Convenience store chain FamilyMart is opening its first outlet in Kuantan at Tasek Commercial Centre KotaSAS.

Tanah Makmur Bhd chief executive officer Datuk Shahrul Nizam Abdul Aziz attributes this maiden foray to the key value of the township.

He said the commercial centre was Kuantan’s latest retail hotspot with a curated mix of the best of Pahang food under one roof.

“The investment team of Perbadanan Setiausaha Kerajaan Negeri Pahang came up with many ideas to attract big brands to invest and expand their businesses in Pahang,” he said, adding that the master- planned Bandar Baru Kuantan was another key growth area.

He added that Tasek’s strategic location and easy access along with its competitive and innovative commercial model were among the major draws. The area also has a significant population of around 12,000.

Shahrul Nizam said Tasek, being the first of its kind in Pahang, would prioritise local entrepreneurs to help build the local economy in the lifestyle and retail segments. “As part of our efforts to enrich and engage with the community, KotaSAS has planned many events in Tasek that will take place throughout the year.

“We hope Tasek KotaSAS will be the go-to place for the people of Pahang for work and leisure.” He said Tasek offered about 70,000sq ft of floor area with 19 retail outlets and 10 food court units. He added that as a community centre, Tasek has a recreational lake, jogging track and children’s playground. There is also an event space with full security coverage and Internet connectivity.

Asked about KotaSAS’ future development plans, Shahrul Nizam said they remained cautiously optimistic about the prospects of property development in Kuantan as the economy was recovering. “Despite a sharp increase in the cost of building materials and labour, KotaSAS continues to focus on value, innovation and delivery as well as construction speed.

“This helps our buyers mitigate the higher cost.

“We are also contemplating increasing our landbank as we have been attracting more institutional and commercial developments in recent years.

“Our aspiration is to grow our KotaSAS landbank up to 1,214ha through acquisition and collaboration with the Pahang government or state government-linked companies,” he said. He also said KotaSAS would be launching up to 800 homes into the market in 2023.

Other plans, said Shahrul Nizam, included the launch of new shoplots and a purpose-built supermarket along with construction of healthcare facilities and the completion of Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah Administration Centre.

Source: The Star