The Cube @ Bandar Puteri Puchong

Puteri Central

Free & Easy Ride Around Puchong

Residents of Puchong have a reason to rejoice as IOI Properties Bhd launched its free shuttle bus service recently.

The bus service would be available for IOI Privilege Card holders and would travel from residential areas to commercial hubs such as IOI Mall, IOI Boulevard, Bandar Puteri Puchong and Giant Hypermarket.

Present at the launch were IOI Properties executive director Datuk David Tan, Kinrara assemblyman Teresa Kok and Subang Jaya municipal (MPSJ) councillor Pooi Weng Keong, as well as representatives from residents associations in Puchong. 

“With this shuttle bus service, we hope not only to provide a convenient mode of transport for residents, but also reduce air pollution and work towards a greener township,” said Tan.

He said that they would be monitoring the bus service for a month before deciding if they will increase the number of buses.

“If the response is good, we will also be implementing a GPS Tracking System whereby residents can track the bus.

“This would be convenient as they wouldn’t need to wait around at the bus stops until the bus arrives,” he said.

He added that all residents and home owners within the township were eligible for the privilege card for free.

Meanwhile, Kok said that the shuttle bus service was a good move by the developers.

“Hopefully it can help resolve traffic jams in our community.” she said.

She also expressed hope that the Subang Jaya Municipal Council (MPSJ) would emulate the Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ), to provide community buses to ease traffic woes.

Besides launching the shuttle bus service, Tan also launched the ONE-IOI Net, which is a township-wide, high-speed intranet connecting all residents and business communities within the township.

The service would help businesses promote their products and services to residents, as well as provide first hand information on IOI Mall merchants.

The free shuttle bus service will run from 9.30am to 6.30pm, from Tuesdays to Sundays. Route time would take approximately 40 minutes.

The eye-catching green and yellow bus which features a bumblebee design, had been running since Feb 1 as part of an awareness exercise.

Those interested to apply for the privilege card may do so at the IOI Sales Galleria in Bandar Puteri Puchong or IOI Mall.

Dialysis Centre With 'A Difference'

The plush reclining chairs provide comfort while the flat-screen televisions with wireless headsets (two patients to one television) provide patients with entertainment while undergoing their treatment.

The soft lighting and pleasant ambience was purposefully added to offer patients a warm and welcoming environment. Refreshments are also made available.

Welcome to the B. Braun Avitum Centre in Puchong, Selangor.

B. Braun Avitum Renal Services Sdn Bhd's chief operations officer Lynette Lim said the B. Braun Avitum Dialysis Centre (BBA) is committed to provide patients with optimum care and quality services.

The centre is equipped with a trained team of healthcare professionals who utilise state-of-the-art facilities built to stringent international patient safety specifications.

The company has branches in Puchong, Selangor, Tawau in Sabah and Butterworth, Penang. Another, in Kota Kinabalu is set to be operational this month.

The Puchong centre opened its doors to the public on April 1 2009. The Tawau centre followed suit in October the same year while that in Butterworth made its bow in April this year.

COMPETENCE IN HEALTHCARE

Lim said the B. Braun Group stands for 'competence in healthcare'.

"For more than 165 years, the company has been researching, developing, producing and distributing products and services for the healthcare industry worldwide.

"Among others, B. Braun's orthopedic implants are widely used by patients sponsored by the Public Services Department (JPA)," she said.

B. Braun operates a manufacturing plant in Penang. This plant, which started operations in 1980, has grown into a sizable investment of more than RM850 million.

She said that despite the global economic downturn, B. Braun in exercising its commitment to the industry and its Malaysian workforce, will continue to grow its operations by expanding its production plant in Penang over the next two years with an additional investment of RM300 million.

"B. Braun Avitum is focused in the area of Extracorporeal Blood Treatment. This entails the development, manufacturing and marketing of products and systems for haemodialysis, therapeutic apheresis and acute dialysis treatments.

"We also provide a comprehensive range of support and consultancy services backed with valuable know-how and years of experience in the dialysis market domestically and internationally," she said.

According to Lim, B. Braun Avitum has a proven track record with many years of experience in dialysis treatment and expertise worldwide, with established dialysis centres in Europe, South Africa and Asia Pacific.

DIALOG + MACHINES

Lim said the centre is equip with B. Braun's Dialog+ hemodialysis machines.

"All Dialog+ machines come with pyrogen filters and battery back up".

B. Braun machines provide intelligent blood pressure stabilisation for more comfortable therapy. It is said to be the only system on the market that measures a patient's blood pressure directly - a feature which makes the procedure especially safe and reliable, she said.

"This option markedly reduces the incidence of hypotensive episodes and symptoms during dialysis sessions. Moreover, the technology used cuts the number of blood pressure measurements in half. The added benefit is greater comfort for patients"

DATA MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

The Puchong centre is equipped with B. Braun's Nexadia Expert data management system which is a powerful and user-friendly database for dialysis centre data management.

Operation of Nexadia Expert is intuitive. Functions include the editing and archiving of all treatment and patient-related data and preparation of the documentation required for quality assurance and reporting to the National Renal Registry.

"An ultra-pure RO (reverse osmosis) machine will be installed at our centre to ensure high water quality. This system uses double filtration to provide better water quality by reducing endotoxin levels, therefore, reducing the risk of patient infection.

"Our centre also has a separate room specifically for the management of patients with hepatitis.

All equipment used in this room is segregated and only single use consumables and dialysers for hepatitis patients are used. This is to reduce the risk of sero-conversion at the centre," said Lim.

COSTS

Lim said the cost to set up a B. Braun Avitum Centre is about RM700,000.

"There are 10 machines in each centre and we adhere to the medical authorities' guideline of one nurse to six patients. The centre operates from 7 am until 5.30 pm".

She said the centre charges RM175 per dialysis session from Monday to Saturday. There are two shifts.

For the BBA Dialysis Centre in Puchong, there is one nephrologist (visiting consultant), a doctor, three nurses and one dialysis technician available.

Transport is provided within Puchong area (within 5km radius of the centre).

The Puchong centre is at No. 8-0 Jalan Puteri 4/2 Bandar Puteri, Puchong, 47100 Selangor (tel no:03-80600863).

Source: Bernama

IOI Celebrates 1st Anniversary Of Privilege Card

The IOI Privilege Card Members’ Day was a fun and lively affair as families and residents gathered at the event held to commemorate the first anniversary of the IOI Privilege Card.

Touted as the first community discount card in Malaysia, the card introduced by IOI Properties Bhd is aimed at uniting the IOI business and residential communities while strengthening community ties.

The IOI Privilege Card entitles cardholders to discounts and promotions on goods and services offered by participating outlets within the IOI townships. Other card features include allocated car park bays at IOI Mall (in front of Jusco).

Cards are issued free of charge to residents of IOI townships in the Klang Valley, namely Bandar Puchong Jaya, Bandar Puteri Puchong, Bandar Puteri Klang, Bandar Putera Klang, and IOI Resort City in Putrajaya. No minimum spending, point accumulation or joining fee is required before cardholders can enjoy the privileges.

IOI Properties Bhd marketing manager Mohd Ezuddin Sami’an said the IOI Privilege Card was introduced in April 2009 with about 10 participating merchants.

“The card offers more exclusivity and perks for the local community,” he said.

“It provides added value and convenience for the residents to shop, dine and enjoy various lifestyle programmes, which in turn would encourage better business for the merchants.

“Most of our merchants are located at Bandar Puteri Puchong and Bandar Puchong Jaya at the moment, as almost 50% of these areas have commercial blocks.

According to him, there are plans to have more features, including allocated car park bays at IOI Boulevard and free wi-fi within selected commercial areas.

Among the activities held during the IOI Privilege Card Members’ Day at The Palette, IOI Boulevard were a treasure hunt, eating competitions, health talk and fitness demonstration, sand art, free massage sessions, juice-making and bread-baking demonstration, stage games, sculpture balloon giveaways, as well as exhibitions by selected merchants.The team Friends 5 was declared the treasure hunt champion and won a RM250 cash voucher.

The second and third prizes went to the Kasawari Heights Residents Association (RA) from Bandar Puchong Jaya and Bandar Puteri 12 RA, who won RM150 and RM100 cash vouchers respectively.

Four other teams won consolation prizes comprising vouchers from IOI Privilege Card merchants.Updates on the latest card promotions are available in IOI Properties’ quarterly newsletter called ReachOut and via www.myioi.com/privilege/.

Source: The Star

MPSJ Opens New Library And Office In Bandar Puteri Puchong

The Subang Jaya Municipal Council (MPSJ) Hypermedia Library was opened to the public last month at its new premises at Persiaran Puteri 1, Bandar Puteri Puchong in Puchong.

It is the council’s third hypermedia library after the opening of first two at the 3C Complex, Subang Jaya and Serdang Raya, Seri Kembangan.

The library’s operating hours are from 9.30am to 7pm from Tuesday till Friday, and 9am to 5pm on Saturday and Sunday.

The library is closed on Monday, public holidays, and the first and third Saturdays of each month.

The new library has a collection of 2,419 books on various topics.

The public can also utilise the Internet service. The rates are RM1 per hour for members and RM3 per hour for non-members.

A yearly fee is applicable for those who would like to register as members. It is priced at RM27 for children between five and 12 years and RM37 for those above 13.

The renewal fees are RM15 and RM30 for children and adults respectively.

Members are allowed to borrow three books for two weeks each.

Book loan renewals can be done at the counter or through the phone, but can be done only once.

The library also offers Online Public Access Catalogue (Opac) service, and E-Media electronic information service for access to old publications under the NSTP group’s collection from 1991 onwards.

An MPSJ branch office with a customer service counter and MPSJ Towing Depot are located at the same premises.

The public can pay their assessment taxes and compounds, as well as make enquiries related to the council at the counter.

Its operating hours are 8am-5pm on working days and 9am-1pm on Saturday.

MPSJ is in the process of upgrading the existing system at the counter, with plans for additional services like business licence application, rental of community hall/ sports facilities, application and issuance of dog licence, transfer application, and others.

For information and enquiries, call the MPSJ’s Bandar Puteri Puchong branch at 03-8062 7930 or 8065 1587.

Source: The Star

New Facilities For Puchong Residents Soon

A new sepak takraw court and children’s playground are among the facilities planned by the Residents Committee (JKP) Zone 16, Pusat Bandar Puchong and Bandar Puteri Puchong for this year.

Councillor Tan Jo Hann said the facilities would be built on the field in Jalan Wawasan 2/23, Pusat Bandar Puchong once approval is granted by the Subang Jaya Municipal Council (MPSJ).

“The court, estimated at RM15,000, will benefit the children and youths from the low-cost flats nearby,” he said.

The JKP is also planning to relocate the bus stop in front of Sri Begonia apartments as it obstructs traffic.

“A new structure will be built at the next road,” Tan said.

On the garbage problem in the low-cost flats in Jalan Wawasan 5/3, Pusat Bandar Puchong, Tan said the council had rejected the JKP’s application to replace the broken bins and repair the waste disposal room, but it was applying again.

The council rejected the application on the grounds that the money should come from the apartment’s management instead of the JKP but Tan said the JKP could help the management if it was unable to fork out the funds to solve this unhygienic situation.

He said the JKP was given an allocation of RM100,000 a year and 80% of it was to be spent on infrastructure, 17% on community activities and 3% on administration.

Tan said among the issues or complaints settled by the JKP since August 2008 included potholes (23%), streetlights (13%), pruning of trees (10%) and others.

So far the JKP has installed chain fencing from Jalan Serindit 1- Persiaran Wawasan link road, cleaning up of the lake in Taman Wawasan and installed drain covers near Tesco Puchong,

The other problems that require close monitoring are cracks on houses in Bayu Putri Apartments, Taman Wawasan 1 and 4, garbage collection in the commercial area of Pusat Bandar Puchong and illegal hawkers and restaurants.

JKP vice-chairman Simon Chin said while the JKP tried its best to take care of the area, the residents had to play their part, too.

Source: The Star

Zarra @ Bandar Puteri Puchong

Spreading over 22 acres of prime freehold land in Bandar Puteri Puchong is Zarra, an integrated township complemented by recreational and social amenities. Developed by IOI Properties Berhad, it is the last terrace house development in Bandar Puteri Puchong and undoubtedly, an appreciating investment you don't want to miss!

Location

Residents at Zarra can enjoy hassle-free traffic with its excellent accessibility via multiple links namely the KESAS Highway, Bukit Jalil Highway, Lebuhraya Damansara-Puchong (LDP) and the South Klang Valley Expressway.

Built-up Area

Zarra comprises 183 units of 2 and 2 ½ storey terrace homes.

The built-up area for the double storey home ranges from 2,398 sq ft to 3,427 sq ft over a land area of 1,650 sq ft to 6,598 sq ft. Each unit has four bedrooms with four en-suite bathrooms.

As for the 2 ½ storey homes, they have built-up areas ranging from 3,020 sq ft to 3,045 sq ft of simple yet comfortable living areas, providing 5 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms.

Both of these exclusive homes boast high ceilings for enhanced spaciousness: 12ft and 11ft high ceiling for the ground floor and master bedroom, respectively. They are also designed with detailed attention paid to the overall quality and finishing which includes decorative cornices for living and dining area, separated dry and wet kitchen with a dedicated laundry area, porcelain tiles for living, dining and entrance foyer and a car porch big enough to accommodate 2 cars.

Adding to the list is a wide, automatic main gate for every unit as well as aesthetically concealed front drainage and underground utilities.

Facilities and Amenities

Bearing in mind the importance of security in an ideal community, Zarra homes are complete with peace-of-mind security features which include perimeter fencing* and a guardhouse*. These homes are also equipped with a Smart home Security System which offers many more benefits and provides added security to the overall house in general.

*Physical building, without security personnel & subject to local authority requirements.

Grocery and household shopping can be done nearby at the Giant Hypermarket and a private wet market Puteri Mart. Other facilities include the state-of-the-art Columbia Asia Hospital and other medical centers as well as both local and international banks namely, Citibank, OCBC, Standard Chartered and Al Rajhi Bank.

Meanwhile, the nation's largest indoor badminton hall and a 15-acre Town Park are also situated within the vicinity; ideal for sports enthusiasts.

Launch

Launched on the 11th of September last year, these exclusive homes are scheduled for completion in July 2011. Pricing is set from RM 599,800 to RM 1,254,000 with a 7% discount for Bumiputras.

The Developer

Zarra is developed by Flora Development Sdn Bhd, a wholly owned subsidiary of IOI Properties Berhad. IOI Properties is one of the largest property development investment groups in Malaysia, and is reputed as one of the most efficient and profitable property companies.

Source: The Star Property

Hai Siang Kopitiam

For most people, being faced with the loss of their employment would be a terrifying prospect. But when a Voluntary Separation Scheme (VSS) was offered at his work place a few years ago, Adrian Chin took it calmly and then opted to resign.

Prior to this, he had actually never thought of giving up his job as a flight attendant with Malaysia Airlines.

He liked the job and had travelled to almost all the countries that MAS flies to in his nine years with Malaysia’s national carrier.

But when the VSS was offered, he saw it as an opportunity to start his own business. He had always been passionate about food, he says, so it was natural for him to venture into the food and beverage business.

“It happened almost impulsively,” he says. “When they told me about the scheme, I immediately decided to quit and open up a kopitiam. I did not even think of the risks and cost.”

Chin is now the proud owner of Hai Siang Kopitiam, which is located in Bandar Puteri Puchong, Selangor. Opened in 2006, he runs it with his wife Elly.

Despite their lack of business experience, they both managed to get their kopitiam off the ground mainly through sheer hard work plus a bit of luck.

First, they contacted their good friend David Choong, the grandson of the famous proprietor of Hai Peng Kopitiam in Kemaman, Terengganu.

“He helped us tie up some of the loose ends in our business,” says Chin, adding that he also found out that the success of a kopitiam lies in the coffee it uses.

With their consent, he is using Hai Peng’s black coffee as his staple. “I read an article that says coffee is the world’s most popular drink, followed closely by Coke. With that, I was certain that Hai Peng coffee would be able to attract customers around this area to my kopitiam,” he says.

He also found out that people in the Klang Valley prefer white coffee, which is readily available as instant mixes.

However, Chin went on a rather adventurous approach by offering the old-school black coffee mixed and brewed by hand. The result? A strong and aromatic brew that’s still black even with condensed milk!

He says he received mixed reviews at first, with some customers complaining that they were expecting white coffee.

But the hard-core coffee drinkers thanked him for introducing the black brew.

Once the choice of coffee was settled, he began to work on the menu, which comprises, among others, Sarawak Laksa, chicken rice and nasi lemak. The dishes are prepared fresh every day following recipes that he and Elly perfected.

Most of the dishes are below RM5 and are served in portions large enough to satisfy most eaters. In fact, some of the customers have complained that the dishes are too big, says Chin. “That is why all of my noodle dishes come either in regular or small sizes. I had a lot of people pointing out that the Sarawak Laksa was too big so my wife suggested we serve it in two different portions.”

Chin prepared four dishes – chicken rice, Sarawak Laksa, nasi lemak rendang and tuna sandwich – and three types of drinks – iced coffee, the famous Hai Peng coffee and three-layered-tea – for us to try. True to his word, the dishes were very filling.

Chin says he and Elly are aware that things may go wrong and have prepared for contingencies: “Did we mention that we also wait on tables, man the cash register, clean the place, make the drinks and cook too?”

This way, if any of my workers decide to leave, we can still manage with what we have, says Chin who has only a staff of five, three in the kitchen and two waiters.

“Being trained in the airline to be hospitable, approachable and helpful really paid off in the end for Adrian,” says Elly with a laugh.

This family-oriented cafe can accommodate up to 80 people comfortably and has an al fresco area for smokers.

Hai Siang Kopitiam is open from 8am till midnight Mondays to Saturdays and from 8am to 6pm on Sundays and public holidays.

Source: The Star

Nyonya Imperial @ Bandar Puteri Puchong

Wheatgrass-fed chicken, fish and prawns will soon be the highlight at the Nyonya Imperial Restaurant.

The chain, a new venture by Easy Pha-Max chief executive officer Datuk S.C. Yeat, has a farm in Bentong, Pahang.

“The dishes will be available in March next year for the enjoyment of all,” Nyonya Imperial chief executive officer Raymond Oh said.

For the time being, health-conscious diners can opt for the canned INS wheatgrass drink at the halal outlets.

So far, the chain has outlets in Ampang, Sri Rampai and Bandar Puteri Puchong in Malaysia, as well as Perth in Australia.

At the opening ceremony of the two-floor eatery in Bandar Puteri Puchong recently, it was revealed that the company planned to open another 40 to 50 restaurants across the nation and in Asian countries, including the Philippines, Thailand, Indonesia and Vietnam.

“Nyonya food is an amalgamation of Chinese and Malay dishes and I believe it will be well received in China, too,” Yeat said.

He added that Easy Pha-Max members could use their e-points to redeem food at the restaurant.

Also at the ceremony was INSBIO chairman Datuk Donald Lim Siang Chai.

Source: The Star

36 Green Edge Bungalows

Drawing upon men’s desire to live in agreement with nature, here lies a serene elevated enclave to call home. At 36 Green Edge, life revolves around you and nature. You will have intimate access to greenery, as the tranquility of the Ayer Hitam Forest Reserve is yours to enjoy, every waking moment.Beckoning you to start your day feeling invigorated and rejuvenated.A luxurious home as unique as you are, 36 Green Edge is a fine collection of limited bungalows that brings you closer to the timeless beauty of nature. Truly a safe haven for those who quest for a luxurious green living while never far away from the exciting urban life. When your heart belongs to nature, but your lifestyle needs belong to the city

Freehold

- Land area from: 7,153 sq ft

- Built up from: 4,627 sq ft

- Neighbouring the pristine Ayer Hitam Forest Reserve.

- Limited units of 36 residences with 7 different type of designs.

- Spacious interiors and expansive garden area.

- Superior quality finishes and fittings.

- Exclusive enclave with peace-of-mind features.

- Min price from: RM2,267,800

http://www.ioiproperties.com.my/36greenedge/intro.html

Puchong Financial Corporate Centre

As one of the pioneer developers of Puchong, IOI Properties has made its mark by turning the area into a thriving and bustling township.

IOI Properties will once again elevate the status of Puchong with the advent of the landmark corporate towers – the Puchong Financial Corporate Centre or PFCC.

Located about 1km from the IOI Mall Shopping Centre, five majestic towers will rise to punctuate the Puchong skyline. The PFCC, which boasts the tallest buildings in Puchong, is poised to become the symbol of corporate excellence. Fronting the Lebuhraya Damansara Puchong (LDP), the PFCC enjoys unsurpassed visibility along this main road.

Within the immediate vicinity of PFCC is the Bandar Puteri town centre, an established commercial hub that is constantly abuzz with activities.

There are complementing facilities such as the Giant, Jusco and Tesco Hypermarket along with hundreds of food and beverage outlets, tourist class hotels and numerous local and international banks such as Citibank, OCBC, Standard Chartered and Al Rahji Bank.

Out of PFCC’s planned five towers, two (Tower 1 and 2) have been completed. These ultra- modern organic-shaped structures have numerous windows to harness natural sunlight while deep louvres prevent overheating within.

One of their unique features is the “Vertical Gardens in the Sky” where warm green spaces cascade between the floors of concrete and steel, while courtyards on selected floors and penthouses allow people to take breaks amidst the greens.

These green spaces will be the hubs of leisure activities for the people working in these two towers. Towers 1 and 2 have adequate car parking of 1,920 bays.

Among the notable features of PFCC are half an acre of landscaped promenade, a gymnasium and lifestyle alfresco restaurants to provide a conducive environment for work and relaxation.

The sophistication of PFCC is matched by other facilities such as 24-hour security with CCTV monitoring, dedicated shuttle lifts to the basement carpark area and ready IT infrastructure with CAT 6 cabling.

To sum it up, PFCC is in a very strategic position to become the new icon of Puchong. For businesses looking for a commercial address to relocate or to set up a base, PFCC is the ideal choice.

Source: theedgeproperty.com

Puchong LRT Extension Puzzle

Yesterday’s briefing by Syarikat Prasarana Nasional Bhd on the Light Rail Transit service to Subang Jaya and Puchong left many puzzled as to what the exercise hoped to achieve.

For one, what the extension does is to cater for a huge population base, said Michael Tamilarason— the Puchong councillor at the Subang Jaya Municpal Council (MPSJ).

However, he said the LRT line extension does not go beyond Kampung Baru or between Batu 13 and Batu 18 in Puchong.

“These places have in total more than 10,000 in population, arising from the huge housing estates especiallyin Bandar Bukit Puchong.

“In truth, these are the areas where the service is sorely needed. Yet, after listening to SPNB, it appears these places have yet to be included in its LRT plans. The company also did not offer any explanation when queried,” said Tamilarason.

During the briefing, SPNB’s plans showed the LRT line extension to Puchong will have stops at IOI Mall, Tesco, Bandar Puteri, Puchong Perdana and Putra Heights.

Another public hearing for the Puchong community is expected to be held later this month to solicit feedback and suggestions.

“At this next hearing session, the people should demand for more LRT stops. Anyway, the authorities had ordered the original route to be reviewed, where additional LRT stops are expected to be included,” said a council staff, who declined to be identified.

It is learnt that there is a possibility for more LRT stops to be included in the 10th Malaysia Plan (2011-2015). If that is true,then the public can expect a further delay in the completion of the project.

When first mooted in 2006, the new LRT extension project was supposed to be part of a special RM10 billion government allocation for an efficient and cost-effective public transport system in the Klang Valley.

The extensions to the existing Kelana Jaya-Gombak and Sri Petaling-Ampang lines were to be constructed at a cost of RM5 billion and supposed to be ready by 2010.

This was later delayed to 2011 and the latest feedback is that the planned additional lines and stations for the LRT network is now projected to be ready only in 2013— three years later than originally planned.

The new lines will cover some 32km and cut across Kuala Lumpur.The Kelana Jaya line (formerly Putra LRT) will be extended to Subang Jaya and USJ, while the Sri Petaling line (formerly Star LRT) will cover Puchong.

Source: The Star

Police Make Their Presence Felt

The Bandar Bukit Puchong police has taken proactive measures to combat crime in Bandar Puteri.

Since Aug 5, two makeshift police booths have been erected at the junction of Jalan Puteri 1/1 and Jalan Puteri1/6 (next to Giant Hypermarket), and Jalan Puteri 5/2.

Both are in busy commercial areas where crime is rampant.

According to Chief Inspector Basri Sagoni of the Bukit Puchong police station, the nationwide effort was in response to the National Key Result Areas (NKRAs) announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, one of which specified the reduction of street crime (including snatch thefts and unarmed robbery) by 20% by the end of 2010.

Apart from establishing a police presence in the crime hotspots, the booths also allow the public to approach the police easily for help.

“The police officers are stationed there 24 hours, in three shifts – 8am to 4pm, 4pm to midnight and midnight to 8am,” Basri said.

He added that there were more officers patrolling the streets.

However, the booths will be removed after a certain period of time.

Selangor MCA Youth Chief Dr Kow Cheong Wei welcomed the move as it instilled confidence in the public who visited the areas.

“The traffic in Bandar Puteri 1 is quite messy, providing opportunities to snatch thieves to prey on defenceless victims.
“The police presence will definitely deter them from commiting crime,” he said.

Kow added that he had even received enquiries from business communities in Puchong Jaya and Puchong Perdana to help them apply for similar booths in their areas to curb crime.

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

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.

Zen Residence @ Asplenium Condominium

Sentral City Development Group recently launched its maiden condominium project Zen Residence in the highly evolving township of Puchong. Since its soft launch in mid-November last year, support from purchasers has been overwhelming despite the current economic slowdown.

Many have seized the opportunity to invest in this landmark property in a prime location of Klang Valley. Zen Residence has won much praise for its distinctive building design and product innovation; some have labelled it ambitious while others have hailed it inspiring.

Prime location

Zen Residence’s location, which is within the ‘growth centre’ of the fast developing Bandar Puteri and Puchong commercial centre, is a key factor and major driving force for the project’s exceptional take up rate. IOI Mall, IOI Boulevard, Setia Walk and Puteri Financial Centre are all mere minutes away.

Affordable entry cost, zero financial burden

The popularity of Zen Residence is due in part to its innovative financing package. Purchasers can own a piece of the property with a minimal RM8,000 only and enjoy zero financial burden during the construction period, as the developer is funding all interest payments until handover. Almost 100 per cent loan packages with low interest rates are available by end financiers. Other goodies thrown in to the purchasers are two free covered car parks, high quality floor and wall tiles, built-in kitchen cabinets with solid surface counter tops, tempered glass shower screens for all bathrooms, centralised water heaters for bathrooms, branded air-conditioners with ionizers for the living room and bedrooms, and a home alarm system.

Zen living concept

Zen defines the concept of living lifestyle, which embraces nature, peace, purity and tranquillity. At Zen Residence, minimalist architecture and landscaping with serene water elements have been incorporated to accentuate the Zen living concept. It strives to inspire the mind and brings into physical presence the sense of refuge, safety, sanctuary and well-being.

Tallest condominium building in Puchong

The architecture of Zen Residence is an expression of minimalism in the form of two identical gleaming white towers. The architecture seeks to project simplicity and structural clarity, while the incorporation of large glass panels and a series of cantilevered structures in its façade lend the building a feel of transparency and lightness.

The use of predominantly white and grey shades heightens the architectural concept of purity and unpretentiousness, which is the very essence of Zen. Each of the 21-storey twin tower features an oversized roof structure soaring high over the building to impart the notion of ‘floating’ crowns, thus glorifying the building’s status as the tallest residential towers in central Puchong.

Quadrant security

Zen Residence aims to provide a safe haven and refuge from the chaotic and unruly world outside. The building control incorporates a multi-tier security system, which utilises CCTV, card access and guard tour at all the six access points via the guarded entrance/exit, multi-level car park, lift lobby, lifts, quadrant access and main doors of condominium units.

This system deserves special mention as it is another first for condominium design. All units are clustered into groups of four with each group sharing a common access door. To reach an individual unit’s main door, a resident who lives within the quadrant must first access through a common secured door with CCTV and card access, providing an additional level of private security.

Low density

Zen Residence comprises 286 units on a 4.1 acre site. In the effort to preserve more green space at the ground level, only two towers with 21 floors were conceived. There are only two quadrants or eight units per floor, accessible by means of three high-speed lifts equipped with CCTV and card access system that take residents only to their respective floor.

Spacious unit with lanai

Zen Residence is available in various unit sizes ranging from 1,178 to 1,493 sqf with three or four bedrooms each. Instead of offering a standard condominium unit, the developer set out to impress by providing an extra large living hall that measures 12 to 14 ft in width. The living hall opens to an enormous lanai purposefully designed to enable resident to carry out landscaping or add a water feature. The idea that they will be able to enjoy nature despite living high up is definitely reflective of the Zen living concept.

The most impressive innovation from the architect is, however, the enormous master bathroom with a glassed external wall. The overall effect is a light-filled and airy bathroom interior as opposed to the conventional gloomy, wet and musty bathroom in most other apartments or condominiums. By making some of the units cantilever over the edge of the building, the architect has managed to turn its bathrooms open to the sky and admit rain into the interior. This so-called ‘sky shower’ is an unusual creation and surely a first in condominium design.

Clubhouse facilities and Zen-inspired hot springs

The 12,000 sqf clubhouse at Zen Residence houses two squash courts and a cantilever gym on the first floor. A café is provided on the ground floor with an extended dining deck, practically hanging over a huge free-form swimming pool.

To provide further impetus to an exclusive Zen experience, the developer is presenting two Japanese Zen-inspired hot springs for the enjoyment of residents. These hot springs are housed in a separate single storey Japanese style building set amidst a Japanese rock and bamboo garden. Though not mineral-rich pools, they nevertheless bestow the atmosphere the soothing affects of real hot springs.

To find out more about Zen Residence, please visit www.zenresidence.com or www.sentralcity.com.my. You could also call (603) 8061 1238 to make an appointment for a visit to the sales office and show unit.

Change In Profile But Not Values

Lee Yoke Har's resemblance to older brother Datuk Lee Yeow Chor is uncanny. Soft-spoken and affable, her quiet strength and firmness are very similar to her sibling's when it comes to dealing with the issues of the day.

The children of IOI Corp Bhd's executive chairman and CEO Tan Sri Lee Shin Cheng, Yeow Chor is group executive director of the IOI group of companies and executive director of IOI Properties Bhd, while Yoke Har is the general manager of its legal and general operations department — a position that has enabled her to stay out of the public eye.

Two months ago, however, Yoke Har, who has been with the group for 13 years, donned another hat. She took over the marketing operations of the group's property division, which is a hot seat indeed, given the current tough property market conditions.

"I am not a corporate person," Yoke Har stresses to City & Country in what is her maiden media interview. "Please focus on the exciting projects and plans we have to share with you…

" She reports to IOI Properties' executive director Datuk David Tan, a trusted chieftain of the Lees and who has been with the group for ages. Then there are her brother and father.

With Yoke Har spearheading the marketing portfolio for the property division, Tan is free to focus on other equally demanding chores, with project management being a priority.

"He has a lot on his plate and he needs to juggle his time a lot," explains Yoke Har, whose newly put-together team oversees the marketing of key Klang Valley developments, comprising those in Puchong and Klang and IOI Resort in Putrajaya.

The changes being effected are aimed at coordinating and expediting decisions so that the developer can move at a fast clip. Raising the profile of IOI Properties — a brand that is synonymous with dependability and being conservative and low profile — is also in the works.

Says Yoke Har: "We want people to know us... It is high time there was coordinated effort to do this. Our style has always been to do things quietly; do it well and people will know. (But it has been) too quiet. This has been going on for years. But our values have not changed…"

For IOI Properties, indisputably a top Malaysian property developer that has been active since 1982, the changes are perhaps overdue, seeing how the demands of property investors have surged in recent times.

No, the changes are not a knee-jerk response to the troubles ailing even the most established players across the globe, says Yoke Har. In fact, she sees the property market bottoming out in nine months. "There is liquidity; people are holding back for fire sales but this has not happened." With the property market getting more crowded and the investment climate more jittery, even the unobtrusive IOI Properties is reviewing its strategies, going forward. This is necessary because the developer plans to launch some RM500 million worth of properties in the Klang Valley this year. The offerings will come from Bandar Puchong Jaya, the newer Bandar Puteri Puchong and Bandar Puteri Klang. In Bandar Puchong Jaya, which sprawls over 1,000 acres, more upmarket homes, like the 2½-storey superlink Vistaria Residences, have emerged in the residential component. The next six months will see the launch of sixty 2½-storey semi-detached homes and light industrial units here. Meanwhile, almost 80% of the 930-acre Bandar Puteri Puchong has been developed. It will unveil thirty-six 2 and 2½-storey bungalows and seventy-eight 3 and 4-storey shopoffices over the next half year. Over in Bandar Puteri Klang, new homes and shopoffices will be rolled out from end-February. In short, IOI Properties is not about to put a stop to new launches.

PUCHONG FINANCIAL COMMERCIAL CENTRE

So, exactly what is going to be different about the developer? For starters, it will embrace fresh and compelling development concepts and designs. Add to the concoction a loyalty programme designed to reach out to and please both buyers and occupants to secure repeat buying.

The new and bolder designs are evident in the upcoming Puchong Financial Commercial Centre (PFCC) taking shape diagonally across the Damansara-Puchong Highway (LDP) from the IOI Mall. Work on two of the five PFCC towers on an eight-acre freehold tract is slated to be completed this April. "These are not very high — 11 and 20 storeys. But you will not miss them as you drive along the LDP," says Mohd Ezuddin Sami'an, IOI Properties' marketing manager.

"They are iconic… they stand out from the other buildings in Puchong.

" Puchong has too many traditional shophouses and offices, says Yoke Har. She is confident a "happening" PFCC, with its contemporary design incorporating environmentally friendly features, will lift Puchong's image to even that of Bangsar.

Looks and design aside, the developer is counting on the proximity of Cyberjaya as drawing point. However, a building can only be audited as a Cyberjaya Centre upon its completion. "We are confident of getting the status," says Yoke Har, adding that the building designs have incorporated the necessary criteria.

While the original plan was to build all the five towers in four to five years, the timeline had to been tweaked to seven to eight years in the light of the current global credit turmoil. So, the developer is improving the designs of Towers 3, 4 and 5, based on the experience and feedback from the nearing completion of Towers 1 and 2.

Combined, the five towers will offer a net lettable area of 1.15 million sq ft. The 12-storey Tower 1 (built at RM35 million) will have 125,000 sq ft, and the 20-storey Tower 2 (built at RM70 million) 253,000 sq ft. In all, there will be 1,920 parking bays in the basement, all of them interlinked.

The developer has tagged an average RM600 psf for Tower 1, while it intends to keep the LDP-fronting Tower 2 for investment. Office space in Tower 2 is being leased out at an average of RM4 psf, while the retail space is going for RM6.50 psf or so.

It is worth noting that weak market sentiment notwithstanding, two local parties have shown interest in the buildings, with talks already in the second stage. One party is looking at leasing Tower 1 en bloc while the other is exploring a buy-and-lease-back option for Tower 2.

"We are flexible; we cannot be leaving the buildings empty for six to nine months, so if the price is good, we don't mind selling..." says Yoke Har, without disclosing the numbers now on the table. One of the parties is looking at relocating its operations, while the other is expanding and relocating its business.

IOI BOULEVARD

About a kilometre down the thoroughfare from PFCC, workers are putting the finishing touches to IOI Boulevard, a hybrid office-retail/lifestyle development modelled after London's Covent Garden. "Business sophistication" and "stylish entertainment" are some of the developer's taglines for this development that comprises six blocks of office-cum-retail space. Enclosed within is the Palette, which comprises thirty-six 2-storey retail outlets that look into a 108ft by 240ft courtyard. "This will be a platform to promote arts. Budding artists, musicians and photographers, for example, can showcase their work here free of charge. We will also build a stage in the courtyard, which will be shielded by a tinted, high glass ceiling," says Yoke Har, adding that they have factored into the design the need for air to circulate.

The developer has tied up with LimKokWing University, whose students will paint two murals in the Palette. IOI Properties is also working with the Puchong Orchestra to explore ways to promote the latter.

Of the six office-retail blocks, all equipped with individual lifts, the developer plans to keep two, both fronting the LDP for recurrent income. Since its launch last June, 60% or 262,000 sq ft of the total saleable area of just under 446,000 sq ft have been sold at an average of RM450 psf, with the ground floor retail space going for RM980 psf. Space at the Palette is leased at an average of RM6 psf. In all, IOI Boulevard offers a total net lettable area of about 730,000 sq ft, with another 133,000 sq ft in retail space at the Palette.

IOI Boulevard is targeted for completion in April and is likely to be opened in May. It will be interesting to see how much IOI Properties can do to bring arts to live in Puchong.

SIERRA PUTERI

Outside the Puchong boundary closer to Sepang, earthworks for a 485-acre mixed development township with a gross development value of RM1.6 billion called Sierra Puteri, have been completed. Construction will start as soon as the authorities approve the building plans. The gated development on undulating grounds will boast designs in departure from IOI Properties' norm. However, the layout will still be functional, says Yoke Har.

The lower-density units will be designed after precincts, each of which with its own park. There will be lots of buffer parks, she continues. The maiden launch, featuring the traditional 2-storey 2ft by 75 ft terraced homes, has been slated for the second quarter this year at a pricing she declines to reveal immediately.She would however only say that it will be priced at a premium to the conventional link homes in the close by Equine Park.

IOI Properties' move to go slightly up markat at Sierra Puteri makes sense given the abundant traditional offerings coming up in Equine Park. IOI Properties' target market: Puchong and Kajang upgraders and those staying in Serdang of course.

IOI FAMILY

Fostering loyalty in customers is an integral part of marketing and it is no different for developers. Come late March or April, IOI Properties will unveil its loyalty programme, which will see some 85,000 IOI Privilege Cards distributed, in the developer's two townships of Bandar Puchong Jaya and Bandar Puteri Puchong.

The cards will be given out free to those in the catchment area to shop, dine and enjoy other services for less in participating shops in Puchong, where the developer has built some 1,700 commercial units.

The developer will also take on the role of promoting the participating outlets, which are expected to offer 10% to 15% discounts or privileges in kind for a year. So far, 60 outlets have signed up. Potential candidates are tenants in IOI Mall — 199 in the old wing and another 100 in the new extension, which at press time was awaiting its certificate of fitness. The extension expands IOI Mall's 650,000 sq ft of net lettable space to about a million sq ft.

Yoke Har is particularly excited about the loyalty programme and it is easy to see why. A thriving township can only equal an appreciation in capital values and yields. And happy investors could potentially translate to repeat buyers. So clearly, IOI Properties is the ultimate beneficiary of the programme, if it works.

The community-based programme, Yoke Har points out, is an extension of the developer's community services which it undertakes seriously and with commitment. "We have been working a lot behind the scenes. Do you know we have someone dedicated to working with the residents' associations in Puchong? Besides our website, we also publish a bi-monthly residents' newsletter called Reach Out…"

"We want to make residents feel privileged. At the same time, we are supporting the business operators in our townships as part of our after-sales service. The programme makes sense — these are self-contained townships; everything one needs one can find there. The convenience, the variety, now the pricing with the discounts offered," she adds.

Yoke Har does not discount the possibility of the IOI Privilege Card being used by third parties, which augurs well for the participating businesses. Obviously, the plan to extend the coverage of the loyalty programme is on the cards.

IN THE PIPELINE

Traditionally a township developer, IOI Properties has withstood the test of time and thrived on the legacy of its developments. Recurrent income from property investments and property management fees now help make up the property division's 30% or so contribution to IOI Group's earnings. The ratio, Yoke Har says, is going to change with more emphasis on property, but she is unable to immediately provide the numbers.

IOI Properties is also active outside the Klang Valley, for example Singapore, although plans there have been deferred given the current downturn.

Another project to look out for is a mall planned for Putrajaya, the details of which the developer declines to divulge for now. All said, IOI Properties is geared to give competitors a run for their money.

Source: The Edge Daily