Klang Valley Landed Properties Still Resilient

Prices of landed residential properties on the secondary market in popular areas in the Klang Valley have been resilient so far. According to Regroup Associates managing director Allan Soo, prices of landed homes in areas such as Bangsar, Taman Tun Dr Ismail (TTDI) and parts of Puchong are expected to hold up despite the current economic downturn.

However, even these areas will be affected if the downturn is protracted, although not as greatly as the impact on high-end high-rise residential properties, he said.The resilience of the landed homes in these areas is due to the lack of supply while demand continues to be steady, Soo explained when presenting The Edge/Regroup Klang Valley Housing Property Monitor for 4Q2008.In Q42008, prices remained relatively unchanged for landed properties in TTDI, Bandar Utama in Petlaing Jaya, Bangsar and Bandar Sri Damansara although there were fewer transactions compared with the previous quarter. For example, asking prices for two-storey terraced houses in TTDI's Jalan Datuk Sulaiman and Zaaba areas were still high at RM800,000 and RM580,000 respectviely while monthly rents were unchanged at RM1,800. In Bangsar, prices for single-storey terraced houses in Bangsar Park went up slightly to RM550,000 from 3Q2009 although rents dropped to around RM1,400.

Overall, Klang Valley is not facing an oversupply situation except in the high-end-high-rise segment in certain locations. In the high-end high-rise residential property segment however, the KLCC and Mont'Kiara areas are witnessing a rapid drop in asking prices in some developments.The tenancy market was weaker as well in these two areas compared with the previous quarter as rents declined.

Source: The Edge

Mouse-Up To Cheaper Groceries

With just the click of a mouse, consumers can now make quick comparisons on the Internet for the bestbuys. That’s the beauty of websites and consumers can subsequently make substantial savings on their grocery bill when shopping at hypermarkets and supermarkets in the Klang Valley.

By accessing www.smartpengguna.my, consumers can pick outlets of their choice, like Carrefour at Mid Valley, Tesco in Puchong and Giant Bangsar (Teng Mini Market), Mydin in Subang Jaya or Jaya Juscoin Wangsa Maju. They can easily compare prices at all of these five stores.All they need to do is to pick their preferred locations, then select the products by clicking the related icons.

This will allow the user to view a new page which lists the items under different categories. To complete the transaction, they must indicate the quantity too.

Once consumers proceed to hit the “update” and “compare prices” icon, it will display the prices of those items indicated by the users at each of the outlets and the total amount they are likely to spend. Sometimes an item may not be available and therefore it will be indicated by “NA”. Consumers also have the opportunity to add more outlets and even items after completing the first round of their “grocery shopping” list. It also allows them to print out their list.

Prices are updated daily by 11am. “This allows you to plan your shopping and manage your budget,” said Zenito Global Sdn Bhd chief executive officer Adam Breimo yesterday. Zenito is the portal provider for Smart Pengguna. This is an interactive website with a section for feedbackand comments from users. There is also a chat box that allows users to share information and knowledge of prices and items.

“While we encourage the users to do that, there is some decorum to be adhered to. For instance, theyshould refrain from using unsavoury language or discussing political issues,” said Bremo.

The portal was launched last Friday by Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Shahrir Abdul Samad. Since then, there have been 11,000 hits. Plans are afoot to have the portal available in Chinese and Tamil.

Source: Malay Mail

WiMAX

The current economic slowdown is putting more pressure on WiMAX (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access) operators to raise financing, said research ­company IDC.

Bill Rojas, IDC’s Asia Pacific ­director of telecoms services, said: “Do the licensees have enough ­capital? Intel Corp put US$50mil (RM128mil) into Packet One Network Sdn Bhd (P1). But what about the others?”

The are three other licensees; Y-Max Networks Sdn Bhd, Asiaspace Sdn Bhd, and Redtone International Bhd.

According to Rojas, the Malaysian Government needs to do everything it can to ensure a smooth WiMAX rollout. “You can’t just hand out the licences and leave it at that,” he said during a recent press briefing here.

However, he declined to be more specific on what additional steps the Government should take.

The cost of rolling out WiMAX will be huge. But it looks like P1 is set to continue its aggressive expansion this year while the other WiMAX players seem to be taking a wait-and-see approach because of the capital involved, said IDC.

Chua Fong Yang, IDC associate market analyst, said it can cost anywhere from RM100,000 to RM1mil to set up just one WiMAX base-station. And the WiMAX ­licensees will need hundreds of base-stations.

Michael Lai, P1 chief executive officer, said the financial situation is not affecting P1’s WiMAX rollout plans because the company has adequate capital.

“We have already allocated and planned the funding for our network rollout since we began ­rolling out our operations last year.

“P1 has already planned RM1bil for its operations over the following five years (from 2008),” said Lai.

P1 was the first WiMAX licensee to launch its service. Available since last July, the service covers the Klang Valley and certain parts of Penang in the north of the peninsula and Johor in the south.

The service offers fixed WiMAX connectivity at speeds of 1.2Mbps (megabits per second) to 2.4Mbps.

Lai declined to reveal exactly how much P1 has spent on its WiMAX rollout to date. “We are a ­public-­listed company and such ­information is confidential,” he said.

Zainal Amanshah, group chief ­executive officer of Redtone, said raising capital has been challenging in this period but claimed that due to Redtone’s track record and strong balance sheet, “we have been able to get RM20mil more.”

“We’re not going to go around putting up infrastructure and then wait for customers to sign up; this does not make sense,” he said.

“We will get the customers first, then deploy the service. This way, we’ll not suffer high capital ­expenditure.”

Zainal said that between now and the launch of its WiMAX trials in Sabah last August, Redtone has invested about RM6mil in its service for Sabah and Sarawak.

Another licensee, Asiaspace, has reportedly invested up to RM200mil to set up 138 base-stations to deliver its brand of wireless broadband via a WiMAX service called Amax.

Also launched last August, Amax is now available in selected areas in the Klang Valley, including Kelana Jaya, Puchong, Sri Petaling and Taman Tun Dr Ismail.

Y-Max Networks and Asiaspace declined to comment on whether their plans are being affected by the economic slowdown.

The nationwide rollout for Y-Max will begin in the fourth quarter of this year (see StarBiz, Nov 28). According to Y-Max, potential subscribers will be able to enjoy speeds of up to 2Mbps.

Asiaspace launched its WiMAX service last September.

IDC market analyst Esther Gan said another hurdle facing WiMAX ­licensees is acquiring permission to set up base-stations in certain areas.

In a previous interview with In.Tech, Asiaspace chairman Datuk Abdul Ghani Abdullah said delays in getting approval from local authorities and housing developers have caused Asiaspace to slow down its expansion in some areas in the Klang Valley.

P1’s Lai agreed that this was a problem. “At times there are issues with regards to obtaining the necessary approvals from certain local authorities and building owners,” he said.

“But on the other hand, there are also many local authorities that have been very helpful and ­supportive by speeding up the necessary approvals,” he added.

Redtone’s Zainal said that this has always been a challenge not just for WiMAX licensees but for all ­telecommunications companies in the country.

“This needs to be addressed if we want to see the proliferation of broadband in Malaysia,” he said.

Source: The Star

Maybank Opens Another Branch In Puchong

Malayan Banking Bhd (Maybank) has extended its network of branches in Puchong with the opening of another branch and a new private banking centre in Bandar Puteri Puchong.

The new branch and private banking centre was opened by Maybank senior executive vice-president and head of consumer banking Lim Hong Tat and IOI Group executive chairmanTan Sri Lee Shin Cheng.

Speaking at the event, Lim said the new branch reaffirmed Maybank's commitment to its customers even during this challenging time.

"As our fourth branch in Puchong, it attests to the dynamic development and growing importance of this area in the Klang Valley. Together with our existing branches at Pusat Bandar Puchong, Puchong Jaya and Bandar Kinrara, customers now have more convenient access to our comprehensive range of products and services.

"Lim also said the private banking centre would serve the growing affluent community in Puchong.

"This centre is part of the bank's wealth management offering of a one-stop exclusive centre for those who seek specialised products to grow their wealth and provides personalised service to customers, namely banking, financial advisory and investment services," he said.

Lim noted that Maybank had opened nine new branches in the current financial year and targeted to open four more branches nationwide by the end of June.

Maybank has to date an extensive network of 380 branches, 17 trade finance centres, 39 business centres, 37 share investment centres and 22 private banking centres in the country.

"The physical bank branch is still relevant as it is an important channel to support the growth and development of a region as well as provide the population with facilities to enhance their lifestyle.

"Our new branches are one-stop comprehensive financial centres offering the group's products and services for savings, investments, protection and financing. We have allocated about RM20 million to open new branches this financial year," said Lim.

Source: The Edge Daily

Kinrara Mas Apartment

Kinrara Mas Apartment brings together quality homes and conveniences on a prestigious address

Strategically located between Bandar Kinrara and Bukit Jalil is KinraraMas Apartment. Developed by HR Utama Sdn Bhd (HR United Group of Companies), the freehold apartment is easily accessible via a network of efficient highways and is only minutes from Petaling Jaya and Kuala Lumpur.

It is well connected to major highways namely, KL-Shah Alam Highway (KESAS), Lebuhraya Damandara Puchong (LDP Highway), KL-Seremban Highway, Bukit Jalil Expressway. It is also connected to LRT lines and is only nine kilometres away from Mid Valley Megamall.

Apart from its prestigious freehold address in the bustling federal territory of Kuala Lumpur, KinraraMas Apartment enjoys the conveniences of a well-established area that come with amenities and facilities to cater to everyday necessities. The development sits within walking distance to major schools, the well-established Bandar Kinrara and Giant hypermarket while Sunway College and Medical Centre is merely a short drive away.

Apart from the proposed STAR LRT station - to be constructed close to the apartment and would serve to connect residents to all the hotspots within the area - there is also a toll free access to Petaling Jaya and city centre, shopping centres, private schools, colleges and hospitals such as the Pantai and Columbia Asia Medical Centre.

Living at a distinctive address would fall short of expectations without quality homes. Apartments at KinraraMas promise a new era of cosmopolitan living, reflecting timeless elegance within flexible and spacious layouts; quality finishes complete the look.

At KinraraMas Apartment, one may relax and enjoy the views from wide, dual balconies or cook up a storm in the spacious and well-ventilated kitchens. Entertain guests in the cozy living area or work from home in the functional workspace. These modern apartments are sure to fit into your modern lifestyle.

Modern apartments with full facilities and security

Discerning buyers who seek a prestigious and convenient address may choose from three designs namely, Type A, Type B and Type C. These units are sized at 1,091 sqf, 1,231 sqf and 1,240 sqf respectively. Prices for Type A begin at RM224,000, while prices for Type B begin at RM266,900. Meanwhile, Type C is available for RM267,900 onwards. All units come with two parking bays except for Type A units, which come with one parking bay.

Apartments at KinraraMas come in two blocks namely, Block A and Block B. Block A houses 285 units, while Block B houses 284 units. Designed to be spacious, these residential units come with 3 and 3+1 bedrooms, complete with 2ft by 2ft porcelain floor tiles for units in Block B. The panoramic views here include KLCC views to the east, Petaling Jaya views to the north, as well as Subang Jaya and green views to the west.

Complementing facilities and amenities are provided for all residents. Take a dip in the swimming pool, or bring your kids to the wading pool and children’s playground. Sweat it out at the gymnasium or at the male and female sauna. Drop off the kids at the kindergarten and grab a bite at the cafeteria.

Other conveniences catered to residents include a convenience store, indoor game centre, badminton court, changing room, prayer’s room, laundry, salon and gazebo, while a multipurpose hall and meeting room serve as function areas. Meanwhile, 24-hour security, audio intercom, CCTV surveillance in a gated and guarded development provide a safe and secure environment.

Block A has been completely sold out since 2008 and the developer is now offering free legal fees and disbursement fees on Sale & Purchase Agreement and Loan Agreement, as well as two free parking bays. Response has been overwhelming for Block B and the take up rate is 60%.

Developers of quality homes in strategic locations

HR Utama Sdn Bhd is a unit of the HR United Group, which started out as HR United Sdn Bhd in February 1997. The property development company went on to achieve great success and by May 2006, it had under its wing eleven companies including one construction company.

The group’s main focus is on property development in the Klang Valley. It is currently being kept busy with several mixed development projects in Bandar Sunway, Setapak, Shah Alam, Bukit Jalil, Bangi, Cheras, Mont’ Kiara and Jalan Yap Kwan Seng in Kuala Lumpur. These projects, worth over RM1 billion in total development value, are in advanced stages of planning and construction.

Check out its website at http://www.hrunited.com.my/ or visit the show unit which is open on site daily from 10am until 6pm.

Source: iProperty.com

Earth Hour

At 8.30pm on 28 March 2009, cities and towns across the world will turn off their lights for one hour – Earth Hour – sending a powerful global message that it’s possible to take action on global warming.

Taking the first step is as easy as turning off a light. By encouraging entire cities to perform this simple act, for just one hour, a powerful message is delivered to the world about the urgent need to address climate change, and shows that it is possible for everyone to make a difference.

Earth Hour 2009 will be a major call to action for every individual, government and business to take responsibility and play a part in ensuring a sustainable future. Iconic buildings and landmarks across Europe, Asia-Pacific, the Middle East and The Americas will go dark. People will join together to celebrate and create a conversation about the future of our planet.

Earth Hour is a message of hope and action. Imagine what we can do if we act together.

Join us for Earth Hour 2009.

Teresa Donates RM10K To Puchong Mosque

Seputeh MP Teresa Kok has donated RM10,000 to a Puchong mosque to buy new speakers and make some renovations.

She said the donation to her constituency was made in conjunction with the Maulidur Rasul for the Muslim community.

Kok, who is Kinrara state assemblyman, said she had also donated a total of RM5,000 to an Islamic kindergarten and religious school in Puchong.

Last year, she was accused of asking a mosque in Bandar Kinrara to turn down the volume of its azan call which led to her being detained for a week under the Internal Security Act (ISA).

“I wanted to thank the Muslims in my constituency who supported me and prayed for me and the other ISA detainees,” she said, adding that her imprisonment had opened the eyes of many against the abuse of the ISA.

At the same time, she said she served her constituency regardless of race and religion despite having many accusations made against her as being anti-Islam.

“I hope my gesture of friendliness to the Muslim community can stop the lies and false accusations thrown at me by my political enemies.”

“Without the Malay votes in our areas, (Puchong MP) Gobind Singh Deo and I would have lost in the 2008 general elections,” she said.

Source: The Star

Where Good Living Is

Bukit Puchong

Situated within one of the city's most exciting property hotspots, Bukit Puchong is a model municipal in the making. A growing township with freehold status, this former plantation estate has evolved into a fully-integrated 1,290 acre development offering a desirable environment for good living to homeowners in the Klang Valley.

Flanked by the LDP highway, here is a township that enjoys accessibility to Petaling Jaya, Subang Jaya, Shah Alam, Putrajaya and major highways including KESAS, ELITE, and Federal.

With a pursuit of quality and modernity, Bukit Puchong affords the discerning homeowners a wide variety of different lifestyle choices while providing exceptional value in every product category; making it a crown that encapsulates the values of good living for both residential and business communities.

The Developer

Bukit Hitam Development Sdn Bhd (BHDSB) is a member of TAHPS Group Berhad, who celebrated their 100-year anniversary in 2007 and is a public company listed on the property sector of the Bursa Malaysia Stock Exchange.

BHDSB has been actively involved in property development since its establishment in 1992. Its flagship project, being the 1,290-acre township development of Bukit Puchong - a well-balanced composition of private residential, commercial and industrial properties as well as public facilities.

The growth and success of such an integrated and self-sufficient township has not only propelled BHDSB into the property limelight, as a major player in the development of middle to high-end properties, but is also a constant reflection of its commitment towards satisfying the high expectations of its home and commercial property owners.

BHDSB's strength and reputation is furthered by its affiliation to the Malaysian governing body of Real Estate And Housing Developers's Association (REHDA) as well as the public-listed conglomerate of TAHPS Group Berhad whose activities include investment holdings in plantation, construction industry and property development sector.

With a development and sales of 5,200 residential units, 400 commercial and 450 industrial properties under its belt, BHDSB is set to continue its stride as a proven, successful property developer of the future.

Community

Bukit Puchong: A "Premier Township" in the Southern Corridor.

The transformation of Klang Valley's Southern Corridor into a highly sought-after residential and commercial powerhouse can be attributed to the excellent network of highways and roads that service the area. This stretch of new development has also benefited from government initiatives as well as the rise of good employment opportunities, great infrastructure and remarkable growth in surrounding townships.

One such residential hotspot of new development is Bukit Puchong. Established by Bukit Hitam Development Sdn Bhd (a member of the TAHPS Group Berhad), this township covers an area of 1,290 acres and is renowned for being "the crowning glory of Puchong".

A fast-growing RM 3 billion township development, Bukit Puchong is among the last large tract of freehold development land spearheading the transformation of the Southern Corridor.

A good network of roads, like the Damansara Puchong Expressway (LDP), North-South Expressway Central Link, the South Klang Valley Expressway, KL-Putrajaya Highway and the North South Expressway, has further contributed to the potential upside to Bukit Puchong.

With its proximity to Putrajaya, Cyberjaya, Kuala Lumpur International Airport, Sepang International Circuit and Port Klang, Bukit Puchong has enjoyed much success in creating an attraction to the southern corridor. As Dr. Noor Bila, a Medical General Practitioner and property owner in Bukit Puchong, affirms, "The location is fantastic. The easy accessibility to the North-South Expressway makes travel to my hometown in Rembau, Negeri Sembilan a breeze".

This, coupled with employment opportunities, modern infrastructure and accessibility are amongst the key rationales attracting property buyers to Bukit Puchong. For Mr. Khoo Cheng Hean, a business consultant and former resident of Damansara Jaya, the move to Bukit Puchong four years ago was a wise decision. His purchase of a Cahaya Puri house is now enjoying a surge of return that is "...coming sooner than expected." He further adds that excellent security, spacious living and good amenities alongside well-groomed parks in the township have all contributed immensely to this upside of his investment.

Bukit Puchong's Nilam Puri Condominiums, Park Villa Townhouses and Baiduri Courts developments are the latest additions to the array of quality homes designed for good living and easy access surrounded by modern amenities to match the lifestyles of discerning homeowners.

With Bukit Hitam's strong track record as a reliable developer with exceptional construction quality, we believe that buyers are more confident with Bukit Puchong as it has already grown to be one of the most sought-after property hotspots in the Klang Valley. A reason why Dr. Noor is encouraging friends and relatives to invest here, adding that she "will make further investments in this secure housing estate."

With such positive affirmations from local residents and property owners, Bukit Puchong is certainly riding the wave of Puchong's property boom.

http://www.bukithitam.com/

Property Market The 1st To Be Hit By Downturn & The Last To Recover

Malaysia’s property market is set to enter tougher months ahead, as the negative sentiment from global real estate market hits the nation’s shore.

That is the overall view shared by industry players at the recently-held Rahim & Co seminar 2009.

The one-day event covered a wide range of topics on the domestic economy and property market and included prominent speakers such as economists, former government servants, valuers and property consultants.

Malaysian Institute of Economic Research (MIER) projects Malaysia will have 50% chance of full-year recession this year and is quite certain that the country will dip into technical recession in the first half of this year.

MIER executive director Prof Datuk Mohamed Ariff Abdul Kareem expects the domestic economy to return to normalcy only in two to five years.

He opines the world may witness further economy deterioration, as he sees more companies will collapse within six months times.

He says that typically the property market is the first to feel the strain during an economic crisis and, unfortunately, the last to recover.

Prices trending downwards

As an open economy, Malaysia is not spared from the global financial crisis as well as property market meltdown. Since late last year, the domestic property market has started to show signs of weakening.

Rahim & Co executive chairman Datuk Abdul Rahim Rahman says Kuala Lumpur City Centre’s (KLCC) high-end condominium is heading towards a 15%-20% price depreciation in two to three months.

He says buyers are looking for more realistic pricing, reflecting the current conditions. In a worst-case scenario, he is projecting up to 30% drop in prices over that period.

Average price stands at RM1,500 per sq ft in KLCC presently. In other suburbs such as Bangsar, Damansara Heights and Cheras, he predicts a 10%-15% decline.

Abdul Rahim tells StarBizWeek that rental of office space in KL should not be affected at least until the end of the year but he expects prices to come down after that.

“If I am in the KLCC area, I want to save a little bit of money due to the downturn. I will downgrade my office, which I will reduce from RM8 to RM6 per sq ft. So, the KLCC landlord may have no choice but to reduce by 10% to 15% (to prevent the tenant moving out). But at this time, the rental rates are maintained,” he elaborates.

There will be additional 8 million sq ft of office floor in KL by 2011 or 2012. Currently, the rental rates at KLCC and the KL vicinity are between RM6 and RM8 per sq ft and between RM4 and RM6 per sq ft respectively.

Retail scene

On the retail sector, he says Malaysia is fortunate as there are not many retail centres being planned now or coming on stream. Thus, he says retail space is mostly occupied and rental rates have been maintained. However, he points out that the segment may witness a downtrend should the unemployment rate rise.

Abdul Rahim says the commercial sector is least affected now, but in the long-term, affordable housing will be the least affected by the crisis, as people still need a house to stay in.

Ho Chin Soon Research Sdn Bhd managing director Ho Chin Soon advises developers not to be unduly concerned about the external factors such as interest rates and global economy but instead concentrate on their branding.

No matter what the economic cycle is, there are always buyers out there, he says, citing SP Setia Bhd’s recent RM300mil sales which it had chalked up in less than two months largely owing to its financing package promotion.

He concurs with most of the consultants that KLCC high-end properties are seeing a correction now.

“I saw this notice on the sale of a KLCC Marc Residence – “Financial crisis, desperate seller, asking price RM960 per sq ft”, but assuming he sold at RM900 or RM850 per sq ft, he still makes profits if he had bought from the developer for RM650 per sq ft. But the ones who bought at RM1,000 per sq ft and sold at RM800 per sq ft, will be making losses,” he says.

However, he notes that the number of such transactions are few and far between and that the real picture will be revealed by the National Properties Information Centre in a report scheduled to be released in April this year.

The United States’ economy is the backbone of world economic stability.
As such, consumer confidence of the property market will only be restored once the US stabilises.

“The US is in recession but once it stabilises, it will be good news,” says Ho.

Meanwhile, Real Estate and Housing Developers’ Association Malaysia president Datuk Ng Seing Liong concurs that the current world economic crisis will certainly affect the property market.

He expects the sector to trend downwards by 5% to 10% this year.

“There will be definitely a drop in terms of demand and prices but the situation in the country is still under control,” he tells StarBizWeek.

Good time to buy

Ng says this is a good time to buy houses as property is always a good investment.

“We hope that the next stimulus package will bring some goodies to this sector to spur sales and generate economic growth,” he says.

International Real Estate Federation Asia Pacific executive director Yu Kee Su says generally, the prospects of the property market is not so bright but compared to other countries, it is holding steady in terms of pricing.

“Certain areas like Bandar Utama for example is still stable and there has been no drop in prices,” he says.

He feels many developers will scale down their launches as he expects the slowdown to last up until 2010.

Source: The Star

Card For Two Townships

A closer tie between the residential and business communities in the IOI townships is made possible through an exclusive privilege card.

The card, with the tagline Opening Doors to Privileges Every Day, offers special discounts on goods or services to the cardholders at participating outlets within the IOI townships, namely Bandar Puchong Jaya and Bandar Puteri Puchong.

“We have a sizeable commercial component in the IOI townships.

“With the slow down in the economy, their businesses may have been affected.

“With this one-of-its-kind card, we bring the residents to the retailers — the residents enjoy the discounts while the business operators get the revenue,” IOI Group legal and general operations general manager Lee Yoke Har said.

Now, there are about 21,000 residential and 5,950 commercial units in both IOI townships.
Lee added that the card would also encourage the residents to spend in the townships, instead of travelling far.

And the good news is that about 60 retailers have signed up for the programme.

“They are from the fashion, food and beverages, health and beauty industries.

“For now, we are targeting to rope in the standalone retailers and in the future, we may bring in those brands in the IOI Mall,” Lee said.

Every property owner, business operator or resident in these two townships can be a cardholder.
“No application is needed and there will be no application fees. One only needs to prove that he is residing or operating a business here by showing us his identity card, and water or electricity bill,” Lee said.

The card will be distributed in either mid-March or end of March.

Midnight Road Diversion For LDP Users

There will be a traffic diversion at the Motorola Interchange to make way for a routine inspection of the Motorola Cable-Stayed bridge at Km16.5 of the Lebuhraya Damansara-Puchong (LDP) from March 1-10 starting 12.01am to 6am.

Lingkaran Trans Kota Sdn Bhd, the concessionaire of LDP in a statement said, the inspection would be carried out from Sunday to Thursday and no work will be carried out on Friday, Saturday, public holidays or the eve of public holidays.

Traffic from Kelana Jaya/Kepong to Puchong would be required to use a mid-level signalised junction and head straight towards Puchong.

Traffic travelling from Puchong to Kelana Jaya/Kepong need to use the mid-level signalised junction and head straight towards Kelana Jaya/Kepong.

Lingkaran Trans Kota said for those travelling from Shah Alam using the Federal Highway to Puchong need to turn left at the Majlis Interchange near Western Digital, and follow the existing signage to Puchong.

Road users from Kuala Lumpur using the Federal Highway to Kelana Jaya/Kepong need to turn left at the mid-level signalised junction, make a U-turn at the PJS Interchange and follow existing signage to Kelana Jaya/Kepong.

The statement said temporary traffic management and signage, warning road users of traffic diversions, would be set up and road users are advised to follow the signage to reach their respective destinations.

Source: BERNAMA

Public Mutual Swept 7 Awards

Public Bank’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Public Mutual emerged for the sixth consecutive year as the biggest winner at The Edge-Lipper Malaysia Fund Awards 2009 by winning 7 of the 24 awards, including the prestigious “Best Overall Group” award. Public Mutual’s Chairman Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Dr. Teh Hong Piow expressed pride that once again Public Mutual emerged as the biggest winner at The Edge-Lipper Malaysia Fund Awards 2009. “These awards reflect Public Mutual's commitment to do its utmost to give value to our investors,” he said. He dedicated these awards to Public Mutual’s board of directors, management, staff, agency force and the investors for their unwavering support and trust over the years. Tan Sri Teh and the management team were on stage to receive the awards from YAB Dato' Sri Mohd Najib bin Hj Tun Abdul Razak, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance 1 during the award presentation ceremony held at the Mandarin Oriental, Kuala Lumpur.

Public Mutual is Malaysia’s largest private unit trust company with 67 funds under management. It has over 2,000,000 accountholders serviced by over 40,000 unit trust consultants. As at 31 December 2008, the total net asset value of the funds managed by the company was RM23.3 billion.