Ng (third left) and his team introducing kitchenware to visitors at IPEX 2014.
KOTA KINABALU: The IPEX 2014 Property Exhibition, which ended yesterday, has fallen short of expectations.
Sales and marketing manager of Fine Landmark Sdn Bhd, Jacqueline Lau, said the response in the property business had started to slow down since the beginning of this year.
With the implementation of new systems and regulations by most banks, finance assistance (or the lack of it) appears to be the main reason why many investors have put their planning on hold and moving on to other businesses.
“The situation in the property business is going to change from this year. This will pose some difficulties for us because of the new system implemented by the banks. However, it is still a very good opportunity for first-time home buyers because the government is providing many incentives to them.
“I personally think the difficulty to arrange financial assistance from the banks has been the main factor of the low turnout at this event.
“However, during the four-day IPEX exhibition, we are still pushing the sales of our D’Vantage Apartment at Tuaran Bypass, which is currently more than 90 per cent sold out,” she said.
D’Vantage Apartment is a 10-storey apartment building with 96 units of apartment. The amenities provided and features include 24-hour security services, CCTV, digital intercom system, resident access card, satellite master antenna TV system, Astro TV cables, internet broadband connection, rooftop garden and barbecue area, children’s playground, children’s playroom, gymnasium, sauna and yoga corner.
Apart from local developers, Tiara Residence Signature Pool Villa from Kuala Lumpur also participated in the exhibition for the first time.
Its sales representative, Valen Chong, said IPEX 2014 was an important platform for the developer, Engtex Property Sdn Bhd, to introduce its products to the people of Sabah.
She was expecting a bigger crowd, but hoped the exhibition will get more visitors next year.
“Tiara Residence, or known as Signature Pool Villa, is an award winning four-storey private pool villas with 46 private pools and an idyllic view of Kuala Lumpur. It is a good property to be introduced to property hunters in Sabah,” she said.
Apart from property developers, companies promoting home wellness appliances also participated in this year’s exhibition.
Sales representative from Coway (M) Sdn Bhd, Serena Chung, introduced four high technology appliances for the health conscious individuals.
“People are now giving more attention to their health and they will find the best appliances for their home to ensure they will avoid the polluted environment. At this IPEX 2014, we introduced Coway’s water purifier, air purifier, bathroom appliances and also outdoor filtration system.
“Apart from selling the products, we also promote rental services as it is more affordable. Our target market is not only residential but also commercial buildings and offices. Prices are very affordable for the rental service, which starts from RM70 to RM130 monthly for water purifiers, RM60 to RM150 monthly for air purifiers and RM40 to RM75 monthly for bathroom appliances,” she disclosed.
Chung said this was the first time Coway joined the exhibition and it was hoping for a better number of visitors in the next event.
Another participant, Ng Vui Chung from Tanuki Quality (M) Sdn Bhd, sold kitchenware at the entrance of the exhibition hall at Sabah Trade Centre.
“This is our first time joining IPEX 2014 and we were hoping to introduce our latest products namely, the mini rice cooker, steamer and kitchen pan. The response from visitors was good but the four-day exhibition did not draw many visitors. I was hoping for more people to come so that we can sell more. However, if KK housewives are interested in our products, they can always come to our outlet at City Mall or direct to our headquarters at Lot 3, first floor of Fortuna Commercial Centre,” said Ng.
A visitor, Rahinah Jumin, said most of the products at IPEX 2014 had been introduced at the other exhibitions since last year, and she was hoping for more activities and promotions.
“I have bought a house in Jalan Sulaman and I am looking for another house in Papar area, if possible, a low-cost housing but there is none at the moment. Most of the properties are not affordable and this exhibition should encourage the participants to give special offers during this four-day event. Otherwise, it is better for us to check from the internet,” said Rahinah, a teacher.
“I think IPEX should bring more companies who are selling home appliances with attractive prizes as the properties are not that exciting at the moment due to overpricing,” she added.
This year’s IPEX from May 1 to 4, was jointly organized with the Kota Kinabalu City Hall to promote Green Building, KK Beautification Projects and KK Planning Studies with Structure and Local Plans.