Monday 5 February 2024
Just clap your hands a few seconds a day for health
Clapping is one of the easiest ways to reduce stress levels. It can help you to control anxiety. It is because when you are clapping, you are sending positive signals to your mind which can help you to decrease depression symptoms. There are many people all around the world who are performing clapping as a part of their daily exercises just because it increases happy hormone production. 6- Improving heart health
#parshealthtv #parshealthclinic #pars_health_tv #pars_health_clinic #healthy_habits #happy_life #hand_clapping_therapy #clapping_therapy #how_to_be_happy #benefits_of_hand_clapping_therapy
Clap for health
Saturday 3 February 2024
WITH DRAGON COMES FIRE, SELLING AND BUYING PROPERTY IN A PERIOD OF CHANGE
Selling and buying property in a period of change
Selling and buying property in a period of change
As the economy continues its slow recovery, Feng Shui practitioners are embracing the dragon when it comes to the property outlook in the coming year.
“For followers of Feng Shui, the anticipation of Period Nine‘s arrival has held a mystical allure, brimming with excitement and adventure. Finally, it is here yet there is fear and thoughts among the Feng Shui enthusiasts; particularly concerning its effects on individuals,” Feng Shui master Joe Choo said.
She pointed out that understanding the essence of Period Nine allows individuals to tap into its benefits with less worry and adapt to potential changes more effectively.
Period Nine spans from 2024 to 2043, Choo explained. It is a segment within Feng Shui that holds influence on energy shift patterns. The period is characterised by the fire element, symbolising expansion, transformation and passion.
“During this period, it is expected to usher in an emphasis on innovation, growth and breakthrough across various aspects of life, including technology, culture and social structures. Aligning spaces and activities with the energies of period 9 is believed to amplify opportunities and foster progress,” she said.
According to Choo, period 9 is associated with Li Gua (fire), and as such its location aligns with the South. This positioning indicates a more favourable economic trend in the southern geographical region, poised for significant development during Period 9.
“For individuals seeking to tap into this energy, adherence to basic Feng Shui principles might suffice instead of relocating homes,” Choo pointed out.
From the perspective of property ownership, there are two groups of buyers; homeowners and investors. Their Feng Shui differs depending on their needs.
“Homeowners are advised to select properties with ideal landform which is Feng Shui compliant, aligning main entrances that is commensurate with the year of birth of the eldest earning male of the family,” Choo said.
“Kitchen and master bedroom should be in the ideal sectors based on the year of birth of the mistress of the house, then the rooms for other occupants should be based on their year of birth,” she added.
She pointed out that investors, on the other hand, are encouraged to consider properties in the southern regions of various areas, and anticipate extraordinary economic performance in the next two decades. For example, the southern region of Penang Region is Bayan Lepas, Batu Maung, Teluk Kumbar and nearby pockets. In Peninsular Malaysia, eyes should turn to Johor.
“For business owners to have a prosperous year, you may apply 2024’s auspicious colours in offices or shops that attract positive events. Additionally, you may place living plants if the entrances of offices or shops are in the Southeast, which is the governing planet… to sail through the year smoothly,” Choo said.
“In terms of Feng Shui, each sector has a wealth area and you may place living plants, water features or crystals at the general area of the office or shop to further enhance the business,” she added.
To do this, business owners should identify the main entrance of their place of business, before they identify its wealth sector from the table. Turn the general area of the business into a square shape before standing at the centre of the space with a compass to identify the main entrance and wealth area.
Main entrances and their wealth sectors
| Main Entrance | Wealth Area | Crystals |
| North | Southeast(127.5° - 142.5°) | White/Green Phantom |
| Northeast | Southwest(217.5° - 232.5°) | Citrine/Amethysts |
| East | South(187.5° - 202.5°) | Rose Quartz |
| Southeast | North(7.5° - 22.5°) | White |
| South | East(97.5° - 112.5°) | White/Green Phantom |
| Southwest | Northeast(37.5° - 52.5°) | Citrine/Amethysts |
| West | Northwest(307.5° - 322.5°) | Amethysts |
| Northwest | West(277.5° - 292.5°) | Amethysts |
Source: Joe Choo
If you are planning to buy a property in 2024, it is beneficial to consider Feng Shui factors in order to harness the positive energy while living there, Choo pointed out.
“It is simply observing the landforms, for example, avoid having rivers, seas, ponds or big monsoon drains at the back of the house,” she said.
The decision to buy a property is ultimately based on need and financial means, Feng Shui master Stephen Chin added.
He agreed that as with Feng Shui principles, one should first consider the terrain surrounding the site. Alongside water bodies, he noted that one should consider the mountains, hills, roads and highways.
“The most basic rule of thumb is to choose a property that has a higher back and a lower front. This applies to both high-rises and landed property. I co-wrote a series of articles some time ago with Professor Master David Koh that covered the Klang Valley and explained this principle of landform Feng Shui,” Chin said.
Once the area and orientation of the property are shortlisted, Chin explained that homeowners need to ensure that the main entrance to the property is compatible with the master of the house.
“It is based on the male because it is Yang energy being introduced into the house. To determine this, calculate the Gua or Kua (personal energy) of each occupant - there are plenty of free online Gua calculators out there, so I'm not going to give out any formula!” he said.
From the Gua, one can determine if they are a West or East group person. All West group people have Northwest, West, Southwest and Northeast as their good sectors. North, East, Southeast and South are good for East group people.
“To determine the door's location, stand in the centre of the house with a compass and after aligning the needle, look and see where the main door is located. That needs to be in the good sector of the master of the house. The kitchen and master bedroom should be in the good sector of the lady of the house. The other bedrooms should be matched to the respective occupants,” Chin said.
However, he pointed out that there are a few other things to consider, and one should engage a qualified consultant for ease of mind.
Choo added that homebuyers are also encouraged to avoid properties which have a T-junction, convex of the road or a higher land mass in front of the house, such as hospitals, shopping malls, schools, high-tension cable and others.
Knowing the sector of governing planets and Three-Killers of 2024, it is advisable to avoid buying the property having the main entrance located in the South and the Southeast.
“It may be difficult for buyers who are living in condominiums or apartments because there is only one entrance, so you may place a pot of living at the sector mentioned above to prevent negative events from taking place,” Choo added.
Landed properties with two entrances offer more flexibility, allowing buyers to choose an entrance away from the southeast or south to avoid potential issues.
“After studying the external factors, matching the year of birth of the occupants with the main entrance, kitchen, bedrooms and others is very important to create harmonious energy,” Choo said.
The eye of the beholder
When asked how homeowners should decorate their homes this year, Chin pointed out that they should decorate it any way they wish. “If you want to create a festive mood, go big!” he exclaimed.
While he noted that interior design was not strictly related to Feng Shui, the Chinese are big on symbolism, therefore it's natural to decorate the house with auspicious objects.
He pointed to anything that symbolises good fortune, wealth, prosperity, longevity, productivity and creativity, as many of these came from Chinese myths and legends. Some symbols are newer inventions, such as the money ship, or the cat with a waving paw.
Chin noted that the cat was the Maneki-Neko from Japanese folklore, with several versions of the story.
“According to our calculations, the dominant element in 2024 is Yang Fire. Hence, the auspicious colours for the year are light red, light brown or yellow, and light green. These are, respectively, representative of the elements of Fire, Earth and Wood,” he said.
Homeowners can decorate their house or give it a splash of new paint using these colours. However, Chin pointed out that the mileage may vary.
“Every person has his or her own unique set of colour requirements based on the life profile, also known as the eight Character Stem-Root or Bazi. If your colour requirements match these colours, then they are especially good for you. If not, they may not be as good or may even cause some bumps along the road ahead,” he said.
He noted that it would likely be a good year for the property market as the element of Fire produces Earth.
“There should be an uptick in earth-related industries which include real estate development and management, construction, civil engineering, and agriculture. The year 2024 is also likely to see a spurt of economic growth and development,” he said.
“However, this is likely to be temporary. One should make hay while the sun shines, but must not overcommit,” he added.
Tips to sell property
In the dynamic and competitive property market, selling can be challenging. For the Year of the Dragon, Feng Shui master Joe Choo offers a few tips for home sellers to expedite the process.
“Applying auspicious colours of 2024 to attract potential buyers to walk into the property. The auspicious colours of 2024 are light red, pink, orange, yellow, green and turquoise green. You don’t need to repaint the property with such colours, you may apply them on the curtain, carpet or rugs, decorative items and others to enhance the luck,” she pointed out.
According to Feng Shui principles, the governing planet in 2024 is the Southeast sector and the Three-Killers is in the South.
Choo pointed out that if a property has its main entrance in either the Southeast or South sector, it is advisable to place living plants in the living hall and kitchen to improve the luck of selling the property.
If the property has a Southeast-facing main entrance, owners are encouraged to place living plants in the West sector, from 262.5° to 277.5°. If the property has a South-facing main entrance, owners are encouraged to place living plants in the Southwest sector, from 202.5° to 217.5°.
“To find out the position of the plants for the living hall and kitchen, you may square up the place and stand at the centre with a compass to identify the sector mentioned above,” Choo said.
While more could be done to enhance the selling potential of a property, Choo noted that it would involve a much more complicated process. The tips she offered were simple and cost-effective.
Some of its principles could be compared to architectural principles, feng shui master Joe Choo said.
“Decorate it any way you wish!” Chin said.
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By Yanika Liew
News about Penang Properties Still Hot
bing.com/news
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Mind Your Money
By CHERMAINE POO
Chermaine Poo, a chartered accountant by profession, was trained in corporate finance. A former beauty queen, she has since gained popularity as an actress, TV host, commercial talent and emcee. If you have any questions on money matters, send her an email at info@chermainepoo.com or follow her on www.chermainepoo.com, www.facebook.com/chermainepoo and www.twitter.com/chermainepoo.By CHERMAINE POO
Tuesday 30 January 2024
Owning a home beyond reach of most millennials (Poll Inside)
It makes more sense to buy than rent, says an academic who was involved in the Universiti Putra Malaysia study. — Photos: FilepicPublic university study shows majority prioritise buying cars, prefer to rent homes near workplace
FINANCIAL reasons continue to keep young Malaysians living in major cities from realising their dream of owning a home.
Among the younger generation, the major concern is high property prices that are many times more than their annual household income.
It is not easy for those with no fixed income or low salary to secure a housing loan.
While money issues are already weighing heavily on people’s minds, the younger generation’s inability to afford a home is exacerbated by the high cost of living.
Affordable housing is often beyond the reach of millennials in Kuala Lumpur, Selangor and Putrajaya.
Housing affordability remains a conundrum in Malaysia despite various initiatives taken by the government through the National Affordable Housing Policy.
The initiative aims to ensure housing affordability is handled in a holistic manner.
A study shows that those aged between 25 and 45 seem to be delaying the purchase of their first home.
Financial commitments
Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) Human Ecology Faculty lecturer Dr Mohammad Mujaheed Hassan said the study had shown that other factors also contributed to the issue.
“The Variations in Preferences of the Young Generation in Klang Valley Towards Housing Property Demand” study conducted by UPM in mid-2022 found that the younger generation had high financial commitments.
A total of 2,523 respondents aged 25 to 45 in Kuala Lumpur, Selangor and Putrajaya with individual monthly income of between RM4,360 and RM9,620 were interviewed.
The study aimed to identify this group’s financial level, in terms of their ability to save and invest as well as their financial liabilities.
Mohammad Mujaheed, who was involved in the research, said out of the total, 1,697 respondents or 67.3% were committed to monthly vehicle hire purchase instalments of between RM800 and RM1,200.
“For them, owning a car is a benchmark of their success in life,” he told Bernama.
Some millenials say it is cheaper to rent homes than buy. — Bernama
“Ironically, some of them take public transport to work and leave their cars at home.”
Mohammad Mujaheed, who is with the Social and Development Sciences Department, said the study also showed that 1,833 respondents or 72.7% had credit card commitments with at least two banks.
“To the younger generation, having a credit card is an alternative for them to have regular access to credit and as a cash advance.
“The study also reveals that 843 (33.4%) of respondents were renting a home for between RM500 and RM1,200 a month,” he said, adding that 73.9% of respondents had no disposable income for savings or investment.
Mohammad Mujaheed said based on the study, the younger generation preferred to rent due to several factors, although they could afford to buy their own home based on the monthly rental they had been paying for years.
“They argue that the location of the house that they can afford to pay for is far from their workplace.
“They have to factor in other payments linked to owning a property such as assessment tax and maintenance fees and higher fuel consumption that will further add to their financial burden.
Many people surveyed say affordable housing is too far from their workplaces.
“By renting, they only have to fork out for rent and utility bills.
“They say their rented houses are only for rest and sleep.
“Much of the time is spent outside their house and at work.”
At the same time, some millennials are tied to personal loans, among others to fund their wedding, while others are caught in the credit card debt trap.
This situation is not surprising as the Credit Counselling and Debt Management Agency (AKPK) had earlier highlighted that the majority cases of youths declared bankrupt in the country was due to credit card debt.
Worrying trend
Mohammad Mujaheed said the tendency for young adults to not prioritise home ownership had caused many to be saddled with longstanding debt, preventing them from buying a house despite getting older.
“The situation is rather serious and has contributed to many being blacklisted by financial agencies, living in debt, declared bankrupt and encountering problems such as stress and borrowing from illegal moneylenders or ‘ah long’,” he said.
He said while it was not wrong for the younger generation to own a vehicle or apply for personal loan, they should give priority to home ownership as it was an asset.
Vehicles, meanwhile, depreciate in value annually.
“The value of a house will appreciate every year.
Millennials may opt to purchase a car as a benchmark of their success.
“By paying monthly rental, it appears that we are ‘helping’ the owner to settle his housing loan repayment,” said Mohammad Mujaheed.
He said if the problem persisted, young adults would continue to delay purchase of their home to meet other needs.
It is feared that they will not be able to own their own house in future given the consistent upward trajectory in residential property prices.
“The younger generation should no longer adopt a wait-and-see attitude.
“The longer they wait, the higher the price, given that the growth of household income is not at par with the increase in house prices.
Youths who do not pay their credit card bills on time will find it tougher to get a housing loan.
What was worrying, he added, was this group ending up “homeless” when they reached their golden years.
On the possibility that this group would “share” a home with their parents or other family members, Mohammad Mujaheed said this could only be realised if their parents owned property.
“Otherwise, a family will be faced with the possibility of being homeless or continue to rent permanently (from one generation to the next) as they do not own any property.”
He said the younger generation should not use high property prices as an excuse for not buying a house as there were affordable home schemes offered by the federal and state government such as Rumah Selangorku, Federal Territory Affordable Housing Programme and Malaysia Civil Servants Housing Programme.
Affordability gap
Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) Seri Iskandar senior lecturer Dr Azizul Azli said the huge gap between income levels and house prices had prevented the younger generation from owning a house.
“For example, average annual salary increments are about 2% while property values increase between 6% and 8% each year.
“Imagine, in only two years, property prices would have risen by 12% and salaries increased by 4%.
“Despite price fluctuations in the post-pandemic property market, prospective buyers are still not able to ‘catch up’ as their income is still at minimum level,” he said.
As an example, he said the average starting salary for fresh university graduates was around RM2,500 a month.
If they bought a house worth RM300,000, their monthly financial commitment would be about RM1,500, he said, adding that this was not viable with the escalating cost of living factored in.
An academic says double-storey houses are popular with developers as they take up less land.
Azizul, who is with UiTM’s Architecture, Planning and Survey Faculty, urged the government to play a more effective role in helping youths own their first home at a younger age.
Among others, incentives should be given to developers to build more landed property so that units can be sold at lower prices.
“We still have an abundance of land that developers can build on,” he said.
“However, they (developers) prefer double-storey houses as this involves smaller built-up areas.”
Azizul said Indonesia had undertaken measures to build affordable landed homes for the younger generation.
“Various house sizes at affordable prices are offered, and if converted to our currency, prices are below RM100,000.”
He said the current practice of allowing developers to provide basic amenities at housing areas had contributed to the hike in house prices.
To reduce costs, he said the government could take over construction of such facilities in addition to providing subsidies for building materials.
“At the same time, there is also a need to reduce red tape as this has also contributed to higher construction costs, causing developers to inflate their selling prices,” he added.
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