THE ISKANDARIAN JANUARY ISSUE

KDN : PP19356/08/2018(034949) | Singapore MICA : MCI (P) 079/12/2019 Iskandar Malaysia’s ItShKe ANDARIAN Official Newspaper is an effort by True Soul email: [email protected] website/e-paper : www.theiskandarian.com JANUARY | 2020 ISSUE Media PLT & Iskandar Regional Development 89 Authority (IRDA) www.facebook.com/theiskandarian NGO & Police Revitalise Read on State CIC pg04 CEO DRILL Director Open University Malaysia Johor Bahru (OUM JB) NEWS/ PG09 DEPARTMENT OF STATISTICS MALAYSIA MINISTRY OF ECONOMIC AFFAIRS #04/2019 Bridging Two Bad Thorny StatsMalaysia Countries to Boys Sea Overcome Traffic For Life #MyCensus2020 Cucumbers Unwrapping Sunway Big Box NEWS/PG11 MOVIES/PG15 LIVE/PG20 PROPERTY/PG22

02 FREE COPY | The Iskandarian ISSUE 89 | JAN 2020 newsT H E I S K A N D A R I A N www.facebook.com/theiskandarian | www.theiskandarian.com SEND LETTERS Johor Ruler Wants Updates from OR INQUIRIES the Health Ministry TO Talks on upgrade and repair works of the Hospital Sultanah Aminah (HSA) , and facebook.com/theiskandarian [email protected] Rplans to establish the Tunku Laksamana Cancer Centre Ibrahim also discussed plans to www.theiskandarian.com ecently, Johor Regent Ahmad paid Sultan of Johor, HM establish the Tunku Laksamana “I want the people of Johor to Tunku Mahkota Tunku Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar a Cancer Centre with Dzulke y. have access to better public THE ISKANDARIAN Ismail Ibni Sultan visit to brief the state ruler on the healthcare services,” said Sultan Ibrahim (Pic credit: Our Friends Ibrahim expressed his plans to repair and upgrade the “The Health Minister paid Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar Facebook) disappointment on the condition ICU at HSA. me a visit, and plans to set up Asian American Medical Group of the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) The hospital upgrade Tunku Laksamana Johor Cancer (AAMG) representative who is heading the project had pointed after his visit to the Hospital would include wiring installation Centre were discussed with a focus out the need for more cancer specialists to provide the best Sultanah Aminah (HSA) in Johor of the 70-year-old main building on cancer treatment, research and quality services. - by Harish Mustak TI Bahru. which is slated to commence in education,” the Sultan said via his Bernama reported that he 2020. o cial Facebook page. shared his views that the federal “I had also proposed the He said the setup of the government lacked effort in need for another hospital in Johor cancer centre was to fulfil the repairing HSA’s ICU following the Bahru in view of the increase in aspirations of the late Tunku Abdul re which took place in 2016. patients and current congestion Jalil who had always wanted to In response to that, Health at HSA,” said Sultan Ibrahim. help cancer patients. Minister, Datuk Seri Dr Dzulke y Besides that, Sultan Sultan Ibrahim said an Iskandar Malaysia Senai International Employment Fair 2019 Airport Reaches New Shoulders Over 1,000 Milestone: 4 million Careers for Johoreans passengers in 2019 Gleneagles The career fair reflects Iskandar Malaysia’s MEDINI “In The Arms Of One Who Cares” wide possibilities in career-building, investment and many more A remarkable achievement since its opening in 1974 S ixty corporations and companies as a one-stop platform systems at the arrival hall,” participated in that helps both local and said Derick. expatriates explore and The airport is offering over 1,000 apply for vacancies available currently operating at its maximum capacity of 4.0 vacancies at the Iskandar in Iskandar Malaysia. The million passengers per annum. The expansion M a l a y s i a E m p l o y m e n t program also serves as a ‘job- project, which is expected to be completed by middle Fair (IMEF) 2019 on 30th matching’ initiative between of 2021, will increase the terminal capacity by 1 November 2019. This employers from various million passengers to accommodate 5 million annual career fair has been industries and job seekers, passengers per annum. organised by Iskandar either fresh graduates or those “I hope Senai International Airport can Regional Development with prior work experience. The lucky 4 millionth passenger was welcomed by consider showcasing local artworks, particularly Authority (IRDA) since its “Despite the Sthe VVIPS visual arts, around the enai Airport airport. Malaysia is not inauguration in 2015. Hosted challenges of the global Te r m i n a l short of talented artists Services Sdn and an airport should at Grand Paragon Hotel, economy and the competition Bhd (“SATSSB”), by Liow Cai Tung and be the place for them to Chief Executive O cer of share their talent. It is even Johor Bahru, the fair opened from neighbouring countries SATSSB, Md Derick Basir. better if the artwork can be put on sale for tourists more opportunities for the like Singapore, Iskandar During the to buy,” recommended Bakhtiar in his speech. southern region’s job seekers. Malaysia is still able to create In conjunction “According to the a stable working environment a member of MMC celebration, Derick shared with the celebration, Budget 2020, as presented with a variety of facilities Muhammad Bakhtiar Group, celebrated its that passengers’ volume Wan Chik and Liow Cai Tung also officiated the by the Prime Minister for locals and foreigners to latest milestone on 20th for the entire 2019 has latest facility at the airport called We Care Corner. recently, RM5 billion has live, work, invest or enjoy December 2019 for their hit a total of 4.2 million, It is a dedicated waiting area for the use of ‘Young been allocated for ‘Malaysia here. This IMEF programme remarkable achievement a significant increase of Passengers Travelling Alone’, the elderly as well @ Work’ and is expected to is one of the proofs of this in handling four million 20% when compared to as the‘physically-disabled’. - by Norfy Shafeq TI provide job opportunities region’s achievements and passengers in a single 3.5 million passengers for Malaysians, especially the capabilities,” IRDA Chief year - the most since its handled in 2018. To youth, for the next 5 years,” Executive Datuk Ismail Ibrahim opening in 1974. further accommodate Education, Human Resource, said. The f o u r the increasing number of Science and Technology Among the companies millionth passenger, passengers, Senai Airport committee chairman involved in IMEF 2019 Lim Seoh Boey, who was is also expanding its Aminolhuda Hassan said in were Johor Land Berhad, travelling with her three terminal. his speech. Frost & Sullivan, Regency children, arrived at Senai “The project shall “In line with the Specialist Hospital, UMLand, International Airport via see the expansion of government’s focus, I Senai Airport, Tanjung Air Asia flight AK 6051 the current arrival and welcome the IMEF 2019 Pelepas Port, Starbucks, from Kuala Lumpur. She departure halls, with programme as an important The Westin Desaru Coast was welcomed with a the construction of four human capital development Resort, Legoland Malaysia, special celebration led new departure gates initiative especially for Johor’s Marrybrown, Parkson, AEON, by the Deputy Minister equipped with new citizens who are looking The Chicken Rice Shop, of Tourism, Arts and seating area, covered for career opportunities in YTL Communications and Culture Malaysia, Tuan walkway connecting to Iskandar Malaysia,” he added. Hard Rock Hotel. - by Norfy Muhammad Bakhtiar aircraft parking bays and IMEF 2019 functions Shafeq TI Wan Chik accompanied new baggage handling Published by True Soul Media PLT [No.51-B, Jalan Impian Emas 5/1, Taman Impian Emas, 81300 Johor Bahru] Printed by Percetakan Osacar Sdn Bhd [No. 16, Jalan IDA 1a, Industrial Desa Aman, Taman Desa Aman, Kepong, 52200 Kuala Lumpur] Copyright of articles, contributions and photos which are published by The Iskandarian is the property of True Soul Media PLT. The Iskandarian does its best to ensure the authenticity and accuracy of its contents, the publisher cannot accept any responsibilities for errors, mistakes and inaccuracies. The publisher reserves the rights of this product and no part of this publication may be reproduced in any form or by any means without the permission of the publisher.

03 FREE COPY | The Iskandarian ISSUE 89 | JAN 2020 newsT H E I S K A N D A R I A N www.facebook.com/theiskandarian | www.theiskandarian.com Milestone Achievement of RM3Billion Worth One Million TEUs Handled at Malaysia-China Bilateral Johor Port Cooperation to Land in Johor Within 5 Years Johor Port handled a record volume of 1.0 million Twenty-foot Equivalent Unit (TEU) of containers in The first joint-project is a blockbuster 2019 – a 10.5% improvement from 2018 from the commodities market. Developing production with 90% of its filming to take Malaysian ports into RDCS is also the Loke along with the rest of the VIPs and aspiration of the government. It is towards Jplace in Malaysia value of RM3Billion over the beaches to Victorian-Moorish port personnel gives this achievement a this end that I have taken the initiative to ohor to host the next 5 years. design of Sultan Abu Bakar waive the A.P requirement for some of the first joint-project State Mosque etc. Jthumbs up soft commodities entering and transiting in of Malaysia- Solehuddin Ahmad, ohor Port Berhad (JPB), a Member our free zone ports,” he added. China bilateral Director of Tourism Malaysia The first project of MMC Group achieved another cooperation to co-produce on behalf of Liow Cai Tung, out of this collaboration milestone by handling a record “This achievement can be attributed a RM237Million blockbuster Johor Chairwoman for is a co-production of a volume of 1.0 million Twenty-foot to several key factors which include overall set to commence in the Tourism, Women, Family & top-secret agent action- Equivalent Unit (TEU) of Containers in 2019, improvement in the container handling middle of next year. Community Development packed movie entitled an improvement of 10.5% over the previous productivity, equipment reliability, better said in the MOU signing and “Beyond Life & Death” year’s volume of 0.9 million TEUs, which was communications and information sharing Golden Shield press conference held on 3rd with a budget of around also a record volume then. with our customers individually or through Television Centre of the December 2019 at Forest City RM11.8Million to be spent associations,” said Dato’ Sri Che Khalib bin People’s Republic of China Phoenix International Marina in Johor, Malaysia. Peggy The celebration was officiated by Mohamad Noh, Chairman of Johor Port and Changsha LeFeng Hotel, Johor Bahru, that the Lee Ji Wen, world-renowned Loke Siew Fook, Minister of Transport Berhad and Group Managing Director of Culture Communications cooperation will certainly Malaysia, with an audience of approximately MMC Corporation Berhad. Co., Ltd (LeFeng) will be boost tourist arrivals in lm producer and also Art 300 guests from the Port Authority, various partnering with Malaysia’s Malaysia. “Through this & Film Director of Golden Government Agencies, shipping lines and Since its establishment in 1977, Moths Studio Sdn. Bhd. collaboration, we hope that Shield Television Centre cargo owners. Johor Port has facilitated the export- (Moths Studio) in producing the world will be able to has announced the overall led economic growth of more than 28 a series of multiple cultural see all of Malaysia’s natural creative development and Loke Siew Fook in his speech praised industrial areas in Johor State by providing entertainment projects from beauty, heritage, arts production plans in the Johor Port for taking proactive measures to excellent Container Terminal services movies, dramas, programs, and culture”, on top of his collaboration. Following overcome its various constraints over the to the Container shipping industry and activities, events, property, remarks about Johor’s scenic projects after the first years especially in terms of navigational the Export/Import community in Pasir etc. in between China- and iconic locations from landmark, she would be constraint and has since grown to become Gudang, Tanjung Langsat and surrounding Malaysia with accumulated overseeing the production the Premier Southern Gateway Multi-Purpose hinterland including Singapore and nearby of ‘Tianjin Explosion’ and Port in Malaysia. Indonesian islands. Launching of the RM3B worth project in between ‘Resurrection Day’, science Malaysia - China with all key person involved on stage fiction movies which will “Johor Port is already designated Johor Port has also contributed to cost RM400 Million each. as an approved delivery point under some Johor’s position as an important Gateway international commodity exchanges such as in the Southern region and a key logistics Tourism, Women, LME, CME/KLCE and APEX. As a full- edged hub within the intra-Asia region. Family & Community multipurpose port and with its wide shipping Development, Tourism connectivity, I would also encourage Johor Johor Port will continue in striving Malaysia, Johor Tourism Port to develop as a trading centre and to transform and propel itself to even Association (JTA) and the cargo transhipment hub. It should be a greater heights, and to build a resilient National Film Development natural progression for Johor Port to be culture that will stand the test of time. Corporation Malaysia (FINAS) a regional cargo hub, leveraging on its will be working with the strategic location being within 2.5 hours Moving forward, Johor Port has new joint venture closely as put in place a Port Re-Development a part of achieving the ‘Visit Plan to improve the performance of its Truly Asia Malaysia 2020’ terminals, including various productivity campaign goal of 30 Million improvement and equipment upgrading tourists and enriching the initiatives. Johor Port will continue to creative economy. - by Norfy invest in ensuring that the Port becomes Shafeq TI even more efficient in order to meet the needs of its customers and that Johor Port remains as the Premier Southern Gateway Multi-Purpose Port. - by Harish Mustak TI Empowering Orang Asli Children to Soar in Education 106 Iskandar Puteri Orang Asli school-going children received aid Ifrom local corporations and the government schools. approach the year-end skandar Investment the handover ceremony “Education has festive season,” Jac said. Berhad (IIB) with Ramada at Kampung Orang Asli by Wyndham Meridin Simpang Arang. always been close to our Meanwhile, Sr. Dzulkefly Ahmad, in his Johor Bahru and Yayasan Officiated by Sr. heart and today we are speech before handing over the school supplies, Penyayang Iskandar Puteri Dzulkefy Ahmad, Kota very pleased to be able to shared an encouraging remark for the children (YPIP) came together to Iskandar Assemblyman, extend a small token of and parents. “Education is very important to children, provide new school uniforms, t h e e ve nt wa s a l s o assistance to some of the including for Orang Asli children. It has been proven bags, stationery and food attended by IIB’s Azman Orang Asli students in our that many Orang Asli children can be successful packets to Orang Asli Mohd Hussein, Executive community as they plan for in the professional field. Whether they wish to students from four schools Vice President, Human the next school session in become a doctor or an Sr. Dzulkefly Ahmad, handing the school aid to one of engineer, it is possible with the 106 receiving students in Iskandar Puteri. Capital Management & January 2020,” said Azman. 106 children from 3 Transformation; Ramada “Meeting school primary schools, SK Ladang by Wyndham Meridin’s children from Kampung the support of parents and numerous assistance to the community. Education school children in Johor, Pendas, SK Gelang Patah, General Manager, Jac Orang Asli Simpang Arang is the key.” extending to as far as the remote islands off Mersing SK Nusa Perintis and one Khoo; Kampung Orang was a rewarding experience The ‘Back to coastlines. - by Norfy School’ programme Shafeq TI secondary school, SMK Asli Simpang Arang’s Tok for us, and it truly promotes has been delivering Gelang Patah, turned Batin, Noree Kasi and the the spirit of giving and up with their parents at headmasters from the four sharing, especially as we

04 FREE COPY | The Iskandarian ISSUE 89 | JAN 2020 newsT H E I S K A N D A R I A N www.facebook.com/theiskandarian | www.theiskandarian.com State CIC revitalised in a joint From project by NGO & Police cover C hild sexual abuse The CIC is where the police several years. Its recording TinDAK. cases have been equipment broke down, “The lack of an on the rise and records video statements which meant the child in the limelight, would be sent to Seremban operational recording with more child victims from child victims and or Melaka’s CIC to have their machine had an impact on braving up to share the statements recorded. This the management of cases. incidents with their parents, child witnesses, to be used meant delays in recording Once we truly understood who then report it to the the statement, building up what the problem was, we police. Children are also later in court. Statements a backlog of cases. felt that this was a de cit more conscious of their we had to redress together. private bodies as e orts on are recorded through a A critical component Access to justice for child educating them on sexual of police investigations victims of abuse was abuse has increased. These recording machine that involving children, it was essential to us; we needed e orts should be praised, crucial to have the CIC fully to be part of the solution.” however, awareness can abides by the speci cations functioning and operational. only do so much if justice Retired IT consultant for the young victim is not of the court. Certified It was then when Tan Chee Kiong was roped served. IMSHA winner Johor’s in as a consultant on the police personnel have been Women League (JEWEL), an project. An additional Donation of toys from Free Market Johor; children are De facto Law NGO championing women’s RM10,000 was donated by allowed to bring home the toys they like Minister Liew Vui Keong, in trained to adduce evidence and children’s rights, the o ce of the Johor Bahru a verbal reply to a question recognised the urgency Member of Parliament. brought up in Parliament from children through of this matter, entered the in October 2019, noted picture. The project included that sexual crimes against various methods including wiring repairs, installing new building, the CIC is running Child rights activist Syed children was at an all-time “We do a lot of child ceiling boards, servicing the at its fully operational Azmi’s NGO Puak Payong high, with some 3,738 new drawings and the use of sexual abuse awareness and old air-conditioning units, capacity for the time being. donated a year’s worth cases recorded nationwide prevention work through providing a new customised of supermarket vouchers, since 2017. Of these, anatomically-correct dolls. our signature Kempen recording machine which To further support while former Miss Malaysia 978 cases were recorded TinDAK. As the campaign was supplied by Penang- daily operations at the Deborah Henry also sent a between January to August CICs were developed, we became based Win Win Dot Net CIC, another fellow IMSHA supply of hand-made dolls 2019, with Johor featuring increasingly aware of the Enterprise, and a complete winner Kechara Soup for children to take home. prominently in the statistics. established following many gaps in the child refurbishment of two key Kitchen, Tesco and Free protection ecosystem. In rooms used to record Market JB were invited to The CIC project was When a police report the enactment of the the course of us engaging statements from affected donate supplies for the completed in November on a child sexual abuse is with the D11 unit, we children. CIC kitchen and provide 2019. Since then, the made, a court orders the Evidence of Child Witness came to understand the clean toys respectively. backlog of cases have all child’s statements of the challenges they faced,” said The total cost of the The CIC serves the needs of been cleared. account to be taken at a Act 2007. They fall under Thanam Visvanathan-Suresh, project thus far is around victims from all over Johor, Child Interview Centre (CIC). JEWEL’s past President and RM70,000. therefore, the need to have “This project was the purview of the police’s coordinator of Kempen a well-stocked kitchen and successful because the D-11 While more needs toys for the children. Unit embraced the idea of Sexual, Women and Child to be done to refurbish the working with an NGO to Lions Club of make things better at the Investigation Division JB Golden Century CIC,” said JEWEL President financed the landscaping Liza Alip. (D11), which is a branch and cleaning up of the surroundings, and “We are duty under the police’s Criminal an anonymous donor bearers to our children, donated a brand new therefore, it was important Investigation Department. air-conditioning unit for for us to set standards the child interview room. to get this right” - by The Johor CIC was one of Salamahafifi TI the rst three to be set up in the country in 2007, while the other two are located in Bukit Aman and Penang. Until recently, child victims in our state did not have immediate access to give their statements due to budgetary constraints. Johor CIC, a court-gazetted building, was defunct for Kensington Green Specialist Centre Opens its Doors in Iskandar Puteri The private hospital aims to be affordable with top notch services in the region Dr. Hoo Sing Nguang, Managing Director of Kensington Green Specialist Centre with Nguang for a speech and to o ciate of the international standards, a trusted medical opening ceremony. centre for the community and aims to provide Kspecialists during the opening ceremony of the Iskandar Regional Development the highest quality of medical services to the ensington Green Specialist Centre Authority (IRDA), representatives of general “Our Obstetrics and Gynecology public. Beside medical examinations, the held its opening ceremony on 12th practitioners in Johor Bahru and many more. department will provide detailed hospital provides x-rays, endoscopy, uterus, December 2019 making it the third gynecological ultrasound, minimally invasive stomach, heart and lungs screenings. multidisciplinary private hospital in Kensington Green Specialist Centre’s surgery, tumour surgery, and a one-stop fertility centre. In addition, the hospital’s In conjunction with its opening, the Iskandar Puteri, Johor. Attending the event General Manager Suresh Kumar, welcomed Obstetrics and Gynecology Medical Services public is entitled to receive a RM100 cash include prenatal embryo testing, natural rebate with any health screening package. were representatives from Malaysian Medical guests with a brief speech before inviting delivery and caesarean delivery, as well as The voucher can be redeemed during neonatologists to take care of the newborn. payment, and is valid on a rst come rst Association, management representatives the hospital’s Managing Director, Dr. Hoo Sing In addition to General Trauma Orthopedics, serve basis. For more information, please call there are also Hand and Microsurgery Knee 07-2133 899. - by Norfy Shafeq TI and Spine specialists,” Dr. Hoo said in his speech. Kensington Green Specialist Centre facade Dr. Hoo then shared a tear-jerking story on what has driven him to establish a specialist hospital, looking back at his childhood where his family could barely a ord the healthcare that they needed. His children who are also specialists in the hospitals came up to give him a hug, before Dr. Hoo o ciated the opening ceremony. Kensington Green Specialist Centre strives to become a hospital that has

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06 FREE COPY | The Iskandarian ISSUE 89 | JAN 2020 newsT H E I S K A N D A R I A N www.facebook.com/theiskandarian | www.theiskandarian.com Columbia Asia Hospital Tebrau Welcomes Locals with a Big Heart CAH-IP’s sister hospital opens with two days of fun-filled programmes C olumbia Asia Hospital has launched its second Johor said, “We have recently opened in Johor after Iskandar Puteri. At Columbia Asia branch, which happens our doors and started operations four storeys high with 205 beds Hospital Tebrau Specialist to be the biggest of their since 27th November 2019. The compared to the average 100 in Consultation Hours are response has been overwhelming. our standard model, this branch is 9am to 5pm from Monday hospitals nationwide, at Southkey, Even before we opened, we had the biggest in the Columbia Asia to Friday, 9am to 12pm on Tebrau, Johor Bahru. In conjunction people coming in, asking to group of hospitals. This allows us Saturday and closed on with their opening, a two-day event make appointments! Tebrau is to accommodate more than just Sunday and public holidays. entitled‘Ayuh Sihat’community day certainly flourishing. With more the residents of Tebrau. We have Accident and emergency with Golden Age Day was held. The residential and commercial also embarked on healthcare consultations are open 24 event ran from 9am to 1pm on 13th properties sprouting up at such tourism and are expecting hours. Visiting hours are The facade of Columbia Asia Hospital December 2019 , while a full day a dynamic pace, we realised patients from as far as Singapore, 9am to 9.30pm at Nursing Tebrau - the biggest of the hospitals’ event took place on 14th December that there would be a demand Indonesia, even China.” She also Units (wards) while those group 2019 from 9am to 5pm. for healthcare from residents in relayed a brief motivational visiting ICU and HDU units Rahani Yaacob, Regional and around Tebrau. This justifies speech about taking better care can do so between 10am to patients’ safety and comfort. - by General Manager, in her speech a second Columbia Asia hospital of seniors and their aging health. 1pm and 4pm to 8pm to ensure Norfy Shafeq TI Special Kids Splash Brand New School Their Creativity on Supplies For 300 a Mural Children at Sunway Iskandar A wall in JEIWA – Paradigm Mall has been Sales Gallery dedicated to special kid’s art Underprivileged children of patients from 3 hospitals around Johor Bahru receive aid S unway Iskandar, the main and children bene ted from the contribution. major sponsor for programme which included The event was the Medical Social RM90 in cash alongside the ‘Back to School’ kit. officiated by Dr. Sal Atan, Deputy Director of Johor Worker Department Johor Prior to partnering H e a l t h D e p a r t m e n t Bahru’s (MSWDJB) annual with Sunway Iskandar, (Medical) alongside Abd charity giveaway since 2018 MSWDJB has held the Halim Haji Jamil, Head of recently hosted the ‘Back to programme for nine Profession from MDSW School’ charity for families of consecutive years at Malaysia Health Ministry selected patients. The e ort Hospital Sultanah Aminah, and Gerard Soosay, CEO of aims to ease the financial Johor Bahru whereby 50 Sunway Iskandar. burdens as well as increase children were aided every M c D o n a l d ’s the awareness about the year. contributed to the situation of underprivileged Apart from the ‘Back programme by providing The participants with the organisers and guest of honours children. to School’ kit, RM64,500 lunch and vouchers, while I n commemoration of the International The patients are was also raised from the transportation for all the Day of People with Disability Johor Empowerment of Intellectual Women selected for the programme hospitals, institutions, and a recipients and their families Association (JEIWA) and Anak Johor believes the children are talented in the arts. after vetting and monitoring few generous donors, with was provided by Handal Zaifri Husin, Director at Jabatan by the MSWD committees Sunway Iskandar leading Indah Sdn. Bhd. - by Norfy Kebudayaan dan Kesenian Negara Johor, graced the event and was impressed with at different hospitals. The the way with a RM45,000 Shafeq TI institutions involved are Event collaborated to celebrate children with the mural. Hospital Sultanah Aminah, disabilities. “The way the strokes of the flowers Hospital Sultan Ismail, The event, a brainchild of Anak Johor are painted, it’s different. The (painted) Hospital Permai and Health Event, aimed to provide special children with woman’s face holds 1000 stories that she Department of Johor Bahru a fresh experience in expressing their art. keeps to herself, and her eyes and lips show District. All twenty participants had the opportunity she is standing strong,” he said. Ashraf Sunway Iskandar to paint on a dedicated wall at JEIWA concurred that he had maintained the has been sponsoring the Powerhouse’s in Paradigm Mall. brush strokes done by children, and the initiative since 2018. For the Muralist Dhiyaul Mohamad Ashraf, comments reflected the children’s skill in 2020 edition, which took founder of Art Battalion from Selangor, the artwork. place on 10th December guided the children in their painting. Ashraf Muhd Syahir, an officer from IRDA, 2019, MSWDJB held the began by tracing the outline of the mural was also present to support the launch of event at Sunway Iskandar’s and allowed the children to paint on their the mural. The mural can be viewed at the Sales Gallery where 150 own. Painting of the whole wall took eight JEIWA Power House multipurpose room at children and their families hours over two days, and Ashraf expertly Paradigm Mall, Lot 2F-11. received a ‘Back to School’ touched up the mural before the mural The sponsors of the project included kit. Another 150 children (From Left) Abd Halim Haji Jamil, Head of Profession were also selected to from MDSW Malaysia Health Ministry, Dr. Sal Atan, was displayed to the public. He shared that Sea Master Paint, JEiWA Power House, receive their kits at a Deputy Director of Johor Health Department (Medical) working with the children was an experience Paradigm Mall JB, and Tune Hotel. - by of its own – the first for him, and truly Salamahafifi TI separate venue. In total, 300 and Gerard Soosay, CEO of Sunway Iskandar

07 FREE COPY | The Iskandarian ISSUE 89 | JAN 2020 newsT H E I S K A N D A R I A N www.facebook.com/theiskandarian | www.theiskandarian.com Johor Bahru and Kota Bharu Santa Treats Are Now Connected Directly Kids to Fly with FRAS Inaugural flight from Kota Bharu to Johor Bahru a success Local flying club treats orphanage with an exclusive F lying to and fro South and North Sflying experience in the spirit of Christmas world of aviation to young Malaysia is now made possible by ixty children from children’s dream of flying and eager mavericks by a route directly connecting Johor two children’s come true. The younger launching FRAS Young Bahru and Kota Bharu. Fire y Airlines’ homes, Persatuan generation is our future, inaugural flight FY2349, which departed from Sultan Ismail Petra Airport, Kota K e b a j i k a n A l - and with aviation being Aviators Program, which will Bharu, Kelantan at 11.30am, arrived at Senai International Airport, Johor Bahru, Johor at Zaraffe Johor and Rumah previously seeming like a be launched in 2020. 1.10pm on 17th December 2019. Kebajikan Baitul Maghrifah, faraway dream, we wish to For more information “We are excited to celebrate yet another milestone and to paint the Johor were treated to an exclusive bridge the gap and give about the Young Aviator skies orange. Fire y’s presence in Johor will de nitely bring in tourists from all walks of ying experience by a local everyone the opportunity to Program and other o erings life to discover the undiscovered gems in Johor. This route also brings the opportunity Johor Tourism, Women, Family and ying club in the spirit of the y,” said Datuk Abdul Karim at FRAS Flying Club, feel free to Johoreans to discover the best of Kota Community Development Committee Bharu,” said Firefly Chief Executive Officer, Chairman, Liow Cai Tung at the arrival Christmas season. Alavi, Chairman of FRAS to contact Haren Mohanraj Philip See. gate in Senai Airport to greet passengers of the inaugural flight from Kota Bharu to T h e c h i l d r e n Flying Club. at 6019 735 2911 or email Welcoming the arrival of passengers Johor Bahru on the first direct flight from KBR to JHB experienced an exhilarating Part of the goal is also to haren_mohanraj@yahoo. were Johor Tourism, Women, Family and Johor to promote tourism products of Community Development Committee Johor State in Kelantan such as Desaru 20 minutes in the air at about to introduce the wonderful com. - by Harish Mustak TI chairman, Liow Cai Tung along with Firefly Coast, Legoland, the beauty of the islands CEO, Philip See and CEO of Senai Airport and the natural beauty of Johor. Various 1,000 feet above ground Terminal Services Sdn Bhd (SATSSB), Md travel packages are being developed Derick Basir. and will be for sale in Johor in the near within the Senai Airport area. future. Johor is well-served by its excellent The flight to and fro KBR-JHB takes network of hotels, latest travel products Aside from that, other 1 hour and 40 minutes, in comparison and a variety of programs in conjunction to driving which can take up to 9 hours. with Visit Johor Year 2020. guests in attendance were This new route will fly 3 times weekly on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, and Md Derick Basir added that travelers treated to a wide variety of makes up a total of 12 domestic and 7 can look forward to more international international routes for the airline. routes that will fly directly from Senai activities at the hangar which Airport in year 2020 and amongst them are Firefly has partnered with Tourism Medan, Shenzhen and a few cities in Japan. included a large bouncy - by Norfy Shafeq TI house for the children, lucky draws, and lunch. This is the sixth year that FRAS is organising this Christmas charity event and which is open to all organisations from all religions and races. “The goal at FRAS Santa is happy to have hosted the children Flying Club is to make the

08 FREE COPY | The Iskandarian ISSUE 89 | JAN 2020 newsT H E I S K A N D A R I A N www.facebook.com/theiskandarian | www.theiskandarian.com Destigmatising AIDS for a more inclusive society T he Human Immunodeficiency This can be contributed mainly to lack Virus (HIV) is the cause of the of knowledge and the stigma associated condition known as Acquired with HIV in our country. A key issue is Immunodeficiency Syndrome that many face lack of employment due (AIDS) and has been one of the most to having the condition which leads to an stigmatised conditions in the world, increase in sex work for them to try and especially in conservative Malaysia. support themselves financially. In conjunction with the recent The general population must World AIDS Day, Monash University understand that advancements in came together with the Malaysian Health treatment have led to normalised lives for Ministry, Malaysian AIDS Council and those living with HIV, where couples can several other AIDS foundations in Johor conceive children without transmitting Bahru and hosted the first ever AIDS the virus and even without artificial forum. Aptly titled “Community makes a insemination. The National Institutes of difference”, the event was carried out in Health in the U.S have documented that an effort to educate and spread awareness by adhering to treatment, it is possible on key factors that affect those living to achieve an undetectable viral load with AIDS and what can be done to help within the first 6 months. By continuing control and minimise the spread of AIDS the treatment to maintain the numbers in Malaysia. for another 6 months, there is effectively no risk of transmitting HIV to a sexual Dr. Suresh Kumar from the Sungai partner. Buloh hospital outlines the Malaysian goal of the “90-90-90” approach whereby, Another study in the United States by 2020, 90% of those living with HIV will points out that 20% of the HIV positive be aware of their HIV status, 90% of those population are unaware of their status with HIV will be on antiretroviral therapy and these people are responsible for 49% and 90% of those receiving antiretroviral of all new infections. It is also noted that therapy will have viral suppression, those who are diagnosed do change their allowing them to lead a normalised life. behaviour accordingly - lowering the risk of transmission. As for those worried about He also point out the biggest the cost, early detection and treatment will factors in ensuring a near normal lifespan cost less than late detection and treatment, is early detection and treatment. A leading to the increasing importance of study in 2016 by the National AIDS raising awareness of early detection. Program in Thailand shows that when patients are diagnosed and treated when Dr. Masliza Zaid from Hospital their CD4 (cluster of differentiation 4) Sultanah Aminah point out that even protein counts are around 350, their life though self-testing kits are more abundant expectancy is around 81 years of age. This and accessible which allow people to number severely declines for those who minimise awkward situations such as are diagnosed later; CD4 count 200 have bumping into relatives at the hospital, a life expectancy of up to 69 years old people must be aware of false negatives and those at CD4 count, up to 50 to 49 and be vigilant in their testing. She also years old. Thus it is imperative for people likened those who do walk-ins for testing to be diagnosed and treated as early as and treatment to warriors due to having possible. huge amounts of courage. Malaysia has a 35% rate of For those affected by HIV, there diagnosed patients who are under the are several welfare societies such as 200 CD4 count level, one of the higher Lifezone and the Malaysian AIDS Council figures in Asia Pacific and in contrast to (MAC) which provide shelter, support Africa and Afghanistan that have a lower and guidance for those living with the late diagnosis number than Malaysia. condition. - by Norfy Shafeq TI Deputy Director of Health Dr. Sal binti Atan presenting recognition awards for excellence to the different clinics and NGOs

09 FREE COPY | The Iskandarian ISSUE 89 | JAN 2020 drillT H E I S K A N D A R I A N www.facebook.com/theiskandarian | www.theiskandarian.com MONTHLY DRILL Associate Professor Abdul Rahim has been the Director of Director OUM Johor Bahru branch since 2009. Prior to joining OUM, EXCLUSIVE he was actively involved in Corporate Training, covering topics such as Corporate Organisation, Retailing, Human Abdul Rahim Bin Mohamed Amin Resource Development and Management, Marketing and Entrepreneurship. Director Open University Malaysia Johor He has lectured on a part-time basis at SEDAYA College, UiTM, UUM and a few other private colleges in Bahru (OUM JB) Johor Bahru. He holds a Diploma in Business Studies and BBA Hons (Finance) from UiTM, as well as a Master’s Degree in Technology Management (HRD) from UTM. Upon completion of his Degree from UiTM, he ventured into various private and public organisations namely UTM, Johor Education Foundation Group, Federation of Malaysian Manufacturer, SCA Packaging, Swan Malaysia, Horizon Hills Development S/B and UEM Land Berhad. With over 30 years of working experience, his research interest is in Marketing, Management and Human Resources. Currently, he is pursuing his Doctorate in Business Administrations at OUM. Tell us more about OUM and its unique we focus more on management and promotion or a better o er at another Taking a diploma at 40? A degree at 60? selling points. knowledge-based subjects such as organisation. I think it is a terri c opportunity for self- Open University Malaysia or OUM is the business, IT, early childhood care, enrichment. This is actually a subjective maintenance, manufacturing, safety and Why did you make the shift from a question because for some businessmen rst self-managed and distant-learning more. corporate career to a career in education? or entrepreneurs, there is no need for education institution in Malaysia. Honestly, I fell in love with teaching. I certi cates or degrees. All you need is an Established in August 2000 with the The variant education level courses never thought I would be an educator idea and some start-up capital. The rest is motto “University for All”, OUM believes in available at OUM range from Diplomas all but as many others would agree with up to your e ort. the democratisation of education, giving the way to PhDs. me, there is a sort of ful lment or feeling everyone a chance at self-actualisation and of contentment when you see yourself As for those who are looking for ful lling their potential. What are among the facilities provided at passing on knowledge to the ones who something to do or more knowledge in OUM? are seeking it. certain elds, they will come to enrol and Being the University of Choice for Facility wise, we are like any other take exams at any age. Some are just bored, working adults, OUM promotes exibility educational institution. We have I think it started when I was in whereas some didn’t get the chance earlier in education where students can tailor classrooms (offline and online), a café, HR conducting training and facilitating on, but everyone has their reasons. their studies to suit their own convenience, halls and a common area. We are also enrichment programmes for employees. study at their own pace, anytime, anywhere, equipped with facilities that are catered The spark made me pursue my own journey If you were given a choice to change your without having to sacri ce time o work or to the working class career, what would you be? personal interest. and the differently- of education while also I have always loved plants and gardening. abled such as empowering the people I wanted to learn more about horticulture OUM also lets you make your work nursing rooms for around me, especially and plants but was not good at biology experience count whereby students can working mothers, people from the working and the science of botany. I do gardening include their experience at work to be a wheelchair class. just by instinct and enjoy how calm it accredited for enrolment into programmes. ramp, as well as an makes me feel. It is a good form of therapy examination centre From your experience in my opinion. The OUM learning centres which are for the finals. Yes, in education, what found in convenient locations also allow even though we advise can you give to What do you do in your free time? students to attend classes or seek advice promote online the fresh graduates? I would normally be in the garden with my without having to travel far. learning, but the I will have to say one plants or spend time with my family. TI exams still have simple thing: just do What are the courses o ered at OUM? to be taken the not be fussy and be As mentioned earlier, OUM is a centre of conventional way, as open to learn. Sure, the learning and education for all. However, all centres will hold economy and market the exam at the same now is at a downturn time and day across state, but many are the world. unaware that this is the perfect time to How does OUM facilitate job matching upskill and educate yourself. Why? Because and placements? eventually when the economy is up and OUM does not have to do much in job running, you will be ready to jump back in facilitation and placements actually. with an enriched skillset and knowledge. However, our unique selling point as As for jobs, just try out anything. You an open distant-learning institution do not really have to get into something that has made it easier for students who are you have studied for because, at the end of already employed or looking for better the day, the educational journey never ends. opportunities in their career to improve That is where OUM o ers perfect education and up-skill themselves by taking relevant courses for the working class. courses, which will in turn result in a What is your take on life-long-learning?

10 FREE COPY | The Iskandarian ISSUE 89 | JAN 2020 newsT H E I S K A N D A R I A N www.facebook.com/theiskandarian | www.theiskandarian.com MYPEGGYJLOOHHOR STORIES Since 2008, Year Six students in The 24 Festive Drums, an art of Chinese schools have been learning about drumming which was proudly born in Our resident writer, Peggy Loh, actively writes in her blog www.peggyloh.com the founding of the 24 Festive Drums from Johor, has been exported worldwide about matters that are close to her heart. their textbooks and the reputation of Chai with an increasing number of drum She can be reached at [email protected] Puan was elevated to that of a living legend. troops established in nations marked on this world map. Museum of the 24 Festive Drums At the o cial opening of the Johor Baru Chinese Heritage Museum by the Johor Hooi Song’s memory and his contributions Tan Chai Puan, co-founder of the 24 Festive Drums, explains how this unique art of Chief Minister in 2009, he declared Jalan Tan to this art of drumming, in the museum. drumming is summarized in this Chinese couplet; Meanwhile Year Six students in Hiok Nee to be a Heritage Walk. Malaysian Chinese Primary Schools learn about the heritage of the 24 Festive Drums Chai Puan declared that it was from textbooks [open pages are displayed on top of the drums]. Then weekend cultural activities were uncanny that the eye-catching calligraphy organised by the Tan Hiok Nee Heritage Walk displayed in the lobby was in fact, done I n 1988 when the Johor Bahru Chinese on 12 June 1988, with a performance by a committee to create more interest in the by the same calligraphic masters who Association organised the 9th Chinese student troop from Foon Yew High School, city’s heritage quarter. participated in the inauguration ceremony Dance Festival held at Foon Yew High coached by Hooi Song. at the Johor Ancient Temple back in June School, Tan Chai Puan and Tan Hooi Meanwhile Chai Puan kept me 1988! Song were tasked to create its theme song, Famous calligraphic masters from updated (in English) about Chinese cultural “Begin to Dance.” Malaysia and Singapore graced this event events happening here as well as the On the wall, the development of this to write in beautiful calligraphy the 24 development of the 24 Festive Drums, locally art of drumming is recorded in chronological A poem was composed and Chai Solar Terms, the inspiration which named and abroad. order on a series of charts, mounted on the Puan also created the artistic vision of the 24 Festive Drums. tops of old drums. “Drumming up Nine Drums” as the base I was privileged to attend the 30th for the theme song. This signi cant event marked the anniversary of the founding of the 24 Festive Among the highlights in the museum birth of the 24 Festive Drums, an art of Drums at the Johor Ancient Temple in June are a cycle of the 24 Solar Terms, a world The success of the drumming drumming proudly created in Johor Bahru 2018, where the original drum troop from map that marks where 24 Festive Drum performance at the opening ceremony of through Chai Puan’s cultural ideas and Foon Yew High School was present in a troops are established and a four-seasons the Dance Festival inspired Chai Puan to Hooi Song’s musical composition. meaningful reunion. tree. Upstairs, visitors may have a hands-on create a new form of percussion art but drumming experience. he could not decide on how many drums I am familiar with the history of It was a double celebration for Chai to feature until he read the work of a the 24 Festive Drums because I featured Puan when he was also declared a Living I enjoyed Chai Puan’s detailed Taiwanese poet. cultural activist, Chai Puan, in an exclusive Cultural Heritage of Malaysia by the Ministry commentary while learning about his story under Portraits in my book, My of Tourism and Culture, in October that same continued efforts to develop this art of The beauty of the four seasons was Johor Stories: True Tales, Real People, Rich year. drumming in the region. I know that his described in 24 poems, each representing Heritage in 2017. desire is for the birthplace of the 24 Festive one of the 24 Solar Terms, a practice in Registered as an association in 2015, Drums to eventually be acknowledged as ancient China which was developed When he shared with me the the 24 Festive Drums Association organised the Drumming Capital of the world. through observing the sun’s annual chronology of events that led to the their national level 30th anniversary grand motion, traditionally used as a time frame creation of this unique art of drumming, celebration in Kuala Lumpur. The Museum of the 24 Festive Drums to direct agricultural production and Chai Puan admitted that he never is located upstairs at No. 31 Jalan Tan Hiok annual festivals. imagined the far-reaching impact of this Looking back, I was involved in Nee, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor. Open daily, proudly Johor-born tradition which has countless Drums’ events including their bi- 8.30am to 5pm. Closed on Tuesday. TI As Chai Puan was then a council been exported back to China! annual International Drums Festivals and member of the JB Chinese Association, The creation of the 24 Festive Drums’ he proposed the setting up of a 24 Festive From a single drum troop that At the start of the Museum tour, visitors art of drumming was based on the Drum troop and sought nancial help from started in Foon Yew High School, drum are introduced to the 24 Festive Drums, Chinese cycle of the 24 Solar Terms, a the association. troops have now been established a unique art of drumming which was cultural tradition in China, recognised in schools and universities, not just acknowledged as a Malaysian National by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural In May 1988, the association nationwide but also worldwide Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2009. Heritage of Humanity in 2017. agreed that the ve dialect clans in Johor – Hokkien, Hakka, Hainanese, Cantonese and In July 2008, Hooi Song became National Competitions, which started since Teochew – would contribute funds for the the rst Malaysian Chinese to be declared 2010. purchase of the rst set of the 24 drums a Living Cultural Heritage of Malaysia, from China. an honour bestowed by the Ministry of Last year, I was among the rst to Tourism and Culture. learn about the setting up of the Museum of It was a proud event for the the 24 Festive Drums and recently, Chai Puan inauguration ceremony of the 24 Festive Not long after that, he lost invited me over for a preview. Drums held at the Johor Ancient Temple the battle to cancer and passed away peacefully at age 61. Located near the JB Chinese Heritage Museum, this museum aims to complement the visitors’ experience in the heritage quarter. Likewise, the Museum of the 24 Festive Drums also has dual entrances – from Jalan Ibrahim and Jalan Tan Hiok Nee – while the museum is situated upstairs. While Chai Puan dearly wished to share with Hooi Song, the crowning moments when the 24 Festive Drums was recognised as a Malaysian National Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2009, he is pleased to honour

11 FREE COPY | The Iskandarian ISSUE 89 | JAN 2020 newsT H E I S K A N D A R I A N www.facebook.com/theiskandarian | www.theiskandarian.com ASEAN Tourism Golf Tournament to Inject Tourists for Visit Johor Year 2020 More than 200 golfers to take part in the golf tournament this coming February J ohor Golf Tourism Association (JGTA), an Asia Malaysia 2020 promotions, the Golf Club in Bogor, Indonesia. the education, shopping, food, arts & independent member- ASEAN Tourism Golf Tournament nal round and closing ceremony culture, and many more that can based association that will be a 3-legged tour with the attract high-end tourists from will be held on the 5th and 6th ASEAN. rst one to be hosted in Johor at December 2020 at the Mahkota According to him, the golf provides support to all the golf the Els Club Desaru Coast - Ocean Golf & Country Club and Lanjut tourism industry in Johor receives an average of between 500,000 to fraternities in promoting Johor Course and Vijay Singh’s The Els Beach & Golf Resort in Pahang. 600,000 golfers each year mostly coming from Singapore, South as the ultimate golf destination Club Desaru Coast - Valley Course Col. Mohd Jamal Salleh, the Korea and Japan, and this number is expected to grow this year due and experience is all set to be the on the 16th and 17th February President of Johor Golf Tourism to the increased promotional initiatives to boost the golf industry organiser for ASEAN Tourism Golf 2020. Association (JGTA) is confident for Visit Johor Year 2020. - by Norfy Shafeq TI Tournament. The second leg will be held that this tournament will act as a Announced at a grand in June at the Phuket Golf Country stimulus in promoting the other Visit Truly Asia Malaysia 2020 launch ceremony of the ASEAN Club and Loch Palm Golf Club in tourism sectors in Johor as well promotions include a mini golf Tourism Golf Tournament in Phuket Phuket, Thailand. The third leg such as high-end attractions, tournament organised by JGTA Golf Country Club, Thailand on 1st will be held in September at Club natural tourism spots, water December 2019 as part of Visit Truly Golf Bogor Raya and Rainbow Hill sports, wellness and spa, medical, Bridging Two Countries to JCorp Takes a Bigger Overcome Traffic Piece of the Pie H ome Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin at Bangunan Sultan with the federal and state J ohor Corporation (JCorp) has increased Yassin attended Iskandar and Sultan Abu governments and PLUS its stake in QSR Brands (M) Holdings the first meeting Bakar Complex, which is Malaysia Berhad before we Bhd, which operates KFC and Pizza currently handling very high can take the next step,” he Hut fast food chains in Southeast Asia, to 56% compared to just 27% in 2012 as of the committee to solve volumes of visitors, whether said. reported by Bernama. the congestion issue of the both facilities should be Among those Johor Menteri Besar, Datuk Dr Sahruddin Jamal said this has increased causeway between Johor upgraded,” said Muhyiddin. present at the meeting JCorp’s investment in QSR Brands to RM3.33 billion which is a 29% increase. and Singapore, which was “I am told that almost were Health Minister Datuk Foreign media report stated that the attended by various relevant 70% of the visitors to and Seri Dr. Dzulkefly Ahmad, owner of QSR Brands is considering selling KFC and Pizza Hut fast food chains for about government departments from Malaysia use the Transport Deputy Minister S$1.96 billion (RM6 billion). and agencies. causeway,” he added. Datuk Kamarudin Ja ar and The statement made by Dr Sahruddin was a rebuttal to the rumours. The authorities Bernama reported representatives of the state Dr Sahruddin said JCorp’s strategy is have agreed to undertake that the committee also government and heads of to further grow QSR Brands, not just in the form of restaurants, but also to drive the halal a feasibility study on the agreed to proceed with the government agencies. - by industry by strengthening the middle and upstream sectors of the poultry industry. proposed third bridge proposal to build a covered Harish Mustak TI “This will enable QSR Brands to supply as a long-term solution pedestrian fresh and frozen halal chicken products in the Brands under QSR Brands (M) Holding Malaysian and global markets – a potential Bhd (Pic credit: focusmalaysia) in overcoming traffic pathway at and bigger strategy in terms of the economy, employment or entrepreneurship,” he said. to support the e orts by JCorp to further congestion at the Johor the Johor enhance its business performance so that it The state government continues could continue to play its maximum role to Causeway which would take Causeway as the state and the people of Johor. nine months to complete. a short-term Dr Sahruddin added that the remaining 44% of QSR Brands equity is Muhyiddin said the solution to held by CVC Capital Partners and the Employees Provident Fund (KWSP), which study, estimated to cost RM5 overcome the would constantly evaluate the level of their investment, including divesting their stake. - million, would be conducted congestion. by Harish Mustak TI sometime next year after the “It will funding was obtained. cost RM30 “The study will also million, but look at the capacity of the we have to Remember the crooked bridge proposed Customs, Immigration and first discuss by Dr Mahathir? Photo from Straits Times Quarantine (CIQ) complex the proposal An Eco-Friendly Gallery That Acts as the One-Stop of Giving and Gifting Care United opens its charity handicrafts and services gallery C are United (M) Sdn Bhd was set up early uniquely crafted handbags known MyBag weavers are from sustainable gifting season and last year to help Care as MyBag is located at Jalan Molek different indigenous tribes of at the same time, helping out United Society Johor Taman Molek, Johor Bahru. Bags Borneo, consisting of Malaysia, for a good cause. Proceeds that are created under the notion Indonesia and Brunei citizens from purchase and service fee would go to the hand weavers Bahru (CUSJB) raise funds by of Sustainable Trade, ensure that who reside in the rainforest wage and CUSJB’s funds to help sustain their charitable works. selling artisanal tribal woven the weavers are paid fair wages and mostly living as hunter- Care United Society Johor bags, through its newly launched and assisted in purchasing raw gatherers, with little means of Bahru mainly raises funds to help aid 20,000 children and gallery that carries an extensive materials consisting of recycled income. adults every year from the underprivileged community in range of hand-woven artisanal materials that are eco-friendly Besides offering Malaysia. Some of their notable efforts include the ‘Back To bags that have been crafted by known as polypropylene (recycled affordable unique bags and School’ programme and Food Aid project. - by Norfy Shafeq TI the tribal women of Borneo, plastic) to prevent further depletion containers at RM35 to RM250 making it arguably one of the of the Malaysian rainforest. At the price range, the gallery is also Datuk Florence Goh and the gallery staffs beside the most extensive line of artisanal same time, the e ort is looking into taking services of decorating decoupage portrait of the Prime Minister woven bag collection for sale in preserving Malaysian traditional your holiday gift hampers with Johor. artisan cultural heritage of weaving their eco-friendly and reusable The gallery which offers as well. bags, to ensure a much more

12 The Iskandarian ISSUE 89 | JAN 2020 Advertisement

Happy New Year!

The Iskandarian | WAVES Lifestyle JAN 2020 | Page 2 editor’s LOVE, MICappella note Priya Manikam B Universa Musi Singapor [email protected] Music Updates S ingapore POP sensation who have grown into darlings of MICAPPELLA”. H appy New Year and welcome to MICappella has released newfound fans as they carried A sharp contrast from their the start of a new decade! With a their latest EP titled “LOVE, their ebullient vocals showcase of new beginning, I hope you like the MICappella”, a heartfelt over 50 shows as far away as Japan, previous two releases, this EP is the new look of The Iskandarian. individually personalised rendition Russia and USA in the past 2 years. rst of a 2-part EP released in 2019 I bring you news from across the on various aspects of LOVE in six causeway with MICappella, Singapore’s parts. The band held two exclusive It has been an exciting time and 2020. Love, MICappella, as the pop sensation who had recently released listening parties for both media so far as the band re ected on 2019 name suggests, has an overarching their latest EP titled “LOVE, MICappella” and fans at Unplugged where the where MICappella has performed at theme of LOVE that explores each which features the band members’personal audience heard the band perform close to 50 international and local of the band member’s personal renditions of Love. their latest original songs live. stages representing Singapore, as experiences with love. The hour-long listening party also well as sharing their love and the Sony Pictures is on a roll with 3 treated audiences to a preview craft of A Cappella to more than “As a band and as singer/ movies starring some big names this of their latest single, behind-the- 20 schools. Their latest and one of songwriters, we each have our New Year. From horror ick The Grudge to scenes footages and got to know the most exciting achievements stories to tell. Each individual America’s favourite neighbour starring Tom the band members better through was to represent Singapore at member gets at least a turn as Hanks, to action pack-comedy in Bad Boys a lively interview segment. the Singapore Grand Prix Flag project manager to oversee or get for Life, be sure to book your movie tickets off ceremony where the band directly involved in various aspects and munch on some popcorn while you’re The other theme that runs performed their very own rendition of a song such as songwriting, at it. simultaneously intertwined with of the Singapore National Anthem. lyrics, arrangement and studio love is one of nostalgia where band production. Through this, we hope As Chinese New Year greets us, members sampled and referenced Apart from just performing that each member’s individual we’d like you to take your tastebuds to classics, breathing new life to each, at live events, the band also released personalities will shine through DoubleTree by Hilton Johor Bahru for Yee by pairing the Shanghai jazz classic 4 original singles, culminating in even more and audiences will not Sang and much loved Chinese dishes for with a modern EDM twist for ‘I Want the release of their EP titled, “LOVE, just get to know the band but you and your family to enjoy and welcome Your Love’ or sampling ‘You Are My also the band members on a more the Year of the Rat. Sunshine’ in Through Your Eyes and personal level as well. Regardless of ‘Auld Lang Syne’ in ‘Friends Forever’ what the story and style of music Out from the city and a road trip is, what encapsulates and gels this along the E22 expressway will take you Amongst one of the most EP together will always be their straight to Amansari Hotel Desaru. A short respected Singapore homegrown voices and the wall of sound the stay there is perhaps what you need as musical sensations, MICappella has band creates that is signature to your gateway to access both leisure and been galvanising feverish devotion MICappella,” says band leader and adventure in Desaru Coast. amongst fans in the region across vocal percussionist, Peter Huang. Taiwan, China and Hong Kong As always, for those wishing to share lately. Keeping in line with the their fashion collection, travel tales, or like album’s theme of LOVE, the band us to review your restaurant/hotel for a After releasing 2 albums and will be holding an exclusive staycation, drop me an e-mail at waves. picking up over 7 Million views on listening party to a small group of [email protected] and be featured. For Youtube, MICappella is on the cusp fans. This will be the rst time this more news, do access www.theiskandarian. of cementing their status as icons line-up will be performing in such com as the vocals only pop sensations a cosy setting. The Iskandarian wishes all readers a “Our listeners have always very Happy New Year and Chinese New Year! supported us from afar when they come for our shows and concerts. Priya It’s time we really get to know them in an up-close and personal setting, SEND LETTERS share our experiences and perhaps even hear from them. We dedicate OR INQUIRIES this labour of Love to our fans!” love, MICappella. TI TO www.facebook.com/waveslifestyle www.waves-lifestyle.com [email protected] Waves Lifestyle

The Iskandarian | WAVES Lifestyle JAN 2020 | Page 3 T he Bad Boys Mike Lowrey (Will Smith) Genre: Produced by: Are You Addicted to and Marcus Burnett (Martin Lawrence) Action/Comedy Jerry Bruckheimer, Will Smith Your Mobile Phone? are back together for one last ride in Release date: Executive Producers: the highly anticipated Bad Boys for 23rd January 2020 Doug Belgrad, Barry Waldman, (Part 1) Life. Detectives Lowrey and Burnett team up Directed by: Chad Oman, when a Romanian mob boss exacts revenge Adil El Arbi & Bilall Fallah Mike Stenson W hen was the last time you on the duo just as they are about to officially Screenplay by: Cast: spent an entire day without retire. TI Joe Carnahan and Chris Bremner Will Smith, Martin Lawrence, mobile phone by your side? Story by: Vanessa Hudgens, And how do you feel when Peter Craig and Joe Carnahan and Alexander Ludwig, you do not have access to the virtual world? Chris Bremner Charles Melton,Paola Nunez, Can you spend time alone without browsing Kate Del Castillo, Nicky Jam and the social media or playing games? Joe Pantoliano First, we need to acknowledge Source: Sony Pictures Malaysia the urge and attachment we have with our screens and we are going to explore the most subtle addiction we have as a collective. According to Google, screen is a noun described as ‘a at panel or area on an electronic device such as a television, computer, or smartphone, on which images and data are displayed’. Whenever we use screens such as mobile phones or television, we are accessing data. Addiction on the other hand simply means the inability to stop doing or using something, especially something harmful (Cambridge Dictionary). Addiction to screen is complex because we are not addicted to the screen itself but rather addicted to the stimulation that we receive through the data displayed. This alone creates our dependency on mobile phones, television and gaming. These forms of addiction may not look like addiction towards drugs, alcohol, gambling or sex but the e ects on individual and collectives are still the same. Any form of addiction weakens our muscles, reduces our awareness and possibly distortS our energetic field be it individually and collectively. And here lies the danger of this addiction; the social acceptance towards it. Take mobile phones for example, since it has become a daily need for us these days, we may come to a point that we do not see it as an addiction for what it is. This is a hurtful truth to acknowledge. Our addiction towards the screen has become a silent killer in many ways. It kills our relationship, families, personal growth and health. Think…How many of you feel happier looking at screens than enjoying the aliveness of everyone and everything present around you? TI T om Hanks portrays Mister Rogers in A Genre: Producers by: Rose Osman is a Certi ed Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood, a Drama Youree Henley, Human Design Professional. timely story of kindness triumphing Release date: Peter Saraf, She’s a guide for Living Your over cynicism, based on the true 2nd January 2020 Marc Turtletaub, Design Workshop and coaches story of a real-life friendship between Fred Directed by: Leah Holzer Rogers and journalist Tom Junod. After a jaded Marielle Heller Cast: others on self healing for magazine writer (Emmy winner Matthew Rhys) is Written by: Tom Hanks, Matthew Rhys, anxiety via E-courses and assigned a pro le of Fred Rogers, he overcomes Micah Fitzerman-Blue & Noah Susan Kelechi Watson his skepticism, learning about kindness, love Harpster and Chris Cooper and group workshops and forgiveness from America’s most beloved Billy Dee yourpersonalmotivator neighbour. TI Williams BucketOfRoses www.roselifecoach.com Source: Sony Pictures Malaysia Discover your True Self, Inner Power, Potentials and Purpose with Human Design. Visit Facebook Page : Human Design Malaysia for more info.

The Iskandarian | WAVES Lifestyle JAN 2020 | Page 4 travel CALENDAR OF EVENTS JANUARY 2020 Need an a ordable option to stay in Desaru 1st Jan Coast? New Year’s Day Amansari Hotel Desaru provides one of most a ordable options 3rd – 5th Jan amongst the big names it’s surrounded by Blissful Outdoor Wedding Show @ Comfortable superior rooms in Amansari Hotel Desaru RochorMRT Station, S’pore By Moazan Emran 4th Jan [email protected] • Ultron Iskandar Puteri Run @ Puteri Spacious family suite living room Harbour Irecently had the opportunity • Beauty Master Class @ Lovely May to travel to Desaru for a provides amenities such as a staycation at Amansari gymnasium, lounge, bar, co ee Academy JB house and multi-purpose halls • Warhammer 40000: Armageddon Hotel Desaru. Over the years, which can accommodate from @ Alexandria Bookstore, Jln Nong Chik Desaru coast has transformed as low as 15 guests for private 5th Jan from a coastal line with a meetings with up to 250 Acoustic Tour 2020 @ 11F Jln Mariamah public beach and a few resorts guests for bigger seminars. 9th – 12th Jan dotted here and there, to one It’s the perfect spot for small Desaru Coast Adventure Waterpark is just a 5 minutes’ Zak Salaam Indian Expo @ S’pore Expo that boasts branded resorts, presentations and even big drive from the hotel a waterpark and world class conferences. All reservations 10th Jan • Jio Market @ JB city sporting events. But with the of the halls come fully and special park rates for of the city, or if you’re looking • SKP Oscar Night @ Holiday Villa arrival of big brands, we also packaged with a PA system and guests staying at the hotel. for that ideal location for your Hotel • WassupDoc Hip Hop @ Amerald see an eventual rise in prices. projectors. Alternatively, if you’re corporate retreats or events, Resort Hotel, Pengerang Trying to find something Regardless of whether more of a beach bum and make a reservation at Amansari 11th – 19th Jan affordable has become a you’re there for a family enjoy some beach activities, Hotel Desaru. Contact sales1. Singapore Art Week challenge. Fortunately, you vacation or on a business trip, you can head down to [email protected] or 15th – 18th Jan Pongal Harvest Festival @ JB & Little don’t have to break the bank to one of the main attractions Desaru Golden Beach where [email protected] for India Singapore stay at Amansari Hotel Desaru, a is de nitely the Desaru Coast there is a selection of water more information. You can 23rd Jan – 1st Feb River Hongbao Festival @ NS Square 3-star hotel that caters to both Adventure Waterpark. I’m enter tainment activities also make bookings through S’pore business and leisure travellers. pleased to inform you that available to the public. online portals such as Agoda 25th – 26th Jan Chinese New Year Having opened its Amansari provides transport For your next stay out or Bookings.com. TI 31st Jan – 1st Feb doors just a few years ago by Chingay Parade @ F1 Pit Building to NS Square, Spore developers SKS group as part Block your dates of a bigger town development, for this month! Amansari Hotel Desaru is one If you need more information on the above mentioned events, drop us an email at: of the earliest hotels to open in [email protected] the area. Strategically located just after the Desaru toll, it is just a 5 minute drive away from the beach or the Desaru Coast Adventure Waterpark. With the amount of eateries as well as convenience stores just outside the hotel, it’s de nitely an amazing choice if you’re a family looking for a budget option. The hotel offers 238 comfortable, air-conditioned rooms, with the options of Superior, Deluxe, Super Deluxe and Family Suites, all with en- Main ballroom to host your seminars or events suite bathroom. The hotel also

17 FREE COPY | The Iskandarian ISSUE 89 | JAN 2020 liveT H E I S K A N D A R I A N www.facebook.com/theiskandarian | www.theiskandarian.com Can physiotherapy relieve headaches, migraine and dizziness? comprehensive assessment of your headaches. Through these tests, they M igraines, headache or dizziness are able to establish the cause of your are common problems faced symptoms, diagnose it, and manage and by working adults. It can prevent some of the common types of resolve after a good night‘s headache. sleep or massage but the root cause may still remain. If you are experiencing What to expect during physiotherapy these symptoms, please seek medical session? advice. According to Regency Specialist Physiotherapist will start with a Hospital’s Senior Physiotherapist, Eow Sze subjective assessment where he or she Kim, it might be caused by the following will ask you a series of question with problems: regard to your headache. This will be followed by an objective assessment • Neck Issue that can include neck range of motion, It is also known as cervicogenic cervical position sense, Romberg test, headache which is caused by underlying nystagmus test with cervical rotation, neck issues. The junction of the upper saccade eye movement, gaze stability neck (cervical) and back of head and Dix-hallpike manoeuvre. (occipital) regions have many pain- sensitive structures which include the After the assessment, your therapist lining of the cervical spine, the joints, will provide you with a personalised ligaments, cervical nerve roots and the exercise regime. Your symptoms will muscles. It is similar with other types of normally resolve within 4 – 6 sessions headache or migraines. This common of therapy. The treatment methods type of headache usually responds well may include heat therapy, trigger to physiotherapy treatment. There are points release, electrotherapy or joint few major contributing factors such as mobilisation that require stretching and poor posture, stiffness of the joints in the passive movement technique. neck and upper back, muscle imbalance (muscle tightness and muscle weakness) There are some lifestyle factors that you and previous neck trauma (sport injury). should also take into consideration: • Posture –Stand tall with your chest • Tension Headaches Tension headache is the feeling of a tight lifted, shoulders relaxed, head level band around the head. The muscle in the and chin tucked in. head and neck will give the experience • Work – Avoid working with your of a certain level of tightness. It is usually head stagnantly down for long caused by physical and/or emotional periods of time, and frequently stress. Emotional stress will release stress stretch and change positions. chemical adrenaline which will tighten • Sleeping – Poor sleeping positions the muscle of the back, shoulders, neck can strain your neck. and head. This can further cause pain in • Exercise – Carry out exercises that the head. help with tight or weak muscles to help you restore normal function. • Benign Proximal Positional • Relaxation – Learning to recognise Vertigo (BPPV) when you are tense is an important component in rehabilitation. Learn BPPV is a condition characterised by to relax yourself. episodes of sudden and severe vertigo (dizziness) with head movement. For more information, please Common triggers of vertigo include contact Regency Specialist Hospital’s rolling over in bed, quickly getting out Rehabilitation Department at 07- of bed and the sudden lifting of your 3817717 or email us at physiotherapy@ head to look up. regencyspecialist.com. TI How can physiotherapy help with headaches? Physiotherapy is the treatment of injury, disease and disorders through physical methods — such as exercise, manual therapy, electrotherapy and other treatments. It can be a good support to treat headaches or vertigo. Physiotherapists are experts in posture and movement of the body. Those that are well- trained with specific skills in vestibular rehabilitation can conduct a

18 FREE COPY | The Iskandarian ISSUE 89 | JAN 2020 liveT H E I S K A N D A R I A N www.facebook.com/theiskandarian | www.theiskandarian.com C olumbia Asia Hospital - of breastfeeding and ensuring “Columbia Hospital - The team at CAH-IP with Ummi Munaliza Iskandar Puteri (CAH-IP) the baby is comfortable. The Iskandar Puteri plays a role in gives back to the society women also learnt what a normal promoting health awareness to follow a schedule that starts connected, so these cases were through its new project breastfeeding baby’s stool looked the public. Our aim is to host more their day as early as 4 AM. The more prevalent in university “Titian Kasih”. Translated, it means like to reassure a new mother’s CSR events promoting health- woman’s day is filled with Islamic students. Now, everybody has “bridging love”, an accurate worries about her baby’s bowel related awareness and healthy studies, delegated house chores, access to the internet,” shared description of the work they do movement. lifestyle campaigns which include and dedicated nap times. Most of Ummi. to bridge their medical service health screening and health talks them knew what they signed up with the community. Wan Nur Safariza Suhaili by our specialists at public places for – finding the house through The women must stay Charge Nurse, shared insights on in Johor,” said Dr Ding Eng Li. their search for help online and at the home for a minimum of Collaborating with its expressing breast milk e ectively, willingly admitted themselves to six months before they would Sports and Recreation Club, how to massage the breast when “As a health care provider, be sheltered. be allowed to leave with their CAH-IP’s Corporate Social engorged, breast milk storage we must also give back to the parent or guardian, or lawful Responsibility benefits Baitus and how long to thaw frozen community,” she concluded. Since their establishment husbands. Ummi said that sincere Solehah Caring Centre, a home breast milk. in 2013, the home has seen over men have approached her to ask that houses unmarried pregnant CAH-IP will be organising 800 occupants – not a figure to for the hand of the women to women and mothers. Yap Pau Lin, dietician, Cervical Awarness Day and Blood be proud of, but at least over marry. She carefully assesses the talked about nutritional needs for 300 infants were saved from rash man’s background, along with The event supported both mother and baby. Questions Dr Ding, General Manager at and confused acts of newborn the woman’s liking and consent, women by educating them from the oor were raised, and CAH-IP and Ummi Munaliza, abandonment and abortion before arranging the marriage, on cervical cancer, handling amongst them, their concerns affectionately known as Ummi that is potentially harmful just like she would with her own newborns, milk storage, nutrition, about eating herbal supplements Liza, founder of Baitus Solehah for the mothers as well. All daughters. She had seen 30 of the and providing emotional care. after giving birth answered and Caring Centre mothers are given counselling women from her home tying the to aid the psychological trauma. knot through her help. Dr Ding Eng Li,CAH-IP nding out that drinking black Donation Campaign at their According to Ummi Munaliza, General Manager, conducted a co ee keeps the baby awake at hospital, East Wing, Outpatient a retired educator and founder Columbia Asia Hospital talk on cervical cancer, giving night. Area, on 18th January 2020 of the home, 30% of the – Iskandar Puteri learned about information on the risk factors (Saturday) , 9am to 3pm. The pregnancy cases are victims of Baitus Solehah at the Iskandar and symptoms of cervical cancer CAH-IP donated electrical public is cordially invited. CAH- rape while the remaining are Malaysia Social Hero Awards and the importance of seeking equipment such as standing IP will be celebrating their 10th pregnancies from premarital gala dinner in October 2019. medical evaluation. fans and a vacuum cleaner, years anniversary in 2020. Baitus sex. Their youngest occupant Baitus Solehah won the Human after receiving feedback from Solehah Caring Centre, location was 13, a victim of pedophilic Empowerment, organisation Hanidah Kasmin, Charge the home on their needs. The undisclosed, appears to be like sexual activity. All underaged category in 2019. CAH-IP were Nurse, demonstrated the proper machines, along with basic daily any normal family house from pregnancies are classified as inspired by their good work and technique of breastfeeding, essentials and medication, were its façade. No signboards were police cases. reached out to support them. positions, and explained baby’s contributed by doctors and sta hung, nor were there commotion behaviours, movements and of the hospital. Collectively, all that shouts any of its activity. It “The first case we handled Private organisations and was meant to be that way: a safe was a university student in 2012. non-governmental organisations The charge nurse also covered how to know if your baby is house for women and their babies Back then, not everybody had best go hand in hand to suckling well from their sexual predators, access to the internet. You need bridge the gap and make our irresponsible boyfriends, and a laptop and a modem to be communities better, stronger. - what the baby is trying to say sta raised funds to purchase the society’s stigma. by Salamahafifi TI through how his actions. She items. Selected women were also emphasised on the importance given HPV vaccine shots. All 50 occupants – 39 mothers and remaining babies,

19 FREE COPY | The Iskandarian ISSUE 89 | JAN 2020 liveT H E I S K A N D A R I A N www.facebook.com/theiskandarian | www.theiskandarian.com Thorny Sea Cucumbers – Colourful Critters on our Shores O ften mistaken by It is almost hypnotic around for their favourite prey of to hold on in strong waves if it Serina Rahman recreational divers to watch one feed, where it plankton and suspended organic chooses to. on their rst trip to matter in the shallows. Serina Rahman is the co- a seagrass meadow stretches out its (sometimes Unfortunately this founder of Kelab Alami and a as nudibranchs, Thorny Sea bright yellow and red) tentacles When it is sea cucumber species is collected for the Visiting Fellow at the ISEAS- cucumbers are from the family from its mouth opening, breeding season, the seagrass aquarium and medicinal trade. Yusof Ishak Institute, Singapore Cucumariidae. These small, retracting them one at a time. If meadow is full of tiny critters as Those used as medicine are dried oblong-shaped creatures do not you look at these appendages in small as half a pinkie- nger. They and sold at exorbitant prices; Kelab Alami conducts bury themselves as most other detail you see that they seem to often cling to seagrass, bivalves often too many are collected, guided seagrass walks where sea cucumbers do. They are easy have feathery owers at the end threatening its survival in the many of these creatures to spot as they come in many of each extension as they feel or any other hard surface with wild. They are di cult to keep can be found – log on to shades of red, pink, orange and their tubed feet and are able alive in an aquarium. kelabalami.weebly.com for more even purple, with sharp bumps information. TI (‘thorns’) on their ribbing.

20 FREE COPY | The Iskandarian ISSUE 89 | JAN 2020 workT H E I S K A N D A R I A N www.facebook.com/theiskandarian | www.theiskandarian.com PIP and SMART Principle – Part One Acompany is as strong oversell themselves which may Deciding on the Correct Route If that is the case, PIP is not Alya Ariffin as its manpower. When lead to a mismatch with the to Tackle a Performance Issue suitable. Instead, a thorough employees are highly position offered. In the long There are few suggested target setting session should Legal Adviser motivated and perform run, you will start to see the solutions in addressing take place. MECA South Sdn. Bhd. well, the company benefits the issue at hand such as a from it. Productivity will employee’s inability to performance improvement There are also times when [email protected] increase resulting in perform and its the superior uses PIP as a way to more revenue and ripple plan (PIP), re-designation, legally terminate an employee. recruitment should relook profits. Annually, effect. demotion, and of course, By setting up the employee for into their hiring process. companies spend This is termination of employment. failure, the purpose of PIP is The employee then should a large portion why it is I’ll elaborate further on PIP as defeated altogether. either be placed in PIP or re- of its budget on always a solution which is aimed at assigned to a more suitable recruiting and rehabilitating and enhancing • Is the superior committed position. In situations where training employees. good to have candidates take an employee’s productivity. to helping the employee? a good employee suddenly Perhaps this would personality tests such as the underperforms, it would seem be a good time for Saville Assessment to see their PIP is a programme PIP requires both the to suggest that there might be employers to actual ability and suitability designed on a case to employee and the superior external pressures affecting shift their with the position offered. to be disciplined in the him such as personal problem focus to Nevertheless, this solution may case basis by both implementation. The employee or work environment changes retaining not be viable for companies the employer and must strive to achieve the target which caused the employee’s and needing high number of employee to while the superior must conduct inability to cope. For example, enhancing employees within very short increase his/her timely reviews guided according when there is advancement its existing periods of time. Simple interviews performance up to the appropriate standards. in technology in which he has workforce are usually done without further to an acceptable If the superior is not keen on not been trained for. Upon instead of taking the screening then the employee is standard. A PIP helping or participating, PIP identifying the root cause of the unfruitful path of termination as o to the production line which would not be a success. problem, then the superior can what a waste of resources it will be. in the end causes high turnovers. shall set him/her up for customise the PIP programme An employer can also assess an success ensuring positive • Has the employee been accordingly. TI The issue of poor employee’s capability during his e ects for both the business and performing poorly since performance usually begins when probationary period or while the employee. the start of his employment the immediate superior or the the employee is on a xed term Before deciding to place or did it happen instantly manager realises its subordinate is contract. With this data, one can an employee in PIP, managers or gradually? incapable of executing his tasks or decide on whether the particular should rst do their preliminary shows a decline in performance. employee is worth retaining or investigation. The question If the employee has been When such a matter comes to not. in mind should be, ‘Is PIP the struggling since joining, light, employers are urged not appropriate programme here?’ to be so quick to dismiss an These are the few key points to employee. This is because you are be taken into consideration: legally bound to put in e ort to • Is it a performance issue or assist the employee and instant a disciplinary matter? dismissal would not be nancially If it is the latter, the correct fruitful for the organisation. This route would be to undertake article serve as a guide on how to disciplinary action such as the handle a performance issue. issuance of a show cause letter. Curbing Performance Issues • Is the employee from the Beginning actually performing Steps to tackle this issue need poorly or is there a not begin when performance problem between has already plummeted. It can be him and his avoided from the very beginning superior? at the recruitment stage itself. During the interview, candidates Most of the time it is are not always truthful or might due to the di erence in understanding between the superior and the subordinate of the goals targeted. DU009(W) The University of Choice PART-TIME STUDIES for Working Adults . 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21 FREE COPY | The Iskandarian ISSUE 88 | DEC 2019 investT H E I S K A N D A R I A N www.facebook.com/theiskandarian | www.theiskandarian.com Accumulating Wealth Tips & Tricks Five Indicators to Take Heed of in Year 2020 W elcome to Year 2020! Tey Bin Yuen It’s interesting to note that in 2019, the global stock market Binyuen is the founder of BY was in chaos. Many ‘experts’ Enrich Resources and the author predicted that the market was at the brink of of ‘Life beyond the Comfort collapse . Fast forward to today and the Dow Zone’ and ‘Profit from Share Jones, S&P 500 and Nasdaq indexes have Investment’. His books are gone up by around 20% and have reached available in major bookstores in a historical high. Malaysia, Singapore or online What opportunities await us in 2020? Let’s http://www.teybinyuen.com/ discuss some key indicators. profitfromshareinvestment . • Higher Indexes recession. Luckily, this did not a ect the Apart from the US, the market indexes global economy. On the other hand, the in Europe and India have neared an all- trade war, which seems to have entered a time high, indicating higher risks and positive development, could be a potential valuations. Every new high is bound to have black swan if there is an unexpected twist. a correction. Oddly, the bull kept climbing even with so much negative news owing • Trade War Development in. Now, the bad news has reduced. Does it The trade tension between the two largest mean the market possesses higher risk? It’s economies may have subsided, but has not worth re ecting. yet resolved. In fact, the trade development is a double edge sword. It can either turn • Gold Price into the bull or the bear and take control in When investors perceive the market as 2020. ‘dangerous’, they nd a safe haven (gold) to park their funds in, leading to higher gold Having said that, the year end is prices. In the second half of 2019, gold price usually a better time for the stock market. increased substantially and stood above the Here’s a look at our portfolio on 16 December 1500 psychological level for a few months. 2019: Although it is now below 1500, it has been Disclaimer: The companies or strategies mentioned in this article are meant for study purpose only. It doesn’t constitute any ‘buy’ or ‘sell’ recommendation. Please consult your financial professional if you want to make any decision. considered high for the last ve years. It The portfolio shows a 295% gain since means the market is somehow reserved and November 2015. It is not the result of buy uncertain. and keep, but rather, buy, monitor and take necessary action. But don’t get overwhelmed. The gold price was above 1500 in 2012 and 2013, and In December 2019, we sold 45000 nothing bad happened. Eventually, gold shares of RANHILL (5272) at 1.13 with a pro t prices came down and the market moved of nearly RM14000. We are also entitled to on. 1.5 cents and 0.5 cents of dividends from SCICOM and JHM, respectively, totalling • US Dollar dividends to RM1950. A few factors affect the US dollar, such as interest rates hike, US economy Add NOTION (0083) data, commodity prices and trade war The NOTION management targets sales development. revenue at RM320 million in FY2020 and above RM400 million in FY2021 mainly from What matters most is that strong US fabrication. With better economies of scale, dollars favour export-oriented companies the company also expects higher net margin like furniture makers, technology and gloves moving forward. Seeing the strong growth manufacturers. A weaker US dollar a ects prospect and improving pro t margin, we these companies’ earnings. bought 60000 shares of NOTION at RM0.9. • Potential Black Swan After receiving dividends, the new Black swan events happen unexpectedly cash level will become RM92321. and the results often carry an extreme impact. The best way to deal with them is to Conclusion manage your risk appetite. In essence, I believe the above indicators give us an idea on how the macro economy An obvious example is the recent and stock market will fare in 2020. Let’s see Hong Kong protest, which paralysed the what it has in store for us. TI country’s daily operation and caused

22 FREE COPY | The Iskandarian ISSUE 89 | JAN 2020 playT H E I S K A N D A R I A N www.facebook.com/theiskandarian | www.theiskandarian.com soduku Ponderosa Takes a Green Leap Forward P onderosa Golf & Country Resort has Kai Yang, General Manager No to Plastic” campaign at adopted ‘A Green of Ponderosa Golf & Country the counters where members Leap Forward’ as a Resort. often request for extra plastic bags to keep their personal The café at the resort belongings after a swim or gym workout for their wet theme for environmental has discouraged the use of or soiled clothes. Instead, a custom-designed recyclable sustainability for this year plastic straws since June last bag will be given one-time to all members so that they may and beyond. The initiative year and the use of straws bring it with them each time they partake in any activities involves various sections of will gradually cease. The F&B at the Sports & Recreation centre. its resort operations, over department is also looking The housekeeping If you change your mind, gradual phases. to replace plastic bags and maintenance please return it at departments have already the right place “The reason why we for takeaways with paper been practicing waste separation and adopting every month The Iskandarian shares are moving it in phases is to products. Banqueting shall energy saving methods. what you should and should not be Plants are also being used as avoid drastic changes, giving be replacing mineral water natural means of repelling doing in your communities ! odour in the guest toilets; time for members to adapt to in plastic bottles which are while there are plans to put DOODLE food waste into better use in the changes we are planning placed on meeting tables the future. to implement. It is time for with re llable glass carafes. 2020’s ‘Let’s Bond Weekend’ School Holiday golf resorts like us to initiate Over at the Sports & series will continue with an environmental theme in all Scan QR Code moves for preserving the Recreation department, the its activities in order to keep for the solution the momentum going to environment through the ‘1 towel only’ policy at the educate the general public on the need for conserving principles of re-use, reduce, changing rooms will start our nature and the Earth in which we live. - by The recycle and to upcycle during the first quarter of Iskandarian TI whenever possible”, said Tan 2020, together with a “Say Ponderosa’s Green team aims for a more sustainable environment Step In To The Chinese New Year With DoubleTree’s Abundant Beginnings The right feast to greet a greater year ahead of you at DoubleTree by Hilton T he year of Rat has dawned upon us, and as with Chinese New Year Eve & Day Bu et thermidor and even Chilli Flower to Thursday from 5th to 16th and Chinese New Year every Dinner, Chinese New Year Day Crab to quell your Chinese New 26th to 30th January 2020. High-Tea Bu et as well as Group Year cravings. The Prosperity Buffet year, the best way to Dining Reunion Table for private Peking Duck is also Dinner is available on 19th to 23rd welcome another prosperous year banquet events. steamed and sliced live, served is with glorious feast t for a family. M ak an K itchen is fresh just for you at the buffet DoubleTree by Hilton’s Abundant celebrating Chinese New Year dinner. You can choose to eat it as Beginnings is perfect for family this whole January. Experience it is or wrap it up in the traditional reunions and gatherings with its an abundant of Chinese dishes manner. selection of ve special oriental that bring in auspicious avours buffets; Fortune Feast Buffet to your mouth. Expect fresh Peking Duck is served freshly Dinner, Prosperity Bu et Dinner, seafood on ice, avourful lobster steamed and sliced on the spot A spread of desserts from classic tart cookies, mandarin Endless choice of seafood - Complete your Chinese New per adult. High-Tea Bu et is also orange’s-based, puddings, cheesecakes, macarons to name a mussels, oysters, prawns to Year meal with Prosperity Yee available on 25th to 26th January, few. Sweet treats for the start of a playful rat year seems great. chilli crab, DoubleTree have Sang, to greet Chinese New priced at RM98 nett per adult. it all Year Fancy some privacy? The Eat to your heart’s content January 2020 priced at RM148 nett Group Dining Reunion Table is at the Fortune Feast Bu et Dinner per adult and RM74 nett per child. available for booking at RM1288 for RM118 nett per adult, Sunday You will also get a complimentary nett or RM1688 nett for a table Fortune Hot Pot for every table of of 10 persons with an 8-Course four persons. Prosperity Set Dinner which includes a bottle of wine. From 24th to 26th of January, to mark the Chinese Reserve a table today by New Year’s Eve, a bu et dinner calling Doubletree by Hilton Johor will be held, priced at RM188nett Bahru at +607 268 6868 or sending an email to JohorBahru.FB@hilton. com. - by Norfy Shafeq TI

23 The Iskandarian ISSUE 89 | JAN 2020 PROPERTY INSIGHT Homes for Sale or @home for Show? RM3.8bil worth of properties yet to be sold in Johor despite increase in transactions pg 27 PROPERTY RESIDENTIAL PROJECTS APARTMENTS VILLAS CONDOMINIUMS OFFICE/RETAILSPACE Menara JLand Marks its Official Launch pg 24 Menara JLand, a 37-Storey tall building hailed under Johor Land Bhd (JLand), a member of Johor Corporation Group of Companies held its o cial launching ceremony UMLand Seri Alam Damansara Read this article on Continues with its Realty’s Business our website CSR to Help the Boulevard @ Needy Central Park Connect with us on Facebook

24 FREE COPY | The Iskandarian ISSUE 89 | JAN 2020 homeT H E I S K A N D A R I A N www.facebook.com/theiskandarian | www.theiskandarian.com Paragon Globe and Iskandar Capital Ink First Integrated Sustainable Living Deal 31.1 acres of freehold land in ISL township located in Iskandar Puteri and the first step of long- term development plans for Iskandar Capital Sdn Bhd P aragon Globe Properties Sdn Bhd, a wholly owned in Iskandar Puteri, measuring and Dato’ Haji Ismail Bin Karim, subsidiary of Paragon approximately 31.1 acres for RM Independent Non-Executive Globe Berhad (Paragon 60.96 million cash. Director. The signing ceremony Meanwhile, Dzulkeflie Globe) has entered into a was held at Medini 9 in Iskandar Jaapar, Head of Company of conditional sale and purchase Puteri, Johor on 5th December Iskandar Capital, Datuk Akmal agreement with Iskandar Capital 2019 and Paragon Globe was Ahmad, Chief Operating Officer Sdn Bhd (Iskandar Capital), a represented by Dato’ Sri Edwin of Iskandar Investment Berhad company of Iskandar Investment Tan Pei Seng, Group Managing and Johari Shukri Jamil, Executive Berhad (IIB), for the proposed Director Dato’ Sri Godwin Tan Pei Vi c e Pre s i d e n t , B u s i n e s s acquisition of freehold land Poh, Group Executive Director, D evelopment of Isk andar Investment Berhad represented Iskandar Capital. (Standing, Left to Right) The signing ceremony witnessed by Datuk Ir. Khairil Anwar Bin Ahmad, President and Chief Executive Officer The signing ceremony was of IIB and Datuk Shahril Ridza Bin Ridzuan, Managing Director of Khazanah Nasional Berhad and Chairman of IIB witnessed by Datuk Shahril Ridza Ridzuan, Managing Director of Khazanah Nasional Berhad and Chairman of Iskandar Investment Anwar. Meanwhile, approval from Marlborough College Malaysia.” authorities is expected to be “The deal is only the first Berhad, and Datuk Ir. Khairil obtained in 2020 to enable the project to be embarked. step of a long-term partnership Anwar Bin Ahmad, President and with Iskandar Capital, a company Commenting on the latest of IIB whose shareholders are Chief Executive Officer of IIB. development, Dato’ Sri Edwin Tan Khazanah Nasional Berhad, Pei Seng, said, “We are glad that Employees Provident Fund Board “We are very pleased to Paragon Globe’s first land deal and Kumpulan Prasarana Rakyat after our diversification into Johor,” he added. have a reputable local developer property and construction sector is this 31.1 acres of freehold The deal is expected to from Johor to invest in this land located right next to complete in the first quarter of 2021. - by The Iskandarian TI sustainable project in ISL. This is definitely a starting point of Deal is sealed between Paragon Globe and Iskandar Capital Sdn a long term development plans Bhd for ISL and IIB and its group of companies,” said Datuk Ir. Khairil Taman Dahlia Market Damansara Realty’s Business Gets its Facelift after 22 Boulevard @ Central Park Catering to the demand for commercial property units Years in Johor Bahru JAn upgrading project by Damansara Assets Sdn Bhd owners and ohor Corporation (JCorp) through D amansara Realty its subsidiary company, Damansara Berhad (DBhd) i nv e s t o r s ,” Assets Sdn Bhd (DASB) has handed through DAC over 105 shop lots to the tenants of Land Sdn Bhd said DBhd’s the new 16,800 sq. Taman Dahlia Market. as their subsidiary and Johor-based partner, Group of Construction work that took place Active Estates Sdn. Bhd. since June 2019 completed earlier than has launched Business Managing scheduled date. With the project valued Boulevard @ Central Park. at RM2.7m, the upgraded market is hoped BBCP aiming to be Tampoi, Director, to provide a more comfortable place for Johor Bahru’s latest doing business as well as convenient commercial development Ts. Brian shopping experience for customers. with estimated gross development (GDV) of more Iskandar DASB Executive Director, Yusaini than RM150million and the Sidek said in his speech that along with third installment of Aliff Zulkarim at the upgrading of the market, tenants Bigger space, better ventilation Square that comprises of 68 units freehold commercial the ground- shop-office lots. It would be developed in four phases breaking within the next five years. The 6.9 acre ceremony. development caters to the existing waiting list of The interested buyers, seeing the success of DBhd’s Aliff BBCP is Square 1 & 2 that was developed in the same area. located at Damansara Realty Berhad and Active “Seeing the high the bustling Estates joint-partner in developing demand from our registered Jalan Tampoi Business Boulevard @ Central Park at list of interested buyers adjacent to Tampoi, Johor Bahru within 5 years for such units in the area, will also enjoy five incentives. Among we are optimistic with the Pasir Gudang others are 30% rent rebate for those who allure of this development had moved to temporary tent during the to the potential business Highway. An ingress launched Phase Three of construction, flexibility of paying deposit in two instalment in January and February and egress road which their joint development 2020 and 2-month rent exemption for those who are eligible. allows direct access to the project Central Park at “The same rent rate still applies highway is expected to be Persiaran Aliff Harmoni but now with much wider space and in fact there will be no increment in rental completed by year 2021. Utama, Johor Bahru. Phase rate throughout the 3 years of the rental agreement,” said Yusaini. This is to ease the traffic Three of the Central Park Taman Dahlia Market which is from Jalan Tampoi as well will spread over 14.7 acres located within Taman Dahlia Business Centre houses 400 business entities that as improve accessibility of land, consisting of 216 have been operating since September 1997. - by Nurfarahin Zahiridin TI towards the development double-storey terrace units. in Taman Damansara Alif Logon to http:// area,” said Isaac Tan, Deputy www.dbhd.com.my for more General Manager of Active information on Business DASB Executive Director Yusaini Sidek Estates Sdn Bhd. Boulevard @ Central Park, cutting the ribbon symbolising the handover of the upgraded market In October 2019, or email your inquiries to DBhd and its joint venture [email protected]. partner Country Garden my - by Norfy Shafeq TI

25 FREE COPY | The Iskandarian ISSUE 89 | JAN 2020 homeT H E I S K A N D A R I A N www.facebook.com/theiskandarian | www.theiskandarian.com UMLand Seri Alam Continues with its CSR to Help the Needy go about their day-to-day to Muhamad Fitri bin Abdul will undoubtedly help us the management team of needs. Rashad, co-founder of in achieving our objective,” UMLand Seri Alam and 15 Pertubuhan Fitrah Qaseh. said Fitri. children from Pertubuhan “We heard of their The shelter is currently Fitrah Qaseh’s home. - by plea for assistance after operating two centres Attending the Norfy Shafeq TI their home in Pekan located in Larkin and handing over ceremony was Nenas was robbed and Pekan Nenas respectively, UMLand Seri Alam team management with Pertubuhan many items belonging where they have 48 to the centre such as underprivileged children Fitrah Qaseh’s family and are of homeless status. furniture, beds, mattresses aged 3 to 20 under their care. During the donation and electric goods were A s the year came stolen. Therefore, as a Muhamad Fitri was to a close, handover ceremony, the caring corporate entity, grateful to UMLand Seri UMLand Seri home received essential we have decided to lend a Alam’s aid to their situation. Alam continued helping hand. We hope the “We are very fortunate to its CSR efforts through a electrical appliances contribution we made will have generous partner lessen their burden and like UMLand Seri Alam contribution to Pertubuhan such as a rice cooker and assist in the daily operation who support our cause. KK Wong, Group Director of Townships of UMLand of their centre,” said KK Our centres need all the handing over rice cooker and washing machine to Fitrah Qaseh. The home a washing machine at Wong, Group Director of help we can get so these Pertubuhan Fitrah Qaseh’s Muhamad Fitri Townships of UMLand. children can lead a normal provides shelter to children Bandar Seri Alam in hope life just like other children. The contribution Together with other donors, who are victims of abuse that it would ease them to of the electrical items was the contribution received handed over by KK Wong It’s time forExciting Firsts As Sunway Big Box Unwraps Its Beletime Hybrid Retail Park Box-like layout yet an out-of-the-box experience in Experience a new shopping concept in the heart of Sunway Iskandar S unway Malls unwrapped their JJohor Bahru Sunway Big Box Retail Park Dum Dum Thai Tea, Famous Amos, Tan ohoreans and tourists owned by Loveyoyo. Parents countries including Japan, (Sunway Big Box) at a soft Ngan Lo, Funskate by Cobay, KB Fun, now have a new place no longer have to travel far Korea and China. There are launch on 18th December 2019. MyNews.com and Pet Lovers Centre. to chill out. Beletime, to let their children enjoy the various restaurant options the latest shopping cold season of the year. as well as di erent shopping Among the rsts in Johor Bahru experiences. It is the latest attraction to visit,” said Wu. The Sunway Big Box is located within are Happy Fish Swim School centre, a This marine décor Sunway Iskandar, Johor, which is in close 16,000 sq ft EnerG X Park and the 32,000 mall in town, was successfully According to shopping mall comes with 3 oors of carpark that can proximity to Singapore via the Coastal sq ft BookXcess, carrying over 1.5million launched on 13th December Beletime’s General Manager, accommodate 1400 cars at a time. This beachfront Highway Southern Link (CHSL), linked books in its outlet. 50% of the mall space 2019 and houses 50 Sandy Wu, “Beletime o ers shopping paradise offers panoramic views of Danga by Tuas. is already open for business, and the shopping outlets including a unique experience for Bay, the Straits of Johor and Singapore during sunset. The mall features 80,000 sq ft of remaining phases are expected to open K-Mall, Original Classic, Al- visitors. It is not just a Beletime is located in retail options including NSK Trade City, gradually, with 70% retail space open by Ikhsan, Hush Puppies, Sorella, shopping mall, it is also a Danga Bay and is just 7km from the Johor causeway to SSF, BookXcess, Golden Screen Cinemas, the rst quarter of 2020, 80% in quarter 2, Sketchers and Mr. DIY. platform for the international Singapore. - by Nurfarahin Zahiridin TI Loon Sing Restaurant, MOX, Sports 90% in quarter 3 and 95% by end of 2020. Spanning across cultural blend. Since we are Direct, EnerG X Park, Ace Hardware, “Sunway Big Box is a development 57 acres of land, there are located really close to the Happy Fish, Mr DIY, Tomaz, Caltex, that is meant to be the place for the three big names operating Johor-Singapore border, we Starbucks, KFC, Burger King, Skechers, community to congregate, shop and in Beletime including expect visitors of many races, Young Hearts, Universal Traveller, Thai socialise with spacious space. The large Japan’s leading retailer and nationalities and customs Odyssey, Gintell, Guardian, Maxis, U and non-conventional ambience provides supermarket AEON which and cultures.” Mobile, Mr Dakgalbi, Absolute Thai, a relaxing and rejuvenating urban o ers a wide selection of raw “The mall is made Chicken Rice Shop, Gong Cha, Tealive, sanctuary,” said HC Chan, CEO of Sunway materials and quality daily up of several sections Malls and Theme Parks. necessities for shoppers. according to culture and “The hybrid retail Beletime park has a 500,000 sq ft also houses NLA (nett lettable area) Womei Cineplex, across 2 levels and 75% of a boutique the tenants have premium theatre with the street level access,” he capacity of 1162 added. seats which also In addition to all comes with a the excitement, Sunway family-friendly Big Box will connect with hall. KFC above Caltex petrol Among station, Starbucks outlet other attractions via pedestrian bridges and is the 17,000 a Burger King outlet - all of square feet Promoting the fresh wholesale groceries available at which will include a drive- winter with NSK Trade City through facility. - by Norfy Shafeq TI snow themed children’s indoor AEON ribbon cutting ceremony playground

26 FREE COPY | The Iskandarian ISSUE 89 | JAN 2020 homeT H E I S K A N D A R I A N www.facebook.com/theiskandarian | www.theiskandarian.com Menara JLand Marks ‘Invest Johor’ Evolving its Official Launch From its Former Name Iskandar Puteri. gravity for corporate investment, commercial “The justi cation hub and entrepreneurship development,” he added. of Invest Johor ’s The Sultan then rebranding is timely embarked on a quick tour of Menara JLand’s as the world today is attraction; Skyscape at its observation deck made more about something popular since its opening last May. Skyscape offers accurate and clear. a range of entertainment at level 34 such as Virtual The word ‘Invest’ itself Reality games, interactive floor and the walk in the de ned its function and sky bridge where visitors can see the ground from role clearly and this is 100 metres height. especially true in the Menara JLand was awarded as Winner for Best international context. Office Development and Highly Commended for Best Datuk Dr Sahruddin Jamal with all the strategic partners ‘Johor’ (the name) helps His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim ibni Almarhum Sultan Green Development by Asia of Invest Johor the world to locate Property Awards (Malaysia) Iskandar launched the official opening of Menara JLand 2018 as well as Best the place to invest in, Commercial Development A s a one-stop centre for investors M enara JLand, by StarProperty.my Awards to discover various business i.e. investing in Johor. a 37-storey newest stylish office 2018: Jewels of Johor. The opportunities in Johor, the Therefore, the new branding is apt,” said tall building building, ‘Menara JLand’ tower offers extensive Jimmy Puah. hailed under – another landmark to office space to sale and enhance commercial value rent with five variants. The Dr Sahruddin Jamal shared that GBI certified building is also MSC certified, adding Johor State Investment Centre The Malaysian Investment Development to its worth for interested parties to own a space or in short known as JSIC, was first Authority (MIDA) recorded that the state Johor Land Bhd (JLand), and investment appeal in the building. - Norfy Shafeq TI established on 16th August 2004 under of Johor has managed to attract a total a member of Johor of Ibrahim International a direct administrative order of the Johor of RM30.5 billion in domestic and foreign Corporation Group of Business District, a CBD state government. After 15 years of using investments, an increase of RM8.6 billion Companies held its official designed as nucleus for the name JSIC, they have now re-branded compared to 2017, and it is the highest launching ceremony graced business growth in the city themselves as ‘Invest Johor’ e ective of achievement in the country’s history. by His Majesty Sultan centre.” 27th November 2019. “The Johor State Investment Master Ibrahim ibni Almarhum “This is very The rebranding was o ciated and Plan 2020-2030 will be drafted to outline Sultan Iskandar, the Sultan much aligned with His launched by their direct purview; Johor the direction of the investment sector in the of Johor. Majesty’s vision as it was Menteri Besar Datuk Dr Sahruddin Jamal, state. It will enhance the competitiveness K a m a r u z z a m a n first launched in 2015, in and witnessed by State International and value of investment productivity Abu Kassim, President and transforming Johor Bahru Trade, Investment and Utilities Committee in Johor,” he added, hoping that with CEO of Johor Corporation CBD into an international chairman Jimmy Puah Wee Tse, State the rebranding e ort, it will continue to said in his speech, “This business district with Secretary of Johor, Azmi Rohani and Invest attract more investors while maintaining is another milestone for world class infrastructure. Johor General Manager, Haji Miswan bin investment-related promotions. - Norfy Johor Land Berhad, and We also believe that Yunos at Fraser Place Puteri Harbour, Shafeq TI we are all here to celebrate the growth of IIBD will the launch of Johor Bahru’s elevate Johor Bahru as New Wholesale Market: more choices for consumers SKS Mart officially launched in Skudai the exterior of the mart, its pillarless interior layout happy that they have opened invites tenants to apply. rows of stalls selling fresh suits large scale retail shops, more affordable product SKS Mart opens daily seafood catch, poultry, and warehouses, wholesale stores choices for consumers in the vegetables can be found. and showrooms. vicinity of SKS Mart. He shared from 9am to 10pm. Find them The mart also houses a new SKS Group commercial on Google/Waze by keying in products and services Haji Salehuddin bin project, a ve-storey shopping “SKS Mart”. such as a salon, courier, Haji Hassan, the new mayor mall, launching in the first bakery, pet shops, and of Majlis Bandaraya Iskandar quarter of 2020 in Larkin and For leasing enquiries, many more. Currently at Puteri (MBIP), officiated contact 012 752 2057, or 016 an occupancy rate of 80%, the event. In his speech, 762 9099. - Salamaha TI other businesses opening he congratulated SKS Mayor of MBIP, Hj Salehuddin bin Hj Hassan, who soon include Mr DIY, MOG Group for developing the Express, Best Light DIY, twentieth mart in the MBIP recently entered office in November 2019, officiated the Aquasplash Swimming municipality, encouraging Academy, a money changer developers to allow local Alaunch in Taman Industri Jaya, and a barbershop. businesses to thrive and From right to left: Kang Sea Wai, Director of Hwa Thai; fresh new wholesale Skudai, spans across 10.26 enabling consumers to Dato Hj Rohman, COO of SKS Group; and Hj Salehuddin, market is in town, acres and features notable The mart was have more choices in their Mayor of MBIP and has opened its tenants such as Hwa Thai developed by Meriah spending. In his term as the doors to the public Industries Sdn Bhd, a mayor, Hj Salehuddin aims just recently. Supermarket, Great Zone, member of the SKS Group. to expand “Zero Plastic” It has 11 units of shop lots environmental consciousness SKS Mart, located Green Point and Ninso. On on one storey, another in MBIP and hopes SKS Mart storey dedicated to the will play a part in reducing wholesale market, one plastic waste. food court, and 600 vehicle parking lots. A high-ceiling Dato’Haji Rohman bin zone allows mezzanine Hj Ahmad, Chief Operating floors to be installed, and Officer of SKS Group, at a press conference, was also

27 FREE COPY | The Iskandarian ISSUE 89 | JAN 2020 homeT H E I S K A N D A R I A N www.facebook.com/theiskandarian | www.theiskandarian.com Homes for Sale or for Show? RM3.8bil worth of properties yet to be sold in Johor despite increase in transactions S tate Housing and Rural Development developers. make the most profits by building there has been an 18.1% RM300 – 500k.” Committee chairman Sr Johor topped the list more high-end properties. increase in volume. Property However, the property developers must play a role in in the country with excess He said, “Statistics from the market did show some signs of recovery in 2019. Dzulkefly Ahmad calls properties, with some 5,988 Valuation and Property choosing the right “Developers play a very for reforms in the housing sector unsold valued at RM3.8bil state- Services Department type of property important role in stimulating the economy. We appeal to the to address overhang or unsold wide, The Star had previously shows that the to develop at government to relook at some of the present policies which may be properties while providing reported. overall property the right time outdated,”said Dato’Ir. Steve Chong Yoon On, REHDA Johor Branch 100,000 affordable homes by Dzulkefly said among market was to avoid a Chairman in a statement. 2023. the properties not sold include slowing down mismatch “There has to be a balance of property development in the “We need to reform in ser vice apar tments and i n 2 0 1 8 . between market with some affordable terms of building, distribution, properties valued between However in supply homes, middle range, and high end homes included,” he financing and reducing building RM500,000 and RM1mil. Johor, the and added. - Harish Mustak TI costs. There are weaknesses “Based on statistics, amount of demand. which can be manipulated by there is a mismatch between transactions Now is unscrupulous developers,” he demand and supply, especially in 2018 has the time to said, adding that so far some with developers trying to increased by call for more 134,195 affordable homes 6% compared to properties that were yet to be built by 2017.” are worth between “As for overhang or no sale units in 2018, Are You Frustrated by The State of Your Condominium, Apartment or Flat? Exercise Your Rights as an Owner - Part Two office on your grouses. to conduct AGM annually few owners exercise Attach pictures to provide and within 15 months evidence. Set a reasonable from the date of the their rights to even Sr Terence Nathan & timeline to respond and/or previous AGM. AGMs are attend AGMs. Dr. Kam Hui Wen rectify the issue. an excellent venue to 2. Formal complaint to discuss issues related to Embrace the Sr Terence was formerly a Finance the community. strength of a Manager based in Singapore who COB community switched his career to Property If no response is received, A motion in Imagine every strata Surveying. He’s the CEO at Invenio submit a formal complaint writing on the matter to COB attaching the to be discussed should development as a Potential. Dr. Kam has PHD in original complaint. If be submitted to the micro city. Electing Facility Management & Degree the response from the management o ce at least the right candidates in Building Surveying and she is management is not 7 days prior to the AGM to helm the JMB or leading the Defect Management acceptable, write to the as well. The management MC is critical for the & Procurement Departments at management and copy is required to include the Invenio Potential. Sr Terence & COB. Please make sure to motion in the agenda of Faulty Lights endorse all submissions the AGM and display it on wellbeing of the Dr. Kam are licensed Property as proof of acceptance is the notice board. community. Managers and they can be I n the previous issue, we required. Decision making reached at terence.nathan@ highlighted that there 3. Filing in Tribunal Unfortunately, very provided for in the invenioptl.com / hw.kam@ are 15 Local Authorities If all above actions fail, act is on a majority invenioptl.com in Johor and around file a Tribunal claim. Be Fire Rated Door in mid-2015 except in Johor sure the matter is within basis. Do your part to bring Please be a which was established the jurisdiction of the about 1 year later. Strata Tribunal. Include all the community together responsible owner by Management Tribunal formal communications to do what is right for your paying the service charges is a cheap and speedy as a davit to support the development. alternative to ling a civil case. in a timely manner. suit. But how can this help 4. File Motion at AGM 85% of the strata properties you as an owner? The SMA requires every Responsibilities as an Without the funds, nothing stratified development owner can be done to improve fall under the jurisdiction of Exercising Your Rights as As an owner of a the development. an Owner stratified development, 2 Local Authorities, namely 1. Formal complaint to it’s imperative to Exercise your rights understand your rights. by attending AGMs, and Majlis Bandaraya Johor Management You constitute part of the rally the community for The rst step is to always JMB or MC and are part a positive change. Don’t Bahru (MBJB) and Majlis submit a formal complaint owners of the common write off your rights by to the management’s area and facilities of the signing off proxy forms Bandaraya Iskandar Puteri development. unless you’re certain your proxy is representing your (MBIP). voice and beliefs. TI The Strata Management Tribunal was established under the purview of the Housing and Local Government Ministry

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