Economic Overview Investments

RHB Islamic opens centre in Kuching Key statistics Latest release Previous rate Zhulian to set up third factory in… Quarterly GDP growth 5.7%(4Q2006) 5.8% (3Q2006) TNB unit opens new plant GUH widening earning base Annual GDP growth 5.9% (2006) 5.3% (2005) Miyazu to invest RM100 mil Consumer Price Index (CPI) 1.5% (Mar-07) 3.1% (Feb-07) HG Metal to build plant in Nusajaya Pioneer Bio plans refineries worth… Industrial Production Index (IPI) 135.2 (Mar-07) 124.4 (Feb-07) Air Asia opens second sales… Base Lending Rate (BLR) 6.72% (Apr-07) 6.72% (Mar-07) Birkart sets up branch in OCBC eyes more outlets Exchange rate: RM to US dollar RM3.4230 (30/04) RM3.4560 (30/03)

Source: Department of Statistics Malaysia & Bank Negara Malaysia

The price of steel bars and billets has been raised by some 20% to curb Retail’s corner black market activities and ensure sufficient supply locally, a government Carrefour plans three more outlets… minister said. Hektar plans to boost asset size Brand on display The Ministry of Domestic and Consumer Affairs imposed ceiling prices for OSIM opens largest flagship store in… steel bars between RM1,630 and RM1,650 per tonne, as for cement, from For uniforms and camping gear December 1, 2006, it is sold at maximum prices ranging between RM217 Big plans for Hektar REIT and RM233 per tonne. , Bigger retail space, new… Aeon weighing REIT option Rising construction costs are expected to drive up the prices of houses this I-Bhd targets RM40mil rental income… year. The increasing prices of building materials like bricks, concrete and Plaza Merdeka to be Kuching’s new… steel could raise the cost of building a house by 20%. Win win for Wintip and Parkson Malaysia’s inflation will continue on the downtrend, within average of 2% to 2.5%, Bank Negara's governor Tan Sri Zeti Akhtar Aziz siad yesterday. The rise of the construction cost is not expected to increase the inflation significantly, as the construction cost forms a small weightage in the Know your neighbourhood computation of Consumer Price Index (CPI), which is used to measure the country’s inflation. Downpour results in flash floods in… Hawker centre idea no longer feasible Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) has left the Overnight Policy Rate (OPR)  landslide evacuees return… stay at 3.50%, saying the key interest rate level was consistent with the low Residents want sound barrier and stable inflation sustainable economic growth Residents irked by patchwork road… Flat owners in a dilemma The ringgit is likely to strengthen to about RM3.35 against the US dollar by Sg Buloh plot not good for cemetery year-end should Bank Negara ease the offshore trading of the local New Muslim cemetery meets an… currency later this year. A report by Malaysian Institute of Economic Three projects cause 'great' damage Research (Mier) said with sound economic fundamentals in addition to Collapsed wall site a hazard to… pent-up demand for the ringgit, the currency was expected to appreciate Flat residents have had enough further. Market now a white elephant Subang Ria Park only green lung in… Rest of land won’t… Malaysian Institute of Economic Research (Mier) has revised upward its forecast of the country's gross domestic product (GDP) to 5.6% this year, from 5.2% previously. The Government had projected this year's GDP growth at 6%, up from 5.9% last year.

JS Values Research & Consultancy Sdn Bhd 1 of 14 pages The Industrial Production Index (IPI) for March 2007 was down 2.7% to Know your neighbourhood 135.2 as compared with 139.0 reported in the corresponding month of 2006. The decrease was due to the lower indices in the Mining and No plan to develop Subang Ria Park Works go on to put an end to flood… Manufacturing sectors. The IPI for current month was up 8.7% compared Flash floods force evacuation to the previous month (124.4). The increase was due to the expansion in Flash floods hit Bukit Mertajam and… the indices of all the sectors; Electricity by 16.9%, Mining by 9.9% and Compesation proposal for house… Manufacturing by 7.6%. Rubbish in rivers force water… 180 in Taman Suria get CFs after… Direct investments is expected to increase by 7.7% this year, with 40% of it Best Garden prize for Kota Warisan involving foreign direct investments, International Trade and Industry Landfill in Batang Berjuntai closed… Ministry parliamentary secretary Datin Paduka Tan Yee Kew said. She said New bus stop built after requests made 1,077 manufacturing projects worth RM46bil were approved last year, Treatment plants hard hit by rubbish compared to RM31 billion involving 1,027 projects in 2005. She said Three projects to solve flood problems foreign investments had increased from RM17.8 billion in 2005 to RM20.2 Resurfacing done at Kampung Kong… billion last year. Among the major countries which had invested in Malaysia from 2005 to 2006 were Japan with RM8.1bil in investments, the United States (RM7.6 billion), the Netherlands (RM7.6 billion), Singapore (RM4.9 billion) and Australia (RM2.7 billion).

The year-on-year slide in exports for February cannot be attributed to the strengthening ringgit, said Second Finance Minister Tan Sri Nor Mohamed Yakcop. Nor Mohamed was reiterating economists’ view that the weakening in exports was due partly to shorter working days during the month and a decrease in overseas purchase of items such as electrical and electronic products, transport equipment as well as petroleum products.

JS Values Research & Consultancy Sdn Bhd 2 of 14 pages INVESTMENTS Top RHB Islamic opens centre in Kuching

RHB Islamic Bank has opened a marketing centre at Jalan Satok to serve as a dedicated motor business, consumer and commercial banking outlet. Chairman Datuk Vaseehar Hassan Abdul Razack said the centre was set up in response to the rapid increase in demand for its products and services from both retail and business banking customers. Vaseehar said RHB Islamic was on the lookout for more strategic locations to expand its distribution network. Since starting a full- fledged Islamic bank a year ago, a RHB Centre has been set up in Jalan Tun Razak () and marketing centres have opened in Kota Bharu, Kuala , Jalan Masjid India (Kuala Lumpur) and in . RHB Islamic has also opened a motor business centre in Cheras. "RHB Islamic’s products and services are also available at the 183 RHB Bank branches nationwide. Twenty-three of these branches are located in and seven in Sabah," said Vaseehar. (The Star-4 April 2007)

Top Zhulian to set up third factory in Penang

Zhulian Corp Bhd will use RM24 million of the RM32.4 million raised from its rights issue to finance the construction of its third factory in Bayan Lepas, Penang. Another RM3 million would be used to pay listing fees and advertising expenses, and the balance to buy machinery and as working capital. (The Star-4 April 2007)

Top TNB unit opens new plant

Tenaga Switchgear Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB), is confident of posting revenue of RM80mil for the current year ending Aug 31 compared with RM65mil last year, according to chief executive officer Mohammad Noor Mohd Sidin. "We should be able to achieve our target based on the firm orders in hand. We are already half-way now," he said. Speaking to reporters after the official opening of its office and factory in Kota Damansara by International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Rafidah Aziz yesterday, Mohammad Noor said that with the new factory, the company would be able to produce higher quality products at competitive prices for the local and international markets.

(The Star-6 April 2007)

Top GUH widening earning base

GUH Holdings Bhd, which has recently returned to the black, is making plans to diversify its earning base and increase its share in the printed circuit board (PCB) market. Managing director Datuk Kenneth H'ng told StarBiz that the group planned to move into the oil palm plantation business as part of its diversification plan. "We have started a small-scale oil palm plantation in Sungai Petani, , and will continue to explore further investment opportunities to increase our plantation land bank," he said. On its property business segment, H'ng said the group had recently sold off 12 acres to hypermarket giant Tesco for RM22.2 million. The land is located at the centre of GUH's Taman Bukit Kepayang project in Seremban. "Tesco's new hypermarket, to be completed in 18 months, should attract more house buyers and investors to our project and the surrounding neighbourhood. "Therefore, we expect, our property segment to contribute more to group revenue in the near future. Right now, the contribution from the property segment is about 5%," he said. The Taman Bukit Kepayang housing scheme, launched in 1994, is located on a 510-acre site. To date, the group has developed and sold over 1,300 units of landed and commercial properties in Taman Bukit Kepayang in Seremban. "We have so far developed 260 acres. We expect to complete the development of Taman Bukit Kepayang by the year 2012," he said.

(The Star-9 April 2007)

JS Values Research & Consultancy Sdn Bhd 3 of 14 pages Top Miyazu Malaysia to invest RM100 million

Miyazu Malaysia Sdn Bhd expects to invest about RM100 million over the next few years as it gears up for future growth in the tooling industry. The company has made an initial investment of RM30 million in its new plant here, which was formally launched by Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamad Tajol Rosli Ghazali on Saturday. Miyazu Malaysia is a collaboration between Proton Holdings Bhd, Miyazu Seisakusho (Japan) and Sojitz Corp. (The Star-9 April 2007)

Top HG Metal to build plant in Nusajaya

Singapore-based HG Metal Manufacturing Ltd plans to build a manufacturing plant with warehousing facilities in Johor. Chief operating officer Wee Piew said the building would be located in the Nusajaya Industrial Park (NIP), which is part of Nusajaya integrated development. HG Metal bought from UEM Land Sdn Bhd five plots of industrial land totaling 10.6ha in the NIP for RM23.948 million. (The Star-10 April 2007)

Top Pioneer Bio plans refineries worth RM15 billion

Pioneer Bio Industries Corp Sdn Bhd (PBIC), Malaysia’s first Nipah or mangrove palm-based ethanol producer, plans to set up 15 refineries nationwide costing about RM15bil within the next five years given the increasing global demand for the commodity. The group’s maiden ethanol refinery in Trong near Taiping, Perak is slated for operation by end-2008. Chairman Md Badrul Shah Mohd Noor said PBIC would also look at setting up a terminal and port to facilitate the export of ethanol worldwide. "We plan to locate the port close to PBIC’s proposed RM30bil Biotech City," he added. Badrul said the Government was expected to announce the actual location of Biotech City and its components this year. PBIC is a subsidiary of Pioneer Vaccination Biotech Corp Sdn Bhd, which has been in the biotechnology business since 2003.

(The Star-11 April 2007)

Top Air Asia opens second Penang sales office

Budget carrier AirAsia Bhd opened another sales office in Penang yesterday, the first in country and the region to adopt a new concept - the ceiling representing airport runway n windows similar to that found in this aircraft. This is airlines second sales office in the island state. The first is located at the Penang International Airport in Bayan Lepas

(New Straits Times-14 April 2007)

Top Birkart sets up branch in Johor

International logistics firm Birkart Globistics has opened an air and ocean branch in Johor Bharu, making it the fourth branch in Malaysia. The company established its presence in the country in 1977. Apart form Johor Bharu, Birkart also opened a branch in Cebu City, this Philippines. (New Straits Times-23 April 2007)

JS Values Research & Consultancy Sdn Bhd 4 of 14 pages Top OCBC eyes more outlets

OCBC Bank (M) Bhd wants to increase the number of its branches nationwide, especially in rural areas, "if the opportunity arises." OCBC Bank to date has 28 branches, including its latest branch in , which will begin operations by end-July. In May last year, it received the licence to operate four new branches. (The Star-26 April 2007)

RETAIL’S CORNER Top Carrefour plans three more outlets this year

Carrefour Malaysia and Singapore managing director Shafie Shamsuddin said the hypermarket planned to add three outlets to its existing chain of 10 this year. "We could be having one new outlet in , one in and one in USJ in . The three stores would take up an investment of RM120 million," he said. (The Star-2 April 2007)

Top Hektar plans to boost asset size

Hektar Real Esate Investment Trust (REIT), a property trust of retail malls, plans to boost its asset size to RM1.5 billion in three years by riding on the management's strength in identifying potential shopping centres early and its ability to turnaround the assets. The trust owns two assets - the 19-year-old Subang Parade in and 12-year-old Mahkota Parade in Malacca worth a combined RM523 million. (New Straits Times-5 April 2007)

Top Brand on display

Nando’s Chickenland Malaysia Sdn Bhd plans to have four new outlets by the end of this year, two on Seberang Prai and two in Kuala Lumpur. Out of 23 outlets in Malaysia, 17 of them are in the with the most profitable outlets in KLCC and Mid Valley Mega Mall. Mac says the chain will be opening outlets in shophouses to give prominence and visibility to the brand. Besides having outlets in Malacca and on Penang island, there are also plans to have outlets in Ipoh and Johor next year. That will pave the way to head south towards Singapore by late-2008 or early-2009 as it has rights to that market. Despite the depth and breadth of variety in Malaysia - from hawker to fast food to above-average dine-ins in malls and hotels - Nando has been having a good run since it opened nine years ago in in 1998.

(The Star-7 April 2007)

Top OSIM opens largest flagship store in Ipoh

OSIM (M) Sdn Bhd has opened its largest flagship store in Ipoh Parade, Perak. The 3,714 sq ft store is its 130th retail outlet in the country. The company said it was able to expand market share and visibility by capitalising on its strong market recognition and successful penetration into the healthy lifestyle market. OSIM was voted Malaysia’s No. 1 healthy lifestyle products brand by consumers in Nielsen’s 2006 Primary Grocery Shoppers Survey. (The Star-18 April 2007)

JS Values Research & Consultancy Sdn Bhd 5 of 14 pages Top For uniforms and camping gear

Shopping for uniforms and items for co-curricular activities can be a fun affair at outlets like the Camps & Apparels Outpost. The new concept boutique has a cool and funky interior. The outlet specialises in co-curriculum uniforms and equipment, camping gear and school uniforms. Camps & Apparels Corp Sdn Bhd franchise manager Colin Lye said the boutique boasts a first-of-its-kind interior design concept for co-curriculum uniforms and camping gear with contemporary ambience and furnishing that is in line with its target market of fashion-conscious youths. Outpost, which was founded as a small shop some 30 years ago in Klang, now has 20 outlets nationwide. Many of the outlets are still operating under the old name ''Camps & Apparels''. Only five have so far been re-branded as ''Outpost''. Outpost is located on the second floor of 1Utama Shopping Centre (old wing courtyard). (The Star-21 April 2007)

Top Parkson, bigger retail space, new outlets in store

Department store operator Parkson Corp Sdn Bhd will have an additional 934,000 sq ft of retail space by 2009 as it opens six new stores and expands two of its existing outlets. Parkson now has a total 33 outlets nationwide with a total retail area measuring 2.6 million sq ft. The Lion Group's retail arm last opening was in October of 2005 in Alamanda, Putrajaya. This year will see retailer opening at Sunway Carnival, Prai; the Pavilion, Kuala Lumpur; Kota Bahru Trade Centre (KBTC), ; and Spring in Kuching, Sarawak. Parkson Pavillion's opening this September will be its largest retail outlet at 242,000 sq ft, twice the size of Parkson KLCC. Outlet in Sunway Pyramid is being relocated and will have an additional 20,000 sq ft. in end-2008, Parkson have confirmed to relocate Miri outlet to bigger premises at the new wing of Bintang Plaza. The new area is more than twice the existing size. The new outlet will have an area measuring 146,000 sq ft. in 2009, Parkson will be the anchor tenant at KK Times Square occupying some 140,000 sq ft of space. That year will also see Parkson make it maiden move into shopping complex management. It will manage a one million sq ft shopping complex on Jalan Genting Klang and run a 140,000 sq ft Parkson outlet there. (New Straits Times-24 April 2007)

Top Big plans for Hektar REIT

Hektar REIT, the first pure-play retail mall trust in Malaysia, aims to be a key long-term player in the local retail property sector. Hektar Asset Management Sdn Bhd chief executive officer Datuk Jaafar Abdul Hamid said the prospects for retail in Malaysia were enormous. "Even with the one million sq ft worth over RM500mil under Hektar REIT's management in Subang Parade, Selangor, and Mahkota Parade, Malacca, we don't control more than 1% of the entire retail space in Malaysia," he told StarBiz yesterday. Hektar Asset is the manager of Hektar REIT. It has been entrusted to identify and acquire shopping malls to be injected into the REIT. Jaafar said the acquisition of retail properties in strategic locations, which are injected into the trust, was the fastest way for the REIT to grow. Currently, there are about 200 shopping malls nationwide. (The Star-24 April 2007)

JS Values Research & Consultancy Sdn Bhd 6 of 14 pages Top I-Bhd targets RM40 million rental income from I-City

I-Bhd expects to rake in RM40 million in annual rental income from its proposed RM400 million shopping centre in i-City in . Chairman Datuk Lim Kim Hong said the 280 shop lots and other anchor space would be for lease only. The shopping centre that has yet to be named will have total net lettable area of a million sq ft (inclusive of the City Walk pedestrian mall). Work is expected to begin by year-end and scheduled for completion in 2010. Regroup Associates Sdn Bhd managing director Allan Soo, who is the shopping centre's retail consultant, said the centre would be the “next generation of super malls” with broadband connectivity, a centre for ICT retailing, and a unique acre-sized pond in an open-air central atrium. It will consist of 3½ levels, two department stores, 10 major anchors, 2,500 car parking bays and will be integrated with City Walk and a four-star hotel. The projected RM40mil annual rental income from the i-City shopping centre, he said, was an "achievable and a conservative estimate." (The Star-25 April 2007)

Top Aeon weighing REIT option

Retailer Aeon Co (M) Bhd plans to set up a real estate investment trust (REIT), said Chairman Datuk Abdullah Mohd Yusof. Aeon, which operates the Jusco chain, has a total of seven shopping complexes with an estimated book value of RM455.88 million. "Given the size of the properties that we have, I think we have to look at it seriously and consider the pros and cons before setting up a REIT. The seven properties merit some attention," Abdullah told reporters yesterday after the annual general meeting. (New Straits Times-25 April 2007)

Top Plaza Merdeka to be Kuching’s new landmark

Times Metropolitan Sdn Bhd is developing a proposed RM270 million Plaza Merdeka project in the heart of Kuching. An integrated shopping mall and a 290-room boutique business hotel development, the project is part of a revitalisation programme for the city’s landmark historic . Standing on the project site now is an abandoned row of dilapidated shophouses, a multi-million ringgit commercial complex called The Chambers, which was never occupied, and the vacant Treasury Building. Times Metropolitan managing director Steve Ng said The Chambers and former Treasury Building would be demolished to make way for Plaza Merdeka, which is expected to be ready in mid-2010. The shopping mall would have a built-up area of 820,000 sq ft and a net lettable area of 340,000 sq ft. Some 820 underground parking lots will be provided. The developer will retain ownership of some 80% of the net lettable space and sell the balance to retailers and investors. The distinctive feature of the mall will be its huge 9,000-sq ft four-storey garden podium for promotions and exhibitions. There will be a department store, supermarket, coffeeshops as well as a food court. The eight-storey international standard hotel would sit on the shopping mall. The hotel will feature designer interiors with state- of-the-art connectivity for business and tourist travellers. Plaza Merdeka is designed by leading Filipino architect Yolanda David. An underground tunnel, costing about RM4 million, would be built to link Plaza Merdeka with Jalan Gambier where the existing Kuching Waterfront would be extended. The modern and state-of-the-art shopping mall and hotel development within a classical building facade will add life and vibrancy to the city’s historical district. (The Star-27 April 2007)

Top Win win for Wintip and Parkson

Retail giant Parkson Corp Sdn Bhd will lease three levels of a-soon-to be built shopping centre in , Kuala Lumpur. Wintip Sdn Bhd, a whole-owned subsidiary of Fitters Holding Bhd, will build the centre on 370,260 sq ft of leasehold land which is bought for RM 100 psf. (New Straits Times-28 April 2007)

JS Values Research & Consultancy Sdn Bhd 7 of 14 pages KNOW YOUR NEIGHBOURHOOD

Top Downpour results in flash floods in Shah Alam

Heavy rain yesterday morning resulted in flash floods in parts of Shah Alam with being among the worst hit. Part of the New Klang Valley Expressway (NKVE) stretch near the interchange was closed to traffic for two hours from noon as the water level had reached about 0.5m high. Other roads that were not passable to traffic for several hours included Persiaran Jubli Perak and Jalan Kampung Kebun Bunga, both located at Batu Tiga near the Central Sugar Refinery. (The Star-2 April 2007)

Top Hawker centre idea no longer feasible

A stop-work order was issued by Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) recently on work to build a hawker centre near Jalan Awan Besar in Taman OUG, Jalan Kelang Lama. The work was being carried out on land belonging to the Land Office. Many felt the land could be put to better use such as turning it into a parking lot as the area was a busy one and was frequently congested. (The Star-2 April 2007)

Top Putrajaya landslide evacuees return home

The 1,200 residents who were evacuated from three 15-storey apartment blocks in the Phase 11 Apartments in Precinct 9, Putrajaya following a landslide on March 22 have moved back to their respective apartments. Their temporary shelter had been the vacant government quarters in Precinct 14, Putrajaya. The landslide occurred when part of the slope at Taman Rimba Desahill collapsed just behind Block G, damaging 23 cars which were parked behind the block. Putrajaya Holdings and Putrajaya Corporation organised the move back after the Public Works Institute (Ikram) certified the units safe for the residents. (The Star-2 April 2007)

Top Residents want sound barrier

Residents along Jalan 16/2 are upset that the City Council (MBPJ) has ignored their call to release the Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) study on the Jalan Universiti flyover. The residents, whose homes have been there for more than 30 years, had requested for a sound barrier for both SMK Sultan Abdul Samad and their homes because the flyover would cause traffic volume to increase. (The Star-2 April 2007)

Top Residents irked by patchwork road repairs

Shoddy workmanship! That's what residents in Taman OUG, and Kuchai Entrepreneurs Park in Jalan Kelang Lama are saying about the 'patchwork’ done by Kuala Lumpur City Hall to their roads in their neighbourhood recently. Almost every main road in the area is not only ridden with potholes but is sinking! Resident of Taman OUG Gary Chong said there had been too many accidents due to poor road conditions and the damage it was doing to the vehicles was another matter to consider. (The Star-3 April 2007)

JS Values Research & Consultancy Sdn Bhd 8 of 14 pages Top Flat owners in a dilemma

After 30 years, the residents of Marble Jade Mansion in Jalan Berhala, , Kuala Lumpur are fearful for their ownership rights on the flats they thought they owned all this while. They bought their units for RM15,000 each after reading an advertisement in China Press in 1963, which clearly stated that it was freehold property. However, once the agreement was ready for signing there was a clause stating that the flat will be leased for 30 years, after which the residents would be allowed to extend their lease for a further 30 years, which some have done. Some residents refused to sign the agreement even though they paid the money for the flat. Now, after 40 years, the owner has issued letters to the flat owners telling them to vacate as he is selling the property to a Singaporean company for RM4mil, cheaper than the market price. (The Star-4 April 2007)

Top Sg Buloh plot not good for cemetery

The rocky nature of a gazetted Muslim burial plot in Sg Buloh has resulted in another site in Section 8, Kota Damansara, being considered for the purpose. Kota Damansara assemblyman Datuk Mokhtar Ahmad Dahalan said soil studies revealed that the earmarked land was made up of 90% rock which made it unsuitable for burials. (The Star-4 April 2007)

Top New Muslim cemetery meets an urgent need

The new Muslim cemetery in Kota Damansara is for all Muslims in Petaling Jaya, not only those staying in Kota Damansara, said Petaling District Kadi Mohd Nawi Abu Bakar. The cemetery, which is now open, would also serve residents throughout Petaling Jaya, including those in Section 17, Kampung Baiduri, Kampung Tunku, and those residing in the Damansara area. Mohd Nawi said the opening of the new cemetery was much anticipated by the religious authority as well. (The Star-7 April 2007)

Top Three projects cause 'great' damage

Six land development project in highlands have polluted rivers in the area, with one of them deemed to have "very greatly" to the problem. A Kelantan Department of Environment (DOE) report submitted to the stat government last week also said two of the projects contributed "greatly" while pollution caused by the other three were consider "not critical".

(New Straits Times-7 April 2007)

Top Collapsed wall site a hazard to students

Works on the monsoon drain in Kampung Baru Batu 14 have stopped. The RM1.7 million drain-widening project ground to a halt when part of a wall within the SK Batu 14 Puchong compound collapsed. Part of the fencing also came down and damaged a portion of the drain under construction along the main road. No one was hurt in the incident that occurred last month. (The Star-10 April 2007)

JS Values Research & Consultancy Sdn Bhd 9 of 14 pages Top Market now a white elephant

What was to have been a beautiful market for Taman Alam Megah residents in Shah Alam has become a white elephant within a year of being handed over to traders. The Shah Alam City Council (MBSA) spent RM2.5 million to build the facility with the aim of providing a permanent place for traders who were trading indiscriminately and awarded the trading lots to them in May last year. The complex, which has been divided into several sections including wet and dry, sundry and others, is now left with only three traders. Apparently, things were going well in the beginning before the most of the traders and the public deserted the market after less than six months. There is a strong possibility that these remaining few traders will be also vacate their lots soon unless the city council comes up with a quick solution to fix the problem.

(The Star-11 April 2007)

Top Subang Ria Park only green lung in Subang Jaya now

Subang Jaya residents are fuming as the only remaining green lung in Subang Jaya at the Subang Ria Park may become a concrete jungle soon. They claim plans are afoot to build high-rise condominiums, offices and a car park at the site. Measuring 32ha, the park, behind the Subang Jaya Medical Centre (SJMC) and Sheraton Su-bang Hotel, stretches to the Crocodile Farm Restaurant next to Holiday Villa Subang. For years residents have been campaigning for the park to be gazetted as a green lung and save whatever is left of the area after a portion was turned into a paintball park, a go-kart circuit and a futsal centre. Residents claim that felled trees were left to rot in one part of the park. They also claim that the developer had not handed over the park to the Subang Jaya Municipal Council (MPSJ) as requested by the residents.

(The Star-11 April 2007)

Top Flat residents have had enough

Residents of PPR Pudu Ulu in Kuala Lumpur are facing a load of problems from spoilt elevators to potholes and they have sought the help of Cheras MCA service centre chairman Dr Jeffrey Goh. The 948-unit low-cost flat comprises three blocks and is governed by the City Hall Housing Management Department. "The lifts are not working, there are potholes in the common area, and the drains behind the flats are clogged, allowing mosquitoes to breed," resident Yap Tin Yew said.

(The Star-11 April 2007)

Top Rest of Kota Damansara land won’t be developed, says Khir

Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Mohamad Khir Toyo has assured Kota Damansara folk that no portion of the former Community Forest Park would be used for development. Dr Khir said that although only 22ha of the land was currently set aside for a cemetery, the remaining 36ha would be left for use only as a burial ground. (The Star-12 April 2007)

Top No plan to develop Subang Ria Park

Subang Jaya residents have been assured that the authorities have not approved any plan for development at Subang Ria Park as claimed by some. Except for turning a small plot of land into a permanent public car park, Subang Jaya assemblyman Datuk Lee Hwa Beng said, there would be no other development on the 79ha urban park.

(The Star-13 April 2007)

JS Values Research & Consultancy Sdn Bhd 10 of 14 pages Top Works go on to put an end to flood woes

Steps are being taken to solve flood woes faced by business owners of Kinrara Business Centre Section 3 in Puchong. The Subang Jaya Municipal Council (MPSJ) is carrying out resolution works following the latest flash flood that hit the business centre on April 2. Water rose to about a metre during the 6pm incident - the fourth occurrence in the area over a period of one year. During heavy downpours, water is said to gush down to the business centre from older neighbourhoods of Taman Bukit Kuchai and Pak Siong Industrial Park, which sit on a higher ground level. MPSJ is construction a new drain along Jalan Puchong, measuring about three feet wide on a length of 250m to help drain off water to the nearby monsoon drain that is about 20 to 30 feet wide. The second solution is the construction of a retaining wall of about two feet high to prevent water from invading the business centre's compound. This is carried out concurrently with the first. While the first two defences are being strengthened, for the purpose of a third defence, the shops' existing roadside drain covers would also be opened up. (The Star-16 April 2007)

Top Flash floods force evacuation

A downpour which lasted several hours early yesterday caused flash floods in several areas on the mainland side of Penang. Mengkuang Titi was worst hit, forcing the evacuation of 15 families to the village community hall when Sungai Mengkuang overflowed its bank. In Seberang Perai, some 1,500 residents of eight villages had to endure yet another flash flood, the fifth this year. The affected areas were Kampung Permatang Rawa, Kampung Permatang Batu, Kampung Setol, Kampung Pertama, Kampung Belah Dua, Kampung Besar, Kampung Padang Lalang, Kampung Jalan Baru. In Prai, more than 160 pupils of SK St Mark were exempted from attending classes when the school was flooded.

(New Straits Times-17 April 2007)

Top Flash floods hit Bukit Mertajam and Klang Valley

Cars were smashed and children skipped school as floods hit parts of the Klang Valley and Bukit Mertajam. The lashing rain came with lightning and thunderstorm at about 2.30pm flooding several main roads, including Jalan Duta, Jalan Raja Chulan, Jalan Sultan Ismail, Jalan Ampang, and in Petaling Jaya. The downpour caused a massive traffic jam all over Kuala Lumpur including the East West Link and Federal Highway. In Bukit Mertajam, 160 pupils of SRK St Mark in Prai were sent home when floodwaters starting rising in their school from 7.15am. Teachers were stationed at the school gate to advise parents to send the children home. In Mengkuang Titi, Prai, seven families staying near a river, were evacuated after floodwaters rose to chest level. (The Star-17 April 2007)

Top Compensation proposal for house owners

The Public Accounts Committee will recommend payment of RM80 million in compensation 188 house owners at Bandar Baru affected by the construction of the Kuala Lumpur-Putrajaya Highway. (New Straits Times-19 April 2007)

JS Values Research & Consultancy Sdn Bhd 11 of 14 pages Top Rubbish in rivers force water treatment plants to shut down temporarily

Water treatment plants are being forced to temporarily shut down, up to 18 times a year, as a result of effluents and rubbish being dumped into rivers. Puncak Niaga Sdn Bhd (PNSB) managing director Datuk Mat Lasa Hitam said the company's shut down of several water treatment plants last year resulted in a total water production loss of 30,000 cubic metres. PNSB operates 33 water treatment plants in Selangor, Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya, four of which are operated by water concessionaires Konsortium Abass Sdn Bhd and Splash Sdn Bhd. (The Star-19 April 2007)

Top Landfill in Batang Berjuntai closed from this month onwards

Residents living near the Kubang Badak open landfill in Batang Berjuntai have a reason to smile now as the site has been closed permanently from this month. Residents, especially those staying within a 1km radius of the landfill, have been suffering from the un-bearable stench of rotting household garbage for the past decade. The smell is worse at night as the wind shifts towards the town with a population of about 10,000 residents. State executive councilor Datuk Ch’ng Toh Eng landfill operations actually ceased on April 1 and works to rehabilitate the site would begin soon. "The rehabilitation works are expected to take five years," he said. He also urged residents to stop speculating that the closure was only temporary as the decision had been made to shut it down. He added that it was the state's policy to prohibit any form of development on land that had been used as a landfill. (The Star-23 April 2007)

Top 180 in Taman Suria get CFs after 15-year wait

About 1,000 residents of Taman Suria here received their certificate of fitness (CF) for the 180 houses in the estate after waiting for 15 years. MIC president Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu also announced that the flood problems faced by the residents in the housing estate the past five years were also being tackled with the expansion and deepening of the drain near the area. (The Star-23 April 2007)

Top Best Garden prize for Kota Warisan

The untiring efforts of Kota Warisan residents in keeping the housing area clean and tidy did not go unnoticed. It garnered them the Best Garden 2006 award under the Housing Area Pioneer Project Grade System from the Municipal Council. The criteria for selection were landscaping, good street lighting and drainage plus an active residents’ association. The four-year-old township is located near the KL International Airport and . It lies within walking distance of the Bandar Baru Express Rail Link (ERL) Station. (The Star-23 April 2007)

Top New bus stop built after requests made

Residents living near Jalan Hujan Emas 4 would soon enjoy a new and proper bus stop. Work on the new bus stop began recently after residents made several requests to Federal Territory MCA public service bureau deputy chairman Banie Chin. (The Star-23 April 2007)

JS Values Research & Consultancy Sdn Bhd 12 of 14 pages Top Treatment plants hard hit by rubbish

Water treatment plants are being forced to shut down up to 18 times in a year due to effluent and rubbish being dumped into rivers. Puncak Niaga Sdn Bhd (PNSB) managing director Datuk Mat Lasa Hitam said the shutdown of several of the company’s water treatment plants last year resulted in a total water production loss of 30,000 cubic metres. PNSB operates 33 water treatment plants in Selangor, Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya, four of which are operated by water concessionaires Konsortium Abass Sdn Bhd and Splash Sdn Bhd. (The Star-23 April 2007)

Top Three projects to solve flood problems

Three major projects have been proposed to alleviate flash flood problems at one of Puchong's lowest spots - Puchong Road Garden. Two projects will be undertaken by the Subang Jaya Municipal Council (MPSJ) and the third to be carried out by developer Nurani Gemilang Sdn Bhd. Kinrara assemblyman Dr Kow Cheong Wei said the works would involve widening the existing drains and replacing the existing culverts. The first project by MPSJ, he said, will cost some RM400,000 to widen the 170m-long monsoon drain from Taman Kinrara (TK) 1/13 to the Klang River to enable water to flow out. The second project will cost some RM200,000, to help prevent overflow of water back into the residential area. The developer, meanwhile, will carry out construction of a RM200,000 pipe culvert, measuring 900mm in diameter, that will connect the border of TK Section 2 to Puchong Road Garden. (The Star-25 April 2007)

Top Clogged drains a bane to residents

Foul water and rubbish discharged from hawker stalls along Jalan Air Bukit has made life uneasy for the residents at Jalan Dedalu, off Jalan Ampang, Kuala Lumpur. The five hawkers operating there have been discharging waste into the residential drains, which have become clogged and are now a breeding ground for aedes mosquitoes. A resident, he said had filed a complaint to the local authorities two years ago. (The Star-25 April 2007)

Top Resurfacing done at Kampung Kong Chian

Residents of Kampung Kong Chian (formerly Kampung Lee Rubber) don’t have to put up with potholes and bad roads anymore as roads in the entire village were recently resurfaced. MP Yew Teong Look said the narrow roads in the village had not been upgraded for more than 10-years. A stretch of the drains in the village was recently upgraded but we are planning to upgrade drains in the entire village so that water can flow freely and there is no incidence of stagnant water. Yew said resurfacing works of roads had been carried out at Kampung Sungai Mulia, Kampung Puah and . (The Star-30 April 2007)

JS Values Research & Consultancy Sdn Bhd 13 of 14 pages The information contained herein is available to the public and have been derived from sources which we believe to be reliable. This publication is on the basis that the information made available to us is accurate and complete. However, we cannot guarantee its accuracy or completeness. JS Valuers Group accepts no responsibility if this should prove otherwise. No liability can be accepted for any loss arising from the use of this publication.

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