More young people settling down in Ipoh

THE scorching sun did not stop people from venturing outdoors during the Chinese New Year celebrations.

Besides visiting relatives and friends, the people also thronged restaurants and coffeeshops.

Never mind that prices of food and drinks have gone up.

People are more than willing to queue up for food.

I was made to understand that Ipoh folk or Perakians are willing to spend on things that are deemed “not wasteful” and that food is one of those things.

Another equally important item is property, especially houses.

So, it is not surprising that the Chinese New Year season is a good time to shop for properties.

In Ipoh, people have been thronging show units to check the various types of properties available for investment.

The not-so-good economic outlook locally and internationally does not seem to be a deterrent when people see a good investment.

In fact, I heard of an emerging trend of young people opting to settle down in Ipoh — buying their own property and getting married.

I personally know of three cases.

One couple in their late 20’s returned to Ipoh to work after graduating from a private university in Kuala Lumpur a few years ago.

The man, who works in a bank, told me recently that he had met his first target after graduation — a good job, a car, a house and got married by the age of 30.

In fact, he said he made it two years earlier as he was 28 when he got married last year.

He told me that he probably would not have been able to achieve his target that fast if he was to stay and work in Kuala Lumpur.

“I can see about eight clients a day because I do not spend too much time stuck in traffic jam.

“I probably would only be able to see two to three clients if I am based in Kuala Lumpur or Petaling Jaya,” he said.

Another case is a man in his early 30’s who chose to stay and work in Ipoh.

A master’s degree holder in business administration, he chose Ipoh after having studied and worked in Kuala Lumpur and UK for almost a decade.

I was made to understand that he feels he could achieve more in work and life in a less stressful environment.

He also bought a double storey-link house in Ipoh for about RM400,000 recently.

He would have to pay three times the price for a similar unit in Kuala Lumpur.

I believe many people, including youngsters, are giving priority to quality of life as well.

Overcrowded cities and high cost of living have made it increasingly difficult for the people to sustain a comfortable lifestyle.

A fast pace and hectic lifestyle should never be mistaken for career advancement.

And the so-called “lured by the city lights” in the 80’s where youngsters just packed their bags and headed to Kuala Lumpur to make a living is now a thing of the past.

I have another friend who chose to settle down in Ipoh after working a few years in Singapore.

“I had to keep chasing for things, like getting my own house and I never seemed to achieve my target,” he recalled.

In their early 30’s, he and his wife havebought an apartment in Ipoh and are now focusing on their career and starting a family.

The younger generation’s choice to settle down in Ipoh or even other parts of the state definitely augurs well for the state.

In fact, there are already many signs of development and progress in the state, from expensive food outlets, commercial centres to modern residential areas, including upmarket condominiums and exclusive landed properties in a gated and guarded community.

BY FOONG PEK YEE, thestar.com.my