By Viktor Chong viktorchong@thestar.com.my
A house is not merely a shelter. It is a place that makes us feel safe, either physically or psychologically. From the vigilant eyes of cameras, down to the stoic security personnel that dutifully perform their rounds, security keeps our loved ones safe, allowing us to leave our homes with a peaceful mind.
With the rising rate of crime around us, it is only reasonable for us to seek a home in a safe enclave. Here are a couple of developments in Johor to consider if security is paramount to your priorities.
Meridin lay nestled in the safe confines of Medini - a special economic zone that is rapidly becoming a smart city in Iskandar Malaysia. A freehold development, Meridin consists of components such as condominiums, retail and hotel suites.
Housing units offered are with built-ups ranging from 318 sq ft to 2,131 sq ft, with options for one to three bedrooms respectively.
Meridin’s unique and modern architecture design blends in effortlessly with Medini’s overall smart city concept.
Among the notable highlights of the development is the strategic collaboration with one of the largest hotel groups, the Wyndham Hotel Group.
Through this partnership, they've acquired the Ramada brand name for Meridin’s two hotel buildings, namely the Ramada Meridin and Ramada Meridin Encore, as well as the Meridin Lifestyle Mall, which will offer a host of shopping, dining and entertainment choices.
Medini also features stringent multi-tier security system such as 24-hour security and CCTV monitoring with security personnel patrolling around the area.
Digital locks are also enabled for the main entrance door. Security is enhanced further with the use of access card at the designated residence car parks and an intercom system.
Considering conveniences, Medini is located only 1.5km from Legoland and only 3.8km from EduCity. Also, facilities provided within the township include a yoga deck, wading pool, jacuzzi, multipurpose hall, child care centre, gymnasium and a reading room among others.
Certified as a Green Mark District Township, the 270-acre Eco Botanic is designed around a tropical passive sustainability concept with an emphasis on the natural environment.
The residential architectural design reflects an English country home that focuses on being eco-friendly with efforts taken from the planning stage to design, construction and estate management phases to achieve this.
Expansive public parks and gardens also provide a retreat from the rigours of daily life, and it is complemented by an in-built Crime prevention through Environmental Design (CPTED), with road safety planning and enhanced security features.
Eco Botanic is also connected to major highways, with easy access to the Coastal Highway, Pasir Gudang Highway and the Skudai Highway. Nearby amenities include hospitals, the Hello Kitty Town, as well as many other educational facilities.
As the first low density, gated and guarded residential town in Iskandar Puteri, Horizon Hills is master-planned to deliver a first-of-its-kind lifestyle development in Johor.
It incorporates its own international standard golf course and at the same time, provides a unique environment for its residents to be close to the delicate beauty of nature, within a secure community.
With ten residential precincts at Horizon Hills, the safety features are carefully planned and incorporated into the planning of the town.
A pioneer in the Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED), Horizon Hills, as with all Gamuda Land towns, utilises CPTED in its overall masterplan with features such as cul-de-sacs, neighbourhood clusters, safety lighting and natural landscape barriers that are incorporated during the various stages of development.
The security system comprises perimeter fencing with anti-climb and anti-cut wire system, CCTV, spotlights and motion sensors, 24-hour security patrols and home security alarm.
In addition, a double barrier gate and single entry and exit into each precinct and video intercom system provide another layer of security for the community.
To support the systems, Horizon Hills ensures uninterrupted power supply for all security equipment in the event of power failure or blackout.
