PETALING JAYA (Feb 17): Mah Sing Group Bhd launched Erica Phase 2 @ Meridin East in Pasir Gudang, Johor Baru on Feb 17. The growing appeal and demand of last year's fully sold out Erica Phase 1 accelerated the group's plan to continue developing the second phase.

In a statement, Mah Sing chief executive officer of property subsidiaries Benjamin Ong said that the encouraging response from Erica Phase 1 showed that landed properties are still in high demand. It also proved that demand for affordably priced and good quality products in strategic locations will remain strong.

"Hence, we are now launching Erica Phase 2, consisting of 210 double-storey linked homes. The 4-bedroom and 3-bathroom units will measure 18ft by 70ft, with built-ups of 1,601 sq ft and are indicatively priced from RM425,000," Ong added.

Officiated by Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Hasni Mohammad, the official launch of Erica Phase 2 was carried out during Mah Sing's Chinese New Year prosperity reunion at Meridin East sales gallery. Also present were Pasir Gudang City Council Mayor Datuk Asman Shah Abdul Rahman, Johor state housing and local government committee chairman Ayub Jamil, and SJK(C) Sim Mow Yu chairman Datuk Seri Tey Kim Chai.

Houses at Erica Phase 2, which has a gross development value of RM108.25 million, will feature practical layouts to help buyers save on renovation cost. Also, a nine-acre Mulberry Lake Park, 16km of jogging and biking lanes, and a play park are among the green spaces and community gathering spots in Erica.

Ong said that the group has continuously set new direction towards building affordable-range properties. "We aim to provide landed properties in Johor that are priced below RM500,000. People prefer landed houses as there is more space with a higher resale value and the freedom for renovation and maintenance of property."

Erica forms part of the 1,313-acre Meridin East development and is the developer's largest township in Iskandar Malaysia's Eastern Gateway. Meridin East is a sustainable township surrounded by a mix of residential, commercial and light industrial developments, along with approximately 500 acres of green area.

In terms of connectivity and infrastructure enhancements, Mah Sing has widened Jalan Kong Kong, which faces Meridin East, from the original two-lane road into a four-lane access road. The developer also plans to construct the new Meridin East Interchange, which will provide direct access from Senai-Desaru Expressway and lead straight into Jalan Kong Kong, connecting directly to the Ixora Park City commercial centre in Meridin East and providing seamless connectivity to major highways including Pasir Gudang Highway and Johor Bahru Dispersal Link Expressway.