investments economic overview

JS Values Research & Consultancy Sdn Bhd 1 of 25 pages

Economic Overview

Key statistics Latest release Previous rate

Quarterly GDP growth 5.8% (3Q2006) 6.2% (2Q2006)*

Annual GDP growth 5.3% (2005) 7.1% (2004)

Consumer Price Index (CPI) 3.1% (Sep-06) 3.3% (Sep-06)

Industrial Production Index (IPI) 133.4 (Oct-06) 136.0 (Sep-06)

Base Lending Rate (BLR) 6.72% (Oct-06) 6.72% (Sep-06)

Exchange rate: RM to US dollar RM3.618 (30/11) RM3.648 (31/10)

Source: Department of Statistics Malaysia & Bank Negara Malaysia* Revised upward from 5.9% quoted previously

Malaysia’s Gross Domestic Products (GDP) expanded by 5.8%, driven byservices, manufacturing and agriculture sectors as well as the externalsector. Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) expects the GDP for the full year of2006 to exceed the official forecast of 5.8% due to acceleratedGovernment spending and stronger domestic demand.

The international reserves of BNM amounted to RM294.9 billion orequivalent to USD80 billion as at 30th November 2006. The reservesposition is sufficient to finance 8.2 months of retained imports and is 6times the short term external debt.

Water tariff in Selangor, Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya has increasedeffective 1st November 2006. There will be no increase for the first 20 cubicmetres used, 13% higher for the next 15 cubic metres and 17.6% more forevery cubic metres after 35 metre cubics. Although the increase will nothave huge impact on domestic or commercial users, however, it does notaugur well for the country’s economy, which has been beleaguered by thehigh inflation rates.

Despite a stronger opposing voice from China, Taiwan hopes Malaysia canconsider Taiwan as trading partner under the same framework that bothcountries have established earlier. Due to political differences with China, ithas been harder for Taiwan to sign trade agreements with many countriesin the world.

US indicated that the third round talk of the US-Malaysian Free TradeAgreement (FTA) as productive and provided significant momentum forfurther progress towards concluding the agreement by next year.

Malaysia’s export growth slowed down in September to 10.4% (year onyear) in relation to the 14.7% growth recorded a month earlier. TheSeptember’s export is valued at RM52.63 billion. The reduction was mostlydue to softening crude oil prices which had reduced demand for country’sshipment.

EON Bank opens its 129th branchSGL Carbon to invest up to RM900m…New Plant for NissansFive new investors to open hub in…ICT enterprises spurring demand for…Sabah palm oil cluster draws RM1 bC&C Bintang invests in new Mazda…Penang will benefit from Multitest…Saudi Aramco looks to Asia for…UOB to open five branches this weekPacketeer sets up Kuala Lumpur…Brooklands to set up Citroen service…Rotterdam boost for Malaysia's…HSBC sees strong growthStanChart in expansion driveBoost for local aerospace industryCIMB launches branch in KotaJabat Yakin to raise funds for RM2bNLY to invest RM15 million on land…Two biotech plants to start ops next…Weng Meng opening more doors…HeveaBoard aims to lower gearing…Kencana eyes niche platform…Hammar plans to build service centreSchutz: Malaysia an ideal hub

Investments

Retail’s corner

MUI to buy 91% of MetrojayaNew image for Petaling StreetCoffee boost in CyberjayaThree more yoga outletsPSB Prop building RM10mil complexTenants receive their keysA green surrounding for shoppersCheetah picks up the paceOutlet sees to your needs in a…Tropicana Mall to provide steady…Delifrance plans two more hotel bistroGuardian to open 20 more outlets…Three years old and expandingOutlet in new US store conceptSubway expands to nineCheetah ventures into ladies’…KFCH plans 16 outlets next yearMalaysia confident of achieving 8%…Bata steps up expansion, upgradeNando's operator expects RM31m…


Deputy Finance Minister Datuk Dr Awang Adek Hussin indicated that theMinistry of Finance has given approval to all projects planned under the9MP. Under the 9MP, the Government plans to spend RM200 billion forpublic development whilst RM46.5 billion will be spent on developmentexpenditure in 2007.

The slowdown in industrial output growth in September, due to adeceleration in production growth in the manufacturing and electricitysectors, was largely caused by weaker external demand, an economistfrom RAM Consultancy Services Sdn Bhd said. The easing was sharperthan expected, with a less robust US economy affecting Malaysian exports,managing director and chief economist Yeah Kim Leng said TheDepartment of Statistics yesterday reported that industrial output inSeptember rose 3.6% year-on-year, compared with the 5% increaserecorded in August

Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi will unveil the blueprint for theIskandar Development Region (Iskandar). The Prime Minister wants thearea to be the cornerstone of Malaysia’s economic development and oneof the best areas in the world to work, live and play. Abdullah expects the2,500 sq km zone to transform the state into a world-class business hub onpar with Hong Kong and Shenzen in China. Iskandar will stretch from JohorBahru to Senai in the north, the Port of Tanjung Pelepas (PTP) in the westand Pasir Gudang in the east.

Malaysia’s trade, which includes the wholesale, retail, hotel and restaurantsectors, grew 6.3% in the first half of 2006. The growth was higher than theoverall GDP growth of 5.7% amid fears of weakening consumer spending.

The Consumer Price Index (CPI) for October rose 3.1% (y-o-y), the lowestin 15 months. For January to October 2006, the inflation rate rose 3.7%year on year. The increase was brought about by jumps in the indices of allmain groups except clothing and footware as well as communications,which dropped 1.3% and 1.4%, respectively.

BNM left the Overnight Policy Rate (OPR) unchanged at 3.5%, against abackdrop of a moderating inflation rate and strong economic growthoutlook for the year. This was in line with the market expectations.

High rates until flats get own metersNo repairs pending investigationResidents living in fear after landslideResidents fume over dump in their…Drive for LRT service for south…115 dengue cases in Kajang last…IWK: Clogged pipes the cause of…Panel to champion cause of condo…Badly eroded slope behind SMK St…Streetlights for snatch theft-prone areaPlight of villagers on the moveResidents want ministry’s helpBusinesses taking over Bangsar…Ipoh dessert hawkers get new sitCity Hall looks at solving congestionDrain upgrade to curb floodsFears over plan to build bungalows…Watery chaosDon’t wash your hands just yet…End to water in sight for two areasConcern over security mattersParking system meets objectionsWorrisome workers’ quartersLandslide affects 12 housesNo sign off bluish liquid in river nowKhir brings cheer to victimsLandslide threat at Klang courtsCouncil says Kajang safe, but…Taking builders to task over flash…Groups gather to protest developmentInjunction set aside, authorities…Investors grill Chief MinisterResidents uneasy over goings on at…Road collapses in landslide in Bukit...Desa Jaya folks air worries on crime…Developers in high-risk areas notifiedMayor: No project approved for GasingTorchlights for SS14/7’s patrollersTraders find new market a letdownNo end in sight to motorists' woesSome positive signs after years of…Temple in danger of collapseFamily's fears to be removed, finallyTraders unhappy over barriers

Know your neighbourhood


INVESTMENTS

EON Bank opens its 129th branch Top

EON Bank group has opened its 129th branch at Ampang Point, Ampang. The branch was officially opened by groupchief executive officer Albert Lau Yiong on Sept 18.

(The Star-3rd November 2006)

SGL Carbon to invest up to RM900 million in Malaysia factory Top

Germany-based SGL Carbon, the world’s leading maker of carbon and graphite products, intends to shift some of itsproduction from Europe to Malaysia to tap growing demand from the steel industry in Asia for graphite electrodes. SGLCarbon anticipates a total investment of between €150 million and €200 million (RM700 million and RM934 million) for itsproject in Banting over the next six years. The initial phase of the project, which will involve a €50 million (RM234 million)investment, will be a 30,000-tonne graphite electronic plant. Production is expected to begin in late 2008.

(New Straits Times-3rd November 2006)

New Plant for Nissans Top

Come the second quarter of next year, Nissan cars would be rolling off Edaran Tan Chong Motor Sdn Bhd’s newassembly plant in Serendah, Selangor. The new plant, costing around RM191 million, would begin operations then with asingle shift production capacity of 14,000 units of vehicles per annum and assemble two new models. It has maximumproduction capacity of RM54,000 units per annum, much bigger than Edaran Tan Chong’s existing plant in Segambutwhich assembles between 30,000 and 33,000 vehicles a year.

(New Straits Times-5 th November 2006)

Five new investors to open hub in PKFZ Top

Five investors have expressed strong interest to set up their business hubs at the 28.3 ha site of the Port Klang Free Zone(PKFZ) that was opened for business last Wednesday. According to PKFZ managing director Noel Gulliver the fiveorganisations were from the logistics and value-adding sectors. “Apart from that, there will be another ten investors whohave made inquiries to take up a total of 14 units at the light industrial section while four others were interested to occupythe office space at the business complex. “We also have some strong demands from Dubai and India companies toestablish their branches here,” he said. Gulliver said PKFZ's goal was to attract 70% of its tenants from overseas. To beofficially launched in the first quarter of next year, PKFZ would now concentrate on completing the cosmetics of the areaby building up roads and landscape. “PKFZ has allocated industrial land from one acre up, 512 light industrial units,500,000 sq ft of office space, a business-class hotel with 135 rooms and an exhibition centre. “All these will create jobopportunities for more than 20,000 workers and can accommodate 500 foreign companies,” he said.

(The Star-6 th November 2006)


ICT enterprises spurring demand for properties Top

The growing stature of Cyberjaya as the melting pot for information and communications technology (ICT) enterprises willserve to attract more foreign direct investments to the country's shores. According to Setia Haruman Sdn Bhd chiefoperating officer Lao Chok Keang, “Several major support services and outsourcing (SSO) companies in India haveshown great interest in locating to Cyberjaya and this will translate into greater demand for commercial properties andspur demand for residential properties as well,” Lao said. With the working population expected to double to 30,000 in thenext three years, demand for houses and commercial facilities would also increase accordingly. Besides the need forenterprise space, offices for the international SSO companies are also in vogue. To-date, 1,621 companies have beengranted MSC status, of which 355 are located in Cyberjaya. Some of the established companies such as Shell, EDS, DHLand HSBC have also expanded their office spaces in Cyberjaya this year. More companies are expected to set upoperations there including ACS, Dell Computer, Telenor, TRW, Unisys and Monster Inc.


Sabah palm oil cluster draws RM1 billion investments Top

Over RM1 billion worth of investments is heading to the palm oil industrial cluster (POIC) in Lahad Datu in the next twoyears. Eight investment agreements were signed in Kota Kinabalu yesterday by companies that plan to invest in the400ha POIC. Six of the investors, who will purchase plots of land measuring about 80ha in total within the POIC, areinvolved in biodiesel production. According to plans projected to the companies, by 2008, RM1 billion will be pumped intothe POIC and 1 million tonnes of biodiesel will be produced. The companies include local and foreign players, includingfrom South Korea, the UK and Australia. Sabah produces about 35 per cent of the nation’s palm oil output and has about1.2 million hectares of oil palm plantations. Lahad Datu was chosen for the site as the state’s first POIC because of itslocation within the major oil palm growing belt.


C&C Bintang invests in new Mazda 3S showroom Top

Cycle & Carriage Bintang Bhd (C&C Bintang), the sole distributor for Mazda, Peugeot and Mercedes- Benz vehicles inMalaysia, is investing RM5mil in its new Mazda Federal Highway 3S (service, spare part and showroom) dealership andthe existing showroom in Jalan Ampang. Renovation of the Jalan Ampang showroom has been completed and the newdealership is expected to be completed by the second quarter of 2007. The new 40,000-sq ft 3S dealership boasts aspacious exhibition and 12-bay service areas capable of handling up to 9,000 vehicle visits per year.

(The Star-10th November 2006)

Penang will benefit from Multitest growth: CEO Top

German manufacturer of test handlers for integrated circuits Multitest Elektronische System GmbH will leverage on itsRM8 million facility to accommodate its expanded product portfolio. The company’s president and chief executive officerKarl H. Funke said yesterday about four or five machines will be moved to Penang by the end of the year. “Penang willbenefit from our growth plans and this building has the capacity to boost this growth,” he said at the opening of the factoryby Penang Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon at the Bayan Lepas Free Industrial Zone.

(New Straits Times-10th November 2006)


Saudi Aramco looks to Asia for materials supply Top

Global petroleum company, Saudi Arabian Oil Co (Saudi Aramco) plans to source half of its materials and services fromthe Asian region, which now accounts for 25% to 40% of the total. Using Malaysia as a hub in South-East Asia, materialssupply vice-president Esam A. Mousli said this 50% contribution would translate into more business opportunities for theregion. “Malaysia was selected among 10 countries in this region and came out a winner in terms of its strategic locationand easy access to human capital,” he told reporters after the official opening of Aramco Overseas Co's Malaysian officeyesterday. Saudi Aramco is keen to source materials and services from Malaysian manufacturers, through its agents, forcompanies in Saudi Arabia. Esam said the cost of setting up the Malaysian office was US$1 million, which would berecovered in a short time through the various business opportunities in Malaysia.

(The star-11th November 2006)

UOB to open five branches this week Top

UOB Malaysia will open four more branches between today and Friday. It will open one branch each in Kepong, Muar andSibu, and a relocated branch at Jalan Sultan Ismail, Kuala Lumpur. UOB Malaysia remained the top foreign bank with thelargest network in the country. It spent about RM1 million for each new branch. He added that its branches in KotaDamansara, Kepong and Jalan Sultan Ismail were equipped with privilege banking facilities. To commemorate theopening of the five new branches, UOB Malaysia is offering special gifts and 3.58% per annum interest rate for six-monthfixed deposits for customers signing up for any of its products.

(The star-14th November 2006)

Packeteer sets up Kuala Lumpur support hub Top

Packeteer, a wide-area network applications specialist, has set up a global support centre in Kuala Lumpur to helpincrease its revenue from Asia-Pacific. The RM2 million facility joins Packeteer’s other support centres in California andNetherlands. Among Packeteer’s major clients in Malaysia are the Ministry of Finance, RHB Bank, DHL, DiGiTelecommunications, Telekom Malaysia and UMW Toyata Motor.


Brooklands to set up Citroen service outlets Top

Brooklands Motors Sdn Bhd, the former importer and distributor of MG Rover cars in Malaysia plans to spend as much asRM 10 million to set up outlets to service Automobiles Citroen cars, said Brooklands chief operating officer MelvinderSingh. Melvinder said that Brooklands, the authorised repairer for Citroen cars in Malaysia, will start operating from KualaLumpur this month and expect to be fully operational in Penang by early December.


Rotterdam boost for Malaysia's halal hub efforts Top

Malaysia’s efforts to become a hub for distribution of halal products received a timely boost from the recent visit by adelegation from Rotterdam Port. The Dutch port, the only port in Europe with halal certification, has offered to work closelywith Port klang to extend its outreach to European Muslim markets. Roelf de Boer, Rotterdam city vive mayor, expects itsnew warehouse to become the European Hub Distribution Center to facilitate the storage and distribution of halal productswhich will be operational next year. “We are impressed with the steps taken to develop the halal hub at Port Klang,” saidde Boer.



HSBC sees strong growth Top

HSBC Bank Malaysia Bhd expects its loan growth rate to remain strong next year as more companies seek large amountsof financing for big projects being rolled out under the Ninth Malaysia Plan (9MP). HSBC was one of two appointed banksinvolved in the financing of the RM2.8 billion second Penang bridge project launched by the Prime Minister last week.HSBC currently has 38 branches nationwide. The bank will add two new outlets, one each in Kepong and DamansaraUtama, within the next few months. HSBC indicated that based on the recent trend, the liberalisation of the local bankingsector would accelerate next year. The RM2.5 million facelift completed on the Jalan Sultan branch is part of HSBC'songoing plan to give a fresher look and improved customer services at its older banking outlets. The bank will refurbish sixto eight more branches next year.

(The Star-21st November 2006)

StanChart in expansion drive Top

Standard Chartered Bank Malaysia Bhd intends to introduce more innovative consumer banking products, expand thesegment geographically and focus on the small and medium enterprise (SME) as well as Islamic banking. Its country headconsumer banking Malaysia, Srinivasan Shyam, said the bank was busy with product launches during the first half of theyear while the second half saw new branch openings, including the four launched yesterday in Kajang, Kepong, BukitTengah (Penang) and Malacca. The new branches took its network to 35. StanChart would also open a new branch inBatu Pahat next month and another in Kota Damansara early next year, he added.


Boost for local aerospace industry Top

Malaysia’s aerospace industry has received an additional boost with aerospace giant EADS investing further in thecountry, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi. Speaking at the launch of Eurocopter Malaysia SdnBhd’s (a division of EADS) regional maintenance centre, Abdullah said he was pleased with the latest development.“Eurocopter Malaysia is investing RM40 million to set up the centre within the Malaysia International Aerospace Centre(MIAC) with an additional RM40 million allocated for expansion in the next three years,” he said. Abdullah said Malaysiawas keen to develop its aerospace industry to be a future engine of growth in light of all the existing basic ingredientssuch as infrastructure and political stability. Labrano said 20 local vendors also benefited from sub-contracts from thecompany worth some RM17mil last year.

(The Star-22nd November 2006)

CIMB launches branch in Kota Kinabalu Top

CIMB Group, the nation’s second largest financial institution, yesterday launched a full-fledged branch in Kota Kinabalu,providing consumer banking, investment banking and Islamic banking services under one roof. Chairman Md. Nor MdYusof said the launch of the branch in Sabah reflected the group’s belief that customers wanted services that werecomprehensive, seamless and able to meet the entire spectrum of their financial needs from cradle to retirement. Md Norsaid the presence of CIMB Investment Bank here was timely for businesses in the state in line with the government’s planto make Sabah a centre for regional development under the Ninth Malaysia Plan. The Kota Kinabalu branch waslaunched by Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman.



Jabat Yakin to raise funds for RM2 billion smelter Top

Jabat Yakin Sdn Bhd, a property developer and construction company, has hired Kuwait Finance House (Malaysia) Bhdand AmIslamic Bank Bhd to help it raises funds for a RM23.3 billion aluminium smelter project in Pahang. The smelter willbe built on 100ha of Industrial land at the Gebeng Phase 3 Industrial Park in Kuantan. The land, allocated by the Pahangstate development agency, is located next to the Kuantan Port-Kerteh railway terminal, close to the deepwater KuantanPort and a short distance from the East Coast Expressway.

(New Straits Times-22nd November 2006)

NLY to invest RM15 million on land, new plant Top

NLY Group of Companies, one of the country’s leading makers of flexible slab stock polyurethane foam, will invest RM15million to acquire land and build a new plant in Shah Alam, Selangor. The plant will be built in Kampung Baru Subang,close to its existing five factories covering 3.65ha. The new plant is expected to become operational in the second half ofnext year and will support production activities of the entire group.


Two biotech plants to start ops next year Top

Springhill Bioventures Sdn Bhd expects its US$32 million biotechnology facilities in Penang Biotech Park in Bukit Minyakto begin operations next year. The two plants, managed by Alpha Biologics and Progenix respectively, will provide trainingfor graduates in the field of biotechnology. Alpha Biologics, scheduled to start operations next June, is involved in theproduction pre-clinical trial drugs, while Progenix specialises in pre-clinical research and development, and is slated tobegin operations in March. Penang Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon said the two companies would create jobopportunities for some 320 scientists, engineers, and technicians.


Weng Meng opening more doors globally Top

Within 10 years experiences, Weng Meng Industries Sdn Bhd became the largest manufacturer and supplier of cabledrums for the power and telecommunication cable industries in Malaysia. Weng Meng Industries has exported thousandsof customised wooden doors worldwide since 1998. Managing director Yap Lin Chai, who is also the company’s founder,said overseas forays were anatural choice for the company in its bids to expand its business. He said the company usedto produce about 25,000 pieces of various types of doors monthly for local and foreign markets from its three factories inPuchong, Selangor, before it shifted operations to the current factory in Olak Lempit, Kuala Langat. Lin Chai hoped toachieve a manufacturing capacity of 40,000 engineered doors worth RM10 million from the new factory.


HeveaBoard aims to lower gearing ratio Top

Particle board maker HeveaBoard Bhd wants to reduce its debt once it receives additional revenue from its latest factoryin Gemas, Negeri Sembilan that will start operation next month. With HeveaBoard’s newly-completed RM270 millionsecond particles board plant the group’s production capacity will increase fourfold to 525,000 m³ per year. “We areinvesting RM12 million to enhance automation at our ready-to-assemble furniture factory in Seremban. While we want toramp up production, we do not want to add on more labour,” group managing director Tenson Yoong Tein Send said.



Kencana eyes niche platform contracts to boost earning Top

Integrated oil and gas and engineering group, Kencana Petroleum Bhd, is pursuing contracts to build self-installed andrelocatable platforms, a niche in the oil and gas sector, to boost earnings. Kencana, controlled by Datuk Mokhzani TunMahathir, currently has a RM70 million contract to fabrication a 140m steel structure at its fabrication yard in the LumutIndustrial Park, Perak. As for 27.14ha fabrication yard in Lumut, Makhzani said there is room for expansion but the groupwould rather increase efficiency for specialised works, for better revenue. Mokhzani said Kencana is aggressivelymarketing its services overseas, especially to the Middle East, central Asia and Thailand. “Middle East is the secondpriority to what we want to do in Lumut and in the neighbourhood,” said Mokhzani.


Hammar plans to build service centre Top

Hammar Maskin (M) Sdn Bhd, a leading side loader manufacturer, is setting up a dedicated service centre to furtherstrengthen its position in the local and regional market next year. Hammar Group is now actively looking to purchase aland in Port Klang and build the workshop. With the side loader business in both the Klang Valley and Johor Baru growingsteadily, we expect new haulage companies to bank on the self-loading container trailer business in the near future.Regionally, its executive director Chris Joon said the Malaysian office would fulfil the company's objective to be the Aseanregional office for the Hammar Group.


Schutz: Malaysia an ideal hub Top

Malaysia is an important market for Schütz GmbH & Co KGaA and is an ideal regional hub for the group's industrialpackaging business, said Schütz DSL Group Pty Ltd managing director Stephen Johnston. Germany-based Schützmanufactures reusable industrial packaging. It is a global player in industrial packaging and is the world leader inintermediate bulk container (IBC) sector. Schütz DSL has invested RM30mil to set up its first plant in Malaysia. Thefacility, located on 40,000 sq m, would be launched by Negeri Sembilan chief minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan today.It can produce up to 25 IBC units per hour. Johnston said there was additional land at the existing site that could be usedfor expansion. “We will set up Schütz Ecobulk IBC refurbishment plant next to the existing facility to provide Schütz TicketService, a free collection and refurbishment service for used Ecobulk IBC units,” he added. Schütz GmbH chief operatingofficer Roland Strassburger said Malaysia's growing economy and central location in South-East Asia made it an idealhub for the region.


RETAIL’S CORNER

MUI to buy 91% of Metrojaya Top

Malayan United Industries (MUI) said yesterday it had agreed to buy 91.06% of retailer Metrojaya Bhd for RM273 millionor RM2.40 per share. MUI, which already controls British retailer Laura Ashley, said it would take over Metrojaya from PanMalaysian Industries Bhd, which in turn owns 46.6% of MUI. MUI said the deal would allow a “synergistic fit with LauraAshley.” MUI owns 34.3% of Laura Ashley, the retailer famed for its floral fabrics. MUI said it would further strengthen itsretailing arm as one of its core businesses. Metrojaya, with turnover of RM347 million for the year ended March 31, is oneof Malaysia’s leading department stores. It now runs six department stores, one hypermarket and 70 specialty storesnationwide, and plans to expand the network. Metrojaya made a pre-tax profit before exceptional items of RM24.8 millionfor the year ended March 31, 2006.



New image for Petaling Street Top

Petaling Street, a shopping heaven for imitation goods among domestic and foreign tourist, will be turned into a cultureand arts centre. Culture, Arts and Heritage Minister Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim said the hundreds of thousands of touristswho frequent the place for imitation goods should also be introduced to the cultures and arts of Malaysia’s multi-racialsociety. “Otherwise, Petaling Street and even Kuala Lumpur will be known as an “imitation city”. He the ministry waslooking for a suitable venue in Petaling Street to be used for the staging of cultural and arts performances.


Coffee boost in Cyberjaya Top

Community development in Cyberjaya received a boost with the entry of Old Town White Coffee into the F&B scene. Thefranchise heralded the opening of its 33rd outlet with a soft launch on Nov 1 at Prima Avenue. Old Town White Coffee islocated next to Padi, the other F&B outlet at Prima Avenue, behind Motorola. Prima Properties executive director C. M.Chong said franchises were apprehensive about operating in Cyberjaya because the population was still growing. OldTown White Coffee came in as a result of a partnership with Prima Properties. “We are confident this will work becausewe intend to offer integrated office space where people can enjoy a meal within walking distance of their office and notworry about parking,” said Chong. Sports events will be held here monthly. Designed as an open square, Prima Avenue isspread over eight lots with water features to add to its aesthetic appeal. Besides the F&B outlets, there is a mini bar,basketball and badminton courts and table tennis.


Three more yoga outlets Top

Yoga Zone has recently added three more outlets located them in residential areas, thus making them accessible andconvenient for many people. The new outlets are in Bandar Puteri Puchong, Bandar Bukit Tinggi Klang and EndahParade in Sri Petaling, Kuala Lumpur. They are complete with spacious yoga studios and amenities such as showers andchanging rooms. There is also a lounge for members to relax.


PSB Prop building RM10mil complex Top

PSB Properties Sdn Bhd is developing the city’s first suburban shopping complex – a RM10mil project called GreenHeights Mall. Construction work has started and is expected to be completed by early 2008. Describing the project as a“neighbourhood small mall”, PSB Properties general manager Allister Hilton Smith said it would be Kuching’s firstsuburban shopping complex, designed to serve residents in the Green Heights vicinity. The two-storey mall will have atotal lettable area of 40,000 sq ft, equivalent to 20 to 23 retail outlets, and an events area of over 2,000 sq ft for dailyrental. “We aim to have stores offering products or services geared towards the family or household, such as a deli, drycleaner’s, electrical appliances and fast food outlets,” Smith said at the project launch yesterday. He added that PSBProperties had secured Cold Storage, an international supermarket chain owned by Dairy Farm International Holdings, asthe mall’s anchor tenant. PSB Properties, a subsidiary of Permodalan Sarawak Bhd, has developed houses, shophousesand a two-block luxury condominium project in Green Heights over the past 10 years. The mall is part of the final phase ofdevelopment in Green Heights.



Tenants receive their keys Top

After ten years since it began operations, the Summit Subang USJ shopping mall has reached the 92% occupancy mark.It is a breakthrough for the shopping mall because for the last ten years it recorded an average 60% tenancy rate. Lastyear, the management decided to carry out a revamp exercise with its existing tenants and, following this, 16 new tenantssigned up with mall. On Wednesday, the new business operators including a fashion house, supermarket, departmentalstore, entertainment center, and telecommunications services outlets received keys to their premises during a simpleceremony. Most of the tenants are big business operators and include Cold Storage, Point B, Ace Hardware, Handi Art,Piano Station, Eco First Product, E-Kids Arts Corridor, Guardian Pharmacy, Subway, Zouk Spa and Astana Carpets. Tiewadded that Point B, a Singapore based company, is making its first entry into Malaysia and is also the first of its kind in theregion. He said the new revamp is the result of a RM2 million investment in the past six months and a further RM5 millionwill be spent within the next six to 12 months to carry out upgrading plans in phases.


A green surrounding for shoppers Top

Shopping in the midst of greenery - this is the environment-conscious aim of AEON Co (M) Sdn Bhd each time it opens aJusco store. The experience is possible because AEON strives to green the surrounding area of its stores with tree-planting projects. The same was done as a precursor to the grand opening of Jusco in Cheras Selatan, Balakong nextmonth. A tree-planting project involving 1,000 volunteers was carried out on Saturday in early celebration of the 16thJusco store in the country. Jusco Cheras Selatan is scheduled to open for business on Dec 6.


Cheetah picks up the pace Top

For almost three decades now, Cheetah Holdings Bhd has catered to the masses with its range of sports apparel andcasual wear for children and adults. Cheetah Holdings have crafted an expansion plan for the next three to five years thatwill see Cheetah on the acquisition trail and diversifying into lifestyle businesses to further grow the company's earnings.The plan was set in motion last month when Cheetah signed a trademark licence agreement with Woolworths plc ofBritain. The agreement gives the company exclusive rights to manufacture and market Ladybird products, apparel andaccessories in Malaysia and Singapore. Exclusive rights to the Ladybird collection will help Cheetah Holdings gain astronger footing in the infant and children apparel market, which is less competitive than the adult apparel market. Itventured into this segment in 1995 with the launch of its Cheetah Juniors label. The plan is to launch the first Ladybirdboutique by the middle of next year and up to 30 outlets by 2008.


Outlet sees to your needs in a different way Top

Managing director of Optique Peakvision Yap Chee Song said that this was a common occurrence as people couldn’treally decide when trying out new glasses especially if there were more than one pair to try. However, at OptiquePeakvision (OP) a European concept eye ware boutique, customers can see how they look and compare it with a fewchoices of eyewear via a digital imaging system that enables them to check out various designs on a computerisedscreen. This new innovation, coupled with other services and exclusive products, makes the outlet a place of choiceoffering eyewear that enables one sees well and looks good too. He said his shop had designer eyewear that was notonly fashionable but also unique. Some designs are loud, yet stylish, while others are contemporary. Optique Peakvisionis located at LG 36, Ikano Power Centre, 2 Jalan PJU 7/2, Mutiara Damansara, Petaling Jaya.



Tropicana Mall to provide steady income for Dijaya Top

Dijaya Corp Bhd is expected to earn RM25.8 million in rental income annually from its Tropicana Mall when it is completedin the middle of 2008. The figure is based on the 390,000 sq ft of net lettable space at an average rental of RM5.50 per sqft per month. The mall, which is part of the Tropicana City in Damansara Utama in Petaling Jaya, will house more than180 retail lots spread over four themed floors: Festival Market Place, Fashion & Events, Family and Fun & Entertainment.Carrefour, as the main anchor tenant, will occupy 130,000 sq ft on the lower ground floor. There will be a 7-screenCineplex, a terraced 336-seater food court, KTV outlet, bookstore, and sports store, among other things. There will alsobe a glass-domed skylight in the centre court, an elevated plaza with multi-level alfresco F&B terraces and a signatureglass portal at the main entrance facade that emanates a golden glow at night. Dijaya Group managing director P. K. Pohsaid the mall would be accessible via seven multilevel entrance points and six exit points leading to and from PetalingJaya and Kuala Lumpur. There will be 4,250 car park bays, of which 1,700 bays are available at Damansara Intan e-Business Park and linked by an existing direct underpass. He said the group would also build a RM15mil flyover bridgeacross the Sprint Expressway, creating a dedicated entrance and exit point to and from Kuala Lumpur. Poh said the retaillots would be leased out for better control. The entire development would have a tropical theme.


Delifrance plans two more hotel bistro Top

Delifrance (M) Sdn Bhd which opened its first hotel bistro, Bistro Delifrance, at Paradise Sandy Bay Resort in TanjungBunga last week, is looking at setting up two new outlets in Penang next year. Manager Poon Keat said the opening of thenew bistro was in line with parent company Delifrance Asia Ltd's region-wide expansion and re-branding exercise. “Thename Delifrance is widely associated with self-service cafe-bakeries serving sandwiches and French bakery products butfor the past nine months, we invested substantially in re-branding Delifrance as a bistro offering breakfast, lunch, tea anddinner menus. “Since then, we have renovated 12 cafe-bakeries nationwide into Delifrance bistros. As part of the brand'sgrowth strategy, the company would soon set up Delifrance express counters at petrol kiosks and supermarkets, headded. “Bistro Delifrance is our first outlet in a hotel and we are very excited. “Next year, we are looking at possible outletsin the Seberang Prai Sunway Carnival shopping centre and Queensbay Mall in Bayan Baru. “And within the next fivemonths, we will have three outlets in Jakarta, Indonesia. We are also looking at franchising to build and expand theDelifrance chain,” he said. Poon added that the company also planned to expand to Brunei. Since embarking onestablishing its bistro concept regionally, Bistro Delifrance outlets have been set up in Thailand, the Philippines, Laos,Hong Kong and Singapore.


Guardian to open 20 more outlets next month Top

Guardian, a division of GCH Retail (M) Sdn Bhd, plans to open 20 new stores next month, increasing its total outlets to225 by year-end, executive director Jenny Lee said. “Currently, we have 205 stores throughout the country and we willcontinue to expand at a very rapid rate,” she said at the 6th annual Guardian Customer Choice Award ceremony and thepresentation of funds raised for the PRIDE Foundation. Guardian markets pharmaceutical products, health supplementsand beauty care products at its stores. In June, it launched a campaign for Pink Ribbon Deeds, or PRIDE, at all its storesand succeeded in raising RM200,000. This is the second year that Guardian has helped to raise funds for PRIDE. Lastyear, it raised RM180,000.



Three years old and expanding Top

Harvey Norman will be celebrating its third anniversary in Malaysia next month. And with it is also news of the Australianretailer's expansion. After the opening of its first store at Ikano Power Centre in December 2003, the chain has launchedits second store in Midvalley Megamall recently, while the third store will be launched next month at the Queens Bay Mallin Penang. Next year, two more new stores will be opened at the Sunway Pyramid and the Pavilion in Kuala Lumpur.Harvey Norman South-East Asia managing director Angelo Augustus said the chain would continue to expand in Malaysiain future depending on opportunity. Malaysia is in the priority list. When there is an opportunity, for instance building of anew shopping centre, we will consider opening a store depending on its suitability,” said Augustus. The retail chain offerseverything from electronics, home appliances, computers, furniture and bedding – all under one roof.


Outlet in new US store concept Top

GAP recently opened its first adult boutique at 1 Utama Shopping Centre in Petaling Jaya. First in Malaysia, the storemeasuring over 2,134 sq m follows the new Gap store design in the United States. The first GapsKids / babyGap storeopened at Mid Valley Megamall last month. Another such store will also be opened at 1 Utama early next year.


Subway expands to nine Top

The US-based submarine sandwich chain Subway Restaurant’s latest branch opening at Summit USJ has boosted thechain's total outlet in Malaysia to nine. The chain is expected to have at least 13 restaurants by the end of the year. “I lookforward to working with the Subway franchisees and commercial real estate professionals to secure sites so that everyonecan enjoy our submarine sandwiches, salads and wraps at a convenient location.” To assure the chain's continuousgrowth, Subway encourages active participation of the real estate industry to show that the addition of a Subwayrestaurant is an asset to the community and their property, she said. The affordable start-up cost, simple operation,flexible floor plan, health-minded reputation and worldwide brand recognition make the chain appealing to potentialfranchisees and landlords. Besides Summit USJ, Subway Restaurants are also at Pusat Bandar Damansara, Wisma UOAJalan Pinang, 1 Utama, Wisma UOA Jalan Dungun, Leboh Ampang, E-Gate Penang, Damansara Uptown and Bangsar.


Cheetah ventures into ladies’ accessories Top

Cheetah Holdings Bhd has entered into a conditional shares subscription agreement to venture into retailing anddistribution of ladies’ fashion accessories that could boost its turnover. The company has agreed to invest RM700,000 for75% equity in Above Fashion House Sdn Bhd, a move that would make the latter a subsidiary. “This is a strategicopportunity for us to expand our operations to include the retailing and distribution of ladies’ fashion accessories. “Theproposed investment is expected to yield synergies and common costs savings in the marketing, promotional andadministration costs that will increase efficiency and competitiveness in the long term,” group managing director Chia KeeFoo said. Above Fashion currently has 10 retail concept stores in Kuala Lumpur, Genting Highlands, Melaka, Ipoh,Penang and Johor Baru. “We plan to set up at least 20 new counters over the next two years,” Chia added.

(The Star-240h November 2006)


KFCH plans 16 outlets next year Top

Kentucky Fried Chicken chain of restaurants owner-operator KFC Holdings (M) Bhd (KFCH) plans to open 16 more newoutlets next year. KFCH chairman Tan Sri Muhammad Ali Hashim said the company’s long-term target was to have 500outlets. “Although the company has not set any time frame to reach this figure, we are confident of achieving it fast,” hesaid last Saturday after the opening of KFC’s 358th outlet at the newly opened Persada Johor International ConventionCentre. Ali, who is also chairman of KFCH parent QSR Brands Bhd, said the latest RM650,000 KFC outlet, occupying3,200 sq ft with 132-seating capacity, was the only fast food outlet at an international convention centre in the country. Hesaid with the opening of KFC Persada outlet, the KFC outlet in the nearby Kotaraya shopping complex would become aPizza Hut restaurant. However, the company planned to set up a KFC kiosk there to cater for customers and shoppers atthe complex. KFCH operates both the KFC and Pizza Hut chains. It has 69 KFC outlets in Singapore and seven in Brunei.In Malaysia, it operates 168 Pizza Hut outlets. “We will be opening two new KFC outlets in Malaysia next month, makingthem the last outlets to be opened this year,” Ali said, adding that more KFC outlets would be opened in Johor to takeadvantage of the multi-billion ringgit South Johor Economic Region development.


Malaysia confident of achieving 8% retail growth sales Top

The ministry of finance expects the retail and wholesale sub-sector in Malaysia to growth by 8% from 6.3% recorded forthe first half of the year, said deputy finance minister Datuk Dr Ng Yen Yen. "We are confident of achieving the targetednumbers through all promotion activities that the government has implemented, such as the Mega sales, to promote thecountry as the next shopping destination for tourists," she said after the official launch of Metrojaya department store inBerjaya Times Square. The newly launched 115,000 sq ft of retail spread over four floors offers local and internationalbrands of cosmetic, fashion wear and accessories for men, women and children. Meanwhile, chairman of Metrojaya BhdDatuk Ahmad Khairummuzammil Mohd Yusoff said that the company planned to launch another MJ concept store nextmonth at Avenue K shopping mall and two specialty stores at the Curve shopping complex. In addition, Metrojaya alsointended to open two specialty stores at Queensbay Mall, Penang in the same month. "We will have a total of fivedepartment stores and 71 specialty stores by year-end, covering total retail space of 1.2 million sq ft across Malaysia," hesaid. On the soon-to-be-launched MJ concept store at Avenue K, chief executive officer Robert Heng said that thecompany intended to design a unique concept of shop layout to offer consumer a brand new shopping atmosphere.


Bata steps up expansion, upgrade Top

Footwear manufacturer Bata (M) Sdn Bhd plans to open 30 new outlets and upgrade about 20 existing stores next year.“We are still growing. We will be expanding by another 30 stores and giving a face-lift to several of existing ones,” newly-appointed Bata Malaysia managing director Eugenio Olabe told Business Times in an interview. Already a householdbrand in Malaysia, Bata first opened its factory in Klang, Selangor, in 1935 and today it has grown to a presence of 212stores across the country. Besides the Bata stores, the company also owns the Prima Vera shoe stores in Malaysia. Itacquired Prima Vera in 2004 and has since expanded the store coverage to 26 from 17 outlets. “We are planning to open15 more Prima Vera stores in three years, which means five stores per year,” Olabe said.



Nando's operator expects RM31 million turnover this year Top

Chickenland Malaysia Sdn Bhd had opened three new restaurants this year, bringing the total number of restaurants to23. “We aim to have 50 restaurants within four years. This steady growth of Nando’s restaurants nationwide also meanswe can start planning to get listed on Bursa Malaysia,” Nando chief executive officer Chung Lynn Mac Carpenter told theNew Straits Times. The three new restaurants are located in Mahkota Parade, Malacca, Juru Autocity on mainlandPenang and Queensbay Mall on Penang Island which will open on December 1. Nando’s has already secured an eviablelocation for its next restaurant scheduled to open next year – the exclusive Pavilion Kuala Lumpur mall along Jalan BukitBintang. Mac said several other locations were being looked at and they were investigating the possibility of opening upmore restaurants in shoplots rather than in malls where the majority of Nando’s restaurants were currently situated.


KNOW YOUR NEIGHBOURHOOD

High rates until flats get own meters Top

Those living in high-rise residential units and quarters provided by government agencies and estates will continue to paycommercial rates for their water until they get individual meters for their units. The state government is working on a set ofguidelines to allow this group of consumers to be charged domestic rates, which are lower. Selangor Infrastructure andPublic Utilities Committee chairman Datuk Fatah Iskandar Fatah said those living in condominiums, apartments, low-costflats, and government and estate quarters had been paying the same rates as commercial users all this while. Theaccount is under a company or organisation and so the rates are based on commercial rates – RM2.07 per cubic metre(instead of the domestic rate of 57 sen) for the first 35 cubic metres, and RM2.28 per cubic metre thereafter.


No repairs pending investigation Top

The stabling area near the Sentul Timur station of the Ampang/ Seri Petaling Line, where a Rapid KL light rail transit trainovershot and derailed recently, has not been repaired pending investigations by the authorities. Checks over the last fewdays showed that the buffer stop and parapet wall at the end of the elevated concrete track had yet to be repaired and thearea 25m beneath the track had been cordoned off. In the 7.11am incident, the empty train, which had dropped offpassengers at the last station at Sentul Timur after its journey from the Ampang station, proceeded to the stabling area.However, the train overshot the end of the track, crashed into the buffer stop and parapet wall and ended up with the fronthalf of its first coach hanging in the air. Rapid KL corporate communications division senior manager Katherine Chew saidrepair works would not be carried out yet as investigators would have to assess the area first. She said investigationswere being carried out after which Rapid KL would repair the broken track.



Residents living in fear after landslide Top

Portions of a hill in Tanah Rata has been cut for an eight-unit shop lot, allegedly causing cracks and fear to families livingon the same slope. The final straw was when a landslip occurred last week, aggravated by heavy rain, causing a 3.6m-wide section of the foundation of a neighbour’s house to collapse. The landslip had also caused the collapse of its existingretaining wall that had helped support the slope. Cameron Highlands DOE branch head Ajis Hamjah said the departmentapproved the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for the 0.2ha project on March 31 this year. “As far as I know, thisis the smallest project in Malaysia with an EIA. Under the Environmental Quality Act, an EIA is only needed for projectsexceeding 50ha. However, an EIA was provided here under the development guidelines,” he said. Lebih JayaDevelopment Sdn Bhd director Low Ah Keong said they had started building a second retaining wall in stages, whichwould measure over 9m high, in three months’ time to rectify the situation.


Residents fume over dump in their area Top

Residents of Taman Sikamat, Seremban are angry with Seremban Municipal Council (MPS). MPS allowed a privatecontractor to use an open area in the housing estate as a dump for construction debris. The dump is located very close tothe busy Jalan Sikamat, which is the main access to several residential areas and schools, including the TeachersTraining College, Tafe College and an army camp and therefore does not leave a good first impression on visitors. Thongsaid since last year a lot of developments have been taking place in the area and earthworks has also led to a landslidebeside one of the houses. Nothing is done to strengthen the slope and some of the residents have vacated their homes.


Drive for LRT service for south Cheras folks Top

Cheras MCA Division Service Centre handed over 6,501 signatures to Syarikat Prasarana Negara Berhad (SPNB)appealing for LRT stations at Taman Midah, Taman Segar, Taman Kobena, Taman Pertama, Taman Yulek and KgCheras Baru. The signatures, each penned on a letter detailing the request, reasons and particulars of the undersigned,were collected over six weeks from residents and workers in the southern part of Cheras constituency. “The existing LRTstations in Cheras are Maluri, Miharja, Chan Sow Lin and Pudu are located at the north of the constituency. They can’t domuch in resolving traffic woes faced by motorists in the south,” the service centre’s director Dr Jeffrey Goh Sim Ik toldreporters after the meeting. “In fact, there are a lot of housing estates in the south with a population of not less than500,000. Residents need LRT service in this area, and the stations proposed are at the busiest spots here,” he added.“LRT will not only help alleviate traffic congestion in Cheras, but also parking problem that is worsening especially inTaman Segar and Taman Midah,” he added.


115 dengue cases in Kajang last month Top

A total 115 cases of dengue have been registered in the Kajang municipality in October following reports from localhospitals, says Kajang Municipal Council president Zainal Abidin Arshad. The council's Health Department conductedchecks on 1,171 houses and 40 were found to be breeding aedes larvae. He said abate had been placed in 72 homeswhile 7,717 premises had been fogged during the month. “MPKj issued 14 compounds amounting to RM1,600 in Octoberalone,” he said at the council's full board meeting recently.



IWK: Clogged pipes the cause of floods Top

Oil and grease residues have been identified as one of the main reasons for blocked sewer pipes in Salak South. And,these have resulted in flash floods in the town over the past year. Indah Water Konsortium Sdn Bhd (IWK) contractorsmade the discovery when they conducted a clean-up exercise of the area recently. “One of the main reasons for theblockages at the town area along Jalan Besar was hardened grease and oil from the eateries in the area,'' IWK head ofcommunications Amin Lin said. He added that the only way to solve the problem was to install grease traps in kitchensinks. Residents in the area have been living with flash floods and overflowing sewers since April. IWK discovered thatsand and stone from work at KL-Putrajaya Highway highway was also causing the blockages.


Panel to champion cause of condo owners Top

The All PJ Pro Action Committee (APPAC) is forming a sub-committee for condominium, apartment and high-rise propertyowners. The committee, which will be chaired by APPAC committee member Tengku Nazaruddin Zainuddin, will beformed to address all prevalent issues affecting owners and tenants of high-rise properties like assessment, strata-titlesand management companies. Most condominiums, apartments and flats will be hit with the maximum water tariff increaseregardless of the consumption of each household because the design of these apartments are such that only the masterwater meter is read by Syabas.


Badly eroded slope behind SMK St Mary Top

City Hall has taken swift action to allay residents’ fears of a possible landslide on a 30m-high slope near a monsoon drainin Jalan Intan Baiduri 5D, Taman Intan Baiduri, Kuala Lumpur. The local authority’s Drainage and River ManagementDepartment will commence work to upgrade the broken drains and build a retention wall this week following a complaintlodged by a resident. A City Hall spokesman said the local authority was treating the complaint as an emergency in viewof the slope's condition. “The project will be completed within two or three weeks,” she said.


Streetlights for snatch theft-prone area Top

City Hall is looking into installing streetlights along East Fence Road, School Lane and Jalan Min Keong in Jinjang Utara,Kuala Lumpur, to deter crime, especially snatch thefts. A team of City Hall engineers and officers visited the area on Nov3 to see what needed to be done to fulfil the request made by some of the residents and the nearby SJK (C) JinjangTengah 1 & 2. The lack of streetlights had made it easier for snatch thieves to stalk their prey. The area was usually darkat night and it was unsafe for residents and visitors to walk in the area.



Plight of villagers on the move Top

Kampung Sungai Kayu Ara residents are a disgruntled lot. Some of them have still not got the RM5,500 compensationfrom the developer and the place the squatters are to move into has a different address from what was on the Sales andPurchase (S&P) agreement. Besides the compensation and ad-dress, other issues brought up were monies owed to thesquatters for late delivery of the low-cost homes, insufficient parking space and facilities. The issue of waiving bankinterest on the progressive payment for the new homes was also brought up. The developer Antara Vista Sdn Bhd hasagreed to make out the compensation once the residents receive their keys to their homes. The developer, however,claimed that it was MBPJ that had wanted the change in the name of the address. It is now in discussion with MBPJ torevert the name back to what was stated in the S&P. Of the 252 families that are to move into the flats, 120 have yet toreceive their keys and compensation.


Residents want ministry’s help Top

The Villaria Condo Residents Association has urged the Housing and Local Government Ministry to help the residentsresolve foreseeable woes with the new management company. The residents association is now facing the problem that ithas to deal with another management company to be appointed by the liquidator of Jerah Bina Sdn Bhd. The liquidatorwas given permission by the High Court to appoint a management company to manage the condominium in BukitAntarabangsa, Ampang, pending the issuance of strata titles and the formation of the management corporation under theStrata Titles Act 1985. The residents association claimed that it has had enough bad experiences with previouscompanies that they claim did a poor job of maintaining the residents' properties. Association chairman Datuk NordinYusof said the association was submitting the application for strata titles on behalf of the 144 residents to the GombakLand Office so that they could soon manage their properties themselves. He said the association hoped the ministrywould look into their grouses and assist in applying for the strata titles. The condominium was developed by MBF in the1990s and the residents began to occupy units in 1994.


Businesses taking over Bangsar homes Top

The gradual conversion of homes into commercial lots and the expansion of existing business areas in Bangsar Zonehave resulted in a lot of social problems in the neighbourhood. As Bangsar’s popularity grew as an ideal nightspot with adiverse range of pubs, restaurants and 24-hour mamak joints, more and more people started to converge there especiallyat night. While the pubs would close at 2am, the 24-hour mamak restaurants would continue to pull in the crowd until thewee hours of the morning, attracting outsiders to the neighbourhood as well as intruders into homes. The situation startedcreating a lot of problems for residents living in this affluent neighbourhood. Friction between residents and the proprietorsof commercial lots in the area became a norm, resulting in numerous incidents of hostility between residents and thebusiness community. A rumour that plans are afoot to convert Jalan Maarof and Jalan Telawi into commercial lots has gotresidents riled up. Lembah Pantai MP Datuk Seri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil had instructed Kuala Lumpur mayor Datuk RuslinHasan to look into the re-zoning of Jalan Maarof, Lorong Maarof and the Telawi area. All four residents associations inZone Bangsar – Bangsar Baru, Bangsar Park, Lucky Garden, Bukit Bandaraya – and even the Bangsar Business Councilare however against the idea. President of Bangsar Business Council Ronnie Quay said City Hall should stop convertingresidential property to commercial status.



Ipoh dessert hawkers get new site Top

Hawkers in Tong Sui Kai (Dessert Street) facing impending eviction by the landowner will be relocated to the nearbyformer Yau Tet Shin market site. Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamad Tajol Rosli Ghazali said the state government hadagreed to allow the hawkers to carry out business at the former market site at night. He said for the time being the stategovernment would request the landowner to give the hawkers until March 31 next year to continue their business fromtheir present site located next to SJK (C) Sam Tet. The hawkers at Tong Sui Kai , which came to be called as such bylocals because stalls there serve many types of desserts, have been operating at the site since 1987. Tajol Rosli fixedApril as the most suitable period for the hawkers to start moving to the new site, better known as Pasar Bulat. The formermarket at Jalan Theatre/Jalan Yau Tet Shin had been demolished in 2001. The site is currently being used as atemporary car park by the State Secretariat Incorporated. “We will close the car park at 4.30pm and turn it into a hawkercentre at night,” he said.


City Hall looks at solving congestion Top

City Hall is looking into widening a congestion-prone stretch of Jalan Genting Klang where a bus stop and taxi stand arelocated. The bus stop and taxi stand near the Kentucky Fried Chicken outlet are the cause of traffic woes at the 150mstretch as many Rapid KL, Metrobus and Permata Kiara buses clog up the area during peak hours. After the stretch iswidened, the bus stop and taxi stand will be moved into the service road. If that cannot be done, the alternative is toremove part of the road shoulder and move both the bus stop and taxi stand further inside without encroaching into theservice road, he added.


Drain upgrade to curb floods Top

A drain-widening and deepening project in the heart of Kajang town will take off in a fortnight. The project is targeted atthe 2km-stretch from the road junction in Sungai Jelok to a portion of Sungai Langat to prevent recurring floods in thearea. The recent flooding took place around two weeks ago, following a two-hour thunderstorm. An 8m-wide monsoondrain runs through the affected area but tapers down to three metres in several sections as it curves towards the backportion of Metro Plaza. The embankment of the drain also dips in some portions, causing water from upstream tooverflow. Hulu Langat MCA Youth Chief Loh Chew June who briefed the media on the project on Tuesday said theKajang Municipal Council and the Drainage and Irrigation Department have allocated RM5mil for the project.


Fears over plan to build bungalows on Bukit Gasing Top

Bukit Gasing residents are under environment threat from a developer who wants to build bungalows on the hill. BukitGasing gazetted as a green lung, belongs to Selangor and Kuala Lumpur. The Selangor side of the hill was gazetted as aforest reserve in 1961 but the status of the Kuala Lumpur side remains uncertain. The residents are ready to take up theissue with relevant authorities in an attempt to preserve the hill. The developer, Sanctuary Gasing, is proposing to built atleast 140 luxury bungalows on this hill. Residents Johny Yew, 51, who has been staying in the area for about 13 years,said they had been living in fear for the past four years. “When hill is damaged, there will surely be blacklash such aslandslides or floods. These pose a great danger to us.” Another resident, an oil expert said:”The soil is very loose and it isnot safe to build anything on the hill as it is very steep.”



Watery chaos Top

Several areas in Klang and Shah Alam were flooded yesterday after a heavy downpour in the afternoon near SungaiRasah toll. The areas were flooded when water from nearby drains overflowed at 3.30pm. areas which were affectedincluded Taman Seri Muda, Taman Rimba Jaya, Taman Eng Ang, Taman Chi Luing and Bayu Perdana. The flood alsocaused massive jams on both sides of the Klang-Shah Alam stretch of the Federal Highway. Only one lane on thehighway was accessible.


Don’t wash your hands just yet, developer told Top

The Kinrara assemblyman was taking the developer of KLH Apartments in Puchong to task for not even bothering to senda representative when a meeting was called to address the flooding at Menara KLH’s basement parking recently. Theflooded car parks have caused hardship to the residents and they have, through the KLH Apartments ResidentsAssociation, called for the meeting with Dr Kow and the developer. Dr Kow said the residents experienced the worst of thefloods since moving into their apartments in 1999. It might be the fault of the developer that caused the mishap in the firstplace, he said. “Other contributing factors could be due to the fact that the land on which the apartments now stand was amining area.’’ Dr Kow said the fact that the apartments were sandwiched between two highways - Kesas and the LDP –did not help residents anyway. “Development at the neighbouring areas has also affected the apartments which is locatedbelow water level,’’ he said. The residents claim that water from below the ground was seeping into the building’sbasement. “There could be a lack of water proofing,’’ said association president Chong Kok Ken.


End to water in sight for two areas Top

The water crisis faced by an estimated 7,000 residents of Bukit Beruntung 1 and Bukit Sentosa 3, north of Rawang, isexpected to be over soon. Syarikat Bekalan Air Selangor Sdn Bhd (Syabas) corporate communications and public affairsdivision executive director Naemuddin Abdullah said 70% of the residents had paid deposits to Syabas for the installationof domestic water metres. Several months ago, the residents in the two townships were left high and dry when Syabas cuttheir water supply after the developers of both areas failed to settle outstanding arrears with the water company.


Concern over security matters Top

City Hall did little to hold back its concern on security issues in a briefing with the new Sabah police chief. Worries relatedto immigrants. City Hall director-general Dr Chua Kim Heng outlined problems commonly linked to immigrants, like thesetting up of squatter colonies, smuggling activities, vice, gambling and snatch thefts. He said in 2002, over 4,000 of the10,000 squatter houses were demolished in a statewide crackdown on illegal immigrants. At the time, there were close to50,000 people living in the squatter houses and the figure was drastically reduced. In recent years, however, the numberhas gradually grown by 2004, there were some 25,000 squatters.

(New Straits Times -14th November 2006)


Parking system meets objections Top

Most tenants and residents at SunwayMas Commercial Centre are upset over Petaling Jaya City Council's (MBPJ) actionin turning internal roads into public roads with parking meters. To make matters worse a private parking operator hasdecided to impose parking fees even before the council's grace period for receiving feedback is over. MBPJ should makea door-to-door survey of tenants in the area and give them time to voice their objections. One possible objection is to theRM100 MBPJ monthly parking pass. MBPJ public relations director Haniza Abdul Hamid said according to MBPJ'sTreasury Department, it states that under the 1992 PJ traffic rule for allocation of parking space, MBPJ can provideparking space at any land, building or parts of road in the council's area by posting public notices and traffic signs in thatarea.


Worrisome workers’ quarters Top

Petaling Jaya mayor Mohamad Roslan Sakiman declared the city free of squatters last month, but there seems to be onegrowing in the backyard of Perdana Emerald Condominium and Serviced Apartments in Mutiara Damansara. Residents ofPerdana Emerald Condominium have voiced their concern to the developer of the land, Mutiara Rini and its holdingcompany Boustead Holdings, for several months but no action has been taken. Residents have observed daily openburnings from the village, which is the rubbish disposal system for the village, and constant loud music blaringindiscriminately through the day and late at night. Condominium residents are also burdened with security issues as theworkers trespass into the condominium compound to use as a short cut or to access the condo’s water supply. Therubbish disposal system in the workers village is a simple open burning twice a day that occurred even at the height of thehaze problem.


Landslide affects 12 houses Top

The worst fears of residents at Jalan Kasawari 7, Bandar Puchong Jaya, came true yesterday when a landslide sweptaway the back portion of 12 homes in the neighbourhood. For years, residents have been living in fear following minor soilerosion and crack marks seen in their backyard drains. Numerous complaints have been made before and the residentswere assured that the earth was stable. Yesterday, between 6am and 7am, when the residents were about to get readyfor work, they heard earth rumblings. Before long, the soil came tumbling down and destroyed the concrete backyards ofseveral houses. Residents Assocation (RA) deputy president for Mahkota and Suria homes at Jalan Kasawari CheowWee said houses numbering 21 to 43 were affected. Properties were damaged but no casualties were involved.


No sign off bluish liquid in river now Top

Sungai Kayu Ara was a murky brown and yellow with lots of rubbish along the riverbank, but little sign of the bright bluishliquid. Commenting on the bluish liquid, Global Environment Centre river basin programme coordinator Suzana Mohkerisaid the bluish tint looked like dye or ink from factories. GEC has been actively campaigning for the past three years toclean up Sungai Penchala and the Kelana Jaya Lake Park. An Environment Department (DOE) officer said a report hasbeen filed on the incident. Selangor DOE director Che Asmah Ibrahim said that it was difficult for the department to takeaction without catching the perpetrators red handed.



Khir brings cheer to victims Top

The landslide which hit 14 houses in Bandar Puchong Jaya on Friday has not affected the foundation of the units.Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Khir Toyo said problems brought by the landslide would be resolved in twomonths after repair work to the units was completed. However, he did not say when remedy work would begin. Dr Khirsaid repair work and the cost to build a retaining wall would be born by developer, Pilihan Megah Sdn Bhd. He said thewall is needed to prevent further erosion. The displayed residents, meanwhile, have been placed at temporary units inBandar Kinrara 6.

(New Straits Times –19th November 2006)

Landslide threat at Klang courts Top

Personnel at the Klang courthouse are worried for their safety, as cracks have appeared along the side of the roadleading to the hilltop building. To make matters worse, a landslip occurred behind the security post at the entrance to thecourthouse. A senior court official said the landslip and cracks appeared after a downpour last Saturday. He added thatthe safety of the people who came to the courts daily was being compromised until remedial measures were taken.


Council says Kajang safe, but residents beg to differ Top

The Kajang Municipal Council (MPKj) claims that it is the third local authority in the country to have achieved safe citystandard based on the Housing and Local Government’s 23-step guideline to fulfilling the safe city concept. However,many residents, especially those living in the older parts of the town, are not convinced that the municipality has achievedthe safe city standard. The ministry’s 23-step guideline to safe city standard enjoins the authorities to, among others,provide better lighting at five-foot-ways and back and side streets, increase security patrols at housing areas, install alarmsystems, ensure pedestrian walkways are well maintained, provide police beat bases and install safety mirrors andclosed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras at crime-prone areas.


Taking builders to task over flash floods Top

The Shah Alam City Council (MBSA) is in the midst of taking action against developers deemed responsible for causingflash floods in Taman Sri Muda and Bukit Kemuning last Saturday. Mayor Datuk Ramlan Othman said stop-work orderswould be issued against all developers involved in development projects in Kota Kemuning, Bukit Kemuning and itssurrounding areas. About six companies (developers) are involved.


Groups gather to protest development Top

The clearing of a slope by a developer to do soil tests on a portion of Bukit Gasing had residents from surrounding areasgathering to protest any sort of development in the area. Residents said they were upset that a portion of the hill slopewas cleared on Nov 7 and that the landowner, Gasing Sanctuary Sdn Bhd, had recently covered up the clearing withpatches of grass and newly planted banana trees. The hill is mainly sandstone and shale, which is prone to soil erosionthus residents are worried that should the vegetation on the hill be disturbed, it could destabilise a water reservoirbelonging to Syabas located on top of the hill. Natural Resources and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Azmi Khalid hadsaid recently that there should be no development on any slope with a gradient more than that.



Injunction set aside, authorities move in Top

A group of squatters from Kampung Berembang sat under a tree discussing their next move as they looked at theirdemolished homes - with sheets of zinc, broken cement bricks and wooden planks piled up where their houses used tostand. MPAJ Town Planning director Awang Mustapha Mohd Yunus said squatters were told to move to temporaryhouses at Taman Muhibbah, Puchong, or Taman Wahyu, Jinjang, while their low cost houses were being built atKampung Berembang. On Monday, the enforcement team, now numbering 450 and this time backed by the police andFRU, MPS, Sepang Municipal Council and Subang Jaya Municipal Council went in to demolish the remaining squatterhouses.


Investors grill Chief Minister Top

Days after robbers pulled off a RM50 million heist at the “high security’ MASkargo Complex in Batu Maung, investors inPenang want to know what was being done to safeguard their interest. Their frustrations are aimed at Penang ChiefMinister Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon who is equally dismayed over the lack of security. “Companies that use the airport toexport their goods are worried. They want assurances that this will not happen again,” Koh said. “This incident willdefinitely affect investor confidence in the state.” Koh said he had assured companies and Frepenca that the stategovernment would see to it that security issues were resolved quickly. The security issue was also brought to the attentionof the federal government.


Residents uneasy over goings on at hill slopes Top

Several residents of Jalan Kasawari 7 in Bandar Puchong Jaya are concerned if slopes in the vicinity were really safe.Their worry is attributed to the incident that occurred near their homes last Friday and due to disturbances at two hillslopes, one of which has been converted into a farming land while the other has been cut at its foot hill. “One of the twoslopes is too steep, like about 70 degree,'' said Subang Jaya Municipal Council's (MPSJ) Awtar Singh, who paid a visit tothe area recently. “The bottom has been cut to facilitate construction of new factory lots,'' said the councilor. On repairworks to the slope where the landslide had occurred, the developer had sheet piles placed there to stop earthmovements. The developer has also begun piling works yesterday.


Road collapses in landslide in Bukit Serdang Top

A massive landslide in Taman Bukit Serdang early yesterday morning sent several families scurrying to safety. Thelandslide that occurred at 3am swallowed part of Jalan BS11/14 and damaged a number of cars parked along the road.The landslide had caused cracks to appear in some houses, while the damaged section of the road measured 50m by25m.


Desa Jaya folks air worries on crime at dialogue Top

In the two-hour session held at the Desa Jaya community centre recently, several victims of the unpleasant incidentsrelated the mishaps that they encountered in the past. As they grieved over their misfortunes, they are also looking forsolutions to solve their woes and make their neighbourhood a safer place. In view of the alarming criminal casesespecially around the Desa Jaya market area, Bukit Lanjan assemblyman Yong Dai Ying also urged the police to increasetheir patrolling frequency at the area.



Developers in high-risk areas notified Top

Seven weak slopes with development in Selangor that pose a landslide risk have been identified through a joint studyconducted by local authorities and Kumpulan Ikram Sdn Bhd. Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Khir Toyo said thedevelopers concerned had been informed of the problem and would have to carry out remedial works proposed by Ikram.Dr Mohd Khir said Ikram had informed him that the 12 houses facing the collapsed slope in Taman Bukit Serdang did nothave to be evacuated as there was no immediate danger.


Mayor: No project approved for Gasing Top

Kuala Lumpur City Hall has confirmed that they have not approved any development order to develop a privately ownedland by Tetuan Gasing Meridian Sdn Bhd (previously known as Sanctuary Gasing). Datuk Bandar Ruslin Hasan clarifiedthat no decision had been made about the land though he confirmed that City Hall had received an application fordevelopment from the developer in 1996. “We have looked into the safety, geotechnical and environmental details as wellas sought the people’s views and we told the developer that we will only approve if certain guidelines were followedincluding implementing a phase-by-phase development.


Torchlights for SS14/7’s patrollers Top

The SS14/7 residents association has taken its crime prevention initiative a step further by equipping their night patrollerswith high powered torchlights. The 30 torchlights were presented to the night patrollers, who include Rela members andthe neighbourhood police, by Subang Jaya Assemblyman Datuk Lee Hwa Beng during a simple ceremony held at theSS14 police station. “This is a move that should be applauded since they have managed to keep thieves away from theirarea. Although there is a police station in the area, this is added security for residents,’’ said Lee. Subang Jaya OCS ChiefInspector Yusuf Jahaya said the SS14/7 residents committee is one of the most active bodies in the area.


Traders find new market a letdown Top

Market traders at the temporary wet market in SS15, Subang Jaya, have until Thursday to move into the area’s newdouble-storey market complex. However, the traders are not looking forward to moving as they are unhappy with manyaspects of their new premises. The wet market traders will be occupying the ground floor while food stall operators willtake up the upper level. Many are upset that the Subang Jaya Municipal Council (MPSJ) does not allow them to carry outrenovations at the stalls. The traders also claimed they had been asked to pay RM500 each for electricity and waterdeposits, and additional top-ups for the water pipes to be installed at the premises. The traders are also upset that theyhave been given only a two-year contract to operate at the new premises, after which they would have to renew theircontracts on a yearly basis. Subang Jaya assemblyman Datuk Lee Hwa Beng, when contacted, said the traders wouldhave to move in by Nov 30, otherwise, they would be considered not keen to do business there.



No end in sight to motorists' woes just yet Top

The old trunk road, which served Puchong residents before the Damansara-Puchong Highway (LDP) was built, is in theprocess of being converted into a dual carriageway. The delay is on a stretch between Km19.2 and Km22.4 where trafficis heavy. Motorist B.A. Chong said road users were often confused with the traffic flow because there were a fewdiversions. The temporary junction just off the LDP, he added, also posed a problem because no one knew who had theright of way. Pedestrians and cyclists using the road that is littered with stones and gravel also questioned the lack ofsafety precautions and the absence of streetlights and road signs. A Selangor Public Works Department spokesman saidthe upgrading of Jalan Puchong Lama would be completed in January, but declined to reveal the cause of the delay. Theinitial date of completion given was early this year. Puchong residents, hailing from Kampung Pasir and Kampung BungaMelor, also informed StarMetro of several clogged drains in the area that caused their villages to flood after everydownpour.


Some positive signs after years of waiting Top

The local authority has agreed to spruce up the area surrounding an old, Christian cemetery in Jalan Loke Yew. Thecemetery, which is more than 50 years old, has been neglected for several years. Residents in the area have been puttingup with uncollected rubbish, stagnant water and clogged drains. A recent flood had made the situation worse. And,residents are concerned over another threat - dengue. Meanwhile, Alam Flora has agreed to carry out a gotong royong inthe area.


Temple in danger of collapse Top

Works Minister Datuk S. Samy Vellu has directed the Malaysian Highway Authority (MHA) and Projek Lebuhraya UtaraSelatan Bhd (PLUS) to carry out surveillance and inspections on all landslide-prone stretches of the North-SouthExpressway and Karak Highway. He gave the directive following the landslide near the Jelapang toll plaza on the NSE,which forced PLUS to temporarily close the emergency and slow lanes on the south-bound route. The debris was clearedby midnight yesterday and the two lanes were to be re-opened by 7pm yesterday. The landslide occurred along a slopeabout 200m from the Menora tunnel at 7.40pm on Monday. No casualties or damage to vehicles were reported.


Family's fears to be removed, finally Top

Part of a nine-metre high granite slope came tumbling down when a family in Cheras was enjoying a quiet Deeparayaholiday about a month ago. Debris filled the back lane of residents' houses in Lorong Jintan 3, Taman Supreme, Cheras,after part of a granite slope tumbled down last month. City Hall has agreed to check on the slope's stability recently. LimLee Lan, 48, a housewife, was still terrified when remembering the incident. “It happened at 3am when all of us wereasleep. We were so terrified that we could not sleep properly since then,'' she said, adding that it was the second incidentin recent times. “The first was early this year.'' Lim and her family of three children have been living in the area for 25years. There are eight houses adjacent to the granite slope.



Traders unhappy over barriers Top

Subang Jaya assemblyman Datuk Lee Hwa Beng said the Subang Jaya Municipal Council (MPSJ) has just recentlyadopted guidelines for gated communities in accordance with those issued by the state housing board. He said this inresponse to the issue concerning business owners in Jalan USJ 3A/2, Subang Jaya who are claiming that an illegalbarricade placed on the main access road where they operate their businesses is causing them loss of income. Thebarricade, said the shopkeepers, was put up by residents living in the adjacent neighbourhood as a security measureabout three months ago. The business operators said they lodged a complaint with the MPSJ complaints department. Thefirst of the two barricades is placed at the end of the row of shop lots at USJ 3A/2, which also faces USJ 3A/3 that leadsinto the neighbourhood. As for the second barricade, it is placed on USJ 3A/1, which is the side road that leads to theback of the shops and also part of the neighbourhood. Kumar added that the blockage has made it difficult for cars toreverse along USJ 3A/2. “The second barricade also blocks lorries from entering the back lane of our shops to unloadgoods.


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