Abd Karim: ‘Too early to see GST’s impact on house prices’

April 3, 2015 

BINTULU: Assistant Minister of Housing Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah yesterday said it was still too early to see the real impact of the Good and Services Tax (GST) on the price of houses in the state. 

“It will be a slight change but at the end of the day it will be always market forces that will determine the price of houses. 

“How much the unscrupulous developers try to capitalise, they want to jump into the bandwagon because all other things might seem to go up in price, so they start to increase the price but with no takers or no buyers they still need to settle the loan with the bank. 

“This kind of thing we will have to see as it goes, after a while then you will be able to see whether there is really a big jump, small jump or even a reduction on the price of houses,” he said in a media conference after officiating at the seminar on Housing Development (Control and Licensing) Ordinance 2013, Housing Development (Control and Licensing) Regulations 2014 and Housing Development (Control and Licensing) (Amendments) Regulations 2015 at ParkCity Everly Hotel yesterday. 

He said if many houses were developed at the same time, especially in Bintulu, the price of houses would definitely go down. 

But with increase in demand every year, he added, prices tend to increase. 

“Now we have to see whether the introduction of GST might have an effect on the price of houses but as it is I would say there might be a small increase in price, on how much percentage we would not be able to see but at the end of the day it is still determined by market forces, the consumer is the one who rules the day,” he elaborated. 

Kesan GST ke atas pembelian rumah dikaji

April 1, 2015

MIRI: Kerajaan sedang mengkaji dan akan memain peranan meminimumkan kesan pelaksanaan Cukai Barangan dan Perkhidmatan (GST) ke atas harga rumah melalui pelbagai cara.

Menteri Muda Perumahan Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah berkata, ini termasuk pemberian sumbangan modal, levi dan beberapa perkara berkaitan.

“Kerajaan cuba meminimumkan kesan GST ke atas kos pembelian pelbagai cara supaya ia tidak membebankan rakyat,” katanya.

Beliau berkata demikian dalam ucapan perasmian Seminar Kesedaran anjuran bersama Kementerian Perumahan (MOH) dan Persatuan Pemaju Perumahan dan Hartanah Sarawak (SHEDA) di sebuah hotel di sini semalam.

Menurutnya, pembeli tidak harus terbeban dengan kewujudan GST dan pada masa sama tidak mahu pemaju mengambil kesempatan ke atas perkara itu.

“Bagaimanapun, kita turut akan lihat situasi apabila GST sudah dilaksana sepenuhnya nanti,”katanya.

Terdahulu, beliau memberitahu bahawa seminar itu bertujuan memberi kesedaran dan pemahaman lebih kepada pemaju perumahan dan pihak berkaitan seperti bank dan firma guaman mengenai penguatkuasaan serta keperluan Ordinan Pembangunan Perumahan (HDO) 2013 dan pindaan-pindaan dalam Syarat Pembangunan Perumahan (HDR) 2014 dan 2015.

State govt strives to soften impact of GST — Abd Karim

April 1, 2015

Abdul Karim (centre) at the awareness seminar hosted by the ministry and Sheda.

MIRI: The state government will continue to monitor and look for ways to minimise the impact of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) on the housing sector.

Assistant Minister of Housing Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said among the things under scrutiny by the government would be capital contribution and imposed levy.

“The government will look into the mentioned matters so as to set prices down by improving all the mechanisms involved in housing purchases,” he said at the launch of a seminar conducted by the ministry and Sarawak Housing and Real Estate Developers Association (Sheda) here yesterday, which was attended by some 100 participants.

Abdul Karim said although some building materials would cost more under GST, housing developers must not unnecessarily increase property prices.

“House prices in Sarawak, especially in major towns, are already deemed to be unaffordable, particularly by those from the lower income group.

“Therefore, housing players should not take advantage of GST by profiteering from it.”

He further said although GST might lead to a certain increase in house prices, no one could predict how much it would be until the implementation of GST got into full swing.

Sheda hosts first Home and Property Roadshow 2015

March 7, 2015

Abdul Karim (centre) is seen with Wong (third right) and Ngui (fifth left) holding the ribbon cutting ceremony to officiate the opening of Sheda Home and Property Roadshow 2015 at Boulevard Shopping Mall, Kuching, while Sheda committee and council members look on.

KUCHING: Sarawak Housing and Real Estate Developers’ Association (Sheda) is holding its first Sheda Home and Property Roadshow for 2015 at Boulevard Shopping Mall, Kuching.

The event will be held this weekend from March 6 to 8, 2015 and will be open daily from 10am to 9pm.

Officiating the event yesterday, Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Assistant Minister of Housing Sarawak, said the roadshow is an ideal place for interested parties to view various properties.

He also believed that there is a growing demand for residential properties, given Sarawak’s economy which has spurred a rapid growth of housing estates throughout the state.

On the implementation of the goods and services tax (GST) next month, Abdul Karim noted that while the increment in property prices is expected, the hike will likely not be very significant.

Concurring this, Sheda Kuching branch chairman and organising chairman of Sheda Home and Property Roadshow 2015, Dr Christopher Ngui said, “It is reckoned that house prices are on an uptrend due to annual inflation, increasing land prices, labour and building materials costs, rural-urban migration, and population growth.”

“It is notable that there is a vacuum in the affordable homes with the price range of RM150,000 to RM300,000.

Galeri: 2014 Sheda’s Annual Dinner cum Excellence Awards

November 10, 2014

Yaw Chee Weng shows his SHEDA Property Man of the Year after receiving it from Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg. Also seen are (from second right) Datuk Abdul Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, SHEDA president Zaidi Ahmad, the annual dinner organising chairman Tony Su and SHEDA Secretary-General Sim Kiang Chiok.

Miri to be most livable resort city – Karim

October 11, 2014

MIRI: It is the people’s right to expect the standard of their city is maintained at all times, if not improved further.

Assistant Minister of Housing Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said Miri had to remain dynamic in every aspect of its development as a city in order to, among others, create more employment and other opportunities for its people.

“Miri is the centre of oil and gas industry in Sarawak and it will continue to play prominent role in its (Miri) progress and advancement,” he said at the opening of Sheda Home & Property Road Show at Bintang Megamall here yesterday.

The assistant minister went on to say that apart from being an oil and gas hub Miri had attained a resort city status and was still growing to help transform the economy of Sarawak into a high income state.

“To further enhance its resort city status, the state government and Miri City Council had launched a five-year vision to make Miri the most livable resort city. It is hoped that this new corporate plan will continue to be built with current foundation and create holistic environment for resident as well as tourists alike,” he added.

According to Abdul Karim, there was also a need to upgrade amenities and infrastructure to mitigate the tide of rural-urban migration and balance the demographic pattern in urban and rural areas.

“Thus, there is a need for the government, Miri City Council, private developers and other relevant authorities to find ways to work together to execute the plan to propel Miri to the next level.

Galeri: Opening of SHEDA Property Expo 2014

August 23, 2014



Adenan looking at a property model being displayed at Sheda Property Expo 2014 at BCCK accompanied by (from second left) Zaidi Ahmad, Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg and Sim Kiang Chiok.

Tan Sri Datuk Amar Adenan Satem touring the exhibition booths.

GST tidak harus dilihat punca utama harga rumah naik

June 13, 2014

SIBU: Orang ramai tidak harus melihat pelaksanaan Cukai Barangan dan Perkhidmatan (GST) yang akan dilaksanakan mulai tahun depan sebagai punca utama kenaikan harga rumah di negeri ini.

Menteri Muda Perumahan Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah berkata, pihak tertentu harus lebih berhati-hati mengeluarkan kenyataan terutama berkaitan dengan GST dan harga rumah.

“Jangan lihat pelaksanaan dan kesan GST ini sebagaimana pihak pembangkang melihatnya. Kaji terlebih dahulu bagaimana GST ini berfungsi baharu kita boleh memberi pandangan,” ujarnya ketika dihubungi, semalam.

Abdul Karim berkata demikian ketika memberi maklum balas mengenai kenyataan Setiausaha Agung Persatuan Pemaju Perumahan dan Hartanah Sarawak (SHEDA) Sim Kian Chiok yang disiarkan sebuah akhbar tempatan, kelmarin.

Sim dipetik berkata, GST dilihat memberi kesan kepada kos pembinaan atau pembangunan, yang turut mendatangkan kesan kepada harga rumah.

Bumiputera beli rumah kos sederhana, rendah

November 6, 2013

KUCHING: Bumiputera di Sarawak lebih cenderung membeli rumah kos sederhana dan rendah, kata Menteri Muda Perumahan Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.

Beliau berkata kebanyakan rumah kos sederhana dan rendah yang terdapat di negeri ini dibeli oleh Bumiputera.

Bagaimanapun menurutnya, mungkin Bumiputera di Sarawak masih kurang membeli rumah mewah yang mencecah jutaan ringgit.

“Rumah berharga RM20,000 atau RM1 juta tidak menjadi persoalan, yang penting Bumiputera di Sarawak mampu membeli rumah.

“Kita boleh lihat ramai Bumiputera di negeri ini membeli rumah kos rendah dan sederhana,” katanya ketika dihubungi semalam.

Beliau berkata demikian ketika diminta mengulas mengenai kenyataan Timbalan Perdana Menteri Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin berhubung jumlah Bumiputera memiliki rumah masih rendah.

Muhyiddin dipetik sebagai berkata, jumlah pembelian perumahan oleh Bumiputera masih rendah iaitu sebanyak 36.3 peratus atau RM18 bilion pada 2012.

Labour shortage besetting property devt industry

March 30, 2013, Saturday

KUCHING: Sarawak Housing and Real Estate Developers’ Association (Sheda) has proposed that the foreign labour market be opened to more Asian countries to address the shortage of workers in the industry.

Its secretary-general Sim Kiang Chiok lamented that the property development industry bumped into labour shortage issues ever since the implementation of Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE).

“Many workers have moved to the SCORE area to seek jobs with higher salaries, thus leaving the rest of Sarawak with a shortage of workers.

“Sheda hopes that the state government will open up the foreign workers market to more Asian countries such as China, Burma and the Philippines, instead of mostly to Indonesia,” he said at the launch of Sheda Home and Property Road Show 2013 at Boulevard Shopping Mall here yesterday.

Assistant Minister of Housing Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah officiated at the three-day road show.

On another matter, Sim said the association still held the stand that low-cost houses should be built by the government through the contributions of income tax from all profit-making organisations.

He argued that the rising cost of construction and land prices had made it very challenging for industry players to pursue low-cost and low-cost plus housing programmes.

Take note of market change, property developers told

March 30, 2013, Saturday

KUCHING: Property developers must respond to market change by providing houses that accommodate people with different needs and preferences.

In giving the advice yesterday, Assistant Minister of Housing Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said there would be an increase in the number of single households and people living with disabilities.

“We have to listen and better understand their needs so that our houses, neighbourhoods and services within them (the neighbourhoods) provide the support they require,” he said when opening the Sarawak Housing and Real Estate Developers’ Association (Sheda) Home and Property Road Show 2013 at Boulevard Shopping Mall here.

Abdul Karim said the ministry would also ensure that some units of rental apartments were specially designed to meet the needs of the disabled and the elderly.

“For instance, the ground floor will be catered to the handicapped and those with special needs.”

He believed that more condominium projects would take place in the city in tune with the demand of the younger generation, particularly those who have resided abroad.

“Some young graduates who have lived overseas may prefer either condominiums or gated communities. There is no need for gardens and they can enjoy better security.”

Allow workforce from more Asian nations, developers urge state

March 30, 2013

The property market was expected to grow further this year following an encouraging trend last year. - Tuan Haji Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah

KUCHING: The migration of many workers to Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE) has left other areas with workforce shortage.

Sarawak Housing and Real Estate Developers Association (Sheda) secretary-general Sim Kiang Chiok said the latest workforce movement had already impacted the construction industry.

“Sheda hopes that the state government will open up the foreign workforce to more Asian countries such as China, Burma and Philippines instead of mostly Indonesia.

“There are agencies such as Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB), who can help to coordinate our present construction workers to be informed of the available work, for example, registering firms that require workers who are trained by the board,” he said at the opening of Sheda Home and Property Road Show at Boulevard shopping mall here yesterday.

Meanwhile guest of honour Assistant Housing Minister Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the property market was expected to grow further this year following an encouraging trend last year.

As at third quarter of last year, he said, there was a 65% take-up rate on new launches.

“New launches themselves were up by 10 to 15% in 2011 overall, releasing pent-up demand after less than robust consumer sentiment in the previous 12 months.”

People’s housing affordability needs to be improved -Karim

March 30, 2013

ABDUL Karim (centre), assisted by SHEDA President Haji Zaidi Ahmad (left) and Secretary-General
Sim Kiang Chiok, cutting the ribbon to declare open the SHEDA Home and Property Road Show.

KUCHING: The state’s housing industry needs to improve the housing affordability for all Sarawakians, said Assistant Minister of Housing Haji Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.

“This will require policies to increase the supply and diversity of new housing units and to keep pace with population growth and changes.

“In addition, the industry requires specific response to provide assistance to lower-income households to access home ownership and rental opportunities,” he said when officiating at the opening ceremony of Sarawak Housing and Real Estate Developers Association’s (SHEDA) Home and Property Road Show Kuching 2013 at the Boulevard Shopping Mall here, yesterday.

Abdul Karim said the state government’s vision was to achieve such goals by building the capacity and working with the private sector to adopt the right housing policies that would spark innovation and meet the needs of the people.

“Our future aim is to create affordable housing and build a capacity that responds to the changing housing needs of the people by providing choices and strengthening community resilience,” he said.

He added that the focus on environmentally sustainable construction of homes would help to reduce living costs and protect the environment as well as the quality of life.

“This extends beyond efficiency of water and energy, and includes construction materials and processes as well as the locations of our homes,” said Abdul Karim.

No cement price hike in S’wak – Abdul Karim

July 30, 2012

BINTULU: The price of cement in Sarawak will stay put. Assistant Minister of Housing Abdul Karim Hamzah gave this assurance at the Sheda Home and Property Roadshow here on Saturday.

He said reports in national dailies that the price of cement could go up by RM1 per 50 kg bag and RM20 per metric tonne was applicable only to the peninsula, and not in Sarawak.

“This (price hike) is not true, and is not happening in Sarawak. We won’t worsen the current situation by increasing the price of cement,” Abdul Karim said.

Meanwhile, CMS Cement Sdn Bhd, Sarawak’s sole cement producer and manufacturer, also gave an assurance that they would not be raising the price of cement as they respected the Malaysian Competition Act.

It added that they would not engage in price discussions with any Malaysian cement producers.

Cahya Mata Sarawak Berhad group managing director Datuk Richard Curtis said CMS Cement had always remained committed to the socio-economic wellbeing of the state.

“Even though cement production in Sarawak poses a logistical challenge due to terrain, raw materials and geographical population spread, we will not be increasing our prices.

Kementerian cari jalan stabilkan harga rumah di Bintulu

July 29, 2012 

BINTULU: Kementerian Perumahan akan memantau dan mengenal pasti pendekatan yang boleh diambil untuk menstabilkan harga rumah di Bahagian Bintulu sekali gus meng-elakkannya daripada terus me-ningkat.

Menteri Muda Pembangunan Belia (Bandar) dan Menteri Muda Perumahan, Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah berkata, hakikatnya purata harga rumah dan sewa rumah di Bintulu adalah paling tinggi berban-ding bandar-bandar utama lain seperti Kuching, Miri dan Sibu.

Katanya, terdapat pro dan kontra mengenai harga tersebut, namun kenaikan itu berpunca daripada beberapa sebab, antaranya pembangunan pesat bandar Bintulu sendiri dan pusat bagi pelaksanaan projek-projek Koridor Tenaga Diperbaharui Sarawak (SCORE).

“Daripada sebuah kampung nelayan terpencil, Bintulu seperti apa yang dapat dilihat hari ini menjadi bandar yang sangat pantas membangun di Sarawak,” ujarnya semasa me-rasmikan Jerayawara Perumahan dan Hartanah Persatuan Pemaju Perumahan dan Hartanah Sarawak (SHEDA) di Hotel Parkcity Everly sema-lam. Jerayawara akan berakhir hari ini.

Abdul Karim berkata, pembangunan Bintulu amat pesat, justeru permintaan pasaran rumah turut meningkat.

“Ada pemaju tidak gembira dengan keadaan itu (pengurangan harga rumah), namun begitu di samping membina rumah yang lebih baik, pemaju juga perlu sedar mengenai tanggungjawab mereka kepada masyarakat dengan membina rumah yang mampu dimiliki,” katanya.

Beliau berkata, pemaju perlu melaksanakan lebih banyak program bagi memastikan penduduk mampu memiliki rumah yang lebih baik.

Don’t focus only on profits, developers urged

July 29, 2012

UPCOMING PROJECT: Sheda vice-president and Bintulu branch liaison chairman Troy Yaw (second left) briefing Abdul Karim on the Bintulu Commerce Square project at Parkcity Commercial Centre as Sheda president Zaidi Ahmad (left) and others look on.

BINTULU: Housing developers in the state are urged not to just focus on profit margins but also focus on their social responsibility towards the community.

In saying this, Assistant Minister of Housing Abdul Karim Hamzah added that house developers should construct houses that meet the needs and expectations of consumers.

“Developers are also instrumental in determining the safety of the master plan. I hope they will have good ideas and innovation to build places with a soul,” he said.

He said this when officiating at the opening ceremony of Sarawak Housing and Real Estate Developers’ Association (Sheda) Home and Property Roadshow Bintulu 2012 at the ParkCity Everly Hotel yesterday.

He was representing Housing Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg.

The three-day event from Friday till today is said to be the biggest property event held in Bintulu every year.

Abdul Karim also admitted the prices of houses in Bintulu were escalating compared to other developing areas in the state due to the drastic growth of Bintulu division in recent years.

Developers encouraged to adopt Green Building Index

April 1, 2012

ENJOYING THE SHOW: Karim (third right) watching a stage performance by young violinist Nisa Addina during Sheda annual dinner. Also seen (from right) are Housing Assistant Minister Datuk Francis Harden Hollis, dinner organising chairman Dr Christopher Ngui and Zaidi.

KUCHING: The government encourages more developers to respond positively to the call in adopting Green Building Index (GBI), which focuses on energy efficiency, indoor environment quality, sustainable site planning and management, material and resources efficiency and design innovation.

“The GBI elements in residential planning involve long term energy savings.

“While certain green methods or technology can be a bit more costly to adopt, in the long term it can be worth it for developers in terms of energy savings, sustainable development and better corporate image.

“It is advisable for big projects to consider this,” said Assistant Housing Minister Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.

He pointed out that there is a need for a paradigm shift in housing planning in terms of living environment and design, as buyers nowadays are wiser and more selective in their buying decision.

“It is important to maintain reputation as developers who can provide quality design, attractive pricing, excellent workmanship and good amenities.

“Telecommunications is another must-have technology in a housing area nowadays.

Buyers undeterred by 10 pct increase in house prices

February 18, 2012

KUCHING: Prospective house buyers in Kuching are not hindered by the 10 per cent hike in house prices as reflected by the rise in demand and execution of projects since 2011.

As more new families are set up, the demand for medium cost house is steadily increasing, especially at fringes of the city where prices dip slightly.

Housing Assistant Minister Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the housing industry was market-driven and sales based on the locality of the project.

He was officiating at the launch of Sarawak Housing and Real Estate Developers Association (Sheda) Home and Property Road Show at Boulevard Shopping Mall yesterday.

He said prices of medium cost houses this year were expected to stabilise and only show a slight rise.

“If the demand and spending power of the consumers are strong, there will definitely be an increase in price of houses,” said Karim who is also Asajaya assemblyman.

Besides supply and demand, the hike in price was affected by the price of construction materials such as cement, bricks and steel.

He said the ministry was constantly overseeing the prices of houses and would come up with a formula to stabilise prices through the government’s capital contribution, such as water and electricity.

Karim said there were at least one or two projects which stalled due to the developer’s lacklustre sales and marketing or poor financial management.

“That is the common cause for abandoned projects; it’s definitely not caused by poor demand from prospective house buyers,” said Karim.

He said low-cost housing projects run by government agencies were not spared from being abandoned, such as those in Limbang and Pusa, but the ministry was looking into the matter.

Meanwhile, the annual roadshow which began yesterday and ends this Sunday is the first pitstop before continuing to Sibu, Bintulu and Miri.

Among the exhibitors at the Kuching roadshow are Tedfar Realty Sdn Bhd, Zuragaya Sdn Bhd, SHM Develoment Sdn Bhd, Kuwait Finance House (Malaysia) Bhd, Borneo Development Corporation (Sarawak) Sdn Bhd, ME Publications Sdn Bhd, Tenaga Seri Wangsa Sdn Bhd, Oximas Sdn Bhd, Khidmat Mantap Sdn Bhd, Maybank Bhd, Hock Seng Lee Construction Sdn Bhd, Petra Jaya Properties Sdn Bhd, ICT Zone Ventures Bhd, RB Development Sdn Bhd, CMS Property Development Sdn Bhd and MJC City Development Sdn Bhd.

   

Kerajaan pantau peningkatan harga rumah

February 18, 2012

MENARIK: Karim (dua kanan) melihat reka bentuk bangunan hartanah yang dipamerkan pada Pameran Bergerak Hartanah dan Kediaman SHEDA di Kuching, semalam.

KUCHING: Kerajaan akan memantau peningkatan harga rumah untuk memastikan kestabilan pasaran hartanah di negeri ini.

Menteri Muda Perumahan, Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah berkata, pasaran hartanah di Sarawak khasnya Kuching telah meningkat sejak setahun lepas.

Susulan peningkatan tersebut, harga rumah di Kuching telah meningkat kira-kira 10 peratus terutama melibatkan rumah-rumah pada kos tinggi.

“Peningkatan harga rumah bergantung kepada lokasi, kuasa pembeli, jenis rumah serta peningkatan kos bahan binaan.

“Kita tidak dapat mengawal peningkatan pasaran hartanah tetapi kerajaan akan melakukan pemantauan untuk memastikan kestabilan,” katanya.

Beliau berkata demikian ketika ditemui media selepas Perasmian Pameran Bergerak Hartanah dan Kediaman SHEDA di sebuah pusat beli-belah terkemuka di sini, semalam.

Sebanyak 16 syarikat pemaju mengambil bahagian dalam pameran tersebut yang dibuka secara percuma kepada orang ramai selama tiga hari dari 17 hingga 19 Februari.

Rega rumah niki 10 persin, ku Karim

February 18, 2012

KUCHING: Rega rumah bisi udah niki urung 10 persin sepengudah rega tanah dalam kandang nengeri niki dalam timpuh setaun ke udah, ku Menteri Muda Pengawa Berumah Abdul karim Hamzah.

“Dalam timpuh setaun ke udah, rega tanah bisi udah niki lalu tu mega ngujungka rega rumah bela niki.

“Entara pekara bukai ke nyadi kebuah rega rumah niki 10 persin iya nya ketegal rega minyak, semin, bata, besi enggau perengka bukai ti dikena begagaka rumah niki magang,”ku iya.

Iya mansutka jaku tu lebuh dikerandau pemberita sepengudah bejadika “SHEDA Home and Property Road Show-Kuching 2012’ ke diatur ba palan bebeli barang Boulevard ditu, kemari.

Ku iya, taja pia rega rumah kos mit enggau jelan pemesai mengkang ba rega baka ke selama lalu nerima peminta ke manah ari orang meli rumah.

“Rumah kos mit sereta jelan pemesai nerima peminta ke chukup manah maya diatu berindik ari pengawa raban nembiak ke udah bisi pengawa deka ngempu tauka meli rumah ungkup kediri empu.

“Palan berumah ke manah seruran nerima peminta ke tinggi ari mensia mayuh lalu pekara tu semampai diperatika pemeli rumah sebedau ngambi pemutus meli rumah nya,”ku iya.