SlimHaus Technology Sdn Bhd has taken a significant step forward in the industrialized building system (IBS) sector with the opening of its first manufacturing facility in Valdor, Seberang Perai. With an investment of RM18 million, the 35,000 square feet facility is dedicated to the production of IBS steel frames, modular units, and steel frame packages.

CEO and Director Gerald Chin Chung Peng revealed that the facility is nearly complete and will commence operations in July. This development is expected to create more job opportunities, providing support for the growing demands of the IBS ecosystem. Looking ahead, Chin stated that the company plans to establish a second manufacturing facility in 2025, which will serve as a research and development (R&D) center.

Chin emphasized his vision of creating an IBS ecosystem, encouraging collaboration with other companies. The goal is to leverage the benefits of IBS technology and foster its adoption across the industry. By bringing more companies on board, SlimHaus Technology aims to further enhance the construction sector and contribute to its overall growth.

State Local Government, Housing, Town and Country Planning Committee chairman Jagdeep Singh Deo commended SlimHaus Technology for its commitment to revolutionizing the construction industry in Malaysia. He lauded IBS for its ability to deliver precision, consistency, efficiency, economy of scale, and faster construction times. Jagdeep stressed the importance of embracing homegrown technology in the construction sector to foster sustainable economic growth and reduce reliance on imported technology.

SlimHaus Technology, established in 2015, specializes in IBS, a contemporary construction method that involves manufacturing various house components off-site and assembling them on-site. The company’s dedication to IBS technology has positioned it as a pioneer in modernizing Malaysia’s construction industry.

(Image source: Buletin Mutiara, FB)

ESCAPE Penang, located in Teluk Bahang, has achieved a significant milestone by being named the third top-rated theme park in Asia by TripAdvisor’s Travelers Choice 2022. This recognition sets ESCAPE Penang apart from major global theme park brands in the region.

TripAdvisor, the world’s largest travel guidance platform, aggregates reviews and opinions from travelers regarding destinations, accommodations, and travel experiences. This accolade reflects ESCAPE Penang’s success in captivating visitors from around the world with its innovative and creative offerings.

Datuk Sim Choo Kheng, the founder and executive chairman of Sim Leisure Group, expressed excitement over ESCAPE Penang’s achievement, considering it was once considered an underdog in the theme park and attractions industry.

The annual Travelers’ Choice awards on TripAdvisor are voted on by real travelers, making ESCAPE Penang’s ranking a testament to its ability to deliver what consumers desire. The ESCAPE brand of theme parks, known for its unique retro-eco adventure concept, thrives on big ideas, innovation, and creativity, resulting in a highly successful and distinctive experience.

ESCAPE Penang’s recognition surpasses that of well-known attractions in Hong Kong, Japan, and Dubai, making it the third top-rated amusement park and water park in Asia. Furthermore, it is the only theme park in Malaysia with a 5-star rating on TripAdvisor.

During the award presentation ceremony, Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, along with other officials, commended Sim Leisure Group for its remarkable progress in the theme park and attractions industry. Chow sees this achievement as a positive step for the local industry and looks forward to the company’s continued efforts in putting Malaysia on the global map for exceptional attractions and theme parks.

Chow emphasized that Sim Leisure Group and its ESCAPE attractions have stood the test of time, distinguishing themselves from other established brands and players in the industry. ESCAPE’s journey started in Penang and has expanded across Malaysia, continually pushing boundaries and introducing innovative ideas.

ESCAPE Penang offers unique experiences, such as skiing, which was previously exclusive to cold countries but is now accessible in Penang. These extraordinary aspects set ESCAPE apart from other attractions. The recognition received places ESCAPE Penang among the top three attractions in Asia, surpassing renowned parks in Japan, Korea, Dubai, and Singapore, highlighting the exceptional quality of ESCAPE Penang and the potential of Penang as a world-class tourist destination.

Since its opening in 2012, ESCAPE Penang has attracted 1.2 million visitors from around the world. The park aims to redefine leisure in the modern era by providing authentic experiences that are unique, enriching, and ignite curiosity. ESCAPE prioritizes self-directed play that encourages imagination and creativity, following a “low tech, high fun” approach. Additionally, the park seeks to reconnect people with nature to promote environmental preservation and conservation.

Sim expressed pride in the success of this unconventional approach, as it resonates with many people who appreciate ESCAPE’s brand of fun and play.

(Image source: Facebook)

About Sinaran Residences @ Utropolis

The residential component in the third phase of Utropolis development by Paramount Property at Batu Kawan, Penang. It is strategically located along Bandar Cassia Expressway, with walking access to Design Village outlet mall and UOW MALAYSIA KDU Penang University College. Driving to Penang International Airport will only take approximately 30 minutes via Second Penang Bridge.

This development featuring two blocks of 35 & 36-storey serviced apartments, offering a total of 964 residential units with unit size ranging between 667 sq.ft. – 1,044 sq.ft.

Find out more about Utropolis @ Batu Kawan:

• Phase 1 – Sensasi Commercial & Residential Suites (Completed)
• Phase 2 – Suasana Residential Suites (Completed)
• Phase 3 – Sinaran Avenue & Sinaran Residences (On-going)
• Phase 4 – Savana

(Photo taken Apr 2023)

Penang’s Light Rail Transit (LRT) project is set to undergo significant changes as Phase 1 of the plan, originally intended to connect Penang International Airport (PIA) to Komtar, will now be extended all the way to Tanjung Bungah. The decision to expand the route was made by MRT Corp after reviewing the project’s proposal, covering a distance of 29 kilometers and encompassing 27 stations.

Transport Minister Anthony Loke made the announcement during a press conference held at Sia Boey Urban Archeological Park, stating, “Initially, the first phase was to be from PIA in Bayan Lepas to Komtar in George Town. Komtar will be a main station in the city located next to Sia Boey Urban Archeological Park.”

Discussions are still underway with the state government regarding the location of the LRT depot, and it has been mutually decided that the chosen location will be on an existing site in Penang Island rather than on the reclaimed Silicon Island. Loke emphasized that the decision regarding the depot’s location is crucial for finalizing the project’s cost and alignment.

If all necessary approvals are granted by the Finance Ministry and the project progresses smoothly, it is expected to commence later this year and be completed within a five-year timeframe. The estimated cost for the project is RM4.5 billion, and it is a crucial part of Penang’s ambitious Transport Master Plan (PTMP), which involves several multi-billion-ringgit initiatives.

The recent announcement by the Federal Government regarding the allocation of funds to expedite the Penang LRT project signifies the importance of enhancing the transportation infrastructure in the region. With the extension of the LRT route, residents and visitors will benefit from improved connectivity, reduced traffic congestion, and enhanced accessibility to key areas within Penang.

The Penang government is strongly encouraging tourists to stay at licensed premises over banned short-term rental (STR) accommodations, according to Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow.

He said Penang has enough facilities, from star-rated hotels to heritage hotels, homestays and service apartments, to accommodate different types of tourists.

“We encourage tourists to stay at licensed facilities. So, a residential neighbourhood is for residential purposes and we leave it at that. We want to reduce disturbances to residential areas,” Chow said when asked by a reporter whether the ban on Airbnb would affect Penang’s tourism.

Chow was then attending a press conference on the Penang International Food Festival 2023 at The Whiteaways Arcade, Beach Street in George Town today.

He added that licensed hotels rely on tourists to sustain their business operations.

When told that some developers advertised their projects as Airbnb to entice buyers, Chow said the developers could build service apartments that would allow them to operate under Airbnb regulations.

Hoteliers commended MBPP’s move to restrict short-term rental accommodation stays on the island, saying that would give them a level playing field.

As it is, the hoteliers said they have to pay taxes and are required to collect an RM3 local government tax, plus another RM10 tourism tax from foreigners but STRs remain exempt from such levies.

MBPP’s ban covers all private residential properties, but excludes six types of commercial properties: serviced apartments, small office home offices (SoHo), small office flexible offices (SoFo), small office virtual offices (SoVo), office suites and duplex offices.

Those intending to offer short-term rentals in the commercial categories must obtain approval from their respective joint management bodies (JMB) or management corporations (MCs). They are required to secure consent from at least 75% of the property owners at an annual general meeting.

On top of that, each short-term rental unit is limited to a maximum of 180 days of rental per year, with rental activity restricted to three days per week.

Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH) Penang chapter chairman Tony Goh said his association welcomed MBPP’s decision but stressed the importance of effective enforcement of the ban.

He also highlighted the need to address other concerns, such as ensuring compliance with the 180-day rental limit and restrictions on the number of rental days per week.

Source: Buletin Mutiara