Former A-G: Forget lawsuit, Najib must clarify if bank accounts exist
Following an expose by Wall Street Journal (WSJ) concerning RM2.6 billion that was credited into accounts under his name, a former attorney-general has said that prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak must clarify whether it was true that he had personal accounts in a private bank instead of suing WSJ. The allegation was a serious one, and clarification was vital to protect the integrity of his office. Last Friday, the WSJ reported that US$700 million was allegedly transferred to Najib’s personal bank accounts in AmPrivate Bank, just before the 13th general election in 2013. The prime minister said at a press conference yesterday that he would decide in a few days what further actions he would take against the malicious allegations. (The Malaysian Insider)
Two Mara officials suspended over Australian property controversy
Two top Mara Incorporated Sdn Bhd officials have been suspended of their duties pending investigations into the company’s questionable property purchases in Melbourne, Australia. The two individuals are Mara Inc Chairman Datuk Mohammad Lan Allani and chief executive officer Datuk Abdul Halim Rahim. The council came to the decision during its meeting; however, it does not prove that they have committed any wrongdoings but to maintain Mara’s integrity and ensure a transparent investigation, said Majlis Amanah Rakyat (Mara) Chairman Tan Sri Annuar Musa. (Daily Express)
11 firms vying for RM1bil Bukit Jalil project
In efforts to promote the National Sports Complex (NSC) in Bukit Jalil as a tourist destination, and not just a venue for major sporting events, the government is planning to work with the private sector to build new infrastructure, refurbish, and put up an iconic feature at the NSC. Sources said that 11 companies, including UEM Sunrise Bhd, IJM Corp Bhd, WCT Bhd, Malaysian Resources Corp Bhd (MRCB) and the Naza Group, are vying for the tender of the project worth more than RM1 billion, which will be paid in the form of land. (The Star Online)
MKH launches Saville @ Cheras
MKH Bhd launched its Saville@Cheras mixed use development over the weekend, which has a gross development value of RM307 million. The 43-storey mixed development is located on a 2-acre parcel of freehold land in Cheras, comprising of serviced apartments and retail shops. It will have a link bridge to the future Sri Raya MRT station, slated for completion by year-end 2017, at the same the retail units are expected to be ready. (The Edge Property)
Realtor’s identity used for property scams
A real estate agent, Lim Kim Chuan, 35, was shocked to find that his photo had been used with fake names on business cards to scam property owners in KL and Selangor. It is believed that an elderly man would pose as a property agent and inform property owners of ‘potential tenants’, then scam them out of the agency fees by asking them to deposit the cash into his bank account, then issue a fake cheque for the amount stated in the tenancy agreement. This was not the first time Lim had his identity stolen, as a similar incident had happened in 2014. (The Sun Daily)
Wisma Hong Long located in the Golden Triangle at Kuala Lumpur, along Jalan Perak (Photo from Estate123 listings)
Hong Leong buys RM189mil property to house HQ
Hong Leong Bank Bhd has signed a conditional share sale agreement with Hong Leong Real Estate Holdings Sdn Bhd to buy DC Tower Sdn Bhd for RM189.33 million. DC Tower owns and is developing a 33-storey office building in the Damansara City project site, which Hong Leong plans to relocate most of its operations including its KL head office and other premises across the Klang Valley. (The Star Online)
Three women arrested over housing purchase fraud
Police have arrested three women in Penampang, Kota Kinabalu for alleged fraud concerning the purchase of low cost houses under the Housing Project for the Hardcore Poor. They were nabbed two days ago after a man filed a complaint claiming he had paid the booking fees for a house costing RM62,000 but was not informed of the status of his application. It was confimed that the council had not nominated any agents or companies to sell the houses. (The Malay Mail Online)
UEM Sunrise’s Serene Heights sold out in two days
Houses at the Acacia precinct of UEM Sunrise’s Serene Heights township in Bangi were sold out within two days of its launch on Junw 27, achieving the company’s sales value of RM73.4 million. (The Edge Property)
803 low-end homes for Penang on the way
Property developer Tanjung Villa Development Sdn Bhd has won a RM245mil joint development project with the Penang Development Corporation to build 803 affordable homes in Jalan C.Y. Choy in George Town. 321 low medium-cost (LMC) flats and 482 medium-cost apartments will be built and completed by 2020. The 54 squatter houses at the site would be compensated with an LMC unit each. (The Star Online)
Melaka to review opening of new Pasar Ramadans
The Melaka government is reviewing the procedures for opening of Ramadan bazaars in future. The Melaka Mega Ramadan Bazaar at Jalan Hang Tuah did not attract as many traders and patrons as in previous years, due to a new bazaar less than five kilometres away which offered lower rental (but less facilities). The review is to ensure the Melaka Mega Ramadan Bazaar continued to be the main location for people to do their Raya shopping. (Bernama)
