LEGAL
PUBLISHER MESSAGE Publisher KK Chua (kkchua@propertyinsight.com.my) Editor Syamil Zahari (editor@propertyinsight.com.my) Sales & Marketing Janet Loh 012-2050 911 (janet@propertyinsight.com.my) Andy Fam 012-6019938 (andy.fam@propertyinsight.com.my) Chia Kee Woon 017-662 0600 (keewoon@propertyinsight.com.my) Chong Wei Yeen 012-627 2863 (weiyeen@propertyinsight.com.my) FOR ENQUIRIES: enquiries@propertyinsight.com.my
Publisher Armani Media Sdn Bhd (1032085-H) No. 32-3, Jalan Pekaka 8/4 Sec 8, Kota Damansara 47810 Petaling Jaya, Selangor Tel : +603 6156 3366 Fax : +603 6156 3399 Printer KHL Printing Co Sdn Bhd (235060-A) Lot 10 & 12, Jalan Modal 23/2 Seksyen 23 Kawasan Miel Phase 8 40300 Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
s we usher in the New Year, we place our renewed focus on the financial year ahead while keeping in mind the year 2014 has brought us and investment lessons we have learned. Malaysian real estate market is going through a preventive period right now, and looks to continue upon that path for some years forward.
A
Malaysians are increasingly unable to afford their own homes. Partly, they share the blame for their appetite for luxury living due to cheap money and plenty of liquidity, resulting in an alarmingly high debt-to-income ratio. Partly also, our economy is not on a level playing field, with the growth of income of the highest 10% earners far outpace the languid increase of low rung people’s income. With inflation set to rise when the Goods and Service Tax kicks in, and interest rate expected to increase, consumers will be squeezed further and in all likelihood the real estate market will see continued slowdown. In perspective, all this is nothing new. The market is not as frighteningly bad as we have experienced before. The cycle continues. A good investor recognises that in times of difficulties, there are opportunities lurking. It takes a discerning eye to know when and where to invest. This is when past lessons are invaluable to investors. To quote a saying of Confucius: “Study the past, if you would divine the future.” Be a smart investor, and may year 2015 bring you good fortune. Happy New Year!
www.propertyinsight.com.my www.facebook.com/propertyinsight.com.my www.youtube.com/propertyinsightmy www.twitter.com/propinsightmy Disclaimer
Although every reasonable care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this publication, neither the publisher, editors, writers nor employees and agents can be held liable for any errors, inaccuracies and/or omissions. The contents of this publication do not constitute investment advice. It is intended only to inform and illustrate. No reader should act on any information contained personal circumstances. We shall not be responsible for any loss or damage, whether directly or indirectly, incidentally or consequentially arising from or in connection with the contents of this publication and shall not accept any liability in relation thereto. The views by our contributors expressed here are their personal company, organisation, person, investment strategy or technique mentioned in this publication unless expressedly stated otherwise. The publisher does not endorse any advertisements or special advertising features in this publication, nor does the publisher endorse any advertiser(s) or their products/services unless expressedly stated to the contrary. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form or by any means, including photocopying and imaging without the prior written permission of the publisher.
2
JANUARY 2015 | www.propertyinsight.com.my
KK Chua Publisher Armani Media Sdn Bhd