Cumulative mortgage loan applications for the first nine months of 2023 (9M 2023) in Malaysia reached RM337 billion. This figure reflects a modest 3.2 percent decline compared to the previous year (YoY). However, it's important to note that it still surpasses pre-pandemic levels. In the third quarter of 2023 (3Q 2023), mortgage loan applications saw a notable increase, rising by 1.3 percent...

Despite nearly two decades of government efforts to promote Transit-Oriented Developments (TODs), misconceptions about these projects persist among the majority of Malaysians. While many developments claim to be TODs based on their proximity to public transportation stations, true TODs go much further. So, where does Malaysia stand in its TOD journey? According to PLANMalaysia's general guidelines, there...

Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) is expected to maintain its Overnight Policy Rate (OPR) at 3% throughout 2024, according to BMI, a Fitch Solutions company. This projection follows BNM's recent decision to leave the OPR unchanged for the third consecutive meeting on November 2, aligning with expectations. Inflation Trajectory BMI highlights that Malaysia's domestic inflation has been on a clear downward...

The Malaysian real estate market has shown signs of improvement since last year, but it has yet to fully recover to pre-pandemic levels, according to Datuk Seri FD Iskandar Mansor, the group managing director and CEO of Glomac Bhd. FD Iskandar noted that there is a growing interest in property investment and real estate in Malaysia. However, several challenges continue to impact the industry's...

The much-anticipated retail component of The Exchange TRX, located within Kuala Lumpur's Tun Razak Exchange international financial district, is poised to welcome visitors on November 29. This joint-venture development between Lendlease and TRX City Sdn Bhd promises to transform the city's retail landscape. With an impressive 95% occupancy rate, The Exchange TRX boasts over 400 stores spread across a vast...

Malaysia, a rapidly developing nation with a burgeoning population, is facing increased demand for housing. However, this growth has come at a cost, with deforestation and land clearing putting pressure on the country's natural resources. Thankfully, there's a growing movement to address these challenges through sustainable housing, which offers numerous benefits for both homeowners and the environment,...

The Kuala Lumpur Local Plan 2040 (KLLP 2040), which is poised to replace the Kuala Lumpur City Plan 2020 (KLCP 2020), is scheduled to be made available for public feedback in January 2024. City dwellers, as well as all interested parties, are invited to share their feedback and suggestions for enhancement to facilitate collaborative development planning for Kuala Lumpur. Datuk Azman Abidin, the political...

The deadline for the submission of concept proposals for the Kuala Lumpur-Singapore High-Speed Rail (KL-SG HSR) has been extended from November 15, 2023, to January 15, 2024, according to MyHSR Corp Sdn Bhd, the organization tasked with developing the HSR. This extension comes in response to requests from both local and international industry players who have expressed interest in the project in recent...

The Malaysia-China Kuantan Industrial Park (MCKIP) has successfully attracted cumulative investments exceeding RM31 billion across 21 projects, with plans to create more than 14,000 employment opportunities, according to Deputy Minister of Investment, Trade, and Industry, Liew Chin Tong. Out of the total investment of RM31 billion, RM14.6 billion has already been realized. To meet the increasing demand,...

Langkawi Island, with its pristine waters, breathtaking landscapes, and ideal climate, is fast becoming a sought-after destination for yacht tourism. The allure of Langkawi lies not only in its natural beauty but also in its growing infrastructure to cater to yachts and cruisers from around the world. In this article, we explore the rise of yacht tourism in Langkawi, showcasing its potential as a premier...