CIQ complex mooted for Butterworth

PENANG will be transformed into an international logistics hub with the development of a Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) complex on a 1,214ha land in the Butterworth coastal area.

Penang Port Sdn Bhd (PPSB) chairman Datuk Seri Dr Hilmi Yahaya said the tax-free zone project, of which the cost had yet to be estimated, would be potentially built on reclaimed land. He said more than 100,000 new job opportunities would be created with commercial complexes, hotels, petroleum tank farm as well as dockyard services being developed under the project.

“Foreigners especially those from Thailand, Indonesia, India and the Middle East could stay at the hotels and have their activities at the CIQ designated areas, without paying taxes,” Dr Hilmi said.

He added that the project was aimed at transforming Penang into a vibrant logistics hub which focused on the service sectors.

He said the state was oversaturated with manufacturing activities and it was crucial to consider other industries to stimulate the economy. “To cater to the industrial needs, packaging services will be provided at the CIQ for unfinished goods from manufacturing-based countries such as China,” he told a press conference at the state Barisan Nasional office in Bayan Baru yesterday.

Dr Hilmi said the project would kick off once the Finance Ministry gave the green light. However, when asked about the completion schedule, he said the project would be completed earlier should Barisan take over the state in the coming general election.

“The PPSB has submitted the proposal to the Ministry two weeks ago and we are waiting for the approval,” he said. Penang Barisan chairman Teng Chang Yeow lauded the proposal as it would complement the proposed Penang’s free port status. Teng said in a statement that the free port status was still at discussion stage as the state Barisan was in the process of meeting business organisations and associations here to obtain their feedback. “We will formulate a comprehensive and conclusive proposal of the free port once the discussion is completed,” he said.

By KOW KWAN YEE - Star Online (29/05/12)
kowky@thestar.com.my

Exciting New Project

THE Harbour Place project is expected to stimulate the economic growth of Butterworth and its vicinity. The project undertaken by PJD Eastern Land Sdn Bhd on a 12.1ha site in Jalan New Chain Ferry in Butterworth consists of a 30-storey hotel, shopping mall and service apartments.

Assistant general manager Ng Chin Yung said the mixed integrated development included the Retro entertainment and food & beverage zone, the Metro commercial and education zone such as retail components, Swiss Garden International Hotel and Swiss Garden Residences.

“This project is expected to contribute to the growth of Butterworth and its vicinity,’’ Chin Yung said. He said this during the Harbour Palace open day which was held at the newly completed Ocean View Residences apartments recently.

The residents and guests were treated to a sumptuous buffet dinner. They were entertained with live jazz band performances and an impressive fireworks display to light up the night.

Also present were chief operating officer Lim Lian Seng and branch manager Wilfred Ng. “All the 382 units of Ocean View Residences have been sold, even before the completion. “Potential buyers can opt for the Wellesley Residences, which is 65% sold currently,’’ said Wilfred.

The Wellesley Residences project offers five design types including studio, family deluxe and penthouse to suit all needs. Residents of Wellesley Residences will enjoy facilities like a sky gymnasium, jacuzzi, sauna and steam rooms, an open lawn, a sky lounge, a games zone and a viewing deck.

Source: The Star Online (28/05/12)

NCER set for more investments

NAGOYA: THE flow of Japanese reinvestments into the Northern Corridor Economic Region (NCER) this year is expected to continue, notably in the manufacturing and agriculture sectors.

Northern Corridor Implementation Authority chief executive Datuk Redza Rafiq yesterday said the authority is currently in negotiations with a Japanese technology provider to ramp up its capability in agriculture, via high-value crops.

"The agriculture-related investor who last year invested RM35 million in both Kedah and Penang is likely to plough in more investments into the cultivation and export of crops like chillies, rock melons and Japanese pumpkins," he told Malaysian reporters during a visit to the headquarters of Science net Co Ltd.

Science net's subsidiary, Useful Person Co Ltd, this year entered into a joint-venture agreement with Penang-based Global Outreach Energy Sdn Bhd (GOE) to design, manufacture and ship light emitting diodes (LEDs) and other environment-friendly products.

Present were Science Net's President Takashi Fukai, GOE's Chairman Ooi Yoong Hwa and director Lim Teik Hoe.

Redza said the agriculture-based company, which has established green houses in Ara Kuda in Penang and Bukit Kura in Kedah respectively, has the potential to generate lucrative income to locals wanting to venture into this form of farming.

He did not divulge any details of the potential reinvestment except to say that it would be "bigger than the initial investment" last year.

The NCER which encompasses the four states of Perlis, Kedah, Penang and Perak welcomed Japanese investments last year totaling RM235 million.

In the manufacturing sector this year, solid orders for LED lighting from Japanese partner Science net for the past three months is expected to see GOE ramp up its operations soon.

Lim said the company has earmarked RM107 million over the next five years to acquire an existing factory on mainland Penang and to expand its research and development capabilities.

“We are now operating from a 8,000 sq. ft. factory space on Penang island and will need some 20,000 to 30,000 sq. ft. to cater to the increased production output and an enlarged export market for Science net," he added, saying that the company is looking for a strategic partner.

Lim said Science net had been initially using China as its sole base to manufacture and export the LED products to Japan.

"However, they found Malaysia to offer competitive pricing for their exports and are now looking to expand into new markets such as the Philippines, India and Thailand," he added.

Source: Marina Emmanuel - Business Times (22/05/2012)

WR Construction Site Progress as at 17/05/2012

OVR Open Day

Ocean View Residences was finally revealed to the public to experience and see for the first time since its colmpletion. Chic Urban Living is finally here in Butterworth. The event was certainly a memorable evening of celebration, fun and excitement. All the guests were impressed by the final delivered product of Ocean Residences - the latest completed luxury condominium in Harbour Place - Butterworth's first Metrocity.

 

All the guests were treated to a delectable buffet dinner - as promised..

The top management of PJ Development posing next to the scale model of Wellesley Residence - the latest and final residential luxury condominium in Harbour Place.

Apart from the facilities' floor, guests were also given the opportunity to experience the noteworthy Sky Garden which is located on the roof of the condominium.

 

The event ended with a bang as the spectacular fireworks display lit up the Butterworth night sky.

Ocean View Residences Open Day

Superstar eyes Penang property

HONG KONG superstar Simon Yam likes Penang so much that he plans to buy a holiday home for his family on the island. The internationally acclaimed actor described the island as a “beautiful and happy” place during his visit to launch Canon’s ‘Eye on Canon’ showcase at Gurney Plaza in George Town.

“My last visit was about five years ago and I can notice some changes. I hope I’ll be able to find a suitable property here where I can bring my family for holiday. “I can play some golf while there are other scenic destinations like the Butterfly Park for my daughter,” Yam, who is also the camera’s brand ambassador, said yesterday. He also likened the sea here to the one in Maldives. “I notice the sea water is cleaner and there are also new properties around.

The right beat: Yam (right) and Wong sounding the drums to launch the Eye on Canon showcase at Gurney Plaza in George Town

“This city and the happy faces here make me feel very relaxed. “Not only that, the old structures are still maintained which brings back nostalgic memories of Hong Kong in the old times. “For me, Penang is the warmest (welcoming) place in Malaysia. My favourite food here is oh chien (pan fried oysters)!” he said yesterday.

Yam also said he hoped to be able to make a film in Malaysia, preferably a romantic movie. On cameras, the 57-year-old father-of-one, who is also an avid photographer related the loss of his two mobile phones about two weeks ago which contained many precious moments of his daughter as well as family. “I went for a jog and I lost my phones. I was busy then and didn’t have time to transfer the photographs so I didn’t have any back up! “So now, I’ve vowed to use Canon’s Ixus 510HS because I can immediately send photographs via WiFi,” he said.

He also said he has three upcoming films to make including one that also stars Hollywood star Keanu Reaves in the “Man of Tai Chi”. Earlier, camera flash lights flared as eager shutterbugs caught sight of Yam when he arrived. When a fan asked for photographs, he cheekily challenged her for a “scissor, paper, rock” game before she was able to take a photograph with him.

A hardcore fan, Lim Hong Zheng, 26, was also seen wearing a specially printed T-shirt with Yam’s name and image as well as a custom-made puzzle of the star at the session. Yam then invited him to come on stage and gave a special gift. “I’m really flattered that Yam would invite me on stage and even offer to take photographs with me!” the freelance photographer said. Yam later visited the EOS Boutique in Burma Road for another session with fans who took photographs with him and asked for autographs.

The Eye on Canon showcase to celebrate Canon’s 25th anniversary started yesterday and will be held until May 6, from 10am to 10pm daily. Canon Marketing (Malaysia) imaging communication products division director Simon Wong said in line with the company’s corporate philosophy, RM10 from each camera sale at the events in Mid Valley and Gurney Plaza will go to the Yayasan Sunbeams Home for children. 

There are exciting promotions, discounts, instant cash rebates of up to 25% on selected models, purchase-with-purchase (PWP) for lenses on selected EOS models and lucky draws with Canon products worth RM10,000 awaiting visitors. There are also the not-to-be-missed RM25 deal for 25 units of selected camera models. The first 100 early birds to purchase selected Canon EOS models will also receive the Canon limited edition miniature Hansa camera, the very first commercial camera produced by the company in 1936.

Source: The Star Online - 02/05/2012

Spring cleaning can be fun

Nobody looks forward to cleaning the house, but we all know it is essential especially if the festive season is around the corner.. But by getting the whole family involved and building fun into every step, you can make spring cleaning a lot faster and less painful.

Here are a few tips to make the process enjoyable, easy and more profitable:

• Have a plan. Make a list of everything that needs to get done and include smaller, age-appropriate jobs for children. Start by removing clutter, put things back in their proper place, then start a deep clean.


• Turn up the music. Nothing makes time go by faster than loud motivational music. Get everyone moving to the beat or dancing their way to a tidier place. And when getting the house ready to show, change the tune to something more serene and calming.


• Make a game of it. Go skating for dust bunnies, wax on - wax off your windows, Play expiration date detective to clean out the fridge, Alphabetize the spice drawer, hold a sock-matching race. You get the idea... The more fun you make it, the longer the attention span will be for everyone helping.


• Reward for work well done. Stock up on little prizes like granola, chocolate bars, juice boxes or something special and recognize when work gets done (even if it isn't to your high standard). This is a great incentive to help keep the house in tip top shape for showings and open houses too.

What can you do with all the extra stuff you need to get rid of? A garage sale is ideal and can be a way to promote your home for sale by bringing attention to it. Several places in town welcome donations. Spring cleaning doesn't have to be a drag, and it can make moving a lot easier when you lighten the load. Have some fun with your family and incorporate learning into it too!

Based on the article by Thom Gallagher.