UK agrees to take back 42 containers of illegally imported plastic waste from Malaysia
The United Kingdom has agreed to repatriate 42 containers comprising illegal shipments of plastic waste from Malaysia in accordance with the Basel Convention, says the British High Commission, adding that authorities and shipping agents were currently working together in the repatriation process. The containers, which had arrived at Penang Port between March 2018 and March 2019, were deemed illegal as they failed to comply with the necessary import papers. China banned plastic imports earlier last year, leading to a huge impact on the global recycling system, and led to a number of Chinese companies relocating their operations to Malaysia. Most of the plastic scrap coming into the country is contaminated and low-quality plastic from developed countries that is non-recyclable. (The Star Online)
Next phases of Battersea project to start soon
The Battersea Power Station is expected to gain momentum in its transformation as one of the most vibrant property projects in the world, with the next phases ready to be rolled out soon. Battersea Power Station Development Company (BPSDC), the company managing the project, is confident that Phases 2 and 3 will be completed within the next two years with interest in the project rapidly growing. The project, owned by SP Setia, Sime Darby Property and the Employees Provident Fund, will be connected to London’s Underground tube when a new station on the Northern line is open in 2021. Phase 2 would be mainly focused on the power station building while Phase 3 would see the construction of the first retail High Street in London in over 25 years, named the Electric Boulevard. The Battersea Power Station is a cultural landmark with its iconic four-chimney structure that was completed in 1955 and was fully decommissioned in 1983. (The Star Online)
Govt to revive abandoned Felda homes for second-generation settlers
The government has reiterated its commitment to building homes for second-generation Felda settlers as part of Pakatan Harapan’s five-year plan for the community. Deputy Economic Affairs Minister Mohd Radzi Jidin said about 8,300 of the 20,000 homes promised had been completed as of end-2018. This is part of Putrajaya’s RM1.5 billion allocation to revive abandoned housing schemes and start new ones. The government is focusing on abandoned projects that are 70% complete. He said about 63% or 1,900 out of 3,096 abandoned houses have been completed to date and issued certificates of completion. (Free Malaysia Today)
KL East Mall to open in March 2020
Sime Darby Property’s first 100%-owned retail mall is scheduled to be opened in March 2020. The KL East Mall located at the 160-acre integrated KL East development in Taman Melati, Kuala Lumpur, has a gross built-up of about 1.2 million sq ft. KL East Mall aspires to become the catalyst for Sime Darby Property’s KL East development. It is positioned as a boutique lifestyle retail mall that will serve the surrounding neighbourhood of middle- to middle-upper income brackets. Its key tenants will include Jaya Grocer, Camp5, MBO, Blue Ice-Skating Rink, Toys ‘R’ Us, Harvey Norman, Jungle Gym and Café Chef Wan. KL East Mall centre manager Dylan Chan said the shopping centre’s current occupancy rate is also highly encouraging, with over 75% occupancy to date. (The Edge)
Celcom and Maxis ink MoU to explore 5G collaboration
Celcom Axiata Bhd and Maxis Bhd have entered into a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to explore a potential partnership for the deployment of 5G infrastructure in Malaysia. The partnership will also enable the two telcos to explore possible business opportunities in relation to 5G key strategic areas as soon as the necessary spectrum is made available. According to a joint statement, the potential collaboration focuses on the joint deployment of 5G infrastructure which will cover selected areas. It stated that Maxis and Celcom will still maintain their own network and remain competitive in other areas. The potential collaboration is expected to bring about significant cost savings and creates overall efficiency for both parties, which will result in a faster roll out and better experience of 5G for consumers and businesses in the near future. (The Sun Daily)
