Tropicana wants back international school over rental arrears

Tropicana wants back international school over rental arrears

St Joseph’s Institution International School may have to close its doors as it owes RM10 million to landowners.

The St Joseph’s Institution International School in Tropicana. The Tropicana Group says it has been unable to collect rental despite numerous attempts. (Facebook pic)
KUALA LUMPUR:
The St Joseph’s Institution International School Malaysia in Tropicana here may have to close its doors soon as Tropicana Education Management Sdn Bhd, which leases out the school, is owed nine months rental arrears amounting to more than RM10 million.

Tropicana Education Management Sdn Bhd is a subsidiary of Tropicana Corp Bhd.

In a statement today, Tropicana said it has granted “much indulgence on rental payments” in its efforts to support the school operator, Lasallian Asia Partnership for International Schools Pte Ltd (LAPIS).

“After years of continuous follow-ups, as well as countless notices and reminders, substantial amounts of rental continue to be in arrears with no indication from the operator on any payment plans.

“Currently, nine months of rental are in arrears, amounting to more than RM10 million,” it said.

Tropicana Group chief executive officer Lee Han Ming said the group’s vision is to build a strong and sustainable learning centre and hope that both parties could settle this amicably.

“It is our long-standing commitment to building a quality neighbourhood where our community can live, learn, work, play and prosper. Unfortunately, even after countless attempts and repeated reminders, we are disappointed with how LAPIS has handled this matter.

“As a corporation, we take things seriously and we owe duties to our shareholders to collect rental investment income. Our team as well as our lawyers have tried reaching out to them for many months to resolve this but to no avail. It is disheartening that we have to repossess the premises,” he said.

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