PROPERTIES IN ISKANDAR MALAYSIA JOHOR

MR.EDWIN (REN18657) 

RE/MAX TRANSACT - RGROUP 2 S/B E(1)1707/2

I am a professional in Malaysia Real Estate, and I can help you to choose the "right" property in Malaysia - whether you are an experienced investor, a first time buyer or a foreigner looking to move into Malaysia. My services cover you through the whole process - finding the property, negotiating the best price, making an offer and closing the deal. I am here to help you in everything to make the best real estate decision in your life.

Last but not least, i would like to thank you for taking the time to drop by here, and if i can be of any assistance to you pertaining to Real Estate matters in Iskandar Malaysia Johor Bahru, please do not hesitate to call me. Or meanwhile you can also drop a line to my inbox at edwin.dass@remax.my  and i will surely get back to you promptly.

Thank you once again and have a great day.

The Foreign Correspondents Club Hong Kong #1MDB

The Foreign Correspondents' Club, Hong Kong

August 4 at 2:21pm · 

Monday, July 6, 2015

Speaker: Wong Chen
Malaysian Opposition Member of Parliament

Topic: Missing Plane, Missing Billions: Malaysia in Crisis and the Politics of Hope

Prime Minister Najib Razak dissolves Parliament for landmark polls

KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak dissolved parliament Wednesday in preparation for general elections seen as the toughest challenge yet for the ruling coalition after 56 years in power.

“This morning I met the king and asked for his consent to dissolve the parliament,” he said. “This dissolution will pave the way for the 13th general election.”

The election commission will meet shortly to decide on a date for the poll, which is likely to take place within the next few weeks.

REHDA Positive on Johor's Property Outlook

Property developers remain optimistic on the future of Johor’s property market, especially in Iskandar Malaysia, reported The Star. The ‘feel good’ factor in 2012 is expected to continue this year, according to Koh Moo Hing, Branch Chairman of Real Estate and Housing Developers Association (REHDA Johor). Many members of REHDA Johor reported good take-up for most of their property launches in 2012 and they are bullish that the momentum will be maintained this year, he said. “Iskandar has been progressing well in the last six years, bringing great changes to the landscape of the property market in South Johor.” Notably, the Malaysian Property Exposition (Mapex) held last November generated RM672.14 million sales compared to RM612.63 million for the previous Mapex held in May 2012. Notably, this reflects transactions within a 30-day period. At the same time, the number of properties transacted rose to 1,449 units in November from 1,269 units in May. Moreover, Mapex sales volume had steadily increased since 2009 — Mapex April 2009 recorded RM120.52 million sales, which rose to RM142.02 million in April 2010, RM384.24 million in May 2011 and RM612.53 million in May 2012. In addition, “Iskandar has helped push up house prices between 10 percent and 20 percent from 2009 until 2012 in South Johor; hence the better sales registered,” noted Koh. But with large tracts of land still available for future residential development, prices in Iskandar remain lower than those in Penang and Klang Valley, he added.

Iskandar Woos Investors from Surabaya, Indonesia

A delegation from the Iskandar Regional Development Authority (IRDA) is headed to the business community of Surabaya, Indonesia between 31 January and 1 February to promote Iskandar’s investment potential. This follows IRDA’s active promotion of the economic region to Indonesia’s business communities in Jakarta, Bali and Makassar. Notably, IRDA Chief Executive Datuk Ismail Ibrahim and Johor Chief Minister Datuk Abdul Ghani Othman will head the delegation. The mission aims to brief Indonesian investors on areas of Iskandar where they can invest, said Syahril Syazli Ghazali, Economic Advisor at the Malaysian Embassy in Jakarta. “Among the areas with potential to attract investments from Indonesia are the creative industries, hospitality, theme parks, logistics as well as financial and health services.” The delegation will also meet up with individuals from the local business community including members of trade councils and business chambers, he said, adding that Iskandar can easily attract investments from Indonesia if IRDA can offer special incentive packages for the investors. At present, many Indonesian tourists are visiting Iskandar Malaysia, especially after the opening of the LEGOLAND, Johor Premium Outlets and the Puteri Harbour Family Theme Park. Specifically, tourist arrivals from the country rose to 2.3 million in 2012 compared to 2.1 million during the previous year.

Pine Wood Studios Eyes RM$3.8B projects by 2020

Johor’s Pinewood Iskandar Malaysia Studios (PIMS) is poised to rake in a whopping RM3.8 billion worth of investments by 2020, according to Michael Lake, Chief Executive Officer of the PIMS. “About RM1.9 billion will be spent in the local economy, including for local wages,” he said. Set to be completed in May, the 20ha development will be a world-class, state-of-the-art film and television studio production facility — one of the largest in the region. “To support the first phase of PIMS' development, a total of 1,500 talents are required by the end of this year,” said Lake. Along this line, Iskandar Region Development Authority (IRDA) chief executive Datuk Ismail Ibrahim has launched the Iskandar Malaysia Creative Industry Talent Development programme. “The first seven Train the Trainers' course under the development programme will start in March and are designed as intensive eight- to 12-week courses to provide skills and knowledge needed by Malaysian film industry professionals, trainers and workers to seamlessly integrate with large-scale international film production companies,” noted Ismail. This scheme hopes to attract 1,300 people by end-2013. Courses to be handled by industry experts will include production accounting, grip and electrical department, set construction and wardrobe management.

HK Developer Spreads Wings to Johor

Hong Kong developer New World Development Co Ltd has made its maiden venture into Johor Baru, through Taipan Eagle Sdn Bhd, its joint venture company with Malaysian firm Luen Yum Development (M) Sdn Bhd. At present, Taipan Eagle is undertaking a gated/guarded project dubbed the New World Garden, which comprises 96 luxury houses on a 4.85ha site along Jalan Masai Baru at Mukim Plentong, reported The Star. Specifically, the project consists four three-storey bungalows priced from RM4 million and 92 three-storey semi-detached villas with a starting price of RM2.4 million. The project also features a 40,000 sq ft club house with a gymnasium, function rooms, barbecue pits and swimming pools. “We decided to come to Johor Bahru in view of the positive development taking place in Iskandar Malaysia and the good growth prospects,” said Michael Tham, Director of Luen Yuen, adding that the project is expected to be completed in Q2 2014 and will have a gross development value of RM240 million. “We are banking on the project’s strategic location and its easy accessibility from other parts of Johor Bahru to attract buyers.” Notably, the project is only a short drive from Danga Bay, Johor Bahru’s city centre, Senai Airport and the commercial centre in Taman Molek, as well as Singapore via the Causeway. Moving forward, Taipan Eagle also plans to develop bigger projects like townships in the Klang Valley and Johor Bahru, noted Tham.

UK University's Iskandar cCmpus Eyes More Students

The University of Southampton has successfully opened its first-ever international campus in Educity, Iskandar Malaysia in October last year. “Our ambition is to have a similar status within Malaysia as being a premier university for engineering education and engineering research,” said Prof John McBride, Chief Executive Officer of USMC. Aside from being listed among the world’s top 100 universities, University of Southampton is also regarded as one of the top two universities for engineering research and education in the UK. The University of Southampton Malaysia Campus (USMC) eyes “to attract about 3,000 local and international students once our main campus is complete in the next eight years,” said McBride. Since it opened in October 2012, the campus saw “22 students currently pursuing the Masters of Mechanical Engineering programme and we hope to increase the number to 150 by introducing the Electronic and Electrical Engineering (EEE) programme in September.” Students would have to stay for two years in USMC before they can complete their studies at the UK main campus for another two years. McBride said graduates of the university were most sought-after by multi-national firms such as Google, Apple, Rolls Royce and Airbus.

MEDINI Johor Bahru, Best Investment of All Time!!!

The Medini Iskandar Malaysia project in Johor is raking in significant amount of interest from investors keen to partake in the mega development. For one, Global Capital and Development Sdn Bhd (GCD) eyes to partake in the initial phase of Medini's Media Village. The target investment will yield a built-up development value of RM1.5 billion in the next three to five years, said Keith Martin, Chief Executive Officer of GCD. Martin expects more investors to buy segments within the Medini’s 658ha development zones: Medini Business, Medini Living and Medini Lifestyle, reported the Business Times. Of these, the 142ha Medini Business zone will witness the development of mixed commercial buildings, business parks and the Media@Medini media village — which will be built to support Pinewood Iskandar Malaysia Studios and the Asian TV and film industry in general. “There is a clear demand driver from small and medium enterprises (SMEs), particularly from Singapore, to seek more affordable space in Medini with close proximity to Singapore,” noted Martin. As of now, GCD holds generous amount of committed investment in Medini, including a RM500 million landmark deal with Pantai Group and a RM745 million venture with Sunway Bhd. Platinum Meadow Sdn Bhd also signed for a RM688 million commercial venture in the Medini Business zone. “Together, they represent a total development value in the region of RM1.2 billion and we are confident of the continued investor interest in Medini.” The booming development in Medini as well as the whole Iskandar region is expected to spice up economic growth to make Malaysia a high-income nation moving forward. “As more investments look to pour in, we will certainly continue adding a boost to Malaysia's economy and contributing to its healthy gross domestic product figures,” added Martin.

Twin Galaxy

Phase 1 of Desaru Coast project to generate RM5b GDV

Destination Resorts and Hotels Sdn Bhd (DRH) expects to generate RM5 billion in gross development value (GDV) from the first phase of its Desaru Coast project in Johor which is expected to be completed in 2015, according to The Business Times.

The project stands on a 728.43-ha site and its developer Desaru Development Holdings One Sdn Bhd (DH1) has already completed around ten percent of the development, said Muhd Firdaus Azharuddin, Chief Executive of DH1.

Phase One will feature the Plantation Hotel, Sheraton Resort, Datai Langkawi and the Riverwalk as well as a hospitality, tourism and culinary school. Ocean Splash and Ocean Quest theme parks along with two golf courses and a convention centre will also be part of the phase.

“The resort will set new standards in the industry with the objective to boost tourist arrivals, extend the length of their stay and eventually increase tourist receipts,” said Mohd Nadziruddin Mohd Basri, Managing Director of DRH.

The first phase will be financed partly through the RM600 million obtained from Malayan Banking Bhd and from a seed capital to be injected by Khazanah, said Mohd Nadziruddin.

“On each level of the project, there are joint-venture companies and subsidiaries. There will be bank borrowings as well,” he added.

An Undersea Tunnel for Malaysia - Singapore Link - IRDA

An undersea tunnel would be the most feasible option for the Rapid Transit System (RTS) between Malaysia and Singapore, according to the Iskandar Regional Development Authority (IRDA).
However, the final decision will still depend on the governments of both countries- whether the RTS will include a bridge or an undersea tunnel across the Johor Straits, said Datuk Ismail Ibrahim, Chief Executive at IRDA, in a report by Bernama.
"From initial indicators, Iskandar Malaysia feels the undersea tunnel is most feasible but it is up to both governments to find the most suitable route."
He explained that if the RTS will be outfitted with an undersea tunnel, other vehicles should also be able to use it and not just the rail transportation.
Moreover, both countries have engaged consultants to conduct feasibility studies for the construction of the RTS, noted Ismail, adding that initial works are progressing efficiently and are expected to be completed next year.
"After that, either in 2014 or the latest by 2015, we will be able to begin construction of the RTS." The RTS will not only connect Johor Bahru and Singapore, it also aims to create a comprehensive transport network for the entire Iskandar region.
Furthermore, the project's cost will be determined when both countries decide on the routes of the transportation system and after the completion of the feasibility studies, added Ismail.

Wellness Township Programme to Commence in 2013 @ Iskandar Region

Khazanah Nasional Bhd and Singapore’s Temasek Holdings will jointly develop the iconic Wellness Township project in Iskandar Malaysia starting next year, reported The Sun Daily.

Covering a total of 207 ha in Medini, Nusajaya (pictured), the Wellness Township will allocate 201 ha for residential projects and 5 ha for commercial developments, said Datuk Ismail Ibrahim, Chief Executive Officer of Iskandar Regional Development Authority (IRDA).

“I understand that the two parties (Khazanah and Temasek), which hold a 50:50 stake in the project, are in the final stages of plan preparation to get the planning approval,” he said.

According to a recent interview with Bernama, Ismail said IRDA has already obtained the application for planning the commercial project on a 5 ha site.

“The commercial component is in the approval stage. I expect building works will start in 2013 at the latest,” he said. This portion will involve the construction of condominiums, serviced apartments, retail units and wellness centres.

Ismail also noted that the construction works for the whole Wellness Township project is expected to be completed within three to four years. Apart from focusing on the healthcare concept at the highest level, residents at the township will be able to enjoy healthcare infrastructure.

“The houses at Wellness Township will be provided with facilities and equipment for owners to enjoy the convenience based on wellness and healthcare. Also, the buildings will have the infrastructure and support services that will provide comfortable living,” added Ismail.

MBJB Giving Out Incentive to Property Owners

In line with the Johor Bahru City Centre Transformation project, the City Council (MBJB) provides several incentives to property owners with properties within the Central Business District (CBD).
Johor Bahru City Mayor Burhan Amin said that the owners of old and historical buildings within the CBD and those involved in the rehabilitation of abandoned developments are eligible for the incentives.
The incentives include a discount ranging between 50 percent and 70 percent on the building planning fee, development charges and contribution for the Improvement Services Fund.
Other incentives also include deferment on quit rent for two years, payment exemption for newly set-up trust fund and allowing the temporary display of advertisements on buildings, noted Burhan.
The city hall will also allow property owners involved in the upgrading of their buildings to pay their quit rent on instalments for 12 months.
"We hope the proactive measures taken by us (MBJB) will help to spearhead and expedite the transformation plan,'' said Burhan during the launch of the JB City Transformation Open Day. The event was jointly organised by MBJB and the Iskandar Regional Development Authority.
About 250 buildings along Jalan Tan Hiok Nee were classified as historical and will be preserved under the Johor Bahru City Centre Transformation project.
The project covers 485.62ha within the CBD including Hospital Sultanah Aminah, Ayer Molek prison, Johor Zoo, Bukit Timbalan, Jalan Wong Ah Fook, and the former sites of the Lumba Kuda low-cost flats.

Puter Harbour Family Theme Park is now Open!!!!

The Puteri Harbour Family Theme Park in Nusajaya has is now officially open to the public, reported The Borneo Post.

According to Tunku Datuk Ahmad Burhanuddin, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Themed Attractions and Resorts Sdn Bhd (TAR), over 2,500 visitors have flocked to the theme park since its soft opening last weekend.

“For the first year of operation, we are looking at half-a-million visitors to the theme park,” he said in a report by The Borneo Post.

The opening of two more attractions in Puteri Harbour, The Little Big Club and Sanrio Hello Kittty Town (pictured), is a great accomplishment for TAR. It hopes that these new theme parks will encourage tourists to spend more time in Nusajaya.

“We are committed to providing world class theme park attractions and position Nusajaya as the region’s premier leisure and tourism destination,” explained Tunku Ahmad Burhanuddin.

The Puteri Harbour Family Theme Park is housed in a four-storey building and is the second internationally-acclaimed theme park which opened in Johor, following Legoland Malaysia.

The Puteri Harbour theme park offers unique experiences and excitement with popular children’s characters from The Little Big Club, Sanrio Hello Kitty Town and Lat’s Place.

For instance, Hello Kitty Town features various interactive activities and rides, as well as walk-through attractions which are Hello Kitty-themed. At the same time, Little Big Club showcases lovable children’s characters such as Pingu, Angelina Ballerina, Barney, Bob the Builder, as well as Thomas and Friends.

V @ Summerplace

Mah Sing to unveil RM1.1b project in Medini @ Johor Bahru

Following the signing of a lease purchase agreement with Iskandar Investment Bhd, Mah Sing Group Bhd is set to launch a mixed-development project worth RM1.1 billion in Medini, Iskandar Malaysia by 2013.
Dubbed as The Meridin@Medini, the project will feature the Meridin Exchange corporate towers, the Meridin Suites residences, the Meridin Walk lifestyle retail mall and Meridin Linx SoVo units (small office versatile offices).

Phase I, or the Medini Suites will offer more than 700 residential units (500 sq ft) with prices starting from RM288,000. Registration of interest will start immediately, according to a report by The Business Times.
Interestingly, The Meridin@Medini is also Mah Sing's 40th project; and with the signing, the firm's total unbilled sales and gross development value stands at RM18.8 billion.

Tan Sri Leong Hoy Kum, Group Managing Director at Mah Sing, said the company will not encounter cash-flow strains with the new project, as well as in other on-going developments.
"With Mah Sing's strong branding and our very much market-driven products, these have resulted in good take-up rate of our products of at least 70 percent."

"We are a company that is gearing-conscious. We manage our cash flow prudently and manage our risks as a responsible developer," added Leong.

Johor Poised to become Malaysia's Richest State in 2025

If the current trend of investment inflows and development pace will continue, Johor will become the richest state in Malaysia by 2025, surpassing Selangor, said Nazri Khan Vice-President and Retail Research Head at Affin Investment Bank.

This prediction is achievable as Iskandar Malaysia has already attracted 25 percent of the RM383 billion total investment targets for 2025, he noted.

Moreover, the economic growth brought to Johor by Khazanah Nasional Bhd is one of the government's initiatives to establish an economic hub outside the Klang Valley.

"We will see Johor transform into an Orlando in Florida and become Asia's Theme Park Hub with the presence of at least four theme parks in the state."

"They include Legoland Malaysia which opened recently, Puteri Harbour Family Entertainment Centre and Austin Heights Water Theme Park is due to open its doors soon. All these parks will provide ample jobs to our youths," he said.

Moreover, the 2012-2013 Economic Report recently released by the Finance Ministry revealed that job opportunities in Johor are expected to increase by 100 percent in the next five years as some projects come on stream. These include Urban and Resort Wellness, MSC Cyberport City and Pinewood Iskandar Malaysia Studios.

Meanwhile, Johor has become the latest trade focus in Malaysia thanks to the oil and gas project in Pengerang as well as other projects, said Skudai, Mohd Kassim Ali, a Restaurateur.

"Johor has become the focal point now as people from throughout the country are flocking to the state in search of high-paying jobs," he added.

PINEWOOD In Iskandar Malaysia to Boost TV Industry

Pinewood Iskandar Malaysia Studios is set to contribute RM2.2 billion to Malaysia's film and television industry, said Information Communications and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim.

Expected to be completed in May 2013, the studio will significantly boost the growth of Malaysia's film industry players.

"Pinewood Iskandar Malaysia Studios is our venture into the world of film and television equipment and post-production," said Rais, adding that the country's film and television industry will become more sophisticated thanks to the studio.

The facilities at Pinewood Iskandar Malaysia Studio will be utilised by local industry players and those from other countries in Asia.

Meanwhile, Tushar Jain, Director of New Delhi-based BTC Tours & Travel, claimed that the new theme parks in Iskandar Malaysia may not be that appealing to Indians, who are more familiar with Universal Studios Singapore.

"There's hardly been any promotions in India for Legoland, Sanrio Hello Kitty Town and The Little Big Club," he said.

"Secondly, the parks in Iskandar are aimed at young children, whereas Universal Studios Singapore caters to all ages. From a business perspective, it makes more sense for us to bring clients just to Universal Studios when they visit Singapore."

Leo Chan, Marketing Manager at Charlotte Travel, also opined that tourists from Hong Kong may see little sense in visiting Johor unless "they were die-hard Hello Kitty or Lego fans".

"When Hong Kong tourists visit Singapore, they stay for only four days. They do not want to visit more than one theme park (besides Universal Studios) during that time, especially if they have to travel out of Singapore. However, they might hop over to Johor on subsequent trips," he noted.

Dennis Law, Managing Director at Star Holiday Mart (Singapore), is also doubtful whether Iskandar theme parks can attract visitors from outside Malaysia and Singapore, claiming that there are not enough tourism infrastructures in the region.

He added that cost is another factor to consider, but if the theme parks "band together to develop value-for-money packages, they might just be able to draw visitors from Singapore and other parts of Malaysia."

Johor Bahru A Draw on Singapore Expat

Expatriates from Singapore are attracted by bigger and cheaper homes in Johor while Malaysians struggle to find affordable housing, reported The Straits Times.

Singapore expats lured to buy homes in the state are spurred by the new lifestyle offerings and the number of infrastructure projects in Johor as well as the strong strength of the Singapore dollar against the Malaysian ringgit.

Since the Iskandar Malaysia economic zone was set up in 1996, the number of foreign buyers of housing projects in the region has steadily moved upwards. Some of these projects include Ledang heights, Leisure Farm Resort and Horizon Hills.

UEM Land said that about half of the units of their housing projects in Nusajaya are sold to foreigners. Prices of units range between RM2 million and RM7 million while monthly rents inched up between RM8,000 and RM20,000.

Such prices are significantly lower compared with those in Singapore, plus the completion of several infrastructure improvements attracts people as well.

"With projects such as Marlborough College, Legoland, Pinewood Studios, and hospitals and universities completed or nearing completion, there is not the same level of risk associated with investing," said David Bochsler, Director of Sales and Marketing at Exhale, who also lives in Johor but works in Singapore.