PLUS Malaysia Berhad (PLUS) Northbound Machap R&R hailed as the Country’s first Solar Photovoltaics (PV) powered rest area in an event launched by Works Minister, YB Baru Bian together with the Ministry of Works Deputy Secretary-General, Dato’ Abdul Razak Jaafar, PLUS Chairman Tan Sri Dato’ Mohd Sheriff Mohd Kassim, Director-General of Malaysia High Authority, Dato’ Sr. Aziz Abdullah and PLUS Managing Director, Datuk Azman Ismail, today.

"PLUS has invested over RM700,000 on the Solar PV as an alternative energy source supplying power to our Northbound Machap R&R. This is PLUS’ strategy and innovation drive to optimise the use of Green Technology in preserving the environment to impact positively on the Rakyat’s wellbeing,” said Tan Sri Sheriff, Chairman of PLUS. 

"In line with the Government’s initiatives to protect and preserve our environment through renewable energy, PLUS Green Roadmap has been designed to support that. We are committed to provide a positive and intuitive travel experience to our customers,” affirmed Tan Sri Sheriff

The Solar PV technology, with a capacity of 182 kWp (kilowattpeak), has been in operation at the Machap R&R since October 2018. The technology enables PLUS to save on electrical usage up to 51% at this R&R during daytime. 

Environmentally friendly, the Solar PV technology has contributed to lesser emission of carbon dioxide by 77 metric tons since its introduction. It also helps to address the ozone layer depletion.

The Solar PV panels were installed on rooftop of the main food court, walkways and covered bus parking bays at the rest area. 

PLUS Green Road map has ear-marked for the Solar PV panels to be installed at the Sungai Buloh Overhead Bridge Restaurant, Ayer Keroh Overhead Bridge Restaurant, Dengkil RSA (Northbound and Southbound), Gurun RSA (Northbound and Southbound), Gunung Semanggol RSA (Southbound), Tapah RSA (Northbound and Southbound) and Ayer Keroh RSA (Northbound) within the next 5 years. 

Its Green initiatives began when PLUS launched the first solar-powered Electric Vehicle Charging Station in the country at the Ayer Keroh Overhead Bridge Restaurant on December 13, 2018.

The Works Minister, who officiated the opening ceremony today, highlighted that the move is based on concept and principles of ongoing sustainable development. Citing long-term benefits for highway customers, he urged all relevant parties to take various measures and initiatives in sustaining Green Technology. The Minister, who applauded PLUS’ initiative, also encouraged other highway concessionaires to develop and apply green technology at their respective highways to preserve the Environment.

PLUS Malaysia Berhad (PLUS) today held its first ever business partner conference for more than 450 business partners nationwide and launched its Business Partner Incentive Programme (BPIP) in recognition of top performers. Present at this event was PLUS Chairman, Tan Sri Dato’ Mohd Sheriff Mohd Kassim, Malaysian Highway Authority Director General, Dato’ Sr Aziz Abdullah and Datuk Azman Ismail, Managing Director of PLUS.

In this auspicious conference, PLUS affirmed its commitment to take care of its business partners first, whose support enables PLUS to fulfil its core purpose of taking good care of its customers every step of the way. The BPIP is one of the key initiatives introduced by PLUS to celebrate the achievements and recognize business partners who put customers at the heart of everything they do 

This is reflected in their demonstration of high customer service excellence standards, food quality, compliance to SIRIM’s 5S quality standards and leading to the growth in their business.

The awards were presented for individual business owners as well as a Grand Prize for the Best Overall Performing R&R in Malaysia going to Seremban NorthBound R&R.

A total amount of awards and prizes worth more than RM70 000 were given out today with RM10,000 to the Best Overall Performing R&R. 

In keeping to the customers’ feedback about more choices and variety of food options, PLUS welcomed new retail brands such as Family Mart, Sushi King, Daily Fresh, Bon 900 Café and My Laksa adding to a total of more than 20 major F&B brands that are now operating at PLUS R&Rs and lay-bys.

“ On behalf of PLUS, we welcome the new brands to our family of excellence. The fact that these brands are happy to become our business partners says a lot about the quality of our highways and R&Rs,” said Datuk Azman.

“ The key component lies in the business partners that PLUS works with, for they are pivotal to the success as well as the happiness of those who patronize our R&Rs. Most importantly, PLUS provides a wide range of selection of retail offerings that is competitively priced and accessible to every Malaysian from all walks of life” stressed Datuk Azman.

PLUS is committed towards a continuous expansion of new commercial partners to suit the needs & wants of modern-day Malaysians highway travellers.

Today, there are more than 700 F&B outlets at all 24 PLUS R&Rs, 46 lay-bys and 4 overhead bridge restaurants, which offers a variety of food ranging from the well-loved local delicacies like nasi lemak all the way to international restaurant chains.

UEM Sunrise Berhad (“UEM Sunrise” or the “Company”), one of Malaysia’s leading property developers and master developer of Iskandar Puteri continues to be committed in executing the masterplan for Iskandar Puteri which entails the development of residential precincts, industrial hubs, commercial structures, retail developments and significant infrastructures while maintaining a substantial area as Iskandar Puteri’s green lung. UEM Sunrise’s developments in Johor have been progressing well with the commencement and completion of several key projects including the operation of developments which are catalytic in nature.

Speaking to the media in conjunction with the Company’s media familiarisation trip to its developments in Johor and sales gallery in Singapore, Kenny Wong Koon Keng, Chief Marketing Officer of UEM Sunrise said, “Today, 76% of UEM Sunrise’s developable landbank (9,990 acres) is in Johor, with 49% or 6,379 acres in Iskandar Puteri and the remaining in Desaru, Kulai and Mersing, which have yet to be launched. We had two key launches in Johor for 2018, namely Serimbun and 68° Avenue, achieving sales of RM456.8 million during the year. The completion and handover of Estuari Gardens and Almas Suites also took place in 2018. UEM Sunrise then started January 2019 well with the completion of Denai Nusantara and launch of Aspira ParkHomes. Response to Aspira ParkHomes is encouraging, attracting considerable interest with over 60% bookings to date.”

Kenny also shared that Iskandar Puteri has been earmarked as the centre for investment, financial and business opportunities, supported by a comprehensive masterplan and state-of-the-art infrastructure. Contained within it are:

●     Kota Iskandar – The Johor government’s administrative centre with federal and state government offices

●     Puteri Harbour – An integrated waterfront development with a 13.5km coastline

●     Southern Industrial and Logistics Clusters – A managed industrial park for “clean” industries, that is, advanced technology, health and nutrition, logistics and biotechnology

●     Afiat Healthpark – A hub for modern, traditional and complementary medicine, healthcare and wellness

●     EduCity – An education hub that includes international education institutions and state-of-the-art research centres, campuses and sports facilities

●     Gerbang Nusajaya – The economic and business engine of Iskandar Puteri, serving as an important gateway into Iskandar Malaysia from the south

While crucial to the development of Iskandar Puteri as a city, UEM Sunrise regards these aspects as catalytic in realising its vision to go beyond merely building spaces but to build the community as well.

“Our vision is simple: we want to build great homes and happy sustainable communities of the future with carefully curated lifestyles. We have been building on the strength of our EVE philosophy, which is Exciting, bringing Value and Easy to own. Through this, we continue to listen to our customers, enhance our value propositions and strategise accordingly while improving the efficiency and quality of dealing with them. We are also committed to support the Government’s aspiration of easier home ownership for the rakyat by continuing to build homes with well-planned residential facilities,” added Kenny.

Additionally, UEM Sunrise’s developments contribute towards the nation’s economic development. Iskandar Puteri is part of the ambitious Iskandar Malaysia development that is set to transform Johor into an international metropolis. Between 2006 and 2018, Iskandar Malaysia attracted a total of RM285.341 billion in investments and created a total of 740,000 jobs.

OPUS Consultants, the Asset Consultancy arm of UEM Edgenta Berhad (UEM Edgenta), has been appointed by the Sarawak Government as the Project Management Consultant for the RM11 billion State’s Coastal Road Network and Second Trunk Roads project, which is estimated to be completed across a span of 8 years.

The first work package for the project, which is valued at RM50 million was awarded to OPUS Consultants recently and will see the Company, working together with Sarawak Public Works Department, in providing overall project management and technical expertise. This includes to oversee key deliverables within the project work scope such as preliminary and detailed designs of 20 work packages ranging from the development of new roads and bridges, including 4 iconic Cable-Stayed bridges and pavement rehabilitation works.

OPUS Consultants will also be overseeing upgrading works of approximately 300 kilometres (km) of the existing 896km of coastal roads; construction of 10 new bridges for the Coastal Road Network Project; and construction of 232km for Second Trunk Roads project.

The Coastal Road Network and Second Trunk Roads project was launched by Sarawak Chief Minister, Datuk Patinggi Abang Zohari Tun Openg in Sarikei, Sarawak on 6 April 2019.

The Coastal Road Network is set to provide the State’s coastal area with better access and seamless connectivity between towns namely – Kota Samarahan, Sadong Jaya, Sebuyau, Kabong, Tanjong Manis, Daro, Matu, Balingian and Bintulu to the Pan Borneo Highway network. The Second Trunk Roads project on the other hand will link Kuching and Sibu to the Pan Borneo Highway network through Sebuyau, Seri Aman and the Betong link.

Dato’ Azmir Merican, Managing Director / Chief Executive Officer of UEM Edgenta said, “Being awarded this mega project is a significant milestone for us and we’re proud to be playing a key role in providing vital infrastructure for the State which could lead to positive socio-economic development for its people, such as the ability to reduce travel time, as well as spur commercial activities in the local area specifically and the State, in general.

“To realise this iconic project, we will utilise our multi-disciplinary approach and expertise as well as source for local talents which will make-up 51 percent of our total workforce in Sarawak, all of whom will be provided with intensive training, as well as knowledge transfer,” he added.

Ir. Dr. Tony Chan, Chief Operating Officer of OPUS Consultants said, “We look forward to working together with the Sarawak Government in completing this project within the stipulated timeline and we envision this working relationship to extend further in other future projects by the State”.

PLUS Malaysia Berhad (PLUS) deployed the highway patrol unit, PLUSRonda and its maintenance partner, Propel took swift action in conducting immediate clearance work of an advertisement board fragments which obstructed all lanes to quickly normalize traffic flow and ensure safety of customers, due to a collapsed advertisement board structure at KM294.4 (Southbound) out of the highway boundary, near Southville City Interchange due to stormy weather and strong winds at 6:30pm on Sunday.

PLUS prioritised safety of our customers when notification was received, and the PLUS team ensured upon arrival on site, the traffic was kept away from the damaged structure and the affected lanes were closed to allow for immediate clearing work. The lanes were re-opened upon clearance of the debris and safety was restored. Sunday’s strong winds and stormy weather also wrecked other advertisement boards outside of the boundary of the highway.

PLUS views the incident seriously and will initiate further discussions with the Malaysian Highway Authority (MHA) and the local authorities to address the presence of advertisement boards outside of the PLUS highway boundary to ensure safety of its highway customers.

PLUS also urges billboard and other media structure owners, including those that are erected outside of the highway boundary, to conduct immediate inspection on the integrity of their advertising structures to prevent such incidences in the future in view of the current weather conditions.

PLUS takes the safety of its customers at heart and advises customers to contact its highway service PLUS Customer hotline at 1800 88 0000 and download the PLUS Mobile app via Google Play Store and App Store to receive latest traffic updates and plan their journey.

UEM Sunrise Berhad (“UEM Sunrise” or “the Company”), one of Malaysia’s leading property developers and master developer of Iskandar Puteri, along with Australian Tier 1 contractor Probuild (“Probuild”), celebrated the ‘topping out’ of Aurora Melbourne Central at a ceremony on the building’s rooftop yesterday.

Topping out at a staggering 289m AHD (Australian Height Datum), Aurora Melbourne Central is an 88-storey mixed-use development comprising 959 residential apartments, 252 serviced apartments, office suites and premium retail space. Having now reached its structural peak, it towers over the CBD’s current tallest tower, The Rialto, which is at 270m AHD.

UEM Sunrise Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Anwar Syahrin Abdul Ajib, said that this is not only a major milestone for UEM Sunrise, being the company’s second project to top out in Australia in the past 12 months, but also a testament to the growth of Melbourne’s prospering CBD.

“Aurora Melbourne Central is UEM Sunrise’s flagship development in Australia, so it is a very important moment for us to see it structurally reach its peak. It is a testament to the work of all parties involved in the project. As an international lifestyle developer, UEM Sunrise strongly believes in our vision of building communities of the future with you and for you. We have extended this vision to our philosophy of EVE – where emphasis is placed on delivering products which are Exciting, add Value and Easy to own.

“Apart from sharing skills and expertise in property development at the global front, UEM Sunrise is very proud to be bringing such a significant and top quality project to the Melbourne CBD that not only provides extensive residential, commercial and premium retail space for the community to grow into, but will create more than 500 ongoing opportunities for employment upon its completion and has seen over 3,000 jobs created during construction,” said Mr. Anwar.

City of Melbourne Lord Mayor Ms. Sally Capp welcomed the city’s newest building.

“Melbourne is renowned for our stunning city skyline and we now have an exciting new addition with Aurora Melbourne Central.

“This mixed-use development by UEM Sunrise and Probuild will see new residents and businesses move into the CBD and I look forward to welcoming them into our great city,” the Lord Mayor said.

Aurora Melbourne Central offers residents unparalleled connectivity and convenience, being the only residential development in Melbourne to have a direct underground connection to Melbourne Central Train Station, Melbourne Central Shopping Centre, Emporium, Myer, David Jones and Bourke St Mall via a series of underground and overhead pedestrian bridges. Furthermore, top tier educational institutions such as RMIT University and The University of Melbourne are only a short walk away.

Probuild’s Victorian Managing Director, Mr. Luke Stambolis, said Probuild couldn’t be prouder to have delivered Melbourne CBD’s tallest mixed-use tower.

“It is an absolute honour to be working with UEM Sunrise to deliver Aurora Melbourne Central, an icon in the Melbourne skyline,” he said.

“A building of this magnitude is truly world class, and at Aurora Melbourne Central we have been able to take advantage of the latest in construction innovations to ensure a seamless delivery across multiple stages.

“Aurora Melbourne Central has been strategically constructed to enable a staged handover, where residents have been able to move into the first two completed stages since October 2018, while construction continues safely above at higher levels.”

Construction of the final stages of this landmark project is expected to be completed this coming August.

The development is 100% sold, with 95% selling out in just two weeks of launch to local and international buyers.