Buildings only on land below 76m in height

GEORGE TOWN: Hillslope development in Penang will only be approved if the land is less than 76m high.

However, State Local Government and Traffic Management Committeechairman Chow Kon Yeow said developers who had obtained planning permission from the Seberang Prai Municipal Council and Penang Municipal Council prior to 2007 were exempted from the ruling.

“Yes, we have approved hillslope development but our approval is subject to scrutiny by the high-risk land development committee as well as over 10 other relevant authorities, including the local councils' internal departments,” he said.

Chow said the local councils were finalising their reports on hillslope development approvals for submission to the Housing and Local Government Ministry.

“We will submit a full report by this week,” he said.

State Public Works, Utilities and Transportation Committee chairman Lim Hock Seng said recommendations of the high-risk land development committee, which he heads, were not binding on the local councils.

The committee comprises professional bodies such as the Mineral and Geo-Science Department, Public Works Department, Drainage and Irrigation Department and Public Works Institute.

State Town and Country Planning, Housing and Arts Committeechairman Wong Hon Wai said hillslope development was necesssary as the Penang population of 1.6 million was expected to reach two million by 2020. - The Star

Residents against destruction of environment in Penang

GEORGE TOWN: As developers get ready to erect more high-rise buildings on the hillslopes of Penang island, more people have come out to protest against what they see as the destruction of the environment.

At least nine projects are believed to be in the pipeline in Tanjung Bunga and Batu Feringghi along the northeastern coast of the island, Bukit Gambier near Universiti Sains Malaysia in Gelugor and Sungai Ara in the southwestern interior.

Among the development projects which came under heavy scrutiny and criticism was the land reclamation in Bayan Mutiara in the south-east of the island.

Tanjung Bunga Residents Association chairman George Aeria said the area could not sustain any more high-rise buildings.

A hillslope in Sungai Ara on the island being levelled to make way for a housing project. — NG AH BAK / The Star

He added: “As land becomes more scarce, developers are moving towards the hills, but they are not only building on the slopes they are cutting into them.

“We are seeing mud and muddy water streaming down to the sea.”

Sunrise Garden Kondominium management committee chairman Manuel Nicholas said high-rise buildings had to be spread out for proper development.

He disagreed that there was insufficient flat land on the island.

“There is a lot of space and flat land on the west coast of the island. If proper roads and facilities are built, people would want to move there,” he said. Sunrise Garden is in Sungai Ara.

The state government has come under heavy criticism for hillslope developments since 2008.

On May 30, residents of Mount Pleasure in Batu Feringghi objected to the approval given by the Penang Municipal Council for the construction of 21 four-storey villas and 80 double-storey bungalows.

A Google Earth map showing the coastline along Batu Ferringhi where housing projects have sprung up. Many islanders are now protesting against the continuing hillslope development.

A group calling themselves the Concerned Residents of Mount Pleasure have been objecting to the development in their area since January 2010.

On the other side of the island, Sungai Ara residents protested against the approval issued by the council for two hillside development projects on April 8.

Both the Penang Barisan Nasional and Pakatan Rakyat have blamed each other for the situation, accusing the other of approving the projects or failing to revise the plans.

While Pakatan leaders have said that some of the projects were approved by the then Barisan government, there have been allegations that a huge project stalled by the previous government was approved by the present state government. - The Star

Sunway: Warning sign from property segment

Sunway Bhd (May 30, RM2.26)
Maintain buy with revised target price of RM2.60 from RM2.94: Sunway Bhd delivered earnings of RM64.4 million in 1QFY12, which accounted for 16% of our and 18% of consensus forecasts.

Weaker 1Q results were mainly due to lower revenue contribution from the property segment as well as slower progress of construction.

In tandem with lower revenue in 1Q (-2.3% y-o-y), earnings declined by 5.6% y-o-y to RM64.4 million. Earnings in the property development segment declined by 42.1% y-o-y and construction by 61.1% y-o-y.

The property investment division's earnings declined by 28.9% y-o-y, mainly due to higher interest expense incurred following the restructuring of the group's borrowings.

The exception was the trading and manufacturing segment, which saw its earnings grow by 2.1% y-o-y .

After adjustment for the one-off items, core profit increased by 15.8% y-o-y, mainly because most of the profit was generated by wholly-owned subsidiaries resulting in lower minority interests.

Nevertheless, earnings were still widely off our and consensus forecasts due to lower billings and sales of local property developments, slower progress billings of local construction jobs as well as the delay in the LRT construction job.

Sunway property sales of RM174 million for 1Q were below expectation, accounting for about 13% of the full-year sales target. We reckon slower sales could be due to the delay in some of the scheduled launches.

Sunway said it expects new property sales to moderate in the near to medium term as demand was affected by Bank Negara Malaysia's (BNM) responsible lending policy and uncertain economic conditions.

Unbilled sales declined from RM1.8 billion in 4QFY11 to RM1.7 billion in 1QFY12, suggesting that the burn rate was well above the replenishment of new sales.

Recently, Sunway was awarded the viaduct guideway package of the Klang Valley MRT. Excluding the awards of internal projects such as Sunway Velocity, total external construction jobs secured were RM1.21 billion which equal 81% of targeted order book replenishment per year.

Property sales of RM174 million registered in 1Q were below our expectation. Furthermore, the construction segment was affected by slower progress billings of some local projects and delay in the commencement of the LRT extension.

Hence, we are revising downward our earnings forecast for FY12 by 12% and 15% for FY13.

We are also ascribing a higher discount of 40% against the fully diluted sum-of-parts valuation (FD SOP) of Sunway as we are wary about further deterioration of the property segment from 2Q onwards.

Despite the heavy discount on FD SOP, we maintain our "buy" recommendation for Sunway as the company shares are still undervalued. It is noteworthy that Sunway is the only big cap developer trading below its net asset value. — MIDF Research, May 30

This story appeared in The Edge Financial Daily on May 31, 2012.

Mah Sing to build up landbank

KUALA LUMPUR (May 31): Mah Sing Group Bhd is scouting the Klang Valley, Penang, Sabah and Iskandar Malaysia, Johor in search of land to boost its landbank.

Group managing director and CEO Tan Sri Leong Hoy Kum said the group has achieved 73% of the RM5 billion gross development value (GDV) planned for this year.

Its current landbank is more than 1,500 acres (600ha).

"There are still seven months to go this year so we need to lock in more land. The land must also fit into our business model," said Leong, adding that Mah Sing wants to maintain the lead position in the property market.

The property group may acquire land via joint ventures (JVs) with landowners or participation in government land privatisation.

Mah Sing has 39 ongoing projects in various stages from planning to mature. It has a GDV of RM18.2 billion, of which 98% is unbilled sales.

As at May 15, the group achieved property sales of RM1 billion or 40% of its 2012 sales target. Properties in greater KL contributed 82% to sales, followed by Johor Baru with 10% and the rest from Penang.

Leong said the projects are in well-placed locations and can sustain the company's earnings for the next eight years.

"We deliver the right products coupled with strong branding and a good track record. I would say we are doing the right thing and will continue to do the right thing," he said.

Leong said Mah Sing will continue to focus on mass market property worth below RM1 million, such as link houses, and landed property of above RM1 million in good locations, such as its bungalows and semi-detached units in Cyberjaya.

Asked if the group has plans to expand overseas, Leong said the focus remains in Malaysia as it is doing well but it will continue to explore.

"We are cautious but will not stop exploring. When the right time comes, then we will decide," he said.

For 1QFY12 ended March 31, the group posted RM457.8 million in revenue and RM59.9 million in net profit.

Commenting on property prices in the Klang Valley, Leong said prices are holding well.

"Only selected places in the Klang Valley would do well and appreciate more. This year house prices should maintain," he said, adding that the group's projects in Rawang and Bangi, M Residences and Southville City are expected to do well.

Mah Sing is also looking to lock in more land in Iskandar Malaysia, Johor where it has one industrial and four residential projects.

"Iskandar region is well-positioned. Most of the products should be able to attract buyers from Singapore. It is definitely the next destination to invest in for foreigners and locals," he said.

He expectis its industrial project Mah Sing Hi-Park there  to do well due to its close proximity to the Port of Tanjung Pelepas.

Mah Sing's new launches have not been severely affected by tighter home loan requirements by Bank Negara Malaysia.

Its Garden Plaza project in Penang has a take-up rate of 70% for Tower 1 and 65% for Tower 2, while the land in Rawang it acquired last October has locked in RM81 million in sales.

"Malaysia has a young population and high savings rate. And the banks still give competitive rates. Our market is actually targeting first-time buyers and up-graders. That segment is not affected," said Mah Sing executive director Steven Ng.

Leong said the group intends to target the foreign buyers, who make up about 5% to 10% of its clients.

It has set up an office in Shanghai and will be setting up offices in Jakarta, Singapore and the UK to attract investors, especially through the Malaysia My Second Home programme.

This story appeared in The Edge Financial Daily on May 31, 2012.

KL prime property market quarterly snapshot shows progress

Despite increasing economic uncertainties, Kuala Lumpur's prime property markets continued to perform well as 2011's momentum carried into 2012, albeit at a slower rate.

Condominium

In the first quarter of this year, the high-end condominium stock increased to 21,214 units with the completion of 285 units in a Bangsar located project. The freehold development, designed for “young and aspiring urbanites,” has six types of unit layout with built-up areas ranging from 671 sq ft to 1,610 sq ft all of which have been sold.

The number of high-end launches slowed as developers focused on the more saleable mid-price range market. One high-end development, located in Ampang, was launched in the first quarter. With good demand from both owner occupiers and investors and early pre-launch marketing by the developer, the freehold development, comprising 500 units, has been almost fully sold. Activity in the high-end condominium market is, however, expected to slow this year, in line with more caution in the market. More developers are expected to adopt a wait and see attitude and many are expected to promote and market their products to gauge demand before officially launching them.

Demand in both the sale and leasing markets has been stronger for smaller units and we anticipate this trend will continue this year with developers building smaller more affordable' units, which cover a larger purchaser catchment. We also expect to see more developers delivering SOHOs (small office home office), SOVOs (small office versatile office) and SOFOs (small office flexible office) in the short term.

Generally, market prices and rental values remained stable and rental rates were steady and average net yields were in the range of 3.5% to 5%. We anticipate that market prices will consolidate this year and rentals will continue to face downwards pressure despite the relatively strong holding power of many investors.

Office

Following the completion of two buildings, located in the city's Golden Triangle, the total existing supply of prime office space in Kuala Lumpur city increased by 1.1 million sq ft. The city centre's prime office market is expected to increase by 2.04 million sq ft this year with the delivery of four prime office buildings.

The average occupancy rate in KL city centre declined from 84.9% in the fourth quarter 2011 to 81.3% in first quarter this year as the newly completed offices were yet to register any physical occupation. However, one of the two was reported to be fully pre-committed. The office market in the city centre registered a net absorption of just below 190,000 sq ft and notable leasing activity was recorded within numerous prime buildings in the Golden Triangle.

In the first quarter this year, the average net rental reduced marginally as many landlords are still maintaining the same rental rates. Some, however, are now willing to offer attractive incentives such as longer rent free periods to attract prospective tenants.

With limited stock available in the market and steady demand from Malaysian investors, the investment market was relatively quiet and no major transactions were concluded.

We believe that if all buildings are delivered on time, the oversupply scenario will become more serious and with steady local demand, but slowing foreign demand, the occupancy rate in the city centre will decline. The lower occupancy rate will result in some landlords reducing their rental rate expectations in a tenant favourable market. Generally, market prices are expected to remain stable but assets with high occupancy rates and superior specifications within prime locations could register some capital appreciation.

Retail

Supply increased marginally, with the completion of the refurbishment and extension of one suburban, prime-retail centre, adding approximately 92,000 sq ft to the total stock and a further 1.4 million sq ft of prime space is expected to be completed by the end of the year in both the city centre and the suburbs.

The average occupancy rate declined marginally from 91.7% to 91%, predominantly due to retail centre owners and retailers undergoing refurbishments of their outlets. However, strong demand prevailed with the majority of the vacant space in new retail developments being pre-committed to by tenants.

Rental and market prices generally remained stable for the first quarter of this year with limited investment stock available. No en bloc transactions involving prime-retail centres were recorded. Investor interest, however, remained strong with a keen focus on prime-retail investment opportunities in either the city centre or the suburbs.

In the city centre, the average occupancy rate is forecast to increase over the next 12 months as retailers take physical occupancy upon completion of their fit-outs and renovations. In the suburbs, however, the market is expected to enter a temporary adjustment period where the occupancy rate is anticipated to reduce marginally as substantial supply will be completed during 2012.

We expect rental values to generally remain stable this year, but there is room for improvement in select prime retail centres in the city centre. Market prices are more likely to see an upside as interest from both local and foreign investors remains strong and many owners remain “unwilling” to sell at the prices most investors are prepared to pay. - The Star

David Jarnell, senior vice-president and head of research at Jones Lang Wootton, has over 25 years working experience in the property market and has been based in KL since 1996. This is an extract of a report released this week.

Greater KL initiatives a good opportunity for city to become a well-planned one

KLANG Valley folks must be keeping their fingers crossed, hoping they will be able to inherit a better planned and user-friendly city when the Greater Kuala Lumpur (GKL) initiatives materialise.

If we look closer, Kuala Lumpur is just a sub-set of the Klang Valley and the GKL actually involves quite a number of local authorities as well as municipal and city councils. To be precise, the 279,327ha covers districts under 10 municipalities namely Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya, Selayang, Ampang Jaya, Petaling Jaya, Subang Jaya, Shah Alam, Klang, Kajang and Sepang.

To ensure this Economic Transformation Programme project becomes a reality, all the local authorities should join forces to achieve a common mission that has the potential to fast-track the GKL to join the ranks of the global liveable cities league.

Without the softer and more artistic aspects, Kuala Lumpur will remain pretty much a concrete jungle.

It has been observed that the top three “best” cities in the world, according to Mercer Consulting's Quality of Living Survey are Vienna, Zurich and Auckland - all have great connectivity, cultural and civic amenities and green spaces.

The array of development projects that are going on in many parts of Kuala Lumpur and the other parts of the Klang Valley is indeed a rare and fortuitous opportunity for the GKL to be redesigned and revitalised to have the attributes of these global liveable cities.

One of the major concerns, however, is that most development projects in our cities are still being planned on an ad-hoc basis without a clear focus or theme that is part of a holistic master plan.

The importance of such a master plan cannot be over-emphasised as it acts as the development blueprint that will ensure all the different components will be planned in unison towards a bigger common objective.

Among the key components to look into are the provision of adequate infrastructure for fast and cost-efficient connectivity of people (good public transportation, roads and highways) as well as data and information (broadband connectivity) and dedicated spaces for cultural and civic amenities and green spaces.

It is time to showcase the softer and more artistic sides of Kuala Lumpur to promote cultural, arts and live performances which will intersperse with the brick and mortar of the capital city attributes that will create a more lasting impact on locals and visitors alike. Without those attributes, Kuala Lumpur will remain pretty much a concrete jungle.

With the fast pace of life and the fast-changing world we live in today, things have grown more complicated with each passing day and it will help if our cities have the attributes to remind the people of the need to “slow down” and the value of seeking personal renewal and rejuvenation.

Some quiet moments at the parks, art galleries, museums and libraries will do much good for the heart and soul. These are some of the facets of our capital city that have yet to be tapped and it should be showcased to the world.

When considering projects for the city, planners should not just be motivated by the dollars and cents of how much profit can be churned out from the projects but more importantly they should bring back life and add value to the city's living environment.

Despite its relatively “young age” compared with other older cities around the world, Klang Valley folks must have noticed that a number of sections around Kuala Lumpur have aged and grown quite dilapidated. They can actually do with some facelifts.

One of the most obvious examples are the squalid looking apartments and flats that badly needed a new coat of paint at the very least.

A good measure to prevent buildings from turning into slumps is to pass a legislation that requires property owners to upkeep and maintain the buildings' external facade and paint work at least once every five years so that they will not turn degraded and become eye-sores. Those who fail to do so will have to pick up the tab for the maintenance work that will be done on these buildings by the city councils.

That way we can ensure that the buildings in the capital city will be kept in relatively presentable shape and will be able to blend in with other newer developments coming up in the city.

Many of the old dilapidated buildings are high-rise municipal council flats that have been built many years ago and the residents are mostly tenants who do not have a vested interest in the upkeep of the property. In such a situation, the councils will have to uphold the responsibility of the building upkeep and maintenance. - The Star

Deputy news editor Angie Ng shares the hopes of Klang Valley folks for a more liveable environment and quality of living all round.

Glomac buying Dengkil land for RM66.8mil

PETALING JAYA: Glomac Bhd is buying 191.75 acres of agricultural land in Dengkil, Selangor, for RM66.8mil or RM8 per sq ft from Lee Chin Cheng Dengkil Oil Palm Plantations Sdn Bhd.

Glomac told Bursa Malaysia that it had plans for a mixed residential development for the land. The deal is subject to the Estate Land Board's approval for the transfer of the land. - The Star

Meeting a need for affordable rooms

KEN Yeoh, 35, was once the man of the hour for the Malaysian budget hotel industry.

Within a span of two to three years, he managed to open more than 20 budget hotels.

Hence, many were caught by surprise when he suddenly withdrew from the hotel industry during its peak.

“Due to some factors, I did not get the support and trust of some shareholders. I chose to opt out, change my way of thinking, learn how to let go of things and be more open minded,” he said.

After a three-month break, he decided to start anew by founding 7 Days Hotel Management Sdn Bhd with three new partners.

The Green Hotel in Ampang is the company’s first budget hotel and is touted as Malaysia’s first hotel chain with an environmentally-friendly concept.

First attempt: The Green Hotel in Ampang is 7 Days Hotel Management Sdn Bhd’s first offering.

This marks Yeoh’s third foray in the industry and he gave himself a word of advice: Follow your goals, do not be affected by the views of others and persevere.

About 10 years ago, upon completing his courses in accountancy and finance, Yeoh ventured into the working world as a salesman, selling roof tiles and materials for canopies. A year later, he ventured into the renovation industry with some friends.

They invested around RM10,000 and the returns were bountiful. However, they began spending money like there was no tomorrow and racked up debts. When they realised that the company was in a financial crisis, it was too late.大

This was the first failure Yeoh, who was then 28 years old, encountered. Nevertheless, he persevered.

To save on expenses, he traded in his imported car for a second-hand car, collected debts everyday, and went around applying for a new job.

This lasted for a year, and with all the hardships he faced, it was the lowest point in his life.

Big plans: Yeoh plans to become a hotel consultant.

When he was 29, due to his frequent inter-state jobs, he realised that there were not many high quality budget hotels in Malaysia. Furthermore, many associated budget hotels with vice.

“So I thought, if only there were a well managed hotel that could provide guests a good night’s sleep in a safe environment.

“There must be good prospects for such hotels as many who have to travel for work only want a cheap hotel for a good night’s rest,” he said.

Thus, he invested the profits from his renovation business into the budget hotel business. Together with friends, he bought a motel and turned it into a decent looking hotel.

Within a year, they opened another four hotels and sold them off for RM1mil and got back their 40% share.

Yeoh realised tha,t to develop budget hotels, it is important to change the public’s perception of motels and budget hotels. Future plans include business hotels, and giving the hotels a facelift by changing the front desks, installing brighter lights and visible, glass entrances.

Since The Green Hotel’s opening in May, it is expected that three to five more Green Hotels will be launched this year.

Among its features are energy-saving air-conditioners, energy-saving LED lights, rainwater harvesting for the toilets, and the usage of natural plant-based detergents. The hotel will also change is mattresses, made from environmentally-friendly materials, every six years.

He believes that with these practices, he can shave RM30,000 off the RM400,000 needed to set up each hotel. However, the main aim of operating the hotel is to provide customers a comfortable place to rest.

The hotel is adorned with posters of its mascot, the “7 Days Baby”, to remind people of the importance of the environment, conservation, energy and water saving.

He added that the mascot’s concept originated from a China hotel chain that has more than 1,000 locations, and also serves as a reminder that he can reach the target of launching more hotels.

“In the future, we will introduce a soil-free cultivation method at the hotel so guests can purchase vegetable shoots or seeds to experience the joy of planting vegetables.

“If the guest is only staying for one night, the hotel employees will help to care for the plant and guests get see the growth process of the plant during their next visit. All vegetables will be sold and proceeds will be donated to charitable organisations,” he said.

The Green Hotel has 26 rooms, comprising of 22 double-bed rooms (from RM68 a night) and four family suites that can fit three to four people (RM118 a night). Extra beds will be charged at RM30. There will also be a TV room.

“We will introduce a membership card, so that members can enjoy special rates and collect points.

“In the future, we plan to collaborate with other businesses such as F&B outlets so that members can enjoy discounts there,” he said.

Yeoh is also contemplating changing his identify from “founder” to “hotel chain consultant”, to help others who are interested in opening their own hotel chains.

He truly believes that everyone has the opportunity to be an entrepreneur and with a clear goal and strong faith, dreams can come true.

The GREEN Hotel, 25-1, Jalan AWF1, Ampang Waterfront, Jalan Ampang, 68000 Ampang. www.thegreenhotel.com.my

Get your copy of Red Tomato, the country’s first free Chinese weekly, every Friday at most RapidKL LRT and Monorail stations, as well as selected convenience stores and shopping centres nationwide.

Properties in gated and guarded communities increasingly popular

PROPERTY trends change with a community’s needs, expectations and the times.

Landed properties in a gated and guarded community, which are increasingly popular in larger cities, are catching up fast in smaller towns as well.

Perak is a good example.

Hua Yang Bhd has two such projects in the state — one in Bercham, Ipoh and one in Bandar Universiti in Seri Iskandar (Busi), about a 25-minute drive from Ipoh via the Ipoh-Lumut Highway.

Hua Yang Perak branch manager Tony Ng said there have been many enquiries and requests for landed properties in gated and guarded communities.

“Both projects are set for launch next year,” he said in an interview in Ipoh on Wednesday.

Huge spread: Ng explaining the company’s upcoming projects in Bandar Universiti, Seri Iskandar, Perak.

Ng said there would be 156 houses within the gated and guarded project located off the Bercham main road; comprising 134 units of clustered semi-detached houses, 18 link bungalows and four bungalows.

These freehold units are expected to be priced between RM500,000 and RM1.2mil, Ng said, adding that the project is located in a mature neighbourhood.

Its facilities would include 24-hour security surveillance, he added.

The houses, with an eco-friendly and contemporary tropical design also include a courtyard, Ng said.

Bercham, next to Ipoh Garden, is a thriving area, known for its wide variety of food all day long.

In fact, Bercham is very much alive with eateries and pubs doing a roaring business at night compared to the city centre, Ng said.

He said busloads of tourists from Singapore and China are often seen going to Bercham for food.

“It is a good place to do business, to work, live, entertain and relax,” he said of Bercham, a bustling neighbourhood that, sometimes, suffers from traffic congestion.

This, he added, would boost property development and the company’s up coming launch of the gated and guarded community is a step in the right direction.

“The prices may be more expensive compared to areas that are not gated or guarded, but the demand for this style of living is definitely there,” he added.

Over in Bandar Universiti, Ng said the Eco-Lake@Busi Homes is a prestigious gated and guarded community project with semi-detached houses and bungalows.

Targeted to be launched next year, the project comes with 24-hour security surveillance, he said, adding that house owners could enjoy the facilities at the Busi Homes Club House.

The project is located within the well-planned and developed 339ha Bandar Universiti.

In terms of ambience, it faces a 15ha lake, he said, adding that other details are being planned and would be revealed soon.

Ng said the customer profile in Bandar Universiti has also changed, with more people from cities coming in due to the rapid economic development in Manjung and also universities nearby.

As such there would be a demand for properties like the gated and guarded ones, he said.

Ng said they were able to include a gated and guarded project in Bandar Universiti because they have the land area to do the planning.

For instance, the fencing up of the project must not affect the road network in the area, he said.

Hua Yang, with more than three decades in property development, was founded by the late Ho Mok Heng who believed in the vital role of a family and home as a basic unit that leads to a strong community and nation.

Bandar Universiti alone is home for over 10,000 individuals and families.

Ng said the company started to develop Bandar Universiti in 2002, and had completed some 2,000 houses to date, covering 40% of the land area.

He said the remaining 60% of land with about 4,000 houses would be completed in about 10 years time.

Bandar Universiti is a self contained mini township.

Hua Yang also has projects in the Klang Valley, Negri Sembilan and Johor. - The Star

首长：多个地点中选出槟城 浮罗设全女性美国大学

（槟岛西南区1日讯）槟州首席部长林冠英透露，美国一所著名大学将在浮罗山背设立一所国际水准的全女性大学。他表示，首相拿督斯里纳吉已在上星期作出这项宣布，该大学是从多个国家的考量中选择大马，并在大马多个州属中选出槟城作为建设地点。据他了解，中央政府认同准备承担工程费用的10至15％。亦是民主行动党秘书长的他是于周四晚在民主行动党浮罗山背联委会党所开幕典礼上致词时，如是表示。
江先生捐近6千作党所基金
热心人士江先生也在会上捐献5999令吉99仙作为火箭党所的活动基金。林冠英指出，虽然浮罗的3个州议席是由巫统赢得，但民联从不忽略当地的发展，已经征用200英亩的地段在浮罗兴建卓越教育中心。此外，民联也已宣布将在西南区建设最少1000间平民屋，以照顾普罗大众。
挑战法力公布财产
他也在会上向浮罗勿洞议员莫哈末法力下战书“邀”对方一起公布财产。他质疑对方不敢公布是否因太富有的关系，要是到时由其他人来替他公布，他就会不好意思啦。他同时大肆抨击对方，指后者是沙文主义的议员。他自我调侃，说公布财产及财务状况就好像脱光光给人家看，人民可通过官方网站知道他和所有行政议员拥有多少间房子、车子及股票，以示民联政府是个廉洁的政府，为何国阵部长却做不到？他表示，浮罗的选票，对民联而言，一票也不能少，虽然该党在浮罗1国3州议席没竞选任何议席，但却会为成员党助选，确保民联在浮罗1国3州获胜，下次他再度莅临浮罗，希望是参与庆功宴。
曹观友：形成新格局
民主行动党槟州主席曹观友行政议员表示，该党在1986年大选后在浮罗成立第一个支部，党员只有区区30几人，党员虽有斗志，但因为当时的政治气候影响，没法扩大影响力。过去20多年来，一直处于弱势的局面，直到308全国大选，政治气候的转变，如今已拓展至6个支部逾1000名党员。他希望随着火箭浮罗党所的设立，能鼓励更多支持者加入该党，或是人民公正党及伊斯兰党，使民联拓展影响力，形成一股力量对槟州及我国政治带来新格局，因为只有中央执政权的易手，我国才会有希望. - 光华