UNICEF Malaysia

UNICEF has worked with the Government in Malaysia since 1954 to give children the best start in life by supporting programs in health, nutrition, water and sanitation, formal and non-formal education as well as services for deprived children in poor urban areas.

While Malaysia’s achievements in promoting the rights of the child over the last 30 years are impressive, new challenges have emerged in contemporary Malaysia.

In 2008 to 2010, we will continue to work with our partners in Government and civil society to address issues of equity and disparity, the threat of HIV and violence against children and young people.

UNICEF will support efforts to improve the knowledge base for these complex issues. Through collection and analysis of data, support to studies on child development, protection, participation and responsibility, and critical analysis of successful initiatives, programs to strengthen advocacy and raise awareness will be developed.

Engaging Government agencies, religious leadership, the academic community, NGOs, training and research institutions, the media and the private sector is critical to our success.

UNICEF is not funded by the United Nations. We depend entirely on voluntary contributions to make a difference in the lives of children.

Visit www.unicef.org/malaysia

Weekend Bazaar @ IOI Boulevard

Ibiza Bazaar @ IOI Boulevard Puchong,

12 December 2009 (Saturday) - 13 December 2009 (Sunday), 12pm - 8pm

Gateway Square @ Puchong Gateway

Gateway Square @ Puchong Gateway

Gateway Square is Puchong Gateway’s latest offering a mix of corporate, commercial and retail business elements all in one location.

Developer Newfields Property Management Sdn Bhd envisioned Puchong Gateway to be a one-stop Business-Entertainment Hub. Its first phase which saw 104 shop-offices on offer were all snapped up within three months of its launch. To date, buyers were well rewarded with about 40 percent capital appreciation while rental returns average an estimate of six to seven percent.

Located on 52-acres of prime commercial land just next to the Damansara-Puchong Highway (LDP), Puchong Gateway has unparalleled visibility from passing traffic. On this note, a recent traffic survey revealed that over 6,000 cars pass by this area every hour.

Apart from excellent exposure, businesses at Puchong Gateway also enjoy an existing captive market of 800,000 residents from its surrounding areas such as Puchong, Seri Kembangan, Putrajaya and Cyberjaya.

Investment opportunity

Gateway Square capitalises on the development’s strategic location. Since its soft launch in September, Gateway Square has already recorded sales of over 50% mainly from buyers who registered their early interest in the development. Unit prices start from RM 808,000 with various types still available for sale.

In line with the developers’ philosophy of adding more value to their customers, Gateway Square features better building materials and clever design that is tailored towards modern lifestyles.

Design features incorporate open-air balconies allowing owners more flexibility with the usage of their space: Al fresco dining, window display for retail boutiques or just a great looking corporate office.

A purpose built light box located at the top of each shop office provides units with extra height. This enhances visibility especially at night and provides excellent advertising value.

Units fronting the highway all come with extra land. Ideal for showrooms, display of bulky goods like vehicles, furniture and great for open-air dining.

Urban streetscape and landscaping lead customers to the businesses at Puchong Gateway creating a modern lifestyle ambience. At night, the area is well lit and further draws attention with special lighting features at the top of the shop offices welcoming clientele to 24-hour businesses in the area.

More than a 1,000 car park lots

About the developer

Puchong Gateway is the maiden property development project of Newfields Property, a Newfields Group’s company. Despite its relatively recent entry to the property scene, Newfields also runs a very successful corporate finance business, which advises many of the top listed companies throughout Malaysia and SE Asia.

To date, the group has successfully completed and handed over Puchong Gateway Phase 1 of which all shop-offices are sold out. The delivery was six months ahead of schedule and has attracted quality businesses like a 24-hour drive through McDonalds (opens end 2009), a petrol kiosk, car and specialty bike showrooms, and other businesses.

Registering interest

Those who are interested in Gateway Square or Puchong Gateway can register their interest by calling (603) 2031 2888 or visit their website at http://www.puchonggateway.com.my/. For a limited time only, buyers can enjoy both a RM20,000 discount and participate in our interest-free payment scheme during the construction period.

Source: iProperty

Feedback Reminder For LRT Extension

The public display period for the LRT extension plan will come to a close on Dec 14.

It is important that the public give feedback on the proposed plan.

While residents of Petaling Jaya, Kelana Jaya, Kinrara, Puchong, Subang Jaya, USJ, Putra Heights and Shah Alam have the most at stake, all residents in the Klang Valley will be affected by the choices that are made.

Therefore, all residents should feel comfortable in giving feedback.

The Association for the Improvement of Mass-Transit (Transit) would like to point out that the public display of the LRT extension plan (and for all railway projects) is mandated by the Department of Railways and, therefore, receiving feedback is Prasarana’s responsibility.

According to the project notice, all feedback has to be submitted to the director-general, Department of Railways in writing on or before Dec 14.

To the best of our knowledge, the Department of Railways has no “official form” for the submission of feedback on the public display of railway projects.

Given that there are currently three public displays for four railway projects (the two LRT extensions, Seremban-Gemas electrification and double-tracking and the Ipoh-Padang Besar electrification and double-tracking) happening right now, this is actually a major problem.

Given the number of current projects on public display, the Department of Railways should have developed an official feedback form by now that all members of the public can use.

But as there is no “official form” then the recent statement from Prasarana could cause some confusion.

Again, the public notice simply states that “all comments or objections to the project must be submitted in writing to the director-general of the Department of Railways on or before Dec 14, 2009.”

There is nothing that suggests any “official form” nor is there anything to say that e-mail feedback at the e-mail address lrtextensionfeedback@dor.gov.my or feedback sent in using the feedback forms on the website http://lrtextension.com/ will be considered official, since soft copies are technically not “in writing.”

Transit hopes the Department of Railways director-general will state directly what is “official” or not “official” so that there will be no confusion and the public will not be discouraged for taking the initative to provide feedback.

In the meantime, we urge the public to give feedback on the LRT extension in writing to the director-general, Department of Railways.

Source: The Star

Concessionaire Builds 2 More Shelters Along LDP

LITRAK, the concessionaire of Damansara-Puchong Expressway (LDP), has built two motorcycle shelters at the Pusat Bandar Puchong stretch of the highway.

Located at Km22.2 southbound and Km22.5 northbound underneath the IOI interchange, the shelters will provide protection for motorcyclists during downpours.

Litrak communications manager Bhavani Krishna Iyer said the effort was initiated following a suggestion from Selangor MCA Youth chief Dr Kow Cheong Wei.

“The motorcyclists used to seek shelter at the slow lane. However, that obstructed the traffic and their lives were in danger, too,” she said.

Costing about RM20,000, the project was completed within two months.

Signboards were also put up to direct the motorcyclists to the shelters.

These two new additions bring the total of motorcycle shelters along LDP to nine.

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

SP Setia Proceeds With Two Scheduled Launches

The 5% real property gains tax or RPGT from the disposal of all real estate announced in Budget 2010 on Oct 23 did not go down well with many property players and investors. Nevertheless, SP Setia Bhd decided to proceed with two scheduled launches on Oct 31– Brio Tower serviced apartments in Setia Walk, Puchong and landed homes in Phase 8B of Setia Eco Park, Shah Alam.

As it panned out, there were queues for both products. Those keen on the Brio Tower serviced apartment units had lined up the night before at about midnight in front of the Setia Walk Galleria. The queue in Setia Eco Park, meanwhile, started at about 6am that morning, eyeing the 28 units of 2-storey semi-detached homes and four units of 2-storey bungalows.

SP Setia president and chief executive Tan Sri Liew Kee Sin attributes the response to Malaysia’s stable macro factors and the developer’s recently launched “The Best for The Best” campaign which incorporates the developer’s successful 5/95 financing scheme where the buyer needs only to pay 5% of the purchase price upon signing the sales and purchase agreement. A loan is secured for the remaining 95% but this will only be required to be serviced when the unit is handed over.

Introduced in January this year in the face of the global credit crunch, the financial package ended in July, after raking in about RM1.39 billion in sales.

The Best for The Best campaign which is on till April next year. The programme basically emphasises and promotes the developer’s unique development concepts which are geared at differentiating the SP Setia brand from its competitors.

The developer is looking to launch two more phases before end-2009, and it expects these to be a sellout as well.

Source: The Edge Property

Aman-sara Courtyard Terrace, Puchong

The philosophies of simplicity in Aman-sara courtyard terrace.

At Aman-sara courtyard terrace, we strongly believe in simplicity as it is commonly related to the truth in the field of epistemology - all other things being equal, the simplest theory is the most likely to be true. Everything is simple yet sophisticated in Aman-sara courtyard terrace; it is inspired by environmental sustainbility and specifically crafted for original and basic contemporary living lifestyle. 

Aman-sara courtyard terrace is designed with great respect and appreciation to natural resources and environment. The enhancement of simplicity is created by symbiosis of the design with the natural building materials and construction details in order to maintain an authentic architectural style.

The colour applied to Aman-sara courtyard terrace is kept to minimum so to highlight the original tone of the building materials. The adoption of over-burnt bricks for each individual unit's facade created a very strong character of the design.The introduction of wide openings at the front, rear and centre courtyard of the building encourage perfect penetration of natural lights and ventilation, minimise the waste of energy consumption.

Aman-sara courtyard terrace is strategically located in Puchong, b the side of two established township - Taman Puchong Tekali and Puchong Prima. The location is easily accessible through major highways, especially Lebuhraya Damansara-Puchong (LDP), and is just 8km away from Tesco Puchong and Giant Bandar Puteri, 10km away from IOI Mall.

Key Feature:

1. Built-up 1557 square feet

2. Only north-south orientation

3. Side by side car porch

4. Expected date of completion - 24 months from SPA

5. Expected selling price from RM228,900 (after discount)

Source: www.simasgroup.com.my

Plenitude Planning 6 Projects Worth RM280mil

Property developer Plenitude Bhd plans to launch six new projects in its current financial year ending June 30, 2010, said executive chairman Elsie Chua.

“The new developments will be in the Klang Valley, Johor Baru and Sungai Petani with a gross development value (GDV) of about RM280mil, consisting mixed developments,” she said yesterday after the company’s AGM.

Chua said the company’s Taman Desa Tebrau project in Johor Baru would be among the new developments, where 55 units of bungalows with a GDV of about RM55mil would be launched probably by the end of this year.

Plenitude has also planned for the development of 248 units of double storey houses in Taman Putra Prima in Puchong, scheduled to be launched in March next year.

 

“Apart from the new launches, we are also focusing on our ongoing projects such as developing double-storey semi-Ds at Lot 88 and affordable terraced houses at Bandar Perdana in Sungai Petani, Kedah. We are also focusing on our luxury semi-Ds and a resort-style high rise condominium at Batu Feringhi in Penang,” she said.

Chua added that although Plenitude had embarked on more “exciting” projects, it would still focus on building affordable homes.

Meanwhile, executive director Tan Seng Chye said Plenitude would be interested in developing an office tower in the Klang Valley if it could find the land for it, adding that it was also open about expanding its landbank in other areas.

“Our focus will continue to be in Johor Baru, the Klang Valley and Penang. However, if we managed to find some other viable places, then we may go for them,” he said, noting that Plenitude currently had more than 1,800 acres of strategic development land.

On the outlook of the property industry, Tan observed that there had been some pick-up in the market starting from the second quarter of this year, and said that “we are cautiously optimistic with the outlook next year and with some plans by the Government to support the industry, it will help a lot to (lift) the market.”

Source: The Star

New Fire Station In Puchong

After years of waiting, Puchong residents finally have a fire station to call their own. The station, which sits on a piece of 1.01ha land on Jalan Bandar Dua in Pusat Bandar Puchong, has started its operation since last Friday.

Selangor Fire and Rescue Department director Soiman Jahid said with the new station, the response time of the team during emergencies in Puchong would be shortened by five to 10 minutes.

“Before this, the fire stations in Serdang, Petaling Jaya and Subang had to help out in Puchong area.

The fire station is located at Jalan Bandar Dua of Pusat Bandar Puchong.

“Now, the team from this fire station will respond to the emergencies in all 20 areas in Puchong within 10 to 20 minutes, depending on the traffic situation,” he said.

Staffed by 30 firemen, the fire station is equipped with two Grade B fire engines to cater for the township, which is considered to have medium risk of emergency.

“Should there be a need to use the skylift to rescue victims from highrise buildings, the Petaling Jaya fire station will be called,” Soiman said.

Selangor MCA Youth chief Dr Kow Cheong Wei welcomed the opening of the station at the strategic location after a three-month delay.

He said the project was initiated by the then Serdang MP Datuk Yap Pian Hon and supported by former Housing and Local Government Ministers Datuk Seri Ong Ka Ting and Datuk Seri Kong Cho Ha.

Kow suggested that sirens be installed at Persiaran Wawasan to alert the road users, in addition to the traffic lights in front of the fire station.

Besides, he also called for the forming of volunteer firemen team to work together with the fire station headed by Abdul Manaf Che Isa.

Soiman said there are 30 such teams in Selangor and regular trainings are given.

“They are also provided with machineries to take care of the situation before the arrival of the fire and rescue team, especially at places far from the station,” he said.

Source: The Star

Free Movies At New Halls At IOI Mall

In anticipation of the four-screen extension of GSC IOI Mall at the New Extension this November, the public will be treated to free movies at the new halls starting from Oct 31.

Movie fans in Puchong and nearby areas like Sunway, USJ and Subang Jaya can look forward to soak in the ambience and surrounding of the new halls before the cinema officially opens for business.

The movies selected for the free screening are Knowing, Terminator: Salva­tion, Jangan Pandang Belakang Congkak (Malay) and Where Got Ghost (Chinese).

To enjoy this screenings, the public need to catch any movie at GSC IOI Mall (Old Wing) from Oct 22 to Oct 29 and they will be given two coupons which entitles them to two free tickets per coupon, on a first-come, first-served basis while tickets last.

Each person is limited to four tickets (maximum) per movie.

The redemption exercise will start from Oct 31 onwards.

Tickets can only be redeemed for the movie screenings on the same day of redemption as no advance redemption will be entertained.

Movie schedules can be downloaded from the GSC website www.gsc.com.my.

Source: The Star

Take A Trip To Forest Reserve

The public will get the rare opportunity to visit the Ayer Hitam Forest Reserve in Puchong during the upcoming World Habitat Day Programme and Malaysian Environment Week.

The event, to be held from Oct 23-25 at the main concourse of IOI Mall’s New Wing, is organised by the Subang Jaya Municipal Council (MPSJ), Kinrara assemblyman Teresa Kok’s office, Universiti Putra Malaysia’s (UPM) Forestry Faculty and IOI Properties.

It is organised in collaboration with the Department of Environment (DOE), Department of Wildlife and National Parks (Perhilitan), Selangor Forestry Department, WWF Malaysia, Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM), Subang Jaya district police, and Malaysian Institute of Planners (MIP).

MPSJ public relations officer Azfarizal Abdul Rashid said the council-level event is aimed at increasing awareness on the need to protect and preserve the environment and ecosystem, encouraging green practices, and educating the public on the role that nature plays.

Selangor Menteri Besar Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim is scheduled to launch the event on Saturday at noon.

Among the highlights are the scheduled trips to the Ayer Hitam Forest Reserve and Enviro-Challenge Competition.

The trip to the forest will be held held at 11am and 2pm on Saturday and Sunday (two sessions for each day).

It is open to the public for free. Transport is provided. Visitors have to register and gather at the IOI Mall’s lobby, as seats are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

The Enviro-Challenge Competition uses the “explorace” concept, whereby 100 participants (in groups of five) will cycle around Puchong to collect clues and complete tasks that are related to the environment.

The competition is held from 7.30am-11am on Saturday, and is targeted at students and youths. The competition offers prizes valued at RM2,000, RM1,500 and RM1,000 to the first, second and third place winners respectively.

A colouring competition for children will also be held at 2.30pm on Saturday.

For enquiries, call the MPSJ at 03-8026 3188/ 8026 7401.

Source: The Star