Article of October 13, 2010
THE RM57mil Teluk Kumbar-Pekan Genting road straightening and widening project in Penang has been delayed yet again.
The project, which was scheduled for completion next month, will only be ready by Sept 19 next year.
State Works, Utilities and Transportation Committee chairman Lim Hock Seng said the delay was due to technical site problems.
“The contractor faced problems because of the hilly terrain and slopes. To date, 72% of the work has been completed. We have been opening the road in sections. The final stretch will be ready in about 10 months and hopefully there will be no more delays,” he said on Monday.
Lim said road users need not worry about the rainy season as erosion and landslides were unlikely.
“Work on the dangerous areas have been done,” he said, adding that the wet season would not slow down the workers.
The road straightening and widening project is slotted under Package 2B of a three-package project to straighten and improve the road between Bayan Lepas and Balik Pulau.
It commenced in April 2005 and was originally scheduled for completion in April 2007 but was abandoned in May 2008 after several extensions of the deadline.
Sarahon Construction Sdn Bhd, a Class A bumiputra contractor from Sarawak, was finally selected to finish the Federal Government project.
The project, which is deemed to be crucial for positive development of the Balik Pulau area, involves the building of six bridges to cut off road bends that will make journeys to Penang island’s southwest area both safer and shorter.
The new road will shorten the drive (from Bayan Lepas to Balik Pulau) by about 10 minutes while cutting down the distance from 4.5km to 3.3km.
Package 2A to widen and straighten the road between Teluk Kumbar and Bayan Lepas town was not approved under the 9th Malaysian Plan.
Package 1 to widen and improve a 2.5km stretch between Balik Pulau and Pekan Genting has been completed.
Quoted:
http://thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=/2010/10/13/north/7204827&sec=north
UPDATE:
THE road straightening and widening project between Teluk Kumbar and Pekan Genting in Balik Pulau will now only be completed in November.
GEORGE TOWN: More than 600 high-end condominiums will be launched on Penang island before the year-end.
Although local property prices have not been significantly affected, the volume of transactions has dropped slightly since January.
At present, landed properties in Penang are still holding firm at RM600,000 to RM700,000.
Mid-end high-rise properties are still priced between RM300,000 and RM400,000 for a 1,000-sq-ft unit, depending on their size and location.
(Clockwise from top left) Artist impressions of the Pavilion Tower by Tropical Hill Property, infinity swimming pool inside the Pavilion Tower, and IJM Land’s the Light Linear and the Light Point Henry Butcher Malaysia (Penang) vice-president Shawn Ong said to bolster sales during the current challenging property climate, zero interest financing packages introduced for purchasers by developers have worked quite well.
“The latest residential product is the ‘mini superb condominium’.
“It is dubbed ‘mini superb condo’ because of its size but they offer five-star facilities like normal super-condo projects.
“Prices range between RM500,000 and RM1mil, depending on their size, location, design, concept, and specifications,” Ong said.
The normal super condos are priced from RM2mil, have built-up areas of over 5,000 sq ft, and are located in prime locations such as Gurney Drive, Pulau Tikus and Tanjung Bungah.
Market prices for such properties on Penang Island had generally remained stable, Ong added.
“The up-market high-rise residential development trend on Penang Island has changed over time. Initially, these developments were more prevalent in the north-western and north-eastern parts of the island such as Pulau Tikus, Gurney Drive, Tanjung Tokong and Tanjung Bungah areas.
“However, due to the availability of relatively lower priced land, good population catchments and better accessibility (improved infrastructure), the focus moved towards the south of island, for example, along and off the Jelutong Expressway, Sungai Nibong, Bayan Lepas Expressway, and Bukit Jambul areas,” he said.
Ong said the demand for “mini superb condos” was expected to be encouraging given the sizeable young population in Penang and the higher household formation rate compared with the population growth.
“Affordability is today supported by low interest rates and the innovative easy payment schemes provided by developers.
“Investment interest in real estate is high given that alternative investments are less attractive today.
“Since the island has limited suitable land for development, most investors and house buyers are confident in the longer-term growth potential of such value-added residential properties,” he added.
Scheduled for launch by year-end are 568 mini superb condos by IJM Land Bhd’s The Light project, comprising The Light Linear, The Light Point, and The Light Collections schemes, located on a 16.8-ha freehold site off the Jelutong Expressway.
IJM managing director Datuk Soam Heng Choon said The Light would offer unique themes and facilities normally found in super-condo projects.
“The Light Linear project comes with fibre optic ICT infrastructure and a comprehensive range of home automation and recreational facilities, including a putting green.
“The unique features are the green concept and water features in all the properties,” he added.
The Light Linear units have built-up areas of 1,475 and 1,561 sq ft and are priced from RM522,000, or about RM354 per sq ft.
The Light Point and The Light Collection residences offer bigger built-up areas ranging from 1,371 to 4,090 sq ft.
“Their pricing starts from slightly below RM1mil, which is still lower than the price of normal super-condo units,” Soam said.
Another Penang-based developer, Tropical Hill Property Sdn Bhd, is scheduled to launch its mini superb condo project late this year.
The 22-storey Pavilion Tower on a 1-ha site in Teluk Kumbar comprises a block of 99 units with built-up areas of between 1,477, 1,616 and 5,000 sq ft.
Tropical Hill Property managing director Datuk Loh Geok Beng said the units would be priced at about RM320 per sq ft.
“The low-density project, located close to the Penang International Airport and the Penang Bridge, is equipped with full recreational facilities including a swimming pool and community hall that can accommodate 500 people,” he said.
A RM50mil road connecting Teluk Kumbar to Bayan Lepas in Penang is at the top of the Balik Pulau Barisan Nasional division’s wish list for the 10th Malaysia Plan.
Division chairman Datuk Seri Dr Hilmi Yahaya said apart from proposals sent by the state government, he had also sent a separate list of proposals to the Economic Planning Unit (EPU) on behalf of his division.
“The Balik Pulau/Bayan Lepas road is currently under construction so now, the only missing link is a road connecting Teluk Kumbar to Bayan Lepas.
“Our proposal details a four-lane 4km road, in which half of the Bayan Lepas town will have to be acquired,” he told reporters after closing a Community Carnival held in conjunction with the Penang National Park’s seventh anniversary on Sunday where the Kerachut Conservation Run was also held.
Just rewards: Kerachut Conservation Run winners Mohamed Hafiz Mansor (right) and Stephanie Chong holding up their challenge trophies. The run was held in conjunction with the Penang National Park’s seventh anniversary. Dr Hilmi said road congestion was bound to get worse after the Second Penang Bridge, linking Batu Kawan to Batu Maung, was completed as road users would feed into the existing roads en route to Bayan Lepas.
“Currently, the roads are heavily congested every morning on weekdays as 20,000 residents in Teluk Kumbar and Sungai Batu travel out of the outskirts for work.”
He added that a proposal to build a cultural centre in the Balik Pulau area was also among the “many” proposals sent to EPU, but declined to elaborate on the other suggestions.
On a related matter, Dr Hilmi said he had been in contact with the Northern Corridor Implementation Authority (NCIA), the implementation body of the Northern Corridor Economic Region (NCER), to transform three old warehouses at the Swettenham Pier into a duty free traders’ centre.
“Two warehouses are empty while one is being used for storage. They are heritage buildings, so we cannot demolish them but we can modify them to suit our purposes,” he said, adding that the buildings had been under-utilised for as long as he could remember.
He said the area could be filled with both local and foreign shops that would serve the one million expected tourists coming to Penang by cruise this year.
“We also want to incorporate a place for cultural shows where tourists and locals alike can visit for food and drinks.”
I got this blog entrée from
http://www.penangfaces.chanlilian.net/hidden-cove-of-sungai-batu-teluk-kumbar/=============================================================
The road leading to the place is lined with white picket fences, colourful flowers, neat little kampung houses and friendly children.
It is almost an unknown place except for the locals. Located in Sungai Batu, Teluk Kumbar is a stretch of beach with white sandy beaches and casuarina trees. There are no road signs. We only knew about it because my husband is born and bred in Teluk Kumbar.
Before reaching the beach, one will pass by a huge, green lake. Lotuses grow in the pond. Beautiful!
The long stretch of sandy beach is, of course, not up to ‘tourist standard’ of white, powdery sands and blue, sparkling water. But still, it is pretty nice.
My kids love playing in the sand. This stretch of beach seems to have more sea shells than any other beaches around Penang. I am not sure why, though.
We had spent many weekends there. Kids playing with sands whilst we fish. No big fishes but then, the fishes are biting, so who can complain? We caught gelama, keli, small stingray and the likes. Most of the time, we threw them back into the sea because they are tiny.
How to go : On the way to Teluk Kumbar, there is a mosque on the left side. Turn in Jalan Sungai Batu and from there, grope your way around. You need to ask the villagers.
Warning : Bad stretch of road, sometimes muddy during rainy seasons. Be prepared to sweep and clean the surroundings first before settling down. Some locals may not be friendly as they do not welcome huge crowds. No toilets nor changing facilities.
This place was spared during the tsunami.
Another interesting road article on Teluk Kumbar area....
THE RM57mil Teluk Kumbar-Pekan Genting road straightening and widening project in Penang is set to be revived as a new developer has been appointed to complete the abandoned project.
State Works, Utilities and Transportation Committee chairman Lim Hock Seng said the Federal Government had chosen Sarahon Construction Sdn Bhd, a Class A bumiputra contractor from Sarawak, to finish the project by late November next year.
“The company was awarded the contract with a value of RM42.05mil and given possession of the site on May 27.
The unfinished road structures at the Teluk Kumbar-Pekan Genting road will be finally completed by a newly appointed contractor by November 2010. “The project was about 76% complete before it was abandoned. We have about 24% to go and under the contract with the new developer, work has to be completed within 78 weeks,” Lim said.
Asked why the completion of the project was projected so late despite more than three quarters of it being finished, Lim said the developer had to set up the basic infrastructure for work to proceed.
“The contractor will have to start anew in terms of work facilities as the ones that were there before had either been demolished, removed or stolen.
“They will have to do everything from setting up the official command post, installing a telephone line, making sure there is an adequate electricity and water supply and so on.
“It will take one to two months to have the work in full swing so the time frame in the contract allows for that,” he said.
An unfinished bridge, one of six to be built under the RM57mil Teluk Kumbar-Pekan Genting road straightening and widening project, will be finally completed by a newly appointed contractor. The road straightening and widening project is slotted under Package 2B of a three-package project to straighten and improve the road between Bayan Lepas and Balik Pulau.
It commenced in April 2005 and was originally scheduled for completion in April 2007 but was abandoned in May last year after several extensions of the deadline.
The project, which is deemed to be crucial for positive development of the Balik Pulau area, involves the building of six bridges to cut off road bends that will make journeys to Penang island’s southwest area both safer and shorter.
“The construction of the road will shorten the drive (from Bayan Lepas to Balik Pulau) by about 10 minutes.
“The journey will also be cut down from 4.5km to 3.3km in distance. The road is very important for Balik Pulau’s growth and to uplift the surrounding areas,” Lim said.
THE Penang Government has applied for a RM240mil allocation from the Federal Government to widen Jalan Bayan Lepas, said state Public Works, Utilities and Transportation Committee chairman Lim Hock Seng.
He said the application was made late last year under the 10th Malaysia Plan, adding that he was informed by the Public Works Department that the chances of getting approval for the allocation were high.
Lights on: The new traffic lights system was switched on at the Jalan Dato Ismail hashim junction in Bayan Lepas yesterday. The 7.2km-stretch earmarked for the widening project starts after the flyover at the Penang International Airport, and heads towards the Bayan Lepas town right up to Puspakom in Teluk Kumbar.
“This will become an important stretch when the Second Penang Bridge is completed in 2013.
“If the two-way road is not upgraded, there will be massive traffic jams then,” he told reporters after switching on the traffic lights at the junction of Jalan Datuk Ismail Hashim in Bayan Lepas, Penang, yesterday.
Lim said it was crucial for the widening project to be implemented soon as the traffic flow at the stretch was now heavy.
“I really hope the Federal Government will take into consideration the need to upgrade the stretch of road for future development,” he added.
Yet another interesting article i found...
WANT your investment value on a property asset to grow substantially? You can consider putting your money in a water home project near Port Dickson, Negri Sembilan.
By paying from RM280,000 to about RM500,000 for each unit of Banyan Curve Water Homes, property developer Kuala Lumpur Metro Group (KL Metro) has guaranteed investors of a high rental return of 8 per cent per year.
Purchasers can buy the units for their own use or alternatively opt for the rental guarantee scheme where they can lease back the unit to KL Metro for three to 13 years and enjoy the fixed rental income at 8 per cent per year of the purchase price, executives of KL Metro group said.
During the leaseback period, owners will also enjoy 10 nights of free stay per year.
KL Metro, through subsidiary Kuala Lumpur Metro Development Sdn Bhd, has started work on building 249 units of Banyan Curve Water Homes, after having completed the first 392 water chalets under the Legend Water Chalets development in October 2006.
KL Metro group chairman Mat Hassan Esa said it had already sold 50 per cent of the water chalets, garden chalets and serviced suites under the Banyan Curve development, mostly under rental guarantee scheme.
Most buyers are from the Middle Eastern countries, Japan, China and South Korea.
"We are targeting to sell about 70 per cent of the Banyan Curve units to foreigners. We should generate total sales of RM140 million for the project," Mat Hassan told reporters after the groundbreaking ceremony of the project by Deputy Tourism Minister Datuk Donald Lim last Thursday.
"KL Metro will become the biggest water chalet developer with a total of 641 units under the Legend Water and Banyan Curve projects," he claimed.
"Over 97 per cent of the Legend Water Chalets have been sold and most of them are under leaseback arrangement. About 100 of the buyers are from over 20 countries from North America and Europe to West Asia and Asia Pacific. The rest mainly comes from the Klang Valley," Mat Hassan said, adding that some RM120 million in total sales had been generated from the project.
Banyan Curve, sited on leasehold land, has a gross development value of RM110 million and is due for completion by December 2008. Located 4.8km from Port Dickson town, the chalets are built on stilts and are furnished with special stone works imported from Bali.
Each unit has a private pool, an open garden and a see-through flooring in the centre of the bathroom.
Facilities at Banyan Curve include a restaurant, lobby lounge, business centre, conference rooms, banquet hall, convenience store, mailroom, reception area, housekeeping and restrooms.
"We believe we are among the few who have develop chalets with private pools," Mat Hassan said, adding that the price of the chalets and suites is inclusive of fittings, furniture and furnishings.
Like the earlier Legend Water Chalets, Banyan Curve will be managed by the Legend Group of Hotel and Resorts, a member of the Metroplex group.
Mat Hassan also said KL Metro is teaming up with the Malacca State Government to develop a water chalet project in Tanjung Keling by the end of the year.
It is also scouting for land in the Klang Valley, Ipoh and Penang for possible maiden ventures into residential housing development.
Found some interesting article on Teluk Kumbar on the net, i just wanted to share it with you guys..
PROPERTY developer Kuala Lumpur Metro (M) Sdn Bhd (KL Metro) will replicate the success of its water chalets resort development in Port Dickson to Penang this year.
The developer, which first embarked upon the development of The Legend Water Chalets in Port Dickson, plans another water chalet project, albeit a higher-end one, at Penang island's south-western tip in Teluk Kumbar.
The company has acquired eight hectare, of which 7.2ha is over water, to build 326 units of water homes for the proposed project, which is set to carry a development value of RM200 million.
"The project involves sea reclamation of about 1ha for subsequent construction of a clubhouse, swimming pools, podium park and support facilities," KL Metro managing director Datuk Low Tak Fatt told reporters at Penang chief minister Lim Guan Eng's office in Penang yesterday.
Low said prices of the water chalets and sky pool villas, which will feature private pools and jacuzzis, are likely to range between RM500 and RM600 per sq ft.
The floor areas for the units offered will range from 800 sq ft to 1,200 sq ft.
"We expect the project to commence by late 2009, after the necessary approvals are obtained," Low added, saying that the project will be self-funded by KL Metro.
"The size of the sea reclamation is relatively small (about one- seventh of the total area) and we are undertaking to comply with all the guidelines and conditions laid down by the Department of Environment, and the Drainage and Irrigation Department," he said.
The company expects to complete the project 36 months from the date of commencement.
Low said a renowned hotel operator will be appointed to manage the resort upon completion, which is slated in late 2012.
"We plan to put up 75 per cent of the total units for sale, while the balance 25 per cent will be held by KL Metro," Low said.
The Bigger picture
The "Zoomed" in version
Aerial view of Seri Tanjung Pinang phase one, showing Straits Quay festive retail mall.The upcoming Quayside Seafront Condominiums is superimposed on this actual site photo.
PETALING JAYA: Eastern & Oriental Bhd (E&O) is targeting to commence reclamation work next year for 740 acres of land in Tanjong Tokong in the north-east coast of Penang for its RM12bil Seri Tanjung Pinang phase two (STP2) development.
Executive director Eric Chan said the group’s subsidiary, Tanjung Pinang Development Sdn Bhd, had received the approval in principle for the masterplan of STP2 from the Jabatan Perancangan Bandar dan Desa Pulau Pinang via a letter dated April 11.
“It should take two years from the start of the land reclamation before the first project launch can be embarked upon.
“Phase two will be a mixed integrated development comprising two islands of approximately 740 acres in size. At three times the size of phase one, phase two is expected to generate RM12bil in gross development value,” Chan told StarBiz.
As in phase one, he said residential property would be the key component in STP2, besides commercial and public spaces.
“In totality, Seri Tanjung Pinang phases one and two will embrace a range of residential, commercial, recreational and leisure properties within an integrated masterplanned development.
“We expect this iconic development to ultimately redefine Penang island on the world map as a vibrant new seafront resort destination to reside, holiday, work and invest,” he added.
Chan said STP2 would take the E&O brand to the next level and support the group’s aspiration to extend the brand regionally and globally.
“The development will also be a symbol of pride and progress, gaining worldwide publicity and prestige; and attract capital inflows and investment, employment and business opportunities, especially for Penang’s tourism. It will complement other major projects to turn the state into a world class city and an international property destination,” he added.
In 1992, TPD was granted the exclusive right to reclaim and develop approximately 980 acres of land in Tanjong Tokong.
It has to date reclaimed and is continuing to develop phase one of the project comprising about 240 acres of land.
The total GDV for phase one of Seri Tanjung Pinang is approximately RM4bil.
The E&O group, through TPD, had sought the state’s approval to reclaim the balance concession area of about 740 acres.
In a filing with Bursa Malaysia on Tuesday, E&O said while the in-principle approval was a vital step towards being able to reclaim the balance concession area, there were other steps still to be undertaken and approvals to be obtained before reclamation works could actually commence.
It said while it was too early to outline the detailed effects of the approval in respect of the masterplan or its implementation timetable, “the board of directors of E&O is of the view that in the longer term, the group will derive substantial benefits with a successful implementation of the in-principle approval.”
On the progress of Seri Tanjung Pinang phase one, Chan said more than 600 landed residential units and 217 serviced suites had already been completed and sold to date. There will also be seven condominium towers.
The landed properties include the Ariza range of courtyard and seafronting terraced houses, Avalon and Acacia semi-detached homes, and the Martinique, Skye and Abrezza villas by-the-sea.
Last February, the first tower of the 21-acre Quayside Seafront Resort Condominiums was launched and another two towers were launched in the last 12 months. The overall take-up of the launched condominiums is about 75%.
Meanwhile, the commercial area includes the Straits Quay festive seafront mall which has 270,000 sq ft of net lettable area; a 7-acre parcel of TESCO hypermarket development and a few other smaller plots.
Chan said since its soft opening last November, the Straits Quay mall had recorded a tenancy occupancy of close to 60%, comprising a myriad of marina-fronting food and beverage outlets, fashion, and lifestyle stores.
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