Malaysia’s residential property market remains under pressure, with over 23,500 completed but unsold units worth around RM15 billion ringgit recorded in the first quarter of 2025. As measures like Penang’s 5% discount and the revised Sales and Service Tax (SST) come into effect, concerns persist over whether these interventions can effectively address the overhang issue. We speak to Dr. Consilz Tan, Research Fellow at the Centre for Market Education, to unpack the implications. 



Image Credit: Shutterstock.com 

Malaysia’s residential property market remains under pressure, with over 23,500 completed but unsold units worth around RM15 billion ringgit recorded in the first quarter of 2025. As measures like Penang’s 5% discount and the revised Sales and Service Tax (SST) come into effect, concerns persist over whether these interventions can effectively address the overhang issue. We speak to Dr. Consilz Tan, Research Fellow at the Centre for Market Education, to unpack the implications. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com

Opinion and analysis of today’s international and local news that matter to Malaysians. Everything you need to know to start and plan your work.

Opinion and analysis of today&rsquo;s international and local news that matter to Malaysians. Everything you need to know to start and plan your work.

Morning Brief

How Bad Is Malaysia's Residential Property Overhang? 

Transboundary haze has returned to Sarawak, and businesses say the recurring pollution is increasingly taking an economic toll, forcing some SMEs to scale back operations while adding to health and operating costs. The SME Association of Sarawak is now calling for compensation and stronger action against those responsible for the fires behind the smoke. But how should losses be calculated, who should ultimately be held accountable, and what would it take to finally break the region’s recurring cycle of haze?



Image Credit: Shutterstock

Transboundary haze has returned to Sarawak, and businesses say the recurring pollution is increasingly taking an economic toll, forcing some SMEs to scale back operations while adding to health and operating costs. The SME Association of Sarawak is now calling for compensation and stronger action against those responsible for the fires behind the smoke. But how should losses be calculated, who should ultimately be held accountable, and what would it take to finally break the region’s recurring cycle of haze?Image Credit: Shutterstock

Who Should Pay for Sarawak’s Haze?

Market volatility, geopolitical uncertainty and changing interest rates are reshaping how affluent Malaysians think about their money, with greater emphasis on diversification, resilience and preserving wealth rather than simply maximising returns. Younger investors are also bringing different expectations around technology, AI and sustainable wealth creation, while families face increasingly important questions about succession. How is wealth management evolving, and are Malaysians doing enough to prepare for the transfer of wealth between generations?

Click here to find out more about CIMB Private Wealth.

Market volatility, geopolitical uncertainty and changing interest rates are reshaping how affluent Malaysians think about their money, with greater emphasis on diversification, resilience and preserving wealth rather than simply maximising returns. Younger investors are also bringing different expectations around technology, AI and sustainable wealth creation, while families face increasingly important questions about succession. How is wealth management evolving, and are Malaysians doing enough to prepare for the transfer of wealth between generations?Click <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.cimbprivatewealth.com.my/en/home.html?cid=a1:pv_a2:segment_a3:pwbfm26_a4:220726_a5:afl_a6:sptfy_a7:v1_a8:ian">here</a> to find out more about CIMB Private Wealth.

How Are Malaysia’s Wealthy Investing Differently?

Xi Jinping’s first state visit to Egypt in a decade comes as China seeks a larger role in a Middle East transformed by the Iran war, the Gaza conflict and growing uncertainty over US influence. With Egypt controlling the strategically vital Suez Canal, deepening economic ties with Beijing and even expanding military cooperation, the relationship increasingly extends beyond trade. Is Cairo simply hedging between the world’s two superpowers, or is China positioning itself as a genuine alternative diplomatic and security partner for the region?

Image Credit: Shutterstock

Xi Jinping’s first state visit to Egypt in a decade comes as China seeks a larger role in a Middle East transformed by the Iran war, the Gaza conflict and growing uncertainty over US influence. With Egypt controlling the strategically vital Suez Canal, deepening economic ties with Beijing and even expanding military cooperation, the relationship increasingly extends beyond trade. Is Cairo simply hedging between the world’s two superpowers, or is China positioning itself as a genuine alternative diplomatic and security partner for the region? Image Credit: Shutterstock

How Bad Is Malaysia's Residential Property Overhang?

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