Despite the economic growth momentum as evidenced by GDP growth of 6.2% in the 3rd quarter of 2017 (3Q2017) amidst encouraging signs in oil prices, the improved Malaysian Ringgit and business conditions, Malaysia's property market did not show much improvement in transactional activity from the downtrend that was seen since 2013. But the pace of property market slowdown had decelerated.

This is the finding by Rahim & Co in their annual publication ‘Rahim & Co Research – Property Market Review 2017/2018’ announced yesterday. It is a nationwide coverage of the property market in key sectors including residential, retail, office, hotel and industrial. 

Asia continues to provide promising economic prospects and improved quality of life that appeal to professionals and entrepreneurs both from within the region and across the globe, according to HSBC’s new Expat Explorer survey. 

While Singapore has again been rated by expats as the best country in the world to live and work, Malaysia offers simplicity and smooth transition for expats in finding accommodation (61%), organising healthcare (54%) and arranging childcare and schooling (52%). 

The issue of security in mobile payments have sparked controversies due to a recent spate of scams involving ‘quick response’ (QR) codes in China’s Guandong province where it was reported that RM 55 million was stolen. 

According to Ivan Wen, General Manager of Quann Malaysia, there has been a number of cases where criminals have started using fake QR codes to steal data and money by sticking their own codes over a business’ original one to steal the scanner’s data or access the scanner’s smartphone to tap into their bank account.