Thousands have taken to the streets.
The “Turun Anwar” protests flooded Kuala Lumpur, signaling rising dissatisfaction over inflation, subsidy cuts, and distrust in government reforms. But as a property investor or expat — this isn’t just politics. This is a signal.
Here’s your no-BS investor breakdown on what this means and how to navigate it.
1. Political Instability = Investor Uncertainty = Slower Transaction Speeds
When mass protests hit headlines, it triggers investor anxiety. Locals delay buying. Foreign buyers pause. Developers get cautious.
Use this pause to negotiate.
What to do:
- Start lowballing secondary market listings — especially in politically sensitive hotspots (KL, Selangor).
- Focus on motivated sellers: divorce, migration, fire sales.
- Use tools like Speedhome or PropertyGuru with filtering features to spot stale listings.
2. The Ringgit Might Drop — Again
Political instability often weakens the MYR. That’s bad for imports… but great for foreign buyers and expats with foreign currency.
What to do:
- If you’re holding SGD, USD, or EUR — this is discount season.
- Look at MM2H-approved properties with flexible financing options.
- Tools to monitor forex impact:
3. Watch Bank Negara’s Next Move: It Affects Your Loan Strategy
If protests escalate, Bank Negara may freeze or ease rate hikes to stabilize sentiment.
What to do:
- Refinance high-interest mortgages if BNM drops rates.
- Check offers from banks via iMoney.my to compare loan packages fast.
- Lock fixed rates if you think instability will cause inflation later.
4. Focus on “Safe Haven” Neighborhoods
During political and economic uncertainty, not all locations suffer equally.
What to do:
- Prioritize townships with:
- Strong expat demand (Mont Kiara, Bangsar, Desa ParkCity)
- Walkable lifestyle access
- Security and private amenities
Pro tip: Use Brickz.my to view actual transacted prices — not asking prices.
5. Use the News Cycle to Your Advantage
Unrest fuels FUD (fear, uncertainty, doubt) — but that’s when seasoned investors quietly make moves.
What to do:
- Use news spikes to push urgency during negotiations:
“With all the uncertainty, I need to move fast — can we agree on a quick close at RMX?” - Track political and legal updates with:
Final Thought: Turmoil Breeds Transfer of Wealth
While many panic — the calm accumulate. The protests won’t last forever. But the decisions you make during these moments of unrest can set you up for years.
Get sharp. Get strategic. Act when others stall.
