Malaysia | Foreign Exchange | Quo Vadis, Ringgit! Facts And Evolutions

Forex Currency Charts: Exchange Rates Malaysian Ringgit Against Major Currencies Published By Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM)

Since beginning of this year, I started to have interest in foreign exchange market when a deal involving a foreigner purchase of landed property. Investor Forum Business Daily | Exchange Rates History| Malaysian Ringgit versus US Dollar. That was the time I started my monitoring.

A glass could be half full or half empty. Depending on how you view it. For us as investors we would like to look from the perspective of how turn the tides around with data. As history been mentioned, Malaysia started to pegged the ringgit against greenback (US dollar) in September 1998. For a duration of 7 years till July 2005 the ringgit was pegged at the psychological threshold of RM3.8000-to-a-dollar. Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) did the capital control during Asian financial crisis (AFC). 

Fast forward exactly 10 years after lifted the peg, the Malaysian ringgit went above the 3.8000 threshold again and that happened during last two weeks. Are we in for another financial crisis (again)? What is your opinion? Trying to connect the dots. The local note was also traded lower against other major currencies except the Euro (refers to the graph) during the one year snapshot. At the closing last Friday (24 July 2015), the Interbank Foreign Exchange Market in Kuala Lumpur recorded 3.8080/3.8100 .

This is your opportunity to invest in Penang. Apparently with current scenario, foreigners might want to invest their hard earned money here. Malaysia has initiated her Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) program with various incentives. MM2Home | MM2H Forum Expat Malaysia| MM2H requirements | MM2H news. Recently a group of 6,000 tourists from China under their company trips made their way to Penang and Langkawi Island. It was reported 3,000 tourists spent their holidays in Penang while the other 3,000 tourists spent theirs in Langkawi Island located north of Penang Island.

George Town Festival 2015 (GTF 2015) celebration in the month of August. As part of George Town inscription on 7 July 2009 as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the #GTF2015 will features arts, culture, heritage and community events to celebrate throughout the festive month. This is another opportunity to get to know Penang better. Previous year events: UNESCO World Heritage | Month-long celebration at George Town Festival 2013.

Malaysian Secondary Property Exhibition (MASPEX2015) Penang Edition is around the corner: Penang MASPEX 2015 Reboot In Queensbay Mall from 13 Aug 2015 to 16 Aug 2015. This is the 3rd edition for Malaysian Secondary Property Exhibition (MASPEX). It's expect to showcase more than 6,000 properties covering Penang Island and its mainland secondary (sub-sale) market properties. There will be property talks' sessions to cater for buyers to enhance their knowledge on status updates for Affordable Housing in Penang and Penang's infrastructure projects with their impacts on Penang Property Hotspots.

Reference: Penang Capital Investments 1QFY2015 In One Easy Step (Infographic)

Boldly go. LLAP

This report is been compiled by VULCAN INTERNATIONAL Real Estate Research Institute http://VulcanResearch.blogspot.com for VULCAN INTERNATIONAL Real Estate Investors Club http://VulcanInternational.blogspot.com .

#VulcanInternational could be contacted at +6 016 451 1321 .

You're welcome to write your constructive comment below.

Malaysia | Penang MASPEX 2015 Reboot In Queensbay Mall | Sub-sale properties

After Penang Star Property Fair 2015 which is mainly targets on primary market with new launches, #MASPEX2015 (Penang edition) will be kicking of at Queensbay Mall on 13 Aug 2015 to 16 Aug 2015. Previous two MASPEXes namely #MASPEX2013 and #MASPEX2014 be held at Penang Times Square. 

This is the 3rd edition for Malaysian Secondary Property Exhibition (MASPEX). It's expect to showcase more than 6,000 properties covering Penang Island and its mainland secondary (sub-sale) market properties. There will be property talks' sessions to cater for buyers to enhance their knowledge on status updates for Affordable Housing in Penang and Penang's infrastructure projects with their impacts on Penang Property Hotspots.

It will covers various type of property such as houses, condominiums, apartments, SOHO, offices, factories, warehouses during this four-day event.

Link to MASPEX 2014: Malaysia | MASPEX Penang 2014 | The Pictography

Link to MASPEX 2013: MASPEX Malaysia 2013 | Penang Property | MIEA | Facts and figures about Malaysian Secondary Property Exhibition

Boldly go. LLAP

This report is been compiled by VULCAN INTERNATIONAL Real Estate Research Institute http://VulcanResearch.blogspot.com for VULCAN INTERNATIONAL Real Estate Investors Club http://VulcanInternational.blogspot.com .

#VulcanInternational could be contacted at +6 016 451 1321 .

You're welcome to write your constructive comment below.

Star Property Fair 2015 | A closer look at it

Another year, another property fair for Star Property Fair. This year Star Property Fair 2015 is in its 14th running series with more than 40 property exhibitors is currently underway at Gurney Plaza and G Hotel, Penang, Malaysia from 9 July 2015 to 12 July 2015.

As of last year, Eco World Development Group (EcoWorld) again been primely features at the gallery of Level 2, G Hotel while BSG Property and Ivory Properties Group been lucidly on display at the atrium of Gurney Plaza and IJM Land along with Asia Green been anchored fort at its new wing. Projects showcased is estimated with Gross Development Value (GDV) of RM40bil. 

Eco World Development Group (EcoWorld) has its maiden project in Penang, the Eco Terraces in Paya Terubong on displayed with its huge land of 12.79 acres for this project development. It is said only 30% of the land been developed to cater for its masterpiece of 33-storey tower block containing 333 lifestyle contemporary residences.

Tropicana Corporation Berhad joint ventured with Ivory Properties showcase its Tropicana Bay Residences, the 1st phase of Penang WorldCity. The WorldCity project is a freehold development in Bayan Bay's area.

BSG Property showcase Mira Residence at Tanjung Bungah, Middleton at Minden Heights, Oakridge near Queensbay Mall and Granito@Permail.

Jesselton Villas that been offered by Berjaya Land Development Sdn Bhd is a conceptualize freehold bungalow lots where discerning buyers able to build their dream homes on the purchase bungalow plots sit next to the prestigious Penang Turf Club.

IJM Land showcase their award winning The Light Waterfront Collections. It has fully scale model been displayed at their booth.

Mah Sing Group, lifestyle master developer at Batu Maung showcase their Southbay City, Legenda@Southbay, The Loft@Southbay, Southbay Plaza and Ferringhi Residence.

Asia Green Group showcase The Clovers and QuayWest Residence. They're the developer for Asia Hills bungalows in Bukit Gambier, Hilltop Villas in Batu Ferringhi, Asia Heights in Air Itam and Mandarin Quarter in Butterworth.

Other property developers that also have their respective showcase are Iconic Land Sdn Bhd, Tambun Indah, MTT Properties & Development Sdn Bhd, Tropicana Macalister (Penang) Sdn Bhd, Nusmetro City Sdn Bhd, Trimension Properties Group and Ideal Group.

The icing on the cake is Property Talk that is currently going on till this Sunday. The objectives as of Property Talk is to keep you abreast and arm you with information of what is currently going on specifically in Penang's real estate properties outlook and generally covers other finesse overseas market of the like Australian properties and UK properties during this four days event.

BSG Property showcase Mira Residence at Tanjung Bungah, Middleton at Minden Heights, Oakridge near Queensbay Mall and Granito@Permail.

Asia Green Group showcase The Clovers and QuayWest Residence.

IJM Land showcase their award winning The Light Waterfront Collections.

Eco World Development Group (EcoWorld) Gallery.

Mah Sing Group, lifestyle master developer at Batu Maung showcase their Southbay City, Legenda@Southbay, The Loft@Southbay, Southbay Plaza and Ferringhi Residence.

Property Talk session is going on.

Link to 2014 Star Property Fair: Star Property Fair 2014

Link to 2013 Star Property Fair: Stylish Living Property Fair 2013

Link to 2012 Star Property Fair: Penang Property | Star Property Fair 2012

Link to 2011 Star Property Fair: Penang Property Fair | Star Property Fair 2011

Boldly go. LLAP

This report is been compiled by VULCAN INTERNATIONAL Real Estate Research Institute http://VulcanResearch.blogspot.com for VULCAN INTERNATIONAL Real Estate Investors Club http://VulcanInternational.blogspot.com .

#VulcanInternational could be contacted at +6 016 451 1321 .

You're welcome to write your constructive comment below.

Malaysia | investPenang | Penang Capital Investments 1QFY2015 In One Easy Step (Infographic)

How is Penang Capital Investments' achieved during 1st Quarter FY15?

Penang Capital Investments 1st Quarter FY2015 has been reported to come in 2nd place as compare to other states in Malaysia with approved investments of RM2.9 billion (based on local and foreign investments which accounted for 8.6% in overall country's investments). 

It was behind Johor State which captured a staggering investment of RM26 billion of same quarter, according to figures that been released by Malaysian Investment Development Authority (Mida).

Penang State just published their result for its first quarter performance in their Key Performance Index (KPI) on capital investments elaborated further that 88% of the state investments came from electrical and electronics (E&E) sector. Countries that top foreign investors in Penang were the United States, China, The Netherlands, Singapore and Germany. For the year 2014, investments main source contribution were from E&E and biomedical sectors. In this particular aspect, NEPCON Malaysia trade show will be one of the catalyst in promoting the electrical and electronics (E&E) sector. It's said to be one the popular platform in dealing with new products and services launching related to electrical and electronics.

For year 2014 updates, Penang State came in 3rd with a total of RM8.16 billion, behind Johor (RM21 billion) and Sarawak (RM9.6 billion). For more details report refer to Malaysia | investPenang | Penang State's Capital Investments From 2010-2014.

[Infographic: Malaysia | Penang Capital Investment 2010-2015]

Boldly go. LLAP

This report is been compiled by VULCAN INTERNATIONAL Real Estate Research Institute http://VulcanResearch.blogspot.com for VULCAN INTERNATIONAL Real Estate Investors Club http://VulcanInternational.blogspot.com .

#VulcanInternational could be contacted at +6 016 451 1321 .

You're welcome to write your constructive comment below.

Apartment Penang | MM2H | BayStar Condominium For Sale/Rent

BayStar Condominium is a luxury condo and currently the only one in Bayan Indah, Bayan Bay area that is of freehold in tenure as compared to Summerton Condominium, Gold Coast Resort Condominium, Putra Place and Putra Marine Condominium. It was built by CP Lands, a subsidiary of CP Group developer in Penang. CP Mall Sdn. Bhd. is 'the white knight' for Queensbay Mall mega project. In 2010, CapitaMalls Asia acquired Queensbay Mall in Penang for about RM658.3 million (S$275.6 million).

The BayStar Condominium comprises two blocks namely Block A and Block B which is 11-storey each on a piece of freehold land with land area of 3.69 acres. Total density is 160 units which facing sea view and Queensbay Mall's view.

Facilities included 24-hour security surveillance, intercom system and key card access, infinity swimming pool and wading pool (refer to picture attached), children's playground, fully equipped gymnasium, all-purpose hall, visitor's lounge with free wifi access (refer to picture attached). 

For Sale: BayStar Condominium (High floor)

Bedroom: 3

Bathroom: 3

Build Up: 1560 sq ft

Parking Bay: 2

Condition: Renovated and fully furnished

Remark: The BayStar Condo is walking distance (of 5 minutes) to Queensbay Mall, Penang.

BayStar Condominium is a luxury condo

Visitor's lounge with free wifi access

Infinity swimming pool and wading pool

Home For Sale Video: Vulcan International REIC's Video: BayStar Condo For Sale

The pictures in this video is been intended for "Home For Sale." If you're interested with the home please do contact: Mr Vulcan Lau, mobile: +6 016 451 1321 to further your intention. Alternatively this home will be available for rent subject to owner's consent.

Boldly go. LLAP

Interested buyer please contact Mr Vulcan Lau, mobile no.: +6 016 451 1321 | #VulcanInternational

Note: If you've factories/warehouses/lands/commercial buildings/condominiums/apartments/houses/homes to sell/let or intent to buy/rent one, do call Mr Vulcan Lau +6 016 451 1321 . We will match the buyer/tenant or seller/landlord for you from our MLS.

You're welcome to write your constructive comment below.

Commercial Bungalow That Meet Your Business Needs

This bungalow is situated at strategic location of Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah (formerly known as Northam Road, Penang aka Millionaire's Row in Penang). This real estate property is in commercial zoning.

Currently available for rent (to let) is the two storey bungalow with large compound fronting Jalan Sultan Ahmand Shah and the specification as stated below:

Built-up : approx. 4,000 sq ft

Land area : 13,250 sq ft

Tenure : Freehold

Parking space: 10 cars

Location : Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah, 10050 Penang MALAYSIA

The bungalow was sold by me in 2012. With multi-storey carpark behind (under construction), the site is good for banking, insurance company, telecommunication headquarters like Maxis, Digi who want their strong present in upper class residential and prominent neighbourhoods.

Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah is highly dense area that been populated by mansions, The Northam All Suite Penang, condominiums, skyscrapers with its seafront neighbourhood housing some rich philanthropists. The Wawasan Open University is also located along the road.

Boldly go. LLAP

Interested tenant please contact Mr Vulcan Lau, mobile no.: +6 016 451 1321 | #VulcanInternational

Note: If you've factory/warehouse/land/commercial building/condominium/house to sell/let or intent to buy/rent one, do call Mr Vulcan Lau +6 016 451 1321 . We will match the buyer/tenant or seller/landlord for you from our MLS.

You're welcome to write your constructive comment below.

Malaysia | Penang Property | Tanjung Bungah | Botany Bay | Luxury Residence | Open For Booking

Nested within Tanjung Bungah precinct this upcoming exclusive resort luxury residence is a desire to be owned. The Botany Bay Super Condominium is set at the hills of Tanjung Bungah and commands pristine view. It consists of 47 homes within a green oasis of 3.3 acres and open for sale.

It's a free hold property and consists of 2 blocks with low density units: block A has 6 units per floor whilst block B has 4 units per floor. Number of storeys is 5. Build up ranges from 2,760 sq ft to 6,246 sq ft and it has 3-tier security equips with CCTV.

Features include (1)A desirable address in Tanjung Bungah, (2)Hill-backed sea view homes, (3)A gated and guarded community, (4)Private lift lobbies opening to sea views, (5)Lifestyle facilities at your doorstep, (6)Eco-friendly homes with Green Building Index(GBI) status. To know more refer to: What is Green Building Index? section

Within proximity of travel is 10 minutes to Batu Ferringhi with its famous beaches and Shangri-La's Rasa Sayang Resort, 15 minutes to Gurney Drive where you'll be enticed by its famous hawker stalls that operate in the evening, Gurney Paragon, and 20 minutes to Georgetown. It's only 6 minutes drive to Dalat International School.

Booking fees is RM20,000 for Standard units, RM30,000 for Garden units and RM40,000 for Penthouse units. With favourable Exchange Rates | Malaysian Ringgit versus US Dollar, this is definitely good investment for Malaysia My 2nd Home(MM2H) expatriate.

There is an exclusive preview on 4th and 5th April 2015(this coming weekend) at G Hotel, Gurney. (Level 1, Salon II) Time: 1pm to 5pm.

Interested please contact Mr Vulcan Lau , mobile no.: +6 016 451 1321 for the exclusive preview by invitation.

Boldly go. LLAP #VulcanInternational

Note: If you've factory/warehouse/land/commercial building/condominium/house to sell/let or intent to buy/rent one, do call Mr Vulcan Lau +6 016 451 1321 . We will match the buyer/tenant or seller/landlord for you from our MLS.

You're welcome to write your constructive comment below.

Malaysia | investPenang | Penang State's Capital Investments From 2010-2014

It was reported recently that Penang State recorded RM8.16 billion in investments last year which is more than double as compared to 2013. The investments contribution mainly from its electrical and electronics(E&E) sector as well as biomedical sector.

Of the total RM8.16 billion in capital investments, RM5.11 billion are said from foreign direct investments (FDIs) last year which domestic investments contributed RM3.05 billion. For comparison, the state’s FDI only totalled RM1.79 billion as recorded in 2013.

Refering to figures released by Malaysian Industrial Development Authority (#Mida), Penang’s ranking position in bringing in investments went up to third place last year as compared to fourth placing in 2013 among all other states in Malaysia.

In 2014, Penang is ranked right behind Johor and Sarawak, which recorded RM21 billion and RM9.6 billion in total investments respectively.

The infographic shows the flow of total capital investment for Penang for year 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014 (quinquennial snapshot) is RM36.78 billion.

The negative percentage indicates that relatively to a year before, the total capital investment value is lower as compare to its previous year. Vice-versa, positive percentage indicates that year is better in total capital investment performance versus the immediate previous year.

The crux of the matter is that every year there's investment(in billion) done by Penang State.

PS: For year 2012, the figure RM2.47 billion is without the inclusion of RM2.90 billion from Northern Corridor Investment Authority(NCIA). If included it was then be RM5.37 billion.

It's good to see that Penang has its mid term and long term investments been pursued as whatever investment by Penang State will normally take 3-5 years before been implemented or might not come to fruition. Example, the result of Penang's Total Capital Investments for 2015 might come to reality in 2018.

As for long term, Penang's Information Technology Business Process Outsourcing(IT-BPO) is under framework of 10 years to materialize: http://vulcanresearch.blogspot.com/2014/10/malaysia-investment-investpenang-psdc_18.html

Sources from the following reports:

http://www.malaysia-today.net/penang-no-1-in-malaysia-in-manufacturing-investment-for-the-2nd-consecutive-year-in-2011/

http://penangcatcentre.my/whats-up-details.s7f.aspx

http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/guan-eng-penang-2011-investment-at-rm10b-beats-target

http://www.thestar.com.my/News/Nation/2013/03/26/Penang-received-RM54bil-last-year-says-state-investment-body/

http://penangmonthly.com/penangs-manufacturing-future/

http://www.themalaymailonline.com/money/article/penang-records-rm8b-in-investments-last-year-more-than-double-2013

Boldly go. LLAP

This report is been compiled by VULCAN INT'L Real Estate Research Institute www.VulcanResearch.blogspot.com for VULCAN INTERNATIONAL Real Estate Investors Club http://www.vulcaninternational.blogspot.com .

#VulcanInternational could be contacted at +6 016 451 1321 .

You're welcome to write your constructive comment below.

Penang New Landmark | MM2H | Second Penang Bridge | Sultan Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah Bridge

1 April 2014: Latest news update...The rate for Class 1 vehicles at the second Penang bridge(Sultan Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah Bridge) link is RM8.50 which is 21.4% higher, and this would not help to reduce traffic congestion on Penang Bridge. There is no 20% discount for Touch N' Go card users unlike the Penang Bridge.

Touch N' Go card which allowed Penangnites to enjoy a RM5.60 special rate if they bought the card at the Penang Bridge office over in mainland. Only Penangnites will be entitled to the 20% rebate using Touch N' Go card and motorists must produce their MyKad at the bridge's counter next to the toll plaza as proof of their address. Other car drivers have to pay RM7.

_______________________________________________________________________

The iconic 2nd Penang bridge link has been official opened on 1-March-2014 and operator that managed the bridge is Jambatan Kedua Sdn Bhd(#JKSB). The official name for the second Penang bridge is Sultan Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah Bridge and been identified as E28[dual carriageway toll bridge in Penang, Malaysia]. 

The 24km(15miles) long link, which spans 16.9km(10.5miles) over the water, is said to be the longest bridge in South East Asia. The construction took six years to complete with the construction cost of RM4.5billion. By comparison, the first Penang bridge is 13.5km(8.4miles) long and was opened to public use in 1985. Distance from Batu Kawan interchange to the first Penang bridge toll plaza at Prai is 12km(7.5miles) whilst distance from Batu Maung interchange to the first Penang Bridge interchange in Gelugor is 8.5km(5.3miles). 

It's a paid bridge [similar with 1st Penang bridge] and the chargeable quantum rate is not prevail yet as of this writing. At the moment, the 2nd Penang bridge is free for public use till 31-March-2014. As for the toll rate to Bandar Cassia where the second Penang bridge located, Class 1 vehicles, from Juru toll to Bandar Cassia is RM1.40, RM0.50 (from Bukit Tambun), RM1.40 (from Jawi), RM15.40 (from Ipoh Utara) and RM41.90 (from Jalan Duta).

It serves as a development influx and catalyst for economic growth for south Seberang Prai(#SPS). Future establishment will be #IKEA, Hull University. Moving forward, Penang third link serves as a development influx and catalyst for economic growth for north Seberang Prai(#SPU). Refer to One Penang, Two halves, Three links...what is it for me as investor/developer?

http://www.vulcaninternational.blogspot.com/2013/11/malaysia-penang-2013-blueprint.html 

For more details on the 2nd Penang bridge refer to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sultan_Abdul_Halim_Muadzam_Shah_Bridge

Word of caution: Although the second Penang bridge is exempted from payment as of now, you still need to scan your Touch-N-Go card at Bandar Cassia toll booth [or get cash card] before exit otherwise you'll encounter scanning issue when you reach Juru toll or other NSE toll booths. 

The second Penang bridge scenaries as I'm driving along it:

Ramp up to second Penang bridge from Gelugor.

Mid span view of second Penang bridge.

Mid span view from a distance.

Bandar Cassia toll booth (direction from Penang Island).

This article has been written by VULCAN INT'L Real Estate Research Institutehttp://www.vulcanresearch.blogspot.com for VULCAN INTERNATIONAL Real Estate Investors Club http://www.vulcaninternational.blogspot.com .

VulcanInternational could be contacted at +6 016 451 1321 .

You're welcome to write your constructive comment below.

Malaysia Property Bubble | Penang Property | Property Guru Forum |Ringgit Exchange Rate, RPGT Trend: Where're we heading from here?

A week ago, our local newspaper mentioned that our neighbour, Thailand has been in recession mode. The indicative way of measuring as yardstick is GDP(Gross Domestic Product). It was mentioned that the country has been twice consecutively performing below its GDP forecasted numbers.

On our home front, last week we saw the weakening of ringgit which is noted to be at its three-year-low against the greenback(US dollar). The ringgit lost as much as 0.4% to 3.272 per US dollar, it's weakest since June 2010 and predicts by analysts that ringgit could soften to 3.3 against greenback over the next six months. As at noon yesterday, ringgit had slid about 8.17% year-to-date against the greenback to 3.33 per dollar.

The Star newspaper article also mentioned that our students in UK and their parents are having to work harder to counter the weakening of ringgit as ringgit has also slid against the British pound, the euro and most major currencies. 

On the contrary it was mentioned that it's not all bad news though as inbound tour operators and exporters are laughing their way to bank. Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents(MATTA) vice-president (inbound) Tan Kok Liang said it would now be cheaper for foreigners to come to Malaysia with their increase spending power.

Federation of Malaysian Manufacturer(FMM) president Tan Sri Yong Poh Kon said Malaysian goods would be more competitively priced aboard. Exporters will benefit as they will earn a higher revenue for the same amount of goods sold previously.

Is Real Property Gains Tax (RPGT) in Malaysia in the rising trend? It seems to be happening. As we can see from the data on below, the RPGT rate has been increased progressively by government from 0% to 5%, 10% and 15%, in year 2010, 2012 and 2013, respectively. Will there be another incremental coming this Budget 2014 tabling? 

RPGT was one of the government's initiative that had a big and immediate impact on curbing housing speculation. 

In order to ensure the sustainable housing delivery system, the RPGT was reintroduced in 2010(see table below) to curb speculation and prevent the housing market from overheating.

However, reference to the House Price Index by National Property Information Centre(NAPIC) showed that in 2011 and 2012 the house price index recorded the highest increase for the last five years especially in Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Pahang, Sabah, Perak and Terengganu.

Property flipper or short-term investor must be cautious on the rising RPGT. You may want to take (as per Real Property Gain Tax Act 1976) into your consideration, meaning 15% tax will be imposed on chargeable property gain for disposal within first two years as of year 2013. 

Will there be property bubble or rather property correction moving forward? While we're in this conundrum, developers seem to do stockpile on their land bank.

Vulcan Salute: Live Long And Prosper

This article has been written by VULCAN INT'L Real Estate Research Institute http://www.vulcanresearch.blogspot.com for VULCAN INTERNATIONAL Real Estate Investors Club http://www.vulcaninternational.blogspot.com .

VulcanInternational could be contacted at +6 016 451 1321 .

You're welcome to write your constructive comment below.

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