Brace Yourselves, Budget 2016 is Coming

The year has no doubt been tough on Malaysians. From the introduction of GST to the recent toll hikes; everything seems to be rising except the average worker’s wage.

Couple the internal slams with external influences like the drop in Ringgit value and the haze; and you’re left a definite recipe for grumpiness. What is there really to look forward to?

Better News in Budget 2016?

It seems that whatever bad news we could receive has already hit us. There should only be moving up from this point, no?

If we wanted to be optimistic, we could assume that vantage point and predict that with all the ‘bad news’ out of the way, what’s left must certainly be goodies for one and all.

However, if our Prime Minister’s
recent speech is anything to go by
; we might be taking a bit too optimistic an approach.

“In a few days’ time, I will have a difficult budget to present. One of the most difficult, especially since the price of oil has slumped.”

He continued by delineating the usefulness of GST in plugging this gap in government revenue despite it’s unpopularity with the populace. We aren’t mind readers, but it won’t be far of a stretch to guess that we won’t be seeing the end of GST anytime soon.

He said without GST, only 1 in 10 Malaysians paid tax. This, he added, would not be feasible for the country’s economy, and the government would not be able to continue providing affordable services to the public.

So, it’s a difficult budget for the powers-that-be to table: what does that mean to the
rakyat
?

What Can We Expect?

In previous years, it was much easier
for us to predict within a reasonable margin of error; the kind of announcements the Budget would bring
 but this year seems particularly difficult.

Most government mouthpieces have been keeping mum on the topic for the most part but it could be due to the difficulty the PM mentions above. The
only clue they’ve given us
 is that the budget will be ‘People Centric’ and will aim to “help low and middle-income groups cope with inflation and rising cost of living.”

Some of the issues that are set to directly affect the average
rakyat’s
 pocket and should in some way be dealt with, are as follows.

1)
Cash aids
. The government has thus far made no announcement discontinuing the cash aid BR1M. There should be more information during the announcement on whether the disbursements will continue and at what number.

2)
GST Collections
. This has been assured on many
news articles that the government will be announcing the details of GST
 collected thus far. If you’re interested to know; stay tuned.

With effect from June 1, 2018, the
GST charges
 of 6% will be reduced to zero as per government directive.

3)
Affordable housing
. Many quarters have been calling for more affordable housing to be made available to Malaysians. In
an earlier mentioned report
; Deputy Finance Minister Datuk Chua Tee Yong said:

“The ministry will continue to look into how to assist or promote affordable housing as we realise there is a huge demand for it. “However, everything would have to be balanced according to our fiscal (health),”

4)
Better jobs for the B40 group
: The
PM announced on his blog
 that the Budget will be sure to consider initiatives to help the Bottom 40% (B40) of Malaysians who make up the lower income group by helping the find better jobs via skills and productivity training to increase their quality of life.

Reuters had some suggestions on what may be tackled as well
. The news agency presented a few of what they believe to be the likely issues dominating the announcement on Friday.

Ready or Not: It’s Coming

Whether or not we predict favourable news, unfavourable news or a pretty much fortification of the status quo: Budget 2016 will be announced this Friday, 23rd October.

Analysts have had their say
; the Press has had theirs; and the people were allowed to give recommendations ahead of the tabling on the PM’s site for that purpose but at the end of the day – will any of this matter?

We’ll just have to wait and see.

What did you want to see in Budget 2016? Let us know in the comments.

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Diana Chai

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BigPay Redesigns App To Offer Fresh New Look, Improved Navigation

BigPay has upgraded its app with a fresh look that aims to provide users with a cleaner design, improved navigation, and better access to key features of the app. It is BigPay’s first app redesign since its roll-out back in 2018.

On its website, BigPay detailed out the various changes that users can expect to encounter when using the revamped app, starting with the home screen. Specifically, the home screen has been rearranged so that you can instantly see your BigPay card balance as well as the total amount that you’ve saved in your
Sta
shes
, a goal-based savings feature that was introduced back in 2022. Meanwhile, your profile and DuitNow QR scanner can be accessed from the top left and right corner, respectively.

As you scroll further down the home screen, you’ll also see quick links that provide easier access to features like DuitNow, International Transfer, and more. You’ll also see a list of your most recent transactions, as well as ongoing promotions and new updates. BigPay also introduced a new floating navigation bar at the bottom that does not obstruct your view as you scroll through the home screen.

Aside from the home screen, BigPay has updated the look of the Explore, Rewards, and Account pages as well. Explore now features clearer content grouping and labelling, while Rewards display all your earned cashback and points, as well as available exclusive deals so that you can view everything at a glance. Your  Account page, meanwhile, is where you can check your profile info or make setting changes.

Finally, the Analytics and Transaction History pages have been revamped as well, with Analytics now able to give you a quick summary of your total worth, spending behaviour, and outstanding amount. The Transaction History page, meanwhile, provides you with the full list of previous transactions that you’ve carried out thus far.

BigPay stated that this redesign was carried out to “empower you on your financial journey”, essentially “giving you the power to manage your money anywhere”. To view the refreshed design, you’ll need to update your BigPay app to the latest version (version 2.68.1). At present, you’re still able to revert back to the old design if you prefer, but it’s not certain if BigPay will eventually remove this option.

(Source:
BigPay
)

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Alex Cheong Pui Yin

Alex Cheong Pui Yin

Previously covered recruitment-related stories and had a short stint as a copywriter for the property industry. She subsequently developed an interest in investment and robo-advisors.

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4 Things You Should Buy After Christmas

Christmas has come and gone but it you think that is the end of your shopping sprees; you’d probably be wrong. You see, the weeks leading up to the ‘big day’, you would’ve spent all your time buying gifts and party dresses for all those Christmas ‘do’s. But now that it’s all over; as the tinsel confetti settles; retailers everywhere find themselves stuck with a horde of Christmassy items which they stockpiled and sold at premium before the 25th. They now need to unload all these Yuletide goodies to make way for the red dragons and pussy willows of Chinese New Year.

Whilst some things can be kept til next Christmas; most would be hopelessly out of date. They need to sell it so that means a great time for you to stock up on gifts or usable items for the whole year. We may not have boxing-day sales in Malaysia; but you can be sure the following goodies are going to be marked down to go!

Christmas Decorations

So you’re probably reading this going “Why the heck would I buy decorations
after
 Christmas?” I’ll tell you why, dear readers: It’s because a 50-70% discount on what would once have been designer tree ornaments and tapestries is not to be scoffed at. Tree deco doesn’t go out of style (no matter what the malls would have you think) so stocking up on deco now for next year is a super idea for your wallet. And you will be able to own some really pretty things. Almost every store selling deco will be marking down their deco items. Metrojaya and Parkson are known to middle class Christmas shoppers for their pretty, quality deco which is usually sold for a song after Christmas.

Of course, not every deal is worth your while: A real live tree at 80% off AFTER Christmas?? We’re not sure why anyone would bother but if you’ve little else to do with your money and want a tree for the next 10 days until Three Kings Day (the day, in the first week of Jan when Christians are supposed to remove their trees); you can now get them at a super price.

Sparkly Party Wear

Christmas is the time when many imported brands will unveil collections filled with sumptuous velvets; heavy sequins and beading; as well as a tonne of glitter. It’s the only time a year we get to dress just like our trees and get away with it. But such finery is suited to any other time of the year so expect to see slashes of discounts from 20-50% on glittery party wear in many international brand boutiques.

If you haven’t bought a party dress for New Year’s Eve or simply like wearing your bling all year round; there is no better time to get your loudest party dresses. In fact, why not save them for next year? Classic velvet dresses never really go out of style; though you might be a little sweaty in our climate in them!

Christmas Gift Packs

Before Christmas, every toiletry store in town from the Body Shop to Loccitane would have released ‘special’ gift packs just for Christmas. Whilst some are generic and could really be sold all year round; it wouldn’t do a retailer’s reputation good to sell the same gift packs two years in a row. But that doesn’t mean you can’t give them as gifts throughout the year for birthdays and such. Gift packs will be marked down atleast 20% and are good value as you can even take them out of their packaging and use them yourself! Hey, a gift for you isn’t such a bad idea – since you do work so hard!

Check out online stores and pretty much every boutique with special Christmas gift packs to see what special deals you can grab.

Christmas Themed Food

Christmas is the time for mince pies, puddings, luxury chocolates, pannetones and sweet breads. But some of this can be truly ridiculously priced before the 25th. But after the 25th, perishables like food have a short sell-by date and the festive looking wrapping will not help retailers sell the now outdated items. Hence, this is the perfect time to buy those sinful treats you couldn’t justify at regular prices!

Expect markdowns of at least 20% with the discount climbing with every passing day as shops rush to prevent losses on the stock. Of course, take note of these use-by dates and eat up your goodies before you end up absorbing the wastage cost!

If you haven’t had the time to go shopping before Christmas, it looks like you’re actually in luck! Christmas shopping now is so much better for your wallet then before. In fact, now that you know, why not start a new tradition of giving Christmas gifts in January? You’ll save a tonne and your recipient will get something you probably wouldn’t have been able to afford earlier!

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Standard Chartered Revises Privilege$aver Bonus Interest From February 2022

Come 1 February 2022, Standard Chartered is revising the bonus interest rates that can be earned via the Save and Spend categories in its Privilege$aver campaign, bringing the total interest that can be earned down from 4.30% p.a. to 4.15% p.a.. This is on top of a separate amendment to the earning requirements of the Invest/Insure category, and the introduction of a special offer for new Privilege$aver customers.

Firstly, Standard Chartered is reducing the bonus interest rates for its Save and Spend categories from 0.75% p.a. to 0.70% p.a. This means you’ll now earn 0.05% p.a. less under the Save category, and 0.10% p.a. less under the Spend category (0.05% for both debit and credit card spend, respectively).

Additionally, the bank is also increasing the minimum amount that you must invest in unit trust, or the minimum annual premium/contribution value insurance that must be purchased in order to be eligible for the 2.00% bonus interest earned under Invest/Insure. Currently, it is set at a minimum of RM30,000, but from February onwards the minimum amount will increase to RM40,000.

Here’s a table to better capture the breakdown of the changes, in comparison with the current rate and requirements:

Category
Existing earning requirement
Earning requirement after 1 February
Existing interest rate
Interest rate after 1 February
Base interest
–
–
0.05% p.a.
0.05% p.a.
Save
Single deposit of minimum RM3,000 in fresh funds
Single deposit of minimum RM3,000 in fresh funds
0.75% p.a.
0.70% p.a.
Spend
 (i) Credit card
Minimum spend of RM1,000
Minimum spend of RM1,000
0.75% p.a.
0.70% p.a.
(ii) Debit card
Minimum 5 transactions per month
Minimum 5 transactions per month
0.75% p.a.
0.70% p.a.
Invest/Insure
(i) Minimum RM30,000 investment in unit trust, or   (ii) RM30,000 annual premium in insurance products
(i) Minimum RM40,000 investment in unit trust, or   (ii) RM40,000 annual premium in insurance products
2.00% p.a.
2.00% p.a.
Total

4.30% p.a.
4.15% p.a.

Aside from these changes, Standard Chartered is also introducing an additional offer for new current and savings account customers, including those who sign up for the Privilege$aver campaign. Under this special offer, new-to-bank customers who maintain a monthly average of RM10,000 in their accounts will enjoy another bonus rate of 0.70% p.a. (capped at a maximum of RM100,000) – applicable for three months upon the opening of the account.

In other words, if you’re a new Privilege$aver customer who ticks all of the eligibility criteria mentioned above starting from 1 February, you will be entitled to earn 4.85% p.a. for the first three months. After that, the interest earned will lessen to the revised 4.15% p.a..

(Image: Global Business Outlook)

Over the last two years, Standard Chartered’s Privilege$aver campaign has seen several revisions that brought its
once-high rate of 6% p.a.
 to the
current 4.30% p.a.
. Despite the reduced interest rates, however, it is expected to remain as one of the
best high-interest savings accounts
 in Malaysia, given that it continues to offer rates that exceed 4.00% p.a..

Standard Chartered’s Privilege$aver also provides perks such as unlimited fee waivers for withdrawals at all MEPS automated teller machines (ATMs) nationwide (subject to a minimum deposit of RM1,500 in fresh fund during the month), and unlimited free instant interbank fund transfers.

(Source:
Standard Chartered
)

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Alex Cheong Pui Yin

Alex Cheong Pui Yin

Previously covered recruitment-related stories and had a short stint as a copywriter for the property industry. She subsequently developed an interest in investment and robo-advisors.

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Maybank: Secure2u On MAE App Only Way To Approve Transactions Starting From 1 July

Maybank has announced that starting from 1 July 2023, customers will be required to use Secure2u to approve all their transactions – whether made through the Maybank2u website or app, or the MAE by Maybank2u (MAE) app. This comes as the bank continues to forge ahead to complete its migration from SMS one-time passwords (OTPs) to its preferred transaction authentication method.

Additionally, Maybank said that it is fully moving its Secure2u feature to the MAE app on 1 July, so that there will only be one single point of authorisation moving forward. This is as compared to the current situation where customers who recently activated Secure2u are accessing the feature from the newer MAE app (as
Secure2u activations have been moved to the MAE app in September 2022
), while those who activated the feature much earlier on the Maybank2u app are still using it from the older platform.

With this, Maybank customers who are still using Secure2u on the Maybank2u mobile banking app will need to download the MAE app and activate Secure2u on the new app, or else they will not be able to authorise any of their online transactions. If you need guidance on how to do so, here’s a detailed video guide from Maybank to help you out:

In a statement, Maybank commented that this consolidation of its Secure2u feature is necessary to offer enhanced online banking security as it will minimise the possibility of a customer’s online banking details being compromised. Customers are also urged to constantly update their MAE app to ensure that they can always benefit from the latest security improvements introduced by the bank.

For those who are unfamiliar with
Maybank’s Secure2u
, the feature has actually been around for a while as it was introduced all the way back in 2017. While Maybank has been taking steps to encourage customers’ adoption of the feature all this time, major strides were really only made recently following
Bank Negara Malaysia’s (BNM) directive for banks to beef up their online banking security
. It is essentially described as a “safer and more convenient way to authorise transactions”, where you’ll receive a push notification from your mobile banking app to approve or reject a payment.

Aside from Secure2u, other security measures that have also been rolled out by Maybank thus far include the introduction of the one-account-one-device limitation – where customers are only allowed to tie their MAE account to only one device – and the implementation of a 12-hour cooling period for any new Secure2u activations. On top of that, Maybank also launched a
Kill Switch feature
 that allows customers to temporarily deactivate their Maybank2u access and block their credit card usage if they feel that their online banking details have been compromised.

(Sources: Maybank [
1
,
2
],
The Star
)

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About THE AUTHOR

Alex Cheong Pui Yin

Alex Cheong Pui Yin

Previously covered recruitment-related stories and had a short stint as a copywriter for the property industry. She subsequently developed an interest in investment and robo-advisors.

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Broadband Internet 101: How To Choose A Service Provider

Access to the Internet is a
basic human right
, from shopping to socialising, it has brought about a huge change in the way we operate and share knowledge – there is no pride with being just
“an analog guy in a digital world”.

A fast internet plan is definitely a need in our day and age, but how do you choose from so many Internet Service Providers in Malaysia? There is a few ways we could break down your options, by identifying what kind of customer you are, and tell you the most suitable broadband plan to fit your needs, but first…

What is broadband internet?

It’s worthwhile to educate yourself about the differences between the types of internet service available. “
Broadband internet
” in general is a blanket term for all always-on internet connections: ADSL, fibre optics networks, and wireless options such as WiMax and 4G LTE.

The average Malaysian consumer may have no idea of the differences between the main three broadband technologies, because really, most people are only concerned about the end result – you’re still getting your daily fix of cat videos aren’t you?

While it is true that all can provide you with high-speed connection, they are very distinct products and their differences could determine what you use to access the internet at home. Let’s take a look.

ADSL

ADSL stands for
A
symmetric
D
igital
 S
ubscriber
L
ine service. It is called asymmetric because the download and upload speeds are different, with downloads always being faster.

This may be the oldest broadband technology out of the bunch, but it may be the most economical choice for the average user. Like your old 56k dial-up connection, it utilises existing copper phone lines but with an additional filter fitted into the telephone socket so internet and telephone can be used at the same time – all that means really is that it’s easier to install and set up!

Fibre (FTTH)

Your fibre-to-the-home (FTTH) connection shouldn’t even break a sweat when downloading and uploading huge amounts of data such as high quality video and music files. Your copper lines are replaced with fibre optic cables, which are more stable and comes without any disruptions under almost any weather conditions – with that said, fibre internet is generally more expensive.

If you wish to have fibre internet in your apartment or condominium in Malaysia, its likely that you will have to settle for a halfway house solution, with fibre cables connected from the ground to the base of your condominium, and copper lines all the way to your modem – there might be minor speed degradation, but it shouldn’t affect your all too much.

Most fibre broadband plans in Malaysia come with a wireless router, also known as a residential gateway.

Wireless (WiMax/4G LTE)

If you’re someone who mostly uses the Internet on the go on multiple devices, or simply don’t want to deal with a tangle of cables and wires, a wireless connection can prove to be very useful.

With wireless broadband you can have the option for prepaid plans, plus a shorter contract period (12 months) or no contract at all. Usually, this type of connection won’t be as fast, but with the availability of WiMax, or the more commonly adopted
4G LTE
 offers speeds similar to those of some fibre broadband plans.

Is you area even covered?

Even if you have decided on the type of internet connection you want for you home, you will have to make sure that your area is covered by an ISP – even
Google Fiber
 is only available in only 3 states in America!

At present, you won’t be able to get broadband internet in every part of Malaysia, especially if in smaller towns in Sabah or Sarawak – but things are looking up, with Malaysia recently coming in second in the world for
broadband penetration
.

On the ISPs
official

website
, you will be able to search the availability of their internet services, even allowing you to narrow down your search to specific condominiums and office spaces.

How much speed do you actually need?

Your internet connection speed is usually measured in megabits per second (Mbps). But as someone who has used the computer for more than 5 minutes, you’ve probably heard the words “megabits” and “megabytes” being thrown around, but what is the difference?

A big difference – eight times the size, in fact. You see, there are eight bits in a byte, so a megabyte will contain eight megabits. For example, if you want to download a file 20 megabytes (MB) in size with you 20Mbps connection, it won’t take 1 second, but 8 x 1 second in theory.

But we all know where I’m getting to here –
 the more bytes you can download per second, the faster the connection.

So let’s get away from all this maths and look at the 3 types of internet users out there, all with differing needs:

Light User (1Mbps – 3Mbps)

A typical example would be your not-so-tech-savvy parents, who occasionally check their emails, read the news, and watch a video or two online throughout the day, but nothing more.

These types of users can settle for a moderate fast ADSL connection, say up to 3Mbps – you can always upgrade to a faster plan if you feel held-back.

Moderate User (5Mbps – 10Mbps)

If you’re a social media addict, constantly pushing out tweets, checking your Facebook feed, listen to music online, and occasionally do some light online gaming, you’d probably want to a faster ADSL or fibre optic internet connection for the house.

Heavy User (more than 10Mbps)

You’re a heavy user if you spend a good chunk of your day on the internet, browsing, downloading, and streaming HD video onto your home computer.

If your work requires lots of research and collaboration online, or for a large family of internet fanatics, a super fast fibre or LTE connection would be an ideal purchase.

But as we know all too well, the real achievable speed can be lower than what is claimed on paper. It is advisable to check with friends to find out if an ISP provides good sevice.

If you wish to gauge your current internet speed, you can use the popular
Speedtest.net
 by Ookla – you can give your ISP a star rating and share your results with others online.

How much data do you use a month?

Most service providers in Malaysia do not have fiber broadband quotas, allowing you to have unlimited downloads and uploads. However, ADSL and Wireless broadband services in Malaysia usually have capped data usage and are typically much cheaper, some even below RM100 a month.

In order to figure out how much data allowance is suitable you’ll need to consider once again the type of internet user you are, and how many people are in your household -remember that any device, whether it’s a smartphone, tablet or game console, these devices will contribute to data usage.

Below are some popular services and their corresponding data usage:

Facebook

With the average size of a webpage being just over 1MB, you generally do not have to worry about data caps if you mostly spend your time on social media sites.

Skype

Making high quality video calls can suck up to 3.75MB per minute, amounting to 225MB per hour.

Youtube

Streaming videos with the quality settings at 480p can use around 250MB per hour. That amount will spike once you enable HD quality.

Spotify

Listening to music can use between 50MB to 150MB per hour depending on the quality, plus an additional 10 to 50MB per hour for the peer-to-peer network running in the background.

What other things should you consider?

Usually, people tend to overlook customer service. It’s only when we encounter network problems, modem issues, and payment inconveniences that we start to see the importance. Ask around about other people’s experiences with their internet service provider.

Additionally, you should consider other fees and charges such as relocation, upgrade, and early cancellation fees – these can set you back RM100s at a time!

Check out our
home broadband comparison tool
 so you can decide which is the best plan to suit your needs.

Have an opinion about the best broadband plan in Malaysia? Perhaps a word or two about their customer service? Write in the comments below!

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    rachel frampton

    3 years ago

I just recently moved into my new apartment, and I’m currently looking for an internet service provider. The broadband internet connection seems like a good choice because as stated here it can offer high-speed connections. Also, you’ve mentioned here that it is also the most economical choice for an average user like me.

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New Allianz Cancer Protect Provides Coverage In Malaysia And Overseas

(Image:
Woah
)

Allianz Malaysia Berhad (Allianz Malaysia) has launched a new product called Allianz Cancer Protect, which gives you the option of choosing to receive an overseas medical treatment benefit of up to USD4 million.

There are two types of coverage under the Allianz Cancer Protect Policy: Coverage A and Coverage B. Coverage A is straightforward – if you are diagnosed with cancer, 200% of your insured amount will be payable upon approval of your claim.

If you opt for Coverage B, you will get 100% of your insured amount upon diagnosis and approval of your claim. Then, you have 36 months to get a second medical opinion and decide between receiving the additional 100% of the insured amount, or activating the Overseas Medical Treatment Benefit. Depending on what plan you are on, the Overseas Medical Treatment Benefit’s overall limit can range from USD1 million to USD4 million.

Both Coverage A and Coverage B have four plans with different insured amounts: Plan 125 (RM125,000), Plan 250 (RM250,000), Plan 375 (RM375,000), and Plan 500 (RM500,000).

Allianz Malaysia Bhd CEO Zakri Mohd Khir said that having options when seeking medical treatment is crucial and Allianz Cancer Protect lets patients choose the type of coverage that suits them best.

“As insurers, it is our responsibility to cushion Malaysians against financial risks posed by an unexpected illness,” said Zakri. “With this product, we hope to give Malaysians the power to choose how they can fight cancer and provide the financial means to do it.”

Allianz Cancer Protect is available to policyholders aged from 15 days to 75 years old. For more information, visit the official page of
Allianz Cancer Protect
.

 (Source:
The Malaysian Reserve
)

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Zalora Begins Offering Electronics And Baby Supplies As Items For Sale

Fashion e-commerce platform Zalora has expanded its offerings to include several new non-fashion-related categories. Among the latest to be added is electronics as well as baby supplies.

Parked under the
Zmart
 tab, you can find products such as cameras, mobile phones and tablets, gaming and entertainment devices, computer accessories, and even kitchen appliances under the new
Electronics
 section, which covers a wide range of popular brands such as Apple, Huawei, Sony, Marshall, Razer, Logitech, and more. That said, the available stock for products in the electronic category appears to be limited; most show only one item in stock.

Meanwhile, the
Baby Supplies
 section covers a wide range of products from baby milk and food products, baby toys, personal care, and even gear such as strollers and carriers.

Interestingly, almost all items under the Electronics and Baby Supplies sections are listed as non-exchangeable and non-refundable items. In other words, Zalora’s
flexible 30-day free return policy
, which applies to most of their fashion products, is not valid for these items. You will likely need to liaise with the merchants instead of Zalora if the purchased items are faulty.

Additionally, like other products listed in Zmart, the products are classified as non-sale items, which means that they are excluded from voucher codes and other discounts. In most cases, though, you will still be entitled to free shipping when you spend a minimum of RM99 with each seller.

Zalora is widely known as the leading e-commerce platform for fashion products in Malaysia, but following the movement control order (MCO) in the country, it quickly adapted to offer a wider variety of items such as
groceries
 and
essential supplies
 to meet its customers’ needs. These can all be found under the
Zmart
 tab, which covers all the non-fashion or beauty items available on the platform.

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About THE AUTHOR

Alex Cheong Pui Yin

Alex Cheong Pui Yin

Previously covered recruitment-related stories and had a short stint as a copywriter for the property industry. She subsequently developed an interest in investment and robo-advisors.

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What Happens When You Don't Pay Your Income Tax?

Even though you might not like the hassle of filing and paying your taxes, it’s definitely a hang-up you’ll need to get over soon because when the taxman comes knocking, you’re likely to be in a lot of hot water.

Here’s what you need to know about missing tax payments:

Do You Need To Pay Taxes?

If your income level falls within the
taxable level
 (generally RM34,001 per year after EPF), then yes, you will need to at least file your taxes. The good news is that depending on your allowable deductions or rebates, you might in fact pay very little or none at all. But it still remains that you file a tax return in any case.

If you are unsure about whether or not you need to file taxes, which is sometimes the case for individuals with special circumstances, for instance, freelance workers, small e-Commerce businesses or the self-employed, do pay the Internal Revenue Board of Malaysia (IRBM) a visit. A tax officer can answer your queries and clear confusions about your tax file. If you are unable to make the trip, do write in with the specifics of your case and ask for advice.

Why File Taxes?

Apart from the penalties you will face, which we will cover below, filing and paying your taxes is good from a financing viability standpoint. Banks have a clearer indication of your legal income through your tax returns.

For those who are self-employed or working freelance, filing your taxes can show your profitability and income level, which might improve your position when applying for loans.

What Can Realistically Happen If You Fail to File and Pay Your Taxes?

Tax evaders may face jail time as it is against the law to dodge your responsibility. According to the Income Tax Act of 1967, “Failure (without reasonable excuse) to furnish an Income Tax Return Form” can result in fines of RM200 to RM2,000, imprisonment or both. Notice though, that if you have a reasonable excuse, you may be spared.

On the other hand, “Willfully and with intent to evade or assist any other person to evade tax” carries a much more severe penalty with fines of RM1,000 to RM20,000, imprisonment or both, plus 300% of the amount undercharged. Tax evasion in this context refers to non-payments and underpayment of taxes owed.

In addition, an “attempt to leave the country without payment of tax” will also result in fines of RM200 to RM2,000, imprisonment or both.

As you can see, not filing and paying taxes can carry rather unfavourable outcomes, thus it is in your best interest to file on time and accurately at that – understating income or giving incorrect information can also carry penalties!

Making Late Payments

Paying taxes after the specified date, typically on the 30th of April for individuals and the 30th of June for businesses can result in penalties.

Here you may be subject to a 10% increment of the tax payable and if you fail to make payment within 60 days, expect an additional 5% increment of that balance.

Note that there is no jail time for late payments, so do pay your taxes even if it is a little tardy as the penalties are less severe than if you were to not pay at all.

Can You Appeal for A Lesser Sentence?

If you have a reasonable excuse for your lateness, non-filing or non-payment, you can try to make an appeal in writing within 30 days from the date of the notice you’ve received. Proceed to make payment first as your appeal gets sorted, you may receive a refund later on if successful.

Unfortunately though, ignorance is not a proper defence and whether or not your appeal is granted depends on the IRBM’s assessment.

Did you know that you may claim tax relief for life insurance premiums paid? So if you don’t already have a life policy in place, you might want to consider getting one to maximise your reliefs and enjoy coverage. Visit our
comparison page
 for help choosing a plan that is right for you.

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Experience Vibrant Weekends When Living At Residensi Bintang Bukit Jalil

Among the many successful property developers in Malaysia is LBS Bina. Established in the 1960s, LBS Bina has built an outstanding track record winning awards for residential and commercial properties, townships, and leadership. One of their recent developments, Residensi Bintang Bukit Jalil, has also won its fair share of awards since its inception, such as The Skyline Award from StarProperty Awards 2019, The Best Mid End Condo/Apartment Development (Klang Valley) from PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards 2019, and The Creative Space Award from StarProperty Awards 2020.

Residensi Bintang Bukit Jalil sits central within a renowned township, complete with education, shopping, and lifestyle destinations. Part of what makes Residensi Bintang Bukit Jalil so special is its offering of over 90 facilities. If you love making each moment of your life an exciting one, perhaps Residensi Bintang Bukit Jalil can be your next home.

Let’s explore what weekends can look like for you if you were to become a resident of Residensi Bintang Bukit Jalil.

Living in Residensi Bintang Bukit Jalil offers a vibrant lifestyle that’s full of possibilities. If you want to take things slow and focus on your inner peace, the yoga deck, meditation deck, and sauna can offer you room to rest and reflect. If you’re into fast-paced sports, perhaps the basketball area, futsal court, or gymnasium is where you’d rather be. Children can enjoy themselves over a game of hopscotch or bowling while the elders can stretch their muscles over at the reflexology path or taichi deck.

If you’re interested to dive deeper into what Residensi Bintang Bukit Jalil offers, click here to take a more in-depth look at the condominiums.

You’ll find eight layout types available at Residensi Bintang Bukit Jalil, with condominiums ranging from 802 sq ft to 1,710 sq ft, as well as penthouses that size up to 2,259 sq ft. The condominiums offer 2 to 4 bedrooms, making it suitable for single individuals as well as families.

Click here
 to book your unit or to learn more about Residensi Bintang Bukit Jalil.

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Money Questions to Ask Your Partner before Marriage

Why We Have to Talk About Money

In an
interview
 with a local new site, psychiatrist Dr Sumeet Kaur cited financial troubles as the main cause of marriage breakdowns in Malaysia.

This should certainly be reason enough to get on the same financial page before heading into wedded bliss.

But what exactly should you discuss? Get the conversation started on these five essential money matters:

1. Financial Goals

Personal goals may differ between spouses– you may want to own a home within the next two years and your future spouse may plan on investing in a new business. It’s best to discuss what your goals are, how it will affect the other person and what steps to take to make it happen.

It’s possible that some goals will have to take a back seat due to insufficient funds. Thus, it’s good to know where you’re headed in the next few years. Being on the same page can be the most effective way to achieve your money goals and limit roadblocks down the line.

2. Prior, Current and New Debt

You don’t just marry the person; you also marry his or her debt. Yes, your credit card debt and loan arrears can be a burden on the shoulders of your future spouse.

In addition, it’s important to discuss your credit status as well; have either of you been declared or are currently bankrupt? If yes, this can negatively affect future loan applications and credit scores. On the other hand, if both spouses are financially healthy, higher loan amounts as well as more favourable financing terms will be easier to obtain.

You might also want to discuss the possibly of incurring new debt – especially if you plan to give your spouse a supplementary credit card for instance. Note that the primary cardholder will be liable for charges on both cards, so it’s necessary that each spouse understands the implications.

3. Money Commitments

Some people have recurring financial commitments for family or side businesses in place that need to be reviewed before marriage.

For instance, if you are paying for your parents’ medical bills and your spouse is funding education expenses for his or her siblings – you’ll need to look into how you can continue doing so or if compromises need to be made.

It’s also possible for spouses keep their finances separate in some areas – this happens when both are earning. However, when one earns less than the other or is not working at all, the single income becomes stretched and prior commitments will need to be re-examined.

4. Living Arrangements

If you both own a home, it’s unlikely you’ll remain living separately after marriage. So you’ll need to decide what to do with your property – should one of it be sold off or rented? What will be done with the proceeds from the sale or rent?

Do also discuss the way in which household bills are to be managed, for instance, how you will share in the payment of utilities, etc.

Find a solution that benefits both sides equally and prepare to engage in a little give-and-take if disputes arise.

5. Savings

This is one of the most important discussions for two-income households – do you keep your money separate or merge everything? One option worth considering is for spouses to hold both personal and
joint savings accounts
.

Use a personal account to accumulate earnings and a joint savings account as an accessible avenue for both spouses to use for household expenses and other bills.

No one way is right and you’ll have to talk about it to see what works for you –couples have found success by merging all incoming funds into one account while others prefer to remain somewhat independent, stocking away personal earnings in a separate account.

Learning more about your future spouse’s as well as your own money habits is the first positive step as you move forward and start planning your life together as a married couple.

Saying “I Do” to a Joint Savings Account? Then let us help you find one with high-interests and awesome rewards through our
comparison page
!

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Malaysia Airlines Will Resume Flights To Sabah And Sarawak, Starts This Week

(
Article updated on 16 April 2020 to include MAS link.
)

Malaysia Airlines (MAS) has agreed to resume flight services between Kuala Lumpur and Kuching, Miri, and Kota Kinabalu starting this week, as announced by Transport Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong. Each route will be offered once a week, although MAS may increase the frequency depending on demand.

Additionally, the national carrier’s subsidiary, MASwings Sdn Bhd, will also be back in service to provide connecting flights between Miri and Bintulu, Kuching and Sibu, and Sibu and Bintulu.

This comes after the Minister of Sarawak State Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah commented that the Sarawak state government had urged for flights to be resumed between East and West Malaysia during the movement control order (MCO) period. The country’s three airlines – MAS, AirAsia, and Malindo Air – had grounded most of their fleets and temporarily suspended flights since last month. They had also decided to cancel all flights to Sarawak until 30 April 2020.

(Image: The Star)

In reply, Wee clarified that the Transport Ministry had not instructed any of the airlines to halt their operations to Sabah and Sarawak. Instead, the decision was made independently by the airline companies to cope with the drop in travel demand due to the Covid-19 pandemic and cross-border travel restrictions.

“The ministry, however, has requested that MAS and AirAsia reconsider their decisions and to ensure flights to Sabah and Sarawak remain in operation,” said Wee.

In the same
statement
, Wee also emphasised that MAS’ cargo services, especially those carrying essential needs such as food and medical needs to Sarawak, have not been suspended during the MCO period.

“Cargo flight services will continue to operate for the Kuala Lumpur-Kuching-Kuala Lumpur; Kuala Lumpur-Kota Kinabalu-Kuala Lumpur; and Kuala Lumpur-Labuan-Kuala Lumpur routes three times a week,” said Wee.

You can head on over to
MAS’ website
 to check out the availability and schedule of the weekly flights.

(Sources:
Malay Mail
,
New Straits Times
)

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About THE AUTHOR

Alex Cheong Pui Yin

Alex Cheong Pui Yin

Previously covered recruitment-related stories and had a short stint as a copywriter for the property industry. She subsequently developed an interest in investment and robo-advisors.

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CIMB Savings Circle

CIMB Savings Circle

CIMB is  running an exciting
‘CIMB Savings Circle’
 contest from now until 10
th
 March 2013. The contest is open to all CIMB Bank & CIMB Islamic Savings Accounts, Savings Account-I, Current Accounts and Current Accounts-I (except foreign currency current account).

To enter the contest, you need to be a Facebook user and “Like” the
CIMB Malaysia Facebook
 page. Registration is done via a Facebook app.

You can start collecting points by depositing cash, using your CIMB Debit MasterCard or adding more friends to your circle. The more your circle spends and deposits, the higher chances your circle will have at winning the RM500,000 prize!

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CIMB To Allow Only One Registered Device For Authentication From End-October 2022

CIMB has said that it will begin implementing a security measure to allow only one registered device for banking activity authentication via its CIMB Clicks app, effective end of October 2022. This is in accordance with Bank Negara Malaysia’s (BNM) recent directive for banks to adopt additional safeguards in their fight against financial scams.

In a statement, CIMB said that this new security measure will apply to all new and existing users who download or re-install the CIMB Clicks app; they will only be able to register a single device to use the app and its SecureTAC authorisation feature. This registered device will also be the only one to be paired to a CIMB Clicks ID at any one time. This is as opposed to the current practice, where users can activate SecureTAC on a maximum of two devices, and log in to a maximum of two devices with their CIMB Clicks ID.

Meanwhile, if you’re an existing user who currently have two registered devices, you’ll be included in a migration exercise to a single device, which is set to be completed by March 2023. The exercise will be carried out in phases to allow customers sufficient time to adapt. Post-migration, any customers who have more than one device registered for authentication will see CIMB automatically deactivating any non-primary registered devices on their CIMB Clicks account.

If you prefer, you can also proactively review your CIMB Clicks settings to deactivate any non-primary devices before being prompted by the bank during the migration exercise. To do so, simply follow these steps:

Log into CIMB Clicks using your primary device used for banking.

Tap on the “Settings” tile on the home screen, followed by “Other Registered Device”.

Swipe left on the device name that you wish to remove, tap on “Delete”, and confirm the instruction.

An SMS notification will be sent to you to inform you of the update.

Chief executive officer of group consumer banking for CIMB Group, Samir Gupta said that the implementation of this security measure reflects CIMB’s commitment in protecting its customers against scams. “We understand that this measure may impact some customers who legitimately use more than one device for their mobile banking needs via the CIMB Clicks app. However, we believe that this is the right step as an additional measure to help ensure our customers’ funds and transactions remain secure,” he said.

(Image: The Star)

Customers who have enquiries regarding the implementation of the single registered device security measure can contact CIMB’s Consumer Contact Centre at +603 6204 7788, or visit the
CIMB Clicks website
 for more information.

Additionally, CIMB noted that the implementation of the single registered device security measure marks the bank’s first step in adopting
all five additional measures
 that had been outlined by BNM to combat banking scams. These include introducing a cooling-off period for the enrolment of online banking services and the tightening of fraud detection rules and triggers to block suspected scam transactions. It joins several other banks that have also initiated efforts in
their support for this initiative
, including
Maybank
,
UOB
, and
Public Bank
.

CIMB further urged customers to only download its CIMB Clicks or the new
CIMB OCTO app
 from verified sources in order to avoid being compromised. Those who suspect that their bank details have been compromised should notify the bank immediately, change their account password/PIN, and lodge a police report.

(Source:
CIMB Malaysia
)

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About THE AUTHOR

Alex Cheong Pui Yin

Alex Cheong Pui Yin

Previously covered recruitment-related stories and had a short stint as a copywriter for the property industry. She subsequently developed an interest in investment and robo-advisors.

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Mudah Smoothens Used Car Buying Process With Triple Check System

Mudah.my has partnered with MUV Marketplace to make the used car buying and selling process a breeze with additional services that include car inspection by experts, extended warranty programme, and even financing arrangements.

With this, a Mudah Vehicle Inspection & Protection (mVIP) programme was introduced whereby three main services are provided for buyers. The services are as below:

Verification of car registration and ownership details
Comprehensive inspection of the car
Opportunity for buyers to purchase an extended warranty to protect against future repair costs

Mudah.my’s platform records over 7.5 million monthly visitors and 60,000 cars are currently available for sale. Meanwhile, MUV has a network of trained inspectors who will help generate online reports.

“Understanding the true condition of a used car has been the biggest problem for buyers and sellers. By introducing mVIP, we are creating a transparent and trusted car marketplace by providing an unbiased report on the true condition of the vehicle being bought.

“For even greater peace of mind, we are also able to offer Extended Warranty on the inspected vehicles through the mVIP programme,” said Gaurav Bhasin, CEO of Mudah.my.

Andy Teh, CEO of MUV says, “We are very excited to be working with Mudah.my and provide them with our expertise in used vehicle inspections through our nationwide network of inspection centres and hubs.

“If a seller is not able to come to our centres for inspection purposes, we are also able to send our team directly to his/her doorstep to make the process of buying and selling their used vehicles as convenient as possible.”

“MUV’s 180-point inspection report of vehicles has been used for over RM1.2 billion worth of vehicle transactions on MUV’s online bidding platform. The reports are accepted as the gold standard used by dealers throughout the country to help them trade used vehicles without being physically present to look at the vehicles beforehand”, he continued.

In addition to the programme, Mudah.my and MUV are also looking to offer an end-to-end facilitative service for consumers that will include services such as transfer of ownership, car inspection, and financing arrangements for a fixed fee.

This will further eliminate hassles for car owners who want to sell their cars when they are unfamiliar with the process or when financing is required by the buyers.

For more information, head over
here
 or download the Mudah.my app.

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10 Reasons To Own A Credit Card

Should you get a credit card?

The answer is simple: Yes, if you can pay your bills on time, manage your funds well, take full advantage of all benefits, and most important of all –
actually use the darn thing.

Unsure of which credit card to choose from? Take a look at our
credit card options
. If you’re still on the fence, perhaps it’s best you start with a
debit card.

Before we forget, owning a credit card is also a great way to enjoy exclusive promotions to a variety of merchants and outlets throughout Malaysia. Feel free to browse around in our
promotions section
.

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Grab’s Latest Maybank Bonanza Challenge Offers Up To 2,400 GrabRewards Points To Be Won

Grab and Maybank are back again with another Bonanza Challenge, this time allowing users to win up to 2,400 GrabRewards Points. Ongoing until 14 May 2022, you’ll need to meet two simple conditions – referred to as Milestones – in order to win the full reward.

Under Milestone 1, you’ll earn 600 GrabRewards Points when you link your Maybank2u account to your GrabPay and perform an auto top-up of RM100 for the first time. Following that, hit Milestone 2 by performing another auto top-up valued at RM500 (cumulative amount); this will earn you another 1,800 GrabRewards Points, giving you 2,400 Points in total.

Note that the top-up transaction of RM100 made for Milestone 1 will not contribute to the RM500 top-up required for Milestone 2, which means you’ll need to reload a cumulative amount of RM600 for the whole Bonanza Challenge. Additionally, you
must
 complete Milestone 1 in order to be eligible for Milestone 2, and FPX transactions are not valid for the promo (all top-up transactions must be done automatically via a Maybank2u account linked to GrabPay).

Grab and Maybank further clarified that this campaign is open only to two categories of Grab users: those who have never linked their Maybank2u account to GrabPay before, and those who have previously linked their accounts before, but the link has expired.

Customers who successfully complete the Challenge will be awarded their GrabRewards Points within five working days, provided on a first-come first-served basis. There is a cap of 8,000 redemptions for Milestone 1 throughout the whole campaign period, and a separate limit of 3,500 redemptions for Milestone 2 – so act fast!

Finally, you can view your progress status for the Maybank-Grab Bonanza Challenge on your Grab app at any time; simply tap on the Challenges tile in your Account page to do so.

(Sources:
Maybank
,
Grab
)

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About THE AUTHOR

Alex Cheong Pui Yin

Alex Cheong Pui Yin

Previously covered recruitment-related stories and had a short stint as a copywriter for the property industry. She subsequently developed an interest in investment and robo-advisors.

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Lost Your Cash? Look in These Common Places First!

Have you been noticing some notes and coins going missing? Do you often find yourself groping around for spare change when you acutely remember bringing enough cash out? Fret not as your experience isn’t all that rare. In fact, everyone has probably experienced misplacing money at one time or another.

The next time you think you’ve lost yet another batch of cash, why not try looking in these places where they’re commonly misplaced:

Clothes Pockets

When’s the last time you stuffed some change in your pants or coat pockets after buying something and then promptly forgot about it? Apparently, pockets seem to top the list of places where you can find lost money easily.

A quick trick is to empty out all your pockets before doing your laundry. You’ll be surprised how much you find in there, so much so you can place them all in a Mason jar and use the savings to travel, or treat yourself to a luxurious meal.

In The Sofa or Couch

It’s amazing how some crazy things have found their way into the crevices of couches and sofa chairs. It’s therefore entirely possible that some your cash may have been left on these chairs, and then slowly slipped into the tiny spaces between the cushions and the seats.

So, it’s time to run your hands in these places to see if you’ve left anything of value there.

The Washing Machine

If you’re commonly finding money in your pockets, there’s also a chance that they may have fallen out into the washing machine during the washing process.

Lift the lid of your washing machine and shine a light around, and you’ll have a higher chance of finding that misplaces wad of Ringgit bills.

Your Handbag (or Manbag)

Handbags, sling bags, briefcases and backpacks are a haven for missing money. Money can always find its way to the bottom of the bag, or in zipped compartment where you may have stored it and then forgotten it was there.

There’s a saying that a personal bag can be like a black hole, so it will help if you take all the items out of your bag first before rummaging around as this will prove more effective in locating lost cash.

In Your Car

Drive-throughs, tollbooths, or just your regular bumps on the road can all contribute to your coins and banknotes spilling all over the inside of your car.

Do a thorough digging and you might recover quite some cash stuck in between seat cushions, under the seats, or even in the hinges of the glove compartment.

Behind Pieces of Furniture

Notes and coins placed on cabinets, chest of drawers, beds or any piece of furniture can easily be knocked off or blown off, and find their way underneath or behind these pieces of furniture.

If you would like to find your lost cash, then it’s time to do some shifting and heavy lifting, with some help if possible.

To keep your precious savings safe and not leave them lying around the house where they may go missing, do consider keeping them in a savings account. You can compare the savings account with the best benefits and terms to fit you, right here on our
savings account comparison page
.

Image credits: Orin Zebest’s
photostream
, and Valerie Renee’s
photostream

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Top 10 Malaysian Women’s Clothing Stores For Online Shopping

Shopping online for fashion pieces in Malaysia is getting easier, more reliable and the variety seems to be expanding every year. It is not just the convenience that makes it fun, there is a lot of excitement that comes with receiving that package at the office knowing that your online shopping has arrived. Some even say it is like receiving a present from yourself (which is just as fun as it sounds).

Going online also makes it easier to browse through a tonne of different boutiques and fashion styles, unlike going to a mall that carries a selected range. Here, your reach has less limitations and may be cheaper with these stores having lesser costs as compared to maintaining and renting a brick and mortar store.

Most of these online clothing stores even allow you to make exchanges and return them if it is not up to your expectations, giving you a worry free shopping experience. The next time you feel that a shopping spree is in order, here are the top 10 online Malaysian boutiques that you can browse through.

Naelofar

This is one of the biggest brands in Muslim fashion that has been flying under the radar. Naelofar was started by a young entrepreneur by the name of
Noor Neelofa Mohd
. She started a store specialising in hijabs and has come a long way. The quality of the hijabs sold are generally focused on the higher end market. After a successful hijab apparel empire, the brand expanded into handbags and cosmetics. Towards the end of 2017, the company also launched a Titan X Naelofar watch series for the trendy fashionistas. As of late last year, the company was on track to do a total of RM200 million in sales during 2017.

If you are looking for high-end hijabs that have a quality that is a cut above, the competition has very little to offer compared to the Naelofar range. The khimar hijab prices start at RM69, while the telekung hijab variation goes up to RM350. The Titan X Naelofar watches are not for the faint of heart either. These quality timepieces with fancy Swarovski crystals and cow leather straps start from RM622.65 and looks ever so elegant.

Bear in mind that prices displayed are not including taxes and shipping fees. Once you checkout, these additional charges will be added to your grand total. Postage is done via Poslaju and a quick check on its checkout revealed that a local delivery within West Malaysia would cost approximately RM9 and RM12 for East Malaysia. Naelofar has a strict returns policy of five days for local purchases and charges a processing fee of RM45 for each item.

Sally Fashion

If you would like to stay in style, the Sally Fashion store is constantly adding clothes to its online boutique every day. Their clothing line consists of a variety of tops, dresses, beachwear, office wear and accessories, allowing girls to keep up with the ever-changing fashion world. In this online fashion store, you will find middle range quality products at dirt cheap prices. It is so cheap that you’ll feel like you are almost robbing the store. Most of the clothes range from RM30 to RM50 after online discounts.

Currently, Sally Fashion even provides free delivery for purchases of two items and above for West Malaysia, and minimum purchases of RM150 for East Malaysia. If you are purchasing less than two items, delivery cost for West Malaysia starts from RM6.99 for the first 500 grams and an additional RM3 for every subsequent 500 grams. Delivery to East Malaysia is a little higher as the first 500 grams starts at RM9.99 and costs an additional RM5 for every subsequent 500 grams. Items that are in stock only take up to three days for delivery, and pre-orders take between seven to twelve days.

While their delivery and their vast product range is extremely reasonably priced, be sure to get your measurements right. SallyFashion’s return policy does not allow you to make exchanges due to size mishaps, nor does it make room for colour option mistakes. Bear in mind that any costs of returns will be borne by the customer, including defects. But if you get your size or order wrong, just pass it along to your appreciative siblings or friends instead of letting it go to waste.

Twenty3

If you thought Twent3 was an international brand, then you would be absolutely right. The company has retail stores in Malaysia and has an e-commerce store that sells to the local and international market. It was started by Sherlyn Tan, a Malaysian that graduated from Multimedia University. She has grown the business from outsourcing clothes from Thailand, to designing Twenty3’s own line that has been featured in KL Fashion week 2015 and 2016 and other international media as well.

Twenty3 not only carries the usual work wear, shorts, dresses and tops, the brand even carries a range of bridesmaid dresses and not forgetting its vast Muslim-friendly attire too. The prices typically range from RM109 to RM229 but you may find a few cheaper ones on sale going for RM75. For an international brand and quality, the prices are rather affordable.

On top of the fantastic quality, any local purchases that are RM100 and above enjoys free delivery. Parcels are usually delivered within a two day time frame, but should you need your outfit within the day, there is an additional charge of RM15. While the same day delivery service is only available within the Klang Valley, it is a cool option to have in case you have an outfit emergency that needs solving. And, if you try on any of the outfits and don’t have much love for it, you may return it for free, via Poslaju and get a refund for your clothes.

Kei Mag

Kei Mag caters to the playful young side of your personality. Its key segment falls in evening dresses, play suits and work attire that targets the young and trendy. The clothing line does lean a little more toward dresses, jumpsuits, and classy evening wear, with a few pants and skirt designs. Despite having a limited range, the designs are beautifully crafted and an absolute pleasure to view. In fact, in this very crowded retail space, it is important to have a niche that creates a steady following.

Prices typically range between RM59 to RM139 which is a reasonable range for the designs and quality of the Kei Mag range. Among the many online dress shopping assortments in Malaysia, it finds a perfect middle ground of pretty and classy that is reasonably priced.

All shipping to West Malaysia and East Malaysia is free of charge, as long as you spend more than RM50 and RM80, respectively. For purchases that are less than the required minimum, shipping fees are RM6 for West Malaysia and RM10 for East Malaysia. Given that most of the clothes have a price tag of RM60 and above, you’re almost guaranteed to get free shipping. The company also believes that you should love all your purchases. Should you not like the items for any reason, you may return the unused items for store credit, but will have to bear the postage for the return.

Doublewoot

Doublewoot caters toward a slightly premium range of consumer taste. It has outfits for almost all occasions, be it work, beachwear, outerwear, Chinese New Year and Hari Raya. The company also carries a line for the petite sized people who occasionally have to look into the children’s department when shopping. It also has a range of very fashionable, trendy and practical maternity clothing for different occasions.

The majority of its prices range from RM99 to RM199, while a few of its premium range outfits go up to RM269. Despite the slightly hefty price tag, the clothing line spells out nothing but class. If you are looking to get bridesmaid dresses online, you can be sure that your maid of honour would be happy to put on the variety available.

Purchases throughout Malaysia enjoys free delivery. When purchasing goods at Doublewoot, it is important to note that items on sale, best buy and accessories are not exchangeable. For any other returns, you will be charged a processing fee for each item, amounting to RM5 for West Malaysia and RM6 for East Malaysia. After processing your returns, you will be given store credit after the deduction of the processing fee.

UniqAcces

UniqAcces prides itself in offering the latest and trendiest in the fashion world. However, the shopping variety at UniqAcces leans very much toward gowns and dresses. Its swimwear, office wear and other types of attire can be considered limited. UniqAcces apparel ranges from approximately RM59 to RM499. Based on its appearance and price, it lavish nature seems like the perfect online store for long dresses and gowns.

Free shipping is available for purchases that exceed RM250, but do take note that free shipping is not available on sale items. If you purchase below the RM250 mark, you will only incur a shipping bill of RM7 for West Malaysia and RM11 for East Malaysia.

However, if you are experiencing buyer’s remorse, you could cancel your order within 24 hours before your order has been shipped to attain a full refund. Should you follow through on your order, there is a product quality guarantee to put your mind at ease. According to its returns policy page, it will only provide refunds for clothing defects. Should you have a sizing error, you may swap it for a different size. You would also be required to pay for the return shipping. While their dresses and gowns do look amazing, be
extremely
 sure before you get that dress as there will be no refunds for an expensive dress you do not like. #Nobacksies

Wilka

Katrina Ponnampalam Chia, started Wilka with the philosophy that looking good should not have to come with sacrificing comfort. Wilka’s unique angle focuses on jersey material that is suitable for the Malaysian weather and does not crease. The material also falls well and drapes around one’s figure perfectly. Its designs align perfectly with its philosophy and is suitable for work or play. Its price ranges from RM130 to RM550, targeting the up and coming fashionistas who are dying for that elegant touch, with a little extra to splurge.

While there is no information stated on its website regarding the shipping fees, all will be revealed after you have submitted your details and checkout your items. For shipments to East and West Malaysia, it charges RM10 and additional RM2 handling fee, bringing a grand total to RM12.

It does not have a returns policy stated on its website, but if you wish to know more you could always drop by the store in Bukit Damansara, Kuala Lumpur.

Emcee Couture

Emcee Couture has two lines of clothes. It started out on a blog in 2009 and grew into a full-fledged business within a two year span. After much success, Phoon Mei Chi, the owner of Emcee Couture, ventured into bridal wear in 2015. The brand has ready made outfits and ones that can be made to order. It specialises in evening gowns, prom dresses, bridesmaid outfits, and of course bridal gowns. It does feature a small work attire section on its website but it isn’t populated with plenty of choices.

The average prices range from RM159 to RM799. Of course the more intricate designs like wedding dresses would command a higher price of approximately RM2,800. Despite the heavy price tag, this option is still a must view for your choice in online wedding dresses. You can be rest assured of a beautiful piece and every ringgit spent for that special occasion to be worth it.

While there is no free shipping, it only cost RM6 for deliveries in the peninsular states and RM8.50 for Sabah and Sarawak. The boutique does not allow returns or exchanges, unless the items delivered were produced with a defect. Items accepted under those terms can only be exchanged for another item within the store or be refunded in store credit.

Shoploooh

According to its website, the Shoploooh online store has been operating since 2013 in Batu Pahat, Johor. Its online store carries a small range of tops, rompers, dresses, shoes and accessories. While some crave variety, an online store with a niche allows for repeat customers to come running back to a fashion style they adore. Although not explicitly expressed, the fashion sense here has a touch of Korean stylings embedded into its vibrant designs. The site even has its own little blog section for a few fashion tips on its Korean fashion in Malaysia, playful styles, pulling off oversized t-shirts and festive season attire.

Items in store typically range from RM29 to RM99, which makes it affordable for those who need to constantly update their wardrobe. Orders that exceed RM100 are given free shipping throughout Malaysia. For orders that don’t hit the RM100 mark, you can expect to pay RM7 and RM 12 for West Malaysia and East Malaysia, respectively.

Shoploooh allows product exchanges for items that do not fit but does not allow cash refunds. Should there be any returns, you are given store credit which must be utilised within a 30 day period. Do take note that sale items, innerwear and accessories are not exchangeable, so be sure to pick them out carefully to stick to your budget.

Milktee

From the name itself, it is easy to tell that they main focus was to create t-shirts. Milktee’s t-shirts have an emphasis on simplicity. While the mission may seem plain, the store has some unique designs that would look good on everyone. Well, if you like to make your life simple and retain a sense of style, then this is the perfect online boutique for you.

In the sales corner, you will be able to find tops going for as low as RM20. Milktee has also expanded into shawls, shoes and socks since its inception in 2010. The products featured typically range from RM20 to RM59, which provides good quality and affordable prices. Like most online fashion shopping stores, it provides free shipping for orders that exceeds RM55. If you are below the RM55 minimum, you will have to pay RM5 for shipping.

Purchases are relatively risk free as you may return your items if you are unsatisfied with it for any reason, within a 14 day period. You may attain store credit or a full refund, excluding the shipping fees. But bear in mind, sale items are excluded from their returns policy and once sold, it will be considered final.

Online Vs Retail Stores

It is easy to see why the Malaysian online boutiques are taking out the traditional brick and mortar stores effortlessly. Within an hour, you would have been able to browse through all 10 of these stores at the comfort of your own home, or with the company of your friends at a local cafe if you liked. Big names like the GAP store and even H&M are feeling the pressures of the online competition and are gradually closing stores.

On top of that, experienced online shoppers know the best way to not only save but earn cash is by using the right cashback credit card. Credit cards with online cashback option pays you as you shop online.

Also, you are not only limited to online shopping cashback benefit as cards also comes with other cashback benefits such as dining and groceries too! Find out which is the
best cashback credit card for online shopping
 and make sure that you have the right credit card handy for some online fashion shopping sprees.

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BNM Confirms That Loan Deferment Will Not Affect CCRIS

As part of Bank Negara Malaysia’s announcement of
automatic deferment of loans for individuals and SMEs affected by COVID-19
, the central bank has also moved to assure Malaysians that the deferment will not adversely affect their credit report.

One concern that Malaysians had when the government announced the option for deferment of all bank loans was whether it would adversely affect their Central Credit Reference Information System (CCRIS) records. After all, deferred or restructured financing facilities will be recorded in CCRIS, and will affect a person’s credit report – under normal circumstances, that is.

Given the current economic climate and the “temporary nature of disruptions faced by borrowers/customers”, however, BNM has made an exception for this special moratorium, providing “appropriate time-bound flexibilities” to banking institutions to report deferred or restructured facilities in CCRIS.

This ensures that a borrower’s credit report will not be adversely impacted as banks will note that the deferment of financing facilities during this period is an option provided by BNM and thus, not affect a borrower’s credit report for future application of loans or credit facilities.

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Pang Tun Yau

Pang Tun Yau

A seasoned tech journalist who now focuses on his other passion, Pang is a firm believer in old-school DCA and optimised spending.

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MCC Malaysia Achieves Highest QLASSIC Score In History With The Face 2 Platinum Victory Suites

Construction company MCC Overseas (M) Sdn Bhd (MCC Malaysia) has obtained an 89% Quality Assessment System in Construction (QLASSIC) score for the construction of The Face 2 Platinum Victory Suites. This is the highest rating to have been recorded thus far for high-rise residential developments, ever since the QLASSIC system was first introduced in 2007.

Developed by Platinum Victory Property, The Face 2 Platinum Victory Suites is the second phase of The Face Platinum Suites, and is strategically located on Jalan Sultan Ismail. Completed in July 2022, it is a 51-storey luxury condominium offering a total of 1,025 units, alongside a range of facilities. These include an infinity pool with a 180° view of Kuala Lumpur’s city skyline, as well as a sky lounge with private dining areas.

Managing director of MCC Malaysia, Li An Wei said that the company is pleased to have set this record score as the QLASSIC assessment is not an easy process; it requires strict, rigorous, and meticulous evaluations of over 600 materials and 300 units. Briefly, QLASSIC is a construction industry standard that was introduced by the Construction Industry Development Board Malaysia (CIDB) to evaluate the quality of workmanship for building construction work, as per the requirements of the Construction Industry Standard.

“We have reached this historic milestone with The Face 2 Platinum Victory Suites project thanks to the passion and professionalism the team has demonstrated, and to receive the highest ever QLASSIC score is a testament to the company’s commitment and exemplary pursuit in workmanship quality in building construction,” said Li, adding that the achievement will motivate the team to continue striving for excellence.

Meanwhile, the co-founder of Platinum Victory Property, Datuk Alex Tan Ai Chong said that his company also shares in the delight of MCC Malaysia’s achievement. “We applaud their performance and are proud that the construction for The Face Suites development has received the QLASSIC certification with the highest score ever recorded under the high-rise residential category,” he said.

Finally, the chief executive of CIDB, Datuk Ir. Ahmad ‘Asri Abdul Hamid said that MCC Malaysia’s achievement will serve as a stellar example in the industry to motivate other developers and construction companies in their pursuit of top-notch workmanship quality. He also noted that the average QLASSIC score has increased since the standard was introduced to the market, which indicates that the quality of buildings in Malaysia has been improving.

“The current average scoring [for high-rise residential] is 76%. I would think anything above 75% is good, and anything above 80% is outstanding,” Datuk Ir Ahmad ‘Asri remarked, adding that prior to MCC Malaysia’s QLASSIC score of 89%, the highest was 86%.

(Source:
The Edge Markets
)

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About THE AUTHOR

Alex Cheong Pui Yin

Alex Cheong Pui Yin

Previously covered recruitment-related stories and had a short stint as a copywriter for the property industry. She subsequently developed an interest in investment and robo-advisors.

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CIMB Credit Card Perks: 15% Discount at Absolute Thai

KL city’s food scene will not be complete without Thai food. Restaurants that offer authentic and fusion Thai-oriented dishes are a dime a dozen and you can add Absolute Thai to that addition as well. If you’re in the neighbourhood around Sunway Giza or Ikano Power Centre drop in with your CIMB credit card and enjoy a 15% discount on your bill.

This promotion is valid from 1 January till 31 December 2013 and is not applicable to other on-going promotions or discounts. For further details please refer to the
Terms & Conditions
.

Considering getting a CIMB credit card? Find the right card for you on
RinggitPlus.com

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Brendon Lee

Brendon Lee

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Get 10% Cashback Easily On Prepaid Reloads Thanks To Celcom Xpax & Boost E-Wallet

In a first-of-its-kind initiative in the telco industry, Celcom has introduced a new innovative offering to help Malaysians during the adverse economic conditions as well as the impacts of COVID-19. During this challenging period, Celcom has partnered with Boost to offer cashback for prepaid customers to help them save more.

From now until 30th June 2020, Celcom prepaid users can enjoy 10% cashback when they purchase a minimum of RM10 in Celcom Xpax and Internet reloads through the Celcom Life App. Malaysians can then utilise the cashback as digital currency, buying everyday essentials all while staying safe indoors.

To enjoy the cashback, simply follow these steps to start earning cashback today:

Download and log in to
Celcom Life App
.

Link Boost e-Wallet via Celcom Life App (see image below)

Select
“Reload”
 and choose
“Credit Reload”
 or
“Internet Reload”.

Select reload amount

Credit Reload (RM10, RM30, RM50 or RM100); or

Internet Reload (RM10, RM12, RM19, RM30, RM38, RM50, RM79)

Enjoy 10% cashback in your Boost e-wallet up to RM20 per NRIC/Passport per month

What’s more, Celcom postpaid customers too stand to get cashback and stack up in savings just by using the service. Celcom’s recently launched MEGA postpaid plans have a new Trade-In feature that allows users to “trade in” unused Internet quota at the end of each billing cycle. You can earn RM5 in cashback for every 10GB that is unused, and the cashback will be credited to your Boost e-wallet.

Additionally, postpaid customers can also enjoy a one-time RM50 rebate if they opt for Celcom’s Auto Billing service, as well as save up to RM10 monthly just by opting for digital bills instead of printed physical bills.

Idham Nawawi, Chief Executive Officer of Celcom Axiata Berhad said Celcom is proud to be the first telco in Malaysia that enables cashback. “As consumers continue to engage in today’s digital ecosystem, we are also conscious about the current COVID-19 outbreak that has impacted their livelihood and the nation’s economy. We want to ensure that our customers get the best value for their purchases from us. Celcom’s prepaid and postpaid cashback will be an alternative benefit for customers, allowing them to purchase their daily needs via Boost e-wallet, both digitally and at all participating stores nationwide,” he said.

Idham Nawawi, Chief Executive Officer of Celcom Axiata Berhad

As one of Malaysia’s most popular e-wallets, Boost is currently available at over 135,000 retail merchants in Malaysia, as well as a supported payment option in many e-commerce platforms in the country. This means that you can easily use the cashback earned from your Celcom prepaid or postpaid plans to pay bills, buy meals, fuel up, buy game credits, and even purchase travel insurance. Boost’s extensive range of partners also mean there are even more discounts and offers that are valid for a limited time only.

Not only that, you can stretch your Ringgit even more with Boost’s CashUp feature, letting you earn cashback from spending at e-commerce platforms. So not only will you earn cashback just by being a Celcom prepaid or postpaid user, you can earn
more
 cashback by spending the cashback you earn!

As the country moves towards a cashless society, e-wallets such as Boost are becoming increasingly popular. But more importantly, with the WHO stating that COVID-19 can even be spread via banknotes, utilising cashless and digital payments including e-wallets are a useful preventative measure to reduce unnecessary exposure to objects that may have been touched by many people.

Whether you’re a Celcom prepaid or postpaid customer, simply download the Celcom Life App to start receiving cashback and savings today. For more information, check out
Celcom’s official website.

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AirAsia Considers Increasing Air Fares, But Not Significantly

AirAsia passengers may have to fork out more for their flights in the future as the low-cost airline has said that it is studying the possibility of increasing its fares. This follows the government’s implementation of the conditional movement control order (CMCO), which sees some relaxation of restrictions for airlines.

According to the executive chairman of AirAsia, Datuk Kamarudin Meranun, discussions are still ongoing as to whether AirAsia urgently needs to increase its future fares. He also clarified that even if there is an increase, it will not be a significant one.

“At the moment, we do not know exactly how much the increase would be (if any) as we do not know the total number of AirAsia aircraft that would be allowed to operate during the CMCO,” said Datuk Kamarudin. He also added that the increase will be determined by costs, although AirAsia will do its best to keep its current fare so as to avoid burdening their passengers.

(Image: Malay Mail)

Datuk Kamarudin also emphasised that AirAsia is not aiming for profit by resuming flight operations as the current situation makes it challenging for airline companies to do so. Instead, it is to ensure that operations can continue. “As long as we can pay for management costs such as maintenance and so on, it is sufficient,” he said.

Additionally, Datuk Kamarudin reminded that the operation of airlines is subject to government directives, particularly during the CMCO. “So, when we made a plan and when the announcement by the government is not in line with our plans, we have to change it,” he added.

Earlier last week, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) noted in a
statement
 that air fares may need to increase by up to 54% just to break even if social distancing is implemented among passengers. Malaysia Airlines (MAS) and Malindo Air concurred with IATA’s observation, with MAS pointing out that this was the case in Thailand. Domestic fares in Thailand had increased by 50% after the Thai government regulated empty seating between passengers.

Following the start of the extended CMCO on 13 May 2020, the government had also begun to relax restrictions for air public transport providers, particularly for
flights between Peninsular Malaysia and East Malaysia
. Airlines are now allowed to carry the total maximum capacity of passengers for scheduled flights from Peninsular Malaysia to East Malaysia. However, scheduled flights from East Malaysia to Peninsular Malaysia are only allowed a maximum 66.6% of the total maximum of load factor.

Prior to this, AirAsia had grounded most of its fleets since March 2020, before it subsequently
resumed flights for selected domestic routes
 on 29 April 2020, alongside
MAS
 and
Malindo Air
.

(Source:
The Edge Markets
)

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Alex Cheong Pui Yin

Alex Cheong Pui Yin

Previously covered recruitment-related stories and had a short stint as a copywriter for the property industry. She subsequently developed an interest in investment and robo-advisors.

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    Passport Overused

    3 years ago

Great post 😁

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How You Can End Up Spending More For Using Counterfeit Printer Ink

It is truly a frustrating moment when you are printing something important, but your printer runs low on ink and you need to buy a new cartridge. During this time, you may consider using counterfeit printer ink, because those tend to be cheaper. Saving money is good, right? In reality, buying counterfeit printer ink is not a recommended practice at all, for a number of reasons.

The Dangers Of Using Counterfeit Printer Ink

Using non-genuine printer ink is dangerous not just to your wallet in the long run, but also to your health and the environment. If you’re wondering how, here is some information that may shock you.

Counterfeit Ink Is More Hazardous to Your Health

Counterfeit ink emits more hazardous chemicals into the air during use, including substances that are cancer-causing agents, in high amounts. Since counterfeit ink is not regulated the way genuine printer inks from reputable manufacturers are, it’s hard to say how much danger you are putting yourself in if you use these counterfeits for the long term. This becomes even more important if you have children or the elderly in your home who would be extra sensitive to these harmful particles.

Counterfeit Inks Don’t Have the Same Quality Output

If you need your printouts to look nice (for when you present it to the boss, or for that meeting with a client, or when printing out an especially important portfolio, or for your child’s very important school project), you really should stay away from counterfeit ink. These inks are usually cheaper because they have lower-quality pigments in them, and on top of that, counterfeit inks don’t work the same way with your printer’s configuration as genuine manufacturer ink does. This results in subpar prints which just don’t look good to anyone.

Counterfeit Inks Can Damage Your Printer

Using counterfeit ink dramatically increases the risk of cartridge and toner leaks in your printer, which can ruin your printer’s functionality. Not only that, using counterfeit ink in your printer also voids its warranty, so you would need to bear repair costs if the ink leaks in your printer.

Counterfeit Ink Cartridges Burden the Environment

Unlike genuine ink cartridges that often can be sent back to the manufacturer for closed-loop recycling, counterfeit ink cartridges often end up in the landfill. Only a very small percentage is recycled by remanufacturers, while the rest gets thrown back into Mother Earth. It takes 200 years for a plastic straw to decompose, so imagine how many thousands of years it would take for an ink cartridge to decompose!

Because of this and all the reasons above, while counterfeit ink can seem cheap in the short term, in the long run you will wind up spending a lot more than you would if you just bought genuine cartridges and toners in the first place.

Keep Your HP Printers Protected and Invest in Genuine HP Ink

If you have HP printers in your home, there’s no reason to not invest in genuine HP ink. This is not only an environmentally responsible and healthy option, but also a useful way to generate long-term savings.

On top of that, using HP printers with genuine HP ink is now even more convenient thanks to the HP Smart App. The app offers a lot of useful features, including:

Access your smartphone’s photos and those on social media/the cloud and sent the pictures directly to your printer for printing, without the need of transferring to your computer first

Scan pictures and documents directly into your phone to be attached to emails or kept in the cloud

Print virtually anything from your phone all via a seamless Wi-Fi setup system

Get low-ink alerts, just like on your desktop!

The HP Smart App is available for both iOS and Android phones, as well as iPadOS.

Of course, the inks themselves are worth the investment, as HP genuine ink cartridges and toners are reliable, fast-drying, and produce quality, durable prints you can be proud of.

On top of that, HP offers up to 21% savings on cartridges and 20% on toners if you buy dual packs, so you may as well stock up when you need to. It’s always good to have a cartridge handy instead of running out of ink at pivotal moments.

And if that’s not enough, there’s an additional festive cheer to sweeten the deal. When you purchase selected printers or toners from HP from now to 31st January, you will be entitled to a free Touch N’ Go or Boost e-voucher. All you need to do is check on the eligibility of your product and upload your proof of purchase no later than 14th February 2020. To claim your free voucher, visit
www.hp.com.my/hpprintrewards
.

Discover the full range of HP multi-function printers and their complementary toner cartridges at the
official HP website
, or you can purchase them directly at the
HP Online Store
.

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