klang Valley. Here, they are all under one roof!”

With over 20 successful years in the real estate business that required frequent visits to building material shops, Tew is confident his experience will ensure Stadec offers a real solution.

He had the idea for Stadec in 1997 but that year’s Asian economic crisis delayed making it a reality. Well, what of the current rather gloomy economic picture? Tew remains positive: “We are in this business for the long haul,” he says.

In fact, so positive is Tew that he is planning to open a second one-stop centre in Klang beside the royal town’s local landmark, the Hokkien Association centre.

“We are going to provide free interior decorating consultation, and arrange ‘matchmaking’ sessions for contractors and home owners,” he says with a smile.

Stadec is open daily from 10am to 6pm at No. 144, Jalan Segambut, Kuala Lumpur (near the Segambut roundabout, off Jalan Duta).

For more information, call 03-6251 4000 .

Source: The Star

Mad About Homes @ Bandar Kinrara

Hao For Good Noodles

All kinds of southern Vietnamese noodles can be found at Hào.

Hào Vietnam Noodles is the place to go if you fancy southern Vietnamese cuisine, especially the noodles.

In Chinese, hào means good, which seems apt because this restaurant’s offering is pretty darn good. Opened nine months ago by accountant-turned-entrepreneur, Frederick Ng, and his Vietnamese business partner, Nguyen Thi Phuong Anh, this outlet in Bandar Puteri Puchong specialises in noodles whilst also offering rice and other delicacies.

All the dishes are prepared by Nguyen Thi Phuong Anh herself, an accomplished cook and experienced restaurateur.

“She’s the one who conceived the menu,” said Ng, who revealed that they have had to make modifications. “Initial customer feedback revealed that our authentic Vietnamese versions were far too sweet for their liking, so we have reduced the sweetness so that the overall taste is more acceptable to the Malaysian palate.”

We had an interesting start to our meal with the Fruit Salad (RM4.90), which comprises diced beetroot, green apples, potato, pineapple and papaya in a disconcertingly pink mayonnaise dressing. Ng assured us that the striking hue was not due to artificial colouring but because of the presence of beetroot.

Mixed Spring Rolls (RM8.90) came next, offering two versions of spring rolls — fried and steamed. We thought the steamed version, which is rice paper rolls stuffed with shredded yam bean, basil and pounded dried shrimp, tasted better than the deep-fried version, good as those were with their scrumptious filling of yam, fish, prawn and chicken.

“The steamed rolls are best eaten with this sweet sauce,” said Ng as he passed us a small dish of thick brown dip. “The deep-fried ones can be enjoyed with mayonnaise or the ubiquitous Vietnamese fish sauce and chilli dip.”

Another distinct appetiser is the Vietnamese Rice Pancake (RM8.90), which, we discovered, is something of a misnomer since they look more like chee cheong fun (flat rice flour rolls) than pancake. Stuffed with minced chicken, wood ear fungus and yam bean, they are garnished with pounded dried shrimp and raw bean sprouts.

Complemented by fish sauce and chopped red chilli, this speciality is delectable.

The Danang Onion Beef Noodles (RM8.90) and Saigon Spicy Seafood Rice Vermicelli (RM10.90) are noteworthy, for they rival the much-vaunted pho (Vietnamese soupy beef noodles). Reminiscent of kerabu meehoon, the former is blanched lai fun (tubular rice flour noodles) and beef stir-fried with onion tossed with such ingredients as roasted peanuts, mint leaves, spring onion, pickled carrot and radish, bean sprouts and fried shallot in a briny-tangy fish sauce and red chilli dressing.

The seafood vermicelli meanwhile boasted much more delicate nuances, with the blanched vermicelli serving as the perfect foil for the hodge-podge of textures and flavours from the numerous condiments — seafood, fish cake slices, bean sprouts, roasted peanuts, spring onion, mint, fried shallot and chopped bird’s eye chilli.

If you are partial to fried rice, Hao’s Spicy Fried Rice with Seafood (RM10.90) comes highly recommended. I especially like its discernible smoky sweetness which is very appealing. The Chicken Noodle Soup (RM8.90) seems to be Vietnam’s answer to tomyam. It is basically thin ribbons of rice noodles (similar to Ipoh sar hor fun) immersed in a light and clear broth, and topped with bean sprouts and shredded chicken. The noodle soup comes with a saucer of ketchup, dried chilli in oil, and a type of sweet sauce, which you are supposed to mix into the soup.

This gives the dish a slow-burning heat, kind of like tomyam. Fresh basil, sliced onion and red chilli are served on the side for you to dunk the noodles in prior to eating.

Hào’s Beef Noodles (RM8.90), on the other hand, tastes like a sweet tomyam crossed with a full-bodied oxtail soup. Ng revealed that the stock alone takes about nine hours of painstaking preparation, compared to their chicken stock which requires an average of four hours. We rounded off our meal with the Fried Wantan Noodles with Seafood (RM10.90). Although slightly greasy from the noodles being fried quickly in extremely high heat, it was delicious.

The decor may be functional and service informal, but Hao is likely to bowl you over with its selection of affordably priced Vietnamese noodles.

Hào Vietnam Noodles
Pork-free

23, Jalan Puteri 5/7, Bandar Puteri Puchong, Selangor
Tel: (019) 4181 388

Business hours: Weekdays 11.30am to 10.30pm; Sundays and public holidays 10.30am to 10.30pm.

Closed on second and fourth Monday of the month.

Source: The Star