The newly open 240m road, connecting Lebuhraya Thean Tek to Kampung Pisang, offers an alternative route for motorists from Air Itam, Paya Terubong and Bandar Baru Air Itam to commute.

Air Itam assemblyman Joseph Ng said the new road helps to disperse traffic volume especially during peak hours.

“The Air Itam and Paya Terubong state constituencies are huge and there are traffic congestions during peak hours.

“The new road, which costs about RM4.5 million (including the cost for modification), will provide convenience for the motorists,” he said before opening the road today.

Ng urged motorists to adhere to the traffic rules and stay safe.

MBPP councillor Edward Tan said that the new road project started in April 2018 and completed in October this year.

“The roads nearby have all been upgraded for a smoother traffic,” he said.

On a separate matter, Ng said he has written to the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) after receiving feedback from the public pertaining to the number of traffic lights along Lebuhraya Thean Tek.

“The council is studying the matter.

“We are now waiting for the completion of a new commercial complex in the vicinity. The local authorities have their plan to ease traffic congestion,” he said.

Ng also hoped that the 5.7km Air Itam-Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Expressway bypass project could be completed soon.

Source: Buletin Mutiara

Another condominium in Penang Island has confirmed Covid cases! The management of The Peak Residences in Tanjung Tokong issued a notice yesterday stating that one resident was diagnosed with Covid-19.

The announcement stated that the safety of residents and staffs are their top priority, and the management has taken immediate action to disinfect areas that may be infected. They call on all residents to wear masks and use hand sanitizer in public areas while maintaining a social distancing of at least one meter.”

Source: Guang Ming Daily

Glisten Hill, a high-rise residential development by TKS Development in Juru, Penang. This development is located along Jalan Juru 2, adjacent to Taman Juru. It is only a short drive from AEON Big hypermarket at Bukit Minyak, under 15 drives from North-South Expressway – Juru interchange.

This project comprises a 13-storey building, featuring 134 residential units with built-up size ranging from 1,305 sq.ft. onwards. It will offer a wide range of facilities including relaxation areas such as an indoor playground, a partially-covered swimming pool, and a co-working space.

Project Name : Glisten Hill
Location : Juru, Penang
Property Type : Condominium
Tenure : Freehold
Total Units: 134
Built-up Area: 1,305 sq.ft. onwards
Indicative Price: RM 374,000. onwards
Developer : TKS Development Sdn. Bhd.

Location Map:

(This project was first proposed by UCM Holding Sdn. Bhd. in 2016)

In the second part of our email interview with MIEA Penang, we have discussed the common property pitfalls and what are some of the preventive measures that a property buyer should take to avoid them.

Q4. What are the common property scams or mistakes during property transactions?

MIEA has identified 13 ways the public can be scammed. Below are the 13 ways homebuyers and sellers can fall prey during property transactions:
Cheating

• Absconding
• Misrepresentation
• Misleading
• Profiteering
• Withholding Facts
• Representing seller & landlord without legal authorization Undercutting Selling price
• Not knowing the legal process
• Having personal conflict of interest
• Not adhering to the Code of Ethics
• Collecting fees from both parties
• Collecting more than the allowed fees

Q5. What is the risk of buying property from illegal property brokers?

Illegal property broker don’t adhere to code of ethics as they are not answerable to any party. They don’t have any responsibility and accountability if something goes wrong. Let’s not condone such unlawful practices by Illegal property broker.

Whereas, a Registered Estate Agent or Negotiator will be striving to protect their client’s interest at heart, offering accurate advice without vested interests by thoroughly vetting the properties listed, providing clients quality service with fairness and integrity.

Q6. How can the public differentiate between a Registered Estate Agent/Negotiator and an illegal property broker?

At present, estate agencies practicing in Malaysia are governed by the ACT 242 – Valuers, Appraisers, Estate Agents and Property Managers Act (1981). The real estate practice is regulated by the Board of Valuers, Appraisers, Estate Agents and Property Managers or in short BOVAEP.

Registered Estate Agents are those who have passed an exam and undergone 4 years of study before they are registered with the while Real Estate Negotiators are employed by the Real Estate Agents through their Real Estate firms.

Registered Estate Agents are registered and the Real Estate Negotiators are certified with the BOVAEP. They all carry a tag to show that they are authorized to do real estate transactions. If there is No Tag, it means that you are dealing with an illegal property broker.

Q7. What are the precautionary measures buyers, sellers, landlords and tenants should take note of during a property transaction?

For Seller/ Landlords

• Check which agency firm is active in your area
• Who are the active firms in the neighborhood where the property is located
• Before appointing anyone check the authenticity of the Real Estate Negotiator (REN) and check whether they have a valid REN Tag. If they do, then they are certified by the Board of Valuers, Appraisers, Estate Agents & Property Managers to carry out real estate practice.
• The QR code on the name tag will help you verify that, if you are unable to scan the QR code, you can check with their REN number on the BOVAEP website
• It will state their name, REA/REN number, their agency registered E number with the Board and also their contact number.
• Always remember a REN is employed by a Registered Real Estate Firm and as such all monies are to be deposited into their clients Account. No issuance of cash payment or monies to any individuals name.

The public can have visit MYREALAGENTS website and social media pages, a public awareness campaign initiated by MIEA to remind the public to always engage a Registered Estate Agent and Negotiator and to emphasise the importance of why one should engage with registered agents or negotiators and how one can protect oneself from illegal brokers

Website: https://myrealagents.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/myrealagents/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/myrealagents/

Q8. In what kind of scenario or situation that a buyer can reach out to MIEA for assistance?

The Public can contact MIEA if there are doubts, questions, checking on firms or RENs or if you feel something is wrong, Just call MIEA Penang Branch at 04-2288333 or MIEA Head office at 03-79602577.

PART 1: Property outlook and buying tips 

State Local Government Committee chairman Jagdeep Singh Deo said that in addition to public places, the Commission of Building (COB) will also supervise and enforce SOP on high-rise residential buildings. If it is found that the SOPs are not followed, a warning will be given. Stern action will be taken against repeat offenders.

He said in a speech at the ceremony of handing over Deepavali supplies to 570 city hall frontline personnel today.

He said that the management of high-rise building must abide by the regulations set, including only allowing outsiders with important things, and certain contractors to enter, not allowing general meetings and maintaining hygiene.

“As of November 5, the committee has inspected 1,341 high-rise residences, and the feedback received is very good. 99.53% of high-rise residences have complied with SOP.”

However, 74 units still did not follow standard operating procedures, including failing to maintain social distancing in elevators and failing to disinfect frequently touched places and surfaces. A warning is given to them on the violation.

“The Penang state government has also carried out as many as 1.07 million inspections. The compliance rates of Penang Island and Seberang Perai are 99.69% and 99.35% respectively.”