The Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations (Fomca) has sounded the alarm over the rise of fake house rental agents in Malaysia, who pose as legitimate professionals to scam unsuspecting tenants, especially foreign students.

According to Fomca secretary-general Dr. Saravanan Thambirajah, these scammers use fake business cards, online ads, and social media profiles to appear credible. They arrange property viewings and create a false sense of urgency, pressuring victims to pay deposits for non-existent rentals. Once the money is transferred, the scammers vanish.

Dr. Saravanan highlighted that foreign students are particularly vulnerable due to their unfamiliarity with local rental practices and limited access to reliable information.

To avoid falling victim, Dr. Saravanan advises tenants to verify agents’ credentials with the Companies Commission of Malaysia and avoid making payments to personal bank accounts. Renters should also insist on stamped tenancy agreements and official payment receipts.

He called on government authorities and educational institutions to educate the public and foreign students about these scams. Victims are urged to report cases to the police and contact the National Scam Response Centre via the hotline 997.

Fomca’s warning serves as a crucial reminder to exercise caution when dealing with rental transactions and to ensure proper verification to prevent financial losses.

Construction of the Air Itam bypass highway is progressing well, with several key milestones achieved. A recent site visit by YB Wong Hon Wai revealed that the piling work for the section between Lebuhraya Thean Teik and Farlim Market has been fully completed. Additionally, reinforced concrete piling for the monsoon drain cover slab in this section is now done, allowing contractors to move on to building the slab over the monsoon drain.

Currently, a stretch of Lebuhraya Thean Teik in front of Pizza Hut and KFC has been reduced to one lane in each direction to make space for heavy machinery. Traffic controllers are on-site to manage the flow of vehicles. Efforts are underway to complete the monsoon drain slab and related work before Chinese New Year 2025, with plans to restore two lanes in both directions by then.

Meanwhile, work near the Farlim Market continues, with the beam connecting two major sections expected to be launched this week. Several other beams in this area have already been installed, marking steady progress toward the completion of this stretch.

Once finished, the bypass is expected to greatly improve traffic flow in the Air Itam area, providing residents with a smoother and more efficient route.

The Penang Development Corporation (PDC) celebrated its 55th anniversary with an event at its Bayan Lepas headquarters, marking over five decades of transformative contributions to the state’s socio-economic landscape. Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, along with other dignitaries, reflected on the agency’s achievements and its pivotal role in shaping Penang’s future.

Celebrating Milestones

Chief Minister Chow highlighted key accomplishments of PDC in 2024, particularly its advancements in infrastructure and investment. Among the highlights was the completion of the GBS TechSpace building, a 60,000 sq ft facility aimed at strengthening Penang’s integrated circuit (IC) design sector under the “Penang Silicon Design @5km+” initiative. Located in the Technoplex Bayan Lepas industrial park, this development is poised to enhance economic opportunities and talent retention, with its formal inauguration set for December 7.

The Chief Minister also announced significant progress on the GBS By The Sea building, which is 98.9% complete as of November 1. This 294,000 sq ft facility is expected to receive its Certificate of Completion and Compliance (CCC) in early December, expanding Penang’s capacity to host global business services operations.

In the industrial sector, PDC continues to support high-value investments with the ongoing development of Batu Kawan Industrial Park 3 (BKIP3) and the Bandar Cassia Technology Park (BCTP). Multinational corporations such as Siliconware Precision Malaysia, Plexus Manufacturing, and MKS Instruments have begun establishing facilities in these hubs, underscoring Penang’s commitment to clean and sustainable industrial growth.

“PDC has been the backbone of Penang’s socio-economic transformation for over five decades,” said Chow, emphasizing its strategic investments, job creation, and infrastructure development.

Community and Cultural Commitment

The celebration coincided with Deepavali, reflecting Penang’s multicultural spirit. Chow praised PDC for fostering inclusivity through community initiatives that align with the state’s Penang2030 vision of a prosperous, harmonious society.

PDC Hindu Association chairman N. Puveneswary echoed this sentiment, highlighting Deepavali’s symbolic significance of light triumphing over darkness. She expressed gratitude to PDC for supporting the event and announced a corporate social responsibility (CSR) contribution of RM500 each to six Tamil primary schools in Penang.

“This gesture reflects our shared commitment to fostering education and empowering the next generation,” Puveneswary said.

A Festive Atmosphere

The event featured vibrant performances, including a lively set by Zubir Khan, whose songs such as Yennode Macha and Deepavali Sudah Mari captivated the audience. His charismatic performance added a festive tone, making the celebration memorable for all attendees.

Looking Ahead

As PDC enters its 56th year, Chief Minister Chow expressed optimism for its future. He emphasized the importance of continued innovation and unity in driving the state’s growth trajectory.

“Let us work together to achieve even greater heights, driven by the spirit of unity and dedication. Congratulations to PDC on this remarkable milestone,” Chow concluded.

The event was attended by several dignitaries, including Penang State Secretary Datuk Zulkifli Long, Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Dr Mohamad Abdul Hamid, and PDC CEO Datuk Aziz Bakar, among others.

With its enduring legacy and forward-looking projects, PDC remains a cornerstone of Penang’s socio-economic success, poised to achieve even greater milestones in the years to come.

Taman Seri Villa Permai is a landed development by TID Development Sdn. Bhd. (a subsidiary of Tambun Indah) near Kota Permai in Bukit Mertajam. Strategically located near Jalan Kota Permai, just a few minutes’ walk to SJKC Beng Teik. It is neighboring with an abundance of amenities and easily accessible via Jalan Song Ban Kheng.

This development will feature 75 units of 2-storey terrace houses, to be completed in two phases. Adjacent to Residency Permai gated and guarded housing scheme by the same company.

Project Name : Taman Seri Villa Permai
Location : Bukit Mertajam
Property Type : Residential
Tenure: Freehold
Built-up Size: (to be confirmed)
Total Units: 75
Indicative Price : (to be confirmed)
Developer : TID Development Sdn. Bhd. (Tambun Indah)

DISCLAIMER: This article is solely based on research done using publicly available data. This is not an advertisement. Any claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a project or service should be verified with the developer, provider, or party in question.

SP Setia Bhd, a leading pioneer in property development in Malaysia, has expressed its interest in collaborating with the Penang government to drive sustainability initiatives while seeking support for the implementation of its proposed industrial-based business park in Setia Fontaines on the mainland.

The company is currently in the process of converting 310 acres out of the 1,691-acre Setia Fontaines development for industrial use and is exploring a potential joint venture to advance this project.

SP Setia chief executive officer Datuk Choong Kai Wai, during a courtesy call with Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, highlighted that the proposed development seeks to balance the needs of industry while promoting a sustainable future for Penang.

“Setia Fontaines, located in Kepala Batas, is designed to enhance Penang’s urban landscape and boost its economic potential.

“This world-class development reflects a shared vision to raise living standards and create business opportunities in Penang, further cementing the state’s status as a progressive and dynamic hub,” Choong stated during the meeting at Komtar today.

Chow urged SP Setia to expedite its efforts to secure approval from the Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP) to ensure the proposed project is included in the 2030 Seberang Perai Local Plan (DRTSP2030) draft, which is expected to be gazetted next year.

Source: Buletin Mutiara