Property and Investment Deal 2001 (PAID) is the first property fair to have the support and participation of the House Buyers Association (HBA)

Organised by Messe Lingk (M) Sdn Bhd, the PAID 2001 roadshow was launched by last Friday by Deputy Housing and Local Government Minister Senator Datuk M..Kayveas at Subang Parade.

Messe Link chief executive officer Elson Moey said the participation of the HBA will help to check on the quality of housing developers, which in turn will promote the confidence of the potential visitors.

"Having the HBA with us will also add to our image as a responsible event organiser who has interest in the welfare of our vistiors who may also be customers," he said.

"Besides promoting home ownership, it is good to let housebuyers know their rights and who they can turn to should they need help later.

"This will help protect their investments as well as improve the standards of our developers."

The HBA, registered last year and officially launched by Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Seri Ong Ka Ting, will conduct a series of talks aimed at educating the public on their rights as home purchasers.

While property firms dominate as participants of PAID2001, the name of the event indicates that visitors will get to find out more than just property investments alone.

"Besides properties, we are also featuring other investment options as well as property-related aspects like cost-effective interior designing and home renovation," said Moey.

Does Moey think that the possible economic slow down will affect the success of PAID 2001?

"Not at all, because we are promoting what is essential to consumers, as well as savings for them," he said.

"In the case of property, purchasers with tight budgets will now look at investments that are affordable and give higher value for money, and at PAID 2001, we aim to give them these choices.

"As for savings, we are featuring such innovative products as the Intell power-saving deveice that will reduce electricity costs for consumers."

Another reason for the expected success of PAID 2001 is its roadshow itinerary which will see it  travel to different parts of the Klang Valley.

After its initial launch at Subang Parade, its future venues are The Mall, in KL from May 9 to 13; Bukit Bintang Plaza from June 6 to June 10, Alam Sentral in Shah Alam from June 27 to July1, The Atria in Damansara Jaya from July 4 to 8; and Ampang Point Shopping Centre from July 11 to 15.

It will culminate at the Putra World Trade Centre from July 27 to 29.

"By having the roadshow, we are making it convenient for the public to come and check out the show a tthe location nearest to them," said Moey.

Besides its association with the HBA and major media partners including The Malay Mail and NST Property Times, PAID 2001 is set to attract large crowds at all the featured venues with its aggressive marketing plan.