Importance of Having An Online Presence
Today, more than ever before, people are using the Internet to find products and services. If your business isn't online, then chances are that you'll be losing potential customers to your competitors who are embracing the digital world.
More people are using the Internet.
In 2020, it was recorded by statista.com that there were 28.4 million people that access the internet in Malaysia. It is also forecasted to increase to more than 30 million by 2025. That's an incredible statistic considering that less than 40 years ago it was virtually impossible for people to connect with each other across vast distances.
The internet has also become an essential part of daily life. The pandemic also accelerated the usage by conference call, online shopping, booking services online and more.
Reach to a wider audience
You can reach to a wider audience and build up your brand and reputation through an online presence. It’s important to be found by potential customers in search engine results pages by using keywords that people might search for when looking for your products or services.
Make your business accessible.
Your business should be accessible.
You must make it easy for the public to find your business, and you must do so online. There are many ways to go about this. If you have a traditional storefront or office location, make sure that your name is clearly visible on the outside of your building, as well as all printed materials associated with the business (brochures, etc). You can also consider creating a website for your company. Alternatively, you can register with us to begin your online presence.
It makes it easier for people to make decisions.
This is good for your business, because it makes it easier for people to make decisions. As we all know, making a decision is hard. It involves research and careful consideration of different options. This can take time, which means you have to be patient with the process.
The internet makes this easier by providing a wealth of information at your fingertips. You can compare different products side by side, see how they work in action, read reviews from other customers and even watch videos about them before deciding what product or service best suits your needs. And if you want more information about something specific? Just Google it! The internet has practically made searching for knowledge a breeze!
It increases your credibility.
With an online presence, you can show that you are a legitimate business. People want to do business with companies they know and trust—and if they don’t see any evidence of your business, they may assume that you don’t exist.
An online presence is how you'll grow as a business if you want to keep up with the modern times.
An online presence is how you'll grow as a business if you want to keep up with the modern times. Your customers are already on the internet; you should be there too. Social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter are free, so there's no reason not to try them out. They can help build your reputation and brand by showing new customers that you're professional and trustworthy. Having an online presence also makes it easier for people who need a particular kind of service or product to find your business.
In short, having an online presence is important for any business that wants to grow. You are able to reach a wider audience and make your company more discoverable. Sign up with us now to reap those benefits!
Looking for a renovation contractor? Here are a few tips you can follow!
One of the biggest concern during renovation is not hiring the right contractors. We have heard stories where people get cheated on by renovation contractors and had to pay a lot more money to solve this issue. Problems may come in the form of various payment issue, bad workmanship, delay in renovation works and using a lower quality material. To avoid such issue, these are some things to look out before hiring a renovation contractor.
Ensure contractor is registered with SSM and CIDB
One of the quickest way to tell if a renovation contractor is trustworthy is that said contractor is registered with SSM and CIDB. By conducting a company search through the SSM website, you will have a better understanding on their background. You can also check a contractor’s information through the Lembaga Pembangunan Pembinaan Malaysia (CIDB). Contractor that is registered with CIDB tend to be more reliable. In the uneventful case there are any problems with the contractor, you can file a complaint to CIDB.
Look at contractor’s past project and track records
Doing a quick google search on your potential contractors will save you a lot of trouble in the future. Ideally if they have a website or a portfolio and have a look at their workmanship. If they do not have an online presence, look through comments on forums and social media groups will give you a better understanding on their past projects. You may also ask the contractors straight up for their past projects if you wish to.
Have a renovation contract
A renovation contract will protect you from any dispute. Stating the job scope, obligations and other agreement that would benefit both parties. In terms of payment, ensure that contract sum, payment terms as well as duration of work is clearly stated to prevent any payment issues in the future. Contract price shall be finalised before put in writing, making sure there’s clause on variation (addition or omission of items) in case of any last minute changes.
Regular follow up & supervision
Checking up your contractor every now and then to understand the progress and ensuring work goes smoothly is a good practice. You may hire a professional or supervise renovation works on your own. There are a few things to take note such as the quality of work, progress and materials available. Making sure the workmanship is up to standard will prevent defect once renovation work is completed. By having regular supervision, it allows your renovation work to complete in a timely manner and ensuring a high quality work.
Contractor fully understands your needs
Once you have found the right contractor, you will need to communicate with them thoroughly. Show them what you really want your final product to be. Describe what is your priority and your ideal design and making sure they fully understand. If it’s a big project, you can hire an interior designer or architect to visualize your product. Making sure the contractor follows the design till the end.
Renovation Guide: 5 Renovation Mistakes to Avoid
Renovating a house can be is a tough and expensive job. With the wrong decisions, you will literally have to live with your mistakes. To avoid that issue, we have come up with some of the mistakes to avoid before starting your renovation works.
Not getting a permit
Obtaining a renovation permit is something owners often missed out on. A renovation permit is a green light for you to proceed with your renovation works.
Without a renovation permit, you may risk your renovation getting knocked down and taken over by local authorities. To be safe than sorry, it is best to obtain a renovation permit before starting your renovation work.
You can refer to this article on how to obtain a renovation permit.
Over budgeting
Budgeting for your renovation works is crucial. Imagine halfway through your renovation works, you find out that you are unable to pay off for certain materials.
To avoid that problem, create a list of items you need and stick to it. Obtain quotations from multiple contractors to know the price range of your renovation works.
It is ideal to set aside an amount of money in case of anything happens during your renovation works.
Not understanding the components in a building
All buildings have similar components which has its own functions. Components such as walls, floors, foundation, doors, windows are found in all homes. You may not want to randomly hack any structural components as it will affect the integrity of the building.
Similarly, you should look out for the sizes of your furniture to your room. Ensuring that your furniture fits perfectly will save you from additional costs. As the saying goes, size really matters!
Using low quality materials
When doing a renovation, you would want your improvement to make a significant impact in the long run. You should consider a higher quality material. Things may look the same on the surface but lower quality materials would require a lot of maintenance which might result in overspending.
Opting a higher quality and durable furniture and building material will increase your property value.
However, if budget is an issue, you can start off renovating progressively according to your needs.
Hiring the wrong professionals
As mentioned previously, obtaining multiple quotation from different professionals to understand the price range of your renovation. That does not mean that you should go with the lowest quotation and save some money. You should always do your due diligence and research to appoint the right professionals.
Ensuring they are a registered company, has all the right qualifications and good track record. Also, go through each quotation and find for any common values as it may be the right cost for an item.
Types of Autogate – Choosing the right type of Autogate for your home!
Autogates are commonly installed in landed properties in Malaysia due to its convenience. With a push of a button, you are open or close your gate from a reasonable distance. You do not have to open or close the gate manually after a tiring day as opening a gate becomes automated. Moreover, it is durable and helps to improve safety at home. Now that we know the benefits of having an Autogate at home, how do we choose the right one for our homes?
Mechanics
First things first, we have to understand the mechanics of the autogate. It comes in 3 forms; (i) swing, (ii) slide and (iii) fold.
Swinging
Swinging autogate uses a motor as a lever to control the gate. Swinging autogate has 2 equal panels which opens like a normal door. Ideally you need to have ample space outside to install a swinging autogate.
Sliding
Sliding autogate sits on a track and slides across the track to open or close.
Folding
Folding autogate has 2 panels which folds together to operate. Similar to swinging autogate, motors are installed at both ends and attached with a lever. Folding autogate has wheels that runs on the metal track on the ground. However, trackless system is getting more popular in the market. Folding autogate is also known for its speed to open and close. Thus, suitable for high traffic area.
Autogate Systems
There are four types of autogate systems in the market. Biggest factor in choosing the right system is based on the space you have outside your homes. The four systems are sliding autogate, arm autogate, pillar mount autogate and underground swing autogate.
Sliding Autogate System
The sliding autogate system comes in one long panel and a motor installed on one side of the gate. It comes with a set of wheels and runs on a metal track. To install a sliding autogate, ensure there is equal amounts of space on the side as it takes up a length of the gate to ‘hide’ the gate. Homes with lesser outdoor space tend to use this system.
Swing Arm Autogate System (Swinging & Folding Gate)
The swing arm autogate system is the most common type of autogate system used in Malaysia. I can be used for swinging autogate and folding autogate.
Mounted Pillar Autogate System (Swinging & Folding Gate)
Mounted pillar autogate system is similar to the swing arm autogate system with the exception that the motor is attached to the pillar.
Underground Swing Autogate System
The underground swing autogate system is the oldest system in the market and it’s not often seen in homes anymore. As it names suggest, the motor is hidden underground and requires excellent workmanship to install said system.
The Right Way to Light Up Your Room
A well-lit room can make a difference in the environment of a home. The right placement and intensity and the colour of the light will give a distinctive feel in a room. There is also a plethora of health benefits to a will lit room. For example, it improves sleep, preserves eyesight, improve our mood as well as energy. With that being said, here are a few ideas on light up your room.
Types of lighting
First things first, we have to understand the types of lighting. There are three basic types of lighting you should be aware of to have a well-lit room:
- Ambient Lighting
- Task Lighting
- Accent Lighting
Ambient Lighting
Ambient lighting, also known as general lighting is the primary light source of a room. It is to provide the overall lighting of a room as well as influences the feel of a room. Ambient lighting mainly comes from ceiling mounted lights such as a chandelier and downlights.
Task Lighting
Task lighting provides additional lighting and illumination to a specific area to do a specific task. Its function is to brighten up a particular area of a room. Try to avoid lights that will casts shadow for better illumination. For example, installing a table lamp on your workstation to enhance illumination to improve productivity. Task lighting can also come in the form of wall mounted lights in bedroom for ease of reading.
Accent Lighting
Accent lighting provides lighting to highlight a specific item. Commonly used to focus on an art piece in a room. Furthermore, it also functions to add dimension to a room. To allow optimal attention to your art piece, it is ideal to direct three times as much light in comparison to the rest of the room.
Layering Lights
Now that we understand the types of lighting, it is time to layer your lights. Incorporating, ambient, task and accent lighting in a room and knowing how to contrast the lighting will result in a high-quality lighting. This will also naturally increase the property value of your home.
Understand Colour Temperature
Colour temperature is used to measure the warmth or coolness of a light source. It will determine the environment the room will create. There are three types of colour temperature in a room. Warm white cool white and daylight. Warm white gives out a calm and cosy vibe. Cool white gives out a clean and brisk vibe and daylight gives out a bright and vibrant vibe. By choosing the right colour temperature, you are able to give out a particular feel to your room.
Source
Other things to consider
Adding Dimmers to follow flexibility in changing the mood and ambiance of a room.
Understand what the room is used for
Knowing which bulbs to use
Getting the right contractor and interior designer
Benefits of Having a Home Security System
We often hear burglary cases among our family and friends. With the rise of burglary cases and home theft in Malaysia, it is wise to have a good home security system installed in your homes. Having a good home security system at home is as important as installing auto gates, fences and grilles. It gives an extra layer of protection to your homes and a better sense of security. Not convinced? Here are a few reasons why it is beneficial to have home security system
Protecting loved ones
A home security system can help us in looking after our loved ones. Often times when parents are away at work, leaving their kids at home from school in the afternoon. Parents can monitor their kids through their phone and ensuring their safety. The same can be applied to pets!
Records everything
Many home security systems record the things on going around your homes at all times. These systems have a playback feature which allow us to have access of things that’s going on at a certain time period.
Lower chances of burglary
The presence of a home security system may deter criminals. Thus, decreasing the chance of burglary. As it will capture and record the ins and outs of the surroundings, it will make it harder for burglars and thieves to break into your home.
Alert if there are any emergencies
With the rise in technology, security systems are able to send notification to our phones in case of emergencies. Some systems come along with sensors that will notify if your doors or windows are open, alert when there is fire and more. In case of any emergencies, it is a good tool to help in controlling the situation.
Planning and Budgeting for Renovation in Malaysia
Renovating your newly bought home may seem exciting. Wanting to furnish it as per your liking and giving your home a little bit of a personality to make it stand out from others. One should consider the renovation cost before starting any renovation work. It is the crucial part in terms of planning for your home renovation. Here, we will give a rough guide on how to plan for your renovation and give an idea on what RM35,000 can get you.
Planning for renovation
The general idea of planning for your renovation is to work out on what you need and having a detailed plan work. This serves as a guideline so that your renovation plans follow a certain schedule.
- Working out on what you need
Understand the outcome you want from your renovation project. Do you want a full-scale renovation? Or renovation in stages? Once it is decided, plan out what is important you and execute it accordingly
- Having a detailed plan
Once the planning stage is done, compile a list of items you wish to have. Having a detailed list with the cost will allow you to track on your spendings and ensure that you don’t blow your budget. Additionally, having a floor plan gives you a rough idea what would fit in your home and the final product.
Budgeting for renovation
There is no set amount when spending on renovation. It can be as high or as low as you want. If you are looking to save some money on your renovation you can survey around for prices and consider buying second hand products.
RM 35,000 would fall in the medium range when it comes to home renovation. We can break it down as follows:
Items | Price (RM) |
| Living Room (Sofa, Storage Space, Coffee Table, TV Cabinet | 5,500 |
| Dining Room (Dining Table, Dining Chairs) | 4,500 |
| Kitchen (Kitchen Cabinet Set) | 6,000 |
| Bedroom (Bedframe, Mattress, Pillow Blanket) | 4,000 |
| Study Room (Study Desk, Chair) | 2,000 |
| Miscellaneous (Curtain, Carpet, Mirrors, Appliances, Lights etc) | 13,000 |
Note that this is just a rough figure on what you can get with the price range. You may allocate more or less based on your preference. It is not a guide on how you should spend on renovation. Be smart and renovate according to your needs!
Buying Your First Property In Malaysia
Buying a new property is a huge milestone for most of us. We saved up our hard-earned cash to be able to pay the deposit and need to pay for installment every month for the next few years. And that is why we have to choose the property that suits us so the money would not go to waste. Here are some things to consider when buying a property.
Location
Location is the most important factor when buying a property. Ideally, we would want a property with a peaceful neighbourhood, easy access to amenities and close to our workplace. Properties in Kuala Lumpur and Petaling Jaya fits the criteria above and thus it can be more expensive. However, the good outweighs the bad. Although expensive, it has higher resell value and easy to rent out. A good location will result in a good return of investment in the long run.
Type of Property
It is important to choose the type of property you want. Between high rise or landed property on a leasehold or freehold land. Each property type has its pros and cons and it is up to your own judgement to purchase it. For example, a family of four looking for a long-term stay would prefer a freehold landed property. A high rise leasehold property would be ideal for rental as it offers a higher return of investment. All in all, there is no right or wrong in purchasing the type property. It is up to individual preference.
Property Features
Each property comes with its own unique features and characteristics. You may prefer a property with more bedrooms and bathroom to accommodate more people or having a higher ceiling for a more premium feel. For new developments, find out if the developer provides any freebies such as, AC units, washing machine, refrigerator and other items. Knowing the brands of the fittings provided by the developer will help you better judge the property value. A more expensive or premium brand would give a better value in your property.
Additional Costs
There are a few costs that one need to consider before buying a property. It is not just paying a down payment and monthly deposit. These are the few fees that one has to consider:
- Stamp Duty and Legal Fees for Memorandum of Transfers (MOT) and Sales & Purchase Agreement (SPA)
- Load Facility Agreement legal disbursement fee
- Transfer of ownership to title
- Utility charges (TNB, Syabas)
- Maintenance Fee (for Strata properties)
Simple Guide On Wall Painting
Wall painting might seem simple and straightforward. However, the steps and terminologies used may be complicated. It is not as simple as choosing the right paint colour. We will discuss how wall paintings are typically done.
Starting off
Prepping your walls before painting is really important as it will produce a better finish. If you are planning to paint an old surface, start off by removing old paint or chips by using a scraper. Patch off any holes or cracks and using sandpaper to smooth down the wall. Once completed, masking or sealing off any unpainted area to prevent unwanted stains as well as covering your furniture with plastic sheets. You do not want to damage any of your precious furniture!
Priming (Basecoat)
Priming your walls prior to painting will provide good adhesion between the wall and paint. A primer acts as a magnet for the wall and paint. This will result in paint to last longer. Primer also covers stains from bleeding into the paint. Without a primer, you are required to paint more layers of finish coat which will cost more money. A primer also protects the paint from moisture and smooth out the surface. A substitute for Primer is the Sealer paint. Like Primer, it gives a good adhesion between wall and new paint and other similar benefits as Primer. The key difference is Sealer is more suitable for a porous wall surface.
Finish Coat
After leaving the Basecoat to dry, it is time to paint your wall. You do not want to have uneven layers of paint on your wall. Make sure that you stir your paint regularly for an even and smooth finish. Even out the paint on your roller before applying it to the wall. Roll the paint in a “zig-zag” pattern to get more coverage. Typically, 2 or 3 layers of paint will be sufficient.
How to Extend Lease for Your Leasehold Property
A leasehold property is a property owned by the government. A leasehold property would typically be 30, 60, 99, or 999 years.
A Land Title will indicate if your property is a leasehold or freehold property. The lease period would also be clearly stated in the Land Title.
You should be aware of the lapse period of your lease and proceed with extending the leasing period. Else, your property will be handed back to the government. That being said, lease extension for a property is not as difficult as it seems. We shall take a look at how to apply for a lease extension for your property
Lease Extension Application
Application for lease extension should be submitted to Land Office (Pejabat Tanah).
These are the documents you may need to prepare for lease extension:
- Borang 12A ‘Permohonan Untuk Menyerahkan Balik Tanah’
- Borang Perihal Tanah
- Original Title
- Paid Quit Rent and Assessment Rent
- Copy of NRIC
Land Office may update the checklist from time to time. Do not hesitate to ask for the latest checklist to save yourself from multiple visits to the Land Office.
Once all the documents are compiled and submitted, the Land Office will issue Notice 5A (Notis 5A) where you are required to pay a premium.
How to Calculate Premium
The Selangor government provides 2 payment options for property owners.
Owners are given the choice to pay a premium of RM 1,000.00. However, if you opt for this option you’re not allowed to sell your property unless full payment of the premium is made upon transaction
The second option is to pay the full premium at the following rate:
1/4 * 1/100 * Market value of land * (Lease period - Remaining years of lease) x Land Area
For properties in Kuala Lumpur, the premium is calculated in accordance with the given formula:
1/4 * 1/99 * Market value of land * (Lease period - Remaining years of lease) * Land Area
The market value of your land is determined by the Land Office. You may also appoint a land valuer to work out the market value of your land.
You shall receive a new copy of the Land Title where its lease is extended. Remember to check that all information is correct!
Improving Home Security
Burglary is one of the most concerning issues among Malaysians and having a well-secured home security system will give us peace of mind when we are away. These days, many home security systems in the market help secure our homes and we will break down some of the security systems available.
We can separate home security into 3 categories: Perimeter Security Reinforcement, and Digital System
Perimeter Security: Spiked Wires and Electric Fence
Perimeter Security is the first line of defense against burglary of landed property. Taking advantage of poorly designed gates, fences or walls, it is not difficult for burglars to climb into a property. Having your gates, fence, and walls secured with spiked wires or electric fence will decrease the chances of breaking in. Both spiked wires and electric fences are easy to install and fairly priced. The main difference is the reliance on electricity. Do ensure that you get approval from Suruhanjaya Tenaga Malaysia (Malaysian Energy Commission) before installing an electric fence.
Reinforcement: Reinforced Locks, Grilles, and Laminated Glass
Reinforcing locks, installing grilles, and laminating glass is the most popular in Malaysian homes. Most homes are seen to have either one of these to protect against burglary. Reinforcing locks will give additional resistance by preventing them from getting kicked down easily. Grilles will prevent breaking-ins through the windows and ensure kids' safety. Laminated glass provides additional security as it is almost impossible to break.
Digital System: CCTV, Smart Lock & Alarms
Digital Systems are in abundance and easily installed. Manufacturers designed it in ways where we all could install it on our own. Having a CCTV is beneficial to those who are often out. It has live monitoring as well as a playback feature for your convenience. Smart Lock systems do not have a keyway that prevents lock picking and duplicating keys. The alarm system will notify everyone around the perimeter in case there is an attempted break-in. Installing alarm detectors at all corners of the house will provide that extra safety.
Applying For Renovation Permit In Malaysia
Home renovation can be an exciting project. However, there are rules and regulations imposed in starting a renovation project. There are guidelines that we have to follow from the start till the end of each renovation project. In this article, we will discuss on how to obtain a renovation permit before starting your renovation project.
Why do I need a permit?
In short, a renovation permit will provide evidence of where you’re allowed to do said work and in return will save you trouble with other external factors (neighbours, authorities, etc)
Chances are if you do not obtain a renovation permit, your Local Authority will have the right to issue a summon or worse, completely tear down the renovation work you’re doing.
You will also need to ensure that you are not doing renovation works at premises beyond your unit. For example, it is illegal to perform any renovation works on public roads as it belongs to the local authority.
Renovation Which Required Permit
The Street, Drainage and Building Act 1974 (Act 133) stated that all building works are required to have written consent from the Local Authority.
According to ‘Garis Panduan Prosedur Pengeluaran Permit Kerja Ubahsuai’ by KKR. In summary, renovation works that significantly change your current property will require you to apply for a renovation permit. However, it is best to consult with the Local Authority regarding renovation permits.
Steps to Apply for Renovation Permit
Now that we know a little bit more about renovation permits in Malaysia, let’s take a look at how to apply for a renovation permit.
If you live in a stratified property, you should first consult your Joint Management Body (JMB) or Management Corporation (MC) and obtain their approval. If you live on landed property, you will need to pay a visit to the local authority.
Renovation permit is usually handled by the Department of Building Control (Jabatan Kawalan Bangunan) of each Local Authority. For example, if you wish you renovate a property in Damansara, you are seeking to pay a visit to Majlis Perbandaran Petaling Jaya (MBPJ)
Documents to Submit
As each Local Authority has different requirements in terms of submission, the usual documents needed to submit are as follows:
- Copy of IC
- Latest paid Quit Rent (Cukai Tanah)
- Latest paid Assessment Rent (Cukai Taksiran)
- Copy of Title
- Copy of Sales & Purchase Agreement
- Copy of CCC
- Layout Plan of your property
These days your local authorities will get you to download the necessary forms and checklist through their websites. Here are some links to some of the local authorities to ensure that you do not have to make round trips to the local authorities
MBPJ: http://www.mbpj.gov.my/en/node/1344
DBKL: https://www.dbkl.gov.my/en/jabatan-kawalan-bangunan/
MBSJ: https://www.dbkl.gov.my/en/jabatan-kawalan-bangunan/
MBI: https://www.mbi.gov.my/en/mbi/resources/download-forms/building-department
Updates on 06 Feb 2025
In 2022, Malaysia made significant strides in improving its renovation permit application process. Key changes included reducing the approval time from a lengthy 390 days to just 90 days, ensuring a more efficient experience for applicants. Additionally, minor renovation works, such as installing partitions or small non-structural modifications, no longer required the appointment of a Principal Submitting Person (PSP), such as an architect or engineer. This change allowed building owners and tenants to directly submit applications to local authorities, reducing both the complexity and costs involved. These reforms were welcomed as a step towards streamlining administrative processes and supporting property owners, particularly those undertaking projects related to home interior design in Malaysia.
By 2025, the renovation permit process in Malaysia remains consistent with the reforms introduced in 2022. The streamlined approval timeline of 90 days continues to be a hallmark of efficiency. The simplified application process for minor renovations, which does not require the involvement of a PSP, is still in place, maintaining the reduced costs and effort for applicants. These policies have stood the test of time, providing consistent support for property owners and encouraging development while ensuring adherence to regulatory standards.