The interior of Residensi Seremban Sentral, one of PR1MA developments.

PR1MA properties to stand the test of time by focusing on QLASSIC benchmark

In January this year, a group of home buyers received the keys to Residensi Kepayang in Ipoh, a 252-unit low density apartment developed by PR1MA Corporation Malaysia, under the 1Malaysia Housing Programme (PR1MA). 

The value-for-money apartment, which offers 3-bedroom and 2-bathroom units, comes with facilities such as a kindergarten, multipurpose hall, nursery, surau and playground. Despite its very affordable starting price of RM226,575, it has a high Quality Assessment System in Construction (QLASSIC) score of 75% for the workmanship. QLASSIC, developed by the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB), is based on the Construction Industry Standard (CIS 7:2006). 

This benchmark has been adopted for all current and future PR1MA projects to ensure the quality of all the developments built for the middle income (M40) Malaysians. Established in 2012 to develop high-quality and affordable homes for the M40, PR1MA has implemented QLASSIC standards during project development and construction stages in order to deliver its mission. 

Implementing well planned quality control throughout the project life cycle has resulted in a substantial reduction of workmanship defects on completed projects, with a number of them having high QLASSIC scores such as Residensi Pelangi Indah (80%) in Johor, Residensi Falim (74%), Residensi Kampung Paloh (74%) and Residensi Meru (71%) in the state of Perak. 

Other noteworthy developments are such as Residensi Kajang Utama located in a matured neighbourhood in Kajang and accessible via highways such as LEKAS Highway, SILK Highway, Lebuhraya Utara-Selatan as well as Jalan Reko. It comprises 3-bedroom and 2-bathroom apartments measuring up to 1,119 sq ft. Another is Residensi Borneo Cove in Sabah, with a starting price of just RM104,625. 

Residensi Kajang Utama is easily accessible by LEKAS Highway, SILK Highway, Lebuhraya Utara-Selatan as well as Jalan Reko.

Units in Residensi Borneo Cove, Sabah are priced from RM104,625.

Less is more 

To further optimise quality and cost, PR1MA is taking the approach of less is more. Facades are kept unassuming but highly functional, with tall and wide windows for natural ventilation and lighting. Dwelling unit types offered are often kept to a certain number for ease of construction and design to allow for more unblocked views. Space planning follows the maxim of being straightforward and efficient. The units are often rectangular or angular for optimal use of space. More room allocations are prioritised as they can be multi-functional as a bedroom, study, hobby area or utility. A yard is often featured rather than a balcony as the former can be used as laundry space or an extended kitchen area. 

The provision of facilities is also prioritised by their practicality and maintenance cost efficiency. Residents are equipped with the essentials such as multi-tier security measures, facilities for a healthy lifestyle such as a gym and pool at some developments, community-building facilities like a multipurpose hall that doubles as a badminton or basketball court and family-bonding avenues including playgrounds and gardens. The persistent focus on the elements that really matter translates into lower construction costs and selling prices for buyers. 

Residensi Meru in Perak has facilities such as community hall, kindergarten, playground, surau and swimming pool.

PR1MA as a developer is also committed to their projects postdevelopment. A dedicated team is set up under the Asset and Facilities Management Division to manage the properties after being handed over. To date, PR1MA has delivered a total of 39,580 units and has about 70 projects nationwide. Moving with the ups and downs of the nation, it continues to improve and innovate to fulfil its mission and objectives of providing homes that are high-quality and have great value for money for middle-income Malaysians.

Among its efforts are embarking on the industrialised building system (IBS) initiative and fostering strategic partnerships with financial institutions such as Syarikat Jaminan Kredit Perumahan Bhd, a wholly-owned company of the Minister of Finance Incorporated. The partnership allows access to end financing for first-time homebuyers who do not have steady income such as freelance workers, independent business owners and small traders or entrepreneurs. 

But, at its core, PR1MA is committed to delivering high-quality homes. With QLASSIC as its northern star, the affordable home developer for the M40 is determined to boost the home ownership amongst middle-income Malaysians and deliver exceptional value to all PR1MA home owners.

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