Singapore-KL High Speed Rail targeted to start running by around 2026; journey will take 90 minutes

PUTRAJAYA - The long-awaited KL-Singapore High Speed Rail connecting Singapore and Kuala Lumpur is targeted to be up and running by around 2026, cutting the travelling time between both cities to 90 minutes.

The two terminal stations will be at Jurong East in Singapore and Bandar Malaysia in KL. The High Speed Rail line will pass through another six intermediate stations in Malaysia that will be connected by a domestic service. These stations are Iskandar Puteri, Batu Pahat, Muar, Ayer Keroh, Seremban and Putrajaya.

The trains will run at a top speed of more than 300kmh.

Besides the non-stop Singapore-KL express service and the domestic service within Malaysia, there will be a shuttle service between Singapore and Iskandar Puteri in Johor.

Passengers will be able to clear customs, immigration and quarantine for both countries at their point of departure, reducing hassle. Both governments will co-locate these CIQ facilities at three locations - Singapore, Iskandar Puteri and Kuala Lumpur.

In Putrajaya on Tuesday (July 19), Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that paves the way for more detailed planning and eventual construction of the ambitious rail link.

The MOU was signed by Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Minister for Transport Khaw Boon Wan and Malaysian Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Abdul Rahman Dahlan. It will guide the development of a legally binding Bilateral Agreement to be signed by both governments towards the end of this year.

There are still some details that need to be worked out, but both governments have agreed on many key issues which are captured in the MOU, said PM Lee at a joint press conference after the signing.

These areas of agreement include a target of 2026 for the KL-Singapore High Speed Rail to begin operations, said Malaysia's Land Public Transport Commission and Singapore's Land Transport Authority in a joint statement.

After signing the Bilateral Agreement, "the execution of this agreement will be crucial", with a need to work closely together on many joint decisions and difficult implementation issues, said PM Lee.

"But we are all committed to putting full attention to this, because we want this major bilateral project to be done right," he added.

Calling the 2026 target "a very ambitious timetable", he noted that even MRT lines in Singapore typically take 12 to 15 years from inception to service, whereas the cross-border High Speed Rail is on a much bigger scale.

Singapore-KL High Speed Rail Timeline

"But we must get this right, because the KL-Singapore HSR will bring our two countries together and change the way each of us think of the other," he added.

The 1  1/2-hour ride will draw the peoples and economies of both countries closer together, he said, comparing Singapore and KL to other rail-linked cities such as London and Paris.

Singaporeans can zip up to KL, watch a show or conduct business, work on their laptop on the train back and still be home for dinner, he said: "It will not seem like going overseas at all."

The KL-Singapore High Speed Rail is a massive, long-term investment by both governments that demonstrates not just how close the countries are, but how they want to work together, he added.

Asked by reporters how both governments will ensure that the tender process will be fair, transparent and open, PM Lee said that is one of the issues that has to be settled.

Both governments will have to make a joint decision on questions such as how the tenders will be called, the sequence of calling tenders, what each package will comprise, and how the tenders will be evaluated, he added.

Mr Najib also stressed both governments' commitment to the fairness of the tender process.

Both governments have agreed to each take responsibility for developing, constructing and maintaining the civil infrastructure - such as tunnels - within their own countries.

To provide and maintain the KL-Singapore High Speed Rail assets such as tracks and trains, an assets company will be appointed through an international tender.

Also to be appointed through international tenders are two train operating companies. One will operate two international services: the 90-minute express service between Bandar Malaysia - which is 3km from Kuala Lumpur's financial district - and Jurong East in Singapore, and a shuttle service between Iskandar Puteri and Singapore.

The other train operating company will run the domestic service within Malaysia.

A Bilateral Committee with representatives from both governments will be formed to manage and regulate aspects of the KL-Singapore HSR project which might affect the cross-border services.

A joint project team will also be formed to coordinate joint aspects of planning and development works. This joint project team will call an international tender in August to appoint a joint development partner, which will provide technical support to both countries on the project.

In a separate statement, Singapore's Land Transport Authority said that within the next month, it will call an advance engineering study tender for consultants to carry out engineering studies for the Singapore stretch of the High Speed Rail, which will terminate in Jurong East.

This study will include looking at the alignment of the rail link, the architectural and engineering design of the terminus station, noise and vibration issues, and the preparation of tender documents for the project's construction phase. The study is expected to start by the first quarter of 2017 and will take about 18 to 24 months to complete.

It is understood that, following advance works, construction of the KL-Singapore High Speed Rail line may begin in 2018.

Earlier on Tuesday, Mr Najib hosted a lunch for PM Lee and his delegation, which also includes Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan.

Iskandar Malaysia drew RM27.22b investments in Jan-Sept 2015

JOHOR BAHRU, Oct 21 — Iskandar Malaysia attracted committed investments worth RM27.22 billion between January and September this year, said Iskandar Regional Development Authority (IRDA) Chief Executive Datuk Ismail Ibrahim.

The economic region drew a total of RM185.34 billion in committed investments from 2006 to September 2015, with local investors accounting for 59 per cent or RM109.78 billion and foreign investors the remaining 41 per cent or RM75.56 billion.

“Of the total, realised investments in various sectors comprised 49 per cent or RM90.57 billion,” he said in a statement today.

Ismail said the top five countries investing in Iskandar Malaysia between 2006 and September this year were Singapore, China, the US, Japan and Spain.

The largest investments were in the manufacturing sector at RM52.10 billion, logistics (RM5.45 billion), tourism (RM3.10 billion), healthcare (RM2.65 billion), education (RM2.06 billion), financial services (RM0.74 billion) and creative industies (RM0.56 billion).

Other sectors that supported growth in the region were the property sector, with the residential, retail and industrial segments accounting for RM94.94 billion in committed investments, followed by utilities (RM12.64 billion), and government investments in infrastructure (RM8.99 billion) and new technologies (RM2.12 billion). — Bernama

Mitsui to offer build-to-suit properties for lease in Nusajaya, Iskandar Malaysia

SINGAPORE – Mitsui & Co Ltd, one of Japan’s largest general trading companies, has entered into a joint-venture (JV) agreement with Singapore’s business space solutions provider Ascendas and Malaysian property developer UEM Sunrise Berhad to offer build-to-suit (BTS) properties for lease in Nusajaya Tech Park in Iskandar Malaysia.

Nusajaya Tech Park Sdn Bhd (NTPSB) is jointly owned by Ascendas and UEM Sunrise. Nusajaya Tech Park will be developed in phases over nine years, according to its website, and is one of the closest industrial sites to the Malaysia-Singapore Second Link.

The JV marks the first Japanese partnership for industrial parks in Iskandar Malaysia, although Mitsui has already developed an extensive network in Japan, especially in sectors such as industrial property development and leasing.

Ascendas, which is a member of Ascendas-Singbridge group, has had over 30 years of experience and assets under management exceeding S$16 billion.

UEM Sunrise, a Malaysian public-listed company, offers services in macro township development, high-rise residential, commercial retail and integrated developments, as well as property management.

Said Reiji Fujita, Mitsui’s general manager of urban development division: “Japanese companies are increasingly seeking investment and expansion opportunities in South East Asia as part of their globalisation strategies. Our collaboration with two very formidable industry leaders in this market, Ascendas and UEM Sunrise, will cement our position as a preferred partner for Japanese companies seeking growth in this part of the world.”

Mitsui and NTPSB will hold equity stakes of 49 per cent and 51 per cent respectively in the JV entity, according to a press release on Tuesday.

Some 10.7 ha of land will be set aside for the development of BTS properties for lease within the 210-ha large Tech Park as part of their agreement, with total development costs estimated at S$167 million over four years.

Said its press release: “the Mitsui-NTPSB joint venture will provide one-stop solution to companies who prefer to operate in customised facilities on long-term leases, without the hassle and capital expenditure associated with the construction process”.

The BTS project intends to oversee and finance the real estate process for customers, including the design, construction and project management, and also offer integrated industrial, commercial spaces, dormitories, amenities and support facilities – all within Nusajaya Tech Park.

“We welcome Mitsui as a new partner in Nusajaya Tech Park,” said William Tay, chief executive officer of Ascendas South East Asia and director of NTPSB. “Through this new joint venture, our customers in Nusajaya Tech Park will not only benefit from solutions that are customised to their business needs, but also enjoy international standards of business space development and operations as a result of the collective strengths of all three partners.

“We are confident that Nusajaya Tech Park will continue to play an instrumental role in catalysing industrial growth and creating an eco-system of high value-added industries in Iskandar Malaysia.”

Source: http://business.asiaone.com/news/mitsui-offer-build-suit-properties-lease-malaysia

Iskandar Malaysia Asian Trade Centre project scrapped

The principal developer of Iskandar Malaysia, UEM Sunrise Bhd, has ceased its plan to build Asian Trade Centre project in Nusajaya, Iskandar Malaysia.

Singapore's The Straits Times reported today that no reason was given for the decision to halt plans to build the huge Asian Trade Centre (ATC) in Iskandar Malaysia, Johor.

The newspaper noted that this would likely intensify concerns that the fast-growing region is hitting some "speed bumps".

The move has stunned property experts, especially since UEM Sunrise managing director and chief executive Anwar Syahrin Abdul Ajib was quoted in a New Straits Times report last December as saying the company was "in the midst of getting approvals from the relevant authorities" for the Iskandar project.

A property consultant noted the first phase of the centre's development, the China Mall, was supposed to be a catalyst - a mall "even larger than Pavilion in Kuala Lumpur", and meant to attract foreign investors.

'Further worries in the property market'

"Cancelling it is not good for business. Others may have made plans based on the announcement," the consultant said.

Others in the industry said the decision to drop such a large facility would create further worry in the Iskandar property market, which is already weakened by oversupply concerns in the residential sector.

ATC-China Mall was to be akin to the Dragon Mart in Dubai that Chinamall Holdings opened in 2004.

Anwar Syahrin said last December that UEM Sunrise was building the trade centre because it believed Malaysian products were not being marketed properly.

"We want international and local manufacturers to showcase their products and do trade shows at the ATC. We are tying up with Chinamall Holdings Pte Ltd from China,” he was quoted as saying in the New Straits Times report.

The 1.4 million sq-ft mall, worth more than RM600 million, was supposed to house more than 3,000 merchants offering products such as textiles, gifts, souvenirs, electrical and household appliances, furniture, toys and jewellery.

The ATC is in the Nusajaya area, about a five-minute drive from the Johor Bahru checkpoint at the Second Link with Singapore.

It was to have been part of the 1,840ha Gerbang Nusajaya, the site of the second development phase of Nusajaya city. The area includes Puteri Harbour and the upcoming Nusajaya Tech Park and Motorsports City.

UEM Sunrise had signed a memorandum of understanding with Chinamall Holdings in late 2012 to develop the China Mall.

According to its website, Chinamall Holdings, which is incorporated in Singapore, is a building materials trader and constructs and operates specialised wholesale markets.

The deal was for UEM Sunrise to own the mall, with Chinamall Holdings managing and marketing it on a long-term lease.

Source: http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/299656

Jurong Country Club for KL-Singapore HSR Terminus and expected HSR ticket price

Jurong Country Club (JCC) in Jurong East selected as KL-Singapore HSR Terminus in Singapore

The Singapore Government announced today that the Kuala Lumpur-Singapore High Speed Rail (HSR) terminus will be located at the current site of Jurong Country Club in Jurong East.

The terminus will take up about 12 hectares, or about 20 per cent of the Jurong Country Club site. Jurong Country Club has total land area of 67 hectares.

In a joint statement issued by the Land Transport Authority (LTS) and Singapore Land Authority and Urban Redevelopment Authority, the site will also be comprehensively re-developed for new mixed-use developments including offices, retails, hotels, shops and community facilities to serve Jurong residents, HSR passengers and visitors.

At the 6th Singapore-Malaysia Leaders’ Retreat on May 5, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong announced that the HSR terminus in Singapore would be located in Jurong East.

This is in line with the Government’s vision to develop Jurong into a second Central Business District and as a new gateway to Singapore.

The Jurong Country Club site is ideal due to its high connectivity, with close proximity to the existing two MRT lines (East-West and North-South Lines) at Jurong East MRT station, new MRT lines (the Jurong Region Line and Cross Island Line) being planned around the area, as well as the future integrated transport hub in Jurong East.

The terminus will also be located close to Jurong Gateway, which is already shaping up well as a vibrant mixed-use precinct.

Hence, the terminus location is compatible with the surrounding land uses, and well-supported by infrastructure and amenities.

Kuala Lumpur-Singapore High Speed Rail Ticket Price

Users of the Kuala Lumpur-Singapore high-speed rail can expect to pay around S$90 (RM240) each way once the line connecting the Malaysian capital to the republic is complete, according to estimates from transportation experts.

Polled by The Straits Times in Singapore, they suggested that KL-Singapore HSR expected ticket price could be between S$80 and S$90 in each direction, and said it was unlikely that prices will be low enough that the average office worker could expect to afford a daily commute between both destinations.

“I have great difficulty believing that the price of a ticket will be at a rate that regular workers can afford for daily commute,” Nanyang Technological University transport economist Walter Theseira told the Singaporean newspaper.

Theseira cited as example the 345-km Taipei-Kaohsiung high-speed rail line — of comparable distance to the KL-Singapore HSR link — which charges NT$1,630 (RM190) per trip as a likely benchmark for ticket prices.

Another analyst, National University of Singapore transport expert Lee Der Horng also predicted a low capacity for the high speed rail line, expecting it to be able to carry no more than 80 people in its 12-carriage trains.

Industry observers told the ST that the high speed rail link may also use budget plane tickets as a yardstick for its own prices, and is likely to adopt the fluctuating price model used by airlines that change according to low and peak periods.

The rail line is likely to boost tourism between the neighbours — Singapore is already Malaysia’s biggest source of tourist arrivals — as Ngee Ann Polytechnic tourism lecturer Michael Chiam said it will encourage more day trippers.

Malaysia and Singapore agreed to the high speed rail link between the two capitals following a retreat between Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak and his Singaporean counterpart, Lee Hsien Loong, in 2013.

The planned high-speed rail link is expected to cover 300 kilometres between Singapore and Kuala Lumpur, and cut travel time to just 90 minutes.

It was initially expected to be completed by 2020, but both countries have since said that the deadline must be “reassessed”; industry experts expect that it will take another two years from the original date before the line is operational.

Seven stops have been identified in Malaysia, namely Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya, Seremban, Ayer Keruh, Batu Pahat, Muar and Nusajaya.

The project’s actual cost has not been announced, but reports have placed it as possibly ranging from US$8 billion to US$ 24 billion (RM24 billion to RM72 billion).

Japan has been actively lobbying to be a partner in the Malaysia-Singapore high-speed rail project, but other countries such as China and South Korea are said to have approached Malaysia as well.

Malaysia and Singapore government back success of KL-Singapore high speed rail HSR project

SINGAPORE, May 5 — Singapore prime minister Lee Hsien Loong and his Malaysian counterpart Datuk Seri Najib Razak have reaffirmed that both countries are fully committed to the success of the high speed rail (HSR) project linking the republic and Kuala Lumpur.

In a joint statement released after the Singapore-Malaysian Leaders’ Retreat here, however, both leaders said the project’s initial completion target of 2020 needed to be re-assessed given the scale and complexity of the project.

The HSR is the first of its kind in the region and has received considerable attention, both domestically and internationally, with many countries offering to share their experience and expertise for the project.

Both leaders are encouraged by the support and attention from the global community, and looked forward to further progress on this game-changing iconic project, which will boost connectivity, facilitate travel between Kuala Lumpur and Singapore, whilst enhancing business linkages, and improve people to people ties.

Noting the steady progress on the project, the leaders said that agreements had been reached on the dual co-located Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) configuration, the frequency bands to be reserved for HSR operations, as well as locating the depot and stabling facilities in Malaysia.

Meanwhile, Lee announced that the Singapore HSR terminus will be sited at Jurong East, which dovetails with Singapore’s overall plans to transform the area into its second Central Business District.

Touching on Iskandar Malaysia, both leaders reaffirmed the strategic importance of the region for both countries and welcomed the progress made by the Work Groups under the Joint Ministerial Committee for Iskandar Malaysia (JMC).

They took note of the decision by the JMC to conduct a study on Causeway congestion with a view to exploring measures to further enhance connectivity between the two countries.

Both Leaders commended the efforts by the Immigration Work Group of the JMC to reduce congestion at the Causeway and the Singapore-Malaysia Second Link while taking security requirements into account.

Both countries have committed to reducing congestion and have taken steps to achieve this.

The statement said Singapore is automating all motorcycle counters at the Woodlands and Tuas Checkpoints by the end of 2016, compared to about a quarter currently.

Automated counters at the Singapore checkpoint will speed up motorcycle immigration clearance by up to 30 per cent and help reduce congestion for all checkpoint users.

Malaysia is studying the introduction of RFID (Radio Frequency ID) stickers in passports for Malaysian motorcyclists to allow for faster self-clearance at the Causeway.

According to the statement, both sides are also working towards increasing daily laden train services between Johor Baharu and Woodlands Train Checkpoint.

In addition, Singapore is also developing a BioScreen project to capture and tag biometric identifiers of visitors to facilitate immigration clearance at the Singapore checkpoints.

The leaders also welcomed the signing of the Supplemental Agreement to the Agreement for the Construction and Operation of a Ferry Terminal and the Operation of a Ferry Service between Peninsular Malaysia and Singapore.

They stressed the importance of strengthening bilateral economic cooperation, and discussed the opportunities and challenges in business and industrial cooperation, noting the good progress made by the Industrial Cooperation Work Group (ICWG) under the JMC.

They affirmed the benefits to Iskandar Malaysia from cooperation in manufacturing and other industrial activities, and looked forward to the holistic and comprehensive development of Iskandar Malaysia by leveraging on the complementarities between Iskandar Malaysia and Singapore.

The leaders called on the ICWG to continue its efforts to strengthen the Singapore-Malaysia ecosystem through approaching companies with synergistic investment linkages across both countries, particularly in advanced materials engineering, electronics, creative services, and food industries.

The Leaders agreed to work together to realise the full implementation of the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) measures before the end of the year and to further deepen economic integration beyond 2015. — Bernama


Source: http://www.themalaymailonline.com/malaysia/article/malaysia-singapore-back-success-of-high-speed-rail-project

Malaysia will charge RM20 VEP fee for foreign registered vehicles from Singapore

Malaysia will implement the charge of RM20 (S$7.60) in vehicle entry permits (VEP) for foreign-registered vehicles coming in from Singapore from around the middle of next year.

Deputy Transport Minister Abdul Aziz Kaprawi said the imposition of the fee was approved by Prime Minister Najib Razak in July and was planned to take place in January.However, the VEP’s implementation has been postponed due to the needs for detailed preparations to be done, especially the installation of special devices at the two entry-points in the state.

“The Transport Ministry is working out details of the VEP’s implementation at the two entry-points in Johor, which is the Causeway and the Second Link, before it is enforced,” said Abdul Aziz Kaprawi.

A round trip to Malaysia using the Causeway now costs about $13.10 – more than five times the cost before changes of toll charge by the Singapore and Johor government on Oct 1. The cost of a similar trip using the Second Link in Tuas remains unchanged at $12.40.

Singapore charges $35 VEP a day for four-wheel vehicles, up from $20 before Aug 1.

Current Johor implementation of foreigner VEP is response to Singapore revision of VEP from Malaysia into Singapore which is take effect August 1, 2014.

Malaysia also plans to charge VEP fee for foreign registered vehicles enter from Thailand and Brunei. The VEP rates at entry points from Thailand and Brunei will be announced once Johor’s system is up and running smoothly, he added.

Singapore’s Ministry of Transport is studying Malaysia’s move to impose a Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) fee of RM20 (S$7.55) for foreign vehicles from the middle of next year and will respond “in due course”, reported Channel NewsAsia.

Welton launches RM1b GDV serviced apartments venture

KUALA LUMPURP: Welton Development Sdn Bhd has launched a 1,134-unit serviced apartments project in Iskandar Malaysia with an estimated gross development value (GDV) of RM1 billion.

The developer has his eyes on the bullish residential and employment market in the rapidly emerging economic zone.

The freehold residences are scheduled for completion by the second quarter of 2017.

In a statement, Welton Development said the project,Green Haven, would be undertaken on a 3.14 hectare piece of land and has a rainforest theme.

Green Haven is being touted as a beautiful, nature-inspired abode in the pulse of Iskandar Malaysia and one that overlooks Singapore's northernmost skyline, in a bid to woo investors.

Green Haven incorporates personalised facilities such as a mini theatre, library, cafe, gourmet kitchen, and an about 540-metre jogging track.

A sky bridge at the 30th storey, includes an observation desk that offers breathtaking, panoramic views across the straits.

"The market demand and potential for quality residence remains strong in Iskandar. Green Haven's appeal lies in its green and smart elements that suit the housing and lifestyle preferences of both single working professionals and homeowners," the statement said.-- Bernama


Source: https://my.news.yahoo.com/welton-launches-rm1b-gdv-serviced-083753145.html

Singaporeans flock to JB over long weekend despite increase in toll charges

SINGAPORE: Long weekends are usually when Singaporeans choose to venture across the Causeway to indulge in their favourite pastimes of shopping, eating and other activities, and this Hari Raya Haji long weekend was no exception.

Many Singaporean commuters made trips across the Causeway over the festive weekend, despite the recent increase in toll charges on both sides of the Causeway.

The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority had said it expected heavy traffic across the Causeway during the festive period, and some commuters said they spotted many Singapore-registered cars over the weekend.

The raised toll charges now make it five times more expensive to make a trip to Johor Bahru and back, using the Causeway.

However, some drivers who frequent Johor Bahru - as well as two firms that plan driving tours to Malaysia - said the raised toll charges are unlikely to change their habits as they do not pay the charges every day. They can also choose to share the cost of the charges with passengers in their cars.


Source: www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/singaporeans-flock-to-jb/1400866.html

Developer insists Johor’s biggest reclamation project is above board

The developers of the Forest City project in Johor today insisted that it had followed all the procedures involved when taking part in the biggest land-reclamation project in the southern state of Malaysia.

The Forest City project will see four man-made islands being built in the waters of Tanjung Kupang between southwest Johor and northwest Singapore.

Country Garden Pacific View Sdn Bhd (CGPV) released a statement to clarify several facts while reaffirming its commitment to dialogue and engagement with those concerned.

"In January this year, CGPV received clearance from the Johor Department of Environment to commence reclamation works for the pilot phase."

"CGPV voluntarily ceased operations in June when we were informed that there were concerns about the Forest City project.

"We then voluntarily engaged an independent consultant to conduct a Detailed Environmental Impact Assessment (DEIA) and Hydraulic Study on the project."

CGPV said a preliminary report on the Forest City project was then submitted to the authorities, who subsequently granted the developer zoning approval.

"When the first draft of the DEIA and hydraulic study was compiled, several focus group discussions were held with local communities on September 14.

"The purpose of the focus group discussions was to obtained their feedback and concerns about the project to be included in the final DEIA report."

CGPV said another public dialogue was held on September 21 with more than 250 people turning up for the Q & A session with the company.

The developer said the final DEIA report was expected to be ready for submission in two weeks’ time, and will be publicly available.

The Malaysian Insider had reported on September 21 that public dialogue had been a fiery affair with villagers of Tanjung Kupang in Johor venting their anger.

The villagers argued that the biggest land-reclamation project in Johor would lead to the loss of their land and livelihood.

About 200 residents from about a dozen villages around Tanjung Kupang accused CGPV of bulldozing the project through their area without their knowledge.

NGOs, independent experts and political parties also turned up at the dialogue and questioned the developers on details which they claimed were lacking in the DEIA.

These included measures to reduce the damage to a field of sea grass that is an important nesting ground for the fish population which sits in the middle of the project.

Residents were also concerned with efforts to reduce backflow which could lead to flash floods in the area.

It was reported that the islands will have both residential and commercial lots and the project is expected to make a profit of nearly RM290 billion over the next 30 years for CGPV.

The gross development value (GDV) of the project will come up to RM600 billion.

CGPV is a 66-34% joint-venture between China’s Country Garden Holdings Ltd and Esplanade Danga 88 Sdn Bhd, whose main shareholder is the Sultan of Johor.

A state company, Kumpulan Prasarana Rakyat Johor (KPRJ), is also a partner in the project.

The controversial project entails 355ha along the Strait of Johor, close to the Second Link to Singapore and the Port of Tanjung Pelepas (PTP), and the reclamation of another 1,620ha.

The public hearing on September 21 is one of the terms of a DEIA on the project that CGP has to submit to the Johor government.

The project had initially been approved by the Johor Department of Environment in January, but work at the project’s site was halted in June after CGPV was instructed to submit a DEIA.

The project is being done off the coast of communities of fishermen and sleepy villages, who make a living from sea produce and agriculture in Tanjung Kupang.

The September 21 hearing in the packed Kampung Pok community hall had proceeded smoothly, until a consultant for the project started talking about a survey that was done among villagers.

Forest City project director Datuk Zamani Kasim said there was a focus group meeting with village representatives in June, where the community’s leaders had supported the project.

The company said it had surveyed 100 heads of households in the village. The survey showed 69.2% agreed to the project, while 71.3% thought it had a more positive impact.

CGPV said it had a focus group meeting with village heads and elders where they agreed to the project.

KPRJ executive vice-chairman Datuk Mohd Othman Yusof tried to calm the crowd and win them over with arguments that the people of Johor would benefit from the massive project.

But, residents would have none of it and shouted that they still rejected the project. – September 27, 2014.


Source: www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/developer-insists-johors-biggest-reclamation-project-is-above-board

Forest City the land reclamation iskandar project

Recently Forest City iskandar project at Tanjung Kupang gains a lot of attentions from local Malaysian and Singaporean. It is especially heated up when Singapore government request for environment research report regarding the land reclamation.

KPRJ stated that Forest City which is located at Tanjung Kupang is a 30 years mixed integrated iskandar project  plan, and the gross development value GDV amounted to RM600 billion.

The Chairman of KPRJ Datuk Osman revealed in the press conference, KPRJ suggests the Forest City development to taken up johor land area of 5000 acres. However, it is believed that the actual johor land size for Forest City when completed is around 4000 acres.

Osman pointed out that the iskandar project development including residential housing, commercial zone, school and etc. It is expected 250,000 to 500,000 people will stay and work there in the Forest City.

For the current stage, Forest City is in the progress of land reclamation for 49.3 hectare. It is expected to build a showroom as a center to manage Forest City related development and information center showcase the information related to Forest City.

Due to Singapore concern about the land reclamation which may affect its border, environmental and ocean resources, Johor state environment department already ordered to stop the land reclamation. The first stage of land reclamation that expected to be completed in 18 months hence to be delayed.

Osman emphasize that the Forest City iskandar project so far have undergoing related water conservancy research to ensure Forest City project doesn’t affected the ocean system, or causing pollution to the environment.

Forest City is a joint development between Country Garden and Esplanade Danga under the company name Country Garden Pacific View. Country Garden own 60% of the share while Esplanade Danga hold the rest 40% of Country Garden Pacific View. KPRJ is the shareholder of Esplanade Danga with 20% stake in it.

RF Princess Cove at Tanjung Puteri

Princess Cove @ Tanjung Puteri

Princess Cove @ Tanjung Puteri by Hong Kong Exchange listed China based company Guangzhou R&F Properties having its grand sales gallery opening yesterday at Johor Bahru old lorry custom Tanjung Puteri. The grand opening of Princess Cove sales gallery attracted and received many investors and house buyers to there.

To showcase its luxury, elegant and leisure concepts and designs for Princess Cove, sales gallery at Tanjung Puteri has specific unique design for its inside and outside building. Besides of show unit for new launch apartments iskandar project, it has specific uniquely designed restroom respectively in the sales gallery. Outside of Princess Cove sales gallery is a human-made beach, infinity swimming pool and gym equipments.

Princess Cove development will offer 5 Star hotel, Grade A office tower, SkyPark, Shopping Mall, Clubhouse and Apartments namely HOPSCA. When completed, Johor Bahru Tanjung Puteri Waterfront will have an estimated 41 million sq ft of built-up space.

Princess Cove is located just opposite Woodlands Waterfront, within walking distance to Johor Bahru CIQ and new MRT to be at Tanjung Puteri. Princess Cove is situated exactly at the location of the Johor Bahru old Custom, Immigration and Quarantine site CIQ. Facing toward Woodland Singapore, its strategy location of adjacent Singapore separated by walking distance causeway is the nearest to Singapore and best choice for investors and house buyers.

R&F Properties plans for 15 blocks of 35-storey new launch apartment buildings under phase 1 iskandar project this year, a total of 3,000 plus units of apartments and commercial shops for Princess Cove at Tanjung Puteri. Part of phase 1 are ready to be booked in July which comprise 400 units of new launch apartments built on four blocks of 30-35 storeys.

R&F Properties with over 20 years of experience in property development, has been involved in the building of classical bungalows, grade A office towers and five star hotels.It has a series of iconic developments on its portfolio mostly in China. Princess Cove @ Tanjung Puteri is its maiden iskandar projects in Malaysia.

Investors are betting on the economic development spurred by the establishment of Iskandar Malaysia and the upcoming rapid transit system between Johor Bahru and Singapore.

Princess Cove @ Tanjung Puteri details:

Project Name: R&F Princess Cove
Developer: R&F Properties
Address: Johor Bahru, Johor
Property Type: Service Apartment
Land Title: Commercial
Tenure: Freehold
Land Tenure: Freehold
TOP: 2018
Units: 1-4 bedroom

Facilities
- Garden clubhouse
- Greenery Square
- Swimming Pool
- Feature Wall
- Sea View Ox Bar
- VIP Waiting Room
- Children’s Playground
- Gymnasium
- Pool Room
- Indoor Ox Bar
- Grand Entrance
- Gazebo

Princess Cove @ Tanjung Puteri

The third bridge Friendship bridge for Malaysia and Singapore

Recently Malaysia Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak's has proposed to counterpart neighbor Singapore to build “Friendship Bridge”. The proposed plan to build a Malaysia-Singapore “Friendship Bridge” has received the thumbs up from both sides as it will strengthen close ties between the two countries.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak proposed the Friendship Bridge at a press conference with his Singapore counterpart Lee Hsien Loong after the two-day annual Malaysia-Singapore Leaders' Retreat in Putrajaya last week. Community leaders said the proposed friendship bridge would improve road connectivity and serve as a symbol of growing friendship between the two nations.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib said no deadline had been set for the commencement of the friendship bridge project for now. Once the friendship bridge is built, it would be the catalyst for rapid growth in southern Johor especially Iskandar Malaysia and meet Singapore’s desire to increase its investments in Malaysia.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib mentioned that Singapore is keen on having the third bridge and it is something which we (Malaysia and Singapore) will pursue. Najib, who is also finance minister, said Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Tan Sri Nor Mohamed Yakcop had been asked to jointly conduct a feasibility study on the third bridge project with his Singaporean counterpart. They are expected to appoint a consultant and determine the projected cost. He said the cost of constructing the friendship bridge would be shared equally by the two countries.

For the moment, there are total 2 traffic passages to link Malaysia state Johor to Singapore; one is Johor Bahru-Woodland Causeway and another one is Second Link at Gelang Patah-Tuas. Both the Causeway and Second Link are unable to meet growing traffics in recent years as both country economic activities growing further. Last year, causeway traffic hits more than 100 million people to travel between Johor and Singapore, and it cause heavy causeway traffic jam at the checkpoint. Every people spend at least 1 hours and above to go through the causeway traffic to the checkpoint. The third bridge Friendship Bridge will definitely ease the causeway traffic flow at the Causeway and the Second Link.

The proposed Friendship Bridge is expected to further spur the economic growth of Iskandar Malaysia which encompasses south Johor. Up to date, Singapore is the biggest investor in the Iskandar Malaysia Special Economic Zone. If the proposed third bridge goes as planned, Johor will be easily accessed via land from Singapore and vice-versa through three locations. It will enhance the connectivity and bring bilateral economic benefits for both countries in the long term.

Johor - Singapore Causeway

Tuas - Gelang Patah Second Link

Healthcare and medical hub in Iskandar Malaysia

 Johor government wants to promote medical tourism to realise Iskandar Malaysia to become healthcare and medical hub in the region, taking advantage of its strategic location in South East Asia and high quality services with cheaper medical bill and affordable healthcare compare to its competitor Singapore.

Johor Menteri Besar Khaled Nordin said that there are about 14 private hospitals in Iskandar Malaysia. Most of the facilities in these private hospitals received many patients from nearby countries like Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand and regional countries.

KPJ Healthcare, a private hospital chain under Johor Corporation has been assigned by Johor government to draw a master plan associate to transforms Iskandar Malaysia into healthcare and medical hub in the region.

“With the right planning, we can turn Iskandar Malaysia into a medical tourism focused healthcare and medical hub as we are located next to Singapore. Besides of providing healthcare and medicines, services like sterilisation should also be looked into as the costs of such services tend to be higher in Singapore hospitals,” he said after launching the KPJ Healthcare Camp in Kampung Nelayan, Permas Jaya here yesterday.

“KPJ has four hospitals in Iskandar Malaysia and is indirectly linked to the state government. I am sure that with their expertise, KPJ are able to come up with an effective plan for a sustainable healthcare and medical hub for example in the next five years,” Menteri Besar Khaled Nordin said.

“We always talk about developing Iskandar Malaysia and the Johor state but it is not only restricted and focused on new housing developments. There should be a balanced development in the services and healthcare sectors as well,” he added.

Medical tourism has been popular in neighbor countries like Singapore and Thailand. Many Indonesians flight to Singapore every year for healthcare and medical checkup. Iskandar Malaysia should seize the opportunity of its expertise in healthcare and medical, affordable healthcare and strategic location to attracted Indonesian.

Columbia Asia Hospital at Afiat Healthpark

Healthcare and medical tourism