Awesome Johor Bahru! 3

[rizalhakim]

Unhappy over RM1 payoff
Chuah Bee Kim
2009/09/04

A GROUP of housebuyers in Johor Baru has alleged that their property developer was willing to pay only RM1 as compensation for the late completion of their houses.


Housebuyers voicing their dissatisfaction with the compensation offered by the developer for the late delivery of their homes.

Their housing project has been delayed for two years.

Abdul Razak Mohd Yusuf, 40, a representative of the housebuyers, claimed that the developer was not being responsible for the delay and did not show an understanding of the housebuyers' plight.

"It is shocking that the developer was only willing to pay RM1 as compensation for liquidated and ascertained damages for not delivering the houses within the period stipulated in the sales and purchase agreement," Razak alleged.


Another housebuyer, Ezad Daud, 44, who bought a double-storey terrace house under Phase 3A, claimed that he had to pay RM1,000 to the bank monthly eventhough his house was not completed.

The houses were sold between RM180,000 and RM200,000.

"Many housebuyers had to rent a place to stay for two years while waiting for their units to be completed," Ezad said.

He also claimed that the delay had caused some of the housebuyers to be blacklisted by the banks as they could not settle their monthly loan payments.

Ezad said the housebuyers come from all walks of life, which include civil servants, retirees and those from the middle-income group.

"We want the property developer to compensate us in accordance with the Housebuyers' Act," he said.

[nazrey]

[nazrey]

From flickr

image hosted on flickr

[nazrey]

From flickr

image hosted on flickr


image hosted on flickr

[peromyvi]

When will JB sentral be completed? Is the old CIQ being demolish now?

[nazrey]

Originally Posted by peromyvi

When will JB sentral be completed? Is the old CIQ being demolish now?

>>>
http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showth...=179984&page=7

[rizalhakim]

Aspiring racers find a perfect spot in Pasir Gudang
By AUSTIN CAMOENS


JOHOR BARU: Aspiring racers from Johor and Singapore have found a haven in Pasir Gudang where they can hone their driving skills safely and responsibly.

One of them is Ashween Gomez, 26, who has spent almost RM7,000 to equip his Proton Saga for circuit racing.

“I have rebuilt the engine, upgraded the brake system, added sports rims and tyres as well as a sports suspension,” he said.


Adrenaline rush: Cars speeding around one of the circuit’s corners.

Gomez said he would not hesitate to spend money on this passion of his.

He started visiting the Johor Circuit two years ago, at first just to watch amateur racers compete. Then, since last year, he began taking part in the races.

“Driving on this track is very challenging as it is narrow and relatively bumpy.

“It keeps you on the edge of your seat,” he said, adding that racing here was affordable.

Another racing fan, Jonathan Goh, said the Johor Circuit was a dream come true for car lovers.

The 25-year-old from Singapore said that many car owners drove here to test their vehicles’ limits.


Revving away: Cars waiting at the starting line.

Car fans got to see highly-tuned cars that were good race machines, he added.

Besides regular racing known as grip racing, Goh enjoys drifting.

In drifting, the driver oversteers his car at high speed while attempting to maintain control of the vehicle.

“I frequent the drift circuit in Gelang Patah with my friends to practise our manoeuvres,” said Goh.

Johor Circuit public relations officer Avin Virick said the venue, which started operations in 1986, offered a safe and affordable place for racing.

“We have an in-house emergency centre and our staff is trained in medical emergencies,” said Virick.

The 3.86km circuit is open daily. Weekday charges are RM60 per hour for cars and RM35 per hour for motorcycles while the hourly fees on weekends are RM70 (cars) and RM50 (bikes).

Virick added that the track would hold track-day promotions every month where cars would be charged RM120 for three hours while motorcyclists paid RM80. The next track day is this Sunday.

For enquiries, visit www.johorcircuit.com.my or call 07-252 1313.

[nazrey]

Johor to host international Under-16 Fiba tourney
Tuesday September 8, 2009 By AUSTIN CAMOENS



Boosting basketball: Hoo (left) and Johor Basketball Association vice-
president Mok Chek Hau launching the Fiba Under-16 basketball
championship in Johor Baru recently.

JOHOR BARU: Sixteen teams from around Asia will sweat it out at the International Under-16 basketball championship in November.

Johor Basketball Association president Hoo Seong Chang said it was the second time that Johor was hosting an International Basketball Federation (Fiba) tournament. The last Fiba Asia tournament was held in the state 13 years ago, for the Under-18 category.

“The countries participating in this Under-16 championship include Iran, Qatar, China, Hong Kong, South Korea, Japan and India,” he said.

The tournament would be held from Nov 19 to 27 at the Johor Baru City Council Indoor Stadium, said Hoo after launching a four-colour logo for the championship recently.

At a press conference later, he said the red and blue in the logo were Johor’s state colours while green represented youth and yellow was the official Fiba colour.

“We will carry out the necessary upgrading and maintenance work to make sure the stadium is equipped to host the tournament,” he added.

Hoo, who is also State Tourism, Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Committee chairman, said the Malaysian team of 18 players was currently undergoing training in Kuala Lumpur.

“We hope to see our national team win the tournament, but there are many strong teams in the competition.”

He said the tickets priced at RM5 per game would be available from Oct 15 at the tournament secretariat in Taman Pelangi.

Those who want to watch the whole tournament can opt for the season ticket priced at RM50.

For more information on the meet, call Yap at 019-750 0776 or Ang at 019-776 0860.

[rizalhakim]

Expensive fare doesn’t sit well with passengers
By MOHD FARHAAN SHAH


JOHOR BARU: People in the city are complaining that the new taxi rates are too expensive.


ANWAR KARTH: The Government should have studied the matter before approving the new fares
Sherenna Dharmusha, 24, who regularly takes a taxi to work in Jalan Datuk Abdullah Tahir, said that taxi fares had become very expensive since the new meter system was introduced.

“I used to pay between RM8 and RM9 from my house in Bandar Baru Uda to my work place, but now it costs me RM12,” she said, adding that if she called for a cab, she had to pay an additional RM2.

Lorry driver Anwar Karth, 54, said that with the new rates taxi drivers were more willing to comply with the meter ruling as it benefitted them.


IZZUDDIN: They should not be charging passengers more if they do not provide better service.
“The Government should have studied the matter before approving the new fares as those who use taxis daily are badly affected.

Accountant Muhammad Izzuddin Zainal, 27, said that before the new rates were introduced, taxi drivers had been known to ask more from customers than what it would actually cost if the meter was used.

“The Government has granted what these taxi drivers wanted, so they should improve their service.

“They should not be charging passengers more if they do not provide better service.”

Izzuddin said that there had been occasions when taxi drivers refused to go to certain destinations, especially during peak hours.

“Some of them even smoke while driving, which is very annoying to passengers who are non-smokers,” he added.

Izzuddin said the Commercial Vehicle Licensing Board (CVLB) and the Road Transport Department (JPJ) should regularly check on taxis.


LUCKY DRIVERS: Cabbies waiting for customers at a taxi stand in Jalan Wong Ah Fook.

“The agencies should look into passengers’ complaints seriously as taxis are public transport,” he said.

When contacted, CVLB chairman Datuk Halimah Mohd Sadique said that the decision to increase the rates was approved by the Cabinet. On taxi drivers who purposely chose to use routes with traffic jams since the fare increase, she said that passengers could tell the drivers their preferred routes.

“Customers can complain to CVLB if the taxi driver purposely use a route that is congested just to get more from the fare,” said Halimah.

[nazrey]

More CCTV cameras to prevent crime in Johor Baru
Wednesday September 9, 2009

THE number of closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras will be increased from 40 to 2,000 in an effort to boost security in the state capital, especially at Iskandar Malaysia.

Mentri Besar Datuk Abdul Ghani Othman said the CCTV cameras would be placed at various crime hot spots.

“Currently, the state has only 40 CCTV cameras and the added cameras will help in crime prevention,” he said.

Abdul Ghani said in addition to the surveillance cameras, Johor would also increase the number of police personnel, adding that 948 officers would join the force.

“We are also looking at building community policing posts at various residential areas statewide.

“At least 100 posts will be erected at housing areas to reduce the crime rate,” he added.

Abdul Ghani was replying to Datuk Baderi Dasuki (BN - Panti) who said the crime rate, especially snatch theft incidents, was rampant.

[rizalhakim]

Where your comfort is their business
By Jassmine Shadiqe
2009/09/08
WHETHER you are traveling for business or leisure, check into Naza Talyya Hotel Johor Baru to enjoy food and accommodation that embody the spirit of warm hospitality.


Naza Talyya Hotel Johor Baru offers fantastic views of the city skyline and the Straits of Tebrau.


The hotel’s superior rooms are touted to be of five-star quality.

Naza Talyya Hotel in Jalan Tenteram, Tanjung Puteri, is located in the southern tip of Peninsular Malaysia.

Located well within the city's commercial and entertainment area, just about two kilometres away from the Customs, Immigration and Quarantine Complex, the business class hotel offers top-notch facilities, amenities and service at reasonable prices.

Each of its 134 rooms is comfortably furnished with standard modern hotel amenities, plus a generous supply of essential toiletries and coffee and tea making facilities.


The rooms are spacious and well laid out for a relaxing ambience.

Its superior room comes with either a king-sized bed or two single beds.

The room can easily accommodate three adults and if you are travelling with children, there is more than enough space for an extra bed.

Guest will enjoy sweeping views of the city skyline or Straits of Tebrau all the way to Singapore.

Dining options include local and Western cuisine at the hotel's Kafe Ria Coffee House.

The cafe has an a la carte as well as buffets for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Stays come with complimentary breakfasts served at Kafe Ria Coffee House.

Room service is available all day long for those too tired or lazy to get dressed for meals.

The hotel is, above all, a business hotel, hence its complete convention facilities.

The Astana Ballroom can accommodate up to 200 persons, and there are also three seminar rooms.

The fully-equipped business centre provides a comprehensive range of facilities and services including Wi-Fi to meet the needs of business executives.

The hotel is also located near shopping complexes and entertainment spots.

Guests can indulge in golf, visit Johor Zoo and Danga Bay, or just take a one-kilometre stroll to the Johor Baru International Ferry Terminal.

Until Sept 17, Naza Talyya Hotel is offering promotional rates for its rooms.

Its superior room is priced at RM130++ inclusive of one free breakfast buffet worth RM40, and its standard room is priced at RM98++.

[rizalhakim]

Kadar sewa premis Larkin Sentral disemak
NUSAJAYA 8 Sept. - Kerajaan negeri akan menyemak kadar sewa premis perniagaan di Blok Pengangkutan Awam Larkin Sentral di Johor Bahru bagi membantu meringankan beban golongan peniaga kecil.

Pengerusi Jawatankuasa Kerajaan Tempatan, Perumahan, Kerja Raya dan Kemudahan Awam negeri, Datuk Ahmad Zahri Jamil berkata, ia bagi memastikan kerajaan negeri dan Johor Corporation (JCorp) yang menguruskan Larkin Sentral bersama-sama membantu golongan tersebut.

"Kerajaan negeri akan menyemak supaya JCorp tidak hanya mementingkan keuntungan semata-mata, sebaliknya lebih banyak membantu peniaga kecil yang menjalankan perniagaan di Larkin Sentral," katanya.

Beliau berkata demikian semasa menjawab soalan Adam Sumiru (BN- Tanjung Puteri) pada Persidangan Dewan Undangan Negeri (DUN) di Kota Iskandar di sini hari ini.

Ahmad Zahri berkata, pelbagai faktor perlu diambil kira termasuk peningkatan kadar sewaan sebanyak 25 peratus dalam tempoh empat tahun.

"JCorp perlu mengambil kira semua faktor dan membiarkan keuntungan mereka dikongsi bersama dengan peniaga kecil, ini pandangan saya.

"Mereka (JCorp) perlu melihat semula peranan penubuhannya yang diwujudkan untuk membantu peniaga kecil di negeri ini," katanya.

Beliau berkata, kenaikan kadar sewa itu seiring dengan pengubahsuaian ke atas kawasan Blok Terminal dengan kadar baru dikenakan setiap kali penyewa melakukan penyambungan sewa.

Setakat ini, sebanyak tiga fasa pengubahsuaian telah dilaksanakan ke atas Larkin Sentral yang mengandungi dua blok iaitu Blok Terminal Pengangkutan Awam dan Blok Pasar Awam.

Katanya, sebanyak RM3.7 juta dibelanjakan dalam pengubahsuaian fasa I bagi tempoh 2004 hingga 2007.

Jelasnya, sebaik diambil alih JCorp melalui anak syarikatnya, TPM Management Sdn. Bhd. (TPM Management) pada tahun lalu, Blok Terminal melalui pengubahsuaian fasa II dengan kos RM6.8 juta bagi membina bangunan tambahan di tingkat tiga termasuk membina Masjid An-Nur dan menaik taraf tempat letak kereta.

"Ketika ini, Larkin Sentral melalui pengubahsuaian fasa III membabitkan kos RM8.9 juta bermula tahun ini yang dijangka siap tahun depan membabitkan kerja menyediakan lif, ubah suai medan selera, menambah eskalator, membina jejantas dan memasang sistem litar kamera tertutup (CCTV).

"Pengubahsuaian fasa IV pula akan bermula 2011 serta dijangka siap pada 2013 membabitkan kerja menaik taraf bazar dan terminal, penyusunan semula platform dan keluar masuk bas supaya lebih tersusun dengan kos RM28 juta," katanya.

Ahmad Zahri berkata, kadar sewa premis di Blok Terminal daripada RM787 pada 2004 hingga 2005 dinaikkan kepada RM865 dan RM960 sebulan pada tahun berikutnya.

Katanya, enam bulan selepas mengambil alih pada 2008, TPM Management kadar sewa itu dinaikkan lagi kepada RM1,005 sebulan.

Bagaimanapun, setakat ini kadar sewa premis di Blok Pasar Awam masih belum dinaikkan dan ia antara RM244 dan RM396 sebulan tetapi semakan

[rizalhakim]

Singaporeans flock to Larkin Hari Raya Bazaar


JOHOR BARU: The Hari Raya Bazaar at Larkin Central is a popular spot for festive shoppers, especially Singaporeans.

Many Singaporeans make the trip across the Causeway to the bazaar weeks before Hari Raya Aidilfitri. It offers a wide array of Hari Raya cookies and snacks.

Singaporean Mohd Ali Abd Manaf said that he brings his mother and other family members to the bazaar to buy cookies for Hari Raya.

“I will usually come to this bazaar about two weeks before Hari Raya as I don’t believe in last-minute shopping.

“I want to make sure the best cookies are still available,” he said, adding that his favourites include mini popia and pineapple tarts.


Spoilt for choice: Shoppers buying cookies at the Hari Raya Bazaar in Johor Baru yesterday.

Singaporean housewife Fauziah Mohd Sultan, 52, said that she has been shopping at the bazaar for 10 years and was glad that the quality of cookies had been maintained.

“I have yet to find another place that sells good quality cookies and snacks.

“Shopping here has become something of a tradition for my family,” she said, citing kuih makmur and bahulu as her favourites.

[rizalhakim]

new from Mayland
nice and cheap!!!
but Mayland??....hmmmmm!!

image hosted on flickr

[LoveArki]

not impressive. Haha

[rizalhakim]

Johor wants more tourism investors in two districts
By ZAZALI MUSA


ULU TIRAM: Johor plans to attract more investors into the tourism industry of Kota Tinggi and Mersing as the two eastern districts are less developed compared with the other eight districts in the state.

Mentri Besar Datuk Abdul Ghani Othman said the two districts offered good potential in tourism-related investments, noting that they had natural tourism products such as white sandy beaches, river cruising, jungle trekking, mountain climbing and historic places.

“However, the main problem is the poor accessibility and motorists and holiday makers take longer to reach these areas by road,’’ he said yesterday at the opening of Phase One of the Senai-Pasir Gudang-Desaru Expressway.

The RM1.4bil expressway links Senai to Desaru and connects users to Pasir Gudang at the Tanjung Langsat industrial area via the Pasir Gudang interchange.


Ghani said the Johor government, Khazanah Nasional Bhd and Desaru Development Corp Sdn Bhd had formed a joint-venture company this year to attract investors to the eastern part of Johor.

He added that the opening of the expressway would help boost economic activities in the area and the company had identified a 809.37ha site along Desaru beach for development.

“When the expressway fully opens next year, it will only take 45 minutes to reach Desaru compared to two hours now (from Johor Baru),’’ he said.

The opening of Phase One involves a 50km stretch from Senai to Cahaya Baru in Masai with a connection to Pasir Gudang and reduces travelling time from one hour to 23 minutes.

The remaining 27km of the expressway from Cahaya Baru to Desaru will be opened by early 2010.

Ghani said the expressway, when fully opened, would boost tourism activities in Desaru, a popular holiday spot for the locals and Singaporeans in the early 1970s and mid-1980s.

Asked whether there could be a third bridge in the eastern part of Johor linking Malaysia and Singapore as proposed by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, Ghani said it was possible.

He added that the bridge need not necessarily be located in Penggerang, and that it could be built elsewhere in south-east Johor.

Meanwhile, Tan Sri Hamdan Mohamad, a director of Senai-Desaru Expressway Bhd (SDEB), the concessionaire of the expressway, said the company would take 18 years to break even.

“We are looking at some 30,000 vehicles using the 50km stretch daily,’’ he said.

SDEB’s majority shareholder is Ranhill Bhd with a 65.6% stake, while Islamic Development Bank holds 29% equity.

[rizalhakim]

pontian


Kompleks sukan RM20j dibina

PONTIAN 11 Sept. - Sebuah kompleks sukan bernilai RM20 juta akan dibina di Tanjung Piai bagi memberi kemudahan kepada orang ramai bersukan dan beriadah.

Timbalan Menteri Belia dan Sukan, Wee Jeck Seng berkata, ia akan dibina dalam tempoh terdekat ini sebagai tambahan kepada beberapa kemudahan sukan dengan yang terbaru ialah lima buah gelanggang futsal.

Menurutnya, ia perlu bagi memastikan orang ramai di kawasan itu khususnya golongan muda dapat bersukan dengan kemudahan yang lengkap.

"Tumpuan bukan sahaja kepada kemudahan sukan tetapi kemudahan asas lain kepada para penduduk di kawasan ini sentiasa diberi perhatian seperti balai raya, surau, jalan-jalan kampung dan sebagainya," katanya.

Beliau berkata demikian pada majlis berbuka puasa dan penyampaian sumbangan Ramadan bagi kawasan Parlimen Tanjung Piai di Pekan Nanas, di sini semalam.

Pada majlis tersebut, Jeck Seng yang juga Ahli Parlimen Tanjung Piai menyampaikan sumbangan kepada 105 orang golongan miskin, ibu-ibu tunggal, golongan kurang upaya.

Selain itu, beliau turut menyampaikan sumbangan kepada 70 buah surau dan 35 buah masjid dalam bentuk barangan makanan dan wang tunai bagi kegunaan sepanjang Ramadan kali ini.

Hadir sama ialah Ahli Dewan Undangan Negeri (ADUN) Pekan Nanas, Tang Nai Soon; Penghulu Mukim Jeram Batu/Pengkalan Raja, Md. Ilham Mahujan dan Ketua Pergerakan Wanita UMNO Bahagian Tanjung Piai, Normah Mohammad.

Tambah beliau, pihaknya sentiasa prihatin dan komited terhadap setiap permohonan atau permintaan oleh orang ramai bagi mendapatkan projek-projek kecil pembangunan dan sebagainya.

[rizalhakim]

Unifiber secures RM92m contracts


SINGAPORE: United Fiber System Ltd’s (Unifiber) wholly owned subsidiary Sin Poh Lian Sdn Bhd has been awarded building contracts worth RM92.2mil from Niceyear Development Sdn Bhd in Johor Baru, it told Singapore Exchange yesterday.


The contracts awarded consist of two development projects at Taman Mount Austin and comprise 268 single-storey terrace houses, 588 double-storey terrace houses and 52 cluster houses. Construction is expected to begin next month and is scheduled to complete by September 2012.

“The project is in line with the group’s strategy to expand its presence in the construction industry in the region and is expected to contribute positively to the group,” Unifiber said.

The project is not expected to have any material impact on the results for the year ending Dec 31, 2009.

[rizalhakim]

Facelift for Larkin bus terminal
By DESIREE TRESA GASPER and KC CHAN
Photo by ABDUL RAHMAN EMBONG


JOHOR BARU: The Larkin Bus Terminal’s massive RM46.6mil facelift is expected to be completed in four years time.

Local Government, Housing, Arts, Culture and Heritage Committee chairman Datuk Ahmad Zahri Jamil said the renovation was being carried out in phases.

“So far, two phases have been completed.


New name: The new wing at the terminal which has been renamed Larkin Sentral

“Work on the third phase is ongoing now, involving the construction of a pedestrian bridge and new public toilets and installation of CCTV cameras,” he said.

It is expected to be completed by the year end.

The fourth phase, meanwhile, amounts to RM28mil. It will include additional bus platforms and a new systematic entry point for buses.

With the facelift, the terminal would be renamed Larkin Central and equipped with 63 new seats for passengers who are waiting for buses, Ahmad Zahri told the Johor state assembly here.

The comprehensive makeover for the bus terminal began in 2004 with general renovation work in the first phase which took three years.

The second phase included the construction of a three-storey building, a mosque and new parking lots.

Ahmad Zahri addressed the issue of constant rental increase by Johor Corporation, saying that he would look into the complaints from traders.


A major facelift: An aerial view of the terminal

“I admit that there has been an increase in rental every time the terminal is renovated.

“I will have a discussion with Johor Corporation to ask that they take into consideration the small-time traders when it comes to raising the rent,” he elaborated.

Osman Sapian (BN - Kempas) had earlier posed a question, explaining that many traders were complaining about the increasing rental cost and snatch thefts at the bus terminal.

In June, traders located on the third floor of the terminal had voiced concerns about losing business due to unfair competition by food vendors on the ground level of the complex.

According to them, the initial tenancy agreement did not permit any food outlet at the lower levels.

The traders at the terminal submitted a memorandum in July stating their dissatisfaction over the high rental.

The rental for outlets at the terminal had increased by 10% every two years. It was RM679 in 2003 but has since been increased to RM960.

[rizalhakim]

Floating bookshop docks at Johor port
Peggy Loh
2009/09/17
FLOATING bookshop MV Doulos will make a call at the Port of Pasir Gudang from Sept 25 to Oct 6.


The international crew of volunteers made up of 320 people from 50 countries in front of the ‘MV Doulos’.
Visitors will have a wide range of books to choose from in a book exhibition onboard the ship.

These include science, sport, hobbies, cookery, arts, religion, philosophy and many more family-related and children's books.

With over 6,000 titles in English and Bahasa Malaysia, the book exhibition will be opened by the wife of the Tunku Mahkota of Johor, Raja Zarith Sofiah, on Sept 25.


Operated by GBA Ships e.V, a non-profit charity organisation based in Germany, MV Doulos has visited about 600 ports in more than 100 countries for the last 31 years.

She is recognised by the Guinness World Records as the world's oldest ocean-going passenger ship.

Originally built in 1914 and systematically upgraded and maintained, she is only two years younger than the legendary RMS Titanic.

MV Doulos has been crossing oceans to build bridges between nations and promote knowledge.

This unique floating book exhibition presents a rare opportunity to see the MV Doulos up close and to meet the international crew of volunteers.

They are made up of 320 people from 50 countries, including three Malaysians.

The bookshop is open from 10.30am to 10pm from Tuesday to Saturday and from 2pm to 10pm on Sunday and Monday.

The "Discover Doulos" open day displays will be held from 3pm to 6pm on Sept 27 and Oct 4.

For more information, call 016-793 5684 or 016-720 4773 or email to doulos.pasirgudang@gbaships.org.