Earmarked for development: A view of Kg Chetty in Batu Ferringhi. The proposed project on the 30-acre plot of land comprises low medium-cost units, semi-detached houses, condominiums and a hotel.

RESIDENTS of Kg Chetty in Batu Ferringhi, Penang, have been given a flat each to make way for a housing project.

The developer of the 30-acre village has agreed to allocate each of the 350 householders a low medium-cost (LMC) unit according to the state government’s “one-to-one” housing policy.

State Housing, Town and Country Planning Committee chairman Jagdeep Singh said all the householders in Kg Chetty had agreed to the deal and had submitted applications for the LMC units.

According to Jagdeep, applications would be rejected if applicants were found to own houses elsewhere but Kg Chetty residents would be given exemption on appeal.

“Under standard operating procedures, applications for LMC units will be rejected if applicants owned houses.

“But (in this case) they will be given approval on appeal as it is a compensation issue and not eligibility,” Jagdeep said after attending a fire-walking ceremony at the Arulmigu Sree Bathrakaliamman Temple in Persiaran Sg Batu, Batu Ferringhi on Saturday.

On the “one-to-one” policy, Jagdeep said developers of state land were to compensate displaced residents with a low-cost unit each at the minimum.

“We are encouraging developers of private land to do likewise.

“Kg Chetty residents are being compensated with LMC units.

“If they don’t want the LMC units, they will be given RM72,500, the cash equivalent of an LMC unit, by the developer. Kg Chetty residents should be happy,” Jagdeep said.

He said the state government would draw up the guidelines on the “one-to-one” housing policy, which would be the yardstick for relocating residents.

The developer of Kg Chetty plans to build 500 LMC units, semi-detached houses, condominiums and hotel on the plot of land.

On the relocation of Arulmigu Sree Bathrakaliamman Temple, Jagdeep said a suitable plot in Batu Ferringhi had been identified.

“We are in the process of obtaining the necessary approval for the new site where the temple would have a bigger and permanent place after the relocation,” he said.

Also present at the temple’s fire-walking ceremony was Bukit Bendera MP Kairil Khir Johari.

Source: StarProperty.my

An artist’s impression of the new look to the entrance of the Perda City Mall (PCM), Seberang Perai, Penang

Aeon Seberang Prai City, the largest mall in Bandar Perda, Penang, will be renamed Perda City Mall (PCM) after undergoing asset enhancement works.

Work has started on the mall and is expected to finish before Christmas this year. Its owner Northern Mall Sdn Bhd said in a press statement that the temporary closure is necessary to further strengthen the mall’s commitment and continuous efforts in enhancing its retail environment and shopping experience for today’s discerning customers.

The renaming of the mall is aimed at giving it a new identity to portray its close association with the new township as the main provider for most of the needs of the residents in the surrounding areas. The mall was opened in 2008 and has a net lettable area of 79,000 sq ft.

“The major work would involve asset enhancement initiatives on the second floor to convert underutilised areas into additional retail areas, thus offering more space for retailers,” said Adzman Shah Mohd Ariffin of ExaStrata Solutions Sdn Bhd, the property manager of the mall.

PCM is retaining a majority of its tenants including Sen-Q, McDonald’s and the Apple Store. Parkson and Econsave will be the new anchor tenants.

“Our goal is to wrap up the upgrading project just in time for the year-end holiday shopping season, and it is going to be an exciting time for PCM and all our shoppers,” said Adzman.

“We are really excited about the changes to the mall as these will bring some interesting updates to our shopping mall. We are sure that our customers will love these improvements,” he said.

The upgrading of the mall will be in tune with the current trend so that it will have a more refreshing air, added Adzman.

“We believe as a regional mall, we will be the price-setter in terms of rental and valuation of properties.

“Our aim is to enable shoppers to get all their needs under one roof, besides enjoying the facilities and modern cum soothing ambience offered by the mall.”

Source: The Edge Property

Vona Sky Condominium, part of Vona Parkcity mixed development by Vona Properties Group in Bukit Gambier, Penang. This project comprises two high-rise tower, a total of 516 condo units with size ranging from 1,100 sq.ft to 1,800 sq.ft. It is strategically located along Jalan Bukit Gambier, next to Jade View Apartment.

More details to be available soon.

Property Project: Vona Sky Condominium
Location: Bukit Gambier, Penang
Property Type: Condominium
Built-up Area: 1,100 sq.ft. – 1,800 sq.ft.
Total Units: 516 units (Condominium)
Developer: Gambier Sanctuaries Sdn. Bhd. (Vona Properties Group)

Exo Residences, an upcoming condominium with full facility by Exopuri Sdn. Bhd. in Juru, Penang. This is a 31-storey residential building comprises 146 condo units with built-up area ranging from 1,275 sq.ft. to 2,886 sq.ft. It’s only a stone’s throw away from Juru Auto City, about 5 minutes drive from Penang bridge.

Each unit comes with double walk in wardrobe for Master and 1st bedroom. There are several design to choose from with 8 units per floor and 2 car parking lots per unit.

Facilities:

• Skydeck lounge
• Infinity Pool
• Tier Security System
• 2 carpark per unit
• Gymnasium
• Sauna and Wading Pool

Related Project: Exo Horizon @ Juru Sentral

Banks need to reduce interest rates for low-cost, low medium-cost and affordable housing units, says Penang Town, Country and Housing Committee chairman Jagdeep Singh Deo.

“A special rate for this category of home buyers is important as it will assist them in attaining their first home,” he said.

Jagdeep said he had a chat with a representative from the Association of Banks Malaysia during a seminar on MyHome recently.

From the chat, he found out that there was no such effort being carried out, he added.

“We urge the banks to help provide a better rate for first-time house buyers.

“Efforts by the Federal and state governments to introduce various housing schemes will be futile if people are unable to obtain loans from the banks,” he told a press conference.

The press conference was to highlight 1Malaysia People’s Housing Scheme (PR1MA) which has yet to be carried out in the state.

“The state government has yet to receive an official response as per their commitment,” he said.

Jagdeep urged PR1MA corporation chairman Tan Sri Dr Jamaluddin Jarjis to respond on various issues concerning the number of units of PR1MA housing in Penang, the location of the proposed sites for PR1MA projects and the timeline for the implementation of these projects.

Source: StarProperty.my