Latest news with #RM390
The Star
20-07-2025
- Business
- The Star
SkyWorld unveils Penang's vertical living era
BUTTERWORTH: Breaking ground on the nation's largest affordable housing project under the Rumah Bakat Madani initiative, SkyWorld Pearlmont promises accessible, high-quality high-rise living, along with the nation's first vertical school. SkyWorld Development Berhad chief executive officer Lee Chee Seng said the landmark development boasts 1,846 units. 'This is SkyWorld's first venture in Penang, set on 12.54ha (31 acres) of freehold land in the heart of Seberang Jaya. 'Phase 1A of SkyWorld Pearlmont offers 1,846 units in three towers, with each unit being 900 sq ft, with three bedrooms and two bathrooms. 'Prices range from RM323,000 to RM390,000, including options for one or two carparks,' he said at the groundbreaking ceremony held at Seberang Perai on July 19. Lee said the development features a 4ha elevated park, considered the largest of its kind in Penang. 'SkyWorld Pearlmont is the first project in Penang to fully adopt prefabricated prefinished volumetric construction (PPVC), a modular 'Lego-style' system that enhances build quality, safety and efficiency.' Buyers will benefit from premium-quality affordable homes with a 10-year warranty on water leaks and the piping system, low maintenance costs of RM0.18 per sq ft and a benchmark of the Quality Assessment System in Construction score of 85% in construction innovation, he said. Lee said the gross development value of the project is at RM2bil and it is expected to be completed in 2029. The project will pioneer the integration of a vertical school into a high-rise affordable housing community, enhancing accessibility and safety for children in working families. 'Vertical schools represent an architectural evolution in educational design, where learning environments are structured within multi-level, purpose-built towers rather than sprawling, land-intensive campuses. 'This vertical format is especially suited for urban and high- density settings, allowing architects to maximise limited land while maintaining functional, child-centric spaces. 'Each floor is typically designed to serve a specific age group or learning theme, with clear spatial zoning that supports developmental needs and intuitive wayfinding,' he said. 'Other features include SkyWorld Healthy Home characteristics like a passive design, natural light and ventilation. 'The project also includes a pay-per-use clubhouse that features an infinity pool, pickleball and badminton courts, a kids' playland and gyms,' he said. Lee said with freehold units, an elevated park, smart home features and wellness-focused design, SkyWorld Pearlmont is a future-ready township designed for generational living and community growth. Lee said the groundbreaking ceremony comes just eight months after the signing of the Joint Development Agreement (JDA) with Penang Development Corporation (PDC) and PDC Properties. 'This development will serve as a public-private initiative aimed at delivering more than 35,000 units under the Rumah Bakat Madani scheme. 'Unlike traditional public housing, Rumah Bakat Madani units are freehold and open to all Malaysians, including non-Penangites working in the state, particularly in the electric and electronic and industrial sectors that drive Penang's economy. 'This project aims to not only invite young talent from across Malaysia to call Penang home but also to build a stronger economy and community,' he said. The groundbreaking ceremony was graced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming, Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow and SkyWorld founder and executive chairman Datuk Seri Ng Thien Phing, among others. In his speech, Nga said SkyWorld, an international award-winning developer, has been tasked with building a total of 37,368 residential units, comprising 6,368 units in Seberang Jaya and 31,000 units in Batu Kawan, Penang. 'Each unit will be sold between RM225,000 and RM420,000, and will be freehold. 'The sale of this project is open to Malaysians, regardless of whether you are a native of Penang or from another state,' he said.
The Sun
04-07-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Amberwood Resort Residences – new lifestyle address in Johor
JOHOR BAHRU: A new lifestyle destination has arrived in Johor with the launch of Amberwood Resort Residences, an exclusive development born from a strategic collaboration between PIJ Property Development Sdn Bhd (PIJ Property) and Fiamma Holdings Bhd (Fiamma), with Chin Hin Group Property Bhd (CHGP) appointed as the project manager. This partnership brings together local expertise, corporate strength and industry experience to deliver a resort-inspired living concept tailored for today's urban lifestyle. The Amberwood Resort Residences sales gallery is now open to the public, offering a first look at the thoughtfully crafted serviced apartments designed for a new generation seeking warmth, tranquillity and exclusivity in city living. Strategically located in Larkin, Johor Bahru, the 3.49-acre leasehold development comprises 824 serviced apartment units across two towers – 490 units in Tower A and 334 units in Tower B. Conceived as an urban oasis, the residences blend natural elements with private living environments. Units range from 1+1 to 3+1 bedrooms, with built-ups between 560 sq ft to 872 sq ft, and prices starting from RM390,000. Each unit is fitted with a smart home system, enabling residents to control lighting, air-conditioning, and security features for a seamless and secure living experience. Amberwood Resort Residences is a result of the strong synergy between three industry players. PIJ Property brings in-depth knowledge of Johor's development landscape and a deep understanding of local community aspirations. Fiamma contributes with its robust corporate capabilities and proven track record in property development. Meanwhile, CHGP as project manager, ensures that every aspect of execution and marketing aligns with the brand's high standards of quality and excellence. With its strategic location, comprehensive amenities, and thoughtfully designed resort-inspired living concept, Amberwood Resort Residences is poised to become one of Johor's most sought-after addresses.
The Star
24-06-2025
- Health
- The Star
Over RM77,000 raised in Miri as 38 go bald for sick children
GoBald participants (seated) about to have their hair shaved off at Permaisuri Imperial City Mall. Sarawak Children's Cancer Society (SCCS) has raised RM77,157 during the first leg of its 'GoBald 2025' campaign. The annual awareness and fundraising campaign supports children and families battling childhood cancer. During the first leg held at Permaisuri Imperial City Mall in Miri, 38 participants shaved their heads in solidarity with child patients and to raise funds for them. 'The theme for GoBald this year is 'Leave Your Mark', an invitation for everyone to be part of something bigger. 'GoBald is more than just a fundraiser –it's a movement of hope, courage and community. 'Every shaved head sends a powerful message that our children do not walk this journey alone,' said SCCS president Mary Kiu Ai Ling. She expressed gratitude to each participant, donor and event partner who continued to support the society's mission to improve the lives of children with cancer. Since its launch in March, GoBald 2025 has seen a steady rise in registrations. To date, around 150 participants from across Malaysia have joined the campaign, raising over RM390,000 from more than 1,200 donors. 'In 2024, GoBald raised over RM781,000 with more than 290 participants shaving their heads,' said Kiu. 'This year, SCCS is aiming higher – with a fundraising target of RM1mil and a goal of recruiting at least 400 shaves,' she added. The organisation's annual operating cost exceeds RM2mil, with over 70% of funds directly supporting medical and financial aid, accommodation, emotional care and other essential services. In 2024 alone, SCCS recorded RM2.9mil in total expenses, with medical sponsorships exceeding RM500,000 – a notable rise. Visit or follow @sccsmy on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok for updates.
New Straits Times
17-06-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
FMM urges clarity, dialogue on port tariff hike
KUALA LUMPUR: The Federation of Malaysian Manufacturing (FMM) remains concerned that the scale and timing of the recent port tariff hikes without detailed cost disclosures or comprehensive stakeholder consultation may place an undue burden on industry. In response to the explanations provided by the Port Klang Authority (PKA) in its press statement dated June 16, 2025, FMM said given the wide-ranging implications for trade, investment and the cost of doing business, it believes the rationale for the revision warrants further scrutiny. "FMM fully respects the right of all stakeholders, including PKA, to present and defend their positions. Constructive dialogue is essential to national development. "However, given the wide-ranging implications of this tariff hike, especially amid broader cost escalations and global uncertainties, we believe it is time to move beyond justification and toward pragmatic resolution," said FMM president Tan Seri Datuk Soh Thian Lai. Soh said the federation disagrees on PKA points that Port Klang's tariff rates will remain among the most competitive in the region. While Port Klang's official handling tariff of RM390 (approximately US$92 per TEU) may appear lower on paper, he said this figure does not reflect the actual cost borne by Malaysian shippers. "Terminal Handling Charges (THC) are not billed directly by port operators to shippers; instead, they are imposed by shipping lines, often with significant mark-ups. "Current publicly available rates by shipping lines show that Malaysian shippers are already paying an average of RM480 per 20-foot container, well above the existing RM300 port handling charge. "Increasing the tariff to RM390 without structural reform will effectively give shipping lines the latitude to raise THC further, potentially reaching the real-world cost range of US$120 to 130 per TEU," he said. Meanwhile, Soh pointed out that port operators face cost pressures like other industries, but it questions whether the proposed tariff hike is truly warranted given current financial and regulatory contexts. Under existing concession agreements, the costs associated with port development and infrastructure are contractually required to be fully borne by port operators, he said. As for the PKA's claims that relative to other increases, port charges are a small fraction of the total cost that consumers will ultimately bear indirectly, FMM disagrees with the narrow framing of cost impact based solely on per-kilogram increments. While PKA's micro-level calculation may appear negligible, he said it overlooks the broader and more significant issue, such as the cumulative cost burden placed on Malaysian exporters, importers and manufacturers. "PKA's analysis fails to acknowledge that logistics costs are already among the highest contributors to the cost of doing business in Malaysia. "The impact of a 30 per percent increase in container handling charges and a 200–243 per cent hike in storage charges cannot be minimised by simplistic per-unit cost metrics. "FMM reiterates that the evaluation of port tariff adjustments must be done holistically, accounting for their multiplier effect across the supply chain and national economy," he said. In addition, Soh said FMM reiterates that claims of "modest" increases are not supported by the quantum of the adjustments, which are among the steepest seen in recent memory. Without detailed, he said, transparent cost justifications, these increases will be viewed as revenue maximisation at the expense of trade facilitation. "Maintaining investor confidence and trade momentum requires a holistic approach where competitiveness is grounded in predictable pricing, stakeholder consultation and a transparent cost-recovery framework. "FMM urges the authorities to defer the hike and engage the industry in reassessing a sustainable, accountable tariff structure aligned with national economic goals," he added.
Borneo Post
14-06-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
FMM opposes Port Klang tariff hike, warns of economic fallout
Soh stresses that the sharp cost escalation from July could disrupt the cost structures of both exporters and importers at a critical point in Malaysia's economic recovery. KUCHING (June 14): The Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers (FMM) has strongly objected to the upcoming port tariff hike at Port Klang, approved by the Ministry of Transport and gazetted yesterday (June 13), citing serious concerns over its timing and economic impact. The revised tariff structure involves a 30 per cent increase in container handling charges, to be implemented in three phases, beginning July 1, 2025, said FMM president Tan Sri Dato' Soh Thian Lai in a statement today. He added that in addition to the handling charge hike, container storage charges are set to surge between 197 and 243 per cent, posing a significant burden on manufacturers already facing cost pressures from global and domestic headwinds. 'This comes at a time when industries are already contending with unresolved external shocks, including the ongoing US tariff threats on Malaysian exports, the expansion of the Sales and Service Tax (SST), and a scheduled restructuring of electricity tariffs. 'The convergence of these cost pressures will deliver a heavy blow to manufacturers and exporters at a critical juncture in Malaysia's economic recovery, further eroding the country's export competitiveness,' he said. Soh stressed that the sharp cost escalation from July could disrupt the cost structures of both exporters and importers at a critical point in Malaysia's economic recovery. Under the gazetted rates by the Port Klang Authority, container handling charges for a 20-foot container will rise from RM300 to RM390 over three phases. With Port Klang handling around 12.5 million TEUs annually, this could translate into an additional RM1.125 billion in annual costs to industry upon full implementation. 'Malaysian ports have traditionally enjoyed a competitive edge due to reasonable cost structures. 'However, with the new rates, container handling fees will approach US$120–130 per TEU, similar to rates in Singapore and Hong Kong, but well above Asean neighbours such as Vietnam, Indonesia and Thailand. 'This will erode Malaysia's value proposition and increase the risk of cargo diversion to competing regional ports,' he said. Soh also pointed to Malaysia's recent drop to 34th in the IMD World Competitiveness Ranking and its position at 26th in the World Bank's Logistics Performance Index as warning signs. He cautioned that the tariff hike sends the wrong message to investors and could undermine business planning and trade flow, especially as manufacturers grapple with narrowing margins and uncertain global conditions. Given the cascading effects of multiple policy shifts, Soh called for a holistic review by the government, urging inter-ministerial coordination on cost-related measures affecting businesses and consumers. 'Port tariffs, SST expansion, electricity hikes and international trade headwinds must be evaluated together. 'No single ministry or agency can make isolated decisions without assessing the full burden being placed on industry,' he said. He urged the government to immediately pause the implementation of the port tariff hike, electricity base tariff revision, and expanded SST scope, and to reconvene with industry stakeholders to reassess the broader economic and operational impact. 'These cost increases will eventually translate into higher prices for consumers, and a slowdown in manufacturing investment and job creation. 'FMM stands ready to work with the government to realign policy implementation timelines, ensure transparency in cost justifications, and develop a coordinated national strategy to support industry growth and protect the welfare of consumers,' he said. Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers FMM lead Port Klang port tariff
