Even with ACP increasingly popping up in so many of our commercial buildings, Malaysia does not have a history of ACP cladding-related fire incidents

With tourism being the third largest contributor to Malaysia’s gross domestic product, the impact of the virus has been far-reaching and continued to ripple throughout the economy as more and more hotels can’t help but shutter

It is now known that smaller respiratory droplets expelled from an infected person could spread further through virus ‘aerosols’ inside crowded and/or inadequately-ventilated buildings.  As the risk of catching Covid-19 is higher in confined spaces, it is critical to mitigate exposure to the virus and reduce the disease transmission by improving and enhancing the air quality and ventilation inside buildings.

As we prepare to head back to the office, learning institutions, retail outlets, malls and entertainment centres in the new normal, what must we be aware of? What are the necessary mitigation steps to take?

We now have a Guidance Note on “Improving Indoor Air Quality and Ventilation in Buildings amid the Covid-19 Pandemic and Beyond”

Considering that Covid-19 particles are reported to stay in the air in aerosolised form for up to 16 hours, good ventilation has become not only non-negotiable, but urgent, as the coronavirus continues to mutate.

“There remain uncertainties and gaps in the legislation, which, we believe, have been intended to make the legislation flexible enough to allow for more protection for homebuyers. Yet it leaves lots of wiggling room for housing developers too…”

“For now, the priority is to review and relook at the things that we have done best. KLCCP Stapled Group has a list of premium properties in prime locations, such as Petronas Twin Towers and Menara 3. These two properties have 100% occupancy rate and have recently secured extended triple net leases (TNL) for another 15 years.”

While bad times are inevitable for all segments in the real estate industry, CEO of KLCCP Stapled Group Md. Shah Mahmood chooses to stay positive and to look at things that they can do to improve the conditions of the buildings and be prepared for the recovery path. “Eventually the borders will reopen and people will be able to travel again. We have to make sure our buildings are safe to welcome their return.”

Elmina Gardens is located in the North-East quadrant of Elmina and features abundant greenscapes providing homeowners opportunities to lead an active and healthy lifestyle outdoors. In addition to the 12 facilities within the neighbourhood such as a playground, basketball, badminton and takraw courts, as well as an orchard, residents have access to a lush park set against the backdrop of the tranquil Elmi­na Twin Lakes.