KL, Doha in $2.5b venture

News @ AsiaOne

KL, Doha in $2.5b venture

Both countries will each put US$1 billion into the fund. -NST
Sean Augustin

Tue, Dec 06, 2011
New Straits Times

Malaysia and Qatar will set up a US$2 billion (S$2.5 billion) joint fund to invest in both countries and in Asia.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak and his visiting Qatari counterpart, Sheikh Hamad Jassim Jaber Al Thani, announced the fund and several other potential collaborations after their meeting here yesterday.
Both countries will each put US$1 billion into the fund, although Najib said details, including where it would invest, would be decided later.
Sheikh Hamad is on a three-day official visit, his first as prime minister of the Gulf state. He was here in 2006 as first deputy prime minister.
Najib said Sheikh Hamad had also responded positively to a request by Malaysia's Petronas to buy natural gas from Qatar. He said the request was being evaluated.
He also said as Malaysia was scheduled to finish building an offshore gas terminal in July next year, the requirement for more imports of natural gas would increase.
Sheikh Hamad also suggested Malaysia open up a national showroom in Qatar's capital, Doha, as an impetus to attract investment.
"I have agreed to this as a showroom there would allow people from both the state and region to see for themselves and be acquainted with the range of products and services we can offer," said Najib.
Both leaders also discussed the role Qatar Investment could play in the redevelopment of the Sungai Besi land once a master plan by the 1Malaysia Development Berhad was worked out.
Najib also pointed out the possibilities for closer cooperation elsewhere, including in the Iskandar region in Johor, which he said provided vast investment opportunities, as well as possibilities of participating in the development of Langkawi.
"Commitment to implement the Economic Transformation Programme means there are greater investment opportunities for Qatar."
Trade between both countries has been expanding and the first nine months have seen total trade increase by almost 200 per cent, to almost RM3.3 billion, with both countries confident of the volume and range of products traded to increase even further.
Sheikh Hamad said the increase in trade was proof that there was a strong relationship between both countries.
"The momentum must be kept." Both leaders also agreed to work towards ensuring not only greater transparency but also good governance, respect for the law and human rights in the region.
"That is why through leadership of his excellency, we have supported Qatar's initiative and leadership role in the region," Najib said.
Economic cooperation between the two states has grown rapidly, especially within the past five years.
The Qatar Investment Authority (QIA), for example, is part-owner of the Pavillion Real Estate Investment Trust that recently raised RM710 million in an initial public offer on Bursa Malaysia.
Last year, QIA entered into a memorandum of understanding with 1Malaysia Development Bhd to participate in a US$5 billion investment plan in the energy and real estate sectors.
Sheikh Hamad will be attending the opening ceremony of the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace exhibition in Langkawi today.
Najib said the Qatari leader would also look at possibilities of participating in development projects on the island.

Earlier, Najib and Sheikh Hamad witnessed the exchange of letters between the two countries on bilateral cooperation in higher education and tourism.

The Qatari leader also met with Bank Negara Governor Tan Sri Dr Zeti Akhtar Aziz.

Columbia Asia Hospital - Thumbs up!

Took my wife and son to the Columbia asia hospital couple of weeks back, was pretty impressed, total just spent 155 for son's fever and wife's condition. Very professional doctors.

Turned out one doc is living at The Gateway too. Pretty nice place. Staff speaks English pretty well and the small cafe has not bad food. The chicken wings, noodles with soup and chicken chop were just some of the things we tried.

Very nice and very professional. I thought i was in one of the private hospitals in Orchard road.
Having regular visits to Mt E, Thomson and Gleneagles in the past, the service was really comparable.
The hospital is a little small though but we were quite happy.
I didn't have great expectations other than the last time we did a quick look but this time, saw their facilities, etc. Not bad and price is good as well and doctors don't seem to be in a hurry to rush you out. Can talk about properties even, one of the doctors from Penang even shook my hand when i went in. Very polite.

Only later found out he is a neighbour in HH.

KSL City - First link area

Not a bad place, small Tesco though. Parking is bad but hey you can use Touch and Go at their carpark.

The only thing that attracts me to KSL is........
The gaming accessories for the XBOX Kinetic/PS3, etc are really really "REASONABLY" priced.
They have wider selection than most places.

:)

Medisave

Some hospitals already allow the use of medisave in Malaysia, not only for Johor but even Malacca as well. Seems quite a number of hospitals already allows but not for outpatient.

http://www.thesundaily.my/news/207014
http://www.healthxchange.com.sg/News...hospitals.aspx

Question about bank loan.

Banks like EON banks offer the flexi way but really do charge the 10 MYR monthly

90% was actually possible for foreigners but now most banks will lend only up to 80% or 85%. Most bros i know got 85-90% easily when they first came here though 80% is more the norm now. A friend of mine recently still got 85% though but he is doing pretty ok.
70% for third residential property can be circumvented in a way by using wife name solely for first batch of 2 houses and then husband for second batch of 2.

Thai Food

There is a Thai food place, near Casa Alymyra, from Perling towards Bukit Indah, that direction. They moved from Nusa Bestari area (near Trendy) and their food is pretty nice. Good selection too and best of all, not very full so can find seats easily. Just went for dinner on weekend and then yesterday night. My fav includes their omelette, the chicken with cashew nut and there is a dark, sweet tasting pork dish that i like very much. It reminds me of the baba honey pork dish that i so enjoy (maybe because of the bit of baba blood in us)

Note to the little one.

Relieving the past, in 2006 and 2008. Two times i was overjoyed, twice i was devastated.
Life goes on but the memories remain. Now with my wife pregnant again, i must remain
strong for their sake.

Hearing your first heartbeat was sheer joy,
seeing your little face, those forming eyes

That first time we saw you, still fresh in my mind,
an image stuck in the eyes. Of you, your
future, your happiness. The endless possibilities,
You our joy.

But, it was never meant to be, your heart
stopped beating just like the first one. The one
who would have been your elder, your sibling.

You were meant to be the third, i never had
the pleasure to hold you, never had the chance.

I am sorry, i really tried as i pretended to be
brave, always trying to be strong.

Inside, i lost a part of myself
when you passed on. No heartbeat the doctor said,
i told you so, he softly chided.

Yet, can i not but try? Waited for you we did.
I have to, for your sake, your mothers and mine.

My face showed no disappointment that day, how could my
eyes weep when the heart is already dead?

I went home and cried silently on the floor, till today,
a scan of you, still in the drawer near our door.

Years passed, the scars never healed, i promised every
day i would start it anew.

Yesterday i had quite a fall, i did nothing to stop it,
sometimes i just want to end it all.

I slided out to the road and hurt myself, if i had
died then, probably just as well.

At the very least, i might be able to see you guys
again and end my nightly silent pain.

I am so so sorry, please forgive me, of you, recurring in my dreams.
Becoming your happy father i could never ever be.

Yet for the family, i have to press on, for your remaining brother, i
have to be strong.

Please wait for me, until the end of my days, to finally finish my duties
here. The day when we could all be together again.

I look forward to that day.

Have you hugged your parent today?

These days, everyone is always so busy, too busy to give their dad and mum even a simple call while they rush about making ends meet but yet they ALWAYS have the time to volunteer for their son/daughters school or send them to piano/violin/ballet/swimming lessons.

A lot of people spend more time on pets than a simple kind word of thanks to our parents. Sometimes dad and mum would like to hear from you too, have you hugged your parent today?

Whenever my parents are not in JB for short trips back, i always think of them. Just never said it out aloud.

Things are changing

Something is changing, i see more and more rich Johoreans buying houses. Seems they realised what they were sitting on now. Getting lots more people asking me about their own neighbourhood and helping as much as i can. I guess they saw something different this time and its not only their government involved but that of some others as well.

MACS counter at Bukit Indah will be closing on Nov 15, 2011.

A gentle reminder to all good bros and sisters here.

MACS counter at Bukit Indah will be closing on Nov 15, 2011.
Please do go and get it done if you have some time to spare.

You don't need photographs nor S&P or forms. Just bring your
passport and yourself. You only need 13 months left in your
passport to qualify for MACS and of course 30 MYR.

Added update - Its now on until Dec 15, 2011.

Hi C@J, if you are referring to Horizon Hills, then yes every precint has its own parks and some small recreational or children playground.

The main clubhouse facility though has numerous activies including an olympic size swimming pool, a well equipped gym, tennis courts, reading room, professional massage facilities(after a long day of golf)

They also offer a host of ad hoc and regular activities as well from time to time.

A shard of light

Weird thing happened yesterday, mum came to visit and gave me something to keep at home. Apparently she went to a medium recently as she heard from my wife that things were not going well for me. We had to send our helper away as she was always complaining and comparing, even though we gave her tv, etc she still wasn't happy. We even sometimes make coffee/tea for her when she was tired. In the end, she quarelled with one of our staff and even turned violent. We had to send her away.

Then my wife's health isn't so good so have been assisting her, worse time especially when her helper is gone. My work isn't going so well, even working 72 hours straight last week ended up with my boss shouting at me. Seems i can never do enough and i am the dogsbody for whatever goes wrong. I even recommended a bro of mine for promotion and i am glad that they are getting the rewards they deserve. Me? I just want peace and quiet and not always given last minutes stuff to save. Tears of frustration fell that day as i was just so tired from doing so many things and handling last minute things, only to be accused of bad planning. Was it fair? But then again, life is never fair.

Some quarrels between relatives were also pretty taxing although i try to be neutral as much as i can, helping whenever i could in between with some advice and 2 cents about their renovation.
Son isn't too cooperative either. I am quite prepared to go until my wife broke the news to me. I may have an incoming son/daughter soon.

Finally, a shard of light piercing though the mournful gloom.

Change of abode, change of song

Thinking back, almost 3 years ago now, first took my wife and son into JB. With the song playing in my head when i first saw Horizon Hills. Just thought it was appropriate to change the default song to Con te Partiro by Andrea Bocelli. :)

Visit to Mydin - Good news for EL/LF/LH residents

Our trip to Puteri Harbour - Boat ride

Some pictures to share during the trip to Puteri Harbour

Muses

Tri-coloured coffee at Crystal Pearl Cafe

Every one has a different frequency in life. Everyone is different and unique so how often do you meet someone like your ownself?

Do be careful though, as i learnt of revealing too much of yourself, the other party may misunderstand you completely.

If you could choose the wordings on your own tombstone, how would you like to be remembered by? What values do you stand for in life?
I wish i can put on my tombstone. An honourable, true and kind man. Unfortunately, spent his life alone.

For me. I actually spent most of my life alone come to think of it. Even now, still incomplete and very much by myself at times even if i am surrounded by many people.

Those around me are too busy, making money, everyone is too engrossed to talk. Those who say they
care never do. Staff would only say what they think you want to hear. You don't want your parents to worry and your spouse is always busy. You end up talking to your child and no one else. Recently even he doesn't want to talk.

I guess the only time they remember you is probably during your funeral, fussing over and finally free to visit you. But you are no longer there or care anymore.

On my tombstone. Probably can add on
Born alone. Lived alone. Died alone.

I guess the sad thing in life are aplenty and dying is just one of them. The only thing in life is not meeting someone who is a soulmate and hear your thoughts.

Many people can talk to you and hear your voice. How many hear your soul though?

Random thoughts & some other uses for common household items

This was where i went to that day in Orchard Road

1. Had an unpleasant day once while commuting back to SG, stopped by SG customs who asked me rudely why i am going to SG, which part of Orchard and why am i going to Orchard whether i was going there to work etc.

I asked him that this is an SG car and this is my SG passport, why does it concern him that i am going back to SG? I was dressed in a shirt and tie and my car wasn't the type that would attract attention both good or bad so its weird.

2. There is now a dedicated lane for MACS holders at the 2nd link as well (extreme right) , not sure if anyone shared it on sammyboy yet

3. Bostik bathroom silicon(white) - Concluded it does cover hairline cracks on bathroom tiles exceptionally well. To the point if you do it properly, you can't see any cracks at all.

4. WD40 - Not only useful to get rid of rust(at least for a while), you can use this to wipe crayon or marks caused by plastic or scuff marks.

5. Axe brand oil, can be used to polish a worn part of the parquet or to use it as an emergency cleaning tool.

Our school - Cherie Hearts - Preschool

Thanks everyone for your kind words and wishes. :)

Finally have a school to call our own. Set up a pre-school for my wife so that she can finally realise her dreams.

Labour of love for her. :)

Our playground, finally all is running well

Had to look into every aspects including safety, cleanliness and security

Teeny tiny wash basins and toilet bowls for kids

Latest soft toys and RC model equipment to keep the kids entertained

Hardware store

One 2 Eat cafe at Austin Heights area. Nice and cheap

By the way guys, saw a couple of shops at the Nusa Idaman area, near to the bridge which will bring one over to the new hospital.
They sell bricks as well as roof tiles and even cement on top of normal DIY stuff. Coincidentally, one of the shops there is also called DIY.

There is a new DIY store, Mr DIY based on the 2nd floor just outside Tesco which is a nice place to buy lots of stuff you otherwise have trouble finding in Johore. :)

There are also lots in the Bukit Indah area, notably just outside HH where there are lots of shops.
Even saw one HQ motor repair shop open past 1am on Saturday night.

Investing in Nusajaya

I actually do think this is a good place to invest which was why i didn't stretch and got a bungalow but instead spread over smaller units that i would buy slowly. I would still tell people its a good place to stay and then as a secondary purpose to invest as there are still risks here.

What i can see and accept may be seen or viewed as too risky by some. The way i see it (IMHO), we are just past the base camp right now.

If i had more spare cash now, i would still buy albeit selectively.

It doesn't pay to be kind at times

I tend to have IT related jobs (higher tier) and recently have some marketing related ones, the only problem is when you call people, folks may think you are joking, etc. They view you with suspicion and even asked me how come i am not taking the role for myself as its a 6000 SGD job(to them its a lot). Its a bit frustrating sometimes when you want to help and people doubt you EVERY STEP of the way. Once they get that job though, suddenly disappear as if worried you want money or something.

Make or break

The fastest way to make (and lose) money for me is still in stocks, i have made and lost the
equivalent of one of my terraces.

It was a sobering moment to be sitting there with more than 150k USD in losses in the span
of one long long night. Worse still back then, was only 29 and the reality of it sunk in. I sucked
in my chest and went on my business as though nothing had happened. Then those around me
especially my parents and siblings couldn't believe it when i told them i lost money.

My siblings were shocked i could take it so well but i told them, whats the point of crying over spilt
milk? I should just concentrate and focus on whats more important and i was pretty sure i would recover
it.

Slowly and surely, one year later, 50% losses recovered. Sold off other stuff and decided to go into
Semi-D here with some stocks left. 6 months, recovered more from stocks, bought cluster. Recovered fully
from stocks and made some extra.

Bought 1 more terrace. Made money from stocks, bought 1 more with sister sharing.

The key thing is never to give up, lots of people will be dead losers if they just gave up after the first multiple sequence of failures they encounter in life.
Life is always about a cycle, every dog has its day.

No matter how good your current run, it will end one day, never bully people when you are on the top, you will never know some day.
The cycle continues

Property prices to go up

http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/uem27/Article/#ixzz1TMzA7DAE


KUALA LUMPUR: Property prices in Nusajaya in Iskandar Malaysia, Johor, are expected to rise further as UEM Land Holdings Bhd and Iskandar Investment Bhd (IIB) plan to transform the area into a "smart+connected" community.

In the last five years, property prices had increased by 10 to 30 per cent in East Ledang, Nusa Idaman and Horizon Hills in Nusajaya, said UEM general manager for strategic marketing, Zamri Ibrahim.

He said houses sold at RM300,000-plus in Nusa Idaman in 2008 are now selling at more than RM400,000 each. Those launched in East Ledang around the same year have seen price increases of RM500,000 to above RM600,000.

"Turning Nusajaya into a smart city will enhance the offerings in the market which would see the value of the properties appreciating," Zamri said.

UEM owns 4,208ha of land in Nusajaya, a key component of Iskandar Malaysia. It is responsible for the development of five catalyst projects - Kota Iskandar (Johor state new administrative centre), the Southern Industrial and Logis-tics Clusters, the Puteri Harbour waterfront development, Afiat Healthpark and Nusajaya residences.


UEM and IIB yesterday signed a collaboration agreement with network system provider Cisco to develop an information and communications technology (ICT) and services smart city masterplan for Nusajaya.

Better to be fashionably late than never.

Regardless of whether someone starts early or starts late, as long as one arrives, thats all that matters.

Like many, i was a laggard of sorts as it took a lot of convincing for me to come but come i did. :)

Its better to arrive late or for some fashionably late than not at all. I would rather be a 80 year old man
living here now with options than to be in 20s-30s and stuck somewhere or worse neither here nor there.

There are definitely bros who did well even in their 20s or earlier(respect) but also seniors who arrived after 50.

Regardless who you are, it doesn't even matter if your next plans are for Malaysia, Thailand or AU/NZ.
The point is to have a plan rather than depend on the [B]goodwill[/B] of our government.

I remembered an old story about a fish and water merchant, the water merchant basically told the fish to wait until he comes back, fully laden with water from the stream/capital. By the time you come back, said the poor fish, i would have been a dried up skeleton in the dust.

Many of us, no matter how comfortable we are right now, are basically like the fish, flopping around in the dust. We need to do something before we get dried up (read: old) and gets tossed into the dirt like yesterdays newspaper, might be still relevant but no longer fresh.

A word of caution when doing business/starting one in Johore

Again, to all bros here. Do be wary of any sudden or offers of any business opportunities. Do your due dilligence first and check out the local rules and laws.

Best to get a lawyer and never use the same lawyer to represent both sides when buying or selling property, etc. Always use a different lawyer, it costs more but protects your interests better.

There may be different agendas here when you get contacted, it may not be bad and could prove to be a lucrative business but again, due dilligence please. I really don't want to see people to be cheated here.

On the flip side of the coin, always check on the background any potential business partners who are keen to invest as well. Remember, It takes two to clap.

I would rather be prudent and cautious in the start of any business transaction than the other alternative

Some names and places of establishment to share as requested.

Please note, no need to use any name, just say you found their name by chance:

For gardening works at HH

Best Cut Garden Grooming - Ben - +6012 6388 726

For mechanic

(Super reliable, your mileage may vary. They can advise where to upgrade parts, etc)

Overseas Tyre and Services - Meng - +6012 7709242

No. 2, Jalan Indah 16/11 Taman Bukit Indah, 81200 Johor Bahru, Johor

(Note to bros: Please be nice if you are using them, don't insult them with weird comments like, will you steal my parts, is it ok to leave my car here, will i return back to half a car. They have a business to run so please leave our Singaporean kiasu attitude at the customs, if you don't trust them, just don't use them, period)

For houses:

Nusa Duta - Marcus Soh -

Nusa Sentral - Alvin Ong - +6019 7507698

Taman Laguna - Chan Phooi Wai

For massage (clean type)

Eminent Reflexology - +607 556 8133

No.1 Jalan Bestari 12/2 Taman Nusa Bestari Skudai 81300 Johor

For aircon

Ban Huat Air Cond & Engineering (Look for Mr Loh - +607237 8303

No. 20 Jalan Indah 1, Taman Bukit Indah, 81200 Johor Bahru, Johor

For cars (Perodua)

Perodua Sales

Alan Tee - +6012 762 7625

For electronics

Michael Lim - +6012 772 9499

Seng Electric Sales & Service

1 & 3 Jalan Mutiara Emas 10/19 Taman Mount Austin 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor

There is also a good one next to the Giant (ground floor) at Taman Perling (Perling Mall)

For Tim Sum and Teochew food:

Restoran Chaw Yuan

Irene Chua - +6012 779 9179

No. 1 Jalan Jati 2, Taman Nusa Bestari Jaya, 81300 Skudai, +607 512 5898

There is also a nice one in Perling as well as one near Austin Heights, very near to the Austin Paradise hotel as well as the Cherie Hearts preschool

For Taiwan porridge (free flow of porridge) Opens until midnight

Sutera Mall, opposite the Kingston hotel. Ask for their Tang dynasty bacon and their ngo hiang and vegetables with salted fish. Even their chype poh omelette is nice

For TCM:

Beijing TCM (near to EON bank at the Bukit Indah area)

Expensive though

Xiang Xin Zhong Yi (Xiang Xin TCM Medical)

78, Jalan Indah 1 Taman Bukit Indah, 81200 Skudai

Korean doctors who speak in mandarin - Yeon-Kwang Kim +607 235 7827

For Locksmith

Peter Tan

+010 7607 999

39, Jalan Austin Height 3

81100 Taman Mount Austin

For alarm and camera system:

Alvin Lui - +016 778 1396 (My folks swear by him, good guy, super reliable and not prone to overcharge, likes fishing too, knows good fishing spots)

23A, Jalan Hang Tuah, 28 Taman Skudai Baru, 81300, +607 556 2595

He can also add batteries (about 80-120 RM) to your existing autogate system

For chicken rice and roast meat (pork)

Lee Ping Piow – Near the Cherie Hearts at Bukit Indah, same row but different block(located right at corner, only coffeeshop selling only chicken rice.

Restoran Piow Kee

No. 23 Jalan Indah 10/1 Taman Bukit Indah, 81200

Very very nice!!!

For blinds, bamboo type:

Bamboo Chong @ Perniagaan Lee Teck Mee

No. 155, Ban Foo N/V 81800 Ulu Tiram, Johor Bahru

Zhong Kai Wen - +6016 7935 600

For Money Changer

Superlink Money Changer Sdn Bhd

62, Jalan Indah 1 Taman Bukit Indah

81200

+607 238 7288

For canvas awning, retractable and fixed types

Wong peng Kee
+6012 752 4470

For 2nd hand cars

Tey Chee Wee (he likes people to call him Tey) - +6012 738 2676

60 Jalan Putra 1, Taman Tan Sri Yakob

81300 Skudai

+6012 712 5662

3 Theme parks in Nusajaya now

3 Theme Parks are located within this zone including, Legoland Malaysia, Hello Kitty Theme Park and Theme Attractions Resorts

Source:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nusajaya


Popular kiddie characters Barney, Thomas and Friends, Bob the Builder and Hello Kitty will be among the attractions at the RM350 million, four-storey indoor theme park slated to be opened to the public at the end of 2012.

http://www.iskandarmalaysia.com.my/news/091109/rm350m-theme-park-for-nusajaya

More. :)
http://nusajayacity.com/enewsletter/october/page03.html

Prices and thoughts back in 2009

Wow, got quite a few PMs lately, i am more than happy to help enquiries but even though this is free work, i am glad to help as i feel its a community service towards fellow countrymen.

I am writing now in my new home(i just moved in like some of my neighbours before X'mas!

This place is starting to have a little too many SG cars and SG folks are filling up the area. As i still have to do my work to keep my day job, i would like to state some facts here(bear with me, its a little long) to share so that folks may be able to get the information they need without checking with me repeatedly:

1. Electrical bills are nominally free if you use below RM 15 per month. Expect you will be paying very little as compared to the normal utilities bills in Singapore. Water bills are like $4-10 RM a month and you can even owe up to a few months(6 months as i have been told as long as it does not exceed $100)

2. Air here is fresh and yes the water here you can boil and drink although i would recommend getting some Osim or WaterPik or local filters.

3. Lights here are damn cheap, we got some nice crystal lights for 950 ringgit and some lights with 3 energy saving bulbs for 99 ringgit.

4. Whole house done up and i mean really nicely done up at 80k ringgit, including aircon (below 8k for 6 units with 1 of them having 2HP and 1 is 1.5HP) and including:
a. Kitchen with aluminium shelf as well as kitchen hobs and 2 Stainless Steel sinks
b. Carpentery work
c. Awning
d. Window and door grille
e. Carpet grass
f. Autogate
g. Kdk ceiling fans throughout and exhaust fans for kitchen and ALL toilets
h. Water heater for all 5 toilets
i. Wall fans
j. Lights for all areas and even on 2nd floor
k. Back yard door(made a gate through what used to be a fence)
l. Front balcony with awning
m. Pavilion for terraced area with ceiling fan and light
n. Bedroom sets with mattresses, pillows and bolsters
o. Lights and standing lights for all rooms
p. Additional alumimium covering for kitchen area

5. Get a Malaysian registered car if you can(can get up to 70% loan from banks). Only caveat here is you can't drive to Singapore BUT for people who have relatives here, they could probably drive you in(MY cars entitled to 10 free trips in)

6. Good movie cinema is at Tebrau City, $12 ringgit. Tebrau City has Timberland, etc stores.

7. Petrol full tank usually about 90 ringgit, else normal top up is about 40 plus
Most do not really check to see if you only pump 20 litres thing now or even if they do, just go to another petrol station to top up or just pay the "piper" Avoid the toilets at the petrol kiosks at night if you can or go with a group.

8. Developers here are starting to be more uppity now with withdrawal of special priviledges such as free club membership in some instances as well as higher up front downpayment for buyers of their properties. Banks are also upping interests rates, infact most banks has upped them already. BLR is 5.55% and some banks will give 1.8% off. Popular banks are(ranked in no particular order):

Eon Bank
Public Bank
Alliance Bank

9. Avoid housing projects in Impian Emas, buying shops in Johor Jaya and Sentosa(in Malaysia, not to be confused with the Sentosa in SG) Goods in Johor Jaya also tend to be a bit expensive.

General pricing(your mileage may vary):

Aircon - Panasonic - Below 1,100 ringgit inclusive of installation
Kitchen sink - Below 800 ringgit
Carpet grass - 3 ringgit psf
Kitchen with wall and aluminum cabinet hob, etc - 7k ringgit
Backyard door - 1k ringgit
Pavilion - 7k ringgit
Ceiling fans with remote - KDK at 220 ringgit
Large attenna to watch SG tv, etc - 480 ringgit
Utilities - Super duper neglible as i found out today as compared to SG.
Hell, i pay less than what the town council in SG charges me monthly.

You can eat out with a family of 6 persons for as little as $27 ringgit inclusive of drinks(coffee shops). People here watch SG tv and SG radio all the time so you be here but still be in touch with SG.

Lots of SG shops in the area, there is a new furniture shop in the new Giant near Bukit Indah, just checked out today, pricing is good(will be getting furniture for my 3rd home there) There are also lots of stores at Nusa Bestari area, bargain if possible.

Assume that the car drivers you will encounter will not stop for you or are reckless, assume that if they can run a light, they will run a light and you should be fine. Be patient and refrain from honking your horn too long or too often and you should be fine.

Taiwan Porridge = Yum!

There is a place in Sutera Mall area by the name of Gu Zao Ren or 古早人.
Very nice Taiwanese porridge, i would let the pictures speak for themselves.
The ngo hiang, Tang dynasty bacon are amongst my favourites. Closed at
12 midnight. Free flow of porridge(porridge can come mixed with sweet potato)
and desert is provided free as well.

Their tea comes in pots as well, their Qiu Wang or 秋王 is nice as well.
This place is located opposite the Kingston Hotel and nearby to the Sutera Mall.

F&B :)

Food from Yews Cafe, service is normally quite good. The surrounding is a bit dodgy but at least there is a nice security guard sitting outside. :P

Mushroom soup is nice as well especially the Kings. :)

They are located at:
http://www.yewscafe.com.my/about.html

There is a picture of their restaurant at Taman Perling.
http://sg.openrice.com/singapore/restaurant/sr2.htm?shopid=17411&mapType=1

Defence against the Dark Arts - More on Bumi (Bumi Rules)

There are many who will tell you with confidence that you can buy bumi lots. Yes you can in a way, after the state consent and conversion but normally the conversion of the land will be done by the developer.

Defence against the Dark Arts - Bumi Rules

1. Never trust anyone that tells you that it can be done easily as it will need help from lawyers on getting everything in order(and this is only the first step!).
2. Never trust anyone who tells you to buy it with him/her (Bumi) and then share the lot and afterwards sell it to you or that
they cannot sell it without your knowledge, etc. A lot of things can be circumvented if they are bumi and that land is a
bumi lot.
3. Never trust anyone who tells you that after the bumi land is acquired by them, it can be turned back into an international
lot easily and resold to foreigners. There is a reason why it is a bumi lot and 15% cheaper in Johore.

Bumi land - Caveat Emptor!

This came from some questions i have from people who are likely dealing with grifters.

Please do not, i repeat touch Bumi land unless you deal directly with the developer who converts it for you.

Please be wary of any such get rich scheme whereby you are promised a share of a bumi lot or told you can buy a bumi lot and then get it converted later. Once a bumi guy/gal buys a bumi lot, it will not be convertible and even in the rare and very highly unlikely chance(i am already being optimistic here) this will still drag on a long time.

Please steer clear of such people and politely but firmly asks them to go cheat someone else. Unless these are your family members, else don't go for this. There are many other developments or places you can buy or rent. Other than the place you mentioned, there are also many other developments but you should get something:

1. Above 500k
2. International lot - Gazatted for foreigners
3. Trustworthy developer
4. Buy direct from developer

The issue here is not with the developer but with the person who mentioned this to you. Nusa Idaman is still a very affordable and good place and Nusa Duta is too. Do remember that even if all of of the parties involved in the bumi lot purchase are Malays, there is little to protect you in times of disputes over Bumi lots especially if you are a foreigner.

Hence i will only touch Bumi lots after they are converted to International Lots.

I know i am offending would be cheaters and conmen but our knowledge is our ONLY form of protection and if it can be considered as such, then i hope that this can be used as a tailsmen of sorts to share with others for protection.

Message to Mr Grifter, these folks are coming to MY not because they are damn bloody rich but some of them have personal issues in SG and need a place to just rest their tired and weary feet.

As some of the bros(and a sister) has rightly pointed out, most of us are not superstars, we can only afford public projects/flats in SG and we are just dwarfs in the entire scheme of things.

Please, i humbly implore you, (you know who you are) pick your mark from elsewhere, please.

Investing in Iskandar - Incentives

For those keen on investing, there are the 9 sectors one can consider:
http://www.iskandarmalaysia.com.my/pdf/investors-dialogue-2011/4-IMID2011-Journey_Developing_Capabilities_Talents.pdf

Day by day, growing more confident about things in Johore.

More news about Investing in Iskandar(Incentives!):
http://www.wealthofiskandar.com/download/Incentivising%20Investments%20in%20Iskandar%20Malaysia%20by%20Cheah%20Ping%20Yean.pdf