BY ALYSSA J OON

ALONG with the rise in social media and the need for networking sites, visual bookmarking

website Pinterest has been gaining popularity. Late last year it sent out a board called “Pinterest 100 for 2016”, a “platform” featuring a collection of trending pins under the “popular” theme focusing on various aspects of life. Interior decor for the homestead was included.

SOPHISTICATED LUXURYMetallic wallpapers are receiving growing interest, an alternative that is rich in texture to its flat counterpart. The “soft posh” look is achieved by using widely spaced motifs of organic patterns that work well in a neutral-coloured room. Grasscloth textures are a popular choice for halls due to its rustic texture. Damask patterns are reminiscent of high-end hotels, and are frequently used in one of the most neglected parts of the home, the bathroom. Metallic wallpapers can also be used to accent walls, but some more creative homeowners have used metallic wallpapers to create art panels in bedrooms, such as gold branches to match an oriental-style bedroom.

There are 50 shades of grey (or so, they say...) and chances are, you can implement every one of these hues in your home in some way or other. While gunmetal grey is marked as the “it” colour of the year by Pinterest, its lighter counterparts are better aligned with our weather. Use light greys to create the bright feeling that comes with a white room. Tones such as these also add a soft touch to interiors. To play it up, use two different shades of grey for a duo-tone wall, using the lighter shade on top to add more height to the room. A dark grey-accentuated wall can be used to draw attention to a particular object, such as a reading nook or a photo gallery. This also adds some character to interiors.

Sophisticated and chic, with a touch of modernism, black and white interiors are still very much in. However, this year’s trend gravitates towards softening the harsh effects of the hues by

> Featuring some of Pinterest’s trends for home

Creating styles, making statements

hotter months. Bathrooms also seem to be on the receiving end of this trend, with a particular interest in cube patterns that offer a 3D illusion or hexagons for a colour splash.

With predictions of black, white and grey as the go-to colours for rooms this year, decorations in the room will have a bigger role to play in ensuring there is a balance in colour.

Graphic throw pillows are one of the easiest ways to do so, as they can be purchased from almost anywhere and are affordable in price too.

HOMEGROWN AND ARTISANALWith a growing number of shops promoting local goods, geometric throw pillows could be one way of showing support for homegrown artists and their designs. A batik throw pillow adds a truly Malaysian touch to the room with its intricate designs and bold colours. Go for geometric patterns if you are looking to complement the whites and blacks of any room. In a Scandinavian-inspired interior, grab a few pillows in striking colours such as glittering gold or neon pink. These help bring about a vibrancy to an otherwise muted interior.

The nomadic tribes of Africa are a big source of inspiration this year with their bold textiles, artwork and home accessories. As the world’s second largest continent in the world, Africa offers a myriad of

inspirations when it comes to decorating one’s home.

Congolese “kuba” cloths are complex embroidery on palm leaf fibres. These make perfect statement wall pieces in the living room with its intricate and geometric patterns. For something

different, Pacific Island masks can also be hung on the walls, in place of the usual photo gallery that lines the stairway. Add a traditional African touch to the living room by using coffee tables inspired by d’jembe drums or wooden ones carved with tribal

designs. Moroccan rugs are also available in various designs, making it an eye-catcher and an easy choice to decorate any room, whether you are looking for neutral (Beni Ourain rugs) or bright and lively colours (Berber rugs).

A TOUCH OF COSINESSBreak out from the mundane by hanging tapestries instead of framed photos. Tapestries are intricately woven wall hangings that, in olden times, recorded historic tales and stories, which are sometimes used as portraits. Such intricate tapestries, however, would cost a lot more time and money to produce; which is why Pinterest suggests smaller scale woven wall hangings that invoke a 70s feel. The best part about this trend is that it is simple and can be done at home with the right materials and instructions from online tutorials. To add a little vintage pop to the room, hang up a woven wall hanging above the bed or table. Woven wall hangings come in every size, design and shape, so you can be sure to find one that suits your taste.

With such a diverse option of trends to attempt, it is best to always start small instead of going all out and implementing all trends at once. Trends are merely suggestions after all. It is simply the latest in-thing. For a sense of your own style, decorate your home how best you like it, as a home should reflect the people who live in it.

Email your feedback and queries to: propertyqs@thesundaily.com

introducing natural elements into a room. Give a much-needed colour boost to black and white interiors by adding small potted plants, as vibrant greens not only stand out, but is refreshing and brings about a zen-like ambience.

HINT OF MOTHERLANDFor a little Malaysian touch, bring in some light-coloured rattan furniture such as armchairs or coffee tables. You could alternate this with other small elements like little pieces of decoration from home or your kampung. These not only add character, but induces some charm and warmth into any black and white interiors. Fur rugs ... preferably those that resemble one, in light neutral shades add a hint of cosy comfort and is perfect for places of relaxation especially in bedrooms and living rooms. This

adds some “exotic” to interiors, commanding a sense of adventure, drama and excitement to muted interiors. However, the most important thing to bear in mind when decorating a black and white room is to ensure sufficient natural light comes through.

Scandinavian interiors are basically decorated in black and white, playing heavily on white walls and floors. These are complemented with wooden furniture that feature clean-cut lines and smooth curved edges. Although this inspiration has been around for some time, it is still the fad and does not seem to be dying out anytime soon. Its modern minimalist design is simple to recreate and comes as a perfect start for budding interior designers.

GET GRAPHICWhile base colours seem to be pretty mild for 2016, flooring predictions are making a statement this year with geometric tiles. When walls are painted in white, black or grey, geometric tiles give the otherwise bland room a strong personality. The wide variety of geometric tiles available in the market makes it easy to complement whichever theme a room dons, be it contemporary or neutral. An added benefit in using tiles is its resilience and durability, ease of cleaning, and better dispersing of heat, which is a great help in keeping cool during the

PHOTO: THEWHITEARROW.COM

PHOTO: BLOGLOVIN.COM PHOTO: POPSUGAR.COM

PHOTO: INTERIORCOLLECTIVE.COM

PHOTO: MYDOMAINE.COM PHOTO: THEINTERIORSADDICT.COM

PHOTO: THEVAULTFILES.COM

CLARIFICATIONLast week theSun Property Insights had depicted that Pengerang in Johor was part of the Iskandar Development Region’s fifth sector. We apologise for any inconvenience caused. Pengerang actually falls within a buffer area, southeast of Johor in Kota Tinggi district. This is being increasingly referred to and apparently marketed as the “Greater Iskandar area”, even though it is technically outside the core Iskandar Development Region.

21theSun ON FRIDAY | APRIL 1, 2016

> Views and possible implications based on iProperty.com Asia property market sentiment survey report for H1 2016Slow and steady

Email your feedback and queries to: propertyqs@thesundaily.com

ACCORDING to property portal iProperty.com’s recent Asia property market survey on the

industry outlook for the first half of this year, Malaysia is still recovering from:1) various cooling measures

implemented by the government;2) the introduction of the recent

goods and services tax (GST);3) the current political and

economic climate;4) the weakened ringgit; and 5) stringent bank regulations which

have resulted in difficulty in qualifying for housing loans.

The ninth iteration of the survey and the longest-running study of its kind is reported to have been conducted on the iProperty Group’s websites in four countries, namely Malaysia (iProperty.com.my), Indonesia (Rumah123.com and rumahdanproperti.com), Hong Kong (GoHome.com.hk and Squarefoot.com.hk) and Singapore (iProperty.com.sg). Data was compiled from the response from 13,000 individuals, 40% of whom were from Malaysia.

According to the poll, respondents were mainly property owners looking to purchase another property (39%) and first-time home buyers (26%), with some 15% just monitoring the market.

iProperty Group CEO Georg Chmiel shared that the survey revealed that the market is expected to continue experiencing a slowdown and higher loan rejection rates will present a challenging year for the industry. Enlightening further, Chmiel said, “Malaysia’s property sector is expected to be flat this year, while market prices will benefit those looking to buy or rent houses.” That said, we perused the survey findings and deliberated its implications and impact on the market.

RESULTS ANALYSISBelow are the findings from the survey, which are in bold, along with views and implications that can be expected and possibly impact the local property market.

Weakened ringgit spurs interest from Singaporeans According to iProperty.com, the

weakened ringgit has resulted in higher interest from Singaporeans looking to invest in Malaysia, more

specifically, property in Iskandar Malaysia. Survey respondents from Singapore also revealed that Iskandar Puteri (previously known as Nusajaya) (59%) and Johor Baru City (40%) are the preferred investment locations within Iskandar Malaysia, with a small percentage showing interest in the Western and Eastern Gate sectors. Interested parties in property in this southern region included Malaysians and Johoreans.

No doubt, our diminutive currency may have its drawbacks, but at the same time it is also attracting foreigners to invest in property here, even move their businesses over with the enticing incentives and packages offered (refer iskandarinvestment.com) .

No savings due to high household expenses Survey results showed that half

the respondents (50%) can cover their household expenses but are unable to save. With more than half of the respondents (60%) owning the property that they live in, a majority are still paying mortgages with more than 20 years to go. The findings also revealed that 54% can manage their monthly loan repayments, while 22% are facing difficulties.

The repercussions would likely include those facing mortgage difficulties having to sell off their properties; and for those with “weak” holding power, possibly having to sell their properties at low or even below market price, depending on the urgency.

This can lead to a buyer’s market, where the purchaser could have the upper hand to negotiate for better deals.

A spin-off on the other hand would see clever investors doing their homework, if time permitted, to learn to negotiate “lease option” deals as promoted by Vincent Wong and John Lee. Interested parties could go through their book, A Step by Step Guide to

Lease Options: No Mortgage, No Deposit, No Problem!

Low interest to invest overseasWhile the weakened ringgit has

also resulted in Malaysians having low interest to invest in property overseas according to the survey, still some 23% of respondents were interested to purchase in Australia, Singapore and the UK.

The top two reasons which were very consistent, were that these locations offered good property investment returns and there were plans to migrate to that country in the future.

The consensus on the findings that Malaysians have low interest in investing in property abroad is that lesser cross-border investments could be a blessing in disguise but only for the short term as more people will “buy local”.

However, in the long run, this could lead to possibilities of decreased opportunities for expansion, relegating the performance of one’s company

having to rely on the economy of the country and losing performance potential by keeping local, among others.

High interest to purchase but affordability continues to remain a major concern Despite a low percentage of respondents who purchased properties in the last 12 months, many still believe that it is currently a good time to invest in both primary and secondary properties. The

three most popular types of property to purchase have been consistent among the survey respondents. These include:a) private condominium / serviced apartment; b) terrace house; and c) flat / walk-up apartment.

While 63% of respondents were found to be looking to purchase in the next 12 months, a significant 37% seem to be only looking to purchase in at least two years’ time. The budget to purchase, however, still remained up to RM500,000.

In this case, we foresee either rentals going up or developers increasing their quota for less expensive housing units, if not, a glut of properties, empty and waiting to be rented or purchased, with developers or owners having to sit and “wait out the cycle”.

Insufficient affordable housing available Despite the government’s efforts

to offer more affordable housing, 66% of respondents, especially Kuala Lumpur-based house buyers, felt that the additional affordable houses were insufficient as there is still a strong migration from low to medium-low income households from different states coming into the Klang Valley.

An issue which has more than often made the news, there seems to be a slightly improved provision of affordable housing, with more developers going into building such units within their mixed property development projects.

A boon, right up one’s alley for the middle to low income earners, as well as first-time property buyers, but in the near future as the government continues to push for the development of more affordable housing.

BOTTOM LINEAt a press conference, Chmiel concluded by saying, “Even though Malaysians are concerned about the rising house prices and affordability, property is still viewed the most attractive investment choice according to the survey respondents. In fact, our survey respondents have informed us that property is the most preferred investment option due to capital growth opportunities and it is also more stable compared to other assets. As such, a flat property sector provides excellent purchasing opportunities for those with access to funds. A weakened market is good for those with holding power.”

Anyhow, Chmiel expects some change around the second half of 2016, anticipating the market to “inch forward slowly and rise again in a year or two”.

So, for those who have “saved for a rainy day”, with excess funds or good holding power, like the 35% of respondents who agree, now is a good time to buy.

Note: Some information in the above article was retrieved from the iProperty.com market report. Tabulations, tables and charts are courtesy of iProperty.com

Property trends for 2016

lower rentals

good buys

high loan rejection rates

iProperty Group CEO Georg Chmiel.

21theSun ON FRIDAY | APRIL 8, 2016

20theSun ON FRIDAY | MARCH 11, 201622 theSun ON FRIDAY | APRIL 15, 2016

Email your feedback and queries to: propertyqs@thesundaily.com

RECENTLY, JLL Property Services (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd (JLL ) presented its report on the real estate

outlook in the Asia Pacific region. Below is a summary of a study led by the company’s Asia Pacific head of research Dr Megan Walters.

According to past trends and data compiled from 1995, the company anticipates Asia to remain as the engine of global growth. This observation was based on the analysis of the gross domestic product (GDP) growth of countries that included India, China, Malaysia, Singapore, Australia, the US, Europe and Japan. GDP growth was reported accordingly, in the above mentioned order, from highest to lowest.

By 2022, it is estimated that the Asia Pacific nominal GDP will supersede that of the US, a huge percentage coming from China.

Asia Pacifi c real estate market> Summary of the > Summary of the 2016 report by JLL 2016 report by JLL Property MalaysiaProperty Malaysia

investment. According to reports, the strongest leasing markets will be in China and India, with investments in China and Hong Kong bouncing back.

Rents are recorded to be on the rise in the global office markets. The most expensive office space are reported to be located in (highest to lowest) Hong Kong, London, Beijing, New York and Shanghai. Space is also a constraint in these major cities, where low vacancy rates are reported – Shanghai’s Pudong, Raffles Place in Singapore, London’s West End, Tokyo’s Marunouchi and Central Hong Kong.

In all, the Asia Pacific tops the rank in global office rents. Hong Kong commands the world’s highest cost, although

China’s Tier I cities are close behind. Occupancy costs in Beijing (third) and Shanghai (fifth) are now ahead of the established world cities of Tokyo (sixth) and Singapore (11th). See figures in the chart below.

According to JLL forecasts, office rental growth in the Asia Pacific will see Kuala Lumpur take a dip, sliding 1% by the end of this year in comparison to 4Q15. Other cities expected to follow the downtrend include Jakarta, Mumbai and Singapore. Shanghai, Sydney and Hong Kong on the other hand, are expected to see growth in prime office rentals.

Based on JLL data, office rents in some markets still remain below their peak. These include rentals in cities like Singapore, Hong Kong and Tokyo. Still, most markets are expected to experience moderate rental growth from now until 4Q17. On the other hand, most office markets are now reporting higher capital values (except Singapore and Tokyo) compared to pre-global financial crisis (GFC), on the back of strong investment demand. (*Note: All charts/graphs courtesy of JLL Asia Pacific Research Team.)

Cassia’s fi nal phase launchTHOSE interested in an exceptional piece of property in the famed Batu Maung in Penang are invited to the exclusive launch of the final phase of Sunway Cassia.

There are only 10 limited units of Cydonia+ which offers expansive built-up space of 3,770sf. Also available are 38 units of Cydonia that comes with a spacious built-up area of 3,196sf – both designs set upon lush green landscapes.

Those attending the launch from 10am to 6pm on April 17 will get a special chance to view the semi-detached show units.

Sunway Cassia showcases a contemporary-designed neighbourhood for individuals with an affinity for life and all it has to offer. In conjunction with the developer’s recent Sunway Property Certainty Campaign launch, the company will be offering innovative home packages for its Sunway Cassia designs. Drop by the launch to find out

While the demand for office space is slowly rising within the Asia Pacific region, growing at 33% in 2015, leasing is catching up with

IMPORTANT POINTS WORTH NOTING

Occupier demand for space underpins investment demand.

Asia Pacific low interest rate environment to continue despite US rate lift-off.

Divergent interest rates between Japan and the US pose risks.

The gap between interest rates and real estate yields drives investors to real estate.

Currency weakness against the US dollar in Asia Pacific is likely to continue.

Investors to seek core products.

about the irresistible deals that come with owning a part of Sunway Property’s pride and joy of the region.

“Sunway Cassia is nestled in a quiet, green-lung corner of Batu Maung with access to nearby amenities. There are also upcoming infrastructure that will benefit future residents, from capital appreciation to greater accessibility, especially with the lack of landed developments on the island at present,” said Sunway Berhad’s managing director of property development for Malaysia and Singapore, Tan Wee Bee.

In line with its “Living Sunway, Living Community” campaign, Sunway Property inspires growth and engagement, urging people to be involved in its community-driven undertakings such as the upcoming World Environment Day in May. For more information on the exclusive launch, visit the developer’s website or the project web page.

Walters at the market report presentation.

GrowthSlowing

RentsFalling

DeclineSlowing

Rents Rising

Guangzhou JakartaSingapore

Kuala Lumpur

Perth

BrisbaneHanoi

SeoulCanberra, AdelaideHo Chi Minh City, Mumbai

OsakaMelbourne

ChennaiShanghai, Sydney

DelhiBangalore

Manila, TokyoHong Kong

Beijing

Bangkok

Taipei

Offi ce rents rising on demand exceeding supplyPrime offi ce rent clock

SOURCE: JLL ASIA PACIFIC RESEARCH TEAM

Asia Pacifi c tops global offi ce rents

Hong KongLondonBeijing

New YorkShanghai

TokyoSan Fransisco

MoscowDelhi

DubaiSingapore

MumbaiWashington DC

ParisBoston

Los AngelesFrankfurt

SeoulChicagoSydney

TorontoHoustonMadrid

AmsterdamNet Rent Additional Costs

US$0 US$50 US$100 US$150 US$200 US$250 US$300

US$171US$136US$128US$114US$106US$105US$93US$93US$91US$82US$81US$73US$68US$68US$64US$61US$60US$59US$55US$52US$43

US$262US$240US$199

For now, double-storey terrace factories are tagged at RM1 million; double-storey cluster factories at RM2 million; double-storey link detached factories at RM5 million; and shophouses at RM625,000. Lots are between 2,776sf and 14,532sf.

JHP is ideally located in close proximity to the Pasir Gudang Highway (19km), the Senai-Desaru Expressway (25km) and the PLUS Highway (26km). Nearby ports include the Senai Airport, Pasir Gudang Port, Tanjung Langsat Port, Johor Port and Singapore.

Other selling points include:• fibre-optic cabling and internet

connection with speeds of one gigabyte;

• 600-pax worker’s enclave;• gated and guarded area with

three-tier security, water and electricity;

• LPG/LNG and ground water facilities;

• sustainable lifestyle with herbal environment landscape;

• bio-based business;• accredited Halmas Halal Hub;• business incentives (10-year

corporate tax exemption);• world class facilities and

services like IPWL, Halal Lab and TCM Centre;

• international industry linkage through scientific halal laboratory and more.

completed by year-end.When asked about UMLand’s

involvement in this project UMLand Group managing director Dennis Ng said, “This project is one of the key developments which will assist in the transformation of Iskandar Malaysia. This collaboration between us and the Johor state will establish Iskandar Malaysia as a dynamic and exceptional international metropolis. The different bodies, namely Majlis Perbandaran Pasir Gudang, Unit Pembangunan Ekonomi Negri along with J-Biotech, have made a concerted effort to produce, develop and materialise this ground-breaking development.”

Therefore, it is of no surprise that there is said to be keen interest from various countries including China, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan and Singapore in the project. A delegation from China was recently reported to have expressed interest in setting up operations at the park.

J-Biotech CEO Wan Amir Jeffrey Wan Abdul Majid commented that Johor has all the “right ingredients” to fulfil the park’s vision and intention.

He also said commitment from all the stakeholders at federal and state governments was important for the park to achieve its goals.

JHP is developed by Tentu Teguh Sdn Bhd, a wholly-owned subsidiary of UMLand.

The project is designed to become an industrial hub for halal products and foods where operators will need to be Halmas “stamped”, an accreditation given by the Halal Development Corporation (HDC).

With that, we examine Halmas

21theSun ON FRIDAY | APRIL 22, 2016

Commercial property development projectH

ALAL products may not come across as a lucrative business if you are looking at it from a minuscule

perspective i.e. a small stall in the laidback countryside. In a broader view, the industry is gargantuan, one that is big business with worldwide demand for halal consumer products reported to be worth some US$2.5 trillion (RM9.8 trillion) in 2015.

HALAL HUB IN ISKANDARNow, imagine Malaysia on the world map, with the world’s leading halal bio-based and herbal-based park as the global halal hub right here in Iskandar Malaysia. This is exactly what United Malayan Land Berhad (UMLand) has planned for Johor Halal Park (JHP), situated within the Eastern Gate Development of the said region.

A freehold park developed to cater to the world’s halal goods and foods, the project is a joint development venture between UMLand and the Johor state government-linked company Johor Biotechnology & Biodiversity Corporation (J-Biotech). The park will consist of a regional marketing and clearing house that will handle packaging, warehousing and logistics; a one-stop commercial centre; a scientific and halal laboratory; and provide incubator facilities of international standards. These will encompass 141.63ha with a gross development value tagged at RM1.5 billion.

Developed in phases, the entire project is slated for completion between five and seven years. For now, phase one, comprising 20.23ha, is expected to be

To date, there are 14 halal parks nationwide under the HDC- designated Halal Park Development. Operators within these parks need to receive Halmas accreditation where they have to comply with a set of rules, regulations and guidelines.

Halal industry players operating here get to enjoy a number of benefits including 100% income tax exemption for a period of time; exemption on import duty and sales tax on raw materials; double reduction on expenses incurred on obtaining international quality standards and credentials.

Halal logistic operators also get to enjoy some perks that include full income tax exemption for a certain period of time, exemption on import duty and sales tax on equipment, components and machinery pertaining. HDC- designated halal park operators are not left out as they too receive incentives such as full income tax exemption for a number of years, exemption from import duty and sales tax on equipment, components and machinery used in its operations.

JHP CONTENT AND CONFIGURATIONAs an industrial hub for halal products and foods, the JHP label in Iskandar Malaysia is designed to include the following:

Phase 1: 50 acres of 89 units of various types of factories, shophouses and a lab with a GDV of RM300 million. Forty-five per cent have been completed.Phase 2: Designed to include ready-built and built-to-suit factories, commercial properties, a regional marketing clearance house, an international Islamic school and a youth park.Phase 3: Commercial development.

HALMAS HALAL PARKS

Selangor Halal Hub

PKFZ National Halal Park

Melaka Halal Park

Techpark@enstek

POIC Lahad Datu

Tanjung Manis Halal Food Park

Penang International Halal Park

ECER Pasir Mas Halal Park

ECER Gambang Halal Park

Pedas Halal Park

POIC Tanjung Langsat

PERDA Halal Park

Sedenak Industrial Park

Kota Kinabalu Industrial Park

Email your feedback and queries to: propertyqs@thesundaily.com

Iskandar developer gears upWHILE many property analysts predict softening of the Johor property market, Astaka Holdings Limited CEO Datuk Zamani Kasim (pix) thinks otherwise. His reason: “It would not be realistic to generate an assessment of the property sector in Johor just by looking at the population growth projection of 2% per year. That 2% per year does not take into consideration temporary residents such as outstation or overseas employees that will be living and working in Johor. Nor does it reflect the growth in the number of students that we are expecting. The 2% population growth evaluation

also doesn’t take into account that approximately 20% of Johor’s current population will be maturing over the next three years, reaching the home-renting or home-buying age.”

Happy about the interest property buyers and investors have shown for The Astaka@One Bukit Senyum in Jalan Tebrau, Kasim urges the people to keep an eye on these five core sectors and four emerging sectors, which he feels will collectively fuel the second spike in property sales in the region – Electrical and Electronics, Petrochemicals and Oil & Gas, Food and Agro-processing,

Logistics and Tourism. The emerging sectors are Health Services, Creative, Education and Finance, Insurance, Real Estate and Business Services.

“When the factories, plants, facilities and universities are at 100% capacity, we will be ready for the third spike, when there is another influx of workers ... this time for the entertainment and F&B outlets, malls, shops, services and utilities businesses,” he added. Bukit Senyum is situated just 1km

from the Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) Complex. It is poised to become the new Central Business District (CBD) for Johor Baru City.

At the signing ceremony are (front, from left) Mohd Noor, Wan Amir and Ng and (back, from left) Johor education, information, entrepreneur development and cooperatives committee member Md Jais Sarday, Johor Chief Minister Datuk Mohamed Khaled Nordin and UMLand chairman Tun Musa Hitam.

An opportunity to own a piece of property predestined on the global map

and what it constitutes.

HALMAS PARKS IN MALAYSIADid you know that there are already up and running halal parks in the country? These are facilitated by the HDC, which works closely with the International Trade and Industry Ministry (Miti), the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (Mida) and the Malaysia External Trade Development (Matrade). JHP is accredited as a Halmas halal hub.

Perhaps one would question the reason for establishing such parks. Why congregate and how would it benefit? In short, it is reported to help improve the economic performance of participating companies as well as ensure halal integrity is not compromised. By coming together in a designated area, it works out to be more feasible in many ways, cost-wise especially, in terms of infrastructure, green design, energy efficiency, link between companies, consolidating services and bandying together for marketing purposes.

Elaborating on JHP, Tentu Teguh Sdn Bhd (UMLand’s wholly owned subsidiary) CEO Mohd Noor Salam said, “Recently our focus has been on the Far East countries since they have expressed interest in developing within this freehold industrial area. However, we have also received interest from countries in the Middle East as well as Europe. This is very encouraging and the potential for growth continues to emerge from this smart partnership between the private sector and the state, as well as the federal government.”

25theSun ON FRIDAY | APRIL 29, 2016

Malacca charm> Residential property outlook and plans for the progressive state

THERE is a lot to come for the state of Malacca, especially with the MoU signed between Chief Minister

Datuk Seri Idris Haron and China’s Guangdong province governor Zhu Xiaodan late last year. Days before the signing, seven Malacca state government companies and agencies had signed agreements with seven companies from the Chinese province.

Besides strengthening bilateral ties, there are plans to construct a Maritime Industrial Park, the Guangdong-Malacca Industrial Estate (manufacturing electrical consumer goods), establish a deep sea port, and reclaim land for trade and commercial purposes.

With all this exciting news and business investments for the “Historic State”, theSun looks at the real estate scene in the once unhurried and placid Malacca.

SOUGHT AFTERLocated just 10km away from Malacca city centre is Taman Malim Jaya (TMJ). A neighbourhood with the most number of property transactions recorded between the period of January to September 2015, TMJ is located in the township of Batu Berendam. The second housing estate nearest to the city after Ujong Pasir, TMJ offers a variety of homes via condominiums, apartments and terraced houses.

Strategically located, the township is a mere 15-minute drive from the Malacca International Airport and the city’s central bus station. Amenities are aplenty with the famed Giant hypermarket and Malacca Jusco shopping centre situated nearby, both which draw a crowd to the town most weekends.

Known for its historical past and being a coastal state, many tourists and big-city dwellers, including Singaporeans, flock the Malacca city centre where there are many tourist attractions and historical places of interest. This has caused a hike in vacation rentals, homestay lodgings and cosy boutique hotels

that often reflect the Malacca lifestyle of old, especially that of the Baba Nyonya heritage. Visit Malacca during the weekends and you will understand what draws the crowd. From the quaint-looking F&B and retail shops to the places that reflect the history of Malaya, the British rule, the Portuguese and

Dutch settlers, all that go way back in time. Today, as in times of old, Malacca beckons with all its charms.

TOP 10 AREAS IN PRICEAccording to brickz.my, the area with the highest average price (per sq ft for residential properties) during the same period was Klebang, recorded at RM184 per sq ft. A coastal town on the southern shoreline of Malacca, Klebang is just about a 10-minute drive away from Malacca city centre. This is also the town where the Submarine Museum and 1Malaysia Square are located in.

LOCATION AVERAGE PRICE PER SQ FT (RM)

Klebang 184

Malacca City 158

Bukit Baru 138

Cheng 136

Batu Berendam 134

Balai Panjang 122

Bukit Katil 119

Tanjong Minyak 105

Krubong 105

Some developments in this area include Listari Marina’s mixed development project, Asia Homes’ Impiana Klebang and Faithview Group’s Taman Klebang Utama. After Klebang, Malacca City is next in line recording an average price of RM158 per sq ft, followed by Bukit Baru at RM138 per sq ft.

Comparing landed to non-landed residential property in Malacca between January and September 2015, the number of transactions for landed property (1,643) outnumbered that of non-landed (412). The average price of residential property during the same period worked out to RM108 per sq ft for landed property and RM154 per sq ft for non-landed.

RESIDENTIAL OUTLOOK IN A SWEEPSaid Hatten Properties Sdn Bhd head of sales and marketing Cassandra Tio (pix) at a recent property expo: “One of the first things that people need to understand about Malacca is that it is a UNESCO World Heritage site which has big bearing on the boom and interest in property development in the area. It is also now a top revenue generator for the country with all the places of interest causing tourism to pick up and funds to pour in. Other than the current investors we have, we [also] see a growing generation of amateur investors who want to enter the market.”

This has a positive impact on the country. The state also has one of the fastest-growing economies in Malaysia in terms of gross development value. Moreover, the

TRA

NSA

CTI

ON

S

MALACCA RESIDENTIAL LANDED TRANSACTIONS AND AVERAGE PRICE PER SQ FT (January - September 2015)

AV

ER

AG

E P

SF (

RM

)

240

180

120

60

0

240

180

120

60

0Jan-15 Feb-15 Mar-15 Apr-15 May-15 Jun-15 Jul-15 Aug-15 Sep-15

Transactions Average psf

TRA

NSA

CTI

ON

S

MALACCA RESIDENTIAL NON-LANDED TRANSACTIONS AND AVERAGE PRICE PER SQ FT (January - September 2015)

AV

ER

AG

E P

SF (

RM

)

80

60

40

20

0

180

135

90

45

0Jan-15 Feb-15 Mar-15 Apr-15 May-15 Jun-15 Jul-15 Aug-15 Sep-15

Transactions Average psf

Faithview Group property in Taman Klebang Utama.

PHO

TO: W

IKIP

EDIA

/ KEN

WA

LKER

KG

W@

LUN

AR

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Tio.

26 theSun ON FRIDAY | APRIL 29, 2016

All the right featuresWITH all the buzz in the industry on the shortage of “affordable” housing, those who make the cut for such abodes can now rejoice with the launch of KLK Land’s Hibiscus 2 in Bandar Seri Coalfields in Sungai Buloh.

How often do we hear of such offerings, of houses that feature such attractive and affordable features as this? KLK Land, a subsidiary of KL-Kepong Berhad, recently unveiled its Hibiscus 2 homes, gazzetted under the Rumah Selangorku project. Here are some of many other reasons the launch drew a crowd:

224 units of 18ft x 60ft two-storey terraced housesbuilt-up area amounting to 1,000sfthree bedrooms and two bathroomsquality fittings and finishesfreehold with individual land titlesideally located in the developing vicinity of the master township of Bandar Seri Coalfieldsonly RM205,000

Bandar Seri Coalfields is situated in the west consigns of Sungai Buloh. For those who have yet to see what has become of this once dismal and dreary town, take a drive in the area and visit Bandar Seri Coalfields to see for yourself.

The area has grown in leaps and bounds, now bustling with activity, since the establishment of a few housing and commercial developments.

This project of KLK Land’s is a steal to own, especially since it is located within an integrated township development that comprises commercial and residential properties. From shops and offices to complexes, the

range of house types runs across the board, from bungalows, semi-detached homes, superlink and terrace houses. The township, although offering many public amenities and facilities, also boasts a low-density area. Residents will be happy to have many conveniences within the area, such as schools and kindergartens, a hypermarket, a petrol and police station, as well

as a clubhouse.Due to overwhelming

response, interested parties are urged to put in their application online via ehartanah.lphs.gov.my then select Daerah Kuala Selangor, Mukim Ijok, Property type D, 1,000sf.

KLK Land is also the developer for projects including Desa Coalfields, Sierramas and the 1,000-acre Bandar Seri Coalfields.

Email your feedback and queries to: propertyqs@thesundaily.com

government has its Invest Melaka Berhad Program to promote and reel in investors and investments under various sectors and industries.

A town that is promising, with massive potential to develop further in leaps and bounds – consider Malacca’s historical significance and its compact size where property investment is concerned, and you may just get yourself a winning formula.

Malacca Residential Snapshot (January - September 2015)

MOST TRANSACTED

Building type Terrace house (1,348 sold)

Area Malacca City (276 sold)

Project / neighbourhood

Taman Malim Jaya (37sold)

HIGHEST AVERAGE PER SQ FT (RM)

Building type Condominium(RM243 psf)

Area Klebang(RM184 psf)

Project / neighbourhood

Hatten Square(RM842 psf)

* Information retrieved from a report by iProperty.com and various online sites.

FROM PAGE 25

An artist’s impression of Hibiscus 2.