Nanning flights to help boost Penang tourism

FLIGHTS from Penang to Nanning in China will help bring more travellers from mainland China to the state.

Penang Tourism Development and Culture Committee chairman Danny Law Heng Kiang said the first 162-seater Firefly Airlines flight to Nanning on April 19 from Kuala Lumpur-Penang-Nanning was successful.

The flight was organised by China International Travel Service (CITS).

“There is a huge potential as statistics show that a big number of Chinese tourists are travelling overseas for holidays,” he said at the recent opening of the Bukit Mertajam branch of Forever Travel Service Sdn Bhd in the Gemilang Business Centre, Bukit Tengah, .

Also present were state Health, Welfare and Caring Society Committee chairman Phee Boon Poh, Bukit Mertajam MP Chong Eng, Forever Travel managing director Chua Joo Kwang and his executive director Chuah Kok Boon.

Law said CITS offered an eight-day travel package to Nanning on Thurs-days for RM2,300 including flight ticket, accommodation, travel coach and meals.

Forever Travel Service donated RM10,000 each to Chung Ling High School Penang, Heng Ee High School, Han Chiang High School, Jit Sin High School Bukit Mertajam, Jit Sin (Independent) High School and Jit Sin High School Seberang Prai Selatan. - The Star

State acquires land to build flats and Muslim cemetery

GEORGE TOWN: The state government has acquired a 1.29ha piece of land at a cost of RM20mil in Jelutong for use as a Muslim cemetery and public housing.

State Religious Affairs, Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Committee chairman Abdul Malik Abul Kassim said 0.67ha of the land would be used for low medium-cost public housing and the rest would be set aside for a Muslim cemetery.

“Another RM60mil will be spent to build flats for some of the existing residents on the land.”

Abdul Malik said the Federal Government had initially agreed to acquire the land during the previous administration but they reneged on the agreement when the Pakatan government took over.

“All the 14 land owners have been compensated but only four of the 29 building owners have come forward to claim their compensation.

“They can come to the Northeast District Land Office in Komtar to claim their compensation which is deposited with the court,” he told a press conference yesterday.

Also present was Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng who said the acquisition of the land belonging to non-Muslims for use as a Muslim cemetery was rare but the state had to do this due to the scarcity of land on the island. - The Star

House buyers seek govt help in reviving abandoned project

NIBONG TEBAL: House buyers of the abandoned Taman Pekatra Indah housing project in Simpang Ampat are hoping that the Federal and state governments will help to resolve their long standing problem.

They are saddened as they do not see any sign of the project, which has been in limbo for the past 16 years, being revived by the developer.

More than 30 house buyers gathered at the developer’s office near the abandoned project yesterday but failed to meet any of the company’s representatives.

Single mother R. Rathnadevi, 45, said she was declared a bankrupt because she failed to service the loan which she took for the house in 1997.

“I tried to service the loan but could not as I have to support my two children, aged 16 and 18, and also pay RM250 for my house rent.”

Hong Chai Sin, 53, who bought a double-storey terrace house for RM84,900 in 1996, said he had paid up but the project had been abandoned.

“The developer failed to deliver the house within 24 months as stipulated in the sales and purchase agreement, and I am disappointed with the Federal and state governments for not helping the house buyers.”

Fadli Razman, 46, who bought a double-storey unit for RM89,000 in the same year, said he paid a RM20,000 deposit but his unit had yet to see the light of day, adding that he was renting a house for his family.

Their spokesperson N. Gayatri, 23, said she would be writing to Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Seri Chor Chee Heung to intervene to help the house buyers.

She added that letters had also been sent to the state Housing Committee chairman Wong Han Wai over the matter.

The developer could not be reached for comments. - The Star

征地充穆斯林坟场 首长：民联政府面对两难

槟城12日讯）槟州民联政府征用非穆斯林地作为穆斯林坟地，唯面对居民不让路，演变成政治课题，令民联政府面对两难局面。
在日落洞一块非穆斯林土地，面对州政府征用作为扩充穆斯林地及为当地多数穆斯林居民兴建平民组屋。尽管地主接受赔偿，不过有25间居民拒绝让路，使到有关征地不能完成，反之有关议题已多次成为在野党攻击民联政府的筹码。
槟州首长林冠英于周六，在第一副首长曼梳、槟州回教事务委员会主席阿都玛力行政议员及伊斯兰教槟州主席沙烈曼陪同下，召开记者会上针对日落洞的一块总面积3.2依格土地被征用的情况作出报告。
不希望课题被渲染
阿都玛力指出，在国阵执政槟州时，于1999年东北县县署已批准一项拨款作为征用土地用途，然而当时的槟州国阵政府却在中央经援下，不能完全征地。在民联上台后即抛开政治立场与各方会面洽商，可是中央政府却不理先前书面承诺，拒拨款征地。他说，州政府被逼筹募基金来完成征地，其中所须征地费及赔偿费高达2000万令吉，这不包括建屋的6000万令吉。他补充，在1999年时，当时土地征用费可能只须数百万，在未获中央支持下，州政府完成征用在日落洞Seksyen洛12、洛13、洛14、洛15、洛16、洛17、洛18及洛19的土地，作为上述穆斯林坟地及平民屋用途。“其中，涉及土地包括1.55依格作为穆斯林坟地，另1.657依格作为平民屋用途，这使到原有的1.605依格伊斯兰坟地将扩大至3.156依格。”

搁置逾14年打下第1支桩 日落斗哇廉屋复工

北海12日讯）搁置14年以上，日落斗哇廉屋复工，周六上午打下第1支桩，预计3年内完成一幢7层楼廉价屋。37户家庭（52间赔偿单位）等了太久，亦希望再忍耐3年，就可以从货柜长屋搬迁，拥有自己的房子。
黄汉伟：预计3年内完成
槟州城市及乡村规划委员会主席黄汉伟行政议员表示，日落斗哇廉屋兴建在经济风暴时遭搁置，受影响的居民均被安顿在货柜长屋，经槟州政府与发展商及承包商的联系促成，廉屋兴建终可复工。他透露，首阶段将兴建A幢廉屋，楼高7层共138间单位及12间店屋，其中52间廉屋将作赔偿居民用途，余者则通过槟州政府房屋部申请购买。他表示，工程预计在3年内完成，每个单位600平方尺，属3房建筑，所赔偿之单位均依当年的合约进行。
黄汉伟是在周六上午，在Welcome Properties Sdn Bhd 董事经理拿督斯里李观薪、Blue Wagon总经理拿督邓国彬以及日落斗哇民联协调员沙列兴的陪同下，前往工地视查，同时也见证廉屋工程打下第1支桩，象征着廉屋兴建工程动工。黄汉伟亦在场向到来的货柜长屋居民简述廉屋兴建的发展过程，包括搁置多年的廉屋将在3年后竣工，赔偿予所有受影响的居民。
黄汉伟表示，他多次到访日落斗哇货柜长屋，居民的代表也为了他们的房屋，前往阿依淡的服务中心共商量。他说，工程虽然是预计3 年，却也促承包商及发展商加快脚步，让货柜长屋居民早一些时候可以拿期盼多年的房屋。

黄则松：仅剩少于17%发展土地 槟岛应迈向高密度发展

（槟城12日讯）高密度城市可减低基础设施的投放，有利商业交往，增加商业活动的效率，同时提升槟州土地的固打（Quota），以助槟城朝向更好的发展。专业于建筑管理的槟岛市议员黄则松强调，一些人会担心高密度发展将导致交通拥堵、空气污染等问题，事实上其它国际城市的发展已证明，只要采取适当措施，这些问题都可缓解。
黄则松将在5月杪市政局例常会议中，提议“槟岛迈向综合性高密度发展”，而这项建议已获槟岛市政局主席芭堤雅和槟州房地产发展商会主席拿督陈福星认同，届时他将提呈一份探讨报告。他接受《光华日报》访问时指出，槟州52%土地是森林和山坡保护区，可发展土地少于17%。目前面对的问题是，槟城容积率仅1.5（总建筑面积与用地面积的比率），比香港的1.15、新加坡1.12、及吉隆坡双峰塔的1.10还要低，诸多限制让发展商无法建筑更高、更大单位。
数据统计，槟州人口将在2030年增加30%，同一年，槟州交通大蓝图预计将达到40%公交系统使用率，他相信公交不可能在低密度发展城市生存，因为高密度发展和公交系统须同步发展。黄则松认为，密集度发展可促进人文交流，是槟州未来发展须迈进的步伐，而许多人把“高密度发展”与“高层发展”划上等号，一些不习惯“高层发展”的人，见到这种发展形式，很自然地曲解，高层大楼是把大量的人和建筑面积，堆在同一地段上。
密集度可促进人文交流
“许多高层发展的人口密度其实很低，相反的，不少低层建筑，人口密度却很高；规模较大的发展计划，须经过整体设计和规划，新市镇发展须充分考虑交通、购物、休憩、教育、社区等各种设施的有效、充分配置和配套。”“高层建筑若有合理规划，环境质量不一定差，整体密度也不一定高，香港就是最好典范。香港列有严谨城市规划和法则，致力保护境内的绿色地带和海岸资源，所以城市密度虽高，但郊野公园仍占香港面积高达40%”。他强调，最重要的是，这些山光水色就在市区周边，市民可随时轻易享受清新空气，和舒缓紧张忙碌的情绪，与低密度发展相比，高密度发展对于解决大量人口住房问题，更具有显著优势。-

SP Setia expands footprint in Penang

Property developer SP Setia Bhd is on the lookout to acquire more strategic pieces of land in Penang in a bid to extend its footprint in the state.

Presently, it is looking to buy three parcels of land on the island by the middle of the year.

The company, which currently boasts an undeveloped landbank totalling close to 40 hectares in the state, is in the final stages of negotiation to acquire land in Tanjung Bungah
and Jelutong.

SP Setia Property (North) general manager Datuk S.Rajoo told Business Times the company is eyeing two parcels of land in Tanjung Bungah totalling 10.2ha while the parcel of land in Jelutong measures 3.6ha.

“We are hoping to conclude the land acquisition deals by the middle of June and are planning mixed residential housing projects on the plots,” he said in an interview.

Present was the company’s deputy general manager for the northern region’s property division Khoo Teck Chong.

SP Setia made its entry in the state more than five years ago via the Setia Pearl Island development which is sprawled over a 45ha site and carries a development value of RM1.2 billion.

The project comprises three-storey terraced homes, semi-detached units and commercial lots, and is located between 4km and 5km from the proposed site of the second Penang bridge at Batu Maung and 20km from George Town.

“We would like to extend our presence to other parts of the island and have been doing so through our projects in George Town.

“We have acquired two pieces of land in Balik Pulau totalling 12ha for purposes of landed residential units,” Rajoo added, saying that the launching date of the project has yet to be determined.

Khoo said the last piece of undeveloped land at the Setia Pearl Island site is expected to be launched by the third quarter of 2013.

Carrying a development value of RM350 million and sprawled over 7.6ha of land, he said the project, called The Breeze, will
comprise low-rise and high-rise dwellings respectively.

"Our new launches," Khoo said, "will include exclusive high-rise condominiums at Teluk Kumbar which we hope to launch by the second half of 2013."

The QBees project, comprising 98 condominium units, will be sited on a 1.2ha plot and carries a gross development value of RM50 million.

Other planned launches include Penang's first Green Building Index residential project, which will be sited in the second phase of its Setia Greens development at Cangkat Sungai Ara.

"We are looking at launching more eco-housing via this project, which will comprise landed houses and one condominium block on a 5.6ha site," Khoo said. - Business Times

槟岛恢复自由港？ 有讚有彈只欠“东风”

（槟城11日讯）槟岛恢复自由港，万事俱备，只欠东风！有者认为，恢复自由港的说法是一个政治策略，但不会对现有槟州的政治局势造成太大的变化或影响。但是对很多商家来说，不管这是不是大选到来而开出的承诺，槟城各行业已做好准备，就等中央政府吹起这股“东风”，让槟城经济起飞。
日前有报道指槟州国阵主席邓章耀为重夺槟州政权，向中央政府建议恢复槟岛自由港地位，引起坊间热烈讨论。《光华日报》专访时事评论员拿督谢诗坚博士、马来西亚物流师协会总会长曾家麟及民众对此的看法。槟岛自由港到底会带来什么利与弊，各界抱有不同看法，目前只待槟州国阵主席邓章耀在下周一公布其大选战略详情，厘清自由港概念及是否已向联邦政府提呈有关建议。
谢诗坚：经济制度才是关键　自由港不适现代槟岛
时事评论员拿督谢诗坚博士认为，自由港某种程度上是一种经济制度，18世纪槟榔屿在英殖民时期，开拓者莱特为推动区内经济，把槟岛设立为自由港，吸引国际贸易，让国际贸易自由通行的环境，促进当时经济。随后香港及新加坡也复制槟岛自由港模式，打下引领全球的港口贸易市场基础。他说，马来西亚的成立后，中央政府拟定税务政策，为公平起见槟岛丧失自由港地位，与其他州属平起平坐，但也因此导致港口贸易严重萎缩，失业率高企，人民也因此让执政12年的马华王保尼下台。
物流师曾家麟：变回自由港　槟岛经济必起飞
马来西亚物流师协会总会长曾家麟大力支持槟岛恢复自由港地位，并直言一旦恢复，以槟城的资源及地理优势，势必成为世界数一数二的海运港口，经济肯定也会随之起飞。他说，世界贸易中，海运物流占90%的分量，意即世界各地多数的进出口都依靠货船运输，一旦槟城恢复自由港地位，一定会大量提高货物的吞吐量，经济起飞，全槟各行各业包括人民都会受惠，因此自由港地位对槟城经济是非常重要的。-

Tambun Indah seeks JV partners for Klang Valley projects

PROPERTY developer Tambun Indah Land Bhd is looking for joint-venture (JV) partners to spread its wings out of Penang where its flagship project is based.

“We would like to expand into the Klang Valley, but our focus will be more on the outskirts like Kajang and Rawang where there is still plenty of land,” managing director Teh Kiak Seng says.

The company is in “several discussions” with landowners for this purpose, he says but nothing has been firmed up.

Tambun Indah, which claims to be the first to introduce the concept of guarded and gated (landed property) in Seberang Prai, made a net profit of RM23.6mil for the financial year ended Dec 31, 2011 against a net profit of RM25.2mil a year earlier.

“I personally believe that prices on the island, the highest at about RM1,200 per sq ft now from about RM800 per sq ft in 2010, will not go up further due to increasing competition. We intend to benefit from that,” he says.

The mixed residential and commercial township sits on a 1,001-acre site which is expected to be fully developed by 2020, complete with a business park which will house schools, hotels and hypermarkets.

So far, 450 acres have already been developed into residential and shop units.

There are plans to launch two more projects within Pearl City this year.

“We are enjoying a spillover of buyers from the island where property prices have skyrocketed since 2010,” Teh says.

For example, a terrace house on Penang island now costs around RM800,000. On the mainland, the same type of house would cost some RM300,000, he says.

“We see the gap (in price) eventually closing,“ Teh says, attributing it to new infrastructure coming onstream such as the Second Penang Bridge and the Double Track Commuter Train which will enhance connectivity between the island and mainland.

The proximity of the Pearl City development to more than 10 industrial parks, which are capable of generating thousands of job opportunities, will also play a part in ensuring that its properties enjoy a steady price trend as workers buy up units to live in, according to Teh.

He says that apart from the two residential projects within Pearl City that Tambun Indah will launch this year, there are three more, namely the RM39.3mil BM Residence in Bukit Mertajam, RM41mil Carissa Villas in Bagan Lallang, and the RM180mil Straits Garden in Jelutong on the island.

The funding of Tambun Indah's new projects will be through the issuance of 88.4 million shares through a rights issue which will raise RM44.2mil.

The two-for-five rights issue, which was approved at a recent shareholder meeting, is expected to be completed in June. It would also effectively increase Tambun Indah's share capital to RM154.7mil, comprising 309.4 million shares.

After these new projects are launched, Tambun Indah will have more than 600 acres of undeveloped land, mostly in Pearl City and some on the island.

The company currently has 10 ongoing projects, mainly residential that it launched over the past two years.

“These have had an average take-up rate of more than 80%,” Teh says.

Gross margins stand at about 30%, he adds.

Tambun Indah, which claims to be the first to introduce the concept of guarded and gated (landed property) in Seberang Prai, made a net profit of RM23.6mil for the financial year ended Dec 31, 2011 against a net profit of RM25.2mil a year earlier.

“I personally believe that prices on the island, the highest at about RM1,200 per sq ft now from about RM800 per sq ft in 2010, will not go up further due to increasing competition. We intend to benefit from that,” he says.

On average, Tambun Indah's Seberang Prai properties are selling at below RM300 per sq ft. More than 90% of its property development projects are located on the mainland. - The Star

Shopping mall in the cards

MAH Sing Group Bhd plans to develop a 1 million sq ft shopping mall for the Southbay City mixed-development project on a 13.7ha site in Batu Maung, Penang, next year.

Group chief operating officer Teh Heng Chong said the shopping mall would be positioned to attract shoppers from the northern region market.

“Once the second Penang bridge is ready next year, we can anticipate a strong flow of visitors from Seberang Prai to the island.

“Thus, we want to have a mall in Southbay City to tap into the business opportunities from the north and Seberang Prai,” he said in an interview.

He said they planned to start the project’s construction next year, adding that they had yet to work out the cost of the mall which would be part of the approved Southbay City master plan.

On the two residential suite towers in the RM329mil Southbay Plaza, which is part of the Southbay City project, he said Mah Sing had sold the bulk of the units for both the towers.

“Since the launch of the two towers late last month, we have sold 80% of 106 units belonging to the 32-storey Tower A and 75% of 100 units belonging to the 31- storey Tower B.

“The Tower A and Tower B units with built-up areas of between 1,107sq ft and 1,761sq ft, and 1,433sq ft and 1,714sq ft respectively, are sold from RM830,000 and RM1.2mil onwards,” he said adding that most of the units would be sea-fronting.

Teh said the two residential towers would be equipped with facilities such as infinity pools and gymnasiums.

“Below the two towers is a four-storey shopping podium with 100,000sq ft of retail space.

“There are a total of 731 car parking bays, of which 213 bays are for the commercial scheme while the rest are for theresidential suites,” he added.

Teh said the Southbay Plaza residential suites sold well because they were near to Queens-bay Mall, Eastin Hotel, Equatorial Hotel, Penang International Airport, and 1km away from the second bridge.

He said the entire Southbay City project would take five to eight years to complete. - The Star

提议槟恢复自由港 邓章耀出秘密武器？

（槟城10日讯）槟州恢复自由港，国阵夺回槟州政权有望？消息说，新科上任的槟州国阵主席邓章耀已向中央政府提议，恢复在1969年被取消的槟州自由港地位，成为即临大选赢回槟州民心的“秘密武器”。
一般相信上述建议一旦获国阵中央政府点头，将是一项振奋槟州人心的消息，对槟州国阵图夺回政权将是一项杀手锏，民联政府或可能在被动下，面对挨打局面，甚至可能在人民相信民联入主槟城无望下，造成后者丧失政权。据英文新海峡时报在周四的封面报导即引述消息说，邓章耀已将建议提呈给首相署部长丹斯里莫哈末耶谷以及马来西亚旅游局主席拿督黄泳铼，而邓章耀也针对消息，没有作出否认，使到一般相信有关消息来源并非空穴来风。
据了解，从邓章耀在周二选择在面子书上提出着重服务业及将槟城打造成国际旅游天堂的说法，那么自由港或是其实现其远大计划的其中必要先决条件，一般相信邓章耀必然是胸有成竹下才会提出国际旅游天堂的远景，恢复自由港或将成为槟州国阵争取选民支持的“礼物”。
无经济效益　丁福南唱反调
恢复自由港一厢情愿，邓章耀成“独行侠”？有消息指邓章耀向联邦政府提议恢复槟州自由港引起关注时，槟州民政党主席拿督丁福南医生不只对此事不知情，更与邓章耀唱反调，反对槟州恢复自由港。也是前行政议员的丁福南即向本报记者认为，恢复自由港相信只是全国大选即临时政党的一个花招，反对党在多次选举时也提出恢复自由港一事，而他认为，时代改变了，自由港对槟城不会带来太大的经济效益，反之他说槟城已有自由贸易区，在自由贸易区的外国货源在不须缴税务下再加工后转运至其他国家。更何况他说，很多货品已豁免税务，比如皮革品、电器等都不须税务，不过，他承认一些奢侈品比如香水、烟酒还须税务。尽管他说在自由港下汽车也将免除税务，唯他认为知易行难，若要还回槟州自由港，头痛的问题是它将只限槟岛还是扩大至威省，形成一州两制？他说，若只限槟岛，那么将如何顾及威省人民的感受，若扩大至威省，那么将在执行监控上面对困难，到时将会有很多的漏洞，造成政府把关不易。- 光华

生产高科技音响系统 波士在槟投资设厂

槟城9日讯）槟州首席部长林冠英宣布，世界其中一家高科技音响公司波士（BOSE）将在槟城设立在亚洲太平洋地区的首间工厂。他说，波士每年收入约22亿8000万美元，在美国福布斯2011年最大私营企业排行第195，这家生产高科技及高素质音响系统的公司，是为了他们在亚太地区的客户，来到槟城设厂。
林冠英：槟州又再领先
他认为，这是槟州又再领先的喜讯，因为槟州向来是知名的半导体中心，最近也是发光二极管的中心，而波士公司在槟城设厂，将使音响爱好者感到雀跃。他是于周三在光大28楼见证槟州发展机构与Bose机构签署土地买卖合约时，致词中如此指出。据波士制造及全球供应链副总裁柏莱恩透露，以单一建筑物而言，槟城的厂房将是该公司在北美洲以外最大的厂房。
峇都加湾设厂　明年料生产
他续透露，槟城波士工厂将在峇都加湾一块23英亩土地上建立，厂房面积为60万平方尺，以及预料将于2013年投入生产。他强调，槟城工厂主要是为亚洲太平洋地区的顾客提供服务，这包括澳洲、中国、印度、日本、阿拉伯酋长国及东协国家等。但他不愿透露波士将在槟城投资的总额。
波士集团执行副总裁赫伯透露，该公司是于1964年由阿玛G波士博士创立，当时他是美国马萨诸塞州工艺研究中心的电器工程教授，他在该工艺研究中心的毕业研究导致他开发新的专利工艺，以及在该破空中心的激励下，他以有关的专利工艺创立自己的公司。他说，波士是一间由私人拥有的公司，波士博士为主席及技术总监，以及该公司也继续在长期研发方面作出显著的投资。他强调，波士在研究方面的投资承诺，是为了达到公司的主要目标，即开发突破性的产品及工艺，以改善人们的生活。他续透露，波士于2011年销售额为25亿美元 ，所雇用的员工超过9千人。- 光华

More villas up for preview

MTT Properties and Deve- lopment Sdn Bhd has opened the fourth residential phase of its sprawling self-sustainable garden development BOTANICA.CT in Balik Pulau for preview.

According to the company’s mar- keting manager Michelle Goh, future residents of BOTANICA 4 can look forward to living in harmony with mother nature in a tranquil enclave.

The phases comprise 29 three-storey Tropical Hillside Villas, with each villa having an average built-up area of 6,000sq ft.

The villas will sit on cascading hillslope plots ranging between 9,000sq ft and 16,000sq ft.

“There are seven designs to choose from, each engineered to complement the plots’ natural terrain and layout,” Goh pointed out.

She said that each five-bedroom villa was equipped with an elevator, a swimming pool, water features, pool deck, Jacuzzi, cabana, separate wet and dry kitchens, private lanai and a large porch area that can accommodate at least three vehicles.

Dream house: An artist's impression of a Tropical Hillside Villa for BOTANICA 4.

The current phase is one out of a total of 11, set over 300 acres, to be completed over an estimated period of ten years.

“There’s a well-balanced mix of around 2,000 homes including freehold luxury bungalows, orchard villas, terrace and semi-detached homes, as well as affordable apartments,” she said of the entire project.

The township’s key features include wide, shady boulevards, scenic drives and gently meandering streams, designed to create an idyllic setting.

The entire garden township lies 25km from George Town and 23km from the Penang International Airport.

Within reach are the Bayan Lepas Free Industrial Zone, Bayan Baru township, Second Link bridge, medical facilities, shopping centres, banking and food and beverage centres.

It is also home to the Prince of Wales Island International School, which offers British-style day and boarding education.

Accommodating some 800 students, it is equipped with nine science laboratories, art studios, a design technology center, a full-scale library and sports facilities.

“Also in the pipeline are BOTANICA 5 which comprises terrace, semi-detached and three and four-storey apartments, as well as the Com-mercial Village component of the development,” Goh added.

Currently, there are limited units of two-storey semi-detached houses (Carlina) and three-storey link homes (Carissa).

The Carline will have a built-up areas of 3,339sq ft and the Carissa is 2,682sq ft.

For more information, call 04-8662399 or 04-2589999. - The Star

Our condo buyers are not speculators, says developer

MOST Malaysian purchasers of the RM180mil The Latitude condominium project in Penang bought the units to live in.

Ivory Properties Group Berhad executive director and chief operating officer M. Murly said the company sold 70% of the 218 units in the project.

The Latitude comprises two 45-storey towers with 109 units each.

He said 90% of the buyers were Malaysians while the rest were Canadians, Chinese nationals, Dutch, Indonesians, Japanese and Thais.

“Most of the Malaysians are not speculators. According to our feedback, they are looking to live in the units they bought,” Murly said.

Showing interest: Roadshow visitors viewing a model of The Latitude project.

The company held a four-day roadshow in Gurney Plaza, Penang, recently to sell the project which is located on a 0.84ha site in Mount Erskine.

Murly said the roadshow was originally meant only for Tower A sales but due to the overwhelming response, the company decided to also launch Tower B at the event.

He said the Tower B launching was originally scheduled for November this year.

He said a selling point of the project was its location at 153m above sea level.

“The Latitude can therefore provide a fresh mountaintop experience with breezy bay views that encapsulate the best that nature brings,” Murly said.

He said The Latitude’s proximity to prime commercial and residential areas such as Gurney Drive, Pulau Tikus and Fettes Park, all within a 5km radius, is also another selling point.

“The easy access to nearby shopping malls like Gurney Plaza, Straits Quay and Island Plaza all make retail therapy an achievable activity while the shops in Tanjung Tokong and Fettes Park have excellent street food and dining options,” he said.

Murly said there was also a wet market, schools and hospitals nearby.

He said the units, which will have built-up areas of 1,500sq ft or more, were currently priced between RM785,800 and RM3.56mil.

He said two parking lots would be provided for each unit. - The Star

Heritage hotels in the heart of Penang

TWO well-known Penang-based companies — Public Packages Holdings Bhd (PPH) and Gan Chai Leng Sdn Bhd — are undertaking the development of three heritage hotel projects with an approximate development cost of around RM75mil at George Town’s central banking district, which will further boost the reputation of inner George Town’s World Heritage Site (WHS) status.

The plans for the three hotels have been submitted to the local authorities for approval.

PPH is undertaking the RM50mil development of the two hotel projects located at Church Street Ghaut, off Beach Street, which is popularly known as the central banking district.

Building blocks: The site of the two hotel projects that PPH plans to undertake at Church Street Ghaut.

The third hotel, a RM25mil heritage hotel project by Gan Chai Leng Sdn Bhd, is located at Victoria Street, off Beach Street.

PPH hotel project manager Tony Koay says the advantage of carrying out infill development work for heritage hotel projects was that one could maximise the interior of the buildings to suit the needs of modern business usage.

“A problem with restoring a heritage building for hotel usage is that the interior of such heritage buildings restricts the utilisation of space.

“We are doing two five-storey boutique hotels, of which one has a total built-up area of 9,451 sq metre (128,000sq ft), 120 rooms, a business centre, and meeting rooms, and 47 car park bays, while the other has a total built-up area of 2,517sq m (26,900sq ft) and 39 rooms,

“The architectural style for both hotels follows the design of late 19th and early 20th century port offices and warehouse buildings in George Town.

Restoration work: An artist’s impression of the PPH hotel project at Church Street Ghaut.

“We are targeting the upmarket tourists,” Tony says.

The cost per sq ft to develop a heritage hotel from scratch is about RM1,000 per sq ft, which is inclusive of finishings, says Tony.

The cost to restore a heritage building is around RM300 to RM400 per sq ft, depending on the quality of finishing use.

Both hotels, scheduled for operations in 2016, are located on a 0.6ha (1.5acre) land, which were previously occupied by godowns in the 19th and early 20th century.

The architectural style for both hotels follows the design of late 19th and early 20th century port offices and warehouse buildings in George Town. We are targeting the upmarket tourists. - TONY KOAY

PPH director Tommy Koay says the group invested in the projects because it saw the potential of heritage hotels in the central banking district after George Town received the WHS in 2008.

“We bought the 0.6ha land 15 years ago and have been waiting for the opportunity to start the right business.

“Last year we spent about RM97,000 to restore a 2,000sq ft heritage building located on the 0.6ha site for use as a vegetarian restaurant, which is now operating as Quay Cafe.

“As the business has received overwhelming response, we decided to proceed with the plan to develop two heritage hotels,” he says.

PPH is a main-board listed company specialising in manufacturing packaging products.

Meanwhile, Arkitek ZAA Sdn Bhd managing director Teoh Min Khean said the five-storey heritage hotel by Gan Chai Leng Sdn Bhd was an infill development project, which would be designed after late 19th and early 20th century colonial institutional buildings.

“The five-storey hotel, which has a built-up area of 4,300sq metre, will have 80 rooms and 148 car park bays.

“The project was in line with Unesco’s heritage guidelines.

“The architectural theme of both projects complements the other heritage buildings in inner George Town.

Inviting: The exterior view of Yeng Keng Hotel at Chulia Street.

“Both projects should help revitalise the tourism belt of inner George Town,” Teoh says.

Gan Chai Leng is one of Penang’s pioneering developers who developed the famous Chai Leng Park in Seberang Prai in the 1950s.

Another heritage boutique hotel-cum-commercial development project at the central banking district that is scheduled for opening in 2013 is the RM285mil Rice Miller Hotel & Residences, now undergoing development at Weld Quay, the heart of the banking district.

The project, a partial infill development and restoration project, comprises a 48-suite hotel, retail space with 17,000 sq ft of lettable area, two five-storey office blocks, and 99 units of city residences.

One of the well-known heritage hotels in George Town that inspired other heritage hotel restoration projects is the Yeng Keng Hotel at Chulia Street, owned by Datuk Ong Gim Huat of Hoo Kim Properties Sdn Bhd.

Splish splash: The pool view of Yeng Keng Hotel at Chulia Street.

Ong spent about RM5mil to restore the 150-year old heritage building into a 20-room heritage boutique hotel in 2009.

The hotel, which started operations in 2010, enjoyed an occupancy rate of about 70% in 2011.

“The renovation of the Penang International Airport, scheduled for completion in September 2012, should help to boost tourist arrivals in Penang and our hotel occupancy rate for this year,” Ong says.

One of the latest restoration heritage hotel projects that opened for business late last year is the Chong Tian Hotel at Rope Walk Road off the famous Campbell Street in inner George Town.

Local entrepreneur Seah Kok Heng says he spent RM3mil in 2008 to acquire three derelict, triple-storey shophouses located at Rope Walk Road.

“I invested about RM10mil to restore the heritage properties and furnish them with antique furniture and porcelains from Tang and Qing dynasties.

“At today’s market value, the hotel with the antiques should be worth around RM20mil.

“Since opening, our monthly occupancy rate is around 50% to 60%. Most of our customers come from Europe, China and Singapore,” he says. - The Star

Bayan Mutiara land sold not according to evaluation by department

GEORGE TOWN (May 2): Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng on Wednesday conceded that the sale of the land in Bayan Mutiara was not according to the valuation stipulated by the Valuation and Property Services Department.

He said the 102.56-acre land was sold to Ivory Properties Group Bhd (IPGB) on an open tender basis using the "request for proposal" method for mixed development.

"I admit that the state government did not follow the valuation set by the Valuation Department... whereas the state government had fixed a reserve price of RM200 per sq ft.

"When we sold through open tender in a competitive manner, it was sold at a higher price which was RM240 per sq ft," he said when replying to a question from Datuk Jasmin Mohamed (BN-Sungai Dua) at the State Assembly sitting here.

Jasmin wanted to know in detail the sale of the Bayan Mutiara land pertaining to the method of the sale and for what purpose the land was sold. — Bernama

More cheap homes for state

THE Penang Government has identified a total of 31.16ha of land on the mainland and island for phase two of its affordable housing project.

Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said details of the project would be released after acquiring a report from the Penang Development Corporation (PDC) and other experts.

“Meanwhile, under phase one, 4ha of land in Kampung Jawa in north Seberang Prai has been earmarked for mixed development, while 7.68ha in Ampang Jajar is catered to low-cost housing.

“Other identified plots of land included Bukit Mertajam in central Seberang Prai, Juru Heights, Teluk Kumbar and Lebuh Bakau,” he told a press conference during lunch break at the State Assembly building yesterday.

Lim said the state government was committed towards building more affordable housing in the state.

“Though we are building affordable houses, developers are still required to build 55% of houses that cost below RM500,000 in certain high density areas, including 30% of affordable houses,” he explained.

He said phase three of the affordable housing development would be announced later. - The Star

林冠英宣布第2期房屋计划 7地点占地逾77依格

（槟城3日讯）槟州首长林冠英宣布槟州第2期房屋发展计划，7个地点占地逾77依格，惟他未表示建立多少个可负担房子单位，一切需进行研究后才能获知，他会再另行公布。
有关地段遍布槟威两地，他早前也宣布了落在威南地区的第1期的发展计划，今次宣布第2期，他表示不久的将来将公布第3期计划。他说，有些地段由私人界发展，有些则由槟州发展机构负责。惟，无论如何，房屋发展计划中，必须要有30%的廉价屋单位，另25%必须是50万令吉以下的单位，不过这项条规只限部分高密度的地段上而已。他补充，这是州政府的承诺与发展商的努力，为槟民打造可负担房子。
他说，根据行政议会的决定，首个落在北海甘榜爪哇（Kapong Jawa）9.9依格地段，建议成为综合发展地段，包括公务员宿舍、廉价屋单位及商业单位，由私人发展商建造。此外，威北安邦惹惹（Ampang Jajar）占地19依格，计划建造廉价屋单位、威中大山脚区11.71依格、威中Mukim 12（Juru Height旁）20依格、直落巴巷Mukim 9政府地段6依格、柴埕街（Lebuh Bakau）3.21依格及齐来也路7依格。
威中Mukim 12地段中的临时地契将在2012年杪截止，柴埕街目前共有8所房子、3间货仓、2间庙宇、7间修车厂、2间茶室、1间家私厂及1间仓库，当中15个建筑物是有临时地契，另9个则没有。林冠英是在第一副首长拿督曼梳、第二副首长拉玛沙米及暂管槟州房屋局的行政议员黄汉伟的陪同下，如是指出。-

Houses in Balik Pulau are expensive, says Umno chief

THE state government has done nothing to improve the living conditions in Balik Pulau, claimed Balik Pulau Umno division chief Datuk Seri Dr Hilmi Yahya.

Dr Hilmi alleged that since Pakatan Rakyat took over in 2008, they have not built any low medium-cost houses in Balik Pulau for the people.

“They are lumping all the low medium-cost houses in Batu Kawan instead,” he claimed.

He said that he had been told by some people who wished to buy houses in Balik Pulau that the prices were too expensive.

“They told me that even if they save up in their whole life, they still could not afford to buy a house in Balik Pulau,” he said, adding that the price of a new house in Balik Pulau was about RM700,000.

“They have instead bought houses in Sungai Petani or Kulim and are travelling daily to the island for work,” he claimed.

He said that he was not sure if it was done purposely by the state government.

“The point is, it has happened, and the state government has done nothing to control the prices,” he said after launching the Karnvial Coop Best 2012 Parlimen Balik Pulau at the District Mosque recently.

Malaysia Co-operatives Commission Penang director Gerald Prem Kumar Geoffrey said that co-operatives were an excellent way of reaching out to the people.

“To form a company is a very difficult process. However, forming a co-operative is much easier,” he said, adding that co-operatives had been recognised as a global movement.

He added that the United Nations had also declared this year as the International Year of Co-operatives. - The Star

Superstar eyes Penang property

HONG KONG superstar Simon Yam likes Penang so much that he plans to buy a holiday home for his family on the island.

The internationally acclaimed actor described the island as a “beautiful and happy” place during his visit to launch Canon’s ‘Eye on Canon’ showcase at Gurney Plaza in George Town.

“My last visit was about five years ago and I can notice some changes. I hope I’ll be able to find a suitable property here where I can bring my family for holiday.

“I can play some golf while there are other scenic destinations like the Butterfly Park for my daughter,” Yam, who is also the camera’s brand ambassador, said yesterday.

He also likened the sea here to the one in Maldives.

“I notice the sea water is cleaner and there are also new properties around.

The right beat: Yam (right) and Wong sounding the drums to launch the Eye on Canon showcase at Gurney Plaza in George Town

“This city and the happy faces here make me feel very relaxed.

“Not only that, the old structures are still maintained which brings back nostalgic memories of Hong Kong in the old times.

“For me, Penang is the warmest (welcoming) place in Malaysia. My favourite food here is oh chien (pan fried oysters)!” he said yesterday.

Yam also said he hoped to be able to make a film in Malaysia, preferably a romantic movie.

On cameras, the 57-year-old father-of-one, who is also an avid photographer related the loss of his two mobile phones about two weeks ago which contained many precious moments of his daughter as well as family.

“I went for a jog and I lost my phones. I was busy then and didn’t have time to transfer the photographs so I didn’t have any back up!

“So now, I’ve vowed to use Canon’s Ixus 510HS because I can immediately send photographs via WiFi,” he said.

He also said he has three upcoming films to make including one that also stars Hollywood star Keanu Reaves in the “Man of Tai Chi”.

Earlier, camera flash lights flared as eager shutterbugs caught sight of Yam when he arrived.

When a fan asked for photographs, he cheekily challenged her for a “scissor, paper, rock” game before she was able to take a photograph with him.

A hardcore fan, Lim Hong Zheng, 26, was also seen wearing a specially printed T-shirt with Yam’s name and image as well as a custom-made puzzle of the star at the session.

Yam then invited him to come on stage and gave a special gift.

“I’m really flattered that Yam would invite me on stage and even offer to take photographs with me!” the freelance photographer said.

Yam later visited the EOS Boutique in Burma Road for another session with fans who took photographs with him and asked for autographs.

The Eye on Canon showcase to celebrate Canon’s 25th anniversary started yesterday and will be held until May 6, from 10am to 10pm daily.

Canon Marketing (Malaysia) imaging communication products division director Simon Wong said in line with the company’s corporate philosophy, RM10 from each camera sale at the events in Mid Valley and Gurney Plaza will go to the Yayasan Sunbeams Home for children.

There are exciting promotions, discounts, instant cash rebates of up to 25% on selected models, purchase-with-purchase (PWP) for lenses on selected EOS models and lucky draws with Canon products worth RM10,000 awaiting visitors.

There are also the not-to-be-missed RM25 deal for 25 units of selected camera models.

The first 100 early birds to purchase selected Canon EOS models will also receive the Canon limited edition miniature Hansa camera, the very first commercial camera produced by the company in 1936. - The Star