Latest news with #MBJB
New Straits Times
20-05-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Astaka and Kimlun break ground on Arden, Johor's newest landmark within JS-SEZ
KUALA LUMPUR: Johor-based developer Astaka Holdings Ltd, in partnership with Kimlun Corporation Bhd, has officially begun construction of Arden — a premium serviced residence that marks the first component of Phase 3 of its flagship integrated development, One Bukit Senyum. Strategically located within the newly established Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ), Arden is set to become a defining feature of Johor Bahru's skyline. The 68-storey tower will soar to 260 metres, making it the second tallest building in Johor Bahru, after The Astaka, also developed by Astaka Holdings. With a gross development value (GDV) of RM800 million, Arden is a freehold project comprising 618 upscale serviced residences with built-ups ranging from 797 to 1,700 square feet. Units are priced between RM1,300 and RM1,500 per square foot, and completion is targeted for 2030. Astaka has appointed GDP Architects Sdn Bhd — the firm behind landmark developments such as Pavilion Kuala Lumpur, TRX Residence, EQ Hotel Kuala Lumpur, and The Astaka — to lead the architectural design of Arden. Designed for modern, urban living, Arden will feature more than 50 thoughtfully curated facilities, including sky dining, a KTV lounge, family-oriented amenities, co-working spaces, and an indoor golf simulator. A key highlight is its Hotel Stay Management model, offering property owners a fully integrated solution for short-term leasing. This includes professional unit management, housekeeping services, and dedicated guest lobbies — a concept that has already attracted strong interest from overseas buyers seeking both lifestyle flexibility and investment returns. A groundbreaking ceremony was held on May 19, officiated by Johor Bahru City Council (MBJB) Mayor Datuk Mohd Haffiz Ahmad, to commemorate the start of construction. "Arden is set to be a remarkable addition to Johor Bahru's skyline. It will not just be a skyscraper, but also a symbol of our rapid growth and commitment to becoming a world-class city," said Mohd Haffiz. "As one of the major projects in Johor Bahru since the formation of the JS-SEZ, Arden stands as a testament to the confidence investors have in our city's potential. We look forward to witnessing this landmark project accelerate Johor Bahru's transformation into a vibrant and prosperous city." Astaka Holdings executive director and chief executive officer (CEO), Allen Khong described Arden as a milestone collaboration with Kimlun, following successful joint ventures such as Menara MBJB and Aliva Mount Austin. "I am proud to highlight that this project brings together two renowned, Johor-based real estate players dedicated to world-class developments that deliver exceptional value to residents and investors." Khong extend his appreciation to the Johor State Government and MBJB for their continued support. Kimlun CEO Pang Khang Hau added that the company is proud to partner with Astaka once again as a JV partner and the main contractor on another transformative project that will redefine Johor Bahru's skyline. Launched in 2014, One Bukit Senyum is an ambitious 11.85-acre freehold integrated development, envisioned as Johor Bahru's future Central Business District (CBD). Its location — just 800 metres from the CIQ complex and 600 metres from the future Johor Bahru–Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link — makes it a prime beneficiary of cross-border infrastructure enhancements and deepening Johor-Singapore economic ties. The development's momentum is further supported by the JS-SEZ agreement, signed in early 2024, and progress on the RTS Link, both of which are expected to significantly boost trade, connectivity, and investment flows between the two regions. Phase 1, The Astaka, was completed in 2018, comprising two towers standing 65 and 70 storeys high. At 1,020 feet above sea level, it remains the tallest residential building in Southeast Asia, with buyers hailing from over 15 countries, including Singapore, Indonesia, China, Germany, Japan, and Finland. Phase 2, the 15-storey Grade A Menara MBJB, was completed a year ahead of schedule in January 2020 and now houses the Johor Bahru City Council's headquarters. Phase 3, currently in progress, will be developed in stages starting with Arden, followed by a lifestyle shopping mall and a five-star hotel, reinforcing One Bukit Senyum's role as a transformative anchor of Johor Bahru's urban and economic evolution.
The Star
11-05-2025
- The Star
Public as ‘eyes and ears' of MBJB to enhance integrity
Mohd Haffiz (centre) and his officers having a discussion with IIM representatives. THE public is being encouraged to play a more active role in alerting the authorities about faulty public amenities via a new initiative, says Johor Baru mayor Datuk Mohd Haffiz Ahmad. He said the Community Integrity Building programme was a collaboration between Johor Baru City Council (MBJB) and Malaysian Institute of Integrity (IIM). 'This initiative allows the community to work closely with MBJB by channelling feedback and complaints related to development and other matters through existing complaint channels. 'Our aim is to raise awareness and sensitivity among the public towards integrity-related issues in their surroundings. 'We also want to empower the community to act as agents of change in strengthening the local integrity ecosystem,' he said during a briefing session on the programme recently. Mohd Haffiz said the programme would kick off in Bandar Baru Uda, Dato' Onn and Desa Cemerlang. 'We will have 10 community members from each of the three zones monitoring the public infrastructure and amenities in their respective areas. 'They will then report any issues they come across to the relevant departments through the available complaint channels. 'For a start, we will focus on faulty road and park lights, which are among the most commonly reported issues,' he said. He said the complaints would be submitted through existing platforms such as the Public Report Management System (Sispaa). 'Through this programme, we hope to establish a platform for dialogue between MBJB and the public. 'We also hope to have the public serve as the eyes and ears of the authorities to curb unethical practices,' he said, adding that this was also a way for the public to have their voices heard.
The Sun
30-04-2025
- Politics
- The Sun
Three Johor Bharu areas pioneer empowerment of community integrity development
JOHOR BAHRU: Three areas in Johor Bahru have been selected as pilot models to enhance community awareness of integrity through the Community Integrity Building (CIB) programme. Johor Bahru City Council (MBJB) Mayor Datuk Mohd Haffiz Ahmad said the programme, in collaboration with the Malaysian Institute of Integrity (IIM), will involve the communities in Bandar Baru Uda, Bandar Dato Onn and Desa Cemerlang. He said the programme, among other things, aims to encourage collaboration between local authorities (PBT) and the community in forming an ethical and resilient community against corruption and abuse of power. 'Among the programme's goals and objectives is to increase public awareness and sensitivity to integrity issues occurring in their environment. 'With close cooperation with these communities, it is hoped that it will also improve the quality of services at MBJB itself,' he said at a press conference here today. He said the community can channel complaints, including through the MBJB Public Complaints Management System (SISPAA) which is an online medium for managing complaints, inquiries, and suggestions from the public regarding the delivery system and services of MBJB. Mohd Haffiz also said MBJB is always committed to improving governance and transparency in service delivery. 'However, we realise that this responsibility cannot be shouldered alone. It requires collaboration, not only among government officials but also with the local community. 'Through this CIB, a platform for dialogue between communities can be established, in addition to identifying the real challenges at the grassroots level related to integrity and building solutions together based on integrity and shared ownership,' he added.
The Sun
30-04-2025
- Politics
- The Sun
Three JB areas pioneer community integrity programme
JOHOR BAHRU: Three areas in Johor Bahru have been selected as pilot models to enhance community awareness of integrity through the Community Integrity Building (CIB) programme. Johor Bahru City Council (MBJB) Mayor Datuk Mohd Haffiz Ahmad said the programme, in collaboration with the Malaysian Institute of Integrity (IIM), will involve the communities in Bandar Baru Uda, Bandar Dato Onn and Desa Cemerlang. He said the programme, among other things, aims to encourage collaboration between local authorities (PBT) and the community in forming an ethical and resilient community against corruption and abuse of power. 'Among the programme's goals and objectives is to increase public awareness and sensitivity to integrity issues occurring in their environment. 'With close cooperation with these communities, it is hoped that it will also improve the quality of services at MBJB itself,' he said at a press conference here today. He said the community can channel complaints, including through the MBJB Public Complaints Management System (SISPAA) which is an online medium for managing complaints, inquiries, and suggestions from the public regarding the delivery system and services of MBJB. Mohd Haffiz also said MBJB is always committed to improving governance and transparency in service delivery. 'However, we realise that this responsibility cannot be shouldered alone. It requires collaboration, not only among government officials but also with the local community. 'Through this CIB, a platform for dialogue between communities can be established, in addition to identifying the real challenges at the grassroots level related to integrity and building solutions together based on integrity and shared ownership,' he added.
Barnama
30-04-2025
- General
- Barnama
Three Johor Bharu Areas Pioneer Empowerment Of Community Integrity Development
GENERAL JOHOR BAHRU, April 30 (Bernama) -- Three areas in Johor Bahru have been selected as pilot models to enhance community awareness of integrity through the Community Integrity Building (CIB) programme. Johor Bahru City Council (MBJB) Mayor Datuk Mohd Haffiz Ahmad said the programme, in collaboration with the Malaysian Institute of Integrity (IIM), will involve the communities in Bandar Baru Uda, Bandar Dato Onn and Desa Cemerlang. He said the programme, among other things, aims to encourage collaboration between local authorities (PBT) and the community in forming an ethical and resilient community against corruption and abuse of power. "Among the programme's goals and objectives is to increase public awareness and sensitivity to integrity issues occurring in their environment. "With close cooperation with these communities, it is hoped that it will also improve the quality of services at MBJB itself," he said at a press conference here today. He said the community can channel complaints, including through the MBJB Public Complaints Management System (SISPAA) which is an online medium for managing complaints, inquiries, and suggestions from the public regarding the delivery system and services of MBJB. Mohd Haffiz also said MBJB is always committed to improving governance and transparency in service delivery. "However, we realise that this responsibility cannot be shouldered alone. It requires collaboration, not only among government officials but also with the local community. "Through this CIB, a platform for dialogue between communities can be established, in addition to identifying the real challenges at the grassroots level related to integrity and building solutions together based on integrity and shared ownership," he added.
