FROM the captivating islands of Terengganu and the bustling central market in Kota Bharu, Kelantan, to the hilly terrains of Pahang, there is plenty to be discovered in the east coast, includ- ing its real estate.

Armed with a legacy and experience of more than five decades in the industry, UDA Holdings Berhad (UDA) plans to uncover the untapped mar- kets of the east coast, and to further establish itself there with a pipeline of property developments.

UDA Holdings Bhd president/chief executive officer Mohd Salem Kailany tells City & Country:"While UDA is undertaking development for the entire country, the east coast region development is specifically managed by UDA Land (East) Sdn Bhd, with its head office in Kuantan, Pahang. The office looks after the development covering the east coast region comprising Kelantan, Terengganu and Pahang."

In the 1970s, UDA developed townships in Kelantan and Terengganu. Among the projects are Taman UDA Murni in Jalan Pengkalan Chepa, Kota Bharu, and Taman Murni Perdana in Paka, Kemaman.

"Since then, UDA has shifted its focus to Kuala Terengganu Golf Resort at Kuala Nerus, KualaTerengganu, and a little bit in Bukit Pelindung adjacent to the famous Telok Cempedak in Kuantan,"says Salem.

"Now, we are exploring the prospect of a mixed use development offering tourism-, agro- and education-related development in Pekan, Pahang, to strengthen our position in the east coast region.

"Our current developments in Kuala Terengganu and Kuantan focus more on niche projects such as bungalows and semi-detached houses, as we plan to reach out to a bigger target market by introducing super link houses in Kuantan. In Kota Bharu, we will be developing a 1.59-acre tract for serviced apartments right in the city centre."

The landbank in Pantai Lagenda, Pekan, has tremendous potential for eco-tourism and education-and agro-type developments. "These developments will be attractive for the right investor groups," says Salem.

"The challenge for UDA is to get to the right partners that can jointly develop this particular land bank. We also need state support in terms of basic infrastructure and logistics, considering the huge investment needed to make the development a reality," he adds.

In line with the group's vision to deliver niche products in the east coast, UDA plans to launch modern, contemporary homes to further strengthen its presence in the markets there. "An upcoming project will be Sarai 2.0 at Kuala Terengganu Golf Resort in Terengganu," says Salem.

Sarai 2.0 comprises 23 two-storey bungalow houses located in the elite enclave of Kuala Terengganu Golf Resort. Launched in January 2021, and due to be completed in January 2023, the leasehold units will have built-ups of between 6,045 and 10,344 sq ft with prices between RM714,000 and RM979,200

"For Sarai 2.0 at Kuala Terengganu Golf Resort, UDA is targeting professionals, businessmen and upgraders. This project offers convenience, with the surrounding facilities, and is perfect for investors, owing to its premium location in the vicinity of an 18-hole golf course and resort," says Salem.

Surrounding amenities and attractions include Pantai Teluk Ketapang, Sultan Mahmud Airport, Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin (UNISZA) and the Terengganu Drawbridge.

Another upcoming development is Pelindung Heights Phase 1B, comprising 16 two-storey semi-detached houses occupying a 1.28-acre site in the enclave of Teluk Cempedak beach. Launched in December 2021 and due for completion in April 2023, Pelindung Heights Phase 1B has units with built-ups of 2,341 sq ft and prices from RM833,280 to RM1.058 million.

It is situated near the Royal Pahang Golf Club, Kuantan town, Teluk Cempedak beach, Sultan Ahmad Shah Airport, government centres, educational institutions and schools, a business centre, a shopping complex, a five-star hotel and fast food outlets.

Salem says, "UDA is targeting professionals, businessmen and investors for Pelindung Heights. This project also offers convenience, with the surrounding facilities, and is strategically located next to the famous tourist attraction - Teluk Cempedak beach."

Meanwhile, the company's modern shop offices named Coast @ Kemaman, in Terengganu, are also witnessing incredible response.

Coast @Kemaman is the first commercial hub in Kemaman to offer lift and basement parking facilities. It is known as a lifestyle commercial hub that is located on elevated grounds with ample parking space.

The shop offices sport a modern façade and visitors can enjoy the open-air public spaces under the covered thoroughfare. Launched in 2015, the units range from 1,225 sq ft to 2,893 sq ft, with prices from RM443,397 to RM1.47 million.

Amenities include 24-hour security guard patrol and an outdoor event space. The development is also located near the city centre, government buildings, schools, Centre Point Complex, Casa Limbong Shopping Complex, Kolej Universiti TATI (TATiUC) Teluk Kalung, Chukai, and Kemaman Port. It faces the Kuantan-Terengganu dual carriageway.

"Coast Kemaman sees the potential in an untapped market and is poised to draw in the crowds and investors," says Salem.

Besides making its mark in the east coast, UDA has also ventured into market segments such as hospitality, retail and asset management. "To move forward, we must ensure that UDA's growth is in tandem with the changing trend in each market. For example, in property development, UDA has launched and will launch eight new projects in FY2022 alone.

"In FY2022, UDA launched Waqaf Seetee Aisah 2, Pulau Pinang (apartments and condominiums), and Telok Chengai Avenue, Kedah (terraced houses), which offer prices of RM500,000 and below," says Salem.

"Concurrently, we also have projects that are above RM500,000 such as Pelindung Heights, Kuantan, Pahang (semi-detached houses); Pisonia Ville 2, Bandar UDA Utama, Johor (terraced houses); Areca Terrace, Bandar UDA Utama, Johor (terraced houses); and Sarai 2.0, Kuala Terengganu Golf Resort, Terengganu (bungalows)."

As at end-2021, UDA's land bank stood at 1,306 acres. "We plan to develop about 30% of it, with a total estimated GDV (gross development value) of close to RM6 billion. The biggest contributor would be the northern region, with about 36% with a GDV of 2.2 billion, followed by the central region for development within the Klang Valley with an estimated GDV of RM1.24 billion," says Salem.

Meanwhile, the southern region will contribute 20% of the overall GDV, followed by the eastern region. "There will also be a development in Sarawak that is estimated to bring in a GDV of RM400 million," says Salem.

"The biggest land bank is located in the east coast region, with 47.1%, and most of the land is located in Pahang, followed by Terengganu and Kelantan. We plan to acquire more land through collaborations with land owners at strategic/urban locations."

To find out more, visit https://www.udaproperty.com.my or call (+6011) 1722 6250