Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin today launched the topping-up ceremony for The Astaka residences, which is the tallest residential towers in Southeast Asia.

Describing the project as a landmark for the state capital and the country, Khaled said the two towers will be a key feature in Johor Baru’s transformation into a bustling metropolis and give the people in Johor something to be proud of.

The project is by Singapore Exchange-listed property developer, Astaka Holdings Ltd.

“Today marks not only a major milestone for Astaka Holdings but also for Johor Baru as we are celebrating the assemblage of an exemplary and elegant feature which will soon grace our skyline – The Astaka residential towers.

“Johoreans and Malaysians should take pride in The Astaka, as the result of solid hard work and dedication by a local Bumiputera company that we will soon have the tallest residential towers in southeast Asia,” said Khaled in his speech.

Also present were state secretary Datuk Azmi Rohani, Astaka’s founder, Datuk Daing A. Malek A. Rahman, chief executive officer Datuk Zamani Kassim, chief operating officer Daeng Hamizah Abd Aziz, and chief financial officer Lee Shih Yi.

The Astaka will have 438 residential units when fully completed next year. The taller of the two towers, both launched four years ago, will have 70 floors, five more than the other.

The twin towers is positioned at 1,020 feet or 310.8m above sea level and will stand at 915 feet or 278.9m.

This supercedes the region’s current tallest residential tower, The River South Tower in Bangkok, Thailand which stands at 846.4 feet.

The Astaka will have a gross development value of over RM1.4 billion.

It is part of the One Bukit Senyum township comprising shopping mall, Grade A office building, five-star hotel, serviced apartments, branded residences and new 15-storey headquarters of the Johor Baru City Council.

Source : New Straits Times