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EP5 NEWS EP9 FENG SHUI EP10 HOME IDEAS ‘Brave’ river barrier city design Six tips for sussing out an More than meets the eye wins architectural award apartment’s interior feng shui VINTAGE GOLD First developed in the 1970s, Taman Desa remains one of the most popular residential suburbs in Check out a video for both homeowners and developers. of this hot spot at www. theedgeproperty.com Its appeal lies in its location and connectivity to the and see current listings city centre and other areas in the Klang Valley. for this area on Market Watch EP8. See story on ep6.

MOHD IZWAN MOHD NAZAM/THE EDGE PROPERTY + FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 11, 2015 • DIGITALEDGE DAILY EP2 PROPERTY | NEWS

ON NEWS ROUNDUP Go to theedgeproperty.com for more listings

at www.theedgeproperty.com USM, CIDB to promote Media Shoppe Bhd (TMS) is ventur- tion and facilities management. sustainable infrastructure ing into the construction and prop- He said the BIM system is used developments erty development segments with widely internationally and has been Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) the development of a 12.14ha land proven to have zero rework and and the Construction Industry parcel in Kemaman, Terengganu. variation orders, or amendments Development Board (CIDB) will TMS, via its wholly owned sub- to the original scope of work, as join forces to strengthen public sidiary Exonion Sdn Bhd (ESB), has stipulated in a building contract. awareness of sustainable infra- entered into a managing contract In Malaysia, only about 5% to Any plans structure development. Rehda expects RM300 mil agreement worth RM192 million 10% of construction fi rms use the for overseas A memorandum of under- sales from fi nal part of Mapex with Johor-based developer Total BIM model. One of the factors for property buys standing (MOU) will be signed Th e Real Estate and Housing De- Merit Sdn Bhd to build on the land. the low rate of adoption is cost. between both parties within the velopers’ Association Malaysia (Re- “Th e diversifi cation of the busi- this year? year to promote the idea of sus- hda) has a sales target of at least ness into the property development tainable infrastructure projects, RM300 million for the year’s third and construction industry is aimed said Dr Choong Kok Keong, or- and last Malaysia Property Expo at providing another source of in- ganising chairman of Awam In- (Mapex), which will be held from come for the company, which has ternational Conference on Civil Oct 30 to Nov 1. been dependent on the IT business. Engineering (eco-AICCE ’15) and Mapex is jointly organised by Re- With the additional stream of in- associate professor at Universiti hda Malaysia, Rehda Wilayah Perse- come, we strive to turnaround TMS Sains Malaysia. kutuan (KL) and Rehda Selangor. into a profi t-making company in the eco-AICCE ’15 is held in “Th ere is no larger property expo next few years,” said TMS executive conjunction with Internation- than Mapex, bringing together the director Datuk Low Lion Kian. Penang property market Taman Desa al Construction Week (ICW) nation’s developers both big and ESB has been appointed the man- expected to contribute 50% — growing old 2015, which kicked off on Sept small, to off er purchasers huge se- aging contractor of the mixed-use of E&O’s FY2016 sales target gracefully 7 and ends today at Putra World lections and quality developments development project, which will Eastern & Oriental Bhd expects the Trade Centre. ICW is an annual that suit their budgets. Mapex is or- comprise 43 units of 2-storey shop Penang property sector to contrib- event organised by CIDB and ganised to allow property players lots or offi ces, fi ve blocks of 12-storey ute 50% to its total annual sales of supported by the Ministry of to support the property industry apartments, an 11-storey block of between RM1 billion and RM1.5 Works. together,” said Rehda past president aff ordable apartments, and related billion from among its various pro- “The collaboration will see and Mapex organising committee infrastructure. Th e project is expect- jects nationwide. more activities being held to chairman, Datuk Ng Seing Liong. ed to be completed in 48 months. Its general manager for Penang promote the concept of infra- He was speaking at a press con- Christine Lau said this projection structure sustainability,” Choong ference on Mapex on Sept 9. CIDB aims to mandate use of is based on the group’s three-year told theedgeproperty.com af- Th e fi rst Mapex was held from 3D building plans by 2019 business target until 2016, as well ter his opening remarks at eco April 2 to 5, and the second from Th e Construction Industry Devel- as the roll-out of current launches, AICCE. July 31 to Aug 2. opment Board (CIDB) will com- and the maturity of projects. Choong said both organisa- Sales fi gures of both expos are pel construction fi rms to use 3D “Penang contributed 50% to E&O’s tions are looking at ways to es- still being compiled but they cur- building plans for any construction total revenue in FY2015, making it a tablish a checklist, or reference rently stand at RM108 million for work by 2019. major driver for the group,” she said. tool, to evaluate project devel- the fi rst Mapex and RM51 million CIDB presented a detailed poli- E&O’s unbilled sales in the state The Edge Markets Sdn Bhd (1104546M) opment sustainability. for the second. cy direction on the full implemen- stood at RM868 million as at March Level 3, Menara KLK, No 1 Jalan PJU 7/6, Choong said Malaysia has Rehda said the second Mapex tation of the building information 31, 2015. Mutiara Damansara, 47810 Petaling Jaya, a good vision of infrastructure had lower sales as the event had modelling (BIM) system at the She notes that the revenue pat- Selangor, Malaysia planning, but industry play- fewer visitors. launch of the Construction Indus- tern will evolve from year to year ers still lack awareness when it To date, 90% of 260 booths at try Transformation Programme as E&O nurtures its three other key comes to sustainable infrastruc- the third Mapex has been taken on Sept 10. growth engines in Kuala Lumpur, Publisher and Group CEO Ho Kay Tat ture development. up. Ng said that he expects more CIDB IT construction tech- Iskandar Malaysia, and the UK. Editorial He emphasised that govern- than 40,000 visitors at the event. nology division senior manager One of its next launches is Am- For News Tips/Press Releases ment enforcement has to be done Mohd Harris Mohd Ismail said aris, comprising 29 luxury terraced Tel: 03-7721 8219 Fax: 03-7721 8038 to ensure routine maintenance Software development the BIM system can reduce errors houses by the sea and 20 units of Email: [email protected] and conservation activities to company to develop fi rst and wastage with automated gen- linked villas, with a GDV of RM80 Senior Managing Editor Azam Aris prolong the lifespan of infra- property project eration of drawings and reports, million. Amaris is the first phase Contributing Editor Sharon Kam structure. Software development company Th e design analysis, schedule simula- of its Seri Tanjung Pinang project. Editor Rosalynn Poh Deputy Editors E Jacqui Chan, Wong King Wai Assistant Editor Lam Jian Wyn Senior Writer Racheal Lee Writers Zatil Husna Wan Fauzi, If you have any real estate-related events, email us at [email protected]. Chai Yee Hoong, Rachel Chew, Events listed here will also appear on theedgeproperty.com. Hannah Rafee, Tan Ai Leng, LAUNCHES & EVENTS Natalie Khoo

Art Director Sharon Khoh Design Team Cheryl Loh, Valerie Chin, Aaron Boudville, Malaysia Day Carnival Matrix Concepts Holdings Bhd Offi cial launch of Secoya Time: 10am to 6pm Aminullah Abdul Karim, Date: Sept 16 invites you to enjoy a marvellous Residences Contact: (012) 464 7296 Yong Yik Sheng, Tun Mohd Zafi an Venue: Bandar Seri Coalfi elds night for free with lots of fun ac- Date: Tomorrow and An exhibition for buyers interested Mohd Za’abah, Noorain Duasa Gallery, Jalan Kuala Selangor, tivities to enjoy, such as a 12D Sunday (Sept 12 & 13) to invest in Botanicca Corporate Corporate 47000 Sungai Buloh, Selangor cinema, YoYo rides, Minion in- Venue: IJM Land Sales Park in Melbourne. Th ere will be Managing Director Au Foong Yee Time: 11am to 4.30pm fl atable playland, hot air balloon, Gallery, Jalan Yong Shook Lin, two seminars conducted by Danny Deputy Managing Director Contact: (013) 673 3030 paddle boats, fl oating baseball Petaling Jaya, Selangor Clark, associate director of Knight Lim Shiew Yuin KLK Land Sdn Bhd is back with challenge, basketball challenge Time: 10am to 5pm Frank, and Neil Migliorisi, princi- Advertising & Marketing its annual Malaysia Day celebra- and many more. Contact: (03) 7952 9848 pal of Allied Group at 11am and To advertise contact tions in Bandar Seri Coalfi elds in IJM Land will be officially 3pm. Organised by CBD Proper- GL: (03) 7721 8000 Sungai Buloh. Th ere will be fun- launching the second phase of ties Sdn Bhd. Fax: (03) 7721 8288 fi lled activities such as live bands, its Pantai Sentral Township, Se- Chief Marketing Offi cer Sharon Teh (012) 313 9056 cultural and modern dances, sand coya Residences. The first 50 Reapfi eld Career Talk Senior Sales Managers art, henna tattoo and game stalls buyers stand to win RM50,000 Date: Tomorrow (Sept 12) Geetha Perumal (016) 250 8640 for the whole family to enjoy. “cash reward”. Refreshments will Venue: Reapfi eld Taman Sea (PJ) Fong Lai Kuan (012) 386 2831 be served. Time: 2.15pm Peter Hoe (019) 221 5351 Gregory Thu (012) 376 0614 Marvellous Night @ Bandar Contact: (03) 7803 1590 Head of Marketing Support & Ad Traffi c Sri Sendayan Botanicca Corporate Precint or (012) 238 6915 Lorraine Chan (03) 7721 8001 Date: Tomorrow (Sept 12) Exclusive Launch Reapfi eld Properties is organising Ad Traffi c Asst Manager Time: 5pm Date: Tomorrow and a career talk for those looking for Roger Lee (03) 7721 8004 Email: [email protected] Venue: Elymus Show Unit Sunday (Sept 12 & 13) a sustainable and successful alter- in Bandar Sri Sendayan, Venue: Bermuda Room, Level native career. Please RSVP to the Operations Seremban, Negri Sembilan 12, Sunway Resort Hotel & Spa, numbers above for confi rmation To order copy Contact: (012) 661 0256 Bandar Sunway, Selangor of seats. Tel: 03-7721 8034 / 8033 Fax: 03-7721 8282 Email: [email protected] FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 11, 2015 • DIGITALEDGE DAILY EP3 + FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 11, 2015 • DIGITALEDGE DAILY EP4 PROPERTY | NEWS Blueprint to transform the construction industry by 2020

CITP to create industry players that can compete in international arena

BY RACHEAL LEE Trade Centre, ICW is an annual event or- three key drivers, namely workforce, tech- ganised by CIDB, and supported by the nology and process. KUALA LUMPUR: Th e Construction Industry Ministry of Works. Th e CITP will work to enhance human Transformation Plan (CITP), which aims to Th e enhancement of QSP will be a pre- capital development so that dependency create industry players that can compete in requisite for a responsible and developed on foreign labour can be done away with, Sunsuria’s The the international arena while being sustain- industry, Najib said. while it collaborates with the governing able at home, was launched yesterday by Th e CITP will push for the adoption of body and industry players to create a high- Forum enjoys prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak. the Quality Assessment System in Con- ly-qualifi ed workforce. CITP is part of the 11th Malaysia Plan struction (Qlassic) to measure the quality Technology and process, meanwhile, good take-up and was formulated by the Construction of workmanship in building construction. will encourage the faster adoption of in- Industry Development Board (CIDB) and “Th e CITP targets to make Qlassic a man- dustrialised building systems (IBS), by the Ministry of Works to help transform the datory element in all government projects recommending easier and simpler pro- BY ZATIL HUSNA WAN FAUZI construction industry by the year 2020. It by 2018,” he added. curement processes. is a comprehensive plan that encompass- Th e CITP will also regulate the minimum Meanwhile, the construction indus- SHAH ALAM: Th e offi ces and shop lots at es four strategic thrusts — quality, safety level of construction workers’ amenities. try is expected to maintain a double-digit Sunsuria Bhd’s Th e Forum @ Sunsuria Sev- and professionalism (QSP), environmental A Centre of Excellence for Sustainable growth this year and has surpassed the enth Avenue in Setia Alam have been 50% sustainability, productivity and interna- Construction will be set up to develop, performance of other economic sectors taken up since being launched in July. tionalisation. promote and implement sustainable con- in the country, said Najib. “We launched The Forum to create a “Each of the four strategic thrusts seeks struction systems and practices. “In 2012, at the height of the 10th Malay- self-sustainable development for the local to transform and improve the public and “Th e goal is to transform the infrastruc- sia Plan, the construction industry achieved catchment to enjoy,” Sunsuria head of sales international image of the industry,” said ture projects in Malaysia towards economic, its peak growth of 18.1% and from then on, and marketing, Simon Kwan tells property+. Najib at the opening ceremony of Inter- social and environmental sustainability,” the industry had maintained its double “Th e Forum is the second retail outlet to national Construction Week (ICW) 2015. Najib said. digit growth at 10.8% in 2013 and 11.8% in be built in Setia Alam. We see Th e Forum Held from Sept 7 to 11 at Putra World For productivity, the CITP will focus on 2014,” added Najib. complementing the existing Setia City Mall. Th e Forum will off er an 80% food and bever- age tenant mix when completed,” he adds. Th e Forum has a gross development value (GDV) of RM300 million. It is a 3-storey mall, with the fi rst and second fl oors being retail shops, and a third fl oor of offi ces. Th e Forum’s 61 units of retail shops have a built-up area of between 2,700 sq ft and 5,300 sq ft, and its 172 offi ce units, of be- tween 630 sq ft and 1,230 sq ft. Selling prices start at RM3.1 million for the retails shops, and RM365,000 for the offi ces. Th e Forum will be completed in the fi rst quarter of 2019. Th e Forum is the fi rst sub-phase of the second phase of Sunsuria Seventh Avenue. It sits on seven acres of freehold land on the 13.5-acre tract allocated for the second phase. Apart from the retail shops and offi ces for sale, 25,000 sq ft of the mall to be leased to anchor tenants, one of which will be a grocery store. Kwan says Sunsuria is in negotiation with several interested parties. Th e second sub-phase will consist of an- other retail mall, two residential towers and From left: Dr A Hezri Adnan, director, technology, innovation, environment & sustainability, Institute Of Strategic and International Studies (Isis) Malaysia; K Kanand an offi ce tower. Plans for the second sub- Gopal Menon , CTO, Smart Grid & head of engineering, energy management division Asean, Siemens, Malaysia; McCarthy; Lee; and Boyd Dionysius Joeman, senior vice phase are still being fi nalised. president, Iskandar Regional Development Authority. Photo by Abdul Ghani Ismail Kwan says Sunsuria hopes to launch the residential towers by year-end. Director of Oregeon Property Consultancy Sdn Bhd, Kok Chin Yee, says a project such as Th e Forum is essential to any self-sus- Make it compulsory to build green buildings tained township because it is a step-ladder for growth in the area. On the commercial viability of Th e Fo- BY ZATIL HUSNA WAN FAUZI on transportation. For every development velopers alike should recognise the ben- rum, Kok says the mall management and built in Petaling Jaya, we make it compulso- efits and importance of investing in green tenant mix will be decisive for the liveliness KUALA LUMPUR: The authorities have ry for developers to provide shuttle services and sustainable buildings. of the mall. been urged to give mandates to develop- from the respective offices or buildings to “If you don’t educate them on sustain- Director of ECS Valuation & Property ers to build sustainable buildings as the the nearest terminal,” said Lee. able buildings, then consumers and busi- Consultancy Sdn Bhd Eu Chee Siang says country aims to transform its town cen- Some of the initiatives undertaken by nesses won’t see the benefits. We need to The Forum will catalyse growth in Setia tres into smart cities, said panelists at the MBPJ are free PJ community bus, PJ city promote sustainable buildings and encour- Alam when completed. “Smart Cities: Tackling Urbanisation and food bank for underprivileged commu- age businesses to recognise that investing “We believe that with good F&B tenants, it Climate Change” forum yesterday. nities and household waste composting. in efficient and sustainable buildings is will be a diff erent shopping experience [and] Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) direc- These initiatives are part of Local Agen- important. is expected to transform the lifestyle and tor of Solid Waste and Public Cleanliness da 21, which was introduced by the Envi- “Another thing is, not only do you have bring more excitement to the people in the Lee Lih Shyan said the council has already ronment Protection Society Malaysia in to build sustainable buildings but also area and nearby neighbourhoods,” said Eu. made it mandatory for new commercial 1996. MBPJ aims to turn PJ into a sustain- use them in a sustainable way. We have Eu and Kok concur that Sunsuria Seventh and industrial buildings in Petaling Jaya to able city by 2030. trained both occupiers and corporations Avenue development will likely attract future fulfil several green criteria, including being Meanwhile, Carbon Trust Implementa- to understand how to utilise sustainable investors and buyers to the area by off ering Green Building Index (GBI) compliant. tion Services Ltd (UK) managing director buildings, and they are happier to learn more commercial activity and employment “Other than buildings, we also touch Myles McCarthy said authorities and de- such ways,” McCarthy said. opportunities. FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 11, 2015 • DIGITALEDGE DAILY + NEWS | PROPERTY EP5

‘Brave’ river barrier city design AUCTION Sold wins architectural award Property type: Studio serviced apartment Address: Unit No. B-05-01, Plaza Damas 3, No.63, Jalan 1,Taman Sri Hartamas, 50480 Kuala Lumpur Tenure: Freehold Th e Living Th ames Barrier thinks big to provide useful and profi table solutions Reserve price: RM331,695 Transacted price: RM331,695 Built-up area: 500 sq ft Auctioneer: Ehsan Auctioneers Sdn Bhd Contact : (03) 2161 6649

Property type: Intermediate 3-storey townhouse (ground unit) Address: No. 20-1, Park Ville Garden Townhouse, Jalan PJU 3/35, Sunway Damansara, 47810 Petaling Jaya, Selangor Tenure: 99-year leasehold expiring on June 5, 2105 Reserve price: RM780,000 Transacted price: RM780,000 Built-up area: 1,755 sq ft Auctioneer: Ehsan Auctioneers Sdn Bhd Contact: (03) 2161 6649

Property type: 3-bedroom condominium Address: Unit No. A-6-02, Block A, Menara Alpha Condominium, Jalan 4/27A, Seksyen 2, Bandar Baru , 53300 Kuala Lumpur Tenure: 84-year leasehold The Living Thames Barrier design looks into the possibility of using the area over the river to create a new ‘barrier’ city with residential and commercial components, expiring on Feb 24, 2083 which can possibly generate signifi cant returns on investment by also functioning as a hydroelectric power generator. Reserve price: RM300,000 Transacted price: RM300,000 Built-up area: 915 sq ft BY CHAI YEE HOONG “Th e dynamic-looking structure for the In addition, there were four fi nalists: Chin Auctioneer: Ehsan Auctioneers Sdn Bhd dam is designed as a metaphor of the vibrant Kah Meng (entry: Ananas Park), Chia Shook Contact: (03) 2161 6649 KUALA LUMPUR: A new barrier city concept and energetic city of London and is imbedded Qing (Orang Asli Community Centre in Gom- in the form of a bridge that addresses the with the energy of the River Th ames. Living bak), Sia Hong Rui (Kayu Ara Organic Farm- growing concern about the rising Th ames pods incorporated into the dam enhance the ing Learning Centre) and Lee Sim Chuan River levels and generate returns through functionality of the structure, bringing the (Living Market). Th ey won RM1,000 each. the generation of hydroelectric power has element of the residential into the mainly Prizes were presented by Kuala Lumpur Up for bid won the PAM-Tan Sri Chan Sau Lai Archi- utilitarian structure,” Zulhemlee said. City Hall executive director for project im- tecture Award 2015. PAM is the acronym of Seong Aun said the proposal was a ‘big plementation and building maintenance, the Malaysian Institute of Architects. idea’ that attempts to resolve several chal- Juminan Samad. Auction date: Sept 17, 2015 Wong Guan Xiong of the Architectural lenges with an integrated solution that ad- Inaugurated in 2012, the PAM-Tan Sri Property type: 3-bedroom condominium Association School of Architecture in the UK dresses the issues well. He hoped to see Chan Sau Lai Architecture Award recognises Address: Unit No. K3-04-4, Pantai beat 92 contestants to take home the award more of such thinking and solutions from outstanding achievements in design by PAM Hillpark Phase 3, Jalan Pantai and RM25,000 for his design scheme, ‘Th e architects in the future. student members who have just completed Dalam, 59200, Kuala Lumpur Living Th ames Barrier’. Th e awards ceremo- Although Wong’s scheme is neither the their architecture course in the immediate Tenure: Leasehold ny was held on Tuesday in Kuala Lumpur. cheapest nor most buildable, Chan com- preceding year, in Malaysia or abroad. Reserve price: RM600,000 Wong’s design attempts to tackle some mended its far-sightedness, and noted that it “Th e award also recognises that transition Built-up area: 1,335 sq ft of the concerns facing London, such as the is “a proposal for something that one day may from architectural school to architectural Auctioneer: Ng Chan Mau & Co Sdn Bhd underdeveloped east side, the preparation happen” besides being “a very stylish, engi- profession can be very daunting and possibly Contact: (03) 2162 3333 of the estuary airport and the need for a new neering architectural solution” on the whole. discouraging, especially for the super sensi- fl ood defence barrier due to the rising sea Boon said Wong’s proposal bravely ven- tive and super competitive Gen Y and Gen Auction date: Sept 17, 2015 level and unexpected North Sea surges due tures beyond the traditional role of the ar- Z,” said Boon in his speech. “Th e recognition Property type: Stratifi ed intermediate to climate change. chitect as a builder and is encouraging for conferred by an award such as this goes a long 2-storey semi-detached house Wong’s proposal for a bridge across the Riv- the profession, while Osman praised the way in giving them the assurance and confi - Address: No. 13, Jalan 2, Sunway er Th ames challenges the enormously costly designer’s rigour in solving complex issues dence as well as a head start in their career.” Puncak Melawati (Sunway Rydgeway), conventional barrier typology. It looks into the while turning a problem into an opportunity. Th is year’s competition attracted entries Taman Melawati, Ulu Kelang, 53100 possibility of using the area over the river to Th is year’s award saw four commenda- locally and from abroad, including the Uni- Tenure: Leasehold create a new ‘barrier city’ with residential and tion prize winners: Samuel Lee Chee Zin versity of New South Wales, University of Reserve price: RM2 million commercial components, which can possibly (Sibu Waterfront Redevelopment), Wong Sydney, University of Melbourne, Univer- Land area: 3,595 sq ft generate signifi cant returns on investment Yow Han (Reviving Kampong Phluk on Ton- sity of Singapore, South China University of Auctioneer: Ng Chan Mau & Co Sdn Bhd by also functioning as a hydroelectric power le Sap Lake), Mohammad Farhan Fahmie Technology, Taylor’s University, University Contact: (03) 2162 3333 generator for future developments in London. Mohd Radzi (Architecture Pedagogy: Penang of Technology Mara, Universiti Teknologi According to the award benefactor, Tan Sri School of Architecture) and Chua Khee How Malaysia, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Univer- Auction date: Sept 17, 2015 Chan Sau Lai, the winning entry is a visually (Bario Cultural Village: S-Long House). Th ey siti Tunku Abdul Rahman, Universiti Sains Property type: Condominium dramatic structure and an exciting architec- won RM5,000 each. Malaysia and Universiti Malaya. Address: Unit No. B-07-27 (East Wing), 10 tural solution. Chan, an architect, sits on the Semantan, No. 10, Jalan Semantan, 50490. PAM Education Fund board of management Tenure: Leasehold and board of trustees, and is executive chair- Reserve price: RM428,000 man of Beneton Properties Group. Land area: 990 sq ft Apart from Chan, the jury members for the Auctioneer: Ng Chan Mau & Co Sdn Bhd award comprised the immediate past presi- Contact: (03) 2162 3333 dent of PAM, Chan Seong Aun; past president of PAM (2009-2011) and co-founder of the award Boon Che Wee; current PAM president Mohd Zulhemlee An who is also chairman of the education committee; Malaysian Institute of Interior Designers (MIID) council mem- ber and chairman of MIID Awards for Design Excellence 2015 Lim Pay Chye; president of Institute of Landscape Architect Malaysia (Front row, from left): Former KL mayor Tan Sri Ahmad Phesal Talib, Zulhemlee, Juminan Samad, and Chan. Dr Osman Mohd Tahir and past president of (back row): Amzar Ahmad (far left), Boon (far right), a representative of Wong (fourth from right), PAM (2011-2013) Saifuddin Ahmad. and commendation winners and fi nalists of the award. Photos by PAM + FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 11, 2015 • DIGITALEDGE DAILY FR EP6 PROPERTY | COVER STORY

PHOTOS BY MOHD IZWAN MOHD NAZAM

C

The most expensive project is Papillon Desahill with L units rarely transacting under RM1 million. T

I a s a l in h o The residential neighbourhood remains attractive to property developers, homebuyers and property investors due to its central location. F m C m

o T Growing old gracefully e 3 l s d High-rise residential property in ageing Taman Desa, Kuala Lumpur, l s some developed in the 1980s, are showing strong price appreciation Danau Impian showed the highest growth in capital D values with a 26.2% increase to RM474 psf. v a BY CHAI YEE HOONG emban Highway, New Pantai Expressway, professionals and young families stay here units, while incoming supply will largely be Federal Highway, KL Middle Ring Road 2 due to its good location, with close proximity focused on Old Klang Road. eveloped in the 1970s as an and the Cheras-Kajang Expressway. to malls and highways, while neighbourhood Th e fi rst two towers at Desa Green were D upper-middle class residen- According to DTZ Nawawi Tie Leung Sdn amenities are well-established.” reportedly launched at prices over RM600 S tial enclave in Kuala Lum- Bhd managing director Eddy Wong, residents A large proportion of residents are Chinese psf, and the third tower, almost RM800 psf. pur, Taman Desa mainly of- in Taman Desa comprise mostly higher-in- business owners and professionals, and the The latest addition to the non-landed fered landed homes in the come business owners and professionals. past several years have seen an increasing residential segment this year was 24 units age early days. Then the Faber Unsurprisingly, it is an area which is popular number of owner-occupiers here, says Wong. at Desa Eight luxury condominium also ties DGroup, among the main developers in the among property developers and investors. Khong agrees that the neighbourhood is by UOA. Prior to that, Papillon Desahill by y-o area, gradually introduced mid to high-end Wong says people who choose to live here home to a large proportion of owner-occu- Zeus-TNB Properties Sdn Bhd was com- non-landed residences in the 1980s. like the central location, good connectivity and piers but notes that there are some Japanese pleted in 2011. vey Still lush with mature trees, the residential abundant neighbourhood amenities and facili- and Korean tenants in the area as well. Given the lack of new completions between pri neighbourhood remains attractive to prop- ties, including the Taman Desa Medical Centre 2012 and 2014, values of non-landed homes acc erty developers, homebuyers and property and a large park at the heart of Taman Desa. Lack of new completions fuels demand in the area have been appreciating steadily. investors due to its central location near Old Savills (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd deputy man- The non-landed residential segment in Based on analysis by theedgeproperty. ited Klang Road, a stone’s throw away from Mid aging director Paul Khong notes that Taman Taman Desa is currently quite limited, Khong com, prices of non-landed properties in on Valley City and . Desa’s “strategic location in suburban KL and notes. However, he says there will be 1,388 Taman Desa achieved an average trans- up Taman Desa also enjoys good connectivity its convenient access to major roads and ex- strata units entering the market through UOA acted price psf of RM479 in the third quar- to major roads such as Old Klang Road and pressways are its main selling points”. Group’s Desa Green development in 2016. ter of 2014 (3Q2014), up 8.7% y-o-y, while De highways such as the Smart Tunnel, North- Noting that many properties here are of According to him, the current total supply the average transacted price per unit was per South Highway, Maju Expressway, KL-Ser- freehold tenure, he adds that, “Many working of new of condominiums is around 7,000 RM546,000. In the preceding year, the aver- has 25% acc Co con twe ft. B com De tha The market outlook the remains positive uni due to the area’s location, connectivity, Gi and ready access lo to amenities, Wong Ta says. Photo by DTZ be Nawawi Tie Leung ne lo st Neighbourhood amenities along Jalan 5/109f in Taman Desa. Th LY FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 11, 2015 • DIGITALEDGE DAILY + COVER STORY | PROPERTY EP7

AZAM Source: theedgeproperty.com Source: theedgeproperty.com

Chart 1: Taman Desa non-landed residential average price Chart 2: Taman Desa top 5 most expensive condominiums/apartments by average transacted price (3Q2014)

Source: Savills Malaysia

Chart 3: Average transacted values of non-landed residences in Taman Desa th Landed homes in in 2010 versus 2H2-14/1H2015 Taman Desa Check out a video IN 1976, Faber Group Bhd (now known of this hot spot at www. as UEM Edgenta Bhd, a 70%-owned sub- theedgeproperty.com sidiary of UEM Group Bhd) fi rst built and see current listings around 110 semidees and 120 bungalow for this area on lots in Taman Desa. Two years later, it introduced 578 units of 2-storey terraced Market Watch EP8. houses. Th is was followed by a number of apartment projects such as Faber Ria, Faber Heights, Faber Indah, Danau Ida- Th e second-most expensive condominium man (a joint venture with Kuala Lumpur is 1 Desa Residence, with an average transacted City Hall), Danau Impian, Danau Per- price of RM1.196 million. Completed in 2007, mai, and Tiara Faber. 1 Desa Residence is a high-end condomini- Th ere are currently about 1,900 units um with units of 2,142 sq ft and above. It was of landed homes in Taman Desa and completed about eight years ago. Research Taman Bukit Desa. Some of the lat- of transaction data by theedgeproperty.com er landed projects include 64 units of found two sales recorded last May at prices (2010 to 2014/2015). (See Chart 3). According Next change 3-storey linked semidees at Danau Vil- slightly below market value. to Khong, “Th e earlier stock was trading at Being one of the oldest and historically sig- la (in 2006), 40 units of 3 or 3½ storey The least expensive projects are led by rather low prices of just over RM300 psf. Due nifi cant roads — it was the only link between semidees and six bungalows at Arma- low-cost apartments and fl ats clustered to- to the overall price increase in the property KL and Port Klang several decades ago — Old da Villa (2013), and 31 units of 4-storey gether just off Jalan Desa in the south, namely market and cost of construction, capital val- Klang Road has been upgraded to serve the linked bungalows and three units of 4 Iris Apartment at RM187,000 or RM301 psf, ues have crept up to more acceptable levels.” neighbourhood better. storey bungalows at Prima Villa (2014). Danau Murni at RM272,000 or RM377 psf and Newer projects in the vicinity such as 9 According to Khong, an upcoming bridge al Danau Villa and Armada Villa are joint the Abadi Indah Apartments at RM294,000 Seputeh and Desa Green have set a higher near the 9 Seputeh development (by MRCB venture projects between Faber Group or RM359 psf. base price for this neighbourhood, he adds. Group) will link Old Klang Road to the NPE and KL City Hall. Units at Danau Murni are compact, meas- Secondary market price growth, as well as and extend its connectivity. Th e upcoming be uring 714 sq ft. However, with sale prices rang- new launches priced at a premium, show monorail extension from Brickfi elds to Bandar ing from RM200,000 to RM333,000 during the demand from buyers. Sunway, passing Old Klang road and Taman ere Data courtesy of Savills (Malaysia) review period, theedgeproperty.com notes that According to theedegeproperty.com’s Desa, will further uplift the neighbourhood 600 Sdn Bhd. the condominium appears very reasonably analysis, in the 12 months to 3Q2014, the by improving public transport. psf. priced, off ering a decent yet aff ordable option RM500,001 to RM600,000 price bracket ac- “Any redevelopment projects undertaken ded for living close to the city centre. counted for the largest market share of trans- in the vicinity will also rejuvenate this ageing nits age transacted price of non-landed proper- actions at 22.8%, with the second-largest being neighbourhood further,” he adds. lso ties in Taman Desa showed a 12.4% growth Strong capital appreciation the RM600,001 to RM700,000 bracket, account- Khong notes there are still pockets of empty by y-o-y. (See Chart 1). Th e highest growth in capital values is seen at ing for 15.5%. Some 7.3% of transactions were land parcels in the vicinity, which may see a m- All non-landed residential projects sur- Danau Impian, which saw a 26.2% increase for homes over RM1 million. few new projects in the near future. veyed charted strong annual gains in average to RM474 psf. A 3-bedroom unit here is be- On a psf basis, a majority or 54.9% of trans- “Given its strategic location between KL een price psf in the 12 months to September 2014, tween 918 sq ft and 1,000 sq ft, while its price actions fell within the RM401-RM600 psf range and PJ and its proximity to Mid Valley, this mes according to theedgeproperty.com. quantum per unit falls within RM400,000 to during the same period. Secondary market area should still be able to take some new y. According to Wong, current supply is lim- RM470,000, still an accessible pricing level for transactions had yet to breach the RM1,000 developments if local market conditions still rty. ited and the few units being off ered for sale the mass market. Th e development is within psf mark in the review period. permit. [Moreover], this area still carries a in on the secondary market are usually snapped walking distance of shops and eateries. Although prices of units in Taman Desa on a freehold title,” he says. ns- up quickly. Also displaying signifi cant gains is Abadi psf basis seem to fall in the mid-end segment, Local developer Law Developments Sdn ar- The most expensive project is Papillon Indah Apartments, with an increase in aver- theedgeproperty.com notes that unit sizes in Bhd is planning a 48-storey condominium with hile Desahill, with an average transacted price age price of 24.3% to RM359 psf, albeit from the area tend to be quite large, hence the overall 148 units and a 13-storey annexe block with a was per unit of RM1.46 million. (See Chart 2). It a low base. price falls in the upper-middle class bracket. main lobby, car park and other facilities. Th is er- has an average price of RM741 psf, at least Interestingly, fairly dated developments “Th e market is of course a little soft currently project is reported to have met with opposition, 25% higher than other properties in the area, completed in the 1980s and 1990s, such as in terms of sentiment but the market outlook especially by worried residents of Casa Desa. according to theedgeproperty.com. Faber Ria (up 23.9% to RM528 psf), remains positive due to the area’s location, Th ey fear that the project, located 16 metres Completed in 2011, the luxury OBD Garden Tower (up 20.4% to connectivity and ready access to amenities,” from their homes and on a hill slope, might condominium off ers units of be- RM593 psf) and Danau Permai notes Wong. pose a safety hazard to the structural integrity tween 1,711 sq ft and 3,681 sq Condominium (up 19.7% to According to theedgeproperty.com, rental of their buildings. ft. Based on theedgeproperty. RM563 psf) continue to enjoy yields in Taman Desa are quite good, with Nearby, Old Klang Road is currently in com research, units at Papillon good capital appreciation de- most condominiums and apartments re- the limelight for redevelopment, with pro- Desahill rarely transact for less spite their age. turning yields of above 5%. Based on asking jects such as 9 Seputeh, Avantas Residence than RM1 million, and during Khong has seen capital ap- rentals as at June this year, Danau Murni ap- (by CPI Land Sdn Bhd), Th e Petalz and The the review period, a penthouse preciation of between 50% and pears to generate the highest asking rental Grainz (both by Exsim Group of Companies), unit was sold for RM2.03 million. 150% in the various projects yields, at 6.1%. It has a low capital price, at and Verve Suites@KL South (by in Taman Desa, which he says an average transacted price of RM377 psf, Properties Sdn Bhd). Given its strategic is due to location, upkeep and with an asking monthly rental of RM1.91 psf Meanwhile, DTZ’s Wong adds that Taman location, Khong says maintenance, and actual de- or just under RM1,400 for a typical unit. Its Desa could do with more parking provision at Taman Desa should still mand from buyers. He notes compact unit size translates into higher rents the commercial areas. be able to take some that this neighbourhood on a psf basis, theedgeproperty.com notes. Th e property consultant’s outlook for Taman new developments if has achieved an av- Th e development is located within walking Desa remains positive, as properties in the local market conditions erage 15% to 20% distance of shops. Other projects generating neighbourhood are in good demand due to its still permit. price increment good asking rental yields are Iris Apartment central location, accessibility and maturity. On The Edge fi le photo per annum over and Abadi Indah Apartments, at 5.9% and average, property prices have doubled since the last fi ve years 5.7% respectively. fi ve years ago, a refl ection of its popularity. + FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 11, 2015 • DIGITALEDGE DAILY EP8 PROPERTY | MARKET WATCH Go to theedgeproperty.com for more listings

FOR SALE [in Taman Desa, Kuala Lumpur] FOR RENT [in Taman Desa, Kuala Lumpur]

Faber Ria Asking price: RM770,000 Description: Renovated, partly Papillon Desahill Condominium Agent/negotiator: Doris Type: Condominium/ Built-up area: 1,192 sq ft furnished, corner unit. Accessible Type: Condominium/ Siew of Stanwells Realty serviced residence Bedroom(s): 3 via , Federal serviced residence Tel: (019) 364 4924 Tenure: Freehold Bathroom(s): 2 Highway and KL-Seremban Tenure: Freehold Email: [email protected] Asking price: RM685,000 Highway. Easy access to KL from Asking rent: RM3,500 Built-up area: 1,450 sq ft KL-Seremban Highway and Built-up area: 1,322 sq ft Danau Murni Bedroom(s): 3 Smart Tunnel; Kerinchi Link to Bedroom(s): 2 Type: Condominium/ Bathroom(s): 2 Petaling Jaya; NPE to Sunway Bathroom(s): 2 serviced residence Description: KLCC and KL Tower and Subang. In the centre of the Description: Fully furnished unit. Tenure: Freehold view. Well-kept, with built-in kitchen Klang Valley -- best location. Well-maintained. View to appreciate. Asking rent: RM1,450 cabinets. Fully renovated and Agent/negotiator: Steven Agent/negotiator: Joey Hoo of Built-up area: 720 sq ft furnished; spacious layout. Strategic Wong of Rina Properties Tech Realtors Properties Sdn Bhd Bedroom(s): 3 location. Amenities: kindergarten, Description: Renovated and Tel: (019) 361 8806 Tel: (012) 771 7691 Bathroom(s): 2 schools, colleges, Giant, Tesco, furnished high-fl oor unit in Casa Email: ultimate.property@yahoo. Email: joeyhoo.techrealtors@ Description: Danau Murni is a high- Pearl Point, Parkson, Mid Valley Desa. Completed in 2008 by Faber com gmail.com rise joint venture project between Megamall. Easy access via East-West Group. Accessible from KL-Seremban Website: www.stevenwong. City Hall Kuala Lumpur and Faber Link Expressway, Federal Highway, Highway via Faber Interchange; iagent.my OBD Garden Tower Group completed in 2005, located PLUS Highway and Old Klang Road. also via Kesas and Federal Highway, Type: Condominium/ at the upper half of Jalan Klang Agent/negotiator: Admen KL-Seremban Expressway, New Danau Permai serviced residence Lama. Close to Kuala Lumpur city Ng of Starcity Property Pantai Expressway and Lebuhraya Type: Condominium/ Tenure: Freehold centre and Petaling Jaya. Accessible Tel: (012) 270 7228 Damansara-Puchong. Taman Desa is serviced residence Asking rent: RM3,500 via Jalan Klang Lama, Jalan Syed Email: [email protected] a mature township of mostly middle Tenure: Leasehold Built-up area: 1,650 sq ft Putra and Jalan Puchong. KTM to upper-middle class residents. Bedroom(s): 3 Komuter and LRT nearby. Abundant Papillon Desahill Agent/negotiator: Ricky Teh Bathroom(s): 2 amenities. However due to high- Condominium of Kimfi eld Properties Description: Fully furnished, density high-rise condos close to Type: Condominium/ Tel: (012) 288 3533 tastefully renovated unit. Close to each other, parking may be an issue. serviced residence Email: [email protected] Mid Valley, Scott Garden Parkson, Facilities: 24-hour security, covered Tenure: Freehold Pearl International Hotel. Very car park, swimming pool, tennis Asking price: RM1,450,000 Desa Villa breezy. One car park bay. court, playground, surau and multi- Built-up area: 1,784 sq ft Type: Condominium/ Agent/negotiator: Mr purpose hall. Newly renovated unit. Bedroom(s): 3 + 1 serviced residence Asking price: RM520,000 Fan of TPE Realty Agent/negotiator: Prabhbir Bathroom(s): 4 Tenure: Freehold Built-up area: 700 sq ft Tel: (016) 277 2826 Rohit of Jann Properties Asking price: RM788,000 Bathroom(s): 1 Email: [email protected] Tel: (016) 338 0502 Built-up size: 1,230 sq ft Description: Studio unit with Email: [email protected] Bedroom(s): 3 extended kitchen. Faces swimming Casa Desa Bathroom(s): 2 pool. Close to amenities. Type: Condominium/ Faber Ria Description: Renovated, fully Agent/negotiator: Thila serviced residence Type: Condominium/ furnished unit with pool view, built-in of Friendly Homes (KL) Tenure: Freehold serviced residence kitchen cabinets and plaster ceiling. Tel: (017) 264 0224 Asking rent: RM2,000 Asking rent: RM3,000 Two car park bays. Close to OUG Email: [email protected] Built-up area: 950 sq ft Built-up area: 1,030 sq ft Description: Spacious, renovated. Plaza, , The Scott Bedroom(s): 2 Bedroom(s): 2 Interior design costs more than Garden Parkson, Pearl International Iris Apartment Bathroom(s): 2 Bathroom(s): 2 RM200k. Nice view. Two car park Hotel and others. Accessible via Type: Condominium/ Description: Fully-furnished, Description: Newly refurbished bays. Amenities: restaurants, mall, Jalan Klang Lama, Jalan Desa Utama serviced residence mid-fl oor unit in move-in unit. Close to amenities. Easy hypermarket, schools, clinics, and Jalan Desa Bakti. Easy access Tenure: Leasehold condition. Two car park bays. access to KLCC via Smart Tunnel; banks, convenience stores, etc. to East-West Link Highway and New Asking price: RM250,000 Agent/negotiator: Ben Yong of DF close to Federal Highway, Accessibility: Old Klang Road, Kesas, Pantai Expressway. Walking distance Built-up area: 647 sq ft Realty Sdn Bhd North Pantai Expressway and KL-Seremban Highway, Kerinchi to Taman Desa Town Centre, Taman Bedroom(s): 2 Tel: (016) 602 3977 KL-Seremban Highway. Link, Sprint and Federal Highway. Desa Medical Centre, Desa Water Bathroom(s): 2 Email: [email protected] Agent/negotiator: Kim Tan Agent/negotiator: Matson Wong Park and Mid Valley Megamall. Description: Basic, low-rise of Harmony Realty Co of Tech Real Estate Sdn Bhd Agent/negotiator: Lau of TPE Realty unit. Near shops, restaurants, Desa Villa Tel: (019) 333 5211 Tel: (012) 680 2851 Tel: (010) 366 9320 schools, bus stop, Mid Valley, Type: Condominium/serviced residence Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] and KL Sentral. Strategic Tenure: Freehold location with easy access to Old Asking rent: RM2,500 Danau Impian OBD Garden Tower Danau Murni Klang Road, Federal Highway, Built-up area: 1,250 sq ft Type: Condominium/ Type: Condominium/ Type: Condominium/ East-West Link, Smart Tunnel, Bedroom(s): 3 serviced residence serviced residence serviced residence KL-Seremban Highway, etc Bathroom(s): 2 Tenure: Leasehold Tenure: Freehold Tenure: Leasehold Agent/negotiator: Lydia Mun Description: Resort style condo in a Asking rent: RM1,500 Asking price: RM880,000 Asking price: RM390,000 of Sinouis Realty Sdn Bhd quiet green location near Mid Valley Built-up area: 965 sq ft Built-up area: 1,650 sq ft Built-up area: 714 sq ft Tel: (012) 275 4655 City. Amenities: Mid Valley Megamall, Bedroom(s): 3 Bedroom(s): 3 Bedroom(s): 3 Email: [email protected] The Gardens, Bangsar Village Bathroom(s): 2 Bathroom(s): 2 and Times Square. The facilities Description: Well-kept, low-fl oor, Description: Fully furnished, with Abadi Villa at Desa Villa include mini market, corner unit with air conditioning. air-conditioning, built-in wardrobes, Type: Condominium/ cafeteria, hair salon, playground, Built-in kitchen cabinet. Flooring kitchen cabinets. Amenities: Mid serviced residence barbecue area, business centre and upgraded from parquet to tiles. Valley City, Desa Water Park. Tenure: Leasehold club house. Facilities: gym, squash Agent/negotiator: Thila of Japanese International School Asking price: RM550,000 court, swimming pool, tennis court, Friendly Homes (KL) located a short drive away in Taman Built-up area: 1,200 sq ft jogging track and sauna. Easily Tel: (017) 264 0224 Seputeh; local government schools Bedroom(s): 3 accessed via Federal Highway and Email: [email protected] within 1 km radius. Accessible via Bathroom(s): 2 Bathroom(s): 2 East-West Highway. There is also Jalan Klang Lama and Smart Tunnel Description: Partly furnished, Description: Balcony, one car public transportation available such Faber Heights to Kuala Lumpur city centre and high-fl oor unit. Very well- park bay. Near shops, restaurants, as Seputeh KTM Komuter station. Type: Condominium/ major shopping malls within 8km. maintained; nicely renovated with schools, bus stop. Walking distance Agent/negotiator: Ricky Teh serviced residence Direct links to Federal Highway, plaster ceiling and built-in kitchen to KTM train station and bus to of Kimfi eld Properties Tenure: Freehold New Pantai Expressway, Penchala cabinet. One car park bay. LRT station. Close to Mid Valley, Tel: (012) 288 3533 Asking rent: RM1,700 Link, Maju Expressway to Putrajaya, Agent/negotiator: Joey Hoo of Bangsar and Petaling Jaya. Email: [email protected] Built-up area: 650 sq ft Cyberjaya and KLIA. KTM Komuter Tech Realtor Properties Sdn Bhd. Bedroom(s): 1 Seputeh, KTM Komuter Mid Valley, Tel: (012) 771 7691 Iris Apartment Bathroom(s): 1 KL Sentral and Abdullah Hukum Email: joeyhoo.techrealtors@ Type: Condominium/ Description: Fully furnished unit LRT stations a short drive away. gmail.com serviced residence in move-in condition. Minimum Agent/negotiator: Ken Thong Tenure: Leasehold one-year tenancy. Abundant of Goldmine Properties Danau Impian Asking rent: RM850 amenities. Accessibility: Old Klang Tel: (012) 210 6699 Type: Condominium/ Built-up area: 650 sq ft Road, KL-Seremban Highway, Email: [email protected] serviced residence Bedroom(s): 2 Kerinchi Link, Smart Tunnel, Tenure: Leasehold Bathroom(s): 2 Sprint and Federal Highway. Casa Desa Asking price: RM499,000 Agent/negotiator: Doris Description: Partly furnished unit. Agent/negotiator: Matson Wong Type: Condominium/ Built-up area: 918 sq ft Siew of Stanwells Realty Near shops, restaurants, schools, of Tech Real Estate Sdn Bhd serviced residence Bedroom(s): 3 Tel: (019) 364 4924 bus stop, KTM station, Mid Valley, Tel: (012) 680 2851 Tenure: Freehold Bathroom(s): 2 Email: [email protected] Bangsar and Petaling Jaya. Email: [email protected] FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 11, 2015 • DIGITALEDGE DAILY + FENG SHUI | PROPERTY EP9

Bedroom, bathroom and kitchen.

Main door. Water is tricky. Six tips for sussing out an apartment’s interior feng shui

Look inside and out, and for a good balance of attributes listed below

uying an apartment for the first No. 4: Staircase as a pond or a built-in aquarium, in any of the time, whether to stay in or for If you’re considering purchasing a townhouse rooms, it is best to note which sector it is locat- investment, may be a daunting apartment, the staircase is an important in- ed in and have the property checked by a feng task. As you inspect the interior BY DATUK ternal feature to assess. It is via the staircase shui consultant before you decide to buy it. of your dream condo, you may JOEY YAP that Qi travels up to the second fl oor and any Finding the right apartment with good be faced with questions that subsequent fl oors of the property. feng shui attributes is not easy. People are Bmake you doubt its viability. Should you A carefully planned property is one where often obsessed with fi nding the perfect place, take note of the location of the toilets? Does If the Qi in the kitchen is bad, then the the staircase is located to receive Qi and also which is a very diffi cult task, especially if it matter that the apartment does not face residents of the property will be unable to distribute Qi upstairs. you’re on a tight budget. your personal direction? nourish themselves well, resulting in their Since we require a good flow of Qi Unless you have the fi nancial means to Worry not. Here are six of the best tips poor health. A badly located kitchen may throughout the apartment, it is best to avoid custom-design your apartment, you should to help you assess the interior feng shui of even aff ect their lifespan. having a staircase in the centre of the prop- be prepared to fi nd that every property has an apartment. Th e kitchen must never be located in the erty. If the staircase is in the centre of the feng shui issues. central palace or in the centre of a proper- property, but not dead centre, it is fi ne. Th e goal here is to determine if these is- No. 1: Main door ty. Th is is a passive sector, and locating the However, to be on the safe side, avoid a sues are minor or major, and if they can be Th e main door is essentially the Qi mouth kitchen here is said to ‘burn the heart’ of the property with such a feature. rectifi ed by renovation. of any property and the primary entrance property, creating long-term instability and At the same time, you should be deter- for Qi to fl ow into it from the external en- nagging health problems. No. 5: Toilets mined to say ‘no’ if an apartment has major vironment. Essentially, the kitchen should always be Many people think that toilets fl ush away fl aws in its Internal Forms. If an apartment It is extremely important to note if there in one of the side sectors of the property, their wealth or Qi. No, they do not. It is also a has a good main door but unstable rooms are any obstructions that could negatively never in the centre. myth that bad energy is emitted from toilets. due to their negative forms, then it is not aff ect the main door in any way as this will Toilets just need to be cleaned regularly. Th e worth your money. It is a zero-sum gain. aff ect the ability of the property to receive No. 3: The bedroom location of a toilet is a consideration in feng And do not buy an apartment just because Qi from the environment. Since we spend a third of our lives in our shui, but only in some instances. it happens to face your favourable direction. When evaluating the main door, do not bedrooms, we must ensure that Qi can enter One common feature in smaller apart- Be patient. With a lot of eff ort and de- just look into an apartment but make sure the bedroom freely without any obstruction. ments is that the bedrooms often open to termination, you should be able to fi nd the to go in and look out from it as well. Like the kitchen, bedrooms should be a toilet. In this situation, all the Qi that en- apartment you need. Even if the main door does not share the located in suitable sectors of the property. ters the bedroom is fl ushed into the toilet, same Facing Direction as the property, this Th e basic shape of the bedroom should be instead of circulating round the room. Th is is no reason to panic. Th is is because the lo- square or rectangular. Th is is because both is not a good layout for a property, so avoid Datuk Joey Yap is chief consultant of the cation of the main door is more important these shapes represent Earth, which stands buying one with this problem. Joey Yap Consulting Group and founder of than the Facing Direction of the main door. for stability, making it suitable for activities However, if you still wish to purchase Mastery Academy Of Chinese Metaphysics. Ideally, the main door should be located like sleeping and working. this type of property, you may place some and bestselling author of more than 160 books in a good sector of the property, even if it is As far as possible, avoid rooms that are furniture in between the room door and the which have sold over four million copies not facing the best direction. round, triangular, trapezoidal or oddly toilet door to alter this fl ow. worldwide. He is regularly interviewed on shaped, with sharp corners. Th ese rooms Astro, Bloomberg and other leading media. No. 2: The kitchen do not have a balanced Qi, and will not No. 6: Water Yap has worked with the likes of Microsoft, After the main door, the kitchen is the next- only aff ect your sleep but will also height- Water features inside an apartment are some- Sime Darby, UEM, Prudential and Citibank, most important area to consider when eval- en the eff ect of any negative visiting Stars thing you should treat with care because and has students in more than 30 countries. uating the interior feng shui of an apartment. in the room. water must be placed in the right sectors Since the kitchen is where we prepare food, By choosing a square room, you are to of a home or it can cause diffi culties in life If you have any feng shui-related questions it is vital to keep a healthy fl ow of Qi in the some degree insulating yourself from any for those who live in it. for Joey Yap, please click on the Tips section kitchen. negative Qi present in the room. If there are any large bodies of water, such of theedgeproperty.com + FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 11, 2015 • DIGITALEDGE DAILY EP10 PROPERTY | HOME IDEAS

Kali Sofa — Sofa with single or intermediate bed. Photos by MIXS Living Concepts More than meets the eye

Furniture that morphs to suit your space and add value to it

BY RACHEAL LEE

he trend for small-space living is growing, especially in cities, where real estate is a luxury. In urban Malaysia, the num- ber of small homes with a built- up area of less than 500 sq ft is Trising; there have been more recent launches of one-bedroom and studio units than ever. Living in small spaces usually takes some getting used to, but there are ways you can make life more comfortable, such as by cus- tom-making space-saving furniture. Th e key to space-saving furniture is mul- Lim: It’s an approach associated with multiplicity Cha: Occupants can use a space for various ti-functionality. Mark Lim, director and and enables us to open up diff erent scenarios. activities or purposes. founder of Penang-based MIXS Living Con- cepts, notes that this type of furnishing solu- tion creates very usable interiors that can with just a nudge here and there. ities or purposes. For example, a gym room raise the value of your property. In employing these multi-usage furniture and guest room can co-exist in the same Not only do they help solve the problem solutions, Lim advises consumers to check space,” he says. of lack of space in your home, they create on the quality of the mechanism and the He also notes that potential consumers new spaces within a space in a creative way. maximum weight such a piece of furniture of space-saving furniture are not limited to “It is an approach associated with its can support. Th e products should also come just owners of small homes. multiplication, one that enables us to open with a warranty. “More people opt for such furniture for very up diff erent scenarios,” he says. Th ese mul- Eric Cha, director of Kuala Lumpur-based practical reasons, such as to organise the things ti-functional pieces of furniture are ‘trans- Mocof Sdn Bhd, sees space-saving furniture in their room more effi ciently, or to achieve a formers’ of a kind — a study table can be as an investment in the property, as it adds clutter-free, clean and tidy space. For exam- Gioco Desk Down — Wall bed with study/work transformed into a bed; a dining table into a value to the space. ple, if you use a wall bed, you can lift up the table. Photos by Mocof sofa; a bed appears out of a wall — all done “Users can use a space for various activ- bed to clean all the dust underneath easily.”

Gioco Bunk — Bunk bed with shelves for storage. Photos by Mocof