Living in JB

[austin_hts]

Title : Singapore, Malaysia to reduce mobile roaming rates from May 1
Date : 20 April 2011 1534 hrs (SST)
URL : http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/123888/1/.html

SINGAPORE: Singapore and Malaysia will gradually reduce mobile roaming charges between both countries from May 1.

This means mobile phone users in Singapore will pay up to 30 per cent less for voice calls and up to 50 per cent less for SMSes when in Malaysia.

This is according to the Infocomm Development Authority (IDA), which added that it will be cheaper to call and SMS across the causeway.

IDA's director general, Leong Keng Thai said: "When Singaporean consumers travel to Malaysia, they will have a lower bill, or they can make more calls; longer calls, send more smses, without having to worry about high roaming charges."

He added that traditionally, roaming charges have been high and there is even more room for it to be lowered.

The reduction came about after a meeting of ASEAN's Information and Telecommunication Ministers in 2008, where they agree to initiate a study on intra-ASEAN roaming changes.

IDA said the new price reductions will be implemented in two phases.

From May this year, incoming and outgoing voice calls will be cheaper by 20 per cent, and in total will be cheaper by 30 per cent in May next year.

Similarly, SMSes will be cheaper by 30 per cent in May this year, and up to 50 per cent in May next year.

Analysts say consumers generally welcome the move and can look forward to other reductions with ASEAN countries; whom IDA are in talks with.

However, for mobile operators, the lowered roaming charges mean they will be seeing a loss in both retail takings and also from inter-operator tariffs.

Research house Synovate has also released a study, saying most retail roaming charges in Asean are significantly higher than local substitutes for calling home, which it attributed to high inter-operator tariffs.

Such tariffs are a wholesale amount payable by a mobile operator to another when they use their network - for example, when SingTel make use of Malaysia's Celcom's network for their subscribers to make calls or SMSes.

But, IDA's Mr Leong said, "Of course there is a reduction in terms of retail revenue for the operators, but we believe that when consumers find it more competitive to use roaming services, they might generate more traffic in terms of more calls or longer calls whenever they go to Malaysia and vice versa when Malaysians come to Singapore."

Meanwhile, for data roaming charges, IDA said Singapore and Malaysia are still in discussion, while not revealing a timeline.

The government body added that the charging formula for data roaming is more complex than voice and SMS rates and the details need to be iron out.

But if it comes through, it means consumers can tweet across the causeway in the future.

Malaysia is the biggest roaming market for Singaporeans, with bilateral talktime back and froth between both countries amounting to 100 million minutes in 2008.

- AFP/fa

 

[jasonjst]

Sutera curent launch is Estoria , terace 24x80 size should be about 720K , also The Seed which is condo units and townhouse .
This place is not bad too , we got very friendly neighbours . Was suprise to receive a bundle of bananas from their garden last weekend while I was there

 

[euphony]

Btw, I have made a deposit for a link house at The Hills over the weekend - officially a HH member. Very exicted with the developments in JB !

Cheers.

Congrats! I wonder how many properties did all of us here snapped up just from this forum alone? hurhur. is it an investment property or planning to shift into?

 

[Avonup]

Hi, I am interested in MM2H program. Does anyone know of any reliable agent and the charges?

 

[echanbonfire01]

echanbonfire01 :


Hi, I have installed ADT at my Austin Hts home. RM75 per mth for three years. Up front charges about RM2K+. V happy with the service so far (since Jan 11). I have a mixture of vibration & contact sensors (for windows/sliding doors) + 2 montion sensors + 1 smoke sensor. Two keypad units (one at ground flr main door, one in 1st flr master bedroom). Keypad allows different messages to be sent to the call centre, eg medical, fire, intrusion emergency ..etc There is backup battery and I am using sim card system - so no worry for power failure or telephone line cut-off.

Response from the call centre is very fast (less than 10 secs)- based on a few false alarms (accidental activitation on our own) I have experienced so far.

My system was activitated on a few occasions when there were strong vibrations from my neighbour's renovation work. The alarm went on for about 15 mins and remained active after which. ADT will help monitor the situation. If alarm is triggered by both contact/vibration and motion sensor(in the house), then there is likely to be intrusion and the police can be called in.

I did not install grills. But the system gives me peace of mind.


Exchange Rates :
19 Apr 11 (lunch time) - Funan RM2.40, Chinatown RM2.402, Arcade RM2.406
19 Apr 11 (830 pm) - opposite Plaza Pelangi RM2.41



Hope we can get this moving - Restaurants / Eateries :

1. Meng Meng Roasted Duck, Taman Mount Austin. New branch open recently. Great mix plate (duck, pork, char siew - RM9 per pax. Big portions RM18 good for 3 pax) and a variety of herbal soups.

2. Zhi Char (Hong Ming Food Services), Setia Indah. Very popular, clean and good food. Tel : 012-7187782. On weekends, popular dishes (eg crabs) are sold out by 9pm.

3. 007 food centre, Setia Indah. Great hawker centre with Karaoke stage. Bring yr own DVD from 7pm onwards. Performances later in the night. BBQ, ngoh hiang, clay pot dishes, frog leg porridge (fantastic), satay. There is also a DVD stall (RM4 per disc - buy three get one free)



Btw, I have made a deposit for a link house at The Hills over the weekend - officially a HH member. Very exicted with the developments in JB !

Cheers.

thanks for sharing. Whats the rm2k+ up front charges for?

 

[LeMans2011]

Forum is to share information. I happened to know a lot more about the development in Bandar Seri Alam. Most friends asked me about Iskandar project. It took me a while to fully understand it's potential. This place is just one part out of the 5 zones that will be developed. You can get much info from Google but it will easier if some links are given directly. Many friends are afraid to visit JB, how many really dare to stay here but things are changing. Behaviour is important, don't be the target. Peace....

Johor is a very big state. Every zone is touting to be a high potential development zone, which is not necessarily wrong. The only trouble is, in terms of attractiveness as a place to stay, Bandar Seri Alam is likely to rank behind many other areas, and what makes it stand out? I would anytime choose Permas Jaya before i think about Bandar Seri Alam, or be it Bandar Datuk Onn, Taman Molek, Adda Heights, etc

 

[LeMans2011]

Thanks guys... appreciate for the feedback....

Taman laguna
- security good - cctv all the corner and guard looks impressive and cheap maintenance fee
- v big unit which not much other area provide the same space/ built up area as other development getting smaller and smaller...
- a bit inside and not developed at surrounding area in between danga bay & kota iskandar
- location good for woodland custom or 2nd link with the coastal highway (mostly will shoot up when coastal highway open)
- i got quite a number of family members so the bigger the better.
- more local family in the garden.
- away from amenities.
- need to go through a malay kampung to reach the garden.
- higher entry cost- all loan, lawyer fees not free + higher downpayment.

Its really pro and cons..... nothing is perfect. headache headache.....

House,

That's a good summary. Btw, i think the houses at Taman Laguna will be built at the area further in, closer to the water tank tower, do get a better idea of the exact location should you decide to buy. The sales also loves to highlight the fact that although this is a private company, the land is fully paid for. So do bear in mind this is a company even lesser known than the likes of KSL, IJM Land, etc and you will have to deal with a developer who might be less concerned with publicity.

The other point is, whilst the coastal highway connects Taman Laguna to JB city, you have very little amenities in the immediate surrounding. To get to Perling or Bukit Indah, you will have to drive through the kampong, passing by Taman Baiduri, etc. Hence this might be a concern should you need to commute at night.

Obviously where they lack in location, they make up for it with very generous built-up space. However, i find the design rather old fashion... the double volume ceiling does not really bring out the beauty of such design, compared to places like Impian Heights or Straits View Residences. I dislike the long corridor upstairs.

Hey, i'm playing devils's advocate. After all these negative comments, if your heart still goes for it, you should not hesitate. Property investment is never about right or wrong but risk appetite.

 

[Analytical Professor]

Please share more ideas and thoughts on the Eastern side of JB.

I am keen to know about the 3rd link as well. I am very certain that the 3rd link will happen some time in the future.

It connects to Changi? OR which part of Spore does it connect to?

Now my question lets say the property prices there are a fraction of the Nusajaya side but the Rm 500k still remains. Right? So unless you are looking for huge land what difference will it make?

Please share more info bro. But please do not advertise cause this thread is for IM or JB or NusaJaya but nothing to do with advertising properties.

Hi,

The western side of JB is getting too expensive to invest. Look at the eastern side and everntually Desaru (industrial land). There are money to be made. Watch out for news on the 3rd Link via Tg Puteri. This maybe the gateway to Pasir Gudang & Desaru via Senai-Desaru highway and Bandar Seri Alam (City of Knowledge) and LRT/MRT link to JB, Nusajaya, PTP, etc. The property prices there is a fraction of those in Horizaon Hill or Bukit Indah.

 

[Analytical Professor]

Jasonjst you referring to this post???

S'porean driver chased by 20 road bullies in JB

A SINGAPORE-REGISTERED car was smashed by a group of men in Johor Baru early Sunday morning because he had failed to give way to a Malaysia-registered car.

In a contribution to citizen journalism website, Stomp, the driver of the Singapore car said that his car was chased by two Malaysian cars and at least 10 motorcycles that night.

The incident occurred at Stulang Laut (the ZON), a popular destination for Singaporeans, at around 3am.

Car smashed by JB road bullies
Click on thumbnail to view. Story continues after photos. (Photos: Stomp)



He claims that the attack started from a misunderstanding due to his failure to give way to a red Malaysian car that emerged from a small lane.

"I had proceeded following behind the car in front of me and shortly, trouble came. My car was stopped by another man at the gate of the ZON," wrote the driver, who is a frequent visitor to JB.

According to him, the passengers in the red car rushed to his door and smashed the window with their fists. He also saw a man with a steering wheel lock.

"I quickly drove off and soon, I saw more people chasing after my car. These were people on motorcycles and everything turned chaotic," he added.

The attack happened all the way from Stulang Laut to the JB customs. Throughout the entire time, helmets were being thrown at his car and the two cars attempted to corner him sveral times.

Related stories

Car windows smashed in JB, same items stolen


Carjacking ploy: Beware of newspaper strewn on M'sian roads
As the driver drove into the JB customs to seek protection from the police, he said that they followed him all the way and carried on smashing the car.

Police officers managed to get him and two of his friends out of the car but the attackers carried on smashing the car and even jumped onto the roof.

According to the driver, about 20 men attacked his car that night. He later found out that nine had been arrested by the Malaysian police. Three 15-year-olds were among the group.

The contributor said that he wanted to warn fellow drivers that JB is "totally not safe at all we are always the vulnerable victims".

 

[Analytical Professor]

S'pore and M'sia to reduce mobile roaming rates
AsiaOne Wed, Apr 20, 2011

MOBILE roaming rates will be reduced for Singapore and Malaysia mobile phone subscribers when they use the service while travelling betewen the two countries.

Prices for voice calls and SMSes will be reduced by up to 30 per cent and 50 per cent respectively from May 1.

This does not apply to roaming data service, MMSes and video calls, as telecom regulators in Singapore and Malaysia are still reviewing the charges.

The price reductions will be implemented in two phases for both prepaid and postpaid subscribers.

This was announced today after telecom regulators Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (IDA) and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) concluded discussions to reduce roaming rates.

"This is a significant effort for Malaysia and Singapore as it marks the close cooperation between our two countries. It is also the first bilateral cooperation to reduce roaming charges within ASEAN and paves the way for other similar efforts among ASEAN countries," said Dr Rais Yatim, Malaysia's Minister of Information, Communications and Culture.

Mr Lui Tuck Yew, Singapore's Minister for Information, Communications and the Arts, said that he hoped to see regulators on both sides "continue to identify new initiatives to enhance connectivity between Singapore and Malaysia".

He also applauded the commitment of mobile operators for this endeavour which will help promote greater communication linkages between the countries.

Example of reduced rates in Singapore-Malaysia roaming rates from 2011 to 2012:

http://www.asiaone.com/News/AsiaOne%2BNews/Singapore/Story/A1Story20110420-274697.html

 

[contra]

New Malaysian metropolis taking shape near Singapore

By Martin Abbugao | AFP News – Mon, Apr 18, 2011 6:45 AM SGT

A new metropolis three times the size of neighbouring Singapore is taking shape in the foothills of southern Malaysia, where officials and investors have equally huge ambitions for the city.
Dust billows across the horizon as sun-scorched construction crews lay roads, drainage canals, street lamps, power stations and other key installations for a development known as Iskandar Malaysia.
Rolling terrain once covered with palm oil plantations and bush has been bulldozed to make way for theme parks, luxury homes, international schools, hotels, hospitals, a movie studio and a business district by 2025.
In short, a new Singapore is being built in an area covering 2,217 square kilometres (887 square miles) in Johor state.
Iskandar, one of five "economic growth corridors" Malaysia is developing, was launched in 2006 and will integrate existing towns, seaports and an airport with the new projects being built from scratch.
But instead of pitting it as a rival to the rich city-state, Malaysia is asking Singapore investors to take part in the project.
"We see ourselves as collaborating because both countries realise that in order to create more wealth and better distribution of the wealth, we need each other," said Ismail Ibrahim, chief executive of the Iskandar Regional Development Authority (IRDA).
"Investors see Iskandar as something that is believable, something that is working," he told AFP.
From his 33rd-floor office in Singapore's financial district, Keith Martin exuded the same optimism.
"It's really positive that the momentum is picking up massively," said Martin, chief executive of Global Capital and Development (GCD), an Abu Dhabi-backed consortium tasked to develop a prime portion of Iskandar called Medini.
"Our strategic advantage is to ride the wave of Singapore. Singapore is all grown up and lacking space to build, business costs are escalating," he said.
Asia's strong recovery from the 2008-2009 global recession and the improved bilateral ties between Singapore and Malaysia have made the environment more conducive to promote the Iskandar region to investors, analysts said.
Singapore was ejected from the Malaysian federation in 1965 and ties since then were often testy, but new leaders who have emerged over the past decade have made an effort to promote cooperation and resolve irritants.
Because of its size, Iskandar -- which covers Johor state's capital Johor Bahru -- will be developed in phases, with plans to improve rail, sea and air connections to Singapore and facilitate easier immigration clearance.
Malaysia is offering generous incentives, including corporate and personal income tax perks, 100 percent foreign ownership of businesses and unrestricted hiring of foreign "knowledge" workers.
IRDA's Ismail said investor concerns over crime in Malaysia were being addressed by a strong police presence, more guards, surveillance cameras and creative urban planning.
Investor response has been encouraging so far, and the first wave of projects aimed at spurring more investment are due for completion in the next 18 months.
"I've been there with my muddy boots on and I've got my construction knowledge so they can't fool me on the progress," Martin, a veteran of Asia's construction business, said when asked if the development was on track.
By the end of 2010, investment commitments in Iskandar totalled 69.5 billion ringgit ($23 billion), surpassing its target by 48 percent, with more than 40 percent coming from overseas, Ismail said.
The US-based Chelsea Premium Outlets chain -- known for no-frills suburban shops selling luxury brands at discounted prices worldwide -- will open an outlet in the Iskandar region in November.
Britain's Newcastle University Medical School -- one of six universities in Iskandar's planned "educity" complex -- will admit its first batch of students later this year.
Marlborough College, a leading British independent boarding school established in 1854, will also open its first campus outside England in Iskandar this year for students aged 11-18.
Marlborough's campus will occupy 36 hectares (90 acres), including soccer, rugby and cricket fields.
Other schools in the "educity" complex include the Netherlands' Maritime Institute of Technology, England's University of Southampton and Singapore's Management Development Insitute.
Tuition will be priced in Malaysian ringgit.
Legoland Malaysia -- Asia's first Lego theme park -- is slated to open in the Medini sector in late 2012, next to a Legoland Hotel and a lifestyle retail mall.
A 300-bed and 150-suite Gleneagles Medini Hospital costing $156 million is also in the works.
Gleneagles is a popular private hospital in Singapore that caters to wealthy locals, expatriates and "medical tourists" who combine treatment with leisure.
Asian movie production will get a boost with a Pinewood International Studio, supported by an attached "media village."
Houses, luxury apartments and waterfront enclaves are being built to meet the needs of those relocating to the area.
An original masterplan to build a New York or Hong Kong-style financial centre with towering skyscrapers in Medini was redrawn after the global recession in 2008/2009, said Martin.
The new plan calls for a low- to medium-rise business district that will serve the requirements of small and medium businesses seeking cheaper locations but enjoying quality living standards.
It also hopes to attract multinational firms seeking to establish support operations.
Singapore's state-linked investment firm Temasek Holdings and its Malaysian counterpart Khazanah Nasional Berhad are planning to build an "iconic project" in Iskandar, according to Ismail.
He revealed that the project is likely to be a township "promoting healthy living" and covering more than 200 hectares (494 acres).
The Singaporean and Malaysian prime ministers will announce details by mid-year, Ismail added.
Martin said such a project will "almost overnight change the landscape" as it will be another strong vote of confidence on Iskandar.
"It will turbo-charge the already positive momentum," said Martin, who is house-hunting in Iskandar before relocating his family from Singapore.
"I've got my four kids already registered for Marlborough College. We're just looking forward to Medini picking up," he said.

http://sg.news.yahoo.com/malaysian-metropolis-taking-shape-near-singapore-20110417-154530-833.html

It is an unstoppable train because it just makes perfect sense.

 

[Analytical Professor]

AH ok! i thought u were referring to the Asiaone post on Crime.

Talking about those people who comments at yahoo forum ...

 

[LeMans2011]

Jasonjst you referring to this post???

S'porean driver chased by 20 road bullies in JB

A SINGAPORE-REGISTERED car was smashed by a group of men in Johor Baru early Sunday morning because he had failed to give way to a Malaysia-registered car. In a contribution to citizen journalism website, Stomp, the driver of the Singapore car said that his car was chased by two Malaysian cars and at least 10 motorcycles that night.

The incident occurred at Stulang Laut (the ZON), a popular destination for Singaporeans, at around 3am.

I din't know that Singaporeans frequent The ZON. The place is infested with vice and drugs activities... don't go there unless you are with a group of local friends.

 

[house]

House,

That's a good summary. Btw, i think the houses at Taman Laguna will be built at the area further in, closer to the water tank tower, do get a better idea of the exact location should you decide to buy. The sales also loves to highlight the fact that although this is a private company, the land is fully paid for. So do bear in mind this is a company even lesser known than the likes of KSL, IJM Land, etc and you will have to deal with a developer who might be less concerned with publicity.

The other point is, whilst the coastal highway connects Taman Laguna to JB city, you have very little amenities in the immediate surrounding. To get to Perling or Bukit Indah, you will have to drive through the kampong, passing by Taman Baiduri, etc. Hence this might be a concern should you need to commute at night.

Obviously where they lack in location, they make up for it with very generous built-up space. However, i find the design rather old fashion... the double volume ceiling does not really bring out the beauty of such design, compared to places like Impian Heights or Straits View Residences. I dislike the long corridor upstairs.

Hey, i'm playing devils's advocate. After all these negative comments, if your heart still goes for it, you should not hesitate. Property investment is never about right or wrong but risk appetite.

thanks leman... I am having difficult time to decide on it.
nusa idaman also good but just a bit too small for the new hase 7.
headache.....

 

[ginfreely]

Thanks guys... appreciate for the feedback....

Taman laguna
- security good - cctv all the corner and guard looks impressive and cheap maintenance fee
- v big unit which not much other area provide the same space/ built up area as other development getting smaller and smaller...
- a bit inside and not developed at surrounding area in between danga bay & kota iskandar
- location good for woodland custom or 2nd link with the coastal highway (mostly will shoot up when coastal highway open)
- i got quite a number of family members so the bigger the better.
- more local family in the garden.
- away from amenities.
- need to go through a malay kampung to reach the garden.
- higher entry cost- all loan, lawyer fees not free + higher downpayment.

Its really pro and cons..... nothing is perfect. headache headache.....

Hi, just curious, what is the pricing and size like for Taman Laguna? I've not visited there before.

 

[Analytical Professor]

Agree with HH and euphony. No sales pitch or advertisements on this thread please.

I kind of agree with you. Lets do keep this place for sharing, not for sales pitch and cheap advertising. This aint 88DB or Mocca

i don't know about the rest but to me this reeks of sales pitch and you've obviously registered yourself here with ulterior motives. we've been a fairly harmonious community here giving useful advise and info sharing about living in JB how we overcome obstacles etc. If you want to sell please go somewhere else or at least have the courtesy to contribute something meaningful. And don't even get me started about sri mutiara. All of us here are not vege heads.

 

[ginfreely]

echanbonfire01 :

Hi, I have installed ADT at my Austin Hts home. RM75 per mth for three years. Up front charges about RM2K+. V happy with the service so far (since Jan 11). I have a mixture of vibration & contact sensors (for windows/sliding doors) + 2 montion sensors + 1 smoke sensor. Two keypad units (one at ground flr main door, one in 1st flr master bedroom). Keypad allows different messages to be sent to the call centre, eg medical, fire, intrusion emergency ..etc There is backup battery and I am using sim card system - so no worry for power failure or telephone line cut-off.

Response from the call centre is very fast (less than 10 secs)- based on a few false alarms (accidental activitation on our own) I have experienced so far.

My system was activitated on a few occasions when there were strong vibrations from my neighbour's renovation work. The alarm went on for about 15 mins and remained active after which. ADT will help monitor the situation. If alarm is triggered by both contact/vibration and motion sensor(in the house), then there is likely to be intrusion and the police can be called in.

I did not install grills. But the system gives me peace of mind.


Exchange Rates :
19 Apr 11 (lunch time) - Funan RM2.40, Chinatown RM2.402, Arcade RM2.406
19 Apr 11 (830 pm) - opposite Plaza Pelangi RM2.41



Hope we can get this moving - Restaurants / Eateries :

1. Meng Meng Roasted Duck, Taman Mount Austin. New branch open recently. Great mix plate (duck, pork, char siew - RM9 per pax. Big portions RM18 good for 3 pax) and a variety of herbal soups.

2. Zhi Char (Hong Ming Food Services), Setia Indah. Very popular, clean and good food. Tel : 012-7187782. On weekends, popular dishes (eg crabs) are sold out by 9pm.

3. 007 food centre, Setia Indah. Great hawker centre with Karaoke stage. Bring yr own DVD from 7pm onwards. Performances later in the night. BBQ, ngoh hiang, clay pot dishes, frog leg porridge (fantastic), satay. There is also a DVD stall (RM4 per disc - buy three get one free)



Btw, I have made a deposit for a link house at The Hills over the weekend - officially a HH member. Very exicted with the developments in JB !

Cheers.

Hi, congrats on your new house purchase! Thanks for sharing about the ADT system. Just curious, did you also install CCTV? Does ADT security system have an option to have both alarm and CCTV together? Like to find out more about alarm and CCTV.

 

[Analytical Professor]

Yeap i mentioned this several times before as well though i may not have used the right words to get my message across.

1) If you notice there is always a glut of property in IDR both in the primary and the secondary market
2) Apart from (1) there is also plenty of land available which is limited by the horizon far far away
3) Most developers/Sales people from the top companies tell you buy for own stay (not for investment)
4) A critical mass of population is yet to be attained
5) The critical mass of population must also have the wages to purchase the properties and maintain these high properties (when lots of low end properties are still available at <rm 300k)
6) A learned friend of mine once said JB properties are bound to lose value especially when you try to sell. Not sure how true this statement is.

The important thing is that in Dubai they have built much more private properties than number of residents and that created a bubble as most of those were sold as a speculative investment.

Hope we wouldn't experience something like that in IDR.

 

[ginfreely]

thanks leman... I am having difficult time to decide on it.
nusa idaman also good but just a bit too small for the new hase 7.
headache.....

Hi, for Nusa Idaman, I've only been to look at the new semi d as was told terraces are beow RM500k (not eligible) and the corner lots that are above RM500k are all sold or foreigner ratio met. I recall that there is mosque nearby though. Not sure whether the house you're looking is near mosque or you've any concern of the daily broadcasts? BTW what is the pricing and size like for the Idaman house?

 

[ginfreely]

Ok, quickly logged on to add 2 cents worth:

1. Fixing of cars, i fixed all my cars at the Michellin place opposite the Station One cafe (sometimes Sutera Mall side) No issue with Korean/Jap, only the more expensive cars you need to wait slightly longer as they get parts for you.

Most of my car issues has been fixed by them with no issues, a relative of mine got his fixed there recently, so far, very happy with the results (auto gear problem)

.

Thanks, wuqi.