No more land sale in TRX, says CEO
There will be no further sale of land within the Tun Razak Exchange (TRX) compound in the next two to three years until the infrastructure for the 70-acre mixed-use development in the heart of Kuala Lumpur is ready, said TRX City Sdn Bhd CEO Datuk Azmar Talib. There are two reasons to hold off sale of the remaining land.: The first is to allow fast and easy access to facilitate infrastructure construction within the development, and the second is to unlock the value of the real estate at a higher premium later. To date, 60% of the 70-acre TRX land has either been sold or marked for development. The project has 28 acres, or 40%, left for future sale and development. (The Star Online)

IOI Properties ropes in Japanese expertise for Putrajaya township
IOI Resort City has roped in expertise from Japan for its township development in Putrajaya. Its high-end residential project, The Gems, will be jointly developed by IOI Properties Group Berhad (IOIPG) and Mitsubishi Jisho Residence Co Ltd (MJR) in their first collaboration. MJR is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mitsubishi Estate Co Ltd, one of the pioneers in Japan’s property industry with a proven track record. The Gems will have eight residential blocks with 676 units built on 3.9ha land. Work is scheduled to commence this year and completed over four years. (The Star Online)

Malaysia, India sign six MoUs to enhance bilateral ties
Malaysia and India on Saturday signed six Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) and an Agreement that paves the way for further economic growth and development between the two countries. Among them are the proposed development of a US$2bil urea and ammonia manufacturing plant, a technology park, and bilateral air services. India also welcomed Malaysia’s initiative to expand the visa-free programme to Indian nationals visiting Malaysia effective today until March 31, 2018 under the Electronic Travel Registration and Information (eNTRI). India and Malaysia celebrate the 60th anniversary of diplomatic ties this year. (The Borneo Post)

Housing and property developers should boost sports, says Tawfiq
Sabah Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Tawfiq Abu Bakar Titingan has suggested that property and housing developers take the initiative to boost sports hand-in-hand with the state government. Among the suggestions included developing infrastructure and facilities which could impact positively on sports development. He cited Hap Seng Properties Development Sdn Bhd as a good example, which built the RM10 million Bandar Sri Indah (BSI) Sports and Community Complex without waiting for allocation from the government. The construction of the complex, which comprises badminton courts, futsal courts, gymnasium, children playground, jogging track and basketball court, was part of the company’s corporate social responsibility to promote a healthy lifestyle among the people in Tawau. (Malay Mail Online)

Sabah Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Tawfiq Abu Bakar Titingan at the launch of BSI Sports and Community Complex (Photo from Hap Seng Properties Development Sdn Bhd Facebook page)

RM500mil to upgrade Serian town
Sarawak Chief Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari has announced an RM500 million allocation to upgrade Serian town through several infrastructure projects, which include a complex in Serian town, an iconic bridge on Serian Lake, and a commercial centre in Serian new township. He also announced an allocation of RM5 million for the construction of the Tebedu District Office in Serian Division and RM2.5 million to upgrade infrastructure at the Ranchang waterfall area. The government also has plans to connect Serian, Kuching and Samarahan by LRT. (Astro Awani)

‘Abandoned’ housing estate in KK slated for redevelopment
Taman Makmur, near the Luyang Clinic in Luyang has been the target of many public complaints due to abandoned and unsafe buildings, which are being occupied by mostly illegal immigrants and pose a security risk. A new development project would be carried out by Sabah Housing Commission (LPPB) on that piece of land. Most of the houses there have been acquired and the owners compensated by the government, but a few houses are still under negotiation with the Lands and Surveys Department. (The Borneo Post)

RM18mil to beautify Muar waterfront
Deputy Natural Resources and Environment Minister Datuk Hamim Samuri said the ministry had allocated RM18.1mil to beautify Tanjung Emas, which was a popular recreation spot among locals in Muar. The recently refurbished Tanjung Emas Waterfront will attract more local and foreign tourists to visit the district. The 3.5km-long riverside project, which took two years to complete, was located along Sungai Muar between Tanjung Emas and Kuala Sungai Abong. The project was carried out after most structures along the riverbank had collapsed due to frequent floods and high tide. The structures have been improved and upgrades done to the nearby landscape due to wear and tear. The project was part of flood mitigation plans, which included river management as well as erosion and drainage. (The Star Online)