News by Chin Wai Lun

To date, S P Setia Foundation has delivered a ventilator, patient monitor system and syringe pumps to Hospital Selayang, Selangor. Over 4,300 units of N95 face masks were procured and given to the Hospital Kuala Lumpur and 50 units of aerosol boxes, a protective device when intubating patients, were distributed to various hospitals across Peninsular Malaysia.

"Property prices will eventually go up. Historically, on the average, a property's value will sort of double over 10 years. It's not an overnight thing. Besides, if they were to wait, they may let a good opportunity pass them by."

The ministry has outlined the following ways the bazaars will be held this year, which is expected to begin on April 23, amid the Covid-19 outbreak:

During such unprecedented times, many in the food business in particular are quickly taking the delivery route for the first time.

Knight Frank Malaysia managing director Sarkunan Subramaniam said the Singapore government has announced property tax rebates of up to 100% for non-residential properties for the tax payable this year while in Jiangsu province, China, the local government has introduced exemption of property tax and urban land use tax for industries severely affected by the epidemic in the first half of 2020.

"As consumer patterns rapidly shift towards online platforms, Gamuda Land recognises the need to adopt digital channels to reach out to a wider group of potential consumers."

Essential services, which include supply of utilities, cleaning, security, sewerage, mechanical and electrical, must not be disrupted.

Hence, industry stakeholders must be adequately armed with proactive measures to keep the risk of virus exposure to a minimum, especially in premises such as shopping malls and office buildings where the public will access for essential services.

"It is estimated that 5.5 million sq ft of office space will be completed each year until 2021, far exceeding the average annual demand of 2.3 million sq ft per annum over the past three years."

The real estate firm expects lower activity in leasing and investment of commercial office space as both local and multinational companies delay or put on hold their real estate decisions.

Knight Frank Malaysia managing director Sarkunan Subramaniam: It may be timely to waive property taxes such as quit rent and assessment for the second half of 2020.