theSun Property November 2016

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>KL-Singapore High Speed Rail –
bane or boon for the local property industry
ACCORDING to recent
reports, the KL-Singapore
HSR agreement will be
signed and sealed in 2016.
With that, theSun briefly examines
the project, the objectives of the
project, the pros and cons for the
property industry and more.
PROJECT OVERVIEW
Generally, connectivity and a
good networking system often
begets more advantages than
disadvantages. In the case of the
KL-Singapore HSR project, it was
envisioned years ago and part of
the Economic Transformation
Programme, launched in 2010. The
southern corridor HSRwas in fact,
one of the Entry Point Projects
included with the intention to
“improve the economic dynamism
of the country’s capital city and
better livability rankings, similar to
other cities around the globe”.
Said to be a major catalyst in the
development of Greater Kuala
Lumpur/Klang Valley – the project
ultimately aims to transform
Malaysia into a high-income
economy nation by 2020.
According to research and
projections mobility and market
demand between the two
countries, KL and Singapore, will
double, economic returns will
benefit both countries increasing
business activities which will have
multiplier benefits, socio-
economic advantages included.
Fundamentally, the HSRwill
reduce travel time between the two
countries, requiring a mere 90-
minute ride from one point to the
other. This will also open up
opportunities to rejuvenate the
smaller cities, especially where the
six in-between stops/stations are
located along the (about) 350km
high-speed double-track route.
These include:
• Bandar Malaysia
(Kuala Lumpur),
• Putrajaya,
• Labu in Seremban
(Negri Sembilan),
• Ayer Keroh,
• Pagoh inMuar (Johor),
• Batu Pahat,
• Iskandar Puteri (Johor)
and
• Jurong East in Singapore.
PROS AND CONS
On track
It is reported that the project will
put Malaysia in the league of “mega
cities” and bring great
opportunities to the people and
smaller towns where the HSR
stations are located. A business
article reportedMyHSR Corp Sdn
Bhd CEOMohd Nur Ismail Kamal
as saying that the project has the
potential to have positive long-
term economic impact onMalaysia
with economic benefits estimated
at some RM21 billion in GDP by
2060. The project is also expected
Enchanting township
carnival
A hive of activity enfolded at IJM
Land Berhad’s (IJMLand) sales
office recently as the development
firm celebrated its annual family
carnival to the theme “Fiesta
Magica, A Journey Through Fairy
Tales and Happy Trails”. From a
gathering of Cosplayers for a
costume competition to a blood
donation drive and a whole range
of other interesting activities, the
scene surely communicated IJM
Land’s Seremban 2 tagline –
“AGreat Place to Live”.
According to IJMLand’s
senior general manager Hoo
Kim See, organising the
family-centric annual event
with the support of the
residents and potential
buyers of Seremban 2 has
always been a meaningful
affair for the development
company.
“We want young couples and
families living in this ideal
township to enjoy this
journey of togetherness
within Seremban 2’s safe living
environment and strategic
location.”
The carnival atmosphere was
even more enchanting with
thousands of LED lights forming a
“Tunnel of Love”, Cinderella’s
Pumpkin Carriage, Giant
Mushrooms and more, plus a
backdrop which will be up until
Christmas for visitors to snap a
picture for the “Magical Moments
Photo” contest that comes with a
cash prize of RM3,000.
The highlight of the event this
year was the lucky draw sessions
that offered prizes worth
RM20,000 including an iPhone7+.
For more information on this
township in Negri Sembilan (that
is currently 70% completed), visit
to create some 111,000 jobs and
bring multiple benefits resulting
from construction.
There are endless possibilities
that can lead to a host of other
benefits and advantages like:
Increasing the population in the
smaller cities and improve the
economy of these smaller towns.
Modernisation of these once
“quaint” towns that can draw
and attract more people to
these places.
Expansion and growth of the
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current “concentrated” city
centres, hence, disperse
concentration and ease
congestion.
Better connectivity and
accessibility to these smaller
towns that will raise living
standards and lifestyles of those
living in the area.
Speedier commute, which works
out to be more cost saving to
drawMalaysians and
Singaporeans together.
Improve tourism industry.
Singaporeans could
benefit by living in
Malaysia to enjoy
cheaper living costs
while earning
Singapore dollars.
Less congestion – on
the roads, on regular
train lines and at
immigration
checkpoints.
More time for families
to enjoy time together
(those with parents
working across the
borders) and other plus
points.
While tremendous
benefits are expected,
especially for Bandar
Malaysia and Iskandar
Puteri, the HSR
network is also said to
establish greater
accessibility that will
eventually lead to more
Malaysians working in
Singapore and living in
Malaysia. This inter-
connectedness is
expected to benefit Singaporean
businesses, enabling such
companies to set up manufacturing
plants in cheaper locations in
Malaysia, yet conduct trade in
Singapore via headquarters
and such, to enjoy the best of
both worlds.
On the other hand,
disadvantages could include over
development, especially in the
towns where HSR stations are
situated, greater pollution and
destruction of land as development
takes place. Additionally, according
to some reports, these towns
hosting HSR stations were once
plantation and farming land.
Development may affect food
supply in the country.
Nevertheless, only time will tell
on this “game changer” expected to
impact both nations in and around
2026 once it is completed. Follow
our property section next week as
we share further insights related to
property and the project.
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Advantages of the Kuala Lumpur-Singapore HSR
DRIVING THE NATION’S ECONOMY
Part of the EconomicTransformation Programme (ETP).
Six TRANSIT LOCATIONS
Putrajaya, Seremban, Ayer Keroh, Muar, Batu Pahat and Iskandar
Puteri.
90-MINUTE JOURNEY TIME
Providing a fast, reliable and pleasant ride for passengers.
SPEED 300KM/H
Experience comfort and luxury at high speed.
CONNECTING MALAYSIA’S SOUTHERN CORRIDOR (KL-JOHOR)
Enjoy a quick and cosy ride to your destination.
MYHSR CORPORATION
Dedicated to deliver a bettermode of transport.
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Source:Retriv
Source:SPAD
KL CBD
to KL
Sentral
Waiting
time
for train
Travel time in train
Immigration RTS system
to SGCBD
Travel time in bus fromKL CBD via North-South
Highway assuming speeds of 85 km/h and
60mins
KL CBD
to KLIA
airport
Departure
process and
waiting &
immigration
Travel time
in plane and
taxing
Arrival
process
Expressway
to SGCBD
KL CITY
CENTRE
to HSR
station
Departure
process and
immigration
Travel time
in train
Arrival
process
HSR
Station
to
SGCBD
Immigration Expressway
to SGCBD
15mins 15mins
15mins 15mins 15mins 15mins
15mins 2 hrs 45mins
200mins 60mins 20mins
45mins 60mins 90mins 20mins 20mins
90mins
KTM
BUS
PLANE
HSR
KUALA LUMPUR SINGAPORE
TheHSR is estimated to reduce travel time by two hours compared to
fastest alternative available today.
Some cosplay competitors with IJMLand senior sales andmarketing
manager ChristineWong (third, left).
IJMLand sales office, Seremban 2.
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theSun ON FRIDAY | NOVEMBER 18, 2016