KUALA LUMPUR: S P Setia Bhd announced that total sales hit RM1.67bil in the first half of 2022, putting it on track to achieving its RM4bil sales target for the year.

The property developer said 83% of the sales were from local projects while the remainder were international sales contributions.

“It is worth noting that RM272mil of completed inventories were sold, and RM559mil of bookings were secured during this period in review.

“Our key focus remains steadfast on the swift conversion of the latter into sales,” said SP Setia president and CEO Datuk Choong Kai Wai in a statement.

For the second quarter ended June 30, 2022, SP Setia reported a net profit of RM80.09mil, which was 7.07% higher than in the previous comparative quarter, on the back of revenue of RM1.02bil.

Earnings per share for the quarter stood at 1.97 sen as compared with 1.84 sen previously.

According to Choong, the group has launched a total gross development value (GDV) of RM300.7mil landed properties comprising double-storey terraces, semi-detached homes and bungalows.

He said there were successful take-up rates in townships such as Setia Eco Glades while the new phase in Setia Eco Templar rose above 90%. The group is currently anchored by 47 on-going projects with an effective remaining landbank of 7,042 acres.

Moving forward, Choong is optimistic that despite the challenges of elevated building material costs, labour shortages, the interest rate upcycle and inflationary pressure, potential homebuyers are still seeking landed properties in established townships.

“This augurs well for SP Setia as the Group is known for quality townships prioritising conveniences and amenities.

“Many potential buyers realise the importance of owning a home that complements their lifestyle under the new norm.

“The recently announced 100% stamp duty exemption for first-time homebuyers of properties priced RM500,000 and below through the i-MILIKI will assist in expediting the property market’s recovery,” he added.

At at June 30, 2022, GDV stands at RM120.88bil, backed by an unbilled sales totalling RM8.71bil providing earnings visibility in the short to mid-term.

KEPALA BATAS: Penang is experiencing an urban malaria crisis following the influx of foreign nationals into the state’s various economic sectors with the health status of these workers being unknown.

State Health director, Datuk Dr Ma’arof Sudin said employers in the private sector having foreign workers should thus provide information on their workers from endemic malaria countries to the nearest District Health Office for record purposes.

“In fact, all foreign workers should undergo medical examination including screening for malaria based on the policy set by the government for the foreign workers in Malaysia.

“Besides that, residents who live in or have a travel history to areas at risk of malaria or to malaria endemic countries should seek immediate treatment at the nearest clinic or hospital if they have symptoms like fever, chills, sweating and body weakness.

“Among the malaria endemic countries are Indonesia, the Philippines, Myanmar, Papua New Guinea, Bangladesh, Pakistan, India, Nigeria and Congo,” he said in his speech at the state-level World Malaria Day commemoration at the Setia Experience Centre, Bandar Setia Fontaines, here, on Thursday (Aug 11).

Dr Ma’arof said the State Health Department was always taking precautionary measures, active detection of cases, surveillance examination activities and control, conducting health education among members of the community and non-governmental organisations and those in the private sector to prevent and control malaria infection, as best as possible, from the endemic countries.

He said in addition to the control and prevention activities, were other initiatives taken that were unique to Penang, namely, the Malaria Control Drain Modification Innovation or Environmental Management Method to prevent breeding of the Anopheles mosquito that was available in Taman Botani and could be a referral source locally and internationally.

“In Malaysia, up to the 30th Epidemiology Week, 2022, the reported number of cumulative malaria cases was at 1,611, with 90.3% of zoonotic malaria infections caused by the Plasmodium knowlesi parasite spread to humans through the host animals such as macaques.

“The other 9.7% were human malaria infection cases with 96% of these being import cases that were detected in Malaysia,” he added. – Bernama

KEPALA BATAS: Pulau Pinang menghadapi masalah Urban Malaria berikutan kebanjiran warga asing di pelbagai sektor ekonomi yang tidak diketahui status kesihatan mereka.

Pengarah Kesihatan Pulau Pinang, Datuk Dr Ma’arof Sudin, berkata ekoran itu, majikan sektor swasta yang mempunyai pekerja warga asing perlu memberikan maklumat pekerja mereka dari negara endemik malaria kepada Pejabat Kesihatan Daerah berdekatan supaya pihaknya mempunyai rekod.

“Malah semua pekerja asing seharusnya melalui pemeriksaan perubatan termasuk saringan malaria mengikut dasar yang ditetapkan oleh kerajaan bagi pekerja asing yang bekerja di Malaysia.

“Selain itu, penduduk yang tinggal atau mempunyai sejarah perjalanan ke kawasan berisiko malaria atau ke negara endemik malaria perlu mendapatkan rawatan segera di klinik atau hospital berdekatan sekiranya mengalami gejala seperti demam, sejuk menggigil, berpeluh dan lemah tubuh badan supaya rawatan awal dapat diberikan.

“Antara negara-negara endemik malaria adalah Indonesia, Filipina, Myanmar, Papua New Guinea, Bangladesh, Pakistan, India, Nigeria dan Congo,” katanya berucap sempena Sambutan Hari Malaria Sedunia Peringkat Pulau Pinang di Setia Experience Centre, Bandar Setia Fontaines, di sini hari ini.

Sementara itu, Ma’arof berkata pihaknya juga sentiasa mengambil langkah kesiapsiagaan, pengesanan kes secara aktif, pemerkasaan aktiviti pengawasan dan kawalan serta pendidikan kesihatan dalam kalangan komuniti, pertubuhan bukan kerajaan dan syarikat swasta untuk mencegah serta mengawal sebaik mungkin jangkitan malaria yang diimport dari negara-negara endemik.
Katanya sebagai tambahan kepada aktiviti kawalan dan pencegahan konvensional sedia ada, inisiatif lain yang diambil dan amat unik bagi Pulau Pinang adalah Inovasi Modifikasi Parit Kawalan Malaria atau Kaedah Pengurusan Alam Sekitar bagi mencegah pembiakan nyamuk anophaeles yang boleh didapati di Taman Botani.

“Ia adalah satu-satunya model parit kawalan malaria di Malaysia yang terletak di kawasan yang mudah dilawati dan boleh dijalankan demonstrasi fungsi setiap jenis parit secara langsung dan menjadi sumber rujukan tempatan dan antarabangsa,” katanya.

Beliau berkata terdapat dua kategori jangkitan penyakit malaria iaitu Jangkitan Malaria Manusia yang disebabkan oleh parasit plasmodium seperti falciparum, vivax, malariae dan ovale manakala kategori yang kedua adalah Jangkitan Malaria Zoonotik yang disebabkan oleh parasit plasmodium knowlesi yang ditular dari haiwan seperti kera yang menjadi perumah kepada manusia.

“Di Malaysia, sehingga Minggu Epid 30 tahun 2022, jumlah kumulatif kes Malaria yang dilaporkan sehingga kini adalah sebanyak 1,611 kes dengan 90.3 peratus adalah membabitkan Malaria Zoonotik (plasmodium knowlesi) yang ditularkan daripada haiwan yang menjadi perumah seperti kera kepada manusia.

Manakala, sebanyak 9.7 peratus lagi adalah kes jangkitan Malaria Manusia dan 96 peratus daripadanya kes import iaitu pesakit mendapat jangkitan dari luar negara dan dikesan dijangkiti malaria di Malaysia,” katanya.

PETALING JAYA (Aug 10): S P Setia will be organising ‘#Setia4Malaysia Unity Run 2022’ in an effort to celebrate the spirit of togetherness this Merdeka and Malaysia Day.

The run, which will be held on Sept 18, 2022 in Setia Bayuemas, Klang, is supported by the Ministry of Youth and Sports.

‘#Setia4Malaysia Unity Run 2022’, which is expected to attract more than 2,000 runners, aims to promote healthier living and balanced lifestyles among the communities, while creating the opportunity to experience S P Setia’s township developments that are anchored on its ‘LiveLearnWorkPlay’ development philosophy.

S P Setia said the runners of ‘#Setia4Malaysia Unity Run 2022’ can choose to participate in a 5km fun run or the 21.1km half marathon. Families with young ones can also take part in this family-friendly weekend event and spend quality bonding time together outdoors.

The first 200 registrants will enjoy an early bird price of RM35 for the fun run and RM55 per ticket for the half marathon, while the next 500 registrants can purchase tickets at RM50 and RM80, respectively while normal tickets are priced at RM70 and RM110, respectively.

Half marathon runners who complete the 21.1km run will also receive a limited-edition finisher’s jersey.

‘#Setia4Malaysia Unity Run 2022’ will also see the participation of 30 local running and fitness influencers at the event, which include Malaysian athletes and medallists Penny Loh Chooi Fern (@chooifernpenny), Muhaizar Mohamad (@muhaizarmohamad) and Saddam Pittli (@saddampittli).

Tickets for ‘#Setia4Malaysia Unity Run 2022’ can now be purchased online or via the JomRun app downloadable on Apple App Store and Google Play Store until Sept 16, 2022.

KUALA LUMPUR: Celebrating music and life, property developer SP Setia is organising its Setia Live Out Loud concert in Setia EcoHill, Semenyih with an exciting line-up of Malaysia’s favourite local and international artists.

Open to the public free-of-charge, the concert is expected to welcome a 5,000-strong audience at Setia EcoHill Walk in Semenyih. Not to miss out, those interested in attending the concert are advised to register early to secure their seats.

The world is shifting from pandemic to endemic, and SP Setia is celebrating the shift to celebrate life and to encourage the general public to embrace the way forward, said SP Setia president and chief executive officer Datuk Choong Kai Wai.

“Like spring after winter, I believe this concert will mark a renewed energy for all to enjoy and embrace after the long hiatus caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. At Setia, we believe that life is to be celebrated, and through our Citizen Setia programme, we aim to bring just that to all of our valued purchasers and residents,” he said.

At Setia, we believe that life is to be celebrated, said Choong.

“This is also part of the community building effort and to reward the residents,” added SPSetia senior executive vice president Datuk Seri Koe Peng Kang.

Hosted by Baki Zainal and Caely See, the concert line-up includes Datuk Zainal Abidin, Nicholas Teo, Priscilla Abby, Santesh, Hael Husaini and pop group The15 who will be performing live on stage.

Veteran artist Zainal added that the free concert is to encourage positivity and the songs chosen will be positively themed. “Music is a universal language. It doesn’t matter which language is used,” he said, pointing out that as long as a good song has positive vibes, it would transcend to the listeners.

For one night only, the concert is happening on Sept 3, 2022 from 8.30pm to 11.30pm at Setia EcoHill Walk, a lifestyle hub which recently opened in Setia EcoHill, Semenyih. The concert is also held in anticipation of the Setia EcoHill Mall’s official opening in September, which will serve a population of more than 600,000 from Semenyih, Southern Cheras, Putrajaya, Kajang and Bangi.

Located in Semenyih, Setia EcoHill is one of SP Setia’s award-winning Eco-series townships which support sustainable lifestyles with its eco-conscious amenities. Setia EcoHill Mall covers a spacious built-up of 280,000 square feet with 3 ½ storeys of retail space.

Lulu Supermarket and Department Store, a supermarket by internationally renowned Middle East retail chain Lulu Group International, has been confirmed to be the anchor tenant for the mall.

The mall is also complemented with diverse F&B offerings including well-known brands such as The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, Tealive, Boost Juice, Llao Llao, Sangkaya, Secret Recipe, Sushi King, The Chicken Rice Shop, Texas Chicken, Ipoh Kacang Putih and Kari Puff Abe Yus. The most recent additions to Setia EcoHill Mall’s diverse tenant mix also include Apple’s premium reseller Machines and clothing retail chain FOS.

The Live Out Loud concert booking is now open via https://liveoutloud.spsetia.com/ with the option of free-standing and free seating on a first-come-first-serve basis.

Setia City Mall, Shah Alam’s largest shopping and leisure destination is celebrating its tenth anniversary this July with exciting festivities and sensational prizes up for grabs.

Since opening its doors in 2012, the mall has attracted not only the Setia Alam community but also proven to be the mall of choice for residents in the Klang Valley.

Located in the southern corridor of Setia Alam, Setia City Mall is a joint venture between S P Setia Berhad and Lendlease managed fund – Asian Retail Investment Fund (ARIF). The mall recently completed its expansion works and now boasts 1.18 million square feet of retail space housing approximately 17 major retailers and over 280 local and international retailers, creating a rich, multi-layered experience for visitors. The expansion enhanced tenant mix and facilities, providing patrons with a wider range of fashion, dining, leisure, and entertainment offers creating an all-new fresh experience.

“Setia Alam township has matured tremendously since its launch in 2004. Today it is 22,000 households strong with approximately 90,000 residents. The mall has also grown in tandem with the lifestyle demands of the enlarged communities, and we believe this milestone is just one of the many that the mall will achieve in the years to come.”

“Consumer behaviour has changed due to the COVID-19 pandemic past two years. This has resulted in mall operators and retailers having to re-strategise their business models, change the structures, re-assess the mix of their tenants, and incorporate online services to drive their business into the new normal. This means moving forward, malls will need to provide a truly omnichannel experience. Brick-and-mortar outlets will need to adopt elements of the online experience besides the physical stores taking cognisance of the adoption of artificial intelligence, robotics, virtual reality and augmented reality as part of their business sustainability,” said Datuk Tan Hon Lim, Executive Vice President of S P Setia Berhad Group.

KUALA LUMPUR (July 6): Battersea Power Station has reached practical completion of the Grade II listed Power Station after eight years of transformational restoration, said Sime Darby Property Bhd.

Battersea Power Station is owned by a Malaysian consortium consisting of Sime Darby Property, S P Setia Bhd and the Employees Providend Fund.

In a statement on Tuesday (July 5), Battersea Power Station Development Company (BPSDC) chief executive officer Simon Murphy said the company is now working with the retail and leisure brands as they fit out their spaces ahead of the opening of the building to the public for the first time in autumn.

BPSDC said also opening this year is London’s newest pedestrianised high street, Electric Boulevard.

It said the new high street was designed by two of the world’s most renowned architectural practices, Gehry Partners and Foster + Partners, and will feature shops, restaurants, a community hub, a new park and a 164-room art’otel, the brand’s first hotel in the UK overlooking the Power Station itself.

The company said Electric Boulevard will also link the development to the new Zone 1 Northern Line London Underground Station which opened in 2021, bringing Battersea within 15 minutes of the City and the West End, as well as boosting the local economy and creating over 17,000 jobs.

Meanwhile, it said the Circus West Village, the first chapter in the regeneration of Battersea Power Station, already includes customer favourites such as Sugen Gopal’s Roti King, Francesco Mazzei’s Fiume and Chef Vivek Singh’s Cinnamon Kitchen.

It said the vibrant riverside neighbourhood is home to more than 1,800 residents and over 20 cafés, bars, restaurants, shops, fitness and leisure facilities.

Construction company Multiplex has reached a building milestone on SP Setia’s Sapphire by the Gardens dual tower development with both high-rises ‘topping out’.

The new additions to the Melbourne skyline reached their highest points standing at 232 and 220 metres above street level respectively. The project includes a 62-level
5-star flagship Shangri-La Hotel along with a 60-level residential tower housing 325 luxury apartments.

SP Setia President and CEO Datuk Choong Kai Wai is pleased with the milestone, with the end now in sight for the project which first broke ground in late 2018.

“The completion of Sapphire by the Gardens and the Shangri-La will mark our fifth significant development within Melbourne.”

Datuk Choong Kai Wai, SP Setia President & CEO

“We are thrilled to see this iconic development come to life and stimulate thousands of local jobs during and after construction,” he said.

The high rises on the corner of Exhibition and La Trobe Streets will be connected by a Sky Lounge two-thirds of the way up the towers. The development is designed by Fender Katsalidis in collaboration with Cox Architecture.

The 500-room Hotel will feature a striking façade embellished with champagne gold fins. The facility will also deliver the largest ballroom space in Melbourne’s CBD with elegant six-metre-high ceilings.

Multiplex Regional Managing Director Graham Cottam has expressed his delight with the milestone, describing it as a “…testament to the collaboration and determination of our team and subcontractors.”

“Constructing two towers simultaneously takes exceptional planning and management, especially when facing construction and engineering complexities like the iconic sky bridge, 46-storeys in the air.”

Graham Cottam, Multiplex Regional Managing Director

At its peak, the project required more than 400 workers daily according to Multiplex. The construction has calculated over 2 million hours worked to date.

Multiplex was faced with construction challenges associated with the sky bridge design. The construction team resolved to create a temporary cantilevered deck beneath the structure to enable safe working access.

Upon completion, the precinct is forecast to have generated over 1,000 jobs including some ongoing roles within the Hotel.

The first residents are expected to move into apartments in October 2022 while the final completion of the precinct is on track for early in 2023. The Hotel expects to welcome its first guests in 2024.

PARIS: Six Malaysia-based property developers have bagged awards at the FIABCI World Prix d’Excellence Awards 2022 held on June 9.

S P Setia Bhd had the biggest win as it was the only Malaysian developer to win two gold awards at the event.

With the addition of the two awards, S P Setia retained the record as the Malaysian developer with the most golds, or a total of 15, to be exact.

The winning projects were KL Eco City (KLEC), Kuala Lumpur, and Setia Marina 2 of Setia Eco Glades, Cyberjaya.

KLEC bagged the top accolade in the mixed-use development category, while Setia Marina 2 clinched a gold award in the residential (low-rise) category.

It is noteworthy that KLEC and Setia Marina 2 had previously won the mixed-use development and residential (low-rise) categories at the FIABCI Malaysia Property Award 2021.

According to S P Setia president and chief executive officer Datuk Choong Kai Wai, the recognitions received by KLEC and Setia Marina 2 were testament to the strength of the company’s products in meeting the aspirations of home-owners, property buyers and communities.

“We are truly honoured to be awarded for our commitment in delivering thoughtfully- planned developments anchored on our LiveLearnWorkPlay development philosophy and our continuous effort in operating along the environment, social and governance (ESG) pillars.

“As lifestyles and demands have changed over the years, especially after the Covid-19 pandemic, property development is now not only about building homes that support sustainable lifestyles.

“It is also about uplifting communities in and beyond our developments through creating sustainable business opportunities,” Choong said.

Meanwhile, YTL Land and Development Bhd won a gold award under the residential (high-rise) category for its The Fennel at Sentul East project.

For silver awards, four Malaysian property developers were announced as the winners.

Gamuda Land won the silver award under the environmental category for its Gamuda Gardens Central Park project.

Its parent company, Gamuda Bhd, won another silver under the resort category for Batu Patung Eco Village.

Hap Seng Land Sdn Bhd clinched a silver award under the purpose-built category for its Wisma Mercedes-Benz.

As for the residential (mid-rise) category, OSK Property Sdn Bhd bagged the silver award for its TimurBay Seafront Residence in Kuantan.

WB Land Sdn Bhd won the industrial category with Frontier Park.

The award ceremony was held in conjuction with 72nd FIABCI World Real Estate Congress.

Star Media Group Bhd was the media partner for the FIABCI World Prix d’Excellence Awards 2022.

PARIS (June 10): S P Setia Bhd has clinched two gold awards at the International Real Estate Federation (FIABCI) World Prix d’Excellence Awards 2022 held on June 9 in Paris, France.

This year’s win makes S P Setia the Malaysian developer with the most FIABCI World Gold awards, with 15 under its belt.

The winning projects were KL Eco City (KLEC) in Kuala Lumpur, which bagged the top accolade in the Mixed-use Development category and Setia Marina 2 of Setia Eco Glades, Cyberjaya, which was honoured under the Residential (Low-Rise) category.

S P Setia president and chief executive officer Datuk Choong Kai Wai noted that the recognitions of KLEC and Setia Marina 2 in the international realm are a testament to the strength of its products in meeting the aspirations of homeowners, property buyers and communities.

“We are truly honoured to be awarded for our commitment in delivering thoughtfully planned developments anchored on our LiveLearnWorkPlay development philosophy and our continuous effort in operating along the environment, social and governance (ESG) pillars,” he said.

“As lifestyles and demands have changed over the years, especially after the Covid-19 pandemic, property development is now not only about building homes that support sustainable lifestyles, but also uplifting communities in and beyond our developments through creating sustainable business opportunities,” Choong added.

Both KLEC and Setia Marina 2 have previously won the Mixed-use Development and Residential (Low-Rise) categories at the FIABCI Malaysia Property Award 2021.