Malacca to allow dogs in terrace homes pending solution
Dog owners living in terrace homes in Malacca will be allowed to keep their pets pending discussions with stakeholders, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Idris Haron. All local councils have been ordered to continue issuing dog licences and try resolving problems from vicious dogs and loud barkings, which was reported to be a huge menace. Dog lovers and animal activists had started an online petition in response to the Malacca state government’s decision to ban residents living in intermediate terrace houses from keeping dogs. Malacca residents were previously allowed to keep dogs as long as they obtained their neighbours’ consent. Under the new ruling, only those living in corner terrace houses can keep up to two dogs, while those living in intermediate units can’t keep canines at all, reported The Star. (Malay Mail Online)
Penangites facing difficulty owning a house in the state
Housing has long been the bane of Penang residents. Houses in the state have become increasingly expensive to purchase or rent, while affordable housing projects are hard to come by, with long waiting lists and strict criteria for applicants. However, many do not know that 30% of the affordable housing units are sold in the open market at slightly higher prices. Besides that, high-end projects are seen to be approved across the state, raising questions by residents about the abundance of such projects which the majority cannot afford. Local residents are worried that Penangites, especially the young generation, are losing the opportunity to own a house because land is getting scarce and the prices are soaring. (New Straits Times Online)
Many small developers may not be able to provide loans
The proposed policy to allow developers to apply for moneylending licences may not benefit small property firms and developers in smaller cities. Perak REHDA chairman Tony Khoo said developers in the state were already facing a shortage of cash flow for development, and as such, would not have the means to provide loans to buyers. He pointed out that developers were already paying high cost for land, infrastructure and construction, and that there would not be many takers (of developer loans) because the interest rates will be higher than banks. The government, he said, should look into the stringent lending policy by financial institutions instead. One developer said that in Perak, the developers were not big enough to offer loands, and was worried that money laundering may occur. (The Star Online)
L&G eyes Bandar Sri Damansara club house land
Land and General Bhd (L&G), the master developer of the Bandar Sri Damansara township, is planning to redevelop its club facilities, whch could result in access to 36 acres of prime freehold commercial land. However, it first needs consent from the club members. While the plan is still in its initial stage, the company feels that it is time to unlock its potential value. A commercial development consisting of service apartments, shops and offices has been proposed, and the facility will be redesigned into a modern day clubhouse that would be integrated with the project. (The Star Online)
EcoFirst to launch RM5bil Ampang Ukay project
Property developer EcoFirst Consolidated Bhd has revised the GDV of its Ampang Ukay flagship project to more than RM5 billion, up from the RM3 billion previously mentioned, with the construction of the first phase expected to be launched in Q4 this year. It will be a mixed residential-commercial development named Liberty Arc @ Ampang Ukay. The entire Ampang Ukay project is expected to anchor EcoFirst’s growth over the next 10 – 15 years and will be developed on two adjacent parcels of land measuring 87 acres in total. (The Star Online)
Perak Transit aims to replicate Terminal Amanjaya success
Perak Transit Bhd is hoping to replicate its success in setting up Ipoh’s integrated bus terminal, known as Terminal Amanjaya, by developing similar projects elsewhere in the state, starting with Kampar. The Perak-based petrol station, stage bus and terminal operator said the soon-to-be-listed company will focus on growing its terminal business. The company chose to develop its next integrated terminal in Kampar because it had become a “booming town” after Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman set up its main campus there, which will see high student movement and increased demand for terminal buses. The terminal contributes a big portion of revenue and income, not only from bus transit services, but also lifestyle, petrol stations, advertising and promotional services. Currently, Terminal Amanjaya had achieved a 94% occupancy rate, and some of the tenants had expressed their intention to set up branches in Perak Transit’s Kampar Terminal. (The Edge Markets)
Terminal Amanjaya integrated bus terminal in Ipoh (Photo from Perak Transit)
