Industrial frontier expanded in Batu Kawan

THE state has expanded the industrial land in Batu Kawan, Penang, to accommodate demand from investors as Bukit Minyak Industrial Estate and Penang Science Park in Seberang Prai have been fully taken up.

Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said the state had expanded the industrial land in Batu Kawan to 1,619ha.

“When completed, the Penang Science Park, which is located in Bukit Minyak, will be the country’s largest technology park.

“The state has plans to turn Batu Kawan into a satellite town, just like Bayan Baru and Seberang Jaya,” he said at the opening of the Ixora Hotel in Bandar Prai Jaya in Butterworth on Wednesday. 

Also present were Indonesian Consulate-General Chilman Arisman, Deputy Chief Minister II and Batu Kawan MP Dr P. Ramasamy, state exco member Lim Hock Seng, hotel managing director Datuk Ng Swee Chin and general manager Winston Toh.

Strategically located along Jalan Baru, the 326-room hotel is right next to Megamal Pinang and within walking distance to shops, restaurants and cafes. It is also close to an industrial estate.

Be our guest: Receptionists Chou Tze Xien and Shazmira Abd Rahim showing the welcome gesture at the front desk.

Lim said the first phase of eco-tourism projects in Batu Kawan, which involved the Batu Musang jetty, had been completed while the second phase involving the construction of a seafood centre, gallery and chalets was under con-struction.

Ng said he decided to name the hotel after a flower.

“Our aim is to provide extraordinary services to our customers,” he said.

Toh said 90% of the hotel staff were locals, adding that they aspired to make Ixora one of the best hotels in Penang. - The Star

New hotel in Seberang Prai opens doors

SEBERANG PRAI’s latest business hotel, The Ixora Hotel Prai, opens today with the aim of pampering business travellers and holidaymakers.

Strategically located along Jalan Baru in Bandar Prai Jaya, the hotel is right next to Megamall Pinang and within walking dis-tance to shops, restaurants and cafes as well as close to industrial estates.

Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng is scheduled to launch the hotel which is geared towards meeting the development needs of Seberang Prai which has a limited number of hotel rooms for business travellers.

Its general manager Winston Toh said the hotel was an ideal place for business travellers while families could go shop and dine at the nearby Megamall Pinang.

Meeting needs: Toh (foreground) standing in front of the new hotel. With him are (from left) resident manager Teh Beng Ho, assistant front office manager Kenji Wong and assistant director of sales Mohd Faishal Mohd Yusoff

“Our ballroom is one of the largest on the mainland as it can accommodate about 1,000 people for events such as wedding dinners and corporate functions,” he told a media briefing at the hotel.

All the 326 hotel rooms are equipped with LED TVs and there is free WiFi in the rooms and in the other hotel areas.

For details, call the hotel at 04-3828888 or email info@ixorahotel.com or surf the website www.ixorahotel.com. - The Star

Demand for luxury homes

LUXURY homes will continue to sell in 2012 despite the uncertainty in economy outlook.

SP Setia Bhd general manager (property division — north) Datuk S. Sundarajoo said people would still buy homes although there could be a slowdown as they wanted to make observations before deciding.

“It won’t come to a crunching standstill,” said Kuala Lumpur-born Sundarajoo, who helms the company’s three substantial housing projects in Sungai Ara and Relau.

Sundarajoo said luxury homes would definitely sell given the right pricing, product and timing.

He added that it was also important to sell the right amount of units. 

Sundarajoo was speaking to reporters at the official launch of the four-storey Pearl Villas at Setia Pearl Island in Bayan Lepas on Saturday.

The 49-year-old described the five-bedroom villas as ‘cream of the crop’ in luxury homes.

“It’s the last piece of landed property in Setia Pearl Island.

“Built under the ‘Zero Lot Villas’ concept, the freehold villas are the first of their kind in Penang,” he said, adding that he was confident the units would be selling fast.

Priced from RM2.98mil onwards each and with a spacious built-up area of 6,577sq ft onwards, the villas offer exceptional value for money.

“Our terrace units are already selling at around RM400 per sq ft, while the villas are priced at RM456 per sq ft,” he said, commenting that the difference was not much.

He said there was a demand for such homes by buyers who were keen to upgrade their homes.

“There are also many multinational corporations (MNCs) interested due to the proximity to the airport and the Bayan Lepas Free Industrial Zone (FIZ),” Sundarajoo said.

He added that there were only 35 units of the villas with eight already sold and three reserved since the project was opened for sale on Dec 9.

The villas feature a viewing and function deck which can be converted into rooms, home automation as well as a private pool and lift.

The villas are also built and designed according to Singapore’s Construction Quality Assessment System (CONQUAS) certification to ensure that only homes of high quality standards and excellent workmanship are delivered to homeowners.

The expected date of completion is end of 2013.

A promotion is on-going until end of the month which will allow buyers to enjoy savings of about RM400,000.

For more details, call Setia Promenade Sdn Bhd at 04-6422255. - The Star

Cycle lanes mooted for mainland

BICYCLE lanes on state and town roads in Seberang Prai would first cover a 5.71km road stretch on the Butterworth Outer Ring Road (BORR).

Seberang Prai Municipal Council (MPSP) president Maimunah Mohd Sharif said this would be followed by bicycle lanes on a 1.85km stretch of road on Jalan Datuk Ahmad Said and on a 1.86km stretch on Jalan Bagan Luar in Butterworth.

She said of the total 140km stretch of town and state roads that would have the bicycle lanes in the mainland, 30km would cover roads in north Seberang Prai, 90km in central Seberang Prai and 20km in south Seberang Prai. 

“The public can give their feedback and suggestions on our bicycle lane proposal to our secretariat or via the three district offices on the mainland before Jan 31.

“We will also hold an exhibition at our office next month, after which we will analyse the suggestions before carrying out the proposal by March,” she said after a meeting by Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng with heads of department at the MPSP headquarters in Bandar Perda yesterday.

Pedal power: A map showing the proposed bicycle lanes in Seberang Prai, Penang

Lim said some parts of the particular road stretches would have dedicated lanes, while some narrow stretches would be shared lanes with other motorists.

“We want Penang to be the first state to promote cycling as a healthy activity as well as to re-duce our high dependency on motorised vehicles,” he said after chairing the meeting.

Lim also suggested that the proposed bicycle lanes, which would be created by the council, be extended by an additional 60km to cover Sungai Petani from Penaga in Kepala Batas and Kulim via Machang Bubok, in Bukit Mertajam.

He said some stretches of the proposed bicycles lanes meandered through picturesque and scenic views of the sea, rivers, hills and an island — Pulau Aman — which would have its own bicycle trek.

He said while cyclists were advised to look after their safety when using the bicycle lanes, other motorists must give priority to them.

For details on the proposed bicycle lane stretches, visit the council’s website at www.mpsp.gov.my. - The Star

Travel writers find George Town won’t strain their wallets

GEORGE Town is definitely doable on a budget with its reasonably cheap food and lodging options. The attractions in this Unesco World Heritage-listed city are also within walking distance of one another.

A group of 20 Malaysian and regional writers and bloggers found that out for themselves when they took part in a specially organised three-day and two-night tour under the theme ‘Budget Traveller Guide to George Town’.

Historic house: The writers and bloggers listening to a guide speak on the history of the Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion

During the visit, the group visited various places of worship along Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling, as well as the Chowrasta Market, Penang State Museum, Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion, Pinang Peranakan Mansion, Fort Cornwallis, City Hall and the Clan Jetties, among others.

They also feasted on tasty local hawker fare like koay teow soup, laksa, cendol and char koay teow and got a peek at how popiah skin and Nyonya kuih are made.

Local snack: Participants of the tour trying their hand at making karipap

Sabahan blogger Caroline Ng said the Penang laksa was one dish she would always remember.

In Kuala Lumpur, she had a bowl of laksa which she didn’t like and she was adamant she wouldn’t try the dish again.

She was persuaded to give the dish a try in Penang and enjoyed it.

“The one I had here was lovely. I never expected to wallop a whole bowl of it,” she said.

“This trip was an eye-opening experience, travelling around on a budget.

Unique sight: The budget travellers visiting the Clan Jetties

“At first I thought RM100 a day wouldn’t be enough for meals. But I ended up spending around RM25 only, and I ate about 10 times!” she quipped.

An Indonesian travel writer, who wanted to be identified by her pen name Trinity, said that although she had been to Penang before, this trip got her acquainted with many new sights and sounds.

“We were able to experience the culture of locals, to see and eat local things, not the touristy stuff.

“It is definitely value for money, you spend less but get more. Penang is well known among Indone-sians, but more for its medical tourism.

“We do not really go out and explore the island,” she said, adding that this was something she hoped to change through her writings upon her return.

The event was organised by Project Penang, a joint effort by the Tourism Ministry’s Penang Office (MOTOUR) and PenBlogger Online, with support from AirAsia and Rapid Penang.

Vintage clothing: Travel writer Derek Wong taking photos of traditional Nyonya attire during the group's visit to the Pinang Peranakan Mansion

According to MOTOUR Penang director Jaime Yeoh, the whole aim was to let the group experience the city in a practical way, in the hope that their subsequent writings would help provide prospective visitors with helpful travel tips and information.

The office has also come up with an informative map, detailing the attractions within the city, how to get there, and how best to organise an itinerary.

“With George Town selling itself as a heritage city, it’s important that there are also elements that are engaging, interactive and affordable, for visitors to experience.

“The younger crowds have the impression that the inner city is just old buildings.

“But behind the façade, there are many things to see and do. And we hope their writings will give tourists an informative guide on how to experience George Town,” Yeoh explained during a farewell dinner for the writers.

Hong Kong travel writer Celia Cheng reveals that her countrymen have a penchant for travelling, and she hopes her newfound insight would help bring those tourist dollars to Penang instead of elsewhere.

Echoing a sentiment expressed by tourists countless times over the years, most of the group members also feel that the island needs better public lavatories. - The Star

Penang a popular destination for tourists seeking to escape winter

GEORGE TOWN: The current hot spell may be a bother for locals but not for tourists from countries in the Northern Hemisphere who are arriving here in droves to bask in the sunshine.

Many of them are coming to Penang island to escape the freezing winter in their homeland.

Dutch tourist Peter Zoetelief, 46, and his wife, Danielle, 43, were spotted soaking up the sun on the beach in Batu Ferringhi.

The couple, who has been in Penang for the past one week, said they love the hot weather here.

Soaking up the sun: Dutch couple Peter and Danielle enjoying the island’s warmth.

“We believe our bodies are not suited for the cold weather in Holland,” quipped Zoetelief, who works with an airline company there.

His wife said this was their third visit to Penang.

“We simply love the island. The people are friendly,” she said as the couple waited for a boat to ferry them to Monkey Beach near Muka Head.

Martin Abrahamson, 21, and his girlfriend Marthe Duyrop, 22, from Norway, were also spotted enjoying themselves on the beach in Batu Ferringhi.

“It is always cold in my country. The sunshine here is a welcome relief,” said Abrahamson.

A check at major hotels showed many are already fully booked for the Christmas season.

E&O Hotel communications and public relations manager Mazeta Hassan said there was a surge of tourists coming to Penang from countries experiencing winter.

She said the hotel was fully booked from Dec 18 until the first week of January.

“Some 70% of our guests are from European countries while 30% are from Australia. They seem to enjoy the warm weather here. Many of them can be seen lounging by the pool throughout the day,” she said.

Malaysian Association of Hotels Penang Chapter president Marco G. Battistotti said the island was becoming more popular among tourists from northern Europe.

He said there was a 4% to 6% increase in the number of hotel bookings on the island between mid-December and mid-February.

“Many of the tourists hail from countries that have winter. A good number of them also prefer to stay in condominiums in Batu Ferringhi.

“Some hotels also have long-staying foreign guests during this period,” he said. - The Star

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Halifax expects British house prices to be stagnant for next year

LONDON: Britain's housing market is likely to stagnate in 2012, with low interest rates offset by a squeeze on household budgets, according to mortgage lender Halifax. In its outlook for next year, Halifax said it expected house prices to end 2012 in a range of down 2% to up 2%. Prospects for Britain's economy were “particularly uncertain” but the likelihood of the Bank of England leaving interest rates at a record low 0.5% for the foreseeable future would help support the market, it said. “Overall, we expect continuing broad stability in house prices nationally during 2012. Prices are again likely to end the year at levels close to where they begin with the market continuing to lack any real direction,” said Halifax economist Martin Ellis. However, demand for homes would be constrained by rising unemployment and the weak outlook for growth. “These pressures will come from a combination of subdued earnings growth, high (but falling) inflation, the substantial fiscal tightening that is taking place and an ongoing rebalancing of household sector finances with many families seeking to reduce their debts,” Ellis said. Meanwhile, Britain had 11% more houses valued at 1mil or more available for purchase in the third quarter than it did a year earlier, Investec Specialist Bank said in a report yesterday. Agencies

S’pore loses lustre, investors considering other options like Hong Kong

SINGAPORE: The heavier stamp duties announced last week may have already dented Singapore's standing as a major property investment destination while giving rivals such as Hong Kong a boost, said analysts. Britain-based consultancy Black Brick Property Solutions said it has received inquiries from Asian and overseas investors who had been thinking of investing in Singapore property, but who have been deterred by the new tax rules. Other property agencies said they expected more clients to ask about their investment options after the festive period. The new measures unveiled last week included an extra stamp duty of 10% on a home bought by a foreigner a move expected to dampen foreign demand while increasing interest in markets such as Britain and Hong Kong that do not have restrictions on foreign buyers. Camilla Dell, managing director of Black Brick Property Solutions, said: “Stamp duty can be significantly reduced in Britain if the property is owned in a company name. Buyers pay very little or no tax on the acquisition.” She added that the tax system was more favourable, particularly for overseas investors who pay no seller's or capital gains tax if they were not British residents. This gives them a tax break of 28% when they sell their properties. Julian Sedgewick, director of international residential sales at Savills, said: “London, in particular, could stand out because of the good currency exchange rate between the pound and the dollar”. The exchange rate is 1 to about S$2. Hong Kong is looking attractive too, because of the government's adoption of a non-intervention policy, meaning no restrictions are placed on foreign property investments. Its government also recently said it might reverse some of the property cooling curbs if the economic situation worsens. Another spin-off from the stamp duty move could be that foreign developers and agencies might get more aggressive marketing their properties here as investors in Singapore look elsewhere, said Chua Yang Liang, head of research at Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL). Although local and foreign investors with a short-term outlook would have more of an appetite for properties outside of Singapore now, many analysts predict that the pool of foreign buyers in Singapore would not dry up. The Straits Times These include buyers from Indonesia, Malaysia, India and China. “Businesses are still investing in Singapore and the country is still considered an attractive place to work, live and visit,” said Chua. The Straits Times Singapore. - The Star