LBS To Launch 1,420 Mid-Cost Terrace Houses

LBS Bina Group Bhd aims to launch 1,420 medium-cost terrace houses with a total gross development value (GDV) of RM218mil in the Klang Valley by year’s end, said managing director Datuk Lim Hock San.

LBS will be launching 1,000 units in Bandar Saujana Putra and 420 units in Taman Tasik Puchong in the next few months, according to Lim.

“We want to build affordable homes priced below RM200,000 for the middle-income group,” he told reporters here after the launch of Iris Garden in Bandar Saujana Putra yesterday.

Lim said the group had sold about 85% of the 220 single-storey houses under the Iris Garden series since their soft launch in February.

LBS is confident of selling by next month all the units which have gross built-up areas of 968 sq ft and priced from RM149,900.

“We will then launch our Ruby Garden project that consists of 200 terrace houses with GDV of RM30mil located in the same area. We also hope to launch phase two of Iris Garden this year,” Lim said.

To date, 4,800 property units worth RM499mil have been completed and delivered to buyers in Bandar Saujana Putra.

It also plans to launch 588 single-storey semi-detached houses priced below RM200,000 in Batu Pahat, Johor with a GDV of RM90mil.

A further 680 apartments and 300 townhouses in Taman Golden Hill in Cameron Highlands, with a combined GDV of RM140mil, will be launched by the year-end.

“There is still demand for property amid the current difficult times and we believe that this is a good time for buyers to buy as mortgage interest rates are very low,” Lim said.

On why the company had been very quiet in recent years, he said: “We have been quiet for the past two years but we hope to have a higher profile again this year. With the right products and business directions, I believe this year would definitely be better for us.”

LBS currently has a total landbank of 2,500 acres in the Klang Valley, Pahang, Ipoh, Batu Pahat and Zhuhai in China.

Source: The Star

Citipoint @ Taman Puchong Utama

Taman Puchong Utama, a 600-acre residential and commercial mixed-development township is uniquely sited on two separate parcels of land along Lebuhraya Damansara-Puchong (LDP) in the dynamic hub of Puchong - an area experiencing explosive growth. Its strategic location allows it to enjoy excellent accessibility to Kuala Lumpur City Centre, Petaling Jaya, Subang Jaya, Sunway, Shah Alam, Klang, Putrajaya and KLIA via the following highways:

Lebuhraya Damansara-Puchong (LDP)
Shah Alam Expressway (KESAS)
Sg Besi-Puchong Highway
South Klang Valley Expressway
North-South Central Link Expressway (ELITE)

A bus terminal situated within the town centre further adds to the travelling convenience of the community.

CITIPOINT 3-Storey Shop Offices

- Freehold with individual title
- Fronting LDP and existing 100% occupied, bustling shops

- Near RapidKL pick-up point

- At Taman Puchong Utama with 4,600 occupied residential units & still growing

- Ready market catchment of 500,000

- Multiple entry / exit points

- Ample parking bays

http://www.hillcrest.com.my/

Pre-opening Party For Puchong's Latest Draw

The birth of yet another Puchong landmark, IOI Boulevard, was celebrated in style recently.

Themed The Swirl of Senses, the pre-opening cocktail party of the new integrated lifestyle office and retail development by IOI Properties in Bandar Puchong Jaya was enhanced by clever play of lighting and music by the Puchong Orchestra group.
The guests were then introduced to the latest addition in the boulevard, the Palatte - an open courtyard covered by wave-shaped glass canopy.

The developer said they planned to turn Palatte into an arts sanctuary.

“It was conceptualised to provide a signa-ture place for amateur and aspiring artists to showcase all forms of art, music, food, calligraphy, dance, painting, fashion design, photography and more, free of charge,” IOI Properties general manager Lee Yoke Har said.

The highlight of the party was the unveiling of an artistic mural by 300 Limkokwing University of Creative Technology students of 14 nationalities as a way of leaving their creative mark.

Limkokwing Malaysia Design Innovation Centre assistant creative director Stanley Clement said the mural captured the essence of IOI Boulevard.

Selangor senior executive councillor Teresa Kok, who is also Kinrara assemblyman, welcome the idea of an arts sanctuary
“The lack of venues to promote art in Selangor is one of the reasons why it is difficult to attract tourists to stay longer in the state.

“The Palatte is a place where one can enjoy life, be it a cultural show or an art exhibition,” she said.

All 18 F&B and 18 retail lots in the Palette would not be sold, but only leased out by IOI Properties for full control of the tenant mix.

There are 322 office units and more than 1,000 basement parking bays at IOI Boulevard.

Source: The Star

Pizzas With Papa's Touch

America’s famed Papa John Pizza has made its way to Malaysia with two new outlets.

Papa John was created in Indiana, USA, 25 years ago by John Schnatter, who worked as a delivery boy before learning the ropes of the business.

The flagship restaurant was opened in Berjaya Times Square and the second one made its debut in IOI Mall Puchong recently.

Based on the similar idea of its main company, the franchise owned by Berjaya Pizza Company Sdn Bhd adopted a more Malaysian approach for its outlets.

“The stores in the US focus more on delivery and good pizzas but here in Malaysia, people enjoy a good meal at a good place,” said the company’s marketing manager Joey Lee.

The company intends to expand to 10 restaurants before the end of the year.

The menu had 14 different types of pizzas that diners could choose from but Joey recommended the four classic pizzas that could be found in any Papa John outlets around the world.

“We have the original crust and the thin crust but I recommend the original crust. One of the must-try pizzas is the Super Papa’s,” Joey added.

Super Papa’s is made with beef Pepperoni, Italian Beef Sausage, chicken rolls, mushrooms, green peppers, onions and black olives.

According to Joey the four unique selling points of Papa John were its fresh dough which is chilled, their pizza sauce made from fresh tomatoes canned six hours after plucking, fresh quality meat and its 100% mozzarella cheese.

For vegetarians, they also have a special pizza called the Garden Special which has fresh mushrooms, green pepper, onions, tomatoes, and black olives.

Specialty pizzas include Texas heat, Aloha Chicken, Hawaiian Papa, Fisherman’s Catch and Land and Sea.

The pizzas are served with the house speciality signature extras called Garlic Dipping Sauce & Pepperoncinis.

For a more handy pizza, one could try the Calzone or more popularly known as Pizza pocket at Papa John. It looked more like a large Cornish pasty but it had pizza toppings and cheese stuffed inside.

“Our desserts are a must try and many people go for the Ipanema Chocolate Cake,” she said.

The outlets also deliver within a radius of eight to 10 minutes and have combo meals as well. For dine in, Papa John’s has meals for two, four or six people.

Source: The Star

Free Health Checks

FREE HEALTH CHECKS @ TESCO STORES

- Blood Pressure

- Body Mass Index

- Random Blood Total Cholestrol

- Random Blood Glucose

- Waist Circumference

- Urinalysis / Urine Test

- Counselling

(10.00am - 3.30pm)

03 April 2009 - Tesco Extra Shah Alam

06 April 2009 - Tesco Semenyih

07 April 2009 - Tesco Setia Alam

08 April 2009 - Tesco Kajang

11 April 2009 - Tesco Setia Alam

13 April 2009 - Tesco Klang

14 April 2009 - Tesco Mutiara Damansara

20 April 2009 - Tesco Extra Cheras

21 April 2009 - Tesco Extra Selayang

27 April 2009 - Tesco Puchong

28 April 2009 - Tesco Ampang

29 April 2009 - Tesco Shah Alam

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