Sarawak Builders Expo to be back next month

KUCHING: Visitors to the Sarawak Builders Expo (Sarbex) 2009 can expect a great variety of choices in purchasing properties showcased by developers at the state’s largest and most anticipated property exhibition.
The 11th edition of the exhibition will be held from June 19 to 21 at Permata Exhibition Centre here from 10am to 10pm daily.

Admission is free.

Organising chairperson Evelyn Jutem said this would be the best time for house buyers and investors to buy properties ranging from low-cost houses to high-end property at the exhibition.

“This is because interest rates for housing loans have already dropped and developers with available existing stock are most likely to make offers without increasing the prices.

“When interest rates are low, most house buyers can afford to buy a new property or upgrade to a bigger house,” she said during a press conference at Sarawak Housing and Real Estate Developers’ Association (Sheda) premises here yesterday.

According to her, the banking data in March 2009 indicated the number of property loans approved stood at 49 per cent, which is higher than expected.

“This positive news is good for developers to come out and promote their existing and upcoming projects,” said Evelyn, who is also a Sheda council member.

She said the main attraction of the exhibition would be the big players in the industry such as Sime Darby Property Berhad which would be showcasing all the properties they had or were developing in the country.

“I am very sure that exhibitors would be giving away very good offers at this year’s Sarbex and there would also be plenty of good gifts for the visitors,” she stressed.

Evelyn said the visitors could also shop around and compare prices and find the necessary information to help them make intelligent choices.

“Visitors will have a wide choice of properties, on the spot access to financing and view different lifestyle products and furnishings at the same time. Thus, Sarbex 2009 is the property exhibition for buyers/investors and developers,” she said.

The annual event is aimed at creating a one-stop centre for potential buyers and developers by bringing together the housing and property developers, manufacturers and suppliers of building materials, home and lifestyle furnishings, estate agents, bankers, designers and other leading experts all under one roof.

“The event is also the perfect platform especially for serious buyers to take advantage of the incentives and promotions given by the exhibitors during this period,” Evelyn said.

She said it would also be of great benefit to the developers as they could get valuable feedback from the buyers on their expectations and needs.

Interest in the expo is also very encouraging, with 50 of the 62 booths taken up in less than two weeks of promotion of the event.

Exhibitors are encouraged to make their bookings earlier as there are only 12 booths left.

They can contact Sheda at 082-366334, fax 082-365001 or email secretariat@sheda.org.my.

Some of the exhibitors are CMS Property Development Sdn Bhd, Naim Cendera Sdn Bhd, Housing Development Corporation, Borneo Development Co (Sarawak) Sdn Bhd, Hock Peng Realty Sdn Bhd, Nirvana Memorial Park (Kuching) Sdn Bhd, Zecon Berhad, Etiqa Takaful Sdn Bhd, Sarawak Concrete Industries Berhad and NLC General Pest Control Sdn Bhd.

Others activities proposed to be held are lucky draws and talks on ‘fengshui’ and income tax.

Housing Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg has been invited to officiate at the opening ceremony.

Sheda secretary-general Sim Kiang Chiok, assistant secretary-general Iskandar Sharkawi and Sarbex organising committee members were also present at the press conference.

(Taken from Borneo Post)