WORKING with Tuanku Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah on the development of Kedah has been an experience to cherish, according to Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Azizan Abdul Razak and several of his predecessors.
Azizan, who described Tuanku Abdul Halim as a man of wisdom, said it was significant that Tuanku Abdul Halim was being installed as Yang di-Pertuan Agong during the administration of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.
“There is a special historical significance as Tuanku was also King in 1970 during the administration of then Prime Minister Tun Abdul Razak Hussein, who is Najib’s father,” he said.
Having vast experience in the administration of the country as well as the state, Tuanku Abdul Halim placed great emphasis on peace and stability, the MB said.
“That is why during the recent political crisis in Kedah, Tuanku directed me to resolve the matter swiftly and amicably as he did not want the chaos to prolong,’’ Azizan said.
The MB said Tuanku Abdul Halim had pledged to make weekly trips to Kedah to oversee development in the state.
“When in Kedah, Tuanku will be at his office (at Wisma Darulaman) as usual,’’ he added.
Former Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid, who served between December 2005 and March 2008, described Tuanku Abdul Halim as an exemplary Ruler.
“While serving as MB, the most challenging task I had was when I had to get the consent of Tuanku to amend the State Islamic Administration Enactment to divide the Religious Department and Religious Council.
“The draft amendments were already drawn seven years before I was appointed Mentri Besar. When I presented the draft to the Tuanku, Tuanku appeared to have some reservation,’’ he said.
Mahdzir said he made arrangements to seek an audience with the Sultan a week later to convince him that the amendment would not erode the power of the Sultan in matters related to Islam.
“I brought with me the mufti, and the Syariah chief judge, among others.
“After we explained in detail, Tuanku understood and consented to the amendment,’’ he said.
Tan Sri Sanusi Junid, who was MB from 1996 to 1999, said the Tuanku was vastly experienced, skilful and wise.
“The King’s interest and understanding of matters are very deep. And he takes a more objective approach compared with party-based political figures,’’ he said, revealing that Tuanku Abdul Halim also keenly followed political developments.
Azizan: ‘When in Kedah, Tuanku will be in his office as usual’
Sanusi said the Kedah Sultanate was special in the sense that it was the oldest surviving monarchy in the world from the same family lineage.
“All the current royal families such as in England, Japan and Thailand are from different families respectively, although their monarchy systems had been established much earlier,’’ he said.
He said Kedah took pride in having the longest “unbroken” royal family lineage in the world.
Tuanku Abdul Halim was also among the longest serving monarchs in the world, he pointed out.
Sanusi recalled his most unforgettable experience while serving under Tuanku as the MB.
“I had to terminate the services of three Kedah football import players to cut costs in aid of orphanages that needed RM100,000 a month.
“My unpopular decision to terminate the football players made the Kedah team lose its placing from top to bottom in the following league.
“I was in a dilemma at that time as Tuanku was the biggest Kedah football fan.
“But Alhamdulillah (Praise be upon God), Tuanku understood why I resorted to such an action,’’ he added.
Another former Kedah Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Syed Razak Syed Zain said Tuanku Abdul Halim was actively involved in formulating the Kedah Maju 2010 plan.
“Tuanku guided me and gave me advice on ways to improve the plan,’’ he said.
Syed Razak, who served from 1999 to 2005, said Tuanku Abdul Halim was very interested about the plan as he wanted Kedah to strive for developed status.
The Kedah Maju 2010 masterplan included the re-development of Bandar di-Raja Anak Bukit, development of a mini Putrajaya, expansion and refurbishment of the Sultan Abdul Halim Airport, development of Kuala Kedah waterfront city, re-development of Langkawi and construction of flyovers, among others.
“Tuanku has always paid special attention to economic growth and its spillover effects, tourism in Langkawi, and social development.
“Tuanku has a lot of ideas on ways to boost development. He also cares deeply for the poor and government servants,’’ added Syed Razak.
The former MB also said Tuanku paid special attention to punctuality.
“He takes pride in arriving at functions and meetings on the dot,’’ he said.
Syed Razak said Tuanku Abdul Halim kept abreast with current developments but never interfered in political matters.
By The Star
Showing posts with label Kedah. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Kedah. Show all posts
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Seri Chenang Resort draws strong response
SERI Chenang Resort & Spa Langkawi will be the newest addition to the Island of Legends when it opens this Labour Day and if forward bookings are anything to go by, this luxury boutique hotel has proven to be quite popular.
It has managed to secure full occupancy for the months of May, June and July 2012.
This 13-room hotel will be operated by brother and sister team Mohammad Shukor and Norlin Zainal Abidin.
The resort is being developed by SCRL Properties Sdn Bhd on the land belonging to the duo's father Datuk Zainal Abidin.
In 2009, Norlin then aged 35 and her brother 28 took on the challenge to develop and manage the hotel, instead of leaving the land undeveloped.
Norlin, who has only a shopping complex management experience, had then decided to be a hotelier.
Located on a 0.53ha of land on Kuala Chenang River next to the popular Chenang Beach, the investment into the hotel and land is to the tune of RM5 million.
Seri Chenang will comprise of six villas, each designed like traditional Malay houses from different states including Negeri Sembilan, Terengganu, Kedah, Pahang, Malacca and Selangor.
The smallest villa, a one-bedroom unit, measures about 113 sq m for a studio villa and the largest, a five bedroom unit, measures 393 sq m.
"It's set in a traditional style but equipped with modern amenities," she said.
The resort is for anyone who appreciates tradition in today's modern luxury living.
It will be marketed in Europe, Australia, Japan and Korea.
The resort's focus will be on personalised service from pre-arrival to post-departure.
"The general manager will greet each guest at the airport," she said.
Despite an encouraging response in the first three months of operations, Norlin prefers to be cautious about performance in the first year of operations.
"In the first year, we expect to achieve over 50 per cent occupancy and average room rate of RM1,700. In the second year, we are looking at an average occupancy of 70 per cent and an ARR of RM1,900," she said.
The hotel is expected to run at a gross operating profit (GOP) of 50 per cent. The GOP is the cost of doing business or gross revenue (from rooms, food and beverage, laundry or business centre) minus cost of operations (wages, electricity and amenities).
Accordingly, Norlin expects return on investment could take between five and seven years.
In keeping with the Seri Chenang theme, the resort will have a spa, Kayangan Spa, which provides traditional treatments.
While the hotel does not have a beach front, it is a mere five minutes away and there is free shuttle service to and from the beach.
By Business Times
This 13-room hotel will be operated by brother and sister team Mohammad Shukor and Norlin Zainal Abidin.
The resort is being developed by SCRL Properties Sdn Bhd on the land belonging to the duo's father Datuk Zainal Abidin.
In 2009, Norlin then aged 35 and her brother 28 took on the challenge to develop and manage the hotel, instead of leaving the land undeveloped.
Norlin, who has only a shopping complex management experience, had then decided to be a hotelier.
Located on a 0.53ha of land on Kuala Chenang River next to the popular Chenang Beach, the investment into the hotel and land is to the tune of RM5 million.
Seri Chenang will comprise of six villas, each designed like traditional Malay houses from different states including Negeri Sembilan, Terengganu, Kedah, Pahang, Malacca and Selangor.
The smallest villa, a one-bedroom unit, measures about 113 sq m for a studio villa and the largest, a five bedroom unit, measures 393 sq m.
"It's set in a traditional style but equipped with modern amenities," she said.
The resort is for anyone who appreciates tradition in today's modern luxury living.
It will be marketed in Europe, Australia, Japan and Korea.
The resort's focus will be on personalised service from pre-arrival to post-departure.
"The general manager will greet each guest at the airport," she said.
Despite an encouraging response in the first three months of operations, Norlin prefers to be cautious about performance in the first year of operations.
"In the first year, we expect to achieve over 50 per cent occupancy and average room rate of RM1,700. In the second year, we are looking at an average occupancy of 70 per cent and an ARR of RM1,900," she said.
The hotel is expected to run at a gross operating profit (GOP) of 50 per cent. The GOP is the cost of doing business or gross revenue (from rooms, food and beverage, laundry or business centre) minus cost of operations (wages, electricity and amenities).
Accordingly, Norlin expects return on investment could take between five and seven years.
In keeping with the Seri Chenang theme, the resort will have a spa, Kayangan Spa, which provides traditional treatments.
While the hotel does not have a beach front, it is a mere five minutes away and there is free shuttle service to and from the beach.
By Business Times
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Enhancing Langkawi's appeal
The proposed rejuvenation of Langkawi, via a five-year tourism blueprint, is set to see the potential entry of fresh investments that will make the resort island more appealing to higher-end tourists.
The Langkawi Tourism Blueprint envisages RM5 billion worth of investment in tourism projects and aims to increase tourism arrivals from the current 2.4 million to three million by 2015. That would more than double its contribution to the country's economy from RM800 million to RM1.9 billion, as well as create 4,200 new jobs.
The government's financial commitment to the blueprint includes RM420 million to build infrastructure, acquire some land and promote the island so that tourists no longer give it a miss in favour of destinations like Bali, Phuket and the Maldives.
"The blueprint serves as an impetus and provides a focused approach on specific areas of development such as product development, key infrastructure and supporting enablers.
"This in turn provides existing and new investors a clear vision and direction set forth for Langkawi," says Northern Corridor Implementation Authority (NCIA) chief executive Datuk Redza Razif.
The role played by the NCIA in helping uplift Langkawi's position is to play a lead role in the development of the blueprint, along with the delivery of its current initiatives on the island.
The authority is tasked to lead three out of 14 initiatives which have been outlined in the blueprint. They include plans for luxury stays and a vibrant north-west for the island, ensuring better connectivity and seeing to the setting up of a tourism academy by working closely with the Ministry of Higher Education and the Performance and Delivery Unit (Pemandu) in the Prime Minister's Department.
Khazanah Nasional Bhd had announced in December that it will be ploughing capital investments of some RM1 billion in Teluk Datai via Teluk Datai Resorts Sdn Bhd, its investee company.
This move is expected to be achieved via the implementation of a Teluk Datai master development plan which in turn will see reinvestments in the existing hotels at Teluk Datai, along with investments in select pieces of earmarked land which total around 604ha.
Projects include the enhancement of The Datai Langkawi, upgrading The Golf Club, Datai Bay, and optimising land for beachfront development.
Khazanah, via Teluk Datai Resorts, has also entered into a heads of agreement with Shangri-La Hotels (M) Bhd to jointly develop a five-star resort.
The proposed resort has been reported to be managed by Shangri-la International Hotel Management Ltd under the Shangri-La brand and will serve as Shangri-La debut on Langkawi.
Tradewinds Corp Bhd is said to be bringing more rejuvenation to Langkawi, via development of the Telaga Harbour Park at Pantai Kok and building new residential and commercial properties.
The company, which reportedly now owns the three-star Mutiara Burau Bay Resort, is believed to have plans to tear down the existing resort and rebuild it into a higher end accommodation offering.
The existing resort, which is currently in need of a major facelift, is dotted with sea-fronting chalets and appears to be "tired" and does nothing currently in terms of infrastructure and amenities for its guests.
Just up the road is the Oriental Village, which was opened by the Langkawi Development Authority (LADA) in 2003 and is poorly managed.
Originally envisioned to be a cluster of factory outlets stories, it is today nothing but a mix of crafts shops and buskers and serves as the occasional backdrop for television and movie producers.
Its close proximity to the island's top attraction - Panorama Langkawi cable car services - does not help the image of the cable car operator which offers rides to the peak of the 700 metro Matchingchang mountain range.
Although Panorama Langkawi Sdn Bhd, a profit making subsidiary of Syarikat Prasarana Negara Sdn Bhd, has over the past year done wonders to improve its image for its services, visitors are not accorded a positive first impression, owing to the conditions of the Oriental Village, which is in drastic need of a revamp.
While details of a supposed revamp of LADA are not publicly known, Langkawi locals and tourism players are now placing their hopes on the authority's newly-appointed chief executive officer Tan Sri Khalid Ramli, who previously served as chairman of the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission.
A delivery management office (DMO), for which LADA will serve as lead agency, is set to be established in overseeing the blueprint.
"With a targeted approach taken by the blueprint, timely implementation, sound business plans and on-ground support by all sectors, we are confident that Langkawi will emerge as a premier island destination," noted Redza.
He added that the Langkawi Tourism Blueprint defines specific initiatives and complements the Northern Corridor Economic Region's overall blueprint which is to see the economic fortunes of the four northern states of Perak, Penang, Kedah and Perlis improve.
On the proposed development of Teluk Datai, Redza said that the opportunity for NCIA in this effort will be to assist in scaling up local entrepreneurs to provide complementing services in the vicinity of the new resort.
"This would include the development of souvenirs, availability of well-trained private tour guides and the provision of authentic dining experiences which reflect among others, local culture," he added.
On whether it was too ambitious a plan to expect the blueprint to yield its targeted results at the end of 2015 when the document was only launched at the end of 2011, Redza said: "During the development of the blueprint, some groundwork and key issues were identified and as a result, quick-win initiatives were targeted and already rolled in late 2011 and part of this year".
By Business Times
The Langkawi Tourism Blueprint envisages RM5 billion worth of investment in tourism projects and aims to increase tourism arrivals from the current 2.4 million to three million by 2015. That would more than double its contribution to the country's economy from RM800 million to RM1.9 billion, as well as create 4,200 new jobs.
The government's financial commitment to the blueprint includes RM420 million to build infrastructure, acquire some land and promote the island so that tourists no longer give it a miss in favour of destinations like Bali, Phuket and the Maldives.
"The blueprint serves as an impetus and provides a focused approach on specific areas of development such as product development, key infrastructure and supporting enablers.
"This in turn provides existing and new investors a clear vision and direction set forth for Langkawi," says Northern Corridor Implementation Authority (NCIA) chief executive Datuk Redza Razif.
The role played by the NCIA in helping uplift Langkawi's position is to play a lead role in the development of the blueprint, along with the delivery of its current initiatives on the island.
The authority is tasked to lead three out of 14 initiatives which have been outlined in the blueprint. They include plans for luxury stays and a vibrant north-west for the island, ensuring better connectivity and seeing to the setting up of a tourism academy by working closely with the Ministry of Higher Education and the Performance and Delivery Unit (Pemandu) in the Prime Minister's Department.
Khazanah Nasional Bhd had announced in December that it will be ploughing capital investments of some RM1 billion in Teluk Datai via Teluk Datai Resorts Sdn Bhd, its investee company.
This move is expected to be achieved via the implementation of a Teluk Datai master development plan which in turn will see reinvestments in the existing hotels at Teluk Datai, along with investments in select pieces of earmarked land which total around 604ha.
Projects include the enhancement of The Datai Langkawi, upgrading The Golf Club, Datai Bay, and optimising land for beachfront development.
Khazanah, via Teluk Datai Resorts, has also entered into a heads of agreement with Shangri-La Hotels (M) Bhd to jointly develop a five-star resort.
The proposed resort has been reported to be managed by Shangri-la International Hotel Management Ltd under the Shangri-La brand and will serve as Shangri-La debut on Langkawi.
Tradewinds Corp Bhd is said to be bringing more rejuvenation to Langkawi, via development of the Telaga Harbour Park at Pantai Kok and building new residential and commercial properties.
The company, which reportedly now owns the three-star Mutiara Burau Bay Resort, is believed to have plans to tear down the existing resort and rebuild it into a higher end accommodation offering.
The existing resort, which is currently in need of a major facelift, is dotted with sea-fronting chalets and appears to be "tired" and does nothing currently in terms of infrastructure and amenities for its guests.
Just up the road is the Oriental Village, which was opened by the Langkawi Development Authority (LADA) in 2003 and is poorly managed.
Originally envisioned to be a cluster of factory outlets stories, it is today nothing but a mix of crafts shops and buskers and serves as the occasional backdrop for television and movie producers.
Its close proximity to the island's top attraction - Panorama Langkawi cable car services - does not help the image of the cable car operator which offers rides to the peak of the 700 metro Matchingchang mountain range.
Although Panorama Langkawi Sdn Bhd, a profit making subsidiary of Syarikat Prasarana Negara Sdn Bhd, has over the past year done wonders to improve its image for its services, visitors are not accorded a positive first impression, owing to the conditions of the Oriental Village, which is in drastic need of a revamp.
While details of a supposed revamp of LADA are not publicly known, Langkawi locals and tourism players are now placing their hopes on the authority's newly-appointed chief executive officer Tan Sri Khalid Ramli, who previously served as chairman of the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission.
A delivery management office (DMO), for which LADA will serve as lead agency, is set to be established in overseeing the blueprint.
"With a targeted approach taken by the blueprint, timely implementation, sound business plans and on-ground support by all sectors, we are confident that Langkawi will emerge as a premier island destination," noted Redza.
He added that the Langkawi Tourism Blueprint defines specific initiatives and complements the Northern Corridor Economic Region's overall blueprint which is to see the economic fortunes of the four northern states of Perak, Penang, Kedah and Perlis improve.
On the proposed development of Teluk Datai, Redza said that the opportunity for NCIA in this effort will be to assist in scaling up local entrepreneurs to provide complementing services in the vicinity of the new resort.
"This would include the development of souvenirs, availability of well-trained private tour guides and the provision of authentic dining experiences which reflect among others, local culture," he added.
On whether it was too ambitious a plan to expect the blueprint to yield its targeted results at the end of 2015 when the document was only launched at the end of 2011, Redza said: "During the development of the blueprint, some groundwork and key issues were identified and as a result, quick-win initiatives were targeted and already rolled in late 2011 and part of this year".
By Business Times
Friday, January 27, 2012
All set for a lasting impact
The Belleview Group is undertaking the development of RM1.724bil worth of property this year for Penang island and Kedah.
Its managing director Datuk Sonny Ho said some RM360mil worth of property projects including All Seasons Park’s final phase, Moulmein Rise and W Residence were planned for the island.
“The remaining RM1.364bil worth of property included the third and fourth phases of the Kulim-Techno City (KTC) project, Amansuri Residences, Aman Central and Star Centro in Kedah.
“Kicking off the launch for Penang island in April is the RM200mil Moulmein Rise project in Pulau Tikus, Penang, a 27-storey iconic structure comprising 84 life-style suites and a two-level podium of retail shoplots, with views of the sea-fronting Gurney Drive,” he said.
Designed architecturally to be a modern building, it would include a host of desirable amenities with five-star features and state-of-art security system, he added.
In May, Belleview will launch the RM100mil Autumn Tower comprising 220 condominium units for the All Seasons Park project in Bandar Baru Air Itam (popularly known as Farlim), Penang.
The built-up area for the units ranges between 850sq ft and 1,323sq ft. The project also features a full range of modern recreational facilities.
Ho said the sales of the Summer, Spring and Winter Towers had been a roaring success, with only a handful of units available.
“The third project launching on the island in June is the RM60mil W Residence on Jalan Utama.
“W Residence comprises eight freehold bungalows with a gated community that provides a safe and secure environment, monitored by closed circuit television cameras and protected by a two-tiered security electronic card system,” he said.
For Kedah, Belleview kicked off with the launch of the RM180mil Amansuri Residences in Alor Setar on Tuesday.
The Amansuri Residences, Ho said, comprised 277 condominiums with built-up areas of 1,248sq ft onwards.
“Equipped with an advanced three-tiered security system, the project has extensive water features, landscaped greenery and a grand guest drop-off atrium,” he said.
Belleview will then launch the RM34mil third and fourth phases of the KTC project at the Kulim Hi-Tech Park in the second half of this year.
Ho said both phases comprised 1 1/2 storey and double storey terraced houses, single-storey and 1 1/2 storey semi-detached houses, and single storey bungalows.
“The KTC project is about 20 minutes away from the Penang Bridge, and is a self-contained township with schools, hospitals, a hypermarket, a recreational park, a golf course and multi-national factories nearby,” he said.
In June, Belleview will launch the RM150mil Star Centro in Alor Setar, a multi-functional commercial centre with 32 units of three-level shop offices and a leading hypermarket as the anchor tenant.
The project is located at the intersection of Jalan Tambang and Jalan Gangsa near the edge of the city on the west side which is accessible from all directions.
Ho said the project would offer a vibrant retail mix of restaurants, lifestyle cafes, banks, telecommunication centres, pharmacy, and personal care outlets.
Belleview Group recently started the construction of the RM1bil Aman Central, the largest shopping mall in Kedah.
The project, located along the busy Lebuhraya Darulaman, will have six floors of retail outlets, providing food and beverage services, entertainment, fitness centre, and bowling alley. All the projects, he added, had received overwhelming response and enquiries.
Meanwhile, Henry Butcher Malaysia (Penang) director Dr Teoh Poh Huat said the sentiments in the property market would remain cautiously optimistic.
“However, there are still a strong propensity to buy in preferred locations and an interest in well conceptualised schemes with good quality finishes and security.
“Presently, foreigners comprise less than 8% of the property buyers in Penang. The foreign segment is expected to grow in tandem with Penang’s popularity as a second home paradise,” he said.
By The Star
Its managing director Datuk Sonny Ho said some RM360mil worth of property projects including All Seasons Park’s final phase, Moulmein Rise and W Residence were planned for the island.
“The remaining RM1.364bil worth of property included the third and fourth phases of the Kulim-Techno City (KTC) project, Amansuri Residences, Aman Central and Star Centro in Kedah.
“Kicking off the launch for Penang island in April is the RM200mil Moulmein Rise project in Pulau Tikus, Penang, a 27-storey iconic structure comprising 84 life-style suites and a two-level podium of retail shoplots, with views of the sea-fronting Gurney Drive,” he said.
Designed architecturally to be a modern building, it would include a host of desirable amenities with five-star features and state-of-art security system, he added.
In May, Belleview will launch the RM100mil Autumn Tower comprising 220 condominium units for the All Seasons Park project in Bandar Baru Air Itam (popularly known as Farlim), Penang.
The built-up area for the units ranges between 850sq ft and 1,323sq ft. The project also features a full range of modern recreational facilities.
Ho said the sales of the Summer, Spring and Winter Towers had been a roaring success, with only a handful of units available.
“The third project launching on the island in June is the RM60mil W Residence on Jalan Utama.
“W Residence comprises eight freehold bungalows with a gated community that provides a safe and secure environment, monitored by closed circuit television cameras and protected by a two-tiered security electronic card system,” he said.
For Kedah, Belleview kicked off with the launch of the RM180mil Amansuri Residences in Alor Setar on Tuesday.
The Amansuri Residences, Ho said, comprised 277 condominiums with built-up areas of 1,248sq ft onwards.
“Equipped with an advanced three-tiered security system, the project has extensive water features, landscaped greenery and a grand guest drop-off atrium,” he said.
Belleview will then launch the RM34mil third and fourth phases of the KTC project at the Kulim Hi-Tech Park in the second half of this year.
Ho said both phases comprised 1 1/2 storey and double storey terraced houses, single-storey and 1 1/2 storey semi-detached houses, and single storey bungalows.
“The KTC project is about 20 minutes away from the Penang Bridge, and is a self-contained township with schools, hospitals, a hypermarket, a recreational park, a golf course and multi-national factories nearby,” he said.
In June, Belleview will launch the RM150mil Star Centro in Alor Setar, a multi-functional commercial centre with 32 units of three-level shop offices and a leading hypermarket as the anchor tenant.
The project is located at the intersection of Jalan Tambang and Jalan Gangsa near the edge of the city on the west side which is accessible from all directions.
Ho said the project would offer a vibrant retail mix of restaurants, lifestyle cafes, banks, telecommunication centres, pharmacy, and personal care outlets.
Belleview Group recently started the construction of the RM1bil Aman Central, the largest shopping mall in Kedah.
The project, located along the busy Lebuhraya Darulaman, will have six floors of retail outlets, providing food and beverage services, entertainment, fitness centre, and bowling alley. All the projects, he added, had received overwhelming response and enquiries.
Meanwhile, Henry Butcher Malaysia (Penang) director Dr Teoh Poh Huat said the sentiments in the property market would remain cautiously optimistic.
“However, there are still a strong propensity to buy in preferred locations and an interest in well conceptualised schemes with good quality finishes and security.
“Presently, foreigners comprise less than 8% of the property buyers in Penang. The foreign segment is expected to grow in tandem with Penang’s popularity as a second home paradise,” he said.
By The Star
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Belleview plans RM500m property launches this year
GEORGE TOWN: Penang-based property developer Belleview Group will unveil new projects with a development value in excess of RM500 million this year in the northern region.
Its managing director, Datuk Sonny Ho, yesterday said besides two launches on Penang island, the company is also set to launch first condominium project in Alor Star, Kedah.
"We are working with the state authorities to try and change Kedah's landscape and introduce condominium living by bringing in projects similar to the ones we have been doing in Penang for three decades," he told reporters after the official opening of the 1st Avenue mall here yesterday.
1st Avenue is a joint-venture project between Asian Retail Mall II Ltd (a pan-Asian fund managed by the Pramerica Real Estate Investors Asia Pte Ltd), Belleview Group and the Lion group.
Ho said the Amansuri Residences project along Jalan Darul Aman in Alor Star will boast two towers, comprising 22 and 24 levels respectively.
"The project will be sited on a 1.21ha of land and will comprise 277 units, with floor areas ranging from 1,200 to 3,000 sq ft and priced at around RM350 per sq ft," he added.
On Penang island, Belleview will launch its RM200 million Moulmein Rise mixed development project in the Pulau Tikus area by the middle of this year.
"We will offer, among others, commercial, small-office, home-office type units, along with upmarket condominiums in a 27-storey block close to the Pulau Tikus market," Ho said.
Also to be launched are eight bungalow units along Jalan Utama (also known as Western Road). The "W Residence" project, which carries a gross development value of between RM70 million and RM80 million, is expected to be completed by the middle of 2014.
Meanwhile, Pramerica Real Estate Investors Asia chief executive officer Victoria Shigera Sharpe said despite continued chaos in the global economic environment, the year 2011 was a very successful year for Pramerica in the Asia-Pacific region.
The S$3 billion (RM7.3 billion) fund, which is managed by the Singapore-based company, last year consolidated its popular closed-end Asian Retail Mall funds into a private open-end property fund for institutional investors looking to take advantage of opportunities in Asia's growing retail sector.
"What this new fund structure means for our investors, Pramerica and Malaysia is quite significant as the conversion allows us to maintain a more long-term position in the Singapore and Malaysian markets, where we do not have exit assets because of structural reasons, namely the term of our investment funds coming to an end," Sharpe said.
By Business Times
Its managing director, Datuk Sonny Ho, yesterday said besides two launches on Penang island, the company is also set to launch first condominium project in Alor Star, Kedah.
"We are working with the state authorities to try and change Kedah's landscape and introduce condominium living by bringing in projects similar to the ones we have been doing in Penang for three decades," he told reporters after the official opening of the 1st Avenue mall here yesterday.
1st Avenue is a joint-venture project between Asian Retail Mall II Ltd (a pan-Asian fund managed by the Pramerica Real Estate Investors Asia Pte Ltd), Belleview Group and the Lion group.
Ho said the Amansuri Residences project along Jalan Darul Aman in Alor Star will boast two towers, comprising 22 and 24 levels respectively.
"The project will be sited on a 1.21ha of land and will comprise 277 units, with floor areas ranging from 1,200 to 3,000 sq ft and priced at around RM350 per sq ft," he added.
On Penang island, Belleview will launch its RM200 million Moulmein Rise mixed development project in the Pulau Tikus area by the middle of this year.
"We will offer, among others, commercial, small-office, home-office type units, along with upmarket condominiums in a 27-storey block close to the Pulau Tikus market," Ho said.
Also to be launched are eight bungalow units along Jalan Utama (also known as Western Road). The "W Residence" project, which carries a gross development value of between RM70 million and RM80 million, is expected to be completed by the middle of 2014.
Meanwhile, Pramerica Real Estate Investors Asia chief executive officer Victoria Shigera Sharpe said despite continued chaos in the global economic environment, the year 2011 was a very successful year for Pramerica in the Asia-Pacific region.
The S$3 billion (RM7.3 billion) fund, which is managed by the Singapore-based company, last year consolidated its popular closed-end Asian Retail Mall funds into a private open-end property fund for institutional investors looking to take advantage of opportunities in Asia's growing retail sector.
"What this new fund structure means for our investors, Pramerica and Malaysia is quite significant as the conversion allows us to maintain a more long-term position in the Singapore and Malaysian markets, where we do not have exit assets because of structural reasons, namely the term of our investment funds coming to an end," Sharpe said.
By Business Times
Monday, December 19, 2011
DRB-Hicom: Rebak developers shortlisted
DRB-Hicom Bhd has short-listed several leading developers from Asia and Europe for the development of Rebak Island in Langkawi.
In a statement here today, it said the development of the island would push up Rebak Island's name to be on par with other famous island resorts in the world.
It will directly position Langkawi as not only an attractive destination in terms of its natural beauty but also its offer of a unique luxury holiday resort catering to the elites of the world, it said.
DRB-Hicom Head of Property, Asset and Construction, Zamri Yusof, said in order to ensure that there is extensive marketing for the development of the island to both domestic and foreign investors, the existing land title status would have to be changed from the Malay reserve status.
He said the company's collaboration with leading property developers will provide DRB-Hicom the opportunity to work with them and share their expertise and experience.
"In fact, DRB-Hicom is in the final stages of getting approval for the conversion of the land status prior to presenting it to the Kedah state government for approval," he said.
By Bernama
In a statement here today, it said the development of the island would push up Rebak Island's name to be on par with other famous island resorts in the world.
It will directly position Langkawi as not only an attractive destination in terms of its natural beauty but also its offer of a unique luxury holiday resort catering to the elites of the world, it said.
DRB-Hicom Head of Property, Asset and Construction, Zamri Yusof, said in order to ensure that there is extensive marketing for the development of the island to both domestic and foreign investors, the existing land title status would have to be changed from the Malay reserve status.
He said the company's collaboration with leading property developers will provide DRB-Hicom the opportunity to work with them and share their expertise and experience.
"In fact, DRB-Hicom is in the final stages of getting approval for the conversion of the land status prior to presenting it to the Kedah state government for approval," he said.
By Bernama
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Rahsia Estates Resort to expand in Langkawi
PETALING JAYA: Rahsia Estates Resort, Residences and Spa, a RM300 million development in Langkawi, Kedah, is eyeing additional land for future development on the island.
The developer now has 6.89ha of land located near Kampung Temoyong which is some 15 minutes away from the airport.
Work on its first phase will start next month. Chief executive officer of Rahsia Estates Sdn Bhd, Hanizah Tun Abdul Hamid said that it is already negotiating for an additional 1.62ha of land and is looking for more land in the vicinity of Rahsia Estates development.
"We could possibly buy more land and we are open to forming joint-venture for our future projects," Hanizah said, adding that a likely partner would be one which has similar aspiration and passion for such a project.
Rahsia Estates, which faces the Lake of the Pregnant Maiden, is promoting itself as an eco-tourism resort as it will be maintaining the mangrove in the area as well as some 0.81ha of forest within the resort.
The resort's hotel will conform to the Green Building Index. It plans to invest in enhancing the fishing jetty for the local fishing community's benefit.
The mixed hotel-residential development, expected to take three years to complete, comprises several precincts that will include both luxury villas and suites.
Precinct 1, Phase 1 - Tree Top Villas - will have six main villas with a total of 50 units. Work will start early 2012 and is slated for completion in the first quarter of 2013.
Rahsia Estates is looking at selling these units and leasing back at least 80 per cent of the units sold.
Meanwhile, the hotel component with about 116 rooms to 119 rooms will not be sold.
"Due to high material costs, we are expecting return on investment to take 12 years ... but we are working to push it to eight years," she told Business Times in an interview.
Rahsia Estates' plan is to sign a management contract with a resort manager that will run both the hotel and the villas.
The hotel, Hanizah said, is likely to be a four-star as several recent new hotel announcements on the island have been in the five-star category.
The developer, which is already in talks with several hotel operators, is keen to sign an operator that can deliver hospitality as experienced in Bali and Thailand. "The Thais and the Balinese have perfected the art of hospitality," she said.
Meanwhile, Phase 2 of Precinct 1 will see an addition of 50 villas, which will be developed at a later stage.
Precinct 3 will have 32 Cabana Villas while Precinct 4 comprises 31 units of Tree Top Chalets.
Rahsia Estates is a member of HD Concepts Consolidated Sdn Bhd group of companies. Riverbank Suites, Merdeka Plaza and the New Kuching Courts in Sarawak are among the developer's previous projects.
By Business Times
The developer now has 6.89ha of land located near Kampung Temoyong which is some 15 minutes away from the airport.
Work on its first phase will start next month. Chief executive officer of Rahsia Estates Sdn Bhd, Hanizah Tun Abdul Hamid said that it is already negotiating for an additional 1.62ha of land and is looking for more land in the vicinity of Rahsia Estates development.
"We could possibly buy more land and we are open to forming joint-venture for our future projects," Hanizah said, adding that a likely partner would be one which has similar aspiration and passion for such a project.
Rahsia Estates, which faces the Lake of the Pregnant Maiden, is promoting itself as an eco-tourism resort as it will be maintaining the mangrove in the area as well as some 0.81ha of forest within the resort.
The resort's hotel will conform to the Green Building Index. It plans to invest in enhancing the fishing jetty for the local fishing community's benefit.
The mixed hotel-residential development, expected to take three years to complete, comprises several precincts that will include both luxury villas and suites.
Precinct 1, Phase 1 - Tree Top Villas - will have six main villas with a total of 50 units. Work will start early 2012 and is slated for completion in the first quarter of 2013.
Rahsia Estates is looking at selling these units and leasing back at least 80 per cent of the units sold.
Meanwhile, the hotel component with about 116 rooms to 119 rooms will not be sold.
"Due to high material costs, we are expecting return on investment to take 12 years ... but we are working to push it to eight years," she told Business Times in an interview.
Rahsia Estates' plan is to sign a management contract with a resort manager that will run both the hotel and the villas.
The hotel, Hanizah said, is likely to be a four-star as several recent new hotel announcements on the island have been in the five-star category.
The developer, which is already in talks with several hotel operators, is keen to sign an operator that can deliver hospitality as experienced in Bali and Thailand. "The Thais and the Balinese have perfected the art of hospitality," she said.
Meanwhile, Phase 2 of Precinct 1 will see an addition of 50 villas, which will be developed at a later stage.
Precinct 3 will have 32 Cabana Villas while Precinct 4 comprises 31 units of Tree Top Chalets.
Rahsia Estates is a member of HD Concepts Consolidated Sdn Bhd group of companies. Riverbank Suites, Merdeka Plaza and the New Kuching Courts in Sarawak are among the developer's previous projects.
By Business Times
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Bina Darulaman, Belleview ink deal
BINA Darulaman Bhd has signed a joint development agreement with Belleview Bina Sdn Bhd to develop two high-rise condominium blocks in Kedah with a gross development value of about RM109.55 million.
The condominium, comprising 277 units, will be built on a land already owned by Bina Darulaman, measuring 1.45ha.
Construction work is expected to start in November this year with target completion in November 2014, the company told Bursa Malaysia yesterday.
By Business Times
The condominium, comprising 277 units, will be built on a land already owned by Bina Darulaman, measuring 1.45ha.
Construction work is expected to start in November this year with target completion in November 2014, the company told Bursa Malaysia yesterday.
By Business Times
Monday, May 23, 2011
BDB to build condos in Alor Setar
Bina Darulaman Bhd (BDB) together with Belleview Bina Sdn Bhd (Belleview) will be developing a condominium here in the near future.
Work on the two-block unit named Kondominium Amansuri Residences, estimated at a cost of RM110 million, is expected to start in November with completion due in 2014.
Chairman of BDB Datuk Mohd Saad Endut said the proposal to build the condominium came about with plans to redevelop the existing Kompleks Tunku Yaacob and build an international standard hotel on a piece of land owned by the Kedah State Development Corporation (PKNK) and left idle the past 16 years.
He said the condominium will be built on a 1.469 hectare piece of land.
All the three projects will be built along the same row, he said during his speech at the signing of an agreement here today between BDB and Belleview for the joint development.
"The condominium will comprise two blocks of 22-storey and 25-storey respectively and will house a total of 227 residential units including six units of penthouse," Mohd Saad said.
Among the buildings' features would be car parks, swimming pool,
multipurpose hall, a pavilion, gymnasium and other facilities on par with the best condominiums around the country.
The condominium will also be gated and have tight security, he added.
With BDB's success record in Kedah and the achievements of Belleview in Georgetown, Mohd Saad said he was confident that the project would be a huge success.
"It would change the skyline of Alor Setar city besides increasing the state's coffer through tax collection and so on," he said.
Mohd Saad said that although the sales price has not been fixed for the condominium, he was confident that the price would be lower compared with prices in Kuala Lumpur and Georgetown.
Kedah Sato Sdn Bhd, a wholly owned subsidiary of BDB will be undertaking the construction of the condominium.
Meanwhile, Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Azizan Abdul Razak said the process of taking over the site of Kompleks Tunku Yaacob was going on and the request for the takeover of the building had already been sent to the state government.
"We expect that only in August we will be calling the involved family for the provision of compensation and we have not decided on the form of compensation that would be given," he said.
He also added the project had been delayed due to several unavoidable problems.
By Bernama
Work on the two-block unit named Kondominium Amansuri Residences, estimated at a cost of RM110 million, is expected to start in November with completion due in 2014.
Chairman of BDB Datuk Mohd Saad Endut said the proposal to build the condominium came about with plans to redevelop the existing Kompleks Tunku Yaacob and build an international standard hotel on a piece of land owned by the Kedah State Development Corporation (PKNK) and left idle the past 16 years.
He said the condominium will be built on a 1.469 hectare piece of land.
All the three projects will be built along the same row, he said during his speech at the signing of an agreement here today between BDB and Belleview for the joint development.
"The condominium will comprise two blocks of 22-storey and 25-storey respectively and will house a total of 227 residential units including six units of penthouse," Mohd Saad said.
Among the buildings' features would be car parks, swimming pool,
multipurpose hall, a pavilion, gymnasium and other facilities on par with the best condominiums around the country.
The condominium will also be gated and have tight security, he added.
With BDB's success record in Kedah and the achievements of Belleview in Georgetown, Mohd Saad said he was confident that the project would be a huge success.
"It would change the skyline of Alor Setar city besides increasing the state's coffer through tax collection and so on," he said.
Mohd Saad said that although the sales price has not been fixed for the condominium, he was confident that the price would be lower compared with prices in Kuala Lumpur and Georgetown.
Kedah Sato Sdn Bhd, a wholly owned subsidiary of BDB will be undertaking the construction of the condominium.
Meanwhile, Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Azizan Abdul Razak said the process of taking over the site of Kompleks Tunku Yaacob was going on and the request for the takeover of the building had already been sent to the state government.
"We expect that only in August we will be calling the involved family for the provision of compensation and we have not decided on the form of compensation that would be given," he said.
He also added the project had been delayed due to several unavoidable problems.
By Bernama
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Kedah defers 50% bumi quota
ALOR SETAR: The Kedah government has deferred the implementation of the 50% bumiputra quota policy for new housing schemes.
The decision was made because some parties are not happy with the proposed policy.
Housing and Local Government Committee chairman Datuk Phah rolrazi Zawawi said the state government did not want people to be unhappy with any of its policies.
“We do not want people to claim that a policy is unfair and only favours one group. We will find a more amicable solution,” he told reporters at Wisma Darul Aman here yesterday.
The policy was supposed to have been in place by Sept 1.
Phahrolrazi explained that the requirement was meant for Malay reserve land that had been converted to freehold status so all races could buy and stay in such housing schemes to avoid racial polarisation.
He said this was because most new housing schemes tended to be occupied exclusively by certain races.
Phahrolrazi said the quota was also set to enable all Kedahans to buy affordable homes.
“Most importantly, the state government wants to ensure that those staying on Malay reserve land can have their own houses when the status of the land is converted.
“But we are going to make sure that any such conversion is only carried out when necessary,” he said.
Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Azizan Abdul Razak, who announced the policy some time back, had said then the policy was made because Malays made up 1.5 million of the state’s 1.9 million population.
The announcement of the new policy came under fire from NGOs, politicians and developers, with Pakatan Rakyat coalition partner DAP being the most vociferous in its protests.
In Alor Setar, the Kedah Gerakan Youth lauded the state government for putting the policy on hold.
Its chief Tan Keng Liang said in a statement yesterday that although it took more than a year for the PAS-led government to realise the irrationality of the policy, any further delay in cancelling the policy would cause further damage to the local housing industry.
By Bernama
The decision was made because some parties are not happy with the proposed policy.
Housing and Local Government Committee chairman Datuk Phah rolrazi Zawawi said the state government did not want people to be unhappy with any of its policies.
“We do not want people to claim that a policy is unfair and only favours one group. We will find a more amicable solution,” he told reporters at Wisma Darul Aman here yesterday.
The policy was supposed to have been in place by Sept 1.
Phahrolrazi explained that the requirement was meant for Malay reserve land that had been converted to freehold status so all races could buy and stay in such housing schemes to avoid racial polarisation.
He said this was because most new housing schemes tended to be occupied exclusively by certain races.
Phahrolrazi said the quota was also set to enable all Kedahans to buy affordable homes.
“Most importantly, the state government wants to ensure that those staying on Malay reserve land can have their own houses when the status of the land is converted.
“But we are going to make sure that any such conversion is only carried out when necessary,” he said.
Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Azizan Abdul Razak, who announced the policy some time back, had said then the policy was made because Malays made up 1.5 million of the state’s 1.9 million population.
The announcement of the new policy came under fire from NGOs, politicians and developers, with Pakatan Rakyat coalition partner DAP being the most vociferous in its protests.
In Alor Setar, the Kedah Gerakan Youth lauded the state government for putting the policy on hold.
Its chief Tan Keng Liang said in a statement yesterday that although it took more than a year for the PAS-led government to realise the irrationality of the policy, any further delay in cancelling the policy would cause further damage to the local housing industry.
By Bernama
Monday, September 7, 2009
Tech park to attract RM2bil investments
Kulim Technology Park holding talks with three US companies
KULIM: Kulim Technology Park Corp Sdn Bhd (KTPC), the developer of Kulim Hi-Tech Park (KHTP), is negotiating with three US companies to bring in about RM2bil investments.
KULIM: Kulim Technology Park Corp Sdn Bhd (KTPC), the developer of Kulim Hi-Tech Park (KHTP), is negotiating with three US companies to bring in about RM2bil investments.
President of Kulim Technology ParkCorp, Muhamad Sobri Osman(inset), says KYPC has recently completed the RM1 billion business centre wing.
KTPC president Muhamad Sobri Osman said the companies were involved in the solar power, semi-conductor and pharmaceutical businesses.
“The solar power investment, likely to be around RM1.5bil, will be on a 75-acre site in phase three of the KHTP development.
“The phase, covering 432 acres, is over 90% complete in terms of infrastructure development,” he told StarBiz recently.
Sobri said he hoped the deals would be finalised in 12 months.
“The investment for the phase three infrastructure is around RM100mil,” he said, adding that KTPC was also in negotiation to bring in investment from a US company involved in nano-technology.
On the development of phase four of KHTP, Sobri said KTPC had recently secured a RM80mil soft loan from the Federal Government to lay high-technology and utilities infrastructure for the 450-acre site.
“We recently completed the RM11bil business centre wing, which has a built-up area of 75,000 sq ft.
“We are now bringing in tenants involved in business process outsourcing activities, research incubators and equipment support business,” he added.
In fulfilling its pledge to turn KHTP into the most successful high-technology park in the country, Sobri said the Federal Government had agreed to upgrade the present hospital so that it could handle hazardous chemical cases.
The Government had also given the green light to set up a police station and an industrial skills development centre.
Sobri said the capacity of the present 220MW power plant in KHTP, which is owned and managed by Northern Utility Resources, could be upgraded to 440MW.
“Thus, KHTP could cater to the needs of the new tenants without building another power facility.”
On housing for workers, Sobri said some 1,900 units of landed properties, priced between RM170,000 and RM220,000 each, were being developed.
“So far, about 1,900 units of landed and high-rise properties have been sold and occupied in KHTP,” he said.
By The Star (by David Tan)
KTPC president Muhamad Sobri Osman said the companies were involved in the solar power, semi-conductor and pharmaceutical businesses.
“The solar power investment, likely to be around RM1.5bil, will be on a 75-acre site in phase three of the KHTP development.
“The phase, covering 432 acres, is over 90% complete in terms of infrastructure development,” he told StarBiz recently.
Sobri said he hoped the deals would be finalised in 12 months.
“The investment for the phase three infrastructure is around RM100mil,” he said, adding that KTPC was also in negotiation to bring in investment from a US company involved in nano-technology.
On the development of phase four of KHTP, Sobri said KTPC had recently secured a RM80mil soft loan from the Federal Government to lay high-technology and utilities infrastructure for the 450-acre site.
“We recently completed the RM11bil business centre wing, which has a built-up area of 75,000 sq ft.
“We are now bringing in tenants involved in business process outsourcing activities, research incubators and equipment support business,” he added.
In fulfilling its pledge to turn KHTP into the most successful high-technology park in the country, Sobri said the Federal Government had agreed to upgrade the present hospital so that it could handle hazardous chemical cases.
The Government had also given the green light to set up a police station and an industrial skills development centre.
Sobri said the capacity of the present 220MW power plant in KHTP, which is owned and managed by Northern Utility Resources, could be upgraded to 440MW.
“Thus, KHTP could cater to the needs of the new tenants without building another power facility.”
On housing for workers, Sobri said some 1,900 units of landed properties, priced between RM170,000 and RM220,000 each, were being developed.
“So far, about 1,900 units of landed and high-rise properties have been sold and occupied in KHTP,” he said.
By The Star (by David Tan)
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Govt ready to help Sime with Eagle Cove project
The Federal government is ready to help Sime Darby with the development of the RM7.5 billion Eagle Cove project in Pantai Kok in Langkawi, Kedah.
Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Tan Sri Nor Mohamed Yakcob said the project is to be developed under four phases encompassing the construction of a hospital, residential area, resort, a convention centre and an international standard commercial complex.
He said the project, to cover over 160 hectares, is expected to take 10 years for development and could make Malaysia a second home for foreigners once fully completed by Sime Darby Property.
"The Federal Government will be discussing with the state government of Kedah if there are areas involving the state government," he told reporters after attending a briefing in Langkawi yesterday on the project by managing director of Sime Darby Property Datuk Tunku Putra Badlishah.
Nor Mohamad said the project is expected to create 3,000 job opportunities for the locals.
By Bernama
Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Tan Sri Nor Mohamed Yakcob said the project is to be developed under four phases encompassing the construction of a hospital, residential area, resort, a convention centre and an international standard commercial complex.
He said the project, to cover over 160 hectares, is expected to take 10 years for development and could make Malaysia a second home for foreigners once fully completed by Sime Darby Property.
"The Federal Government will be discussing with the state government of Kedah if there are areas involving the state government," he told reporters after attending a briefing in Langkawi yesterday on the project by managing director of Sime Darby Property Datuk Tunku Putra Badlishah.
Nor Mohamad said the project is expected to create 3,000 job opportunities for the locals.
By Bernama
Thursday, August 7, 2008
RM410m expansion plan for Kulim Hi-Tech Park
AN INTERNATIONAL school, two hotels, medical facilities for chemical-related injuries and a dedicated police station are among the amenities being planned under the fourth phase of the Kulim Hi-Tech Park in Kedah.
Kulim Technology Park Corp (KTPC) group chief executive officer Datuk Ahmad Shukri Tajuddin said the federal government had earlier this year allocated RM145 million for the fourth phase of the science park, which covers 156ha.
AHMAD SHUKRI: A more concerted skills development centre at the park is being worked out
"A fifth phase covering 422ha was also announced with a RM265 million allocation," he told Business Times.
Ahmad Shukri said the park's third phase - which covers 172ha - can accommodate another five new tenants and then it will be full.
He said the ELC International School is scheduled to begin in September and teachers and staff are currently being shortlisted.
"Construction work on a two-to three-star category hotel, boasting 100 rooms, is expected to take off by the end of this year with development costs tagged at RM40 million," Ahmad Shukri said, adding the proposed hotel project will be carried out by Alor Star-based property developer MBAS Jaya Sdn Bhd.
The proposed hotel will take around one-and-a-half years to be completed.
Also on the drawing board is a 200-room new hotel.
Meanwhile, a RM5 million two-storey hostel is also being planned in Phase 4 of the park.
The 31-bedroom hostel, for which construction will begin by the end of this year, will be managed by KTPC, which oversees the management of the park.
Ahmad Shukri also said that plans are afoot to meet the human resource needs of the park's tenants.
"A more concerted skills development centre at the park is being worked out with the cooperation of the Northern Corridor Implementation Agency and the Kedah Industrial Skills and Management Development Centre," he added.
By New Straits Times (by Marina Emmanuel)
Kulim Technology Park Corp (KTPC) group chief executive officer Datuk Ahmad Shukri Tajuddin said the federal government had earlier this year allocated RM145 million for the fourth phase of the science park, which covers 156ha.
AHMAD SHUKRI: A more concerted skills development centre at the park is being worked out
"A fifth phase covering 422ha was also announced with a RM265 million allocation," he told Business Times.
Ahmad Shukri said the park's third phase - which covers 172ha - can accommodate another five new tenants and then it will be full.
He said the ELC International School is scheduled to begin in September and teachers and staff are currently being shortlisted.
"Construction work on a two-to three-star category hotel, boasting 100 rooms, is expected to take off by the end of this year with development costs tagged at RM40 million," Ahmad Shukri said, adding the proposed hotel project will be carried out by Alor Star-based property developer MBAS Jaya Sdn Bhd.
The proposed hotel will take around one-and-a-half years to be completed.
Also on the drawing board is a 200-room new hotel.
Meanwhile, a RM5 million two-storey hostel is also being planned in Phase 4 of the park.
The 31-bedroom hostel, for which construction will begin by the end of this year, will be managed by KTPC, which oversees the management of the park.
Ahmad Shukri also said that plans are afoot to meet the human resource needs of the park's tenants.
"A more concerted skills development centre at the park is being worked out with the cooperation of the Northern Corridor Implementation Agency and the Kedah Industrial Skills and Management Development Centre," he added.
By New Straits Times (by Marina Emmanuel)
Friday, May 16, 2008
Tesco opens eco-friendly hypermarket in Alor Star
TESCO Malaysia has opened its first environmentally-friendly hypermarket costing RM80 million which has been fitted with energy-saving initiatives in Mergong, Alor Star.
"What we must do is better manage our carbon emission and focus on saving energy in every aspect,” said the company’s corporate and legal affairs director, Azlam Shah Alias, at a press conference in conjunction with the opening.
Apart from bringing a new shopping experience to the city, the eco-friendly hypermarket also offers a wide range of products for household consumption at low prices, Azlam Shah said.
"Our hypermarket is using freezer covers to reduce energy wastage, energy-saving bulbs, self-closing taps and airlocks to maintain the cold because 60 per cent of the energy consumption is contributed by air conditioning,” he said.
Azlam Shah said the store would be using motion detectors for lighting which could save up to 50 per cent of energy.
Tesco would also designate a staff member to act as an “energy champion” at each outlet to ensure that all the energy-saving initiatives and policies are being implemented accordingly, he said.
"We have spent RM2.2 million on this initiative because we are committed to do what we can to preserve the environment for our future generation and hope to influence positive behavioural change in the community,” he added.
Azlam said Tesco had also initiated a competition called “Energy League"
among its stores nationwide.
"The store that manages best its energy usage based on set key performance indicators will win a trophy and its a fun way to inculcate good habits and create awareness among staff,” he said.
By Bernama
"What we must do is better manage our carbon emission and focus on saving energy in every aspect,” said the company’s corporate and legal affairs director, Azlam Shah Alias, at a press conference in conjunction with the opening.
Apart from bringing a new shopping experience to the city, the eco-friendly hypermarket also offers a wide range of products for household consumption at low prices, Azlam Shah said.
"Our hypermarket is using freezer covers to reduce energy wastage, energy-saving bulbs, self-closing taps and airlocks to maintain the cold because 60 per cent of the energy consumption is contributed by air conditioning,” he said.
Azlam Shah said the store would be using motion detectors for lighting which could save up to 50 per cent of energy.
Tesco would also designate a staff member to act as an “energy champion” at each outlet to ensure that all the energy-saving initiatives and policies are being implemented accordingly, he said.
"We have spent RM2.2 million on this initiative because we are committed to do what we can to preserve the environment for our future generation and hope to influence positive behavioural change in the community,” he added.
Azlam said Tesco had also initiated a competition called “Energy League"
among its stores nationwide.
"The store that manages best its energy usage based on set key performance indicators will win a trophy and its a fun way to inculcate good habits and create awareness among staff,” he said.
By Bernama
Friday, December 14, 2007
The Store buys Alor Star Mall for RM130m
KUALA LUMPUR: The Store Corporation Bhd is proposing to acquire Jurus Kota Sdn Bhd, which owns the Alor Star Mall in Kedah, from YS Tang Holdings Sdn Bhd for RM130 million in cash. Under the agreement announced yesterday, The Store would also assume the liabilities of RM43.91 million which Jurus Kota owed to YS Tang as at Dec 31, 2006. The Alor Star Mall is a two-storey commercial complex with mezzanine floor and basement car park. The mall has a net lettable area of about 296,532sq ft with 386 car park bays. The mall started operations in 2004 with the major tenant being Pacific Hypermarket and Departmental Store Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of The Store. The Store said the acquisition would be financed from its own funds and/or bank borrowings. “The Store Group will be able to increase its revenue base through recurring rental income from the Alor Star Mall, which will complement The Store Group’s existing retailing income,” the company said. It would also be able to enjoy rental savings, which would otherwise be incurred by the Pacific outlet, which occupied 72% of the total lettable area of the Alor Star Mall. It expected the acquisition to be completed by the end of first quarter of 2008. YS Tang had also provided a warranty that the net tangible assets (NTA) of Jurus Kota as at Dec 31, 2007 would be at least RM133.28 million as in the audited NTA as at Dec 31, 2006. Jurus Kota posted RM1.79 million in net profit on the back of RM8.54 million in revenue for the audited financial year ended Dec 31, 2006. In FY05, net profit was RM2.85 million and revenue at RM6.62 million. According to The Store, the rental revenue per annum from the mall was about RM10.5 million per annum, based on existing rental rates. About 86.9% of the building was occupied. The Store’s bank borrowings are expected to increase from RM199.36 million to RM329.36 million after the proposed acquisition, which would see its gearing ratio increase from 0.76 times to 1.25 times. By The EDGE MALAYSIA (By Kevin Tan)
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