Centurion Corp to expand Johor dormitories to 25,000 beds by 2015

Plans unveiled as Westlite dormitory officially opens.

Centurion Corporation Limited (Centurion) announced through the Singapore Exchange that it has opened its Westlite Johor Technology Park Dormitory (Westlite), in Senai, Johor, and plans to expand rapidly in the region by increasing its number of beds in its Johor dormitories to more than 25,000 by next year.

The purpose-built workers accommodation situated in Jalan Teknologi Johor, opened its doors to foreign workers from the manufacturing sector with a capacity of 5,800 beds. The company also said it is largest known purpose-built workers dormitory being built and managed in Johor.

The development of quality workers accommodation in Johor is expected to help enhance its infrastructure offerings as an attractive destination for multi-national corporations which are looking to set up operations in Malaysia, said Centurion.

These accommodation facilities allow multi-national corporations, especially those in the manufacturing sector, to house their workers conveniently and safely. This will assist the Malaysian government to control and minimise the social impact of foreign workers living amongst the local communities.

In his keynote speech during Westlite's opening ceremony, Datuk Tee highlighted that the Johor Technology Park Dormitory was unlike other dormitories he has seen.

“Westlite has built one of the best fully-equipped accommodation for foreign workers. This dormitory is not just another dormitory; this is the dormitory that will shape and change how dormitories should be, moving forward. This dormitory, with the facilities that it boasts about, is believed to be the first of its kind in the country,” commented Datuk Tee.

The 1.4 hectare project houses a supermarket, grooming salon, food court, medical clinic, gymnasium, media room, fitness centre, sport facilities, as well as internet facilities.

“Behind any country’s growth lies the hidden contribution of foreign workers. It is only fair that we show them our sincere gratitude by providing the best accommodation for them,” added Datuk Tee.

Centurion established its first worker accommodation in Tebrau, Johor in 2011 with a bed capacity of 2,500 beds. It has now grown to five operating worker dormitories with a total bed capacity of 14,400 beds. These worker dormitories are located near key manufacturing hubs across Johor in Desa Cemerlang, Senai, Pasir Gudang and Tebrau. Two more facilities are currently undergoing development in Tampoi and Senai.

To date, Centurion has invested more than RM 80 million in the State of Johor. In addition to the planned expansion by 2015, the Company has also started exploring other regions in Malaysia, outside of Johor.

“Our long term vision is to grow our workers accommodation portfolio in Malaysia to as many as 50,000 beds. We believe this is achievable given the rapid progress Malaysia is making not only in developing its infrastructure but also in attracting foreign direct investments to its shores,” said Mr Kong Chee Min, CEO of Centurion.

“We hope Centurion and Westlite can continue being a part of Johor’s impressive growth trajectory,” he added.