JOHOR BARU: Iskandar Malaysia has the potential to become a hub of activity for the Japanese community due to its strategic location in the region.

Johor Baru City Mayor Jaffar Awang said Malaysia’s first economic growth corridor has what it takes to attract Japanese to work, live and play.

He said Johor has always been a preferred investment destination for Japanese investors since 1980s, with many Japanese manufacturers setting up their operations.

“Johor’s close proximity to Singapore is an advantage to attract not only the Japanese but other foreigners to invest or choose Iskandar as their second home,’’ Jaffar said at the ground breaking ceremony of Molek Pine 3, here.

Launched on Nov 4, 2006, Iskandar spans over 2,217 sq km, in the southernmost part of Johor, with five flagship development zones – JB City Centre, Nusajaya, Eastern Gate Development, Western Gate Development and Senai-Kulai.

The high-end condominium project is being developed by Tanjung Bintang Sdn Bhd, a unit of the Berinda Group, which in turn is a property development arm of the Kuok Group.

The project comprises a 28-storey tower block with 212 units and a six-storey block with 36 units on a2.42ha site in Taman Molek.

The units will have built up areas of 1,300 to 2,300 sqm. The condo with selling price from RM500,000, is expected to be completed in two years.

Global Asia Investment (Macau) Ltd has purchased the two blocks from Tanjung Bintang for RM200mil – the two condo blocks would be used for its ‘Malaysia My Second Home’ programme for its Japanese clients.

Berinda Group chief executive officer and Tanjung Bintang group managing director Frank Goon Swee Kheong said the condo blocks have been designed to cater to the requirement of the Japanese community.

He said these include specific bathroom features like the Japanese ‘Ofuro’ as well as ‘Onsens’ (simulated natural hotspring pools) in the clubhouse and a commercial centre to serve the needs of the community such supermarket, food and beverage outlets and medical facilities.

Goon said Molek Pine Tower 3, would also be the first high-rise development here which fully adhered to the ‘Green Building’ certification requirements.

Taman Molek was launched in 1990 and now has about 5,000 residential and commercial units.

Source: http://www.starproperty.my/PropertyScene/PropertyNews/10038/0/0

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