4 Uncommon But Ridiculously High-Paying Jobs

Have you been thinking about switching your career to something that’s a tad more exciting and pays better? Perhaps it’s time you consider these slightly less common, but handsomely rewarding jobs as a career path!

Voice-Over Artist

Do you frequently get compliments from your friends and family on how well you mimic other people’s voices? Or do you receive lots of comments on how good your voice sounds when you speak or sing?

Why not turn that innate talent of yours to a money-making side or even full-time job? It may sound easy, but it’s anything but. It requires talent (which isn’t something everyone has) and a willingness to work hard to build a good reputation in the industry.

According to
The Voice Guild, an average voice-over artist would earn RM15 to RM30 per second
 for a commercial, but exceptional voice-over artists can rake in the dough as product ambassadors to.
Farit Ismeth Emir is one of the veterans who earn more than RM15,000 a month
 from a single brand. His iconic ‘Gaya, Mutu, Keunggulan’ voice commercial for Dunhill back in the 80s shot his career into the limelight and has put him among the highest paying voice-over artists of his time.

The job title may not sound as prestigious as, say, a doctor or a lawyer, but it’s by no means a low-paying job – once you’ve built your reputation. If you’re interested in this line of work, you can look for voice-over courses online. If you’re not sure on how to market yourself as a voice-over artist, you can contact The Voice Guild
here
, and find out how you can list yourself as one of their talents.

Offshore Cook

Yes, those in the Royal Navy, cruise ships, and oil vessels need to eat too. If you think that gourmet restaurants on land serve the best food, think again! The most delectable food is served out there in the oceanic wilderness and this, of course, requires some degree of culinary skill.

Although cooking may sound like a simple enough task, not many cooks can stomach the weeks and months of living and working on a vessel, particularly those who do not see land for months on end. This job also requires you to get a multitude of vaccinations, a valid passport (these vessels travel across the oceans and often require work visas), offshore training certificates, and offshore medical certificates on top of the exceptional catering skills you’re expected to have.

For these reasons, offshore chefs often get paid insane amounts money depending on their experience and the type of vessel they work for.
Seasoned offshore cooks can easily make well over RM18,800 a month
 – not including allowances. If you like the thrill of working in the open sea and loves adventures, start taking culinary courses and learn the ropes of being an offshore chef today!

Certified Ethical Hacker

Hackers aren’t all criminals or the hooded villains as you see in the movies. Certified ethical hacker is an actual job title that pays surprisingly well.
In 2016, the Pentagon launched the ‘Hack the Pentagon’
 programme, a programme that challenged hundreds and thousands of the ‘white hat hackers’ in America to break into their cybersecurity systems. The offered bug bounty was USD150,000, as well as recognition for the winner’s work.

Of course, not all governments would offer a lucrative reward for successfully breaking into their cybersecurity. Companies and internet giants such as Google hire hackers to find any bugs and vulnerabilities in their systems to better protect their database. Similarly, financial institutions including banks and insurance companies hire expert certified ethical hackers to test their cybersecurity systems as their businesses thrive on sensitive information.

The average salary varies from one job scope to another, but owing to the complex nature of the job,
Certified Ethical Hackers are paid an average of USD86,053
 per year! This salary range is, of course, applicable to the professionals and highly skilled hackers who practice their trade all over the world, but with the right mindset and knowledge, you can earn just as much as they do!

Oil Rig Dive Technician

The multi-billion-dollar oil and gas industry is one of the most lucrative industries out there in the working landscape. Harvesting petroleum and natural gases don’t come cheap though, what with the drilling taking place deep underground. And of course, someone has got to lay down these pipes in the deep blue sea.

Oil rig dive technicians spend hours underwater to ensure everything is in order because any leakage can cause catastrophic water pollution like the
BP oil spill back in 2010
. These technicians are put through gruelling tasks that will challenge both physical and mental strength due to the environment in which their job operates.

This job is incredibly dangerous, but that is why oil rig divers are compensated generously by their employers. According to global statistics, an oil rig diver earns an average salary of USD54,340 annually – which puts it in a six-figure salary bracket in Ringgit Malaysia. To qualify for this job, you’ll need a degree in offshore engineering as well as various other certifications. You’ll also need to be a certified commercial diver. Think you’re up for the challenge?

Rethinking Your Career Yet?

But these are just some of the many career options out there that pay extremely well, although they do require arduous work, persistence, and exceptional mental discipline. It sounds hard, but if you’ve got what it takes, perhaps it’s something you can consider for yourself or recommend to your thrill-seeking friends?

Would you consider switching your career to any one of the listed jobs? Are there any other uncommon but well-paying jobs you wish you could do to earn more money? Tell us your thoughts and ideas in the comments section below!

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Syaza Abd Jani

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Are Malaysian Universities Getting Too Expensive?

Are Tuition Fees Rising?

Public universities in the country are mostly subsidised by the government and fees have remained relatively stable, however getting a place to study is still highly competitive.

Private universities on the other hand are hardly selective with its placement but fees have increased rather sharply in recent years.

Some have been known to increase fees on a yearly basis, even going as high as
10%
 which is way over the inflation rate of 3% to 4%. With purchasing power decreasing and prices rising still; affordability is diminishing.

GST
 implementation is said not to have directly affected tuition fees, still the student population is struggling nonetheless. Living costs have gone up and the situation is
dire for some undergrads
 in local universities who can’t even afford proper meals.

At present, local public university course fees average
RM7,000
, while local private universities charge approximately three to five times that amount or more, depending on the area of study.

When we combine the instructional costs and living expenses for students in relation to household income, we can see that the total cost of higher education has in fact become a
burden too big to bear
 for some.

Quality of Local Tertiary Education

The standard of higher education in the country is debatable. On the one hand, Malaysia’s public universities have ranked well in global ratings. University Malaya placed
133rd
 out of 945 world universities while three other public universities also made the cut as well in the QS World University Rankings.

With that said, there is plenty of room for improvement for the rest of local public and private universities, a sentiment bolstered by complaints from employers about the
quality of local grads
. More troublingly, in some estimates, graduates from overseas universities earn
12% to 20%
 more than local grads.

Should I Still Further My Studies?

Even as the costs for private education in Malaysia stays high, the wage gap between those with and without a degree is higher still.

A
press release
 by the Department of Statistics revealed that those with tertiary education earned twice as much on average when compared to those with only secondary education.

So with these numbers, it’s still necessary to enrol in higher education institutions if only to increase earning potential.

Ways to Fund Higher Education Courses

While it’s not easy finding the money to pay for higher education, don’t give up on furthering your studies just yet! There are options available to help with the financial side of things and here’s what you can do:

Apply for scholarships.
 Competition is fierce but there are scholarships and grants that go unclaimed every year.

Be a part-time student.
 Working and studying can be unbelievably exhausting but at least you’ll be able to avoid future debt. With flexible payment plans often offered, you should be able to pay off your course as you earn.

Apply for PTPTN
 – students from low-income families enjoy a
high loan approval rate
, but do consider your future debt before going through this route.

Try online universities
 – even though you’ll miss out on a college experience, the costs are much lower and you can still hold a degree from renowned universities.

Enquire about financial aid from your parents’ employers.
 Some organizations set up education funds to support children of employees. If you are working too, find out about the possibility of study loans or aid available to you.

Consider an education or personal loan.
 Banks can help finance your education as well but as with any loan, do consider your repayment abilities before applying. Look for a package with the most affordable rates on our
comparison page
.

Have anything to add to the article? Do share your thoughts with us in the comments section down below!

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Desiree Nair

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Maybank Shopee Visa Platinum Credit Card Launched: Up To 5% Cashback In Shopee Coins

Maybank and Shopee have unveiled the new Maybank Shopee Visa Platinum credit card. The all-new co-branded card offers cardholders to earn Shopee Coins for both online and offline retail transactions, at up to 5% effective cashback.

Clad in all black and a unique metallic outline of the Shopee logo, the Maybank Shopee Visa Platinum card was launched to answer the needs of consumers today who are relying more than ever on e-commerce. According to data provided by Shopee, Malaysians are spending 20% more time on Shopee a week.

This card’s primary benefit comes in the form of Shopee Coins. Even better, the card extends the Shopee Coins earnings to offline spending as well, specifically in Dining, PayWave (contactless), and Entertainment categories.

On Special Days, cardholders can earn 5x Shopee Coins for shopping in Shopee, and 4x Shopee Coins for Dining/PayWave/Entertainment. Special Days are every 28
th
 of the month (Pay Day), the special campaign days: 9.9 (9 September), 11.11 (11 November), 12.12 (12 December), and one-day specials for the CNY and Raya campaigns.

Here’s a breakdown of the Shopee Coins earnings for the Maybank Shopee Visa Platinum:

Special Days (every 28
th
 of each month, 9.9, 11.11, 12.12, 1-day CNY & Raya Campaign)

Every RM1 spend:

Shopee spend

5x Shopee Coins

Dining/PayWave/Entertainment

4x Shopee Coins

Other spend

1x Shopee Coins

Normal Days (remainder of the calendar year)

Every RM1 spend:

Shopee spend

2x Shopee Coins

Dining/PayWave/Entertainment

2x Shopee Coins

Other spend

1x Shopee Coins

From the table, the Shopee Coins earnings can go up to 5% effective cashback on Special Days when shopping in Shopee, which makes it a solid cashback card on Special Days. On normal days, cardholders earn up to 2% effective cashback in Shopee Coins.

For those who are not familiar, 1 Shopee Coin is equivalent to 1 sen, and can be used to offset purchases made on Shopee (Mall and Preferred Sellers only, as well as for bill payments). Shoppers can use Shopee Coins to offset up to 25% of the purchase amount, capped at RM30 per order.

The Maybank Shopee Visa Platinum credit card is an entry-level card with a minimum annual income of RM36,000 (RM3,000 a month), and it is free for life with zero annual fees. The only other requirement is that cardholders need to have a Shopee account, since you need to link the card to your Shopee account and earn Shopee Coins.

However, there are some additional things to note about the card. For starters, there is a cap of 5,000 Shopee Coins per statement cycle – after that, any additional spending on the card will yield 1 TreatsPoint per RM1 spent.

On top of that, no Shopee Coins or TreatsPoints will be awarded for transactions via “Deals, Top-ups & Bills” and “Food & Services Vouchers” in the Shopee app, as well as any e-wallet reloads, and payments via JomPay and FPX. Transactions for utilities, EzyPay, and insurance, on the other hand, will earn 1 Shopee Coin/TreatsPoint.

The
Maybank Shopee Visa Platinum credit card
 will be open for applications starting tomorrow, 1 July. Early bird new-to-bank approved applications will receive a RM500 Shopee voucher, while all new existing Maybank cardholders who successfully apply for this card will also receive a welcome gift of 5,000 Shopee Coins upon activation and accumulative spend of RM300 within 60 days from card approval date.

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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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Yesterday's BigPay Outage Was Not A Security Issue, But An Internet One

Yesterday, BigPay was down for close to six hours.
All BigPay services was offline
 on both the physical prepaid card and the app, which affected all users regardless of their geographical location. As it turns out, the downtime was not due to a security issue, but rather a more basic one: an internet service provider problem.

In a blog post shared today, BigPay went in detail to explain what caused the outage of its services. Essentially, a series of events led to the automatic deployment of BigPay’s internal “circuit breaker” – ultimately taking the entire service offline as a precautionary measure.

“Yesterday that third party provider experienced an error that resulted in interference to our remote access. They were unable to recover seamlessly creating a time delay. During this period messages that confirm your BigPay card should be accepted by merchants did not go through – and so your payments were rejected. Our application – and more importantly your money – was not directly affected by this.

However, as a precaution, we employ a circuit breaker when we see multiple errors occur – to prevent cascading effects. This circuit breaker kicked in as expected – but as a result, the BigPay app became inaccessible. Once the provider fixed the issue we switched off the circuit breaker and restored all services gradually.”

You can
read the blog post in full
 for more details, which also includes its efforts to ensure such episodes do not happen in the future. BigPay decided to publish the reason for the outage yesterday “in the spirit of transparency”, which should be applauded.

BigPay’s services are currently functioning normally.

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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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BigPay Increases Earning Rate For Its Rewards Programme, Up To 6x Points

AirAsia-backed BigPay has announced an upgrade to its rewards programme, allowing users who have linked their BigPay account to their airasia rewards account to now earn up to 6x airasia points when they spend using the service.

Prior to this revision, BigPay’s rewards programme allows you to earn only one airasia point for every RM20 or RM30 spent, depending on your category of expenses. Now, the earning structure has been enhanced to be more rewarding, as is shown below:

Expense category
Earning rate before revision
Earning rate after revision
Multiplier after revision
In-app bill payments
1 point for every RM20 spent
1 point for every RM10 spent
2x
Local expenses
1 point for every RM30 spent
1 point for every RM10 spent
3x
International expenses
1 point for every RM30 spent
2 points for every RM10 spent
6x
airasia transactions
1 point for every RM30 spent
2 points for every RM10 spent
6x

Do be aware that the airasia points earned will be credited to your account within 24 hours after each successful transaction, while the bonus points will be awarded within 14 days.

BigPay also clarified that users are allowed to earn unlimited points per transaction – as long as the transaction is valid and qualifies for the programme. Transactions that are not eligible to earn points include peer-to-peer (P2P) transfers, cash-outs or ATM withdrawals, as well as reloads of other e-wallets. Additionally, multiple transactions that do not hit the minimum spend cannot be combined to earn points.

Finally, note as well that BigPay refers to this upgrade as an ongoing campaign that will run for “an indefinite period of time or any other period as deemed fit by the organiser”. As such, frequent BigPay users may want to take advantage of this upgraded benefit as often as possible while it is still available.

For those who are not aware, airasia points and airasia rewards were previously known as BIG Points and BIG Rewards, respectively. The names were, however, eventually revised following the
merging of the BIG Rewards app with the airasia Super App
 at the end of 2021 to offer a more seamless user experience. The airasia points earned can then be used as a digital “currency” across the entire Super App ecosystem.

(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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A Guide To Different Types of Credit Cards in the Market

A Credit Card is not just a Piece of Plastic

What is a credit card? A credit card is not just a piece of plastic with an attached magnetic strip and a fancy design. It is a powerful tool that not only increases your spending limit but improves the quality of your life by making all your purchases convenient and flexible. Put it simply, a credit card is an immediately direct substitute for cash, except that it allows you to make purchases that are outside of your immediate budget by borrowing money from the bank. In addition to that, some cards also come with special benefits such as cashback, rewards points and balance transfer.

But with the multitude of different benefits from different credit cards available in the

Malaysia, its easy to get lost in the shuffle, especially when you’re in

the market for your very first credit card. No two credit cards are

alike, every card comes with different features and benefits. But before

you bury yourself in a mountain of credit card brochures, read on to

find out more about the five basic types of credit cards available in

Malaysia.

1. Cashback Credit Card

As the name suggests, a cashback credit card essentially gives you a certain percentage of “cash” back for any purchase you make. That’s right, the bank is giving you a cash reward for making a purchase with your credit card.

For example, if your credit card has a cashback rate of 5% and you decide to buy a watch for RM200 with the card, a rebate of RM10 will be given to you at the end of the month, meaning that you would have effectively spent RM190 on the watch.

However, you should always read the terms and conditions before signing up for any cashback card. Always remember that some banks might limit the cashback feature on participating merchants by simply issuing a maximum monthly cashback limit.

For instance, if a credit card offering 5% cashback decides to issue a RM50 monthly cap, and you decide to spend RM1,200 with the card. Then instead of receiving RM60 in cashback, you will only be entitled to RM50 since that is the maximum amount that you can receive every month.

If you need a more in depth look at cashback credit cards, check out our
Cashback Credit Cards
 comparison page.

2. Reward Points Credit Card

A reward points credit card is similar to a cashback credit card except that it gives you points instead of cash whenever you swipe your card. But how do you earn points?

The points earned depend directly on the amount of Ringgit spent.

For example, if your reward points credit card offers 1x point per RM1

spent, this means that every Ringgit you spend allows you to earn 1

point on your credit card. So what do I do with all my accumulated points?

Accumulated points can be used to redeem special goodies ranging from gadgets, petrol, household items, vouchers, airline miles and etc. Banks usually release reward catalogs showing the prizes that your points can get you. But be warned! Some credit card points can expire, so don’t keep them for more than 3 years!

Hungry for more info?
 Then check out our
Reward Points Credit Cards
 comparison page.

3. Low Interest Rate Credit Card

As the name suggests, this type of credit card specifically charges a low interest rate on balances incurred on the card. In Malaysia, the lowest credit card interest rate readily available on the market is 8.88% p.a.

The low interest rate makes this card the perfect weapon for big spenders who typically carry heavy balances from month to month. While card holders could simply just make the minimum payment every month to dodge the interest rate bullet, the low interest rate means that even if you don’t manage to make prompt payment, you won’t be taking too much damage from interest rate charges. So either way, you’re be escaping safe and sound with your purchases in tow.

Want to find out which credit card offers 8.88% p.a. on interest charges? Ch-ch-check out our
Low Interest Credit Cards
 comparison page.

4. Balance Transfer Credit Card

If your low interest rate credit card fails to alleviate the
damage
 from your untamed spending rampages, then you need to consider getting yourself a balance transfer credit card. A balance transfer credit card lets you shift the accumulated balance from one credit card to another credit card from a different bank to help you avoid paying massive interest rate charges.

Take this scenario for example,

Kevin has an outstanding credit of RM5,000 with Bank Z at 15% p.a. He then applies and is approved for a new credit card with Bank Y. This new credit card allows him to transfer his credit card debt at
0% interest for 6 months
 with their balance transfer plan. By transferring his debt, Kevin will save RM360 in interest payments over a period of 6 months.

While this may sound like a sneaky getaway plan for people living under mountains of credit card debt, always be careful of the terms and conditions associated with balance transfers. For example, some banks might require new credit card holders to pay up-front interest fees of up to 4% of their total transferred debt.

Need help transfer your credit card debts? Drop by our guide of the
Best Balance Transfer Plans in Malaysia
.

5. Special Offer Credit Card

The special offer credit card, as you’ve probably guessed, offers exclusive deals to cardholders with specific merchants. Offers can range from complimentary coffee to discounts on movie tickets and so on so forth.

Credit cards like this typically appeal to the hobbyist at heart. Coffee addict? Then a special offer credit card that gives discounts or freebies on coffee purchases might suit you. Though for the purpose of saving yourself from the sheer disappointment of having the carpet whipped out from under you, always read the fine print!

Want to know if there’s a deal at your favourite restaurant? Take a look at our
Credit Card Promotions
 page.

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Top 6 Ramadhan Buffets In Kuala Lumpur 2017

The holy month of Ramadhan is finally here! For most Malaysians, it also marks the arrival of scrumptious and mouth-watering dishes that are only available during the fasting month. What better way to satisfy your food cravings than feasting on an array of delicious food at some of the best Ramadhan buffet venues in the city?

Check out our top six best dinner buffet in Kuala Lumpur this year!

Vasco’s, Hilton Kuala Lumpur

Celebrate Ramadhan at
Vasco’s
 with exotic and vibrant flavours of Peranakan Cuisine.
Warisan Baba & Nyonya
 buffet at Vasco’s feature dishes such as
Pai Tee, Kambing Panggang Berempah Portugis, Ikan Pari Gerang Asam, Nyonya Curry Laksa
 and many more!

You will also get to take home Vasco’s Signature Nyonya Curry Laksa homemade paste – score!

Availability:
 27th May to 24th June 2017

Price:
 RM188 nett per adult, RM100 nett per child

Location:
 Vasco’s, Hilton Kuala Lumpur, 3, Jalan Stesen Sentral 5, Kuala Lumpur Sentral, 50470 Kuala Lumpur

Reservations:
 +03 2264 2596

Tip:
 Use your Citi credit card to get 20% off
Warisan Baba & Nyonya
 dinner buffet at Vasco’s between 27th May to 24th June 2017.

LINK all day dining, Pullman Kuala Lumpur Bangsar

No Ramadhan buffet is complete without the all-time-favourite roasted lamb, and the
Khazanah Sajian Desa
 buffet dinner by
LINK all day dining at Pullman Kuala Lumpur Bangsar
 offers some of the best whole roasted lambs in the city.

The buffet spread consists of over 150 varieties of food, of which are locally and festive-inspired. Try their specialty dishes including the Mongolian Grill, Seafood Selects, D24 Durian Lezzetto ice cream, as well as D24 durians.

Tip:
 Use your Citi credit card to get 25% off the
Khazanah Sajian Desa
 buffet dinner at LINK all day dining when you dine with a minimum of 10 pax. This promotion is valid until 24th June 2017.

Availability:
 25th May to 24th June 2017

Price:
 RM168 nett per adult, RM84 nett per child

Location:
 Link all day dining, Pullman Kuala Lumpur Bangsar, No 1, Jalan Pantai Jaya, Tower 3, Kuala Lumpur 59200

Reservations:
 +03 2298 1888 (ext 5000/5001)

Bijan Bar & Restaurant

Every year,
Bijan Bar & Restaurant
 welcomes the holy month of Ramadhan with a sumptuous buffet spread that is coveted by the locals, expatriates, and tourists alike. The fine dining restaurant takes a step forward this year with its
Selera Warisan Negeri
 Ramadhan buffet, featuring an array of authentic yet unique take on traditional dishes from the North, South, East, and Central Malaysia.

Try their specially made heritage dishes such as
Udang Tempoyak Masak Petai, Ayam Percik Putih, Kerutup Itik, Asam Pedas Daging Tetel, Gulai Daging Umbut Pisang
, and many other forgotten
kampung
 dishes that are sure to evoke your childhood memories.

Availability:
 29th May to 23rd June 2017

Price:
 RM110++ per adult

Location:
 Bijan Bar & Restaurant, No 3-5 Seri Bukit Ceylon, 8 Lorong Ceylon, Off Jalan Raja Chulan, Bukit Ceylon, 50250 Kuala Lumpur

Reservations:
 +03 2031 3575

Nook, Aloft Kuala Lumpur Sentral

Another entry in this list with a scrumptious lamb dish,
Nook
 features
Nasi Kambing Sumbat
 – a mouth-watering roasted whole lamb stuffed with fragrant Arabic rice and roasted vegetables – as its centrepiece.

Their impressive buffet spread showcases over 150 dishes, with a focus on authentic Malay traditional foods such as
Masak Lemak Itik, Pucuk Rebung Masak Lemak, Bubur Lambuk, Sup Ekor
, Fish Head Curry,
Ikan Patin Masak Tempoyak
 and countless other dishes to tickle your taste buds.

Tip:
 Use your Citi credit card to get 25% off Ramadan buffet at Nook from 30th May to 24th June 2017.

Availability:
 30th May to 24th June 2017

Price:
 RM135 nett per adult

Location:
 Nook, Level 1, Aloft KL Sentral, No 5 Jalan Stesen Sentral, 50470 Kuala Lumpur

Reservations:
 +03 2723 1188

The Eatery, Four Points by Sheraton Puchong

A delicious meal awaits you at
The Eatery
 this festive season with
Selera Nostalgia
 Ramadhan buffet. Try their delicious Roasted Lamb, cooked to perfection and sliced freshly just for you.

You can also feast on their selection of delectable dishes such as
Nasi Kandar
, Fish Head Curry,
Ayam Masak Kicap
, Lamb Kurma,
Sotong Kangkung, Yong Tau Foo, Roti John
 and many more!

Tip:
 Use your Citi credit card to get 20% off Ramadan buffet at The Eatery from 30th May to 22nd June 2017.

Availability:
 27th May to 24th June 2017

Price:
 RM140 nett per adult, RM70 nett per child

Location:
 The Eatery, 1201, Tower 3, Puchong Financial Corporate Centre (PFCC), Jalan Puteri 1/2, Bandar Puteri, 47100 Puchong

Reservations:
 +03 5891 8888

TRACE Restaurant & Bar, Element Kuala Lumpur

If you love good food and magnificent view, try the
Warisan Rempah Ratus
 Ramadhan buffet at
TRACE Restaurant & Bar
. Located on the 40th floor, you can sample their numerous dishes focusing on Chinese, Traditional Malay, Western, and Japanese cuisine while feasting your eyes on Kuala Lumpur’s breath-taking skyline.

Indulge your taste buds with scrumptious dishes such as
Peha Kambing Bumbu Jawa Barongan
 with Briyani Rice,
Aroma Aneka Ikan Panggang Daun Kunyit, Sup Rempah Utara Malatop
 and
Assam Pedas Ikan Sembilang Seri Mersing
.

Tip:
 Use your Citi credit card to get 30% off
Warisan Rempah Ratus
 buffet at TRACE Restaurant between 26th May to 24th June 2017

Availability:
 26th May to 24th June 2017

Price:
 RM159 nett per person

Location:
 TRACE restaurant & bar, Element Kuala Lumpur, Ilham Tower, No.8, Jalan Binjai , 50450 Kuala Lumpur

Reservations:
 +03 2771 3351

Are you looking to save money while enjoying the blessed Ramadhan month and all the dining experiences it has to offer? Take advantage of the various discounts and special promotions offered by your credit card!

Citi credit cards, for example, offer dining privileges at over 100+ venues across Malaysia! You can have a look at some of their promotions on their
website
. If you don’t have a Citi credit card, visit their
website
 to find a credit card that best suit your lifestyle needs and apply today!

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FOMCA Urges BNM To Instruct Banks To Replenish Cash In ATMs

(Image: The Star)

The Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations (FOMCA) president, Datuk Dr Marimuthu Nadason has urged Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) to instruct all banks to replenish cash in their automated teller machines (ATMs). This comes as many ATMs in some parts of the country are reportedly running out of cash.

According to Datuk Dr Marimuthu, consumers – especially those in small towns and remote areas – have complained to FOMCA that they were not able to withdraw their money from some of the ATMs because the machines were out of cash.

“Since the online system and debit card services of several major banks were disrupted this week, many people turned to ATM machines for cash. However, many returned home frustrated because the ATM machines were reportedly out of cash,” Datuk Dr Marimuthu added. Earlier this week, there was a disruption to several of
Maybank’s services
, including its website, apps, and debit card usage.
Bank Islam
, too, suffered from similar problems.

As such, the president of FOMCA said that BNM must promptly address this issue of insufficient cash in ATMs, or people may be left cash-strapped during the upcoming Hari Raya break. He added that if there are further disruptions to online transactions, people may run out of cash to pay for their essentials during the holiday.

(Image: Malay Mail/Farhan Najib)

Similarly, social activist Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye also called on banks to urgently check on the levels of cash in their ATMs. This is especially since many people are expected to return to their hometowns for the Hari Raya celebrations after two years of the movement control order (MCO), and therefore, will need cash.

Tan Sri Lee also noted that banks should have anticipated more people making withdrawals, and prepared sufficient cash in their ATMs. “With banks closed during the holidays, ATM is the only option left for people to withdraw money for urgent use. As such, banks need to respond to consumers’ complaints and explain why their ATMs are running out of cash,” he further said.

Malaysians will enjoy a long weekend of five days starting from tomorrow, with a replacement holiday for Labour Day on 2 May 2022 (Monday), and Hari Raya Aidilfitri on 3 and 4 May.

(Source:
New Straits Times
)

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How Would Another Automatic Blanket Loan Moratorium Affect Malaysians?

(Image: The Sun Daily)

The topic of introducing another automatic blanket moratorium in Malaysia has been highly debated of late. With the battle against Covid-19 far from over on Malaysian shores, the country is still facing restricted movement orders and other regulations that are impacting workers, businesses, and sectors of the economy in a negative way.

However, is another automatic and blanket moratorium for all Malaysians – whether they are still impacted by the Covid-19 economy or not – the right way forward?

A timeline of the loan moratorium situation in Malaysia

Following the end of the first automatic blanket loan moratorium, both the government and Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) have expressed confidence in the benefits of shifting away from the blanket method towards a more targeted approach. This can be seen by the timeline below.

1 April 2020:
6-month automatic moratorium
 on all bank loans for individuals and SMEs (i.e. a “blanket” approach)

1 November:
Targeted repayment assistance
 until the end of June 2021 (extended 3-month moratorium for unemployed; 6-month reduced instalments and repayment flexibility for those affected by Covid-19)

December 2020 (planned):
Enhanced targeted repayment assistance
 for eligible B40 and SMEs (postponement of repayment for 3 months or 50% reduction in monthly instalment for 6 months) and self-declaration application for M40

The current targeted repayment assistance programme is still ongoing, whereas the enhanced assistance was announced by the Finance Minister during the tabling of Budget 2021. However, since then, there have been calls requesting for the government to revert to declaring a
blanket moratorium implemented automatically for all Malaysians
 until June 2021.

Do Malaysians need another blanket loan moratorium?

Another blanket moratorium of loans would certainly offer the benefit of additional cashflow for all Malaysians. However, there are several reasons why another blanket loan moratorium would not be advantageous in comparison to a targeted approach.

A blanket moratorium would be a proportionate response if the majority or even all Malaysians are struggling financially due to Covid-19. This was the case during the first movement control order earlier in the year – which was why the decision was made to introduce it then. However, once the moratorium ended in September, BNM data states that an overwhelming amount of borrowers (85%) resumed repayments as usual.

This statistic signals that most Malaysians are in a good enough financial position to continue paying off their obligations instead of requiring additional assistance. Therefore, it may be a strategically better option to target assistance to these 15% of struggling borrowers. Implementing another automatic and blanket loan moratorium at this point could be likened to prescribing medication to those who are healthy and recovered as well as the sick.

How another automatic blanket moratorium will affect you

(Image: Malay Mail/Choo Choy May)

The main thing to note is that moratoriums come at a cost. While you may not have to make repayments during the duration of the moratorium, interest will still accrue during the moratorium period, which means that you end up paying more because of it. We have previously done a breakdown showing an example of
how much more in interest
 you could be paying on your home loan if you take up a moratorium on repayments.

Of course, you do have the option of opting out, but introducing an automatic moratorium means the onus is on you to contact your bank to do so – instead of those in need being the ones to make applications in a targeted scheme.

Comments have also been circulating – both among the public and politicians alike – that banks make billions in profit each year and thus are well-positioned to take on the debt of the public in need. Some have even opined that banks have a “
social obligation
” to the people and should make sacrifices. However, there are several reasons why this can be harmful both to banks and the
rakyat
 alike.

(Image: The Star)

Firstly, it is important to note the impact of another blanket loan moratorium to the liquidity of the banking system. Earlier this year, BNM has already loosened the statutory reserve requirement (SRR) to 2% which injected about RM30 billion of liquidity to the banking system. Given the cost of the April-September loan moratorium (which was valued at RM97.26 billion as of 25 September 2020), another blanket moratorium of loans will further reduce the liquidity of the banking system, and directly affect the capability of banks to give out new loans to households and businesses who need them.

Furthermore, as a commercial entity, banks are responsible for providing returns to their investors – which include Malaysians who hold shares of banks via various funds too. Remember, most Malaysians are indirect shareholders of these banks via funds like Amanah Saham Bumiputera (ASB), the Employees Provident Fund (EPF), Tabung Haji, as well as pensions in KWAP. These funds usually have considerable minority shareholdings on Malaysian banks. Thus, the profitability of banks directly affect the performance of these funds, which then directly affects the dividend payouts to the
rakyat
.

So, a blanket moratorium can help Malaysians directly in the short-term, but it also has wider effects that could negatively impact their earnings in both the medium- and long-term that cannot be overlooked.

What should you do if you do need financial assistance?

(Image: Malay Mail)

The good news is that if you are truly in need of financial assistance, the banks and the government have repeatedly signaled that help is at the ready. Banks have assured from the start that they are ready to assist and with minimal requirements. In fact, the
approval rate for post-moratorium repayment assistance
 stood as high at 98% in October 2020. The banks themselves have gone above and beyond to reach out to affected borrowers, through engagement sessions, campaigns,
extended branch operating hour
s, and even directly
contacting over 2 million borrowers
 to offer the targeted repayment assistance.

Moreover, the targeted repayment assistance is available for application all the way into 30 June 2021. On top of that, B40 recipients and micro-SMEs with total approved financing of up to RM150,000 have been given the additional repayment assistance options announced in
Budget 2021
, slated to begin in December 2020. Meanwhile, the application process for M40 borrowers will be streamlined further to only requiring self-declaration of a reduction in income.

While it is good to talk about this issue, calls on social media to cancel debt and eradicate bank profits do little to add to the discussion – and in fact highlight a glaring oversight of the ramifications the
rakyat
 will face. In short, if you are unable to meet your monthly repayments, you don’t need to sit around and hope for an automatic blanket moratorium to be announced. Get in touch with your bank to see which one of the many options above will be best suited to your situation.

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    Daya

    2 years ago

We want Blanket Moratorium.

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Boost Helps Micro, SMEs Move Businesses Online Via Its MSME E-Commerce Campaign

E-wallet service provider Boost has announced the Micro & SMEs (MSMEs) E-Commerce campaign, which aims to help MSMEs on their digitisation journey amidst the current economic landscape. Rolled out in collaboration with Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) as part of the PENJANA economic recovery plan, the ongoing campaign will run until 30 September.

Merchants participating in the campaign can expect to receive up to RM1,500 worth of benefits and rewards, including fee waivers, cash incentives, and advertising aid. Boost will also help them to digitise and move their businesses from offline to online by setting up their own e-commerce catalogue that is integrated with the Boost Business Payment Link feature.

With the seamless end-to-end package offered, merchants can easily share their products and accept orders from customers via the Boost app. The
Boost Business Payment Link
 feature also enables merchants to collect payments via email, SMS, or WhatsApp, thereby saving them from having to invest in payment terminals or other equipment.

Additionally, Boost is offering digital financial services to help MSMEs rebuild their businesses, such as micro-financing of up to RM20,000, with no repayment required for the first six months. Made available through Boost’s sister company Aspirasi, merchants can apply for the facility through Aspirasi Assist – a platform that provides financing assistance to SMEs impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic. Boost also said that they will soon be introducing an insurance product for MSME owners to protect their businesses.

“We are happy to lend our expertise to be part of the government and MDEC’s initiative that is set to enable MSMEs with access to innovative digital solutions that are simple to use and will help them not only recover with resilience but also thrive in this new normal,” said the chief executive officer of Boost, Mohd Khairil Abdullah. He added that Boost aims to give exposure to onboarding businesses through its rapidly growing user base of 7.6 million users.

Interested merchants can find out more about the
MSME E-Commerce campaign
 on Boost’s website.

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Alex Cheong Pui Yin

Alex Cheong Pui Yin

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Cool Alternative Travel Methods That You Can Use To Explore The World

People travel around the world for many reasons, ranging from a business arrangement to experiencing new cultures. While most of the time the adventure starts once you have reached your destination, sometimes the journey to the destination itself can contribute to a memorable experience altogether.

In this article, we will be exploring the world and experiencing a new culture with these alternative travel methods. Do note that some of these methods of transportation are unique to specific regions so some careful planning in advance may come in handy if you wish to apply these methods to your future travels.

Kap Chai

Image courtesy from Malay Mail Online

You may think we’re mad for suggesting a motor-bicycle (more commonly known as
kap chai
 among us Malaysians) as one of the means to travel around the world. After all, most would complain about the long distance that one might need to cover along the way, doubting the capability of a
kapchai
 to do so.

Benefit
: You can travel around at your own pace and schedule to experience the surrounding. You might be familiar with the story of a Malaysian couple travel to London on a scooter that has made its rounds on social media last year.

Things to note
: Petrol price would take a huge slot in your budget and should your
 kapchai
 break down in the middle of a journey, finding the right spare parts to repair it may cause unwanted delays to your planned itinerary.

The Telegraph
 detailed the countries with the cheapest petrol price and countries with the most expensive prices:

from
Venezuela at $0.01
 per litre (cheaper) to
Iceland at $2.08
 per litre (Expensive).

Other charges
: Ferry fares, vehicle maintenance, visa fares, traffic rules, and summons can cost you a pretty penny so yes, some research (and traffic discipline!) is essential before heading to a foreign country.

Freighter Travel

Many people as they will always associate cruise, ferry and rented yacht as the main method to travel by sea, but that’s not the only options available. Freighter travel is traveling by sea via a container ship, which is a little more common in the West. The number of passengers on freighter travel is a lot fewer than the cruise as the ships’ main purpose is to transport cargo and the crew so you may wonder, why should freighter travel be a part of your consideration?

Benefit
: You will have a lot of room to yourself as the maximum number of passengers is 12. Another reason is to consider is value for money compared with regular star cruise.

Trip by Sea

Day

Price

Star Cruise Virgo
 to Five destination

5

RM2675
 per person (
RM535
 per day)

Freighter Travel
 From Australia to North Asia

42

AUD 5900 (
RM14849
), about
RM432
 per day

Things to note
: Pay attention to the schedules, journeys, visa charges and health requirements to be onboard. You need to find ways to entertain yourself otherwise you will be just facing the sea or a bunch of containers.

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Eurail Passes

From the sea, we now go back to the land with a more common form of transportation that is surprisingly connected to almost every European country. For students studying abroad and frequent travellers to Europe, the European train system is considered as one of the best railway systems due to its connectivity.

It is also considered as one of the cheaper options for short distance travel between countries. However, the fare rate is dependent on how many countries you want to go and the distance. As such, people would go and buy
Eurail
 passes for cost saving.

Benefit
: The Eurail passes help travellers to save money. Blogger Nomadic Matt wrote about his experience on how he managed to save
$100
 with the passes despite travelling to six European countries so that’s definitely food for thought.

Things to note
: You need to check Eurail’s website for routes, schedules, availability and need for reservation. Aside from that, you will also need to find ways to entertain yourself (not all trains come with free high-speed internet) and
 protect your belongings.

Chicken Bus

Image courtesy of World Nomads

For most of us, the bus is nothing more than just another common form of public transportation around towns. For tourists to Guatemala and other Central America countries, buses became more than just transportation, it became a unique must-try experience.

These buses are the
Chicken Buses
 as they are also used to transport live chickens. These buses are mostly repurposed retired buses from the US and Canada that either travelled 150,000 miles or 10 years old.

These buses often decorated with colourful paint jobs, pictures, and religious slogans.

Benefits
: The bus fare is two times cheaper than a regular taxi fare and has multiple schedules. You could even buy food on the buses as the locals will come up to the buses and sell street food.

Things to note
: Keep an eye on your luggage and possessions as there are many incidents of theft and damaged goods. You might experience some discomfort or injuries due to the rough terrain and overcrowding.

Bonus Balloons

You might be thinking we are talking about the movie “Up” when you reached this part. The reality, though, is there are a couple of people that travelled the world by hot air balloons. In 2016, a 64-year-old
Russian priest
 became the fourth person to circumnavigating around the world via a hot air balloon.

Benefit
: It is another fun way to travel as you control the flight. You could also seize the opportunity to savour the scenery.

Things to note
: You need to a lot of fuel tanks (
$46
 per tank), awareness and attention to navigate your flight. You could be injured or lose your possession in mid-air if you do not have the necessary safety equipment or storage.

Have Fun, But Be Safe

As you plan your travel and try different forms of transportation, you need to keep these things in mind.

1) Keeping costs low and sticking to a budget may be important, but it should not come at the price of your safety and wellbeing.

2) Make the
necessary preparations
 like creating a list, change currencies, look out for accommodation or hotel deals with
Agoda
, download travel planners or getting insured before you go abroad.

We wish you all a safe trip abroad and have fun travelling. Don’t forget to factor in travel insurance as well as some countries will insist on it especially if you are bringing your very own vehicle from home. Looking for travel insurance? Find one that suits you and give you the peace of mind with our
comparison tools
.

Are there any other cool alternative methods that we have not mentioned yet in this article? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below. Head to our
Travel Getaway Campaign
 to experience more alternative travel methods in 19 attractive destinations.

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BigPay Finally Supports DuitNow QR And DuitNow Transfer

BigPay has finally enabled support for DuitNow functions on its app, allowing users to tap into the convenience of DuitNow QR and DuitNow Transfer for payments or fund transfers.

To access both the DuitNow features, make sure to update your BigPay app to the latest version. Once it’s updated, you will be able to find both DuitNow QR and DuitNow Transfer under the Payments tab, as well as your DuitNow account number in your Profile page.

With DuitNow QR on BigPay, you can now use the app to scan DuitNow QR codes when making purchases from merchants. If you’ve linked your airasia rewards account to your BigPay account, you’ll also be able to earn 3x airasia points for every transaction made. These points can then be used to redeem perks and rewards on the airasia super app. Do note that there is a daily limit of RM10,000 for DuitNow QR payments that you can make to merchants.

Meanwhile, those looking to transfer money conveniently can tap into the DuitNow QR peer-to-peer transfer (P2P) or DuitNow Transfer function on BigPay. These fund transfers can be made instantly to and from BigPay with any local banks and e-wallets that are also part of the DuitNow ecosystem. All you need to do is key in the recipient’s DuitNow ID, which could be his or her MyKad or passport number, or mobile number. For these two transfer functions, there will be a combined daily limit of RM30,000.

If any of your DuitNow ID is currently assigned to another e-wallet or banking app, and you’d like to switch it to BigPay, you can make the change easily under Settings:

Tap on “DuitNow”, after which you’ll be able to view your DuitNow ID and the banking app or e-wallet that it is linked to
Tap on “Switch to BigPay”
Key in your one-time PIN (OTP) to complete the process

BigPay had first
first announced its inclusion in the DuitNow ecosystem
 almost two years ago, and originally intended to launch the
DuitNow QR payment feature in the second quarter of 2021
.

(Sources:
BigPay
)

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Alex Cheong Pui Yin

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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 Enhances Kill Switch Feature, Allows Customers To Block Credit & Charge Cards

Maybank announced that its existing Kill Switch security feature has now been enhanced so that customers can temporarily block access to their credit and charge cards if they feel that their card details have been compromised. With this method for quick intervention, it is hoped that cardholders will be even better protected against online scams or fraud.

In a statement, Maybank highlighted that customers tapping into the Kill Switch feature will now have two options to choose from, depending on the extent of security service that they’re looking for:

Kill Switch feature
Function/Details
Banking activities that you can still do after activating selected Kill Switch feature
Block Cards
– New feature focused primarily on card security
– Blocks all outgoing transactions from your Maybank credit and charge cards (including FPX, Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, and recurring transactions)
– Card settings cannot be changed
– Log in to your Maybank2u account
– Use your current and savings account to perform transactions
– Pay existing credit and charge card balance and instalments
Deactivate Maybank2u access
– Offers a more extensive security coverage
– Automatically logs out from all active sessions on the MAE and Maybank2u app, as well as Maybank2u website
– Blocks any further login attempts
– Receive funds into your account

You can trigger either of the Kill Switch features via the MAE app or the Maybank2u website. If you would like to do so from the MAE app, simply launch the app and tap on “More”, followed by “Kill Switch”. You’ll then be asked to select the feature that you would like to block or deactivate – go ahead and authorise the activation of the feature via Secure2u.

Meanwhile, those looking to trigger the Kill Switch features through the Maybank2u website will need to log in to their account, then go to “Settings”. From there, choose “Security”, then “Kill Switch”, and select the feature that you would like to block. You’ll also need to authorise this action with Secure2u.

Once either Kill Switch features have been activated, Maybank customers will be required to visit a Maybank branch or call its call centre at 1300 88 6688 to unblock their cards or reinstate their access to their mobile and online banking services. Of course, you’ll be asked to perform some identity verification during the process.

Maybank’s self-service Kill Switch function was
first rolled out in January this year
 to ensure that its customers have better control over the security of their banking accounts. The bank also noted that it is planning to introduce more Kill Switch features in the future, as part of its continuous effort to provide a better banking experience to its customers.

(Source: Maybank [
1
,
2
])

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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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BonusLink Campaign Offers Up To 2,200 BonusLink Points And Special Prizes

BonusLink is currently collaborating with Visa and several banks to run its Bonus Lebih-Lebih campaign, allowing members to earn up to 2,200 BonusLink Points by performing a few specific tasks. On top of that, you’ll also stand a chance to win some special prizes.

Open to all new and existing BonusLink members, you are required to download the BonusLink (BLINK) mobile app to take part the campaign. You must also set up an account and pair your physical BonusLink card number to the BLINK app; new applicants, meanwhile, will be given a virtual BonusLink card number to use.

To earn BonusLink Points via this campaign, members will need to carry out any of the following four tasks:

Task
Details
First-come first-served, capped at the number of members
1) Link a payment card
*First successful linked card only.
– AmBank BonusLink Visa Card (200 Points)
– Other AmBank credit cards (160 Points)
– Other Visa debit/credit cards (120 Points)
6,000
5,000

4,000
2) Pay merchants via the BLINKIT feature in the BLINK app, or purchase/partially redeem vouchers using your Visa debit/credit card
*No minimum spend required
– 1
st
 transaction (150 Points)
– 2
nd
 transaction (225 Points)
– 3
rd
 transaction (275 Points)
18,000
13,000
9,000
3) Refer a friend to download the BLINK app and register an account (maximum 10 referrals per member)
100 Points (earned by both referrals and referees)
10,000 (referral)
10,000 (referee)
4) Redeem/purchase and send a gift voucher to a friend
*First successful transfer only. Recipients must accept the voucher for transfer to be considered successful.
250 Points
5,000

Upon successfully completing these tasks, the BonusLink Points will be credited to you within three to four weeks.

Aside from earning BonusLink Points, participants of this campaign will also get a chance to win any of the following prizes when they have carried out one or more of the above four tasks:

The winners will be selected via a computerised selection system, and note that each member is only entitled to win one prize throughout the whole campaign period. Additionally, BonusLink will contact the winners and deliver the prizes through selected channels (delivery or email) within six to eight weeks after the end of the campaign.

BonusLink’s
Bonus Lebih-Lebih campaign
 is ongoing and slated to end on 30 September 2021. You can find out more about it on BonusLink’s website.

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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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How To Double Dip On Rewards With Credit Cards & E-Wallets

Over the last few years, there has been a new entry into the cashless payments landscape: e-wallets. Especially with the recent pandemic, many Malaysians have turned to a digital lifestyle, using e-wallets for contactless payments and e-commerce shopping. E-wallets come with their own host of consumer benefits, from loyalty programmes and cashback to vouchers and promotions.

For savvy e-wallet users, the best part usually lies in the fact that you can get all of these e-wallet benefits
on top
 of the advantages your credit cards have to offer. This has led to the “double dipping” phenomenon, and it looks like it’s here to stay – which is great news for consumers!

E-wallets and credit cards: the best of both worlds

Double dipping on rewards for both credit cards and e-wallets is simple; just use your credit card to top up your e-wallets. That way, your credit card provider will reward you with the perks of your credit card (either in cashback or rewards points), while you
also
 reap the benefits offered by the e-wallet provider too – all for the same amount of spending.

Of course, there are some downsides you should be aware of when it comes to double dipping. Some people prefer sticking to credit cards due to barriers like e-wallet size limits or payment restrictions, or even the so-called inconvenience of taking out their smartphones to scan a QR code. Worse, certain banks have also revoked their cashback or rewards benefits for e-wallet top-ups using credit cards – which means it is very important to use the right credit cards that maximise your double-dipping potential.

Thankfully, some banks have released new credit cards specifically catered for those who use them to top up e-wallets. Let’s take a look at one candidate that’s perfect for double dipping on both credit card and e-wallet rewards: the CIMB e Credit Card.

An attractive credit card for e-wallet expenditure

The CIMB e Credit Card offers up to 12X Bonus Points on a variety of spending, from e-wallet reloads and online shopping to auto-billing, contactless, and PIN payments too. The 12X points are reserved for spend with featured partners such as Shopee, Lazada, Taobao, ZALORA, HappyFresh, Coffee Bean, and many more on eDAY which falls on the 10
th
 of every month. Meanwhile, 10X points are offered for non-featured partners on online, e-wallet, contactless, and auto-billing spend almost everywhere on the 10
th
 as well. On normal days, you either get 5X or 1X Bonus Points depending on what you spend on. It’s all summarised in the table below:

The best part about the CIMB e Credit Card is that you can easily maximise your double-dipping potential just by topping up your e-wallets on the 10
th
 of every month. For example, if you just topped up RM1,000 across your e-wallets for the month, you would easily rack up 10,000 Bonus Points already! Each CIMB e Credit Cardholder is entitled to a total of 20,000 Bonus Points per statement cycle, which means you’ll hit peak double-dip level at RM2,000 in e-wallet top-ups, which is far above what most Malaysians would spend using e-wallets in a month. Plus, with a minimum of 22,000 Bonus Points, you can redeem e-vouchers from Shopee, Lazada, Grab, Touch ‘n Go, Zalora, and lots more!

And with the CIMB e Credit Card, you don’t need to worry about meeting a minimum spend requirement in order to get rewarded, because there is none – the Bonus Points are awarded to you for all eligible transactions, so you won’t run the danger of overspending just so you can collect points.

CIMB e Credit Card: deals and rewards all in one

The card’s monthly eDAY also offers attractive deals that you can take advantage of. Not only will you enjoy up to 12X Bonus Points multiplier, you can get deals as good as RM29 off on minimum RM30 spend on selected major e-commerce websites! To better reward CIMB e Credit Cardholders during the end-of-year cyber sales period, CIMB is even extending the eDAY so you have additional days to snap up deals online. This December, the eDAY will be extended from 10-12 December instead of just one day.

What about the rest of the month? Well, you still get access to over 1,000 CIMB card deals every day; these include brands such as Pestle & Mortar, OXWHITE, Stories.my, Kind Kones, The Ruma, and Poptron – a lifestyle social commerce platform that curates local artisan brands.

Lastly, you should note that CIMB touts its e Credit Card as having one of the best bank bonus point conversion rates at 400 Bonus Points = RM1*. You can redeem cashback as part of CIMB’s rewards catalogue, effectively using your Bonus Points to offset your credit card statement – or you can offset your purchase directly on-the-spot using Pay With Points at over 9,000 offline retail outlets that accept this feature.

At 12X Bonus Points, the 400 Bonus Points to RM1 redemption rate equals to an effective return of 3% in cashback!

***

Being a smart consumer is all about taking advantage of what’s available at your disposal. Credit cards and e-wallets are not going away, and with more banks following in CIMB’s footsteps of rewarding e-wallet reloads, the double-dipping phenomenon isn’t going away anytime soon.

With its flexible points earning cashback feature and a host of additional benefits, it’s no wonder the CIMB e Credit Card is a popular choice among savvy millennials. With an annual income requirement of just RM24,000 – and a RM100 annual fee that is waived for the first year and upon an annual spending of RM12,000 afterwards – the CIMB e Credit card is both rewarding and accessible.

You can find out more about the
CIMB e Credit Card here
. Interested to apply?
Sign up
 for one now!

*Best bonus points conversion of 400 Bonus Points = RM1 offered by CIMB is in comparison against other consumer banks in Malaysia published as of 1 June 2020. The conversion rate is applicable to Pay With Points participating merchants and cash back redemption.

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Citibank credit cards bring prosperous rewards

Citibank’s
got a couple of ang pows for you
 this Chinese New Year! Just spend RM500 and above in a single receipt at 1 Utama, Mid Valley Megamall, Pavilion Kuala Lumpur and Setia City Mall and you’ll get a charming chopstick set.

You can also bring home a Purple Cane tea set when you spend a minimum of RM5,000 within a day at any of those shopping complexes except Setia City Mall.

Promotion dates are 1 Jan – 10 Feb at
1 Utama
, 1 Jan – 9 Feb at
Mid Valley
, 2 Jan – 10 Feb at
Pavilion
 and 1 – 31 Jan at
Setia City Mall
.

Looks like it’s time to do some serious CNY shopping.

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How Secure is Visa payWave, Really?

We like to talk about all the latest in payment technology in the market. Visa payWave contactless technology offers great way to pay conveniently than cash and it is super easy.

However, plenty of netizens have been questioning the level of security that Visa payWave has. It’s understandable as new technology will always be scrutinised this way. Visa maintains that their Visa payWave contactless technology carries high security standards for any transaction and that consumers should be comfortable using it.

But how secure is Visa payWave really? Let’s address the concerns one by one and see for ourselves.

Q. Is Contactless Payment Safe?

A. Visa regards security as a top priority, and has very high security standards and risk management processes in place to protect all Visa transactions. Contactless transactions are no exception. Visa payWave programs offer the same cardholder protections as other Visa products and benefit from multiple layers of fraud prevention and detection and the high levels of cryptographic technology.

Protocol and application level security of the contactless payment solution prevent fraud and information misuse. The result is that Visa has low fraud rates for existing payments and this is reflected in Visa’s approach to contactless payments.

Q. How is the Card Account Information Protected on a Visa payWave Card?

A. Visa payWave cards undergo stringent testing and approval before being issued. This means the technology is designed and tested to protect the information in the payment card memory chip. The chips in the cards have built-in tamper-resistance, with ability to detect and react to tampering of the software or hardware.

Whilst some basic account information is designed to be read by card readers, so as to perform a payment transaction, this data is protected from being changed. Data relating to cryptographic functions is protected and cannot be read.

Q. Can Someone With a Card Reader Stand Close Enough to a Cardholder to Steal the Account or Card Information From a Contactless Card Without the Cardholder’s Knowledge?

A. Card data can only be accessed within a very short distance (within just a few centimeters). It would be difficult for a criminal to be able to get close enough to an individual with a reader device to read contactless card information.

The data on the card contains the same minimal personal information currently found on traditional Visa cards. Using the information to create a counterfeit card with contactless technology and features is especially difficult and would not be financially productive for a criminal, because of the encryption techniques used in the technology.

As it turns out, Visa has thought of pretty much everything to ensure high security and safety of the new Visa payWave feature. We hope with this new information you can decide for yourself whether or not Visa payWave is as secure as you need it to be. On our part, we welcome this cool new bit of technology so we can all just Wave and Go!

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What To Do When The Airline Loses Your Luggage

So there you are standing at the arrival lounge waiting to pick up your luggage at the baggage carousel. After what seems like the longest wait in the history of baggage turning, the baggage carousel stop moving and your luggage is still nowhere in sight.

Before you turn on the waterworks or have a nervous breakdown, there are things you could do to first try to retrieve your luggage but even in the worst case scenario, there’s still a way to get compensation. Here is a quick guide on how you can retrieved your luggage when it gets left behind or worst, goes missing in the luggage black hole of international travel.

What’s the First Thing You Should Do?

Before you settle for the worst case scenario, your luggage could just be delayed or still at the port of departure. The first thing you need to do is inform a representative at the service desk positioned near the luggage pick up carousel about your missing bag.

The person in charge will try to locate your baggage through your luggage tag number which is given to you during check-in. If your luggage is delayed, they will deliver your luggage within 24 hours. However if the airline fails to deliver your luggage within the grace period, they will compensate you for the time you patiently wait for your luggage delivery. You could use the money to get a fresh set of clothes and undergarments during this truly annoying time. Depending on which airline you take, the compensation amount will vary. For example,
MAS airline
 offers for RM80 local flights and RM150 international flights on economy class.

Once your airline has confirmed that your baggage is indeed missing, you will need to report on that matter with the application form provided. Before you move on, you should keep a copy of the report in case you need to follow up if they don’t get back to you within a reasonable period of time. During this time, you can always keep your fingers crossed that by some airport miracle they find your luggage.

Travel Insurance

Most travel insurance protects you against accidents, death, travel inconveniences, and even, plane hijacking! So if you’ve got yourself covered, your lost luggage will be compensated in cases of theft or loss. This in essence means that even if you were forgetful and left your bag on the train or some such place; you will still be compensated.

If your baggage went missing during flight, you have to claim damages from the airline responsible for your travel inconveniences before you start ringing your insurance hotline. This is usually done to avoid double claims but also to hold the airline responsible for their negligence (if any). However, in some cases if you are absolutely unable to claim anything from the airline; you can then contact your insurance agent.

How Do I Claim From My Insurance Provider?

Depending on the nature of your policy, you must inform your insurance provider immediately within the maximum 30 days grace period. You can contact them via hotline or email them. You will need to fill an application form which you can get from their nearest branch or their site. Your application form must be submitted together with the lost or damage baggage report given by the airline involved.

Free Travel Insurance with Selected Credit Cards

If you haven’t bought a travel insurance policy; don’t freak out just yet. Many credit cards in the market now come with free travel insurance if you’ve paid for your flight with a credit card; check your card benefits or call your friendly credit card customer service representative. Even if your credit card isn’t a
‘travel card’
 per se; there could still be travel insurance bundled in the benefits. Most platinum cards and virtually all
premium cards
 (World, Infinite, Signature, etc) will come with some form of travel insurance but the coverage will vary depending on the card and company so do call or check your T&Cs.

As far as lost baggage goes, the
Citi Premiermiles Visa Signature
 gives you up to RM12,000 in compensation for lost or damaged luggage;
Maybank Islamic Ikhwan Visa Infinite
 offers up to RM5,000; and
RHB’s Travel Money Visa
 offers up to RM2,000. You will notice that the more premium the card, the higher the claim upward limit but that doesn’t mean your other cards don’t offer even some coverage. Do read your terms to find out more.

Before You Fly

While there’s no guarantee that the airline won’t lose your luggage, learning the ropes and insuring yourself before you travel will save you the headache of wondering what to do if it does happen to you. Another way to be prepared is to include some clothes and undergarments in your carry-on bags in the event of a loss. You can even attach a large tag with your name and phone number on your luggage to make it easier for airline officials or anyone to find it and contact you.

Traveling can be a hectic and stressful thing to plan but the benefits far outweigh the hassle and is why millions of travelers flock to airports worldwide daily. Don’t let little hiccups prevent you from seeing the world – in the end, if you’re prepared, it’s all easily settled. Happy Trails.

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Citi Campaign Returns To Offer Cashback For Online, E-Wallet, And 0% EPP Purchases

(Image: The Edge Markets)

Citi will be running an updated 2022 Online, E-Wallet, and 0% Easy Payment Plan (EPP) campaign, which rewards its credit cardholders with up to RM118 cashback when they spend a specified minimum amount under the online and e-wallet category, as well as the 0% EPP category on their cards. Set to begin on 1 February 2022 (tomorrow), this campaign will continue for six months until 31 July.

Back in 2021, Citi rolled out this particular campaign as an
online and e-wallet campaign
 that rewarded its cardholders with tiered cashback of up to RM100 when they met a monthly minimum spend requirement. This time round, the bank has updated the qualifying minimum amount that needs to be spent and expanded the campaign to also include 0% EPP payments – with the cashback rewards to be provided as follows:

Spend category
Conditions & Details
Cashback cap per customer for in a campaign month
Online & E-Wallet
Minimum cumulative spend of RM1,800 in a campaign month
RM100
Citi 0% EPP
Minimum one new successful 0% EPP booking of RM1,800 and above in a campaign month
RM18

Total
RM118

Note that under the online and e-wallet category, you must spend with participating e-commerce merchants and on e-wallet platforms. Specifically, the e-commerce merchants must be registered on the Pine Labs network, whereas only reload transactions on the following e-wallets are eligible for the campaign:

Boost
GrabPay
KiplePay
Lazada Wallet
Setel
ShopeePay
Touch ‘n Go (TNG) eWallet

Do also be aware that 0% EPP transactions will typically take between three to five business days from the actual day of purchase to be reflected in your statement. If you’re looking to time your purchases to earn via this campaign, remember to take this into account when buying your items. Aside from that, transactions such as JomPay payments and instalments do not qualify for the campaign.

Citi has earmarked a monthly total of RM177,000 to be disbursed on a first-come first-served basis (RM150,000 for online and e-wallet spend category, and RM27,000 for the 0% EPP spend category). If you do earn the cashback rewards, it’ll be credited to your account within 60 days after the end of each campaign month, and will also be reflected in your monthly credit card statement.

(Source:
Citi
)

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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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How to apply for a Personal Loan

Personal loans are handy when you need cash because life just happens; whether or not you have the budget for it. So no matter if it’s for emergency funds or something less critical, banks are realising the need for fast approval loans with minimal paperwork in addition to competitive personal loan rates. If you are planning on taking a personal loan, here are a few things that will help you with your application process.

Application procedure

There are several ways to apply for a personal loan nowadays and the method may depend on your chosen bank’s procedure:

Walk-in
 – When in doubt, you can always just walk into your chosen bank branch and ask about loan applications. Some bank branches are better equipped with MyKad readers so no documentation required such as at Easy-RHB outlets. To apply for the AEONiCash, Hong Leong Mach IOU, or an Alliance Bank personal loan, you will only need your MyKad and income slip. Usually these banks aim to provide customers with fast approval loans that require little documentation. If in doubt, check the bank website or give the customer service centre a call.

Phone-in
– Some banks simply ask that you phone in. This is then followed by instructions on how to go about your application. Some may require you to head down to a bank branch but others may fax or email you a form to fill and return via the same mode.

Online application
– Like phone-in applications, you will likely be asked to scan and email copies of required documents to the bank should you desire quick approval. Some banks only do partial online applications and ask for your contact details promising to respond with a phone call within 24 hours with further instructions.

Preparing Your Documents

It is always best to be prepared. If your bank website is unclear and you want your loan approved with as little hassle as possible; here’s a list of documents to prepare just in case. Almost every loan, including personal loans from Al Rajhi Bank, will require the same kind of documentation and these are the usual suspects:

1) Copy of
NRIC (and the original to present if applying in person)
– Arguably the most important document that you need for any bank application. A passport is also acceptable if you are a non-Malaysian resident.

2)
 Proof of Income:
Some banks require just one but there are others that will require a combination of 2-3 if not all, so do call your bank to find out. When in doubt, it’s always best to prepare as many as you can!

Salary slip
 – Depending on how much you are planning to take, your bank could require between 2-6 months of salary slips; or
Employer confirmation letter
 – should you be unable to provide your salary slips a confirmation letter from your current employer can be used instead.

Credit card/Bank statement
 – This is so the bank can assess your credit history to determine whether you can afford to repay your loan. This, along with salary slips are key documents in an unsecured loan application.

EPF statement
 – Your EPF account can be used to show your employment history and proof of income.

EA Form
 – This annual statement is provided by your employer and contains important information about your salary (including bonus and incentives); or
B Form
 if you are self-employed and run your own business(es).

Post-application

Always ask your bank how the money will be disbursed to you. Some may require that you open a savings account with them (if you don’t already have one) but some may just give you a cheque or do an interbank Giro transfer. If you don’t have a savings account with them, you will need to open one. Once settled, there’s just the wait.

RHB’s Easy Express Loan claims on the spot disbursement; AEON and Hong Leong Mach all promise within the hour but most banks can take anywhere between 1-14 working days. Some banks offer the convenience of tracking your application online but even if they don’t there’s no harm in calling them up for an update.

If your application is rejected don’t be disheartened. There are plenty of other banks offering competitive rates and just as simple to apply. Good luck!

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Civil Servants To Receive Up To RM700 Special Cash Aid, RM600 Aidilfitri Allowance

(Image: Bernama)

In his Budget 2023 speech today, Finance Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz said that eligible civil servants will be able to receive several special cash aids from the government in the coming year. These include the Bantuan Khas Kewangan of up to RM700, as well as the Bantuan Khas Kewangan Aidilfitri of RM600.

Under the Bantuan Khas Kewangan initiative, approximately 1.3 million Grade 56 government employees and below will be entitled to a cash aid of RM700, while 1 million former public servants will receive RM350. Tengku Zafrul further said that these cash aids are given as a gift of gratitude from the government to civil servants who have been faithfully serving the nation. It will see a budget allocation of RM1.3 billion.

On top of this, public servants will also receive an additional RM600 cash aid under the Bantuan Khas Kewangan Aidilfitri initiative, which is expected to be paid out in March 2023. The government has agreed to raise the salaries of civil servants in Grade 11 to Grade 56 by RM100 as well, set to take effect starting from January 2023.

With all the above special cash aids and raise in salary, Tengku Zafrul said that civil servants can look forward to a maximum additional amount of RM2,500 for their use.

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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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    Anonymous

    11 months ago

What about the poor and those who are not civil servants?  This looks like a political ploy benefitting one race which will further divide the nation !

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DOSM: Malaysia’s Employment Rate Expected To Improve This Year

(Image: The Malaysian Reserve)

Chief statistician of the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM), Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Uzir Mahidin has indicated that Malaysia’s employment rate is expected to improve further in 2022, based on the gradual recovery in the labour force last year.

Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Uzir Mahidin said that the nation’s labour force – which consisted of employed and unemployed individuals – increased from 15.7 million in 2020 to 15.8 million in 2021. Of these, the number of employed individuals rose by 0.7% to 15.1 million individuals, while the number of unemployed individuals increased by 3.1% to 733,000 individuals.

“The reopening of more economic and social activities had encouraged the inactive groups to shift into the labour force, either to be employed or in search for jobs,” the chief statistician further stated.

In terms of the occupation category, Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Uzir Mahidin noted that the semi-skilled category recorded the highest number of employed individuals, accounting for 57.7% or 8.7 million of the total employed individuals in 2021. This was followed by the skilled category (29.6% or 4.5 million individuals) and the low-skilled category (12.7% or 1.9 million individuals).

Breaking down the employed individuals group, Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Uzir said that the employees category – which made up 78.5% of the group in 2021 – increased to 11.8 million in 2021 from 11.6 million individuals in the previous year. Meanwhile, the self-employed category – which formed 14.8% of the total employed persons – decreased to 2.2 million individuals. This is likely due to the impact of the prolonged pandemic, which affected many businesses, especially the small and micro enterprises.

With regard to
Malaysia’s unemployment rate
, the chief statistician said that the rate in 2021 stood at 4.6% – an increase of 0.1% from the previous year. This translates to 733,000 unemployed individuals recorded in 2021, compared to 711,000 a year before. Among the states, Sabah recorded the highest unemployment rate at 8.2%, followed by Wilayah Persekutuan Labuan (7.4%) and Perak (5.3%). On the other hand, Putrajaya (1.6%), Melaka (2%) and Pahang (3.3%) registered some of the lowest unemployment rates in 2021.

Finally, Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Uzir stated that the labour market in Malaysia has shown encouraging progress since last January, attributing it to the country’s transition to the fourth phase of the National Recovery Plan.

“These positive developments may contribute towards the hiring of more employees and creation of new jobs, consequently providing the impetus for economic growth. Therefore, Malaysia’s labour market is foreseen to speed up the recovery momentum in the near future as the economy continues to improve,” Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Uzir further commented.

(Sources:
Malay Mail
,
Department of Statistics Malaysia
)

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Treat your Taste Buds with Public Bank

To all Public Bank Credit and Debit Cardmembers,

We’ll forgive you foregoing your 2013 diet resolution once you take a peek at the fab dining deals you can score with a swipe.

(Picture taken from
Esquire Kitchen’s Official Website
.)

All you have to do is present your Public Bank Debit or Credit Card prior to ordering and use it for payment later to enjoy these deals. With special discounts at over 20 selected restaurants and eateries; you’re bound to find something to indulge in.

Check out the fantastic offers:

Deutsches Haus German Restaurant & Bar – 50% off second main course.

Bangkok House – 15% off on total bill, 20% off in cardmember’s birthday month and 20% off on cardmember’s birthday.

Art Mansion Bistro – 20% off ala carte menu.

Rama V Fine Thai Cuisine – 15% off on food items only.

Purple Cane Tea Restaurant and Purple Cane Tea Art centre – 10% off normal priced items at Purple Cane Tea Art Centre and 10% off total bill in Purple Cane Tea Art Restaurant.

Sunway Putra Hotel Kuala Lumpur – 25% off buffet lunch (Monday-Friday) and buffet dinner (Monday – Sunday) at the Coffee House.

The Northam All-Suite Penang – 20% off on a la carte menu at Coffee House, Level 1. 20% off on dim sum and a la carte menu at the Taipan Fins Chinese Restaurant, Level 2.

G Hotel Penang

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Banks To Drop Transaction Fees In Response To Uproar

Malaysian banks will stop charging customers for using cash and cheques for repayments of credit card or loan financing in-branch. This was announced in a statement made by the Association of Banks in Malaysia (ABM), following two days of public uproar over the matter.

The fees in question were RM2 for transactions made over the counter (OTC) and RM0.50 for payments made using cash deposit, cash recycling, and cheque deposit machines. Customers who used cash and cheques to make their credit card or loan financing repayments through these methods would have had to pay the charges.

The first complaints were raised by the Consumers’ Association of Penang, who wrote to Bank Negara Malaysia to state its objection to the new transaction fees. Similar statements were subsequently made by the National Union of Bank Employees (NUBE) and Federation of Malaysian Consumers Association (FOMCA), arguing that the practice was unfair to those who did not do their banking via digital channels.

Among the banks that introduced these fees this year are Affin Bank, CIMB, and
Public Bank
, with announcements by
AmBank
 and
Maybank
 stating that their fees would commence on 1 October.

According to ABM, these fees were implemented to encourage customers to move from cash to e-payments. However, senior citizens and disabled individuals were exempted from the OTC transaction fees. Moreover, banking transactions through ATMs remained free of charge.

NUBE secretary J. Solomon said that ABM’s response to axe the transaction fees was welcomed. “It’s the fundamental right of the customers to use the services of the bank employees for counter services and the banks cannot impose a fee on customers for that,” he said. “It’s also the duty and obligation of the bank as custodian of the customers’ funds to give the best service to customers with no charge over the counter.”

(Source:
The Star
)

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RHB’s handsome rewards for sending funds abroad

Taking part in RHB’s
CounterFX Send and Win
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Online Driving License Test Fee To Be Reduced To RM20 Starting Jan 2019

(Image: Malay Mail)

Transport Minister Anthony Loke announced the fee for online driving license test will be reduced from RM27 to RM20, which will be coming into effect on 1 January 2019. Anthony Loke also announced the ministry will study a proposal to merge car and motorcycle driving test.

Anthony Loke said the purpose of the move is to liberalise the system and avoid a monopoly.

“We do not want there to be a mindset that this service is monopolised by any particular company and have opened it to any driving institute that are graded three stars and above and fulfil certain criteria.

“It is a very basic service in which the standard question will be provided by JPJ, and the rate will also be RM7 cheaper than the current RM27 fee,” he said at a recent news conference.

The transport minister added that all 103 examination centres under e-services through MyEG, KOMMS and Myspeed that are rated three stars and above will implement the directives according to the stipulated time. He added the move will also lead to the set up of around 200 examination centres that will provide the same service without affecting MyEG, KOMMS and Myspeed.

On a separate note, Anthony Loke announced the ministry is considering a proposal to merge the written driving license tests for cars (Category D) and motorcycle (Category B2).

“Right now, the written examination for license B2 and D are done separately, so the candidate would have to sit for the exam twice.

“We don’t have a final decision on this yet, but we are seriously considering to merge the two soon,” he said.

(Source:
The Star
 and
Malay Mail
)

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Brian Chung

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