nhk's daisuka azima reports. >> reporter: malaysians have watched the economy boom. it expanded by 5.6% in 2012 and imf analysts predict similar growth this year. across the capital city, there is a frenzy of construction. buyers are snapping up penthouses at record prices, even before they are built. consumption is up, despite a 10,000 hike in prices over the last decade. and the healthy economy is encouraging malaysians to buy. >> translator: i plan to spend about $170 on clothes today. >> translator: the economy is developing because clothes are getting more expensive. >> reporter: despite economic growth, there are still plenty of people who feel aggrieved. mohammed is an ethnic malay. he works as a motorcycle courier. he says the policy hasn't helped him because he has no political connections. he earns 560 u.s. dollars a month. his wife works as well, bringing the total household income up to $1,000. that's 60% the national average. he always dreamed of buying a home for his family, but rising prices have put a damper on his plans. >> translator: people like me