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ISKANDAR DEVELOPMENT REGION | Johor ( Southern Johor ) | General News & Updates

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#1 ·
A master plan will be drawn up to turn southern Johor into a world-class tourism, education and financial hub.

Khazanah Nasional, the investment arm of the Federal Government, will play a central role in putting together the ambitious plan. A key feature will be a waterfront tourism project, backed by international expertise.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said there was a pressing need for a master plan to ensure there was no duplication or overlapping of projects.

"The projects here will take into regard the needs of the Johor people and tourists," he said, adding that funding was not an issue as private investors were keen to invest here.

"What is happening here should complement new developments in Singapore," Abdullah said, in an obvious reference to plans for resort developments with theme parks and casinos recently announced by the republic.

Although he did not name the projects, they include the RM800 million Customs, Immigration and Quarantine complex and proposed new bridge to replace the Causeway.

Also part of the southern Johor scheme is the 5km-long waterfront development along popular Lido Beach here.

One component of the plan is Danga Bay — a major attraction to locals and Singaporeans.

Another major development is the RM1 billion Bandar Nusajaya in Gelang Patah, where the new state administrative centre is being built.

Plans are also afoot to develop a theme park in Bandar Nusajaya.

Abdullah said this after a closed-door briefing on plans for southern Johor. His visit to the south was the third leg of his nationwide tour, after Perak and Selangor.

He said although Johor’s proposed massive development projects were world-class, they would not be only for the rich.

“It is important that the projects are of high quality but accessible to people from all walks of life,” he stressed.

Asked about competition from Singapore, the Prime Minister said: “We are not thinking of Singapore... these projects are in the best interests of the people of Johor.”

To a question about Disneyland investing in a project in Johor Baru, Abdullah said: “It is up to the State Government to decide on this. I have no objection if the State Government decides to do so or if Disneyland shows interest in coming here.”

Earlier, the Prime Minister spoke to some 3,000 civil servants in Muar and told them that life-long learning and human capital development was crucial for Malaysia.

“I have stressed on human capital development on many occasions.

“This is because many people are ignorant of its importance but more fond of using infrastructure and industrial development as the index to measure a country’s state of development.

“Physical and economic development are not enough,” Abdullah said.

“We want to be known to the world as people who are hard-working, well-mannered, disciplined and with a high sense of integrity.

“These are virtues which are still lacking in society.”
 
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#2,862 ·
^^
sum1 posd dis b4...
here more in4 & pics
http://openbuildings.com/buildings/new-icon-of-iskandar-development-region-profile-38821











Arabesque
A gift to the citizens of Johor, the new pedestrian park on a former Palm tree plantation will give the public a library and a mosque carved out of the natural topography in the surroundings of a beautiful park landscape. Iconic towers with waterfalls symbolize the fountain that gives life to its surroundings. Buildings will nestle comfortably in their surrounding landscape with little impact on nature. The new park is composed of rhythmic, metric patterns, an arabesque, that is centred around the symbols and motifs of Islam, with radiating geometric patterns throughout the landscape, on walkways and inside and outside of buildings.

Circulation patterns
The hexagonal landscape pattern faces the holy city of Mecca with two perimeter roads that provide access to the park. The commercial buildings are located in this transitional area leading into the park; from natural topography to urban landscape. Placing the buildings in the transition zone keeps their impact on the park low, and creates circulation patterns throughout the park with plazas that link to the geometry of the park design.


Fountain of life
Water; one of the most symbolic and important element of Islam, providing ablution and representing the infinite is featured throughout the park. Hexagonal water ponds collect rainwater and irrigate the park while flowing into a natural lake creating a graceful transition in the sloping landscape. The waters’ source is sprung from the two iconic building towers at the top of the park’s slope, a fountain of life from their waterfalls.

Terraced slopes
The landscape features only local vegetation ringed concentrically. The first ring of vegetation creates a mysterious gateway to the park with a border of the plantation’s original palm trees. Tea plantings comprise the next ring of vegetation on steeply sloped and inaccessible areas of the park. The Tea plants create and accentuate the rhythm of the terraced slopes and provide a contemplative landscape.
Recreation grass meadows and sculptural flowers are in the park’s centre where the earth is level. This makes it suitable for friends and families to come together and enjoy picnics and play or relax or attend public events. Ficus trees with their large twisting roots create natural sculptures and the indigenous flowers are of the most vibrant and beautiful.

Iconic towers
The park’s fountain is formed by two iconic towers that project out of the mountain overlooking the park. A waterfall flows into the park’s water ponds providing rhythm and sound. The towers are symbols of life and balance, with cantilevered plates that allow the water to fall from the tower tops. The building’s skin is glazed with differing translucencies giving the appearance of water itself. The water not only reflects an important Islamic symbolism, but also provides natural cooling and water collection. During special occasions, the waterfall can begin its flow from the towers’ tops. At the buildings’ base are the cultural and congress centre with offices above.

Mosque of light
The dome shapes of the mosque surface like air from a turbulent water, providing bubbles of peace and contemplation. The dome’s ceiling is cut through with hexagonal arabesque perforations allowing in natural light. These patterns echo those experienced throughout the park and constitute an infinite pattern that extends beyond the visible material world. In the mosque’s interior is a mihrab indicating the qibla bathed in natural light.

Library and open air amphitheatre
The amphitheatre is cut out of a slope, taking advantage of the natural topography. The steps leading to the library serve not only as an entrance, but also as seating for the open air amphitheatre. In this way, the amphitheatre is never a lonely space, instead, it is vibrant with visitors and readers. The library lays under grass and is naturally cooled. Skylights punched in the ceiling allow natural light to permeate throughout.

the library


mosque
so cool babay!!


 
#2,864 ·
I beg to differ… all I can say is that we have lesser of that 1st world mentality in people but they’ve guts to live here and try to make things right. First of all you need to understand that one can only do so much, even more so if he or she is just a wage earner. Now I don’t know where you hail from, but to say “all” is a bit insulting but if you put the Gov. in responsible for the 3rd world mentality you would be on the right track. After all they set the rules and can affect all in wider scope, but they bloody hell put Malaysians as the butt of all joke to the world. You know sometime I like to just call the police to summon drivers who litter about, but who give a rat’s ass… However I like to see complaints for the betterment of our society as a form of hint or pressure for the authority to buck up… they hold the key to change not any man on the streets… And you are right, I tot the Sultan should apologies and thank LGE for his remark.
Thanx... at least u understand my point... if JB had it's own potential, it would have grown well all these years... but it didnt... it is nicely located right next to singapore with 2 links but it has always been sluggish.... an obvious thing that the administration in that state is never efficient before... JB never tried growing autonomously... JB was always parasitically hoping for passive development... just waitin and waitin for s,poreans to come shop there or people to buy house in JB due to it's proximity to S'pore.... there has been lots of news bout Jb and it's abandoned project which i've been aware of since my school days... Waterfront city was the first i could recollect... now the very first of Iskandar is probably Danga bay... yet another sordid story.... Now the situation is why suddenly govt wants to focus there..... WHY... simply because it's favouritism.... now that all major cities like Penang and big parts of Klang valley has been taken by opposition... Federal govt is shifting it's focus to the stronghold of BN which is JB.... Moreover marginalizing other states which are in fact having more potential...... So this is favouritism because of the party governing these states... now thats what i'm refering to as 3rd world mentality.... i love malaysia and always wanted it to come up... i get angry with those who leave this country without making an attempt to change it... they cause brain drain... but i can't blindly support corrupted system in this country... i will democratically voice out till i can make at least some changes... i don't give a damn about those few in this forum who are too imbecilic too understand my moral anger... hell with it... they are part of the 3rd world herd.... sometimes delusionally stupid too...
 
#2,866 ·
^^What favoritism? Iskandar was launched before the 2008 election :banana: I don't see the correlation between Iskandar development with the lost of penang and klang valley :eek:hno: Is it wrong to bring wealth and development outside klang valley?

There were five corridors been launched but Iskandar is the most promising because of the Singapore factor :).
 
#2,867 ·
Dijaya targets foreign buyers for Tropez Residences
By Wong King Wai, from theedgeproperty.com
Friday, 16 December 2011 14:09

JOHOR BAHRU (Dec 16): Dijaya Corp Bhd is banking on the strategic location of its Tropez Residences in Tropicana Danga Bay, Iskandar Malaysia, Johor, to attract international buyers.

Tower A of the three-tower condominium was launched last Saturday. The project is part of the RM3.8 billion Tropicana Danga Bay development, a joint-venture project between Dijaya Corp and Iskandar Waterfront Sdn Bhd. The integrated project sits on 37 acres (15ha) within Iskandar Malaysia.

"Due to the strategic location of Iskandar Malaysia at the crossroads of two straits, two oceans and two continents, Tropicana Danga Bay has great potential to become an international landmark. It is driving the development of a thriving modern metropolis in the southern part of Johor," said Datuk Tong Kien Onn, Dijaya managing director.

"Our latest product, Tropez Residences, has garnered keen interest from local and foreign purchasers. Tropicana Danga Bay can capitalise on Malaysia's synergies with Singapore by offering an optional address that is conveniently linked to vibrant Singapore," he said.

The target market for the condos are young executives residing in Johor, small families, Malaysians working in Singapore, foreigners, especially Singaporeans, and investors, said Tong.

At press time, 200 of Tropez Residences's 428 units in Tower A had been sold. The RM650 million bay front condominium stands 38 storeys tall. The units have built-ups of 689 to 1,668 sq ft with prices from RM400,000. There is a range of one-bedroom plus study to three-bedroom apartments.

Facilities include a swimming pool, gym, multi-purpose hall and tennis court. There will be two open air sky lounges in Towers A and B while the entire condo project will eventually be connected by a level six walkway to the entire Tropicana Danga Bay development.

Tropez Residences's other towers will be launched next year. Tower B is 39 storeys with 424 units; Tower C is 29 storeys with 297 apartments.


Tropez Residences will have open air sky lounges in two of its three towers, while the entire condo project will be linked to the entire Tropicana Danga Bay development.

Tropicana Danga Bay is set to be an integrated community linked via a network of well-shaded sky bridges and pathways and extensive green roofs. It will also have a blend of lifestyle and commercial properties along with a hotel and a shopping centre.

Situated on the Straits of Johor, the project is accessible via a network of major highways, such as the North-South Expressway and access to Singapore is easy. It is close to the city centre and Senai International Airport as well as cargo hubs and seaports.

The developer of Tropicana Golf & Country Resort, Tropicana Indah Resort Homes and Tropicana City in the Klang Valley is also in a collaboration with Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Inc to develop a five-star W Kuala Lumpur Hotel and Residences in Kuala Lumpur city centre which is expected to commence by early 2012.

In Penang, the group has just entered into a joint venture agreement with Ivory Properties Group Bhd to build a mixed development project in Bayan Mutiara, Penan
 
#2,868 ·
Tuesday December 20, 2011 (from The Star)

Sunway buys Johor land worth RM745.3mil

Purchase made through joint venture with Khazanah vehicle

KUALA LUMPUR: Sunway Bhd has expanded its landbank in Johor with the acquisition of two parcels of leased land worth RM745.3mil in Medini Iskandar via a joint venture vehicle with Khazanah Nasional Bhd.

The two parcels, which are adjacent to each other, total about 691 acres and has an estimated gross development value (GDV) of RM12bil.

The newly acquired land known as Zone F Medini will boost Sunway's landbank by 30% from the previous 2,145 acres, while the proposed development will boost the company's current GDV to RM32bil,” Sunway said in a statement yesterday.

“With the acquisition, Sunway will have 755 acres of development land in Johor, in addition to the existing land at Bukit Lenang, with an estimated total GDV of RM13bil.”

Zone F Medini is strategically located in the heart of Iskandar Malaysia. It is about 10 minutes from Singapore via the Second Link Expressway and 25 minutes from the Senai International Airport.

Also in the vicinity are Legoland Malaysia and Pinewood Iskandar Malaysia Studios, which are expected to be completed by 2012 and 2013 respectively, Edu City, Kota Iskandar and the International Financial District, the company said.

This is Sunway's largest acquisition after the merger of the businesses of two public-listed companies, Sunway Holdings and Sunway City in August which resulted in the merged entity becoming one of the top five property-construction companies listed on Bursa Malaysia.

Sunway also announced a joint venture (JV) with Dayang Bunting Ventures Sdn Bhd, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Khazanah, to form Semerah Cahaya Sdn Bhd. which will principally be involved in conceptualising, managing, implementing and developing the said land.

Sunway currently holds 38% in the JV but will increase its holdings to 60% within 54 months from the date of the lease purchase agreement.

Commenting on the successful acquisition, Sunway founder and chairman Tan Sri Dr Jeffrey Cheah said the acquisition was in line with the company's strategy to continue extending its expertise in building and managing integrated cities, as exemplified in its integrated developments in Bandar Sunway, Sunway City Ipoh, Sunway Velocity and Sunway Damansara.

“We want to replicate this expertise in Johor and develop an iconic development which will capture the local, regional and international market segments as we have done with our integrated developments.

“Together with Khazanah, we are confident that we will be able to successfully establish a strong foothold in the state in the near future,” said Cheah, adding that the project was expected to contribute positively to Sunway's future earnings and cash flow by 2013.

Khazanah managing director Tan Sri Azman Mokhtar said he welcomed Sunway as the latest major Malaysian developer to participate in Iskandar Malaysia.

“Sunway has a proven track record as a successful master developer in Malaysia and this JV is an indication of Khazanah's deepening collaborative partnerships with the private sector. We are confident this joint venture will further boost Medini Iskandar's progress as a catalyst development for Iskandar Malaysia.”

Sunway has established its presence in Iskandar Malaysia through its construction division which is undertaking three major construction jobs in Iskandar Malaysia, including Legoland, Pinewood Iskandar Malaysia Studios and the Central Utilities Facility at the Bio-XCell biotechnology park.

http://biz.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2011/12/20/business/10127816&sec=business
 
#2,869 ·
^^What favoritism? Iskandar was launched before the 2008 election :banana: I don't see the correlation between Iskandar development with the lost of penang and klang valley :eek:hno:
The “grand” IM being launched before 08 election could be a telltale sign of Gov. waning confidence. When the project was announced, I had 2 Eastern Asians telling me it was 10 years too late like they know better! But the truth is - it was late like we never knew S’pore economy could benefit JB at all. All along, JB was ready and raring to modernise but due to certain individuals or as a whole, the Gov. imo hold too much silly pride against its southern counterparts for reliance…

And when the impending 08 election looms (due to over exposure online of Gov’s wicked ways), all they needed was to pull out that trump card, which was then the development starved Johor / JB their stronghold as a safety net with big conviction as in IM... now who in Johor at that time wouldn’t be entice? Unfortunately now when the Gov. seemed willing to rely on S’pore strength, we definitely still have many who cast their votes according to implementations of development since some of our country‘s social fundamental policies etc. are “forever” in favor to certain race rather than to everyone, so these “goodies” almost always in the nick of time are still very effective to them.

However not all think alike and things did change, thankfully Penang showed us! At least we know IM shall prevail regardless who wins but still I dislike the current IM plan but not the entirety. I hated for the fact that only so little could be done to pull up JB, as a matter of fact, Foh Chong Building seemed unoccupied, Chuan Yuan Plaza along Jln Wong Ah Fook is forever trying to rent or sell their units, the building opposite Merlin Tower which is the other end of Citrus Hotel being left vacant for x number of years, etc.

And now what gives… we’re trying to build new city faraway from the established and prime areas of JB. Hope whomever save JB save it thoroughly and faster than outside of JB cos its so damn not ideal whatsoever. Peace to all!
 
#2,870 · (Edited)
Actually I try to be neutral because I don't like BN and I don't have confidence with PR. But honestly whenever I encounter people that become blind because political bias, I really loath that 'political party' little by little.:) (lama-lama jadi bukit)

IM was launched because BN could foresee the people waning confidence? really?:nuts:

Everybody still remember they win big in 2004? they said they don't need Indian vote? hiking up petrol price? Waning confidence and hence launched not only IM corridor but also NCER, ECER, SCORE and SDA?:lol:
 
#2,872 ·
IM was launched because BN could foresee the people waning confidence? really?:nuts: Everybody still remember they win big in 2004? they said they don't need Indian vote? hiking up petrol price? Waning confidence and hence launched not only IM corridor but also NCER, ECER, SCORE and SDA?:lol:
21 Mar 04 - BN won big
17 Nov 05 - Hishamuddin Hussein waving of the Keris with causes…
IM - launched on 30 Jul 06
NCER - launched on 30 Jul 07
ECER - launched on 30 Oct 07
SDC - launched on 29 Jan 08
SCORE - launched on 11 Feb 08
8 Mar 08 the 12th GE…

I don’t believe in coincidence. When BN won big I take it that people were still in the dark… After GE 04, the crap in BN became more obvious as revealed openly by BN and its also a time when online users get to see a side of BN they never knew on the web.

Now IM could be launch way much earlier than 06 and the fact that you pointed the other corridors shows BN confidence with it in winning people over at a time where other sources were hampering their efforts. They were doing what they know best which is open new area neglect the old ones. This was and is their only way of making new developments in the hope that people buy it instead of changing certain sensitive rules and to redevelop matured vicinity intensively. I don’t see much future in that when its always the carrot and stick approach they use nearing GE time.

Frankly speaking, I’m quite frustrated by BN’s handling of affairs and to me a change good or bad will be fine. I’m willing to let a new Gov. to prove their worth and to take charge in all the 5 corridors. That said, I would say that BN can certainly read the situation of its popularity among people, and projects or developments are one of their kind of “cleaner” major aspect in winning votes. On other hand, does a political party really need so many members like as in 3 million… strong in numbers but surely highly disorganise, probably out of control already or more likely made for easier brainwashing to gain votes lol… (Gomen gomen, will stop the politicking direction now)

Thou it’s a bit hard to do so cos $billions been laid, I would reluctantly wish IM all the best albeit an imperfection it is in my opinion. Well what sane choice or say do we have back then?
 
#2,874 · (Edited)
^^ Since you requested I’ll try specifically b4 the 12th election were there any favoritism. 05 Keris incident as well as strong statements made then created a huge uneasiness for many non-muslims. Even MCA felt compelled to stop Umno’s crazy agenda and hush hush the situation. But that period sparked BN’s dwindling popularity as more began to realise about their follies.

A year later, IM was announced for Johor their favourite son. They did not choose other place 1st to win back people’s heart. IM was some scrappy plans with no clear directions and a more concrete plan took years to formulate, even the name was SJER, IDR and then IM. As for investors, they went in big to the Middle East and try to sell them mostly IM’s project.

With those effort they seemed to be able to make some Johoreans happy. And then why not, replicate the damn project and make the scope big so as to cover the whole of Malaysia. Wow, looks like some work been done isn‘t it… lol If you ain’t convince, nvm… But the fact that Johors corridor as in Iskandar Malaysia uses our country name isn’t favoritism, what is? period
 
#2,875 · (Edited)
Oh come on, Iskandar Malaysia is just matter of name. Please give more matured argument why you said it is a favoritism . Being the first economic corridor? Singapore are ready to invest, why not start from the next neighbor and that is why IM was launched (post Mahathir era want a greater economic relation with Singapore). As you said the idea was replicated to other corridors because they want to avoid favoritism :).

Btw as a Johorean, I am fully support IM. Only the s**pid Johorean would reject it :lol:
 
#2,876 ·
The name Iskandar Malaysia came about around Apr 2008, 1 month after the 12th GE. Naming a project with the word Malaysia is a privilege other states would never get. It tells a lot about BN's intention to the world. For it to fail will be a disgrace to the country's name.

Also, the replicate part... i was saying its a form to garner supports for BN during those trying times. Alright i'm ending this discussion. Lets agree to disagree. :)
 
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