BEIJING: When wealthy Beijingers bought flats in one of the city’s most exclusive apartment complexes, they claim they weren’t told a four-lane highway would be built beneath their windows.

Now hundreds of them are threatening legal action against secretive Hong Kong billionaire Hui Wing-mau, the founder and chairman of the Shimao Group.

PETALING JAYA: Umno Youth on Jan 24 called for immediate action be taken by the relevant authorities, especially the police, the Customs Department and the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) on the illegal sale of sand to a neighbouring country.

Its chief, Khairy Jamaludin, said based on media reports, the matter involved not only illegal sale, but also smuggling.

KUALA LUMPUR: Scientex Quatari Sdn Bhd, the property division of industrial plastic products manufacturer Scientex Bhd, is planning to launch a high-end property project in Pulai, Johor to take advantage of the increasing demand for housing in the area, said Alex Khaw, the group property division general manager.

Bus station, office towers, hotels and even a shopping mall… These are just a few of the guesses being bandied about on the ultimate use of the prized vacant plot where the Unilever headquarters and factory once sat in Jalan Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur.

Prima Properties Management Sdn Bhd may be an unfamiliar name  in the local building fraternity but this developer has set its sights on becoming a major property player in Malaysia’s information and communications technology (ICT) hub Cyberjaya.

As I stood on the second floor of ONE KL, the latest addition to the high-end condominium market in the Kuala Lumpur city centre, a refreshing breeze made me wonder why we don’t experience this more often in Malaysia, where the heat can be rather unbearable.

The world of “Lights! Camera! Action!” and paparazzi may seem incongruous with property investment but not for Malaysia’s enterprising young stars. Some of them have already invested in real estate while others are scouting around for good buys.

The year 2009 is coming to a close, and what a rollercoaster ride it has been for the local bourse and the real estate scene. Sentiment picked up towards the second half of the year.

The year 2009 began on a gloomy note around the globe but as it comes to a close, some property markets have begun showing signs of recovery from the global economic turmoil although some property experts remain cautiously optimistic on the outlook for 2010.

When comfort or decadence no longer excites and enthralls, it is time for travellers to look for a unique and unforgettable experience