Finally it’s completed. This comparison covers almost all banks/financial institution in Malaysia except for a few banks due to limited info on their websites, product unavailability, and/or there was no reply to our email queries.

We admit that gathering this piece of info is not easy as we thought initially, but Alhamdulillah, we managed to get almost all info that we need in time. If you doubt how this info is gathered, this is the method that we had used. To ensure that the info is accurate, we didn’t refer to any other resources except:

1. Product official websites
2. Customer service contact through emailing/calling
3. Stores/booths selling the products

Prepaid card is the card which require you to load funds onto your card and use
that money to make purchases and get cash — you are not borrowing money
from a bank or other financial institution. The prepaid credit cards
look, feel and work like a credit card but are pre-funded “stored-value”
cards. This allows you to set spending limits for you or your kids -prepaidcardguide

Debit card‘s function is more similar to writing a cheque as the funds are withdrawn directly from either the cardholder’s bank account (often referred to as a check card), or from the remaining balance on a gift card.- wikipedia

Is debit/prepaid card for you?
Yes. There is actually a few reasons why you need either debit or prepaid card. You have been financially banned from central bank due to default in making payment in any credit services before, or secondly, you’re unable to control your spending habit, or, you’re a frequent traveler who doesn’t have credit cards due to reason 1 and/or 2.

While every attempt has been made to ensure this ebook is as complete and accurate as possible, there could be any mistake that is inevitable which went unnoticed by us. You’re most welcome to report and comment on any inaccurate information that might occur.

If you’re looking for any prepaid or debit cad , you’re highly encouraged to download this ebook, no registration required. Before you download this, you might be interested to know what is the difference between prepaid card and debit card that I’ve mentioned above.

Download here

Nearly everyone has had a financial emergency at some time in their life. Unfortunately some have no family or friends near to turn to. A payday loan can assist you in getting back on your feet by giving you a small loan.

How successful is our local IT entrepreneurship? I asked myself this question when I saw Advertlets domain expired last week. It’s too short if I wrote about Advertlets only, how about if I ‘write’ few other brands that is going to take off or something that still around

Advertlets
Advertlets is making history last week. History that they won’t be proud of and history that none of us would have wanted. Kicking of their service last year, the Malaysia‘s second advertising company looks promising. They had a great start, was well received by most bloggers, but are now burning down their own business model with the failure to update their domain on time. Whether this is done on purpose to get cheap publicity or is a real unforgettable mistake, the bad is bad enough and had tarnished their own image. I believe that once they’re back, some bloggers will still display their ads especially the newcomers, but for those who has experienced such a bad thing, I don’t think there’ll be any turning back.

My hope
I hope they’ll be back and stronger than ever.

Makcik PC.
Asus eee reminded me of Makcik PC. What a name.. perhaps they’re trying to imitate established brand like Dr Cardin & Dr Martin (shoes), Uncle Ben (rice brand) Auntie Anne’s (pretzels), and Brothers (printing and imaging). Touted as the world slimmest PC, it attracts a lot of attention from media and local bloggers when it was first announced by Prime Minister. The vision of the development of this computer company is to close the gap between rural communities with the town communities and also to provide cheap computer.

When I see Asus eee, I shake my head. Can MakCik PC compete with it. It costs between USD 245 – 399 yet having more functionality compared to Makcik PC which costs around RM 500 – 1000 (USD152 – 305). The Asus was initially expected to cost around 199 but rose up to 245 once it is in production, so I’m expecting Mak Cik PC to cost around RM750 when it is ready in production. Another question popped out. When will it available in store? I’ve no idea.

I expect other computer manufacturers to come out with their own miniPC, and I’m not sure if Makcik PC would be sellable at that time.

My hope
First, I hope MakCik PC will be available as soon as possible before other PC brands release and would be flooding our market.
Secondly, I want it to be as cheap as possible. Gov can subsidize it instead, a little bit in order to fire up the sale.
Third – As usual, quality, support, durability must came up handy.

Read more MakCik PC

A local IT company, Nadiayu Technologies is teaming up with TM to offer notebook + streamyx ownership program. Utusan and Berita Harian reported that the program known as “Beli PC Natsys dan Dapatkan Streamyx Percuma” is targeted to citizens with limited budget, by offering 0% installment payment through selected credit cards.

The package
There are a variety of products categorized by the specs offered by Natsys which varies from desktop to notebook, but it seems that there is only 1 common package in which notebook and desktop are bundled together with Streamyx.

The payment Method

• 3 Years Installment: RM 163* / month
• 5 Years Installment:RM 108* / month

*based on RM5000 loan value

• 12 Months: RM 394 / month

I had also noticed that there is, an option to finance the notebook through Bank Rakyat’s Skim Bantu, but this is for other packages offered.

Specifications

Dual Core T2130 1MB L2(1.86GHz/ 533MHz)
VIA VN896 + VT8237A
120GB SATA HDD
1GB DDR II (Max 2GB)
None
DVD Dual Writer
Shared 256MB
Integrated AC97 Audio, speakers
Integrated 10/100 LAN & 56k Fax modem
Pro/Wireless 802.11b/g
3xUSB2.0, VGA out
14″ WXGA Super-bright LCD Display
0.3Mega Pixel Camera
6 cells : 3 hours
315 x 260 x 26~33mm
2.3kg
windows Xp Home

In terms of the price, I’m not sure if it is on the same level with market price. Almost similar products from Dell and HP have price tags from 3.5k to 4.5 k.

For comparison, let’s say if user opts for 3 years installment package. Assuming streamyx monthly bill is at RM88, the total cost for notebook is RM2700, which is within the price range of mainstream notebook manufacturer

Total price : 163 x 36 = 5868
Streamyx : 88 x 36 = 3168
Notebook price : 5868 – 3168 = 2700

Similar offer from other company
Previously, there are also 2 other packages offered by 2 telcos in collaboration with Hewlett Packard

Maxis HSDPA + Hewlet Packard
Internet connectivity – USB modem powered by Maxis HSDPA – Up to 3.6Mbps access for 24 months
Notebook – HP 520 Notebook – Centrino Duo
Installment package = RM178 for 24 months installment from selected credit card
Promotion validity : Valid till 31 January 2008 or while stock last
Details : Maxis

Digi + Hewlett Packard
Digi has the same offering back then, but it has already ended last October.

Internet connectivity – Data Only SIM (DOS) or Postpaid Premier Plan with Data Unlimited Plan + PC Data Modem
Notebook – HP Compaq Presario V3600TU – Centrino Duo
Installment package = RM178 for 24 months installment from selected credit card
Details : Digi

What do I think?
Malaysian companies are never short of great ideas. Since Streamyx market penetration and coverage is wider than 3G or wireless internet, this package is available to most of Malaysian folks. But as usual, great ideas must come with hard work to succeed.

The package offered is also limited with only 1 model for each notebook and desktop. To be more attractive, having 2 or 3 packages for each notebook and desktop is better, in order to fulfill our human nature who love choices.

If Natsys can provide excellent service in areas below, I don’t see why Natsys cannot become one of the main players in Malaysia
- More choices
- Excellent tech support and after sales
- Product quality and durability
- Compatible parts
- Warranty and services

What you do think about this package? Attractive and affordable? Btw, I’m not in any ways related to Natsys.

Maybank, the largest bank in Malaysia has released financial Windows Live Agent called Agent-M, a new advertisement tool on Microsoft‘s messengers tool platform such as Windows Messenger and Windows Live Messenger.

Errm, how it works? Simple!! Sign in to your Windows Messeger, Add m.m2u@maybank.com.my to your contact and start chatting with ‘him’. Advertising in messenger (except putting a banner or text link on it’s window) is pretty new in Malaysia especially using this technology, in fact Maybank’s Agent-M is the first Windows Live agent in Asia to serve the financial sector

I’ve chatted with ‘him’ yesterday for a few seconds asking few questions using keyword such as mortgage or loan, but unfortunately ‘he’ is unable to answer the questions. nevermind he still new , but he do know about ATM and credit card. And for more services questions, he’ll direct you to Maybank2u.com. My chat log is below if you interested how it works.

********************************************

zaki says:
Hello there

Agent M says:
This Microsoft Agent is powered by Windows Live Agents. Microsoft’s Privacy Statement (http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=74170) applies to all information which you provide to this Microsoft Agent. Please be careful about information which you provide to online services and follow safety tips, some of which can be found at http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/default.mspx.

Agent M says:
Welcome zaki!
My name is Agent M. I am a Live Agent.
I am here to answer all your questions about Maybank.

Just type “?” if you’d like me to suggest a Maybank topic to chat about.

If you’ve lost your ATM or Credit Card, call the numbers below immediately to report the loss of your ATM or credit card (accessible 24 hours).
ATM card – 03-2070 3333
Credit card – 03-2072 1373/1-800-88-3231

zaki says:
?

Agent M says:
Here are some of the questions you can ask me:

1 What type of banking products/services do Maybank offer?
2 What is Maybank2u.com?
3 Where is Maybank? How do I get to Maybank?
4 Top 10 FAQs
5 Complaints & Resolutions

Type a question and I’ll try my best to answer you!

zaki says:
4

Agent M says:
Here’s the Top 10 FAQs from Maybank:
1 How many payee corporations are there in Online Bill Payment?
2 I forgot my pin / password.
3 Is TAC the same as the Internet Banking PIN?
4 How do I request for TAC if I’m overseas?
5 Are there any charges for Online Bill Payment?
6 I entered my TAC as requested but got an error message.
7 What number do I call if I lose my Maybank Credit Card
8 How do I apply for a Maybank Credit Card?
9 What should I do if my Maybankard Bankcard is retained at an ATM?
10 Can I use my Maybankard Bankcard overseas?

zaki says:
?
Agent M says:
Here are some of the questions you can ask me:

1 What type of banking products/services do Maybank offer?
2 What is Maybank2u.com?
3 Where is Maybank? How do I get to Maybank?
4 Top 10 FAQs
5 Complaints & Resolutions

Type a question and I’ll try my best to answer you!

zaki says:
credit card

Agent M says:
Maybank has a complete range of credit cards for you to choose from: Visa (Classic, Gold & Platinum); MasterCard (Classic & Gold); and American Express (Classic & Gold).

For more information on Maybankard Credit Cards, visit http://www.maybank2u.com.my/consumer/online_cards/maybankcc_about.shtml.

There are many easy ways for you to apply: online application; print out an application form; drop by any Maybank branch for an application form; or pick up an application form from our partner outlets.

Would you like to apply for the credit cards online? Please type yes or no.

zaki says:
no

Agent M says:
OK
zaki says:
how about house load

Agent M says:
I don’t understand this fully enough to say anything smart about it…

zaki says:
how about house loan

Agent M says:
That’s interesting that you should say that, but I don’t think I can answer.

zaki says:
mortgage

Agent M says:
Hmm. I didn’t quite get what you said.
Try typing “?” to see examples of questions I can answer.

zaki says:
ATM

Agent M says:
Maybank has branches all over Malaysia! Which state are you looking for?
1 Johor
2 Kedah
3 Kelantan
4 Kuala Lumpur
5 Melaka
6 Negeri Sembilan
7 Pahang
8 Perak
9 Perlis
10 Pulau Pinang
11 Selangor
12 Terengganu
13 Sabah
14 Sarawak

zaki says:
loan

Agent M says:
I am sorry, I didn’t get that.
Try typing “?” to see examples of questions I can answer.

Good news Malaysian, after long delay, Mobile number portibility (MNP) will be finally rolled out next August. I stumbled upon this news from local english newspaper The Star and further searching found that MobileWorld.com and TelecomAsia.com were also reporting the same thing

Several report earlier such as from Bernama and Suruhanjaya Komunikasi and Multimedia has anticipated the roll out and testing to be completed before end of this year, but no update communicated until now

So what does this means to us? We’ll be able to switch telco and at the same time retaining your current number. Even though the deployment is delayed and we’re behind several Asian countries such as our neighbor, Singapore, at least we’ll have it later next year.

At the end, end users like us is definitely the winner of this implementation, even though the rules and term of use still unknown. Normally, the biggest obstacle why users reluctant to change their operators (or to the better package offered by competitor) is due to the current policy where we need new number(of course new SIM card) whenever switching over to new telco. This is a waste, and we tend to lose our old contact since not everyone on our contact list or knows us been informed of our the changes.

With recent wars of pricing and services among telcos provider in Malaysia, next year seems promising more exciting news about our telecommunication. Hopefully the recent development of MNP is for real. Otherwise we have to wait longer before we can see MNP implemented here