HSBC Bank Malaysia Bhd is working closely with several property developers in Johor to promote the ''Malaysia - My Second Home'' scheme.

HSBC Bank area manager south Mohd Ali Mohd Tahir said the bank was looking to Johor’s close proximity to Singapore to attract buyers from the republic. In addition, it was targeting expatriates who were interested in owning a home in Malaysia.

''We believe that as the second most developed state in Malaysia, Johor has the potential to attract foreign house buyers,'' Ali told StarBiz after the opening of a business conference-cum-exhibition .’

Some 500 clients and business associates of the bank from Johor and Singapore attended the event, which carried the themed ''Malaysia Business Unusual''.

''Johor Baru will always remain the first choice among house buyers from Singapore due to the traditional links between the two neighbours,'' said Ali.

He said Johor, where a good number of international companies had operating, should also be able to attract expatriates to invest in houses locally.

Ali said the bank had opened a new outlet in Batu Pahat on July 15, bringing its total number of branches in Johor to four.

The other three outlets are in Bukit Timbalan (the main branch), Taman Molek and Muar.

Source : The Star   22/7/2004