THERE has been encouraging response for The Tamarind in Penang, the first executive apartments of Eastern and Oriental (E&O) Bhd.

E&O marketing and sales general manager (Penang) Christina Lau said Tower A and Tower B of the project were 95% and 50% sold respectively.

The project sits on 2.79ha of freehold land with an estimated gross development value of RM900mil.

It features two 33-storey blocks containing 1,104 units.

Lau said the company received many enquiries from potential buyers and guests at the launching of Tower B on Saturday.

“A few of them bought units on the spot. Some said they would have to check with their banks for loan approval before getting back to us.

“We expect to close a few deals in the next few weeks,” she said during the event.

Lau said the pricing from RM660 per sq ft was a good entry price for young professionals or new home owners. Typical three-bedroom units with two bathrooms start from 1,047sq ft.

The project also marks the maiden partnership between E&O and renowned home furnishing specialist IKEA which provided interior design and furnishings for the show unit.

The launching themed ‘The Tamarind - My Melody Christmas Garden Party’ was held at the E&O Sales Gallery in Seri Tanjung Pinang.

Among the highlights was a two-hour mini concert featuring Z-Chen, ThomasJack and Chezi.

Local R&B prince Z-Chen showed he had certainly not lost any of his charm after 16 years in the music industry.

He was clearly in his element when he serenaded the crowd with his soulful Mo ri zhi lian (Judgement Day Amour).

Fans were also mesmerised by the energetic duo ThomasJack who have launched a few albums besides dabbling in acting.

Chezi, a popular contender in the Taiwanese Talent Show — Top Million Star, sent the crowd into a frenzy when he delivered several numbers.

Chinese radio stations MyFM and Melody FM broadcasted the event live from noon to 2pm and from 2pm to 4pm.

Some of their announcers joined in the fun by playing stage games with the crowd.

E&O gave out 60 free stay vouchers for Lone Pine Hotel in Batu Ferringhi worth over RM40,000 as lucky draw prizes for the guests.

The top two prizes were three-night stays each at the beachfront boutique hotel while the two second prizes were for two-night stays each.

There were also 50 consolation prizes of a one-night stay at the same hotel.