New Announcement: HELP INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION BERHAD

(I) PROPOSED SHAREHOLDERS' RATIFICATION FOR RECURRENT RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS OF A REVENUE OR TRADING NATURE (“PROPOSED RATIFICATION”)(II) PROPOSED SHAREHOLDERS’ MANDATE FOR RECURRENT RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS OF A REVENUE OR TRADING NATURE ("PROPOSED SHAREHOLDERS’ MANDATE")(III) PROPOSED ACQUISITION OF LANDS MEASURING APPROXIMATELY 1,014,512.40 SQUARE FEET (23.29 ACRES) LOCATED IN THE MUKIM OF SUNGAI BULOH, DISTRICT OF PETALING, STATE OF SELANGOR BY HELP UNIVERSITY COLLEGE SDN BHD (“HUC” OR THE “PURCHASER”), A WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF HIC FROM JUTA PERMAI (M) SDN BHD (“JPSB” OR THE “VENDOR”) FOR A TOTAL CASH CONSIDERATION OF RM20,290,248 (“PROPOSED ACQUISITION”)(IV) PROPOSED ADOPTION OF NEW ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION OF THE COMPANY ("PROPOSED ADOPTION")(COLLECTIVELY KNOWN AS THE "PROPOSALS")
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On behalf of the Board of Directors of HELP International Corporation Berhad (“HIC”) (“Board”), OSK Investment Bank Berhad (“OSK”) wishes to announce the following proposals:-(i) Proposed shareholders’ ratification for transactions already entered into from 22 May 2007, i.e. the date of listing of the Company (“Listing Date”) until its forthcoming extraordinary general meeting (“EGM”) (“Proposed Ratification”);(ii) Proposed shareholders’ mandate for recurrent related party transactions (“RRPTs”) of a revenue or trading nature (“Proposed Shareholders’ Mandate”);(iii) Proposed acquisition by Help University College Sdn Bhd (“HUC” or the “Purchaser”), a wholly owned subsidiary of HIC from Juta Permai (M) Sdn Bhd (“JPSB” or the “Vendor”) of all that parcels of leasehold land measuring approximately 1,014,512.40 square feet (23.29 acres) all in Seksyen U4 (Subang Delima), Mukim of Sungai Buloh, District of Petaling, State of Selangor (“Lands”) for a total cash consideration of RM20,290,248 (“Proposed Acquisition”); and(iv) Proposed adoption of new Articles of Association of HIC (“Proposed Adoption”).(Collectively known as the “Proposals”).Further details of the Proposals are enclosed in the attachment below. This announcement is dated 14 March 2008.

(KLSE 14-3-2008)

Klse Announcement: SP Setia

PROPOSED ACQUISITION BY SETIA ECO VILLA SDN BHD (FORMERLY KNOWN AS OPTAGREEN SDN BHD) ("SETIA ECO VILLA" OR "PURCHASER"), A WHOLLY-OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF S P SETIA, OF APPROXIMATELY 156.38 ACRES OF FREEHOLD LANDS HELD UNDER 3 TITLES SITUATED IN THE MUKIM OF DENGKIL, DISTRICT OF SEPANG FROM CYBERVIEW SDN BHD ("CYBERVIEW" OR "PROPRIETOR") AND SETIA HARUMAN SDN BHD ("SETIA HARUMAN" OR "DEVELOPER") FOR A TOTAL PURCHASE CONSIDERATION OF RM190,599,393.60 ("PROPOSED ACQUISITION")
Contents:
(Unless otherwise indicated, specified or defined (or re-defined as the case may be) in this announcement, the definitions in the announcements dated 25 July 2007, 25 January 2008 and 10 March 2008 apply throughout this announcement.)We refer to our announcements dated 25 July 2007, 25 January 2008 and 10 March 2008 in relation to the subject matter.The Proposed Acquisition was conditional, inter alia, upon the fulfillment of the following conditions precedent within a period of six (6) months from the date of the SPA ("Approval Period"): 1) procurement of approvals by the Developer from the relevant authorities for the layout plan and development order provided by the Purchaser on terms and conditions acceptable to the Purchaser; and 2) approval of the relevant authorities and/or other persons for the construction of the primary road connecting the Land from Cyberjaya to primary road at Precinct 11, Putrajaya.These conditions are deemed critical to the successful implementation of the proposed mid to high end development and formed the basis for the Land Purchase Consideration of RM169,299,393.60 or an average of RM24.85 psf.The Approval Period expired on 25 January 2008 with the above conditions precedent remaining unfulfilled. On 25 January 2008, the parties to the Proposed Acquisition ("Parties") agreed to extend the Approval Period by 45 days to expire on 10 March 2008 ("Extended Approval Period") for the purpose of enabling Setia Haruman, as the master developer of the Cyberjaya Flagship Zone, to procure the fulfillment of the above conditions precedent. Upon expiry of the Extended Approval Period the Parties agreed to a further extension of 7 days until 17 March 2008 to negotiate certain amendments to the terms of the SPA in view that the above critical conditions precedent had still not been fulfilled by Setia Haruman.The Board of Directors of S P Setia wishes to announce that given that the Parties have been unable to agree on the amendments to the terms of the SPA, the Parties have decided to mutually terminate the Proposed Acquisition due to non-fulfillment of the above conditions precedent.Pursuant to the above, the Deposit will be refunded to Purchaser in accordance to the terms of the SPA. The termination of the Proposed Acquisition is not expected to materially affect the future earnings of the Company.This announcement is dated 17 March 2008.

Klse Announcement: AL-HADHARAH BOUSTEAD REIT

AL-HADHARAH BOUSTEAD REITDEVIATION OF AUDITED RESULTS FOR THE FINANCIAL PERIOD ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2007 BY MORE THAN 10% FROM THE FORECAST CONTAINED IN THE PROSPECTUS DATED 15 JANUARY 2007
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For the period ended 31 December 2007, Al-Hadharah Boustead REIT has forecast in the Prospectus dated 15 January 2007, an Earnings After Taxation of RM32.8 million compared to the audited Earnings After Taxation for the period of RM49.8 million. The positive deviation of 51.8% was mainly due to additional income from the performance-based profit sharing of RM17.1 million as the actual average palm oil price during the period of RM2,332 per metric tonne is above the reference price of RM1,500 per metric tonne used in the preparation of the forecast Earnings After Taxation.

(KLSE 18-3-2008)

KLSE Announcement: BOLTON BERHAD

PROPOSED DISPOSAL BY NOBLE ACCORD SDN. BHD. ("NASB"), A WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF BOLTON, OF ALL THAT PARCEL OF FREEHOLD LAND HELD UNDER H. S. (D) 80171, PT NO. 68, SECTION 69, BANDAR KUALA LUMPUR, DAERAH WILAYAH PERSEKUTUAN, TOGETHER WITH AN EXISTING BUILDING KNOWN AS "HOTEL MIDAH" ERECTED THEREON, FOR A MAXIMUM CASH CONSIDERATION OF RM29.0 MILLION ("PROPOSED HOTEL MIDAH DISPOSAL")- PROPOSED DISPOSAL BY BOLTON OF ITS 100% EQUITY INTEREST IN NASB FOR A TOTAL NOMINAL CASH CONSIDERATION OF RM1,000 ("PROPOSED NASB DISPOSAL")("PROPOSED DISPOSALS")
Contents:

Further to the Company's announcements made on 28 September 2007 and 27 November 2007 pertaining to the Proposed Disposals, we wish to announce that pursuant to the Sale and Purchase Agreement and the Share Sale Agreement both dated 28 September 2007 entered into with EMZED Travel & Tours Sdn. Bhd. (Company No. 231333-A) (“EMZED”) for the Proposed Disposals, Bolton and NASB have agreed to extend the Extended Completion Period to 31 March 2008. All other terms and conditions in the agreements shall remain in full force and effect.

(KLSE 18-3-2008)

Klse Announcement: HELP INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION BERHAD

HELP INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION BERHAD ("HIC" OR THE "COMPANY")(I) PROPOSED SHAREHOLDERS' RATIFICATION FOR RECURRENT RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS OF A REVENUE OR TRADING NATURE (“PROPOSED RATIFICATION”);(II) PROPOSED SHAREHOLDERS’ MANDATE FOR RECURRENT RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS OF A REVENUE OR TRADING NATURE ("PROPOSED SHAREHOLDERS’ MANDATE");(III) PROPOSED ACQUISITION OF LANDS MEASURING APPROXIMATELY 1,014,512.40 SQUARE FEET (23.29 ACRES) LOCATED IN THE MUKIM OF SUNGAI BULOH, DISTRICT OF PETALING, STATE OF SELANGOR BY HELP UNIVERSITY COLLEGE SDN BHD (“HUC” OR THE “PURCHASER”), A WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF HIC FROM JUTA PERMAI (M) SDN BHD (“JPSB” OR THE “VENDOR”) FOR A TOTAL CASH CONSIDERATION OF RM20,290,248 (“PROPOSED ACQUISITION”); AND(IV) PROPOSED ADOPTION OF NEW ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION OF THE COMPANY ("PROPOSED ADOPTION")(COLLECTIVELY KNOWN AS THE "PROPOSALS")
Contents:
The terms used herein shall, unless the context otherwise stated, bear the same meaning as those defined in the previous announcement. This announcement should be read in conjunction with the earlier announcement made on 14 March 2008 pursuant to the Proposals.We refer to our announcement dated 14 March 2008 and to the letter from Bursa Malaysia Securities Berhad ("Bursa Securities") dated 18 March 2008 with regards to the above matter.Further to the above, we are pleased to furnish herewith additional information pertaining to the abovementioned Proposals as follows:1. Whether the Directors, major shareholders and persons connected with them are interested in the Proposed Acquisition:-Please refer to Section 6 of our earlier announcement dated 14 March 2008.This announcement is dated 19 March 2008.

(KLSE 19-3-2008)

KLSE Announcement: CENTURY LOGISTICS HOLDINGS BERHAD

PROPOSED DISPOSAL OF PROPERTY HELD UNDER GM 1544 LOT 1829, GM 1545 LOT 3399 AND GM 1546 LOT 1830, MUKIM AND DISTRICT OF KLANG, STATE OF SELANGOR ("PROPERTY") BY CENTURY TOTAL LOGISTICS SDN BHD ("CTL" ), A WHOLLY-OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF CENTURY, TO MAPLETREELOG (M) HOLDINGS SDN BHD ("PURCHASER"), A WHOLLY-OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF MAPLETREE LOGISTICS TRUST, A REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST LISTED ON THE SINGAPORE STOCK EXCHANGE, FOR A CASH CONSIDERATION OF RM32 MILLION (“PROPOSED DISPOSAL”)Further to Century's announcements on 22 May 2007 and 7 August 2007, the Board of Directors of Century wishes to announce that CTL had, on 21 March 2008, been notified by its solicitors that the transfer of the Property to the Purchaser have been registered. As such the final balance sum, amounting to RM12,624,353 together with accrued interest thereon, is receivable by CTL. With the release of the final balance sum above, the Proposed Disposal is fully completed.

(KLSE 21-3-2008)

7-Eleven to open 100 stores this year

7-ELEVEN Malaysia Sdn Bhd, the operator of the 24-hour convenience stores, will spend RM28 million to open up to 100 stores this year.The company, controlled by tycoon Tan Sri Vincent Tan Chee Yioun of Berjaya Group, has 903 stores now, the bulk of which are in urban areas.It wants to open more outlets due to increased sales and demand, and to have economies of scale in terms of operation, said senior manager for merchandising Hor Kar Shan."We will spend RM250,000 to RM300,000 on each store. We will open outlets at places where we can sustain the 7-Eleven con-cept," Hor told reporters at the launch of United Global Technologies (UGT) Sdn Bhd's interactive TV yesterday. UGT, an interactive media channel provider, is partnering 7-Eleven Malaysia to provide a new frontier of media advertising through the use of LCD screens that will be installed in all 7-Eleven stores.The new multi-content media that displays simultaneous video, text and flash animation, feeds on large Samsung LCD screens.Hor said that 7-Eleven Malaysia will benefit from the tie-up with UGT as it will get a small percentage of revenue-sharing and more customers patronising all its outlets.Read more

(New Straits Times 22-3-2008)

Parkson to build mall in Setapak

PARKSON Holdings Bhd said it plans to build a shopping mall in Setapak, Kuala Lumpur, for a total cost of RM214 million. The mall, which will have three floors of retail space and minimum gross retail area of 690,000 sq ft, is due for completion in the second half of June 2009, Parkson said in a statement to Bursa Malaysia.

(New Straits Times 22-3-2008)

Gamuda: No delay in double-tracking project

PETALING JAYA: Gamuda Bhd is not expected to see any delay in the implementation of the double-tracking project despite the new state administrations. In fact, works are ahead of schedule. The senior management of Gamuda had a luncheon for analysts on Wednesday and affirmed to the investor community that it was operationally “business as usual.” Aseambankers, in a report, noted that the Ipoh-Rawang-Padang Besar double track was still anticipated to see 15% gross margin as sufficient cost buffers had been built in. In a report, AmResearch said the project, a joint venture between Gamuda and MMC Corp Bhd, had allocated up to 24%, or RM3bil, to bumiputra subcontractors, a third of which had already been awarded. On another note, Aseambankers said Gamuda would take some time to finalise the sale of Syarikat Pengeluar Air Selangor Sdn Bhd to Kumpulan Darul Ehsan Bhd even though it had been indicated that the parties had agreed on the pricing, which was also approved by the Federal Government before the general election. Read more

(The Star 22-3-2008)

Luxury property expo targets RM300m sales

PROPERTY show organiser Exhibition Guide (M) Sdn Bhd is targeting its Malaysia International Luxury Properties Exhibition 2008 to generate sales of over RM300 million.The event at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, which began yesterday and ends tomorrow, showcases property projects by 60 local and international property developers.Project director S.Y. Moey said over 15,000 visitors are expected to attend the exhibition.To date, the company has organised more than 27 property exhibitions, with each registering average sales of about RM200 million, he said. "At this exhibition, developers are showing their new high-end properties which we expect will attract more participants to this year's show," he said at the launching ceremony.Moey said Exhibition Guide also planned to organise the exhibition annually to create a platform for local and international exhibitors."For 2009, we will travel around the world to promote this luxury property exhibition," he said. - Bernama

(New Straits Times 22-3-2008)

Oilcorp unit to raise up to RM300m via AIM listing

PETALING JAYA: Oilcorp Bhd’s property unit, D’Tiara Corp Sdn Bhd, is looking to raise RM250mil to RM300mil in proceeds from its proposed Alternative Investment Market (AIM) listing on the London Stock Exchange. Oilcorp executive director Pua Yow Liang said it was still finalising the actual amount with its advisor in London, but that was the target it planned to raise. “The proceeds will only be used for the development of the four projects that we currently have,” he told a press conference after the company EGM yesterday. Oilcorp’s shareholders unanimously approved the company’s proposal to list its property arm on the AIM. The listing is slated to take place in May. D’Tiara Corp owns D’Tiara Beach Resort in Port Dickson and has three ongoing developments – D’Tiara Office & Hotel Suites in Kuala Lumpur, D’Tiara Waterfront Resort in Pulau Indah and D’Tiara Leisure & Health Resort in Genting. While there are no plans to undertake additional projects at present, Pua said D’Tiara Corp’s post-listing plans would be to expand its business to neighbouring countries by franchising the D’Tiara brand and resort-operation concept. “We are in the process of identifying potential joint partners in Thailand, Indonesia and Cambodia. Perhaps we will formalise our partnerships by year-end,” he said. Read more

(The Star 22-3-2008)

New Development: Sutera Damansara Garden Community (PartII)

Apart from Sutera Damansara, OSK Property has another project in the pipeline.“We have a high-end development planned on Jalan Yap Kwan Seng, for which we have submitted the plans for approval,” said Wong, adding that the development will be a high-rise luxury condo within the KLCC area. The GDV is yet to be finalised.One of OSK Property’s ongoing developments, Taman Sri Banyan has recently been completed. “We are applying for Certificate of Fitness (CF) now and will handover in April,” said Wong. Located in Country Heights, Kajang, the luxury bungalow project was launched in July 2007.Out of 16 bungalow units, eight have been sold, while all 10 semidee units have been sold. The bungalow units are tagged at RM2 million each while the semidees are tagged at RM1.2 million each. According to Wong, the freehold project attracted buyers from the Klang Valley, Bukit Jalil and Kuala Lumpur areas and most of them are professionals and local businessmen.He attributes this to the accessibility of Country Heights to Kuala Lumpur via the KL-Seremban Highway.There will be a promotional event tomorrow at Taman Sri Banyan between 5pm and 9pm.OSK Property’s other projects include Mont’Jade, a series of hillside bungalows in Seremban and Seremban 3, a freehold township where it recently launched 36 units of 1-storey shoplots early this month.OSK Property’s flagship project, said Wong, is the 2,500-acre township named Bandar Puteri Jaya in Sungai Petani, Kedah.Launched in 1999, the development is approximately 50% developed.

(The Sun 21-3-2008)

New Development: Sutera Damansara Garden Conmmunity

LOCATED in Sungai Buloh, close to Sierramas, Valencia and Bandar Sri Damansara is OSK Property Holdings Bhd’s (OSK Property) first landed development in Petaling Jaya.Sutera Damansara takes up 100 leasehold acres, and according to Stanley Wong (pix), senior sales and marketing manager of OSK Property, about 80 out of the 100 acres has been planned with a gross development value (GDV) of RM400 million.A joint venture (JV) between OSK Property and Permodalan Negeri Selangor Bhd (PNSB). theproject’s first phase, Sutera Ria comprises 431 units of 2-storey linked homes. The 22ft by 75fthomes have built-ups of 2,305 sq ft and are tagged at RM438,000. Since its soft launch early this month, the project has received more than 200 registrants. “Our target market are the upgraders from the Petaling Jaya, SS2 and Damansara Jaya areas,” said Wong.“The concept here is to create a garden development with a green environment featuring a linear park with ponds, gazebo, jogging paths and extensive landscaping. We want to create a garden community that is cozy and nicely landscaped with a modern tropical feel,” he said.Aside from its first phase of linked homes, Sutera Damansara will also offer apartments, condominiums, superlinks, semidees and 24 units of 22ft by 75ft shops.According to Wong, the next phase would comprise 40ft by 80ft semidees and 24ft by 85ft superlink homes. “We’re finalising the designs for these units and targeting to launch the superlinks at the end of this year,” said Wong.“We have already started piling work on the first phase, and we’ll officially launch it soon, whenthe works have further progressed,” he said. Sutera Ria would be completed within 18 to 20 months while the entire Sutera Damansara would occupy them for the next five to six years, with another 20 acres yet to be planned.

(The Sun 21-3-2008)

New Development: SoHo Development, Subang Jaya (Part II)

The project is located in SS19 and is down the road from the shopping belt of Subang Jaya town centre consisting of Subang Parade and Subang Carrefour. It is also nearby to the Subang Jaya Medical Centre and educational institutions such as INTI College, Taylor’s College and Metropolitan College.Lim said the project attracts young single people because it offers them greater privacy than renting a room. “The units can be used for work as well.With the advances in computer software, big storage areas are not needed as a laptop is enough for everything. This appeals to entrepreneurs and businesspeople,” she said.Further aiding the live cum work environment, is the building’s wi-fi facility for common areas and broadband ready feature.Another attraction for buyers is that Titijaya has furnished all intermediate units. “This is an added convenience we offer. In our previous development of Tiaraville Serviced Suites development in Jalan Kemajuan, we found out that buyers favour furnished packages. They can bring their luggage and move in.Investors can also rent the units out upon completion. It saves time and effort,” said Lim. Among the furnishings and fittings are plaster ceiling, two-seater sofa sets, kitchen cabinets, wardrobes, fridges and washing machines with dryers.The project, which is slated for completion in 2011, will have three levels of car parking bays and a “sky club” on the rooftop. The “sky club” comprises swimming and wading pool, sky garden, taichi and yoga zone, reflexology path, BBQ function deck, garden deck and children’s playground.Accessibility is via the North Klang Valley Expressway (NKVE), New Pantai Expressway (NPE), Lebuhraya Damansara-Puchong (LDP), Kesas Expressway, Federal Highway, Elite Highway as well as the Subang-Kelana Elevated Highway currently under construction.For more details, call 03- 5637 3331/ 03-5637 4377 or visit http://www.titijaya.com.my/.

(The Sun 21-3-2008)

New Development: SoHo Development, Subang Jaya

The Small office Home office (SoHo) concept has hit Subang Jaya in a big way with the upcominglaunch of Titijaya Group’s RM90 million Subang SoHo development in May.Titijaya director Charmaine Lim Puay Fung told Propertyplus that while the SoHo concept is a current trend elsewhere in the Klang Valley, it is a relatively new one for Subang Jaya. “We thought of the concept when we were developing our other projects nearby as we saw that there were not many projects with the SoHo concept. We believe that Subang SoHo is the first project of its size and kind in SJ,” said Lim.The 19-storey Subang SoHo sports a radical and ultra-modern façade with 448 units designed in a duplex layout. The units with split level and double volume 16 ft ceiling height have sizes from 563 to 1,086 sq ft and are priced from RM217,000. Maintenance fees are at 35 sen psf.The 1.6-acre freehold project is open for registration of interest and Lim said the response has been good. “Since January, we have received over 800 registrants for the project and most are young professionals who can relate to the idea. They also like the location’s easy accessibility to highways and amenities,” she said. Continue...

(The Sun 21-3-2008)

New Development: Amarin plans villas, resorts in Malaysia, Indonesia

PROPERTY developer Amarin Wickham Sdn Bhd plans to build high-end residential villas and resorts in Malaysia and Indonesia.It is scouting for land in Bali, the Klang Valley, Langkawi and Cherating, to build the properties this year, said director Lee Vun-Tsir. "We are not interested in developing and operating typical resorts or city hotels. The ones we build must be private-based, personalised and exclusive," Lee said in an interview recently."Malaysia still lacks boutique developments. What we want to do is bring Bali and Europe here, instead of locals and foreigners going there," Lee said. It plans to build 20 to 30 boutique-style villas as well as resorts at any one location, complete with a club house, spa and restaurant.For the villas in Bali, it plans to sell them for between RM2.53 million and RM2.84 million per unit, while those in Malaysia will be priced at more than RM800,000 per unit. "We are looking at modern indigenous designs and offering niche lifestyle concepts. We may lease some of the units for recurring income, Lee said.This would be the first venture for the company to build boutique-style villas and resorts.Its flagship is the RM80 million Amarin Kiara project in Mont' Kiara launched in mid-2006.It comprises 30 units of three-storey semi-detached villas with private pools, priced between RM1.98 million and RM2.6 million, and one three-storey semi-detached villa, priced at RM3.8 million.All units have been sold and will be handed over to their buyers next month. Read more

(New Straits Times 21-3-2008)

Mahkota Medical poised for growth

THE Mahkota Medical Group, which has a hospital in Malacca and will soon open one in Johor, is eyeing Sabah and Sarawak next."We have our radar screen on other towns, especially those in Sabah and Sarawak. We would like to go where there is no heavy concentration of private hospitals," Mahkota Medical Centre Sdn Bhd chief executive officer Francis Lim told Business Times in an interview."We have taken a look at some sites, (but) nothing has been decided," he said."We have to look at our shareholders' interest. We do not want to rush into it." Lim said that the group may consider accepting management contracts without an equity stake.Given that Malaysia is pushing for medical tourism to bring in foreign exchange, Lim hopes that the tax incentives given to those in Nusajaya, Johor, and set-ups in the Port Dickson Wellness Zone in Negri Sembilan will be extended to all private hospitals. "Healthcare requires heavy investment," he said.The Mahkota Medical Centre in Malacca started operations in 1994 under the Lion Group.Lion, which restructured and sold its non-core businesses during the 1997/98 financial crisis, sold the hospital in September 2001.The Mahkota Medical Group is now owned by Health Management International Ltd of Singapore (48.95 per cent), Bumiputera group Maju Medik Sdn Bhd (38.42 per cent) and 12.36 per cent by doctors located all over Malaysia. Read more

(New Straits Times 21-3-2008)

RM120m Johor hospital to open in June

THE Mahkota Medical Group will open a RM120 million hospital in Bandar Seri Alam, Johor, in June. The 218-bed Regency Specialist Hospital expects to tap medical tourism in a big way. It projects contribution from domestic and foreign patients to be split equally within the next three years.It will be the group's second hospital."The building is completed. The certificate of occupancy has been issued. We are waiting for the operating licence. The hospital should be operational mid-2008," Mahkota Medical Centre Sdn Bhd chief executive officer Francis Lim told Business Times. The RM120 million investment includes land, building and equipment."We expect to break even in three years and be profitable from the fourth," Lim said. Read more

(New Straits Times 21-3-2008)

Mah Sing lines up RM1.4bil project

PENANG: Mah Sing Group Bhd is launching its largest project, a whopping RM1.35bil mixed development called Southbay Penang on a 35ha freehold site in Batu Maung soon. Group chief operating officer Ng Heng Phai said the plans for the first and second phases of the project had been submitted to the local authorities. “We plan to launch the first phase in the first half of 2008, as soon as we get the green light. The second and third phases will be launched in late 2008,” he told StarBiz. Southbay Penang, comprising 376 units of landed residential properties and an integrated commercial hub, is scheduled for completion within seven years. Read more

(The Star 21-3-2008)

Living in sunshine - Malacca's latest resort offers gateway homes from RM145,000

EPV general manager Quah Eng Hock said the entire multibillion-ringgit development taking shape on the Klebang Beach foreshore as well as on 87 acres of reclaimed land will comprise four components: Empire Sunshine Villas, Empire Theme Park and Service Resorts, Empire Marina Villas and Empire Global Wonder Village."We plan our development to be the first to integrate facets of history with tourist elements and lifestyle features demanded by buyers investing in tomorrow," he said.Now available for sale are 510 Small Office Home Offices (SoHos) in Empire Sunshine Villas.Situated from the eighth to top-most floor of a 24-and-half-storey tower that will sit atop a three-level shopping mall, Quah said investors have a choice of four layouts."Some will also come with roof gardens," he said.To support the use of the SoHos as holiday homes, recreational facilities including a gym, spa, swimming pool and landscaped gardens will be designed into the phase "to provide a fitting environment for work and play".Buyers will also have access to commercial outlets such as a business centre, convenience store and the three level shopping mall that will have 22 lots on the ground floor and 48 on each of the upper two levels.These can be bought for between RM650psf and RM1,000psf.Piling work for Empire Sunshine Villas commenced last December and so far, 55 per cent of the SoHo units, which carry a gross development value of RM135 million, have been sold.When Malacca Empire Marina Theme Park (MEMTP) is fully completed in four years, it will be a comprehensive resort with a marine theme park, water villages modelled after the Dubai Palm Resort, a five-star hotel, historial gallery and 10,000-seat international conventional centre.

(New Straits Times 20-3-2008)

New Development: OSK goes high end in Damansara

Once upon a time, not too long ago, actually, the area in Selangor between the North Klang Valley Expressway's Sungai Buloh toll plaza and the Lebuhraya Damansara-Puchong intersection with the Middle Ring Road II was known as a place for mass affordable homes.Such was the stereotype because of townships such as Damansara Damai and Bandar Sri Damansara. How times have changed. With the arrival of the Sierramas and Valencia residential enclaves, the area has moved perceptibly upmarket and the latest project to reinforce this trend is Sutera Damansara. A joint venture between Permodalan Negeri Selangor Bhd and OSK Property Holdings Bhd, this guarded development with a landscaped recreational park and jogging trails will feature 431 units of double-storey terraces and three-storey corner lots in its first phase called Sutera Ria.Its standard unit with dimensions of 22ft by 75ft will have four-plus-one bedrooms and three baths in 2,305sq ft of space, while the three-storey version will have an extra bedroom and bath.Priced from RM433,350 to RM1,193,400 , the tropical-designed units will be specified with column-free porches to allow two cars to be parked side-by-side and high ceilings on the ground floor.The price range means the likely buyers will be those who can afford monthly repayments starting from RM2,300.The leasehold phase is slated for completion by January 2010 and is accessible from Jalan Sungai Buloh via Damansara Damai.

(New Straits Times 20-3-2008)

New Development :LBS to launch projects worth RM5bil in China

PETALING JAYA: LBS Bina Goup Bhd expects to launch property development projects in Zhuhai, China, with an estimated gross development value of more than RM5bil by year-end. Managing director Datuk Lim Hock San said the projects would include high-end bungalows and apartment units and he expected a good take-up due to strong demand for such properties. Datuk Lim Hock San“Zhuhai is a good location. Our site for the projects is near the LRT station and this has increased the value of our land,” he told reporters after the company EGM yesterday. A bridge linking Hong Kong, Macau and Zhuhai was also in the process of being firmed up by the relevant governments, he said, adding that the Macau tourism industry was also expected to have a spill-over effect on its property projects. Yesterday, LBS shareholders approved the proposed renounceable rights issue of 175.03 million new warrants. Lim said demand for property in China was still high and consumer spending had remained firm. He was confident that the group's revenue would be boosted by its China property development by end-2009. Locally, LBS was focusing on medium-to high-end properties due to higher building materials costs, including steel bars and cement, he said, adding that it planned to launch more mixed development projects this year in Bandar Saujana Putra and Taman Tasik Puchong, as well as industrial properties in Puchong. Read more

(The Star 20-3-2008)

Investors adopt 'wait and see' approach in Penang

PROPERTY transactions in Penang appear to have come to a standstill as investors wait and see how the state's economic landscape will unfold."We have received many concerned calls from our foreign investors, counterparts and clients, who are anxious to get a better feel of the ground on the implications for the property market," Henry Butcher Malaysia (Penang) Sdn Bhd director Dr Teoh Toh Puat told Business Times yesterday.He said that improving living conditions in Penang would help to attract foreign investment in properties and those looking for a second home."Attracting investments, tourism arrivals and residents, however, will be a greater challenge today in view of the growing Asia-Pacific real estate market offering alternative opportunities for investors in 2008," Teoh said. Henry Butcher Malaysia (Seberang Prai) senior manager Fook Tone Huat expects investors to take a few months to observe the new political developments before making any decision to continue their investments."Right now, I believe they will wait and see before they decide on their next move, and this will definitely slow down investments."However, if the new state government implements the 'transparency and fair to all' administrative strategy, it may create more market confidence," Fook said. Read more

(New Straits Times 20-3-2008)

KFH plans financing initiatives for ECER

KUWAIT Finance House (Malaysia) Bhd is in discussions with Terengganu's state investment company, Terengganu Inc, and its related companies on financing initiatives within the East Coast Economic Region (ECER). "We have looked into specific financing opportunities for some of the related companies, ranging from infrastructure, oil and gas, shipping, plantation/agriculture and IT (information technology)," said its managing director Datuk Salman Younis. "So far, all of the discussions are focused on financing," he said in a statement yesterday.On plans for retail branches within the ECER, Younis said the Islamic bank will evaluate the feasibility based on the success of its corporate, investment and commercial businesses there. He said the bank was currently involved in the financing of a flight training school and garment manufacturer, both in Kota Baru.Kuwait Finance House, one of the largest Islamic banks in the world, has embarked on several projects, including establishing a find investing about US$330 million (RM1 billion) for projects in the Iskandar Development Region.The ECER master plan envisaged Terengganu as a tourism gateway, hub for oil, gas and petrochemical industries, centre of educational excellence and agriculture focused on goat rearing and as a citrus valley.Kelantan will become centre of trading, human capital development, educational excellence as well as poultry and herbal cultivation.Pahang will focus on manufacturing and becoming a port city with integrated logistics distribution centre and palm oil industrial cluster as well as cattle and pineapple, while Mersing in Johor will be developed for tourism.

(Bernama 20-3-2008)

Ireka lines up office blocks for launch

KUALA LUMPUR: Aseana Properties Limited has slated two blocks of office towers for launch in downtown Mont’Kiara by year end.The project is pending approval from the local authorities, said Ireka Development Management Sdn Bhd COO Lim Ech Chan. Ireka Development, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ireka Corporation Bhd, is the development manager for Aseana Properties, a property investment and development company listed on the London Stock Exchange with a market capitalisation of approximately US$250 million (about RM800 million).“The office towers are set to be a new landmark in Mont’Kiara with our hallmark i-ZEN inspired designs,” said Lim. The towers will be 28- and 16-storeys in height.Each floor will have an average floor space of 12,000 sq ft. “We are keen on selling off the entire floors to buyers. We are also looking at interested parties to purchase the offices en-bloc,” he said.The average price for the office towers is at RM850 psf. “We believe the property value will appreciate in time to come,” said Lim, after a signing ceremony with LG Electronics Sdn Bhd at the Tiffani by i-ZEN show gallery in Mont’Kiara yesterday.

(The Sun 19-3-2008)

Melati moving into property development

KUALA LUMPUR: Having made its name in the construction services industry, Melati Ehsan Holdings Bhd intends to move into property development to diversify its earnings. “Construction services are currently the group's main contributor. However, we are always on the look-out for ways to enhance our income stream,” managing director Datuk Yap Suan Chee told StarBiz in an interview. Listed on the Bursa Malaysia main board last March, Melati will be developing its sole plot of land in Pandamaran, Klang soon. The 100-acre land was purchased from Bank Negara unit, TPPT Sdn Bhd, for RM32mil cash, Yap said. Datuk Yap Suan CheeThe development, which has an estimated gross development value of RM500mil, will comprise about 500 gated residential units, 320 shop lots with 8.97 acres of commercial units and 6.92 acres of industrial units. Executive director Tan Hong Hing said apart from diversifying its income base, venturing into property development would enable the group to command higher margins. Read more

(The Star 19-3-2008)

SunCity in RM380m India condo venture

PROPERTY developer Sunway City Bhd (SunCity) said a joint venture agreement has been sealed with Hyderabad-based MAK Projects Private Ltd to develop a RM380 million condominium project in Hyderabad, India.SunCity will initially invest RM4 million to secure the project and subsequently increase it to RM17 million for a 60 per cent stake in the 5.67ha project.The project will feature 1,500 condominium units that will be completed in several phases over the next three years.The average size of the units is about 1,500 sq ft with an average selling price of RM208 per sq ft. Located 8km away from the newly opened Rajiv Gandhi International Airport and 21km away from the Hyderabad city centre, Phase One of the development is targeted for launching by early 2009.This is SunCity's second investment in India; the first being Sunway Opus Grand Residency which was signed in July 2007, another high-end condominium development on a 14.18ha located in the suburb of Ameenpur, about 15km northwest of Hyderabad.SunCity said it is on target to launch the RM1.5 billion Sunway Opus Grand Residency next month.SunCity also hopes to expand to other countries in the region such as China and Vietnam. Currently, it has presence in Australia, Cambodia and India.

(New Straits Times 19-3-2008)

SP Setia shares go on roller-coaster ride

SHARES of SP Setia Bhd, Malaysia's most valuable developer, went on a roller-coaster ride yesterday after the firm gave investors mixed signals on potential sales.The company initially told analysts that it is lowering its year-end sales target by 20 per cent to RM1.5 billion from RM1.8 billion.Based on the new guidance and other factors, analysts lowered their target price on the stock. The stock fell 3.5 per cent or 12 sen to RM3.32 in the morning session yesterday. The company then issued a statement to Bursa Malaysia during lunch, saying it is confident to hit a year-end target of RM1.8 billion. SP Setia shares rebounded in the afternoon, erasing all of the morning's loss to gain five per cent or 18 sen, to close at RM3.62.The company explained that its lower target was based on a "worst case scenario". This is if local councils in Selangor and Penang, states that have new governments, are formed late."Given the company's October 31 year-end, a delay of one to two months would have resulted in a timing difference of sales being made in FY2009 instead of FY2008," it said. Read more

(New Straits Times 19-3-2008)

AP Land buying Hokkaido land at RM6,132 per sq m

KUALA LUMPUR: Asia Pacific Land Bhd (AP Land) is making its foray into the Japanese real estate by acquiring a piece of land in Hokkaido, measuring 3,082 sq m, for RM18.9mil to build apartments. Based on the price, the freehold land is estimated to cost RM6,132 per sq metre, based on the company’s announcement to Bursa Malaysia on Tuesday. It was acquiring the land from Caymans Island-registered Tancho Investments would enable it to broaden its income into the property development sector in Japan . “The venture is expected to enhance not only the group’s future earnings but also its profile as a regional players in property development,” it said. AP Land had proposed to use part of the disposal proceeds of RM680mil from the disposal of City Square Centre and from borrowings to finance the acquisition.

(The Star 18-3-2008)

SP Setia expects to meet original sales target

PETALING JAYA: SP Setia Bhd is confident of achieving its original sales target of RM1.8bil for the year ending Oct 31 after it gets a clearer picture of the stance of the new state administrations in Selangor and Penang towards business. In a statement made available to StarBiz, group chief executive officer Tan Sri Liew Kee Sin said the property developer “should not face any problems adjusting to the new administration, which stated their commitment to uphold good governance, transparency and equal opportunity”. The statement came on the heels of a downward revision by SP Setia last week of its sales target to RM1.5bil from RM1.8bil due to worries over administrative uncertainties after the opposition took control of Selangor and Penang, where most of the group's projects are located. Liew said the revision of the group's sales target last week was made on the assumption of a worst-case scenario in the event of a one- to two-month delay in the establishment of local councils. “Such a delay could result in a timing difference in sales being made in FY09 instead of FY08,” he said in the statement. Read more

(The Star 19-3-2008)

SP Setia confident of meeting RM1.8bil sales target

KUALA LUMPUR: SP Setia Bhd is confident of meeting its original sales target of RM1.8bil for its financial year ending Oct 31, 2008 (FY2008). The company said on Tuesday that the group’s sales for the first four months of FY2008 amounted to RM646mil, which was significantly higher than the RM290mil recorded in the corresponding period in FY2007. ” The company had earlier alluded to a lower sales target of RM1.5 billion in the immediate aftermath of the general election on the assumption of a worst case scenario in the event of delays in the formation of local councils during the transitional period,” it said. SP Setia said given the company’s FY ending on Oct 31, a delay of one to two months would have resulted in a timing difference of sales being made in FY2009 instead of FY2008. The share price fell 24 sen to RM3.20 as 3.08pm today, but off its low of RM3.12 in intra-day on investors’ concerns about its lower revenue forecast.

(The Star 18-3-2008)

New Development:Utusan Seni Semidees, USJ

PETALING JAYA: Homeowners looking to upgrade in the Subang Jaya area has taken to Utusan Seni Sdn Bhd’s (Utusan Seni) development of semi-detached homes in USJ 17, Subang Jaya.The development called ResTrees – Utusan Seni's maiden foray into property development – is doing well with its first two phases already sold out.The RM140 million project was first launched in August last year. Its first two phases, comprising 20 units and 36 units respectively, have been 100% taken up while 19 out of 48 units in the third phase have been sold.“Ninety percent of our buyers are from USJ, with a few from SS 19 Subang Jaya and Shah Alam.Most of them are upgraders,” said Norhashimah binti Hashim, executive director of Utusan Seni.Phase 1 of ResTrees offers 2 ½ -storey semidees sized at 3,600 sq ft and tagged at RM1.3 million. Phases 2 and 3, also offering 2 ½ - storey semidees, come with larger builtups of 3,800 sq ft and are priced at RM1,533,800 and RM1,688,800 respectively.

(The Sun 18-3-2008)

Henry Butcher ties up with Aussie Builder

PETALING JAYA: Henry Butcher Malaysia, an international real estate consultancy firm has tied up with the Metricon Group, one of Australia’s leading home builders and land developers to offer Malaysian investors, customised investment home packages in Melbourne, Australia.Henry Butcher Marketing Sdn Bhd COO Tang Chee Meng (pix) said in a statement that the tie-up is the beginning of the group’s plans to increase its international property marketing portfolio. He added that the group plans to introduce properties from the UK, Singapore, Dubai, India, Vietnam and other fast-growing markets to the increasingly sophisticated Malaysian investors.The collaboration with Metricon aims to tap into Melbourne’s property market which has performed strongly over the last year, supported by a solid economy and an increasing number of international immigrants.The Metricon group which has over 30 years of experience in home building and is Victoria state’s largest home builder, has moved aggressively into the development of residential communities and integrated housing projects, after having established its core business as a boutique contract homes builder since 1976.Also in 2006, Metricon was named Victoria’s leading builder by the Housing Industry Association for its awardwinning range of homes in Victoria and Queensland.Metricon homes are covered by a 25-year structural guarantee. According to Tang, the collaboration with Metricon will help launch Metricon Homes’ entry into Malaysia, making available to Malaysian investors, quality and affordable homes from less than A$300,000 (about RM900,000) strategically located less than 25 km from Melbourne’s Central Business District.

(The Sun 18-3-2008)

UM Land identifies three sites for projects

JOHOR BARU: United Malayan Land Bhd (UM Land) has identified three new locations in south Johor for future development projects. UM Land Johor region general manager Mohd Noor Abdul Salam said all three were within the Iskandar Development Region (IDR), including one in Nusajaya city. He declined to give details on the other two locations and how much the company would invest to acquire the land. “We can’t say much now but our headquarters in Kuala Lumpur will make the announcement soon,” he said. Noor said this on Sunday after Johor Baru mayor Datuk Mohd Naim Nasir handed over house keys to buyers of the company’s Deanne Homes in Seri Austin. UM Land is currently undertaking two integrated township projects in Johor – Seri Alam in Masai and Seri Austin in Tebrau – both within the IDR that spans 2,216.3 sq km. Covering 1,497.33ha, Seri Alam was started in 1992 and is now 60% developed. Seri Austin was launched in 2005 and 20% of its 202.34ha has been developed. At the event, the company also launched 40 double-storey link houses – Arista II – with expected gross development value of RM35mil. Noor said the construction of new intersections, highways and road upgrading worth RM4.9bil for the IDR this year augured well for the property sector here. Read more

(The Star 18-3-2008)

Malton going into more high-end projects

MALTON Bhd is making efforts to further strengthen its branding in the residential and commercial property segments with a line-up of more exciting projects over the next two to three years.The company is looking at adding more value to its land bank of more than 600 acres in various parts of the country. “At present, some 70% of the company's projects are high-end while 30% are projects in the various existing townships, including in Puchong and Bukit Rimau, Shah Alam,” chief operating officer Yeoh Teng Tatt told StarBiz. Read more

(The Star 17-3-2008)

Revamped Magna Prima on stronger footing

SECOND board construction player Magna Prima Bhd is on a much better footing from three years ago when it was making losses. With a turnaround plan in place after a reshuffling of the top management and the board of directors, the company turned in a net profit of RM26.58mil for the financial year ended Dec 31, 2007 (FY07) compared to a net profit of RM119,000 the previous year. Revenue increased by 326% to RM344.44mil. Magna Prima has three current projects: the 88-acre leasehold Metro Prima in Kepong, a joint venture with landowner Kuala Lumpur City Hall that is almost completed; The Avare, a freehold 41-storey luxury condominium project located in the vicinity of KLCC; and the three-acre leasehold MagnaVille in Selayang comprising three blocks of 22-storey condominiums. Read more

(The Star 17-3-2008)

Wireless@KL Project to start in May

The "KL Wireless Metropolitan" or "Wireless@KL" project to transform Kuala Lumpur into a "wireless city" with world-class communication channels will begin in May, city mayor Datuk Ab. Hakim Borhan said yesterday.“In line with the Wireless@KL project, a community website, KUL.COM.MY, will also be set up and updated regularly to provide the relevant information to city dwellers,” Ab.Hakim told reporters after the signing of a memorandum of agreement (MOA) on the Metropolitan Kuala Lumpur portal project between Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) and Synapse Technologies (M) Sdn Bhd.The agreement is under the initiative of the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) on behalf of the government, which has provided a grant of RM500,000 to City Hall for the purpose.On December 17 last year, City Hall signed a memorandum of understanding on Wireless@KL with MCMC and Packet One Networks (M) Sdn Bhd to enhance broadband facilities for City Hall offices and community centres and both public and residential areas in the Klang Valley by 2010."Wireless@KL uses WiMAX technology and for the first phase of this project 1,500 Wi-Fi zones will be developed,” Ab. HAkim said. He also said the KUL.COM.MY portal will be a “one-stop source of information” on Kuala Lumpur for people in and out of the country. The information will cover social, development, economic, trade, education, entertainment, tourism and other aspects, he said.Ab. Hakim said the portal will use the “broad spectrum approach” where it will collate and upgrade information from various sources for user convenience.

(Bernama)

Firm targets China and Vietnam

VENTURING overseas has become a viable option for many Malaysian property companies to widen their earnings base and establish a stronger brand image in the region. Developers with good track records and interesting project concepts to “export” to other emerging markets are making a beeline abroad. According to Malton Bhd chief operating officer Yeoh Teng Tatt, the company is eyeing China and Vietnam to introduce its brand of properties to the growing middle class and newly rich population. “We are talking to potential partners in those countries for possible joint ventures to undertake projects. Having established its name in building townships and niche residential projects, including gated and guarded projects in the Klang Valley, Malton is looking forward to replicate its success in other potential markets outside the country,” Yeoh pointed out. Read more

(The Star 17-3-2008)