Homelore

BRDB

Mostly in Bangsar · completed 1983 to 2009

A subsidiary of A Khan Sdn Bhd

Also known as BRDB Developments, CWK Holdings Sdn Bhd / Bandar Raya Development Bhd (BRDB)
All 8 namesBRDB Developments, CWK Holdings Sdn Bhd / Bandar Raya Development Bhd (BRDB), Bandar Raya Development (BRDB), BRDB Developments Sdn Bhd, Bandar Raya Developments Berhad, BRDB DEVELOPMENTS SDN BHD (BRDB), Bandar Raya Developments Berhad (BDRB), Bandar Raya Development Sdn Bhd

How their buildings read

3 poor, 3 fair, 3 good, 5 very good

Outcomes still vary building by building. Check the building, not the brochure.

What we found

BRDB, formerly known as Bandar Raya Developments Bhd, made its Main Market debut on Bursa Malaysia in 1968 and was taken private 44 years later in October 2012. It is now fully owned by A Khan Sdn Bhd.

The evidence

Delivery

  • Construction of a second office block (OT2) at Capital Square stalled and remained abandoned for about 10 years following the 1997 Asian financial crisis, with development put on hold since 1997.

Corporate continuity

Negative

  • An unsolicited September 2011 offer by major shareholder Ambang Sehati Sdn Bhd to buy four BRDB assets, Permas Jusco Mall, CapSquare Retail Centre, Bangsar Shopping Centre and the Menara BRDB office block, for RM914 million drew minority-shareholder criticism of the offer price and of transparency, prompting the board to put the assets to open tender instead, a process that was still unresolved with minimal disclosure roughly eight months later.

2 more findings

  • Bandar Raya Developments Bhd was delisted from Bursa Malaysia on 29 October 2012 following completion of a general offer by Ambang Sehati Sdn Bhd, controlled by BRDB chairman Datuk Mohamed Moiz Jabir Mohamed Ali Moiz, which had secured more than 97 percent of the company's shares when the offer closed on 4 October 2012.

  • A long drawn-out plan to sell BRDB's investment properties to its major shareholder Ambang Sehati Sdn Bhd, together with slow property sales, left the company unsure of its future direction; on March 27 BRDB said the tender process for the assets was still ongoing.

Independent recognition

Positive

  • Bandar Raya Developments Bhd was among the Top 10 developers in The Edge Top Property Developers Awards 2011.

One more finding

  • The Asia Pacific Brands Foundation gave BRDB its Brand Laureate Special Edition World Award 2015 for Luxurious Lifestyle Developer. This is a branding award, not an assessment of how BRDB delivers.

Their buildings

Bangsar AmanBangsar · 1983described as a 1983 low-density development with 12 units across 4 floors offering basic facilitiesBangsar IndahBangsar · 1987A long-term resident describes a very peaceful, quiet ambience close to nature.6.4FairBangsar Puteri: the low-rise blocks and tennis court from the airBangsar PuteriBangsar · 1987The building offers spacious common areas and a serene, resort-like environment.5.8PoorBangsar VillaBangsarVery hard to find a unit because the number is limited and most residents are owners.5.3PoorContessa: the Contessa name wall below the blocksContessaBangsar · 1992A prestigious, very low-density Bukit Bandaraya address, quiet and well kept.7.6GoodInara: Low-angle view of a multi-story residential condominium building with tiled roofs, balconies, and greenery in the foregroundInaraBangsar · 2006The building looks run down and needs refurbishment.8.2Very goodMenara Bangsar: Outlook through a window grille over a highway, greenery and residential towersMenara BangsarBangsar · 1985One of Bangsar's first condos (1985, BRDB).5.0PoorOne Menerung: the pool lit at night below the towerOne MenerungBangsar · 2009The development is noted for its convenient location next to a popular shopping centre.8.4Very goodPalmyra: the landscaped grounds between the low-rise blocks, from an upper floorPalmyraBangsar · 2004Pigeons roosting around the blocks can be a nuisance because of their droppings, so bird netting was installed on the extended roofs.6.8FairSerai: the tower and its planted podium at nightSeraiBangsarultra-luxury two-tower development with only 121 units completed in 2016. No resident complaints documented in available sources.8.4Very goodSri Kasturina: The guardhouse and name wall at the entrance driveSri KasturinaBangsar · 1990The community at Sri Kasturina feels established and calm, and suits families and individuals who value stability.8.4Very goodSri Penaga: the stepped towers from the road belowSri PenagaBangsar · 1996The condominium has beautiful landscaping and is full of amenities.8.1Very goodThe Troika: A rooftop pool and lounge area with modern furniture and trees, surrounded by high-rise residential towers.The TroikaKLCC7.2GoodTivoli Villas: Exterior view of a residential apartment building with balconies, seen from a driveway with trees and parked cars in a covered parking areaTivoli VillasBangsar · 1993The development has a great ambience and nice decor, in an English-style design.7.6GoodVerdana: An overhead view of an infinity pool edge with white curved lounge furniture and large green leaves on a tiled deck.VerdanaDutamas6.8Fair