Misc – dixonthum

Guys! As we already know, our Prime Minister announced that Monday, 15 September 2025, will be a public holiday for all Malaysians! That’s right — a long weekend is officially on the cards, and it’s all in conjunction with Malaysia Day, which falls on Tuesday, 16 September 2025.

As someone who juggles work and short getaways, I think this bonus holiday is a great opportunity to take a breather or plan something fun with family or friends. Whether you’re heading back to your hometown, exploring a new café, or just enjoying a well-deserved nap at home, this announcement definitely comes as good news.

So why was 15 September 2025 made a public holiday?
According to PM Anwar Ibrahim, it’s all about giving Malaysians extra time to reflect on the country’s unity and journey since its formation. Symbolically, it adds weight to Malaysia Day celebrations, making it a true moment of togetherness and national pride.

And yes, the implementation of the additional holiday is subject to provisions under Section 60D(1) of the Employment Act 1955 (Act 265) for Peninsular Malaysia and the Federal Territory of Labuan; the Sabah Labour Ordinance (Chapter 67), the Sarawak Labour Ordinance (Chapter 76) and the Holidays Act 1951 (Act 369) as the basis for the announcement of the official additional holiday by the government.

Here’s what employers and employees need to know:

If your company already assigned 11 paid public holidays for 2025, this 15 Sept holiday still counts as an extra mandatory day off.
Employers can:
1. Give the day off with full pay,
2. Ask employees to work, but pay them double (2x daily wage) and triple (3x hourly rate for OT hours),
3. Replace the holiday with another paid day off.
If you’re working on that day, make sure you check your payroll — the Employment Act ensures proper compensation, including overtime rates if applicable.

For employers, especially those in F&B, healthcare, logistics, or retail, you might want to start adjusting your shift planning and payroll settings now. Even the Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers (FMM) has urged the government to gazette the holiday early, so businesses can prepare.

From a practical point of view, this bonus holiday is perfect for planning a gathering with loved ones, exploring local attractions, or finally going on that short getaway you’ve always had in mind.

So, mark your calendars:
📅 13 Sept (Saturday)
📅 14 Sept (Sunday)
📅 15 Sept (Monday – Public Holiday)
📅 16 Sept (Tuesday – Malaysia Day)

4 days of freedom.
You’re welcome.

So, what do you plan to do during the long weekend?

Lifestyle, Misc, Shopping

Malaysia One-off RM100 Cash Aid 2025: How Every Malaysian Adult Can Claim It with MyKad

July 23, 2025July 24, 2025 dixonthum

If you’re a Malaysian aged 18 and above, here’s some good news — you’re getting a one-off RM100 cash handout directly through your MyKad. This was officially announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in a televised address as part of a nationwide effort to ease the cost-of-living burden for all Malaysians.

What makes this announcement special to me? It’s the first time in Malaysia’s history that every adult citizen (aged 18 and above) — regardless of income group — will receive cash assistance under the government’s Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) programme. And the best part? It’s not by household — it’s individual. That means if you and your three other adult family members live under the same roof, that’s RM400 total for your household.

I was already eligible to receive a monthly allowance under the SARA programme, so I thought it’d be helpful to share my experience on how to make the most of the aid using the MyKasih app.

The one-off RM100 cash aid will be made available starting 31 August 2025 and must be spent by 31 December 2025. However, it’s not withdrawable cash — it can only be used to purchase essential items at over 4,100 participating grocery stores and supermarkets nationwide.

Any unspent amount after December 31 will be returned to the government and channeled into future aid programmes for vulnerable groups.

What Can You Buy with the one-off RM100 SARA Aid?
The RM100 can be used for basic goods only. Here’s a list of eligible categories under the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) programme:

Rice, bread, noodles, biscuits, eggs, flour
Cooking oil and basic seasonings
Milk, beverages, and canned food
Personal hygiene items like toothpaste, soap, sanitary pads
Household cleaning items such as detergent and dishwashing liquid
Over-the-counter medicine including paracetamol and cough syrup
School supplies including stationery and basic shoes

You cannot use the RM100 to purchase snacks, soft drinks, fast food, frozen meat without labels, or premium/imported goods. Just look out for the MyKasih label or scan the barcode using the app to confirm if the item is eligible.

How to Use the RM100 Cash Aid at the Store

Visit any participating grocery store or supermarket
Choose items from the approved list
Inform the cashier you’re paying via MyKasih
Present your MyKad and key in your 6-digit PIN
The eligible amount will be deducted directly from your RM100 balance
Keep the receipt to track your usage

The MyKasih system will automatically reject ineligible items, so you won’t accidentally overspend on the wrong products.

Step-by-Step How to Check Eligible Items on the MyKasih App

Step 1: Download the MyKasih App

Go to Google Play Store (Android) or App Store (iPhone)
Search for MyKasih
Install and open the app
(App name: MyKasih – official app by MyKasih Foundation)

Step 2: Log in or Register

Register using your MyKad number
Set a 6-digit PIN for security (For first time login, temporary PIN is the first 6-digits of your MyKad)
If you’re already registered, just log in with your existing MyKad and PIN

Step 3: Go to the Barcode Scanner Feature

On the main dashboard, tap on “Check Item” or look for the barcode icon
This lets you scan any product barcode while you’re in the store

Step 4: Scan the Item Barcode

Point your phone camera at the item’s barcode
The app will immediately tell you whether the item is eligible or not eligible under the SARA programme

Step 5: Check Your Balance Anytime

Your remaining SARA balance is shown on the homepage
It updates every time you spend using your MyKad at a participating store

Step 6: Locate Nearby Participating Merchants

Make sure to shop only at these outlets for the aid to work

Tap on “Find Merchants” to find nearby supermarkets and grocers that accept MyKasih

Participating merchants include Mydin, Giant, Econsave, The Store, Pacific, Miimewa, 99 Speedmart, Lotuss Stores and some independent supermarkets and mini markets.

Step 7: Check Eligible Items for Purchase

Tap on “Catalogue” for the full list of eligible items

Other Announcements by the Prime Minister
Along with the RM100 cash handout, here are a few more things the government announced to help ease the rakyat’s burden:

RON95 petrol will be reduced to RM1.99 per litre
Details on targeted fuel subsidy will be shared by end of September
Toll hikes at 10 major highways will be postponed
An additional public holiday has been declared on 15 September 2025

Misc

Finding Part Time Job Online is Easier Now

June 19, 2013June 20, 2013 dixonthum

Do you still remember the tuition website I reviewed previously? Click on the link to read about it.

The owner has created another new website, http://www.joblogy.com to help those who are looking for part time work. You can login to the page using your Facebook account.

On the front page of the website, there is a round big cute one-eyed monster logo above the search engine. You can actually choose to do a voice search too by activating the “microphone” icon. (BTW, I do not know why is the monster there?)

You may try to search your preferred job using its search engine. For example, I search the word, “marketing” and the list of jobs related shows on the next page like this :

On this page, they include the types of job like Part Time, Full Time or Internship. Once you click the “View” button, all the job descriptions, requirements and contact details will pop up as follow :

For their updates, follow them via Google+ or Facebook.

The website is still very fresh and new. A lot of improvement can be made especially to expand a bigger pool of job database and a more mature feel and look to the website. Perhaps, this could be a website targeted to fresh grads or younger adults who are looking for their first job. Else, this is not appealing to more mature working adults.

Joblogy also include a feature which I find quite interesting. Click on the “Friends+Jobs” tab and you can check whether you have any friends (in your FB page) who are working or worked with the companies listed. I found some of mine! 🙂

By the way, they are also looking for tutors for home tuition in Puchong. Click the link if you are interested.

Misc

Let’s Shape a Sustainable Blogosphere Future Together

February 15, 2013February 15, 2013 dixonthum

Responsible Blogging 2013 is a campaign calling upon the entire online community in Malaysia to rally for and support an ethical climate in the blogosphere for our mutual benefit. Let’s join together and show that we care.

The goal – 1,000,000 engagements; 2000 Bloggers; 9 Brands. Stand up for responsible blogging.

Responsible blogging 2013 campaign was presented by Ninetology Malaysia.

NINETOLOGY is an ASEAN mobile device technology company, strongly driven by the people’s pride and importance of being on par with global technology progression and renowned international standards. Phenomenal growth is what we strive for and we who have an eye for details, meticulous with elements of technology, art and beauty – ENSURES this. Inspired by bold & fast-paced lifestyles, products of NINETOLOGY are empowered by today’s solutions for practicality and functionality.

http://www.ninetology.com

Now if you think we are onto something meaningful, and you think it matters to you, join us now, be one of the 2,000 bloggers to tell the world, we care! Join now at www.responsibleblogging.my

Misc

Finding Your Tutor or Students Online

December 12, 2012December 12, 2012 dixonthum

When I was in my primary school time, I used to go for tuition classes with a teacher near my house. She is such a great teacher that with her lessons, I got the first placing in my class for 5 consecutive years. I take this opportunity to thank Teacher Chong Mee Yue for her dedication and effort.

During my secondary school time, I went to classes in tuition centres around Pudu area. Not that they are not good. It is just that attending a big group tuition class is very much different from being taught by a teacher on one-to-one basis. You get a lot more attention when you are being taught in a small group.

After my Degree, I worked part time as a tuition teacher for almost 2 years, tutoring students of Form 3 and Form 5. I taught Bahasa Malaysia, English, Geography, History and Science. Eventually, I stopped tutoring because I did not have enough time as my workload increased.

Everything is going online nowadays. If you are a student looking for a tuition teacher OR a teacher looking for a student, fret not. I came across this website which has a pool of data of tutors and students, ready and standing by to serve you.

The great thing about this website is that you can actually choose your tutor from the neighborhood nearby. For instance, if you are staying in Puchong, just click on the link or do a search. Then the whole list of tutors in Puchong will appear. On the other hand, if you are a teacher looking for students in that area, the same thing, just do a search and the whole list of students in Puchong will be displayed.

This website is not only limited to Klang Valley. I am impressed that their database is extended to further areas like Rawang, Kuching, Semenyih, Nilai, Ipoh, Penang and even as far as Singapore! I believe this would help parents and students who are searching for tuition teachers who are located near them. Saving time and more cost effective.