News by Chin Wai Lun

Sold for: RM2,450,000 (RM346.97 psf based on land size); Concluded by: Ong Chee Yong of Polygon Properties Sdn Bhd (REN 22613) (018-366 8687); When: January 2020

The return of the HOC was among the measures taken to boost the property sector under the Penjana Short-term Economic Recovery Plan announced by Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin yesterday.

CBRE|WTW managing director Foo Gee Jen: But the HOC should also be extended to the secondary market. On average, about 65% of transactions are done in the secondary market in a given year.

Over 30 stores used to operate in SS15 Subang Jaya’s famed ‘bubble tea street’ — have the multi-coloured boba concoctions reached a saturation point? Are they losing their charm amid Covid-19 fears?

Architect Centre Sdn Bhd accredited architect and trainer Anthony Lee Tee: The main concern is bacteria such as those that cause Legionnaires' disease and other pathogens inside the building as there is no fresh air in the building.

For a start, no commercial buildings are designed to be shut down for months at a time. No one would have contemplated that this would happen, said Architect Centre Sdn Bhd accredited architect and trainer Anthony Lee Tee.

Rehda Malaysia president Datuk Soam Heng Choon: Throughout the 50 years of our formation, we have played a vital role in the betterment of the property industry and nation, by being a key partner to the government in its various initiatives.

How are a couple of F&B operators adapting to stay afloat in these trying times? And, are they innovating to stay ahead of the game?

Consumer shopping habits are changing. The usual mall offerings consisting of retail shops, departmental stores and F&B outlets do not suffice anymore.

Rehda vice-president and Selangor Branch chairman Zulkifly Garib: For properties, location is a matter of choice. For example, there are places where the Bumiputeras will not choose to live and also places where non-Bumiputeras will not go to. It is tricky to find a balance.