17 OCTOBER 2018 WEDNESDAY
CHERAS EXPLORING A POTENTIAL investment jewel
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orn & Bred You think you know Cheras? > 02
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XPLORE Nasi lemak wars > 03
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TORY Growth potential of a sought-after district > 06-07
RANSACTION Cheras under the microscope > 12
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orn&Bred
CHERAS 17 OCTOBER 2018 WEDNESDAY
By Gunaprasath Bupalan
m
ention Cheras and most people would tend to describe the township as being slightly backward, congested with traffic, slow to progress, huge district located far away, and not a place to go to for an outing.
You think you know Cheras?
You'd be surprised by what it has to offer
Surely, there are positives to this place. So we decided to take up the challenge and look for things in Cheras that you probably didn’t know existed or may like to visit. To begin this journey, we needed some ‘equipment’:
Xiao Long Kan Hot Pot @ SUNWAY VELOCITY
Ok, you probably need more than RM100 in your wallet to visit this restaurant. But being a hot-pot lover, I insisted that we eat there and tell you about it because it has been receiving rave reviews all over social media. The concept of hot pot is pretty simple – simmering meat cuts, assorted vegetables and maybe some noodles in various types of broth, which is probably the main draw of the hot-pot experience. Chinese hot pots have become more than just a culinary and cultural experience. It is now a form of relaxing enjoyment involving more than just actively digging into what’s cooking in the pot. At the Xiao Long Kan Hot Pot, everything is mostly in Mandarin including the signage. For me, this was a hindrance to locating the outlet. However, when the food came, it was worth all the effort in finding the restaurant. The meat was succulent, the vegetables fresh and the broth spicy yet tasty.
A map
Indeed, Cheras is huge. The perception that it is far away may stem from the fact that the district is divided into two parts – the ‘Cheras of Wilayah Persekutuan’ (basically the part that has a Kuala Lumpur address) and the ‘Cheras of Selangor’ (Selangor address). This division makes Cheras seem big and far, and gives it an ‘out of town’ feel. work-in-progress of various strata and landed residential, commercial and retail developments.
A steady Internet and GPS connection
Fully charge your cellphone battery before exploring Cheras because there are so many areas to visit to get an idea of the place. Aside from the entertainment spots in Cheras, we were drawn to the food. You name it, Cheras has it – from authenthic Chinese cuisine to Malay delicacies to Indian banana leaf, western fare, and street food. We needed Waze at all times to navigate the inner roads to reach the eateries in this food heaven.
At least RM100 in your wallet
Assuming you have a full tank of petrol and a pre-filled Touch & Go card to cover your travel expenses, RM100 should basically cover your fun journey through Cheras for the day. How is this possible? What did we visit … taman-taman (housing estates)? Cheras is indeed made up of many ‘tamans’ (probably the district with the most housing estates in KL). We’re glad to have made this journey of discovery because there is so much to learn about Cheras.
The pasar malam scene Patience
Driving in Cheras can be frustrating because of heavy traffic. However, the traffic congestion is mainly due to the upgrading of roads as well as
Not only does Cheras have an array of night markets (pasar malam), most of them are quite well known and people from out of town drive some distance just to visit the stalls regularly. Some of these night markets are several kilometres long and the stalls
Bukit Saga
normally stay open till late into the night. The pasar malam at Taman Billion is said to be among the best night markets in Malaysia.
Due to construction works, it may be a bit tricky to find the entrance to the trail, but just ask the locals. Most Cheras residents would know where Bukit Saga is. Once on the trail, you will find the journey to the waterfall pretty spectacular. The level of difficulty is moderate, so make sure you don’t go alone or when it’s raining (we got lost for a few hours due to the rain). You may want to consider using a location app like Google maps to help you along the way.
Kolam air panas Sungai Serai (hotsprings)
Public transport Hours into exploring Cheras, we realised that every corner we turned we ran into an MRT feeder bus. So we whipped out our phones and googled “MRT lines in Cheras”. To our astonishment, 11 of the 31 new MRT stations are in Cheras. We actually didn’t need to drive and fight the traffic; we could have just jumped on the MRT. The line runs along Jalan Cheras in KL and down the Cheras-Kajang Expressway in Selangor, from Cochrane station to the Taman Koperasi Cuepacs station.
Great place to chill and relax in the hot water. Most people visit the hotsprings in the evening to take a dip. There’s a place for you to change your clothes. Plastic chairs are placed in the pool for you to sit and soak your legs if you find it too hot to immerse your body in the water. Definitely refreshing after a long day of exploring.
So, do we agree with those who claim that Cheras is boring and backdated? No! We totally disagree. If you come across someone who doesn’t know Cheras that well, dare the person to journey and expolore this gem of a town. They won’t regret it.
xplore
CHERAS
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17 OCTOBER 2018 WEDNESDAY
By Viknesh Ashley
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hen thinking about what to eat in Cheras, you may find it hard to decide because of the many different types of cuisine to choose from. There’s fresh seafood, spicy Thai, an array of Chinese dishes, Malay fare served up at night markets, as well as yummy banana leaf restaurants at almost every corner of the district. Despite the fierce competition, nasi lemak has always had a special place in the heart of the Cheras community as well as those who frequent the locality. Of late, however, a battle among nasi lemak outlets has been raging – with one restaurant finding ways to outdo the other, resulting in the mushrooming of nasi lemak providers within the area. Let’s take a stroll down the Nasi Lemak Hall of Fame and shortlist some of the best places in Cheras to grab this truly Malaysian dish.
friendly and helpful staff who serve up nasi lemak that manages to achieve some plus points but at the same time has its fair share of shortcomings. At one glance, the serving looks appetizing. But on closer inspection, the fried chicken is noticeably hard and quite difficult to cut. Condiments are insufficient while the watery sambal is an epic failure. The crowd is a mix of young and old, and the establishment has a lively atmosphere with a vibrant musical band. Ultimately, the nasi lemak did not live up to expectations and thus deserves a rating of 6/10.
Nasi Lemak
Wars
Check out the best outlets in Cheras for this favourite Malaysian dish
Contender 4:
Gerai Makan Al R’zkhan Maju
This outlet at Taman Tenaga, 56000 Kuala Lumpur, is easy to find for those seeking out nasi lemak. Although unimpressive, the restaurant is manned by friendly and helpful staff. The nasi lemak here was a disappointment. The rice was cold and they were penny-pinching with the condiments as there was barely any ikan bilis and roasted peanuts in the serving. The chicken, however, saved the dish – it was tasty and flavourful. This restaurant does not meet the mark with regard to a wholesome plate of nasi lemak, and thus deserves a rating of just 4/10.
Contender 1:
Poppo Kanteen Cheras
Located at 37 Jalan Manis 9, Taman Bukit Segar, 56100 Batu 9 Cheras, Poppo Kanteen Cheras is easy to find and obviously popular among the working class. On entering the restaurant, you would be impressed with the set-up which reflects the nasi lemak served here – simply appetising. The staff may not seem very friendly, but the food makes up for any service shortcomings. The fried chicken is flavourful and hot, condiments such as roasted peanuts, anchovies and sliced cucumber are all fresh and in generous amounts. The egg that initially seemed peculiar (boiled on the inside and fried on the outside) provided a different experience but was just as delicious. This establishment is highly recommended to nasi lemak lovers looking for a twist. The only downside to the dish is that the sambal lacks oomph and could be a little spicier. Patrons will be satisfied with their meal because the portion matches the amount they pay (RM8.90). Yummm! This restaurant deserves a rating of 8/10.
Contender 2:
Nasi Lemak Tanglin
Also easy to find is Nasi Lemak Tanglin, which is situated in Tasik Perdana, 50480 Kuala Lumpur. This establishment is manned by
Contender 5:
Nasi Lemak Taman Tenaga
Contender 3:
Nasi Lemak Pandan, Cheras
The stall is located at the Kuchai Lama Food Court, Lot 31208 Jalan Awan Makmur, 58200 Kuala Lumpur. The outlet is clean and managed by helpful and friendly staff.
When placing your order, you will notice that this stall offers nasi lemak with chicken as well as wild boar. Nasi lemak with wild boar may be rare but this combination has turned out to be a celebration for the taste buds. The rice was hot and flavourful, the condiments were sufficient and the wild boar complimented the spicy preparation perfectly. The only downside to the dish was that the sambal was not spicy enough. This stall attracts families because it is in a food court. For those looking for a little adventure in their favourite nasi lemak, this spot is definitely recommended and deserves a rating of 8/10.
This outlet stands out due to its versatility and budget pricing at just RM5 a plate. Located at Taman Tenaga, 56000 Kuala Lumpur, Nasi Lemak Taman Tenaga is for those looking for cheap and good nasi lemak. The most impressive aspect about this nasi lemak stall is its self-service feature, whereby customers can choose from a huge variety of dishes to go with the nasi lemak. They can also help themselves to generous amounts of condiments. The stall’s hot coconut steamed rice is extremely appetizing. The fried chicken was tasty but cold. The spicy sambal served with the coconut rice was perfect – flavourful and spicy. This nasi lemak has many plus points and is worth the price, thus deserving a rating of 7/10. > Matthew enjoying his plate of nasi lemak with a flavourful piece of fried chicken.
VERDICT
Since two outlets scored 8/10 on the nasi lemak scale, we had to give the win to Nasi Lemak Pandan, Cheras because of its unique wild boar version.
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CHERAS
Advertorial
17 OCTOBER 2018 WEDNESDAY
MyTOWN ready to take on ‘KLTown’ Retail mall set to become meeting place for city community By Gina Ezra Sudin
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yTOWN Shopping Centre, a retail destination unveiled in the up-andcoming area of Cheras earlier last year, is a mall that features a 1.6 million sq ft of retail space, an alfresco dining area, an outdoor park and new international brands along with a mix of tenants – all of which are set to make it the meeting place for the KL community. MyTOWN is developed by Boustead Ikano Sdn Bhd, a joint venture between Boustead Holdings Bhd and Ikano Pte Ltd. Serving retail indulgences for the many, MyTOWN boasts a list of well-known retailers under its roof. Swedish home furnishing giant Ikea, Asianbased department store Parkson, Malaysia’s largest cinema chain Golden Screen Cinemas and premium grocery store Village Grocer are some of the selected anchor tenants among the 400 existing establishments at MyTOWN. For satisfying feasts, MyTOWN offers a spread of food outlets to appeal to varying taste buds from comforting local delights to international cuisine.
MyTOWN patrons can look forward to new eateries like Naughty Chicken, which features a Mediterranean Western grilled menu, and Mohd Chan Dim Sum with its renowned halal and Cantonese-style comfort food. South Korea’s No.1 oven-roasted chicken restaurant Goobne recently made its Malaysian debut at MyTOWN. In the near future, upcoming food outlets like quirky The Owls Cafe x Midorie, South-East Asian restaurant Gajah Mada By The Majapahit, Japanese restaurant Nihon Shoku and pokebowl purveyors Tail & Fin will be opening their doors to offer shoppers a wider selection of delicious meals. As a go-to place for leisure and social meetings, MyTOWN offers fun for family and friends at its sunken garden with step seating, semi-covered event pavilion, landscaped outdoor park, international dining at an alfresco terrace, and children’s play area. Recently, Loud Speaker Family Karaoke has opened its doors to the public, welcoming all aspiring singers to sing their heart out. For meaningful family outings, The Parenthood, Malaysia’s one-stop parenting hub for edutainment and leisure activities, is
targeted to open in November. Discover experiences that stimulate the senses at VAR Live, a virtual reality (VR) theme park for immersive cool games that is estimated to open this December. Soon, adrenaline junkies can head over to the brand new EnerG X Park for gravity-defying activities. Designed with its customers in mind, MyTOWN has 6,500 parking bays spread over two levels of basement parking and four levels of elevated car parks. The shopping centre is situated strategically within the city centre and is accessible via major highways including a direct access ramp to and from the Maju Expressway (MEX). Public commuters can take advantage of the direct access underground tunnel from Cochrane MRT station to MyTOWN.
MyTOWN Shopping Centre
Location Jalan Cochrane, Kuala Lumpur Type of development Retail Developer Boustead Ikano Sdn Bhd Size 1.6 million sq ft Business Hours Monday – Sunday / 10am-10pm USPs 400 tenants – anchored by IKEA, Parkson, GSC & Village Grocer, 5 min from KL City Centre, 6,500 parking bays, direct access ramp to and from Maju Expressway (MEX), direct access tunnel from Cochrane MRT Station GPS coordinates 3°08’05.8”N 101°43’22.
Advertorial
CHERAS
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17 OCTOBER 2018 WEDNESDAY
The ‘One’ COCHrane has been waiting for
Mutiara Rini crafts a gem within the city's heritage By john seth
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hen you look at modern developments in today’s Malaysia, especially those closer to KL city centre, you would not think of the historical attributes and heritage areas they reside on. But architecture isn’t just about modernity or contemporary inclusions – it is also about maintaining the history behind certain markings that simply need to be preserved while adding a modern element. Jalan Cochrane in Cheras was named after Charles Walter Hamilton Cochrane, CMG (1876–1932). He was an agent for the Malaya Information Agency who later became the British Resident of Perak and Chief Secretary to the Government of Malaya from 1929 to 1930. He retired after 32 years in Malaya. Although Jalan Cochrane is still known for its pre-World War II government quarters and the Cochrane Road School, Jalan Cochrane is now seeing a transformation that’s breathing
new life into the neighbourhood. Even with the city’s ever-changing landscape, the soul of the neighbourhood lives on through communities that will redefine urban life in the area. Mutiara Rini Sdn Bhd, a member of Boustead Group, understood the importance of maintaining this history. Hence the birth of One Cochrane Residences, a modern gem that shines within the city’s heritage. This freehold 3.66-acre site along Jalan Cochrane will host a 37-storey, two-tower residential condominium that houses 224 units per block. Built-up sizes range from 926sf to 1,227sf, offering either one plus one, two or three-bedroom types. The three-bedroom unit features a dualkey concept that offers residents the privacy of a separate entrance to one of the rooms with an attached en-suite bath. This allows families to offer privacy to their older folk or for young married couples to have a separate enclave away but still close to their parents, or even for a family to earn additional monthly rental income.
Plenty of modern facilities at One Cochrane Residences.
Each floor has only six units at this lowdensity development which is serviced by four passenger lifts and one dedicated service lift. The condo features modern facilities including a BBQ terrace, lounge, wading pool, family Jacuzzi, swimming pool, a floating lounge, a regular gym as well as an outdoor fitness area, all nestled within a multi-tiered security facility. This Transit Oriented Development (TOD) is situated just opposite Ikea Cheras and MyTown Shopping Centre, 150m away from the Cochrane MRT station and close to Tun Razak Exchange (TRX) as well as various commercial components including banks, hotels, parks, schools, private educational centres, medical facilities, and a golf course. Selling from RM880,000, the building comes equipped with the Automated Waste Collection System (AWCS), an environmentally friendly system to handle rubbish collection, that ensures residents have a better way to dispose their waste as it is managed in a more efficient manner.
One Cochrane Residences
Location Jalan Cochrane, Kuala Lumpur Type of development Condominium Developer Mutiara Rini Sdn Bhd (A member of Boustead Group) Size 3.66-acre Completion April, 2021 USPs Dual-key concept, BBQ terrace, lounge, wading pool, family Jacuzzi, swimming pool, floating lounge, gym, aqua gym, garden dining area, party room, saunas, multi-purpose hall, games room, fitness studio, creative play area, outdoor fitness area, 3-tier security Standard built-up unit 926sf to 1,227sf Selling price RM880,000 and above GPS coordinates 3.133851, 101.721023
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CHERAS
tory
17 OCTOBER 2018 WEDNESDAY
By Gunaprasath Bupalan
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ou’re from Cheras? Wow! That’s so far away... Cheras, don’t want la – the jam is horrible. What to do in Cheras? Not happening la... These are some common remarks Cheras residents hear from ‘outsiders’. Although such statements may be correct to a certain extent, there is more to Cheras than meets the eye. This comprehensive review on the district will give readers the benefit of familiarising themselves with an area that has huge potential for capital appreciation through property investment. Before we get into the benefits of living or investing in Cheras, let us learn about the place.
growth potential o a sought-after dist
High-value economic activities will serve to sustain the Cheras prop
Cheras of yesteryear
Cheras is a township located south-east of Kuala Lumpur, adjacent to Ampang (to the north) and Kajang (to the south). It is therefore sandwiched between two major towns within the metropolitan area of Kuala Lumpur. Stretching about 14.9km from the Kuala Lumpur city centre, Cheras begins at the Royal Selangor Golf Club and then along the Jalan Tun Razak-Jalan Bukit Bintang intersection to parts that border Kajang. Hence, parts of Cheras have a Selangor address while the larger areas come under Kuala Lumpur postcodes. Based on history, Cheras began at the end of 1876. There are several versions of how the name ‘Cheras’ came about, so it’s difficult to confirm which is the true origin. However, they make for interesting stories. According to one version, a group of labourers was building the Sungai Langat bridge at Kampung Balakong when they stumbled upon a big piece of hardwood that was difficult to cut because of its tough core. In Malay, the core is known as teras. Therefore, the area where the hardwood was found was named teras – which eventually became cheras. Another story tells of locals claiming that the name Cheras originated from a huge tree that was sunken in a stream. Because it was so difficult to remove the tree from the steam, the area came to be known as teras and the stream was called Sungai Teras, which was later changed to Cheras. The third tale speaks of a Chinese tradesman who frequently used a stream to get around. In the Chinese language, to go back and forth is chow lai. As time went by, chow lai was pronounced as Cheras. Yet another explanation says that the name was derived from the Chinese mispronunciation of beras (rice), which was widely grown in the area in the late 1880s.
Cheras in the later years
Soon after 1 Feb 1974, part of Cheras district fell under the jurisdiction of Kuala Lumpur and officially migrated to Wilayah Persekutuan through ‘Perjanjian Penyerahan Kuala Lumpur 1974’. Since then, Cheras has been divided into two neighbouring districts – one part in Selangor and the other under Wilayah Persekutuan. In Selangor, Cheras is situated in the Hulu Langat district and is under Majlis Perbandaran Kajang while the neighbouring KL portion of Cheras falls within the Kajang and Hulu Semenyih districts. During this time, the central business area of Cheras district was at Pekan Batu 9. Sometime in 1982, Kampung Konggo was officially renamed Bandar Tun Razak – named after Malaysia’s second Prime Minister Tun Abdul Razak, who inspired the development of the district back in 1974. Residents of Bandar Tun Razak live within a comprehensive township that is fully equipped with all the amenities and recreational assets within Wilayah Persekutuan.
Cheras of today
Cheras has become one of the city’s largest suburbs, being home to more than 100 landed housing estates, some of which were established back in the 1960s. Among the larger housing estates are Bandar Tun Razak, Taman Connaught, Taman Maluri and Taman Midah.
Cheras is a location that has high potential and could have its own CBD.
Cheras generally comprises decades-old housing estates interspersed with small commercial centres and a few malls. Over recent years, Cheras has undergone extensive growth and rejuvenation especially with the opening of MRT Line 1, where 11 of the 31 MRT stations are situated within the district. “Cheras is in a unique position, being half way between Kuala Lumpur and Cyberjaya. The highway linkages to Cyberjaya are excellent, so it’s important to look at how they connect to parts of the Klang Valley in terms of local and global value chains,” said Nordin Abdullah, founding chairman of The Malaysia Global Business Forum.
New catalysts from integrated developments and retail malls
Among several significant new mixed commercial developments in the neighbourhood are Ikea-MyTOWN Shopping Centre, Sunway Velocity Mall and EkoCheras Mall, adding to the well-established Aeon Taman Maluri and Cheras Leisure Mall. Sunway Velocity is a 23-acre integrated development with residences, shopping mall, hotel, medical centre, offices and shops and a two-acre park. The MyTOWN development is an 18-acre family and lifestyle shopping centre anchored by the largest Ikea in Malaysia, while EkoCheras is a 12-acre mixed-use development comprising serviced apartments, office suites, hotel suites and retail components. Other upcoming integrated developments that will help raise property prices in the area include the 10.74-acre Emerald Square by Guocoland in Batu 9, which will comprise
serviced apartments, a hotel and offices with a GDV of RM1.5bil. Laville Kuala Lumpur by Orando Holdings Sdn Bhd, when completed in 2021, will feature 35 two-storey retail units, 1,200 serviced apartments and around 2,000 parking bays. M Vertica by Mah Sing Group, also due for completion in 2021, is a mixed undertaking that will comprise five high-rise residential towers and commercial shops, while illi @ Kuala Lumpur by Symphony Life Berhad is planned to comprise two serviced apartment blocks totalling 757 units plus 10 retail shops sitting on top of an eight-storey carpark podium. In the pipeline are plans to convert the green lung at the north-western side of Taman Taynton View, near to Taman Mutiara Barat by Viva Impian. This will make way for a mixed development that will see a five-level shopping mall, several blocks of serviced apartments, a signature serviced residence, serviced suites and SoHos, two corporate office towers and a hotel. While these projects are under way, S P Setia’s recent JV plans for a project in Cheras that is expected to have an estimated GDV of RM11.03bil is in the works. With these developers taking up land banks in Cheras and promising projects that will be much sought-after, property prices in all likelihood will soon see an uptrend.
Rising residential property prices
Housing developments in the area consist of mostly terraced houses serving a middle-income population. However, Cheras has been receiving growth spurts in the form of infrastructure boosts from rail connectivity and integrated developments.
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CHERAS
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as the Liverpool John Moores University Malaysia Campus and the Asia Metropolitan University have all significantly contributed to the growth and capital appreciation of Cheras. “Cheras should have its own Central Business District that is reflective of the future the residents desire, looking not just five years but 25 years down the line,” said Malaysia Global Business Forum’s Nordin. “The government could look at what knowledge clusters can be developed in Cheras so that high-value business activities can take place there. Leveraging off several university campuses would be an obvious starting point,” he said.
operty market
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Interesting Facts about Cheras you should know before investing
1. Cheras was once home to only 500 residents, when known solely as a small tin mining town. 2. Cheras kickstarted with only 21 shophouses in Pudu Ulu, which served as the town centre for many years. 3. Fourteen of the original 21 shophouses were destroyed in a major fire that broke out in May 2010.
Avenues for jobs and investments
Picture source:
t the moment, house prices in Cheras are still dered affordable and attracting more and more young ng adults (urbanites). Overall, landed properties in as have enjoyed a stable price rise over the years. ccording to Zerine Properties CEO Previn Singhe, the age selling price of a single-storey house in Cheras in was around RM151,000. It climbed to RM215,000 in then surged to RM430,000 in 2017 – a capital growth of to 185%. or double-storey terraced houses, Singhe said the age transaction price in 2017 was RM593,333 but these erties were sold at an average price of RM199,333 in which is equivalent to a capital appreciation of 198%.
It is significant that Cheras has a healthy growing population of mainly young families migrating there because of affordable homes. Recent activities also show that the student population in Cheras has increased due to the many educational institutions that have taken an interest in the area. The improved connectivity to major highways, wellserved public transportation including the light rail transit and MRT Line (1) have not only benefited Cheras residents but also piqued the interest of big name developers venturing into the area, which in turn will create better townships, facilities and amenities for the residents, the property market and the economy as a whole. “If you’re a satellite suburb of a major city, then you will have to work hard to attract investments to your location. You have to think about how to exploit your natural advantages or create new avenues to generate investment,” said Leigh Howard, director of recruitment agency Sheffield Executive. “Cheras is one such location that has high potential to create a CBD of its own to bring in investments and jobs. When it comes to attracting companies that seek high levels of talent, you have to look at both demand and supply. “Most international businesses want to know that they will have access to a young, educated workforce for their operations. In turn, most young people want to be able to work with modern, progressive companies,” said Howard. “These two aspects complement each other and represent a way of creating a vibrant level of business activity. “A key element includes modern professional buildings in proximity to transportation. People also want central areas where they can come together and socialise. The right design will bring activity and vibrancy to the area,” he added. Nordin reckons that property prices will continue to grow at a natural rate in Cheras but this cluster approach will allow pockets of high growth to take place and spill over to the surrounding areas. “High-value economic activities are the precursor for sustainable high-value property that looks beyond speculation,” he explained.
5. One folk tale claims that the origin of the name Cheras came from the mispronunciation of the word beras (rice) which was commonly grown in the vicinity in the late 1880s.
Cheras has recently seen a property market boom as many wellknown developers have taken an interest in the area. It is in a unique position, being half way between Kuala Lumpur and Cyberjaya.
6. Half of Cheras sits in Kuala Lumpur and the other half is in Selangor, therefore the area is shared by DBKL and the Kajang Municipal Council. 7. Cheras has 11 out of the 31 newly-completed MRT stations. 8. Cheras is made up of a melting pot of ethnic groups, including 79.82% Malays, 12.34% Chinese, 3.47% Indians, 2.33% non-Malaysians, 1.55% other bumiputras and 0.48% others. (PropSocial, 2018) 9. Many popular developers such as Sunway, Ekovest Bhd and Mah Sing Group Bhd are injecting vibrancy into Cheras, yet it is not uncommon to find high-rise properties sold between RM300,000 to RM500,000 within the vicinity. 10. Cheras is home to several amenities such as The Mines, You City, Leisure Mall, AEON Big, AEON, a Tesco Extra, the rebranded Cheras Sentral as well as the new MyTOWN, Ikea Cheras and Sunway Velocity. 11. Nature lovers living in Cheras can head to the Sungai Putih Hill Forest Reserve to bask in tranquillity and rejuvenate with the gifts provided by Mother Nature or hike up Saga Hill. 12. Medical care is available at Columbia Asia Hospital Cheras, Hospital University Kebangsaan Malaysia or Pantai Cheras Medical Centre. 13. Cheras is home to many education institutions , including UCSI University, Sri Cempaka Internaional School, Asean Metropolitan University College, Seri Suria Private School and Sri Murni Private School. 14. Many affordable homes can be found within Cheras, especially closer to the Kajang area. However, property prices are steadily rising for projects launched closer to the Ampang area. 15. Cheras residents are known to leave their homes before sunrise and only return after sunset because the morning and after-work rush hours can result in bumper-to-bumper traffic congestion.
owing demand for student housing
he also said that the market for student accommodation een active in Cheras in the last few years, most of which oncentrated near colleges and universities. ooming in on Taman Connaught, the establishment gher education institutions such as UCSI University One World Han-Xing College of Journalism and munication, as well as its surrounding neighbourhood, ontributed to a healthy property rental market. As of Q4 2017, the rental yield at Taman Connaught d at 3.32% while the median rental for houses as of 018 is at RM1.11psf,” Singhe added. ther private and international schools such as paka Cheras, REAL Inetrnational School Cheras, r’s International School Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia national Korea School – Cheras and Beaconhouse ands International School as well as universities such
4. Jalan Pudu Hulu was once a main connecting road from Kuala Lumpur to Kajang. It stood as the only possible route to Singapore many years ago.
16. The average sale price of non-landed homes in Cheras is RM442,673, while landed and commercial properties fetch average prices of RM1,695,470 and RM3,616,111 respectively. (PropSocial, 2018). 17. The average rental listing price for nonlanded homes is RM1,601 while landed and commercial properties are transacted at RM2,077 and RM3,316 respectively. 18. Some of the popular highways connecting Cheras to other parts of the Klang Valley include the Salak South Highway, Grand Saga Expressway, KL–Seremban Expressway, Sungai Besi Highway, and Cheras Highway.
Cheras has 11 out of the 31 newly-completed MRT stations.
Picture source:
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Advertorial
17 OCTOBER 2018 WEDNESDAY
crowning glory of cheras
Tiara Hills by Modern Age Development freshens up a traditional housing area Tiara Hills, Cheras
Location Taman Taynton View, Cheras Type of development 3-storey Superlink homes Developer Modern Age Development Sdn Bhd Number of units New phase – 43 units Launch date December 2018 USPs Elevated, freehold, 1-acre park, gated & guarded, double-skin roofing, home automation and alarm system, dedicated carcharging socket outlet, can park 4 cars in porch Built-up 3,253sf and 3,725sf Selling price From RM547psf (RM1.926mil onwards) GPS coordinates 3°09'09.69"N 101°73'09.42"E
Tiara Hills sits on an elevated 11.9-acre freehold site and has an unobstructed view of the KLCC Twin Towers. By Gunaprasath Bupalan
h
ome buyers are now spoilt for choice with the numerous developments that have surfaced after the recent GST uncertainty and the dust of GE14 having finally settled. Despite the many developments being showcased, home buyers are still leaning towards lifestyle choices. This may be due to the fact that homes are no longer looked at as brick and mortar but more of a lifestyle indulgence and investment. With this in mind, Modern Age Development Sdn Bhd – the same group behind the successful Kiara View at Mont Kiara – has decided to introduce a hill development at the ever-growing investment hub of Cheras. Tiara Hills is located in Taman Taynton View, a prime township that grew from its rubber estate origins. Situated on an elevated 11.9-acre freehold site in Cheras, this gated-andguarded residential project comprises three phases and has a total gross development value of about RM300mil. An added bonus is the unobstructed view of the KLCC Twin Towers. Tiara Hills is designed to be a lowdensity residential development because it has only 12 houses per acre amid a oneacre park to meet the recreational needs for today’s urban living, where a healthy environment is much in demand to escape the daily rat race and traffic congestion. The 52 units of three-storey and twoand-a-half-storey superlinks at Tiara Hills are purpose-built for space. With built-ups of 3,253sf and 3,725sf
featuring five large en-suite bedrooms and selling from only RM547psf, this unique development supersedes others in the vicinity in terms of size and price. For example, some older developments in the area were sold from RM560psf to RM620psf. “Our land was acquired about five years ago and development approval was secured three years later,” said Kathleen Lim, senior manager of marketing and sales. “If the acquisition were to be done today, based on current trends and land values, we would definitely be opting for high-density strata rather than a lowdensity landed housing development.” In this sense, it can be regarded as probably the last of the freehold superlinks within Kuala Lumpur as developers are unlikely to be able to develop and sell new
superlinks at these prices. Units at Tiara Hills boast exclusive features that include high ceiling, doubleskin roofing, home automation and alarm system, dedicated car-charging socket outlet and space to park four cars within the compound. According to Lim, Tiara Hills is like a breath of fresh air as it introduces a modern and comprehensively planned gated and guarded community within a traditional housing area. The developer hopes that this will spur a process of gentrification and upgrading in the area, which is entirely possible because inner Cheras is now regarded as a prime location within the city with new developments spreading to Ulu Langat, Kajang, Semenyih and beyond. Tiara Hills can be accessed via the Middle Ring Road 2 and the East-West
The current phase of 52 three-storey superlink houses will be completed early next year.
Link. The project is also surrounded by amenities such as UCSI University, SJK (C) Jalan Imbi, Cheras Leisure Mall, Hospital Pantai, SMK Seri Mutiara and the newlyopened Eko Cheras Mall. Residents will also have access to many well-known eateries and daily activities within Taynton View such as the renowned Fei Poh curry mee, Cheras Lai Foong beef noodle shop, JP Boutique Café as well as visit the famous Connaught pasar malam. Phase 1, comprising 16 semi-detached houses, has been completed and received the certificate of completion and compliance (CCC). The current phase of 52 three-storey superlink houses will be completed early next year while Phase 3, comprising 43 three-storey superlink houses and courtyard homes, is scheduled for a sales launch at the end of this year.
Units at Tiara Hills boast exclusive features including high ceiling, double-skin roofing, home automation and alarm system, and space for four cars within the compound.
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Advertorial
17 OCTOBER 2018 WEDNESDAY
Artist's Impression Security features are incorporated in the design of M Vertica for the peace of mind of residents.
lifestyle facilities abound at M vertica Mah Sing's high-rise offers stylish and affordable living for buyers By John Seth
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n today’s property-buying climate, it has become evident that more and more purchasers are of the younger set. This is a generation of buyers who not only believe in space and location (as older investors do), but also in social and recreational lifestyle inclusions. While many developers understand this purchasing demand, only a few are able to meet the needs and wants of these younger buyers. Mah Sing Group Bhd, after having studied the demand in Cheras, is proud to introduce M Vertica – a development envisioned for upgraders and young adults who would like to move away from their parents’ homes and yet live close to them. This jewel is tucked away in the heart of Cheras. Sitting on the site of what was the Kuala Lumpur Badminton Stadium, this location provides residents with ample amenities just a stone’s throw away. As a developer with vision, experience and passion, Mah Sing understands the demands of the younger generation of property buyers and has taken into consideration the importance of including many facilities within the development – in this case over 40 facilities. There will be themed gardens, recreation decks, a sports complex that houses fitness stations, a standard gym as well as a women-only gym, children’s’ playground, reflexology and jogging paths, a lap pool, wading pool, Jacuzzi, sun and pool decks, co-working space & mini movie theater, outdoor gym-fitness area, water splash area, yoga deck, games room, basketball
court, futsal court, tennis court as well as a business centre, just to name a few. Security features are aplenty at M Vertica, including a high-frequency tag system for car access and CCTV at all entry points. The development will also feature many green and sustainable initiatives, including a Stream Pneumatic Waste Management system, LED lighting for common areas, rainwater harvesting for the landscape, low-e glass (to reduce heat) for units facing west, low volatile organic compound paint for internal surfaces as well as cross natural ventilation in common corridors. All bathrooms are designed to be naturally ventilated while WCs come with a 3L/6L dual flush feature. The development will have electrical vehicle charging stations. In addition, its location which is within walking distance to public transportation will help reduce the carbon footprint. M Vertica comprises five towers, each over 50 storeys high with built-up sizes of between 850sf and 1,000sf. M Vertica is merely 500m from the Maluri LRT & MRT Interchange and is connected by a covered walkway. It is only 700m from the Taman Pertama MRT station and two MRT stations away from the International Financial District (Tun Razak Exchange) and close to the Bukit Bintang and Golden Triangle hotspots. The development boasts excellent accessibility to major roads and highways such as Jalan Cheras, Jalan Loke Yew, Jalan Pudu, the Sg Besi Highway, Jalan Tun Razak, the Smart tunnel, the KL-Seremban Highway, MRR2 and the Maju Expressway (MEX), making it convenient to get around.
Due to it’s prime location, residents of M Vertica will find it refreshing to be close to major amenities such as Sunway Velocity, Aeon Maluri, Ikea Cheras, MyTOWN, KLCC (4.5km away) as well as the Royal Selangor Golf Club. Within 5km of the development are schools and institutions such as SRJK (C) Naam Kheung, Taylor’s International, SMK Perempuan Pudu, SK Convent Jalan Peel, SMK Seri Bintang Selatan, and SMK Seri Bintang Utara. It is also near to medical institutions such as Prince Court Medical Centre, Pantai Hospital Ampang, Hospital Ampang, Pantai Hospital Cheras and Hospital University Kebangsaan Malaysia. Units at M Vertica are selling from RM450,800 and the development is scheduled for completion in 2023. For more information, ring 03-9226 9918 or visit www.mvertica.com.my.
M Vertica
Location Jalan Cheras, KL Type of development Service apartment Developer M Vertica Sdn Bhd (a subsidiary of Mah Sing Group) Completion 2023 USPs - Prime location in KL city - Covered walkway to Maluri MRTLRT interchange (500m away) - Tallest residential towers in Cheras - Largest landscape & facilities deck in a KL high-rise with over 40 facilities - Proposed dedicated ramp from Jalan Cheras Built-up 850sf to 1,000sf Selling price From RM450,800 GPS coordinates 3°07'14.7"N 101°43'41.4"E
Artist's Impression Overlooking the city, M Vertica's sky lounge is a great spot for family and friends to get together.
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CHERAS 17 OCTOBER 2018 WEDNESDAY
Cheras under the microscope
Population makeup of Cheras as well as related information and services (Wikipedia, Google images).
Population Gender
Age groups
(C 2010)
(C 2010)
Male
43.7% 5,326
0-14 years
65+ years
Female
1,980
603
56.3% 6,868
15-64 years
9,611
Nationality
Ethnic groups
(C 2010)
(C 2010)
Others
Indian
Other nationalities
81
932
3,089
Malay & other indigenous (bumiputra)
3,182
Malaysian
Chinese
9,105
4,190
Age distribution (C 2010) 4,261
1,338 1,330
1,690 1,317
1,192 707
0-9
359
10-19 20-29 30-39 40-49 50-59 60-69 70+ Years
Source: www.citypopulation.de
must-have Numbers To help you connect with important areas, here is a list of useful phone numbers. EMERGENCY Police & Ambulance 999 Fire 994 Civil Defense 991 From Mobile Phone 112 Traffic Police 03 2072 9044 FOOD DELIVERY Domino's Pizza 1300 88 8333 McDonald's 1300 13 1300
Pizza Hut 1300 82 2020 TRANSPORT Airport Coach (Duta) 03 6203 3064 Airport Coach(ChanSowLin) 03 4294 2550 Airport Coach (KLIA) 03 8787 3894 Airport Limo 03 9223 8080 Airport Limo (Booking) 03 9223 8949 Besraya 03 8941 8288
Intrakota 03 7726 2944 KESAS 03 5633 7188 KLIA 03 8777 8888 KLIA Express 03 2267 7777 KLIA Exp (Cust Enquiries) 03 2267 8000
KL Monorail 03 2267 9888 KL Sentral 03 2730 2000 KTM 03 2263 1111 KTM - Call Center 03 2267 1200 Len Seng 03 4024 1977
Litrak 03 5633 3929 Park May 03 7982 7060 PLUS 03 7981 8000 PLUS - Ronda 03 2692 2000 Plusliner 03 2272 1586
Putra LRT 1 800 388228 SPRINT 03 7960 1050 SPRINT - Ronda 1 800 6868 Star LRT 1 800 388228 Toong Foong 03 9222 8053 Source: www.klccconventioncentre.com