41.   But banks have their reasons for being reluctant to commit more money to the property sector.

42.   But the local property sector experienced little recovery when sales surged for the first time in March since the financial crisis hit last October.

43.   But, he said, the government was encouraging loans to productive sectors, while discouraging loans for the property sector and activities such as consumer spending.

44.   But this will require a balancing act that involves improving the lax credit approval system which led to excess lending to the property sector in the first place.

45.   Commenting on the property sector, Lee pointedout that property sector has had it so good for so long and the time hasnow come for a consolidation.

46.   Credit is supposed to be channelled to the productive sectors while lending to the broad property sector and for the purchase of shares is to be curtailed sharply.

47.   Dealers said the higher interest rates would be a further blow to the key property sector as loans would be costlier.

48.   Dealers said fears had been revived that the weak property sector may have future defaults.

49.   DEPUTY Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Azmi Khalid yesterday urged small construction companies and developers to merge to remain competitive and to synergise the property sector.

50.   DESPITE the slowdown in the property sector, developer Sunrise Bhd noted a continued favourable response to its projects.