Restaurant Chappati.Com - It was more than just a grand opening!

Story by Sharen Kaur

It was supposed to be an ordinary outlet opening for Restaurant Chappati.Com but what made the event more than just prestigious and memorable were the number of VIPs (very important people) who had braved the evening traffic to show their support.

                                                                      Red Carpet Nite

As soon as the clock ticked 7.30pm, there was a sudden flow of VIPs and well known industry players. They included Dato' Howard Choo - director of Brahim's Holdings Bhd; Kanesan Veluppillai - the new chief executive officer of Scomi Engineering Bhd; Datuk Viswananthan Menon - CEO of Weststar Group; Tan Sri Ravindran Menon of Subang Skypark; Dato' Mohamad Salim Fateh Din of Gapurna Group and soon to be group managing director of Malaysian Resources Corp Bhd (MRCB); as well as Dato' Rahadian Mahmud - CEO of Magna Prima Bhd. There were also members of the Pahang Royalty and Badri Ibrahim from SPAD.

                           Restaurant Chappati.Com founders with members of the Pahang royalty

Among the VIPs were some 80-odd other invited guests. Their arrival was just perfect because as soon as they were seated comfortably in the cool atmosphere, Chappati.Com wasted no time to entertain them with a few dance numbers, with special performance by a Malaysian Bhangra group. Following that was the launch by the founders themselves.

                                        Founders (L-R) - Sanjit, Harry, Madam Updesh, Sunil

Soon after, all the invited guests were treated to a sumptuous spread of Northern Indian cuisine and western food, with lip smacking Indian desserts.

                                                                   The sumptuous spread

Badri (from SPAD), upon a special request, sang a number (Sway by Dean martin) much to the delight of the crowd, or his "fans", ranging from as young as 18 months to 76 years old.

                                                           Badri Ibrahim singing to Sway

But that was not the finale as what followed after dinner and his performance was a hilarious act by the MC himself. Yes!....there was Oppa Bhangra Style with the founders and their family members dancing to the tune, showcasing their respective talent. Not to forget a bit of "joget and some Hindi dance numbers!

And yes, they all managed to entertain those who stayed on until the wee hours of the morning!

Restaurant Chappati.Com is a contemporary Northern Indian restaurant that is located at Jalan Kemajuan in Section 13, Petaling Jaya. For those who know Ah Yat Abalone Forum Restaurant and Restaurant Fresh Unique Seafood 23, Restaurant Chappati.Com is located in between these two very popular restaurants that have been there for years. If you want other landmarks, the restaurant is closely located to Jaya33, Nissan showroom, Herbalife, and Wisma Celcom.

                                                 (Exterior of Restaurant Chappati.Com)

The outlet is the brainchild of four entrepreneurs - siblings namely, Harmesh @ Harry and Sanjit, and their mother Madam Updesh Quar, who are the founders of Hasheel Sidhu Services, a well established company which has been in the entertainment industry for almost 30 years.
                       
The fourth partner is Sunil Sachdev, founder of Classic Floral Services, a decoration and event management company, who is formerly also from DiGi.Com Bhd and Telekom Malaysia Bhd.

The opening of Restaurant Chappati.Com took place on the eve of Valentine's Day  - February 13, 2013.
                                                   
As anticipated, Restaurant Chappati.Com is already the most talked about Northern Indian Restaurant in town. To those who don't know yet, the restaurant serves authentic moghul cuisine, fusion and western food!

Name:                    Restaurant Chappati.Com
Address:                No9B, Jalan Kemajuan, Petaling Jaya
Opening Hours:      Daily - 11.30am to 2.30pm; 5.30pm to 10.30pm
Contact:                 012-3968450/016 3332385  
Cards Accepted:    AMEX, VISA, MASTERCARD

Berjaya Corp founder mulls asset disposal

By Sharen Kaur
sharen@nstp.com.my
Published in NST on February 25, 2013

BERJAYA Group founder and one of Malaysia's top 10 richest men, Tan Sri Vincent Tan, is considering disposing of some of his private investments to raise funds and support charity organisations.

"I am 61 this year. When I am nearing retirement, I will sell off more than half of my business to fund charity organisations.

"That will be ideal to give away what I have. I don't need too many businesses, but a few," Tan said at the Berjaya's Founder's Day 2013 celebration on Saturday.

Tan, who relinquished his position as chairman of Berjaya Corp Bhd (BCorp) early last year, has pledged to donate more than half his wealth to charity organisations.

Tan said every year, he plans to give away between RM20 million and RM30 million to support those in need.

Forbes Magazine last estimated Tan's net worth at around US$1.2 billion (RM3.6 billion).

"I would like to work until I am 80 years' old to earn more money; I could give it all away. Everything I have currently is for sale provided there is a good price," Tan said.

However, he declined to elaborate on which assets he would be selling immediately.

According to BCorp's website, Tan's private businesses are 7-Eleven Malaysia Bhd, MOL Global Bhd, 3G service provider U-Mobile Sdn Bhd and Berjaya Assets Bhd, which is involved in property management, investment and development.

Berjaya Assets' wholly-owned subsidiary, Berjaya Times Square Sdn Bhd, operates Berjaya Times Square, which includes a 12-level shopping mall and two 46-storey towers of service suites.

Tan also controls Natural Avenue Sdn Bhd, the sole and exclusive agent for Sarawak Turf & Equestrian Club that operates number forecast lotteries in Sarawak, and Berjaya Media Bhd, whose flagship publication is The Sun newspaper.

Other businesses include Singer (Malaysia) Bhd and Intan Utilities Bhd, in which Tan has a controlling stake.

Intan Utilities is involved in the privatisation of water treatment. It holds a 40.08 per cent stake in Berjaya Infrastructure Sdn Bhd, the holding company for Metropolitan Utilities Corp Sdn Bhd and Air Utara Indah Sdn Bhd.

Metropolitan Utilities and Air Utara Indah are involved in the operations, maintenance and management of water treatment plants and the supply of potable water to the concession areas in Perak and Kedah, respectively.

For overseas water projects, Intan Utilities, through Berjaya Infrastructure, owns 80 per cent interest in a build, operate and transfer concession in the Regency of Gianyar, Bali, Indonesia, and a 100 per cent interest in two water concessions in Qing Yuan County, Guangdong, China.

Global Rail plans RM1b KTMB investment

By Sharen Kaur
sharen@nstp.com.my
Published in NST on February 25, 2013

Global Rail Sdn Bhd, a privately-held railway engineering firm, plans to invest some RM1 billion to restructure the loss-making KTM Bhd (KTMB) into an efficient railway operation without it having to be privatised.

The company plans to do this with its technology partners, namely Bombardier Transportation Switzerland AG, Indonesia's PT Industri Keretapi (PT Inka) and China Railway Co. 

The group had presented its proposal on KTMB's re-engineering to the Transport Ministry a year ago, said Global Rail group managing director Fan Boon Heng.

He said the basis of the proposal will be public-private partnership (PPP), taking the form of private finance initiative (PFI).

"Although the restructuring may seem impossible, the injection of new private sector thinking, know-how and capital would possibly turn KTMB into a billion-ringgit revenue earner within three years if we start now," Fan said in an interview with Business Times recently.

He said the proposal includes the outsourcing of rolling stocks and maintenance of railway infrastructure.

It also involves the setting-up of workshop facilities to manufacture and maintain locomotives and refurbish existing electric multiple units (EMU), Fan said.

He said Global Rail and its partners plan to restructure KTMB and transform it into a successful and self-reliant rail operator.

"We could arrange for rolling stocks leasing with affordable daily rental payments designed to stay within KTMB's operating budget.

"To complement this, we have also proposed a KTMB-Global Rail joint venture for railway infrastructure maintenance aimed at balancing cost with operational efficiency," Fan said.

Fan, who founded Global Rail in July 2008, previously headed ABB Daimler-Benz Transportation and later Balfour Beatty Rail Sdn Bhd for about 20 years.

Former KTMB managing director Datuk Mohd Salleh Abdullah is now Global Rail chairman.

KTMB has been a takeover target by several companies, including MMC Corp Bhd, which is controlled by Tan Sri Syed Mokhtar Albukhary.

MMC is proposing to privatise KTMB in a RM1 billion deal. However, the Railway Union of Malaya had objected to the selloff proposal.

KTMB has been bleeding red ink since 1992 but did post net profits of RM9 million to RM15 million from 1993 to 1995. Since then, it has been posting losses.

In 2011, the losses were almost RM200 million, which were attributed to high operating cost, low passenger and cargo fares, and a decline in the cargo business, which is its biggest revenue earner.

Business Times reported recently that KTMB would need up to RM7 billion to return to profit.

SPAD expects to call for tenders (for the high-speed rail)by year-end

By Sharen Kaur
sharen.kaur@gmail.com
Published in NST on February 22, 2013

THE Land Public Transport Commission (SPAD) says it expects to call for tenders for the high speed rail (HSR) link between Kuala Lumpur and Singapore towards the end of this year.

 However, it is subjected to a Phase 2 study on the HSR Link, said SPAD chief executive officer Mohd Nur Ismal Mohamed Kamal.

Mohd Nur Ismal said that Phase 2 would involve preparing the documents for tender and syncronising with Singapore. 

"We expect to start (Phase 2) soon as we plan to call for tenders in the fourth quarter of this year. However, it would depend on how fast Malaysia and Singapore could agree on certain terms," he told Business Times.

A HSR link between Kuala Lumpur and Singapore has been considered for many years. On Tuesday, the governments of both countries agreed to build the link.

Business Times reported yesterday that the HSR project would cost an estimated RM30 billion.

SPAD is the lead agency appointed by the government for the HSR project. It has been carrying out a study on the HSR link since early 2012.

Phase 1A of the study has been completed and SPAD is almost done with Phase 1B.

Initial findings by SPAD shows that the HSR has the potential to bring significant economic benefit to Malaysia, including stimulating further economic activity between Kuala Lumpur and Singapore.

Other findings include opportunity to increase productivity and tourism activities, enhancing property values, and attracting multi-national companies to relocate to Kuala Lumpur and other locations in between Malaysian and Singapore, because of improved connectivity.

In a statement issued yesterday, SPAD said the study evaluated the viability of the project from a technical and financial perspective.

It also looked at the preferred financing structure and defining an alignment which is technically feasible and yields optimal revenue.

SPAD had engaged with various stakeholders, at the federal and state level, as well as the private sector and public with regards to the study.
-ends-

500kph Maglev trains proposed

By Sharen Kaur
sharen.kaur@gmail.com
Published in NST on February 22, 2013

MAGNETIC LEVITATION: Malaysia has potential to operate, manufacture and market technology globally

KUALA LUMPUR: A CONSORTIUM, led by UEM Group Bhd and ARA Group, is proposing a high-speed train technology that can travel up to 500kph, which is expected to be one of the world's fastest in terms of revenue service.

The UEM-Ara Consortium, which is vying for the high-speed rail (HSR) project linking Kuala Lumpur and Singapore, hopes that its proposal to use the magnetic levitation (Maglev) technology will be considered.

A spokesman for the ARA Group, a forerunner in the rail industry here, said that with the Maglev technology, the high-speed train could run, operationally, at between 430kph and 500kph.

The consortium is considering offering two types of services -- express and transit.
At 430kph, the express service would take 55 minutes, running non-stop from Kuala Lumpur and Singapore.

If between six and seven station stops are required for the 400km line in areas like Seremban, Malacca, Muar, Johor Baru and Tuas, the journey would then take 80 to 90 minutes.

Maglev is a system of transportation that suspends, guides and propels vehicles, predominantly trains.
It uses large numbers of electromagnets, mounted on a flange protruding inboard from the lower part of the train car, for lift and propulsion.

The technology was developed by Transrapid-International (TRI), an erstwhile cooperation between German conglomerates Siemens AG, ThyssenKrupp and MAX BÖGL.

Maglev's high-speed trains are currently operational only in Shanghai, China, since 2003, by Shanghai Maglev Transportation Co (SMTDC).

The daily operational speed is 430kph and has reached a record speed of 501kph, with punctuality registering at more than 99.7 per cent.

Its spokesman said Malaysia, with its prime geographical location and potential, could be the first in the world to break through with Maglev and manufacture and operate the technology here.
Subsequently, it would be possible to market the product globally.

He said Maglev technology had substantial advantages and was well-tailored for Malaysia's roadmap towards 2020.

The spokesman added that a centre of excellence (COE) could be set up here if the technology was implemented, especially for the HSR project, which is set to catapult Malaysia as a global transportation leader.

The COE will facilitate technology transfer between the German conglomerates, with support from SMTDC.
"Malaysia could be the region's aggregation and development hub by adopting the technology.

"The breaking point will be the development of the HSR line.

"This revolutionary avant-garde system has substantial advantages and is well-tailored for Malaysia's roadmap towards 2020."

The spokesman said Ara Group had concluded two studies on the use of the technology, with the help of ThyssenKrupp and SMTDC respectively.

"The outcome of both concept papers looks promising.

"Some of the highlights include a much reduced travel time.

"It will only take 55 minutes to get from Kuala Lumpur to downtown Singapore.

"By utilising the North-South Plus Expressway corridor, the consortium will require minimal land acquisition."

Maglev technology eliminates noise and vibration below 200kph and is suited for urban areas and inner cities.

Train derailments would also be a thing of the past, even with the train running at 500kph, he said.
There is also relatively low maintenance for trains running on Maglev as compared with the conventional high-speed rail, which will minimise long-term operational cost.

New acquisitions to boost potential of Scomi Marine

By Sharen Kaur
sharen@nstp.com.my
Published in NST on February 21, 2013


KUALA LUMPUR: Scomi Marine Bhd (SMB), which will be renamed Scomi Energy Services Bhd, expects to be in a better position to raise funds for expansion in the oil and gas (O&G) sector as a larger entity.

SMB is buying 76.08 per cent of Scomi Oilfield Ltd for RM776.03 million, 100 per cent of Scomi Sosma Sdn Bhd for RM6.71 million, and 48 per cent of Scomi KMC Sdn Bhd for RM769,911, from its parent Scomi Group Bhd (SGB).

The acquisitions, which will be completed early next month, will be settled in new SMB shares and cash.

SMB will become a larger oil and gas marine and drilling services supplier, with a market capitalisation exceeding RM1 billion.


"With a diversified income stream, SMB will be in a better position to raise funds to tap the potential in drilling services. SGB has many loans and bonds to dispose of. The restructuring will put the entire group in a healthy position," SGB chairman Tan Sri Asmat Kamaludin said.

According to Asmat, with the injection of the three companies into SMB, the group's order book will stand at RM2 billion, keeping it busy for the next three years.

SMB and the three subsidiaries are collectively also bidding for O&G related contracts globally, valued at more than RM3 billion.

It expects to get a handful of the jobs this year.

SGB yesterday obtained the greenlight from shareholders for the disposal of its subsidiaries to SMB as part of its restructuring plan.

The proposed restructuring was mooted by the group's shareholders at the last annual general meeting as it had debts, bonds and a pull option to deal with.

"I think this is the start. We intend to rationalise our operations, especially involving the O&G businesses. I think it will put us in a healthy cash position in terms of gearing," Asmat said after the group's extraordinary general meeting yesterday.

He said post re-structuring, SGB's gearing level will fall to 1.2 times from 2.09 times as at December 31 2011. SGB will also hold 66 per cent stake in SMB from 43 per cent currently. After disposing of the subsidiaries to SMB, SGB will remain as an investment holding company.

Asmat said SGB will continue to look at new investment opportunities outside the O&G and transportation sectors.

Three bid for high-speed train project

By Sharen Kaur
sharen@nstp.com.my
Published in NST on February 21, 2013

The much anticipated high-speed rail (HSR) project has attracted three proposals, including one from UEM Group Bhd-Ara Group, which are seen as the early favourite.

Business Times reported in 2011 that Ara Group, where Tan Sri Ravindran Menon of Subang Skypark is one of the shareholders, has teamed up with state-owned UEM Group to vie for the HSR project linking Kuala Lumpur and Singapore.

It is understood that the consortium plan to lay railway lines parallel to the North-South Expressway (NSE) from Kuala Lumpur, Seremban and Malacca to Johor Baru, before connecting to Singapore.

The other two proposals are from infrastructure conglomerate YTL Corp Bhd, and the China Infraglobe-Global Rail Sdn Bhd consortium.

YTL, operator of the KLIA Express, first mooted the idea to build a high-speed rail in the late 1990s and again in 2006.

The idea was shelved repeatedly largely because of cost concerns, estimated at RM8 billion.
Hopes for the project were revived in 2010 when it was tapped as a potential key project under an economic transformation drive launched by Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Najib Razak.

Malaysia and Singapore on Tuesday agreed to build the HSR link between the two countries, with a target completion date of 2020.

The link will cut travel time to 90 minutes between Kuala Lumpur and Singapore. At present, it takes up to eight hours by train between the two cities; around five hours by bus and car; and 45 minutes by flight.
China Infraglobe-Global Rail last made a submission for the HSR job in 2009.

Global Rail group managing director Fan Boon Heng said that the consortium was keen to participate in the HSR project and was mulling submitting a fresh proposal to the government.

A rail boost for property prices

By Sharen Kaur
sharen@nstp.com.my
Published in NST on February 21, 2013

PUTRAJAYA: THE high-speed rail (HSR) project between Malaysia and Singapore, which is expected to be completed by 2020, is going to be a major boost for areas surrounding stations along the line, Transport Minister Datuk Seri Kong Cho Ha said yesterday.

He said based on initial study, five new railway stations would be built at Seremban (Negri Sembilan), Ayer Keroh (Malacca), Muar, Batu Pahat and Iskandar Malaysia (Johor) before heading towards Singapore.

"This will bring about development in these areas around the train stations and also along the railway line," he said at the ministry's Chinese New Year celebration here yesterday.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak and his Singaporean counterpart, Lee Hsien Loong, made the announcement on the project after a meeting and bilateral talks in conjunction with the Malaysia-Singapore Leaders' Retreat in Singapore on Tuesday.

Both leaders agreed that this was a strategic development to bilateral relations that will dramatically improve the connectivity between Malaysia and Singapore.

Kong said the 400km rail link would enable the travel time between the two cities to be reduced to a mere 90 minutes.

Analysts said the HSR project offered a big re-rating catalyst for Malaysian properties, especially the real estate segment in Kuala Lumpur in the long term.

RHB Research analyst Loong Kok Wen said coupled with the mass rapid transit (MRT) network (Line 1, circle line and Line 3), he expected demand for houses and commercial properties such as malls, offices and hotels to increase in the future.

He added that key players that would likely benefit from the implementation of the HSR project and the MRT would include UEM Land Holdings Bhd, SP Setia Bhd, IJM Land Bhd, Sunway Bhd, UOA Group Singapore, KLCC Property Bhd and Pavilion REIT.

"We started seeing foreigners, mainly from Singapore, China and Hong Kong buying up properties in Kuala Lumpur, Iskandar Malaysia and Penang.

"If the HSR line stops in Johor Baru city centre and Malacca, properties there could also enjoy the spillover, given that it is a tourist spot," Loong said.

Loong also believes that the participation of Singapore government bodies or government-linked companies in Iskandar Malaysia, may signal that some investments from them could flow into Penang, which is a manufacturing and industrial hub, as well as a tourist hot spot, boosting demand for properties there.

RM30b budget for high-speed rail project

By Sharen Kaur

sharen@nstp.com.my

Published in NST on February 21, 2013

 

Malaysia is budgeting some RM30 billion for the high-speed rail project linking Kuala Lumpur and Singapore

   

KUALA LUMPUR: The government is budgeting around RM30 billion for the high-speed rail (HSR) project linking Kuala Lumpur and Singapore, according to people familiar with the matter.

This confirms a Business Times report last year that said the HSR project may cost between RM25 billion and RM30 billion to develop.

It is also learnt that the HSR project will involve a new alignment covering 350km.

The alignment will be starting from Kuala Lumpur and pass through Seremban, Malacca, Pagoh, Batu Pahat and the Iskandar Malaysia region before ending at the Tuas checkpoint in Johor Baru.


Sources said 60 per cent of the projected cost will go towards infrastructure development, which includes civil works and laying of tracks, while about 30 per cent will go towards the purchase of rolling stocks.

It is unclear if the RM30 billion allocation will also involve the crossover to Singapore.

Malaysia and Singapore are mulling whether to build an overhead crossing between the two countries or opt for the costlier underwater tunnel, sources said.

"The HSR project is important for Malaysia as the same alignment can carry freight during off-peak hours. This will benefit KTM Bhd (the national railway company), which is facing depleting cargo volume and revenue," a source said.

Malaysia and Singapore on Tuesday agreed to build the HSR link between the two countries, with a target completion of 2020.

The decision was made after a Land Public Transport Commission feasibility study found that the project is viable.

The rail link will cut travel time between Kuala Lumpur and Singapore to 90 minutes, which at the moment can take up to eight hours by train, around five hours by bus and car, and 45 minutes by plane.

The source said the fare is being discussed, although the government is considering between RM350 and RM400 for a one-way trip.

"The public is only willing to pay around RM250 to RM300 per journey. But it won't be feasible to peg it at that range due to the project's massive investment cost," the source said.

"The HSR is for the public and it will provide added convenience and safety as well as save travel time and money," the source added.

The HSR link will also complement another rail project - the Rapid Transit System Link - that will link Johor Baru and Singapore's Thomson Line, which is expected to be ready by 2019.

KTMB needs RM7b to get back on track

By Sharen Kaur
sharen@nstp.com.my
Published in NST on February 15, 2013

It is understood that this was the estimate given by KTMB officials to turn around the loss-making

railway company.
KTM Bhd needs up to RM7 billion to nurse it back to profitability, sources familiar with the matter said.

It is understood that this was the estimate given by KTMB officials to turn around the loss-making railway company.

"KTMB needs to improve its overall operation to net it profits. A substantial amount is needed to upgrade the tracks, coaches and locomotives, as well as signalling and communications system to operate more efficiently," a source told Business Times.

KTMB has been recording losses since its corporatisation in 1992. However, it did post net profits of RM9 million to RM15 million from 1993 to 1995.


Since then, it posted losses of RM82.81 million in 2007 before a bigger loss of RM118.91 million in 2008.

The losses were attributed to high operating cost, low passenger and cargo fares, and a decline in the cargo business, its biggest revenue earner.

KTMB president Datuk Elias Kadir recently said the cargo business was currently registering losses of up to RM60 million.

The national railway company has been the target of several companies keen to take it private, including MMC Corp Bhd, a company controlled by Tan Sri Syed Mokhtar Al-Bukhary.

In 2011, Business Times reported that MMC was interested to take over the KTMB operation in a RM1 billion deal.

MMC undertook a due diligence on KTMB and submitted its takeover proposal to the Ministry of Finance Inc about two to three months ago.

It is learnt that MMC had requested for "sweeteners" from the government, which includes financial backing.

Railway Union of Malaya (RUM) president Abdul Razak Md Hassan, when contacted, said the union will continue to object the takeover bids by MMC or other parties.

He said the KTMB current management has been able to reduce the company's losses from RM200 million in 2011 to RM70 million last year.

"We expect losses to narrow further this year. KTMB has been able to increase its income stream from the cargo, commuter and intercity services. These businesses have improved through enhanced efficiency, on-time delivery of trains and the addition of new trains," Abdul Razak added.

Salim, son to helm MRCB

By Sharen Kaur
sharen@nstp.com.my
Published in NST on February 14, 2013

Datuk Mohamad Salim Fateh Din and his son Imran Salim of Gapurna Sdn Bhd will take over the management of Malaysian Resources Corp Bhd (MRCB) earliest by June this year.

However, Imran may act as an interim chief operating officer (COO) of MRCB sooner than that if the group's current board makes a request.

MRCB has been without chief executive since July last year.
In its announcement on the acquisition of certain assets from Gapurna recently, MRCB said Salim would be its new managing director upon completion of the deal.

The group did not mention anything about the COO post.

"Once the deal is completed, we will be in (MRCB) in four to five months. But if there is a request to go in as an interim COO for interim purpose only, then I will do it," Imran told Business Times yesterday.

He said despite the coming management change at MRCB, business will be as usual for the group.

Last week, MRCB said it is teaming up with Gapurna in a RM729 million corporate exercise which will see Nusa Gapurna Development Sdn Bhd (NGD) injecting 13.2ha of land worth RM459 million into the property and construction group, in return for shares.

The land is located in the Klang Valley and includes the PJ Sentral development.

Gapurna, which owns 60 per cent of NGD, is controlled by Salim. The remaining 40 per cent of NGD is held by the Employees Provident Fund (EPF). The EPF also owns 42.2 per cent of MRCB.

Following the completion of the cash and share swap deal, Gapurna will end up with a 16.8 per cent stake in MRCB. The EPF's stake in MRCB will be diluted to 38.4 per cent.

According to Imran, three representatives from the EPF and two from Gapurna will form the new MRCB board.

"Our intention is to run MRCB and not compete with it. NGD has several special purpose vehicles (SPV) that hold land. It is injecting some of the SPVs into MRCB, in exchange for shares.

"NGD may have other parcels of land in the future. Any form of land it gets will be injected into MRCB. NGD will not compete with MRCB and become a developer. It will remain as a land holding company. That is how the structure will be," Imran added.

Restaurant Chappati.Com - PJ's best Northern Indian cuisine!

Story and photos by Sharen Kaur
sharen.kaur@gmail.com

Chappati.Com is a contemporary Northern Indian restaurant that is located on Jalan Kemajuan in Section 13, Petaling Jaya. For those who know Ah Yat Abalone Forum Restaurant and Restaurant Fresh Unique Seafood 23, Restaurant Chappati.Com is located in between these two very popular restaurants.

From the main road of Jalan Kemajuan, that is after you turn right at the traffic lights just before Jaya33, if you go straight you will be able to spot clearly Restaurant Chappati.Com on to your left. There is jockey parking at a rate of RM5.00, which is very reasonable hence, heading there wouldnt be much of a hassle.

The restaurant will open to the public at the most appropriate timing which is on February 14, 2013, being Valentine's Day. The official opening will be on February 13, 2013, and it will be attended by the who's who in town.

Chappati.Com is anticipated to be the most talked about Northern Indian Restaurant for it will serve a variety of cuisine from Northern Indian, to fusion and western food with a touch of Punjabi flavours!

Restaurant Chappati.Com is the brainchild of four business people - siblings namely, Harmesh @ Harry and Sanjit, and their mother Madam Updesh Quar, who are the founders of Hasheel Sidhu Services, a well-known company which has been in the entertainment industry for more than 20 years. The fourth partner is Sunil Sachdev, founder of Classic Floral Services, an event planner and decorator, and formerly from DiGi.Com Bhd.

                              Founders (L-R): Sunil, Sanjit,Madam Updesh (partly hidden), Harry

I decided to pay a visit to the place again as they were carrying out another food tasting and this time I asked for something different to try. I started the evening with Masala Lassi, which was very thirst quenching. 

                                                                   Masala Lassi
                               
I had the Masala Lassi, which for a tall glass cost only RM8.00, with Masala Papadam (crispy papad topped with spicy salad). The combination to have both at the same time may not be a good idea for some as both are very spicy but i truly enjoyed it with my eye all teary. The experience, nevertheless, was a wonder. Masala Papadam is a very tasty Indian starter. And it is a good way to also have a lovely conversation.

                                                                   Masala Papadam
                         
Next came the Paneer Makhani (cottage cheese butter masala). This traditional Punjabi Paneer can't get any better! It was rich and creamy and had strong taste of tomato puree. It went so well with the Lachha Paratha (a crispy Paratha) that I decided to have instead of the usual naan breads. But I recommend that you have both the Paneer Makhani and Lachha Paratha while they are still hot. There is no reason for it except that hot is better.

                                                                   Paneer Masala

And this time, I didn't want to have too much to eat so I decided to call for the Masala Tea which, very sincerely, was the best I have had in ages. The tea and masala concentration was perfect. And if i remember clearly, the Masala Tea sells for RM4.00 which is a good reasonable price for such a fine product!

                                                                       Masala Tea

The restaurant was serving other dishes that included Chicken Tikka, Khaman (a Gujerati special), Amritsari Fish, Jeera Rice, Fish Briyani, Penne in Arabieta Sauce, Tomato Bazil Bruchetta, Mattar Paneer, Dal Makhani, Palak Paneer, Lamb Chop and Baked Vegetables Au Gratin.

                                                       Chappati.Com's Northern Indian Mix

Chicken Tikka is small pieces of boneless chicken baked using skewers, in a clay-based oven called a tandoor. Khaman, which was something new for me, is a food common in Gujarat state of India made from gram flour.

                                                                   Palak Paneer

The mouth watering Amritsari Fish is basically fried fish prepared with lot of spices and is a popular street food of Amritsar. This fish dish is a great appetizer or side dish to complement the main course.

                                                                    Amritsari Fish

                                                                     Lamb Chop

                                                                       Jeera Rice

The key to a successful restaurant is its service, speed, quality and consistency of the food, cleanliness and how people friendly it is. In my personal opinion, Restaurant Chappati.Com has it all. The waiters, mostly from India and Pakistan are all energetic and friendly, ready with a smile. But still, give the restaurant a chance to prove itself. It is still new although the people behind it have more than 30 years of experience, combined!

Having reviewed restaurants and cafes for about 10 years, I have yet to come across any Northern Indian Restaurant that has a 5/5 rating and I do hope Restaurant Chappati.Com would be the first to be accredited with such prestige.

Chappati.Com is a Malaysian-born brand and as such, I do believe that it has great potential to grow, serving customers with fine quality food for many years to come.

Name:                     Restaurant Chappati.Com
Address:                  No9B, Jalan Kemajuan, Petaling Jaya
Opening Hours:        Daily - 11am to 11pm
Contact:                   012-3968450/016 3332385    
Cards Accepted:       AMEX, VISA, MASTERCARD

Restaurant Chappati.Com opens up in Malaysia

Story and photos by Sharen Kaur

sharen.kaur@gmail.com

India, with a population of over one billion, has rich and varied culinary traditions, which can be generally divided into four regional cuisines, with Northern Indian food standing out distinctly from the rest.

One of the main differences between Northern Indian cuisine and Southern Indian food is the staple food itself. Wheat is the staple food of Northern India, and rice is the staple food in Southern India.

The Southern Indians consume more rice, vegetables and seafood and they use coconut for some of their dishes. Rice is often mixed with lentils to make idlis, dosas, and uttapams. The Southern Indian food also consists of lemon rice, biryani, tamarind rice, sambhar and rasam.

Northern Indian food is influenced by the Mughlai cuisine. It encompasses the culinary traditions of the various northern states, including Punjabi, Awadh, Kashmiri, Marwari, Rajasthani, Gharwal, and Pahari. In case you did not already know, Tandoori cuisine originates from the north.

The most essential elements when it comes to Northern Indian cuisine are the spices - turmeric, cumin, black and green cardamom, coriander, cinnamon, cloves, saffron, nutmeg, black and yellow mustard seeds, fennel, asafoetida, fenugreek, tamarind, curry leaves, sweet bay and mint - employing some of the most aromatic scent, especially during the cooking process. In addition to adding luscious flavours and attractive aromas, the spices are known for their food preservation and medicinal properties. Garam masala, a spice mixture comprising raw cardamom seeds, cinnamon, cloves, and black pepper is also commonly used in Northern Indian cooking.

                                                                Garam Masala mix

When it comes to breads, there are various types from chapattis, roti, naan, parantha and tandoori-style. Ghee, or clarified butter, is particularly important to the flavour of Northern Indian cuisine and is not only used in the cooking process but also spread across the many types of bread available. For instance a chapatti won't taste as good if no ghee is added to the dough or spread on the bread just before it is completely cooked.

In recent years in Malaysia several authentic Northern Indian restaurants have mushroomed, thanks to the overwhelming support and demand from the general public. While the Punjabis enjoy having simple meals like chapattis with dhal (lentil) and mixed vegetables, and perhaps even murgh masala (chicken), others are also favouring it. To a large extend Punjabi food has become so popular that it is high in demand.

To satisfy the growing needs for authentic Punjabi cuisine, four business people decided recently to open up a place called Restaurant Chappati.Com at Jalan Kemajuan in Petaling Jaya, an area which is vibrant and where there is a lot of action. The four include siblings Harmesh @ Harry and Sanjit, and their mother from Hasheel Sidhu, a company which has been in the entertainment industry for more than two decades, and Sunil Sachdev from Classic Floral Services, an event planner and decorator. Restaurant Chappati.Com may seem like a new kid on the block but the experience the founders have easily spans over 20 years combined.

                                                            Restaurant Chappati.Com

Restaurant Chappati.Com is officially opening on February 13, 2013 and already there is so much hype about the place. Those who have not heard, the restaurant is going to open with a loud bang, with multi-cultural performances, a large line-up of VIPs (very important people), and most importantly, great food.

I was given the honour to do a food tasting recently to experience the cuisine and was truly amazed with what the place had to offer. I have done food tasting for 10 years and reviewed several Northern Indian restaurants in the Klang Valley but Chappati.Com was truly amazing and topped my list of perfect places to go to. What started as a simple food tasting turned out to be a great gastronomically affair for me and those in attendance, numbering around 50.

As a start, we were given hot onion bhajis, assorted vegetable pakora, dahi kebab, chicken 65 and mutton kebab which ended up with me, and others seated at my table wanting more. All these mouth-watering delicacies were served with spicy chutney that included a combination of garlic cloves, mint leaves, salt and green chillies. Onion bhajis are a delicious deep fry spicy snack usually eaten with raita or chutney. They are so crunchy and absolutely tasty when dipped into the spicy chutney while it is still hot.

                                                                       Onion Bhaji

The assorted vegetable pakora featuring eggplant, potato, spinach and chilli fritter, is also another great dish to have while mingling with family and friends before your main meal. 

                                                            Assorted Vegetable Pakora

A great way to have this is with mango lassi (a popular and traditional yogurt-based drink) and we had very good ones at Chappati.Com. Well I can't really say what was inside the mango lassi as it is all meant to be a secret ingredient. All that you need to know is that the mango lassi was refreshing, smooth, creamy, and absolutely heavenly. You also have to sample the Apple Juice and Orange Juice which are equally thirst quenching.

Mango Lassi

Refreshing Apple Juice

                                                     

                                                                     Orange Juice

Dahi Kebab was unique for me as I have never eaten it before at any Northern Indian restaurants in Malaysia. The first time I had it was during a recent trip to Mumbai where we were pampered to authentic Northern Indian cuisine at one of the finest restaurants in the town centre. This alone makes Chappati.Com a very special place to experience good food as you would get what you may not find out there, in true authentic style.

                                                                       Dahi Kebab

According to the chef (Chappati.Com has a few chefs flown in from India), it is basically soft tasty vegetarian kebabs made from hung curd and cheese with the crunchiness of onions and the flavours of ginger and pepper. It is so good you just have to try it!

Chicken 65 is a spicy, deep-fried chicken dish that may be ordinary to most people as it is a very popular starter in all Non-Veg restaurants. The one served at Chappati.Com came very soft and juicy. Every mouth was flavourful! If you want to enjoy it further, have it while it is still hot and with a cup of masala chai (tea). At least that was how I enjoyed it!

                                                                        Chicken 65

A starter that will surely tempt you to come back for more is the mutton kebab. You won't think twice before calling in for the kebabs when seated at your table. Mince mutton mixed with onions, garlic, chillies and spices form this delicious kebab and the side condiment is chutney. Have this with a glass of red wine and it will surely make your day. While it may sound strange to you I found the combination of the mutton kebab and the red wine to be amazing. If this is tempting you by now, read on.

                                                                      Mutton Kebab

Chappati.Com serves not just authentic Northern Indian cuisine but fusion and western food as well and this is where it gets famous for its pastas and pizzas. Starting with the pizzas, we were served vegetarian flavours and they were all so good to the brim. The pizzas were cheesy, had great texture and reasonable ingredients. Well that is my humble opinion and it will be an amazing experience for you as it was for me.

                                                              Cheesy Vegetarian Pizza

The tomato basil penne pasta (pasta with cylinder-shaped pieces) is another excellent choice. Since I was so full all I could take was two or three spoons and each bite just exploded in my mouth with multiple flavours. To tell you the truth, the pasta dish was made to perfection. It was not salty and neither did it lack anything at all. It was so right in flavour!

                                                            Tomato Basil Penne Pasta 

There were so many more dishes that we tried that evening like butter chicken, a variety of soups such as tomato, sweet corn and sweet and sour, as well as chicken bryani. There is so much to say about the soups and the bryani but i would like to say it all in one word - fabulous! You have to try them to know what I mean. Its an acquired taste for some.

                                                                    Tomato Soup

                                                                  Sweet Corn Soup     

                                                                Sweet and Sour Soup

                                                                     Butter Chicken

                                              

And the desserts here, are simply lip-smacking!

                                                                   The tray of desserts

There was something that I noticed at Chappati.Com and that is the amount of ingredients, including spices that they add into each dish making them all so rich. It seems that they do not compromise on the use of spices in their cooking despite how expensive they are. That is good to know as it means there is great quality and care in the preparation of the food. Diners would find every cent they spend to be worth it.

In cooking, photography and flower decoration, there must be patience and passion. There must be a sense of joy in what you do as at the end of the day it is the customer who must and should benefit. While Hasheel Sidhu and Classic Floral Services in reality make sure that every event they organise lives a lasting impression, they do the same at Restaurant Chappati.Com. For them, every customer is part of Chappati.Com. Customers don’t just patronise the restaurant but they make it "the place" to be with their friends, families and business associates.

To conclude, there is nothing nobler or more admirable than when four people come together to establish a good marriage of Northern Indian cuisine. 

Name:                          Restaurant Chappati.Com

Address:                       No9B, Jalan Kemajuan, Petaling Jaya

Opening Hours:            Daily - 11am to 11pm

Contact:                       012-3968450 / 016 3332385

Cards Accepted:          AMEX, VISA, MASTERCARD

MRCB set to have share in PJ Sentral

By Sharen Kaur
sharen@nstp.com.my
Published in NST on February 9, 2013

RM11B PROJECT: Property group signs RM729m deals with Gapurna MALAYSIAN Resources Corp Bhd (MRCB) will have a share in the RM11 billion PJ Sentral Garden City project, with Gapurna Sdn Bhd emerging as its new shareholder.

PJ Sentral, located in Section 52 of Petaling Jaya, is a 70:30 joint venture between Nusa Gapurna Development Sdn Bhd (NGD) and the Selangor Economic Development Corp (PKNS). The project will begin this year.

NGD is a subsidiary of Gapurna, controlled by businessman Datuk Mohamad Salim Fateh Din.

MRCB is the builder for KL Sentral, an integrated transport hub in Brickfields. KL Sentral, slated to finish in 2016, is the only current project for MRCB.

MRCB yesterday announced that it has teamed up with Gapurna in a RM729 million corporate exercise which will see the private developer injecting land worth RM459 million into the property and construction group, in return for shares.

The 13.2ha land is located in the Klang Valley and includes the PJ Sentral development.

Trading in MRCB shares was suspended in the afternoon session for the announcement.

In a statement, MRCB said it signed several agreements with companies related to Gapurna for total purchase consideration of RM729 million.

These include RM111 million cash payment and issuance of 398.71 million MRCB shares with attached 113.97 million free warrants on the basis of two new MRCB warrants for every seven new MRCB shares held.

The new MRCB shares are priced at RM1.55 per share, which is a 25 per cent premium over the stock's last closing price of RM1.24 on Thursday. MRCB shares have fallen by some 45 per cent from RM2.27 since February 8 2012 as it lacked new developments.

MRCB chief financial officer Chong Chin Ann said the acquisition will boost the group's landbank with the key development being PJ Sentral, and the potential to replicate the KL Sentral development.

Besides the land deal, MRCB inked agreements with NGD to acquire several companies related to Gapurna such as Gelanggang Harapan Construction Sdn Bhd (GHC) for RM250 million and Gapurna Global Solution Sdn Bhd (GGS) for RM20 million.

MRCB also entered into a first rights of refusal-cum-call option agreement with NGD to acquire all the remaining land and any future development land secured by NGD over three years as well as a RM50 million profits guarantee pact with Gapurna for GHC.

The entire exercise is expected to be completed in the next quarter, subject to approval from shareholders of MRCB at an extraordinary meeting.

Post the proposed acquisitions, Gapurna will have direct and indirect interest of 16.8 per cent of the enlarged MRCB, while the Employees Provident Fund's (EPF) interest will be 38.4 per cent. EPF now has a 42.2 per cent interest in MRCB and 40 per cent in NGD.

Salim will also be appointed as the managing director of MRCB.

Gapurna, the EPF and parties acting in concert for the proposed acquisition will seek an exemption from the Securities Commission from undertaking a mandatory takeover offer for the remaining MRCB shares not owned by them upon completion of the deal
.