Reed Exhibitions Sdn Bhd expects the 24th Malaysian International Building Exposition (Malbex) 2007 to chalk up more contracts than the RM325mil

Reed Exhibitions Sdn Bhd expects the 24th Malaysian International Building Exposition (Malbex) 2007 to chalk up more contracts than the RM325mil achieved at last year’s event, said general manager Michelle Lim.

Co-organised by Reed and the Construction Industry Development Board, Malbex is the longest annual building and construction event in the country and hopes to attract up to 200 manufacturers and suppliers from 19 countries this year.

“For a show that happens in Malaysia, you would have up to 90% of local buyers. Our survey showed that over RM325mil was contracted last year.

“We consider this a success and expect even better results this year,” she said.

Lim was also confident that the recent Budget announcement would boost trade dealings at this year’s Malbex.

“The Iskandar Development Region in Johor received a lot of attention in the recent Budget announcement. The various plans that the Government has announced and the amount of investment going into the project will boost the building construction sector,” she said.

“The 30% (tax) exemption on the transfer of ownership would help as well. Husbands and wives would now be considered a single entity. Hence if you have a family, you would want to buy a few properties.”

Lim said Malbex would help boost other sectors in Malaysia as well.

The four-day Malbex 2007, which is expected to attract 50 first-time participants from various countries, will start on Sept 19 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre.