Can I Choose Which COVID-19 Vaccine To Take?
- By CompareHero.my
- March 17, 2021
So you’ve registered for the free COVID-19 vaccination. Then, while waiting for your turn to be vaccinated, you hear that Malaysia plans to utilise five types of vaccines for the National Immunisation Programme (NIP), with COVID-19 vaccine names and suppliers such as Pfizer-BioNTech, AstraZeneca, Sinovac, CanSino Biologics and Sputnik V being featured in the media.
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Which COVID-19 vaccine will you be receiving?
Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Khairy Jamaluddin recently stated that Malaysians will not be able to choose which COVID-19 vaccine they want due to logistical concerns (according to a report by The Star).
Instead, he said the vaccines will be allocated according to the government’s mapping plan, based on their storage requirements and the vaccination centres identified by the Health Ministry.
It’s best to read up about the five COVID-19 vaccines that will be utilised for the National Immunisation Programme (NIP), as you won’t be able to choose which vaccine to take.
Types of COVID-19 vaccines in Malaysia
The Star has shared some helpful info to give you a clearer picture of the vaccine you’ll possibly receive. As these five types of COVID-19 vaccines will be part of the country’s immunisation plan, subject to approval by the National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency (NPRA), it’s best to read up about them.
The full details are in the National COVID-19 Immunisation Programme Handbook, but you can check out the key facts here.
1. Pfizer-BioNTech
Total no. of doses ordered: 32 million
No. of doses per person: 2 doses, 3 weeks apart
Known as Comirnaty, this vaccine was developed by the New York-based pharmaceutical corporation Pfizer and the German company BioNTech. It boasts an efficacy rate of 95% (a reduction of risk in disease). That means your chance of contracting the disease drops by 95% upon vaccination.
2. AstraZeneca
Total no. of doses ordered: 12.8 million
No. of doses per person: 2 doses, 4 weeks apart
The AZD1222 vaccine was developed by researchers with the University of Oxford and the British-Swedish company AstraZeneca. It has an efficacy rate of 62% – 90%.
3. Sinovac
Total no. of doses ordered: 12 million
No. of doses per person: 2 doses, 2 weeks apart
Called CoronaVac, this vaccine was developed by Sinovac Biotech, a private Chinese company. Sinovac’s vaccine has an efficacy of 50.4% – 91.25%.
4. CanSino Biologics
Total no. of doses ordered: 3.5 million
No. of doses per person: 1 dose
This vaccine is known as Convidecia and it was developed by Chinese company CanSino Biologics in partnership with the Institute of Biology at the country’s Academy of Military Medical Sciences. It boasts a 65.7% efficacy rate.
5. Sputnik V
Total no. of doses ordered: 6.4 million
No. of doses per person: 2 doses, 3 weeks apart
The Sputnik V vaccine was developed by the Gamaleya Research Institute, which is part of Russia’s Ministry of Health. It has a 91.6% efficacy rate.
Are there side effects from taking the vaccine?
Health director-general Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah recently pointed out that only four in a million people may get side effects after getting vaccinated for Covid-19.
He added that the Health Ministry is prepared to handle such situations if it happens during or after the vaccination of any individuals. Every person who will be receiving the COVID-19 vaccine will have to go through five stations at a Vaccine Dispensing Centre (PPV). This process, which takes about 15 to 30 minutes, also includes monitoring for side effects.
Dr Noor Hisham also highlighted that vaccinated individuals can report any side effects that occur through the MySejahtera app.
According to the CDC, possible side effects may include pain, redness, and swelling in your arm area.
Possible side effects
According to the U.S.-based Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), possible side effects from the vaccination may include pain, redness, and swelling in your arm area where you receive the vaccination shot. Other side effects include tiredness, headache, muscle pain, chills, fever, and nausea.
The CDC also explained that these side effects are normal signs that your body is building protection and should go away in a few days’ time.
Who shouldn’t take the COVID-19 vaccine?
According to the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization, the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is safe and effective. However, the vaccination is not recommended for certain groups of people due to limited data – such as individuals with severe allergies, most pregnant women, children under 16 and people with known medical conditions.
As for the other vaccines, you are encouraged to refer to credible sources such as the WHO official website for more info.
If there are complications from the COVID-19 vaccine, what should I do?
There’s nothing much you can do to avoid that risk of potential side effects from COVID-19 vaccines, but you can protect your health and wallet if any complications happen (touch wood!).
Some insurance companies now offer medical coverage that includes treatment for COVID-19 vaccination complications. Affordable takaful plans such as those from Zurich General Takaful offer financial compensation and most importantly, peace of mind.
Zurich’s Z-eCoVac Protect Takaful is an affordable plan that covers you against accidental death and permanent disablement. The plan also provides COVID-19 post-vaccination benefits. You may subscribe to this plan for only RM18.
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5 Fuel-Efficient Cars Below RM45,000 In Malaysia 2022
- By CompareHero.my
- March 16, 2021
Sometimes we just need a car to get around without having to service a huge loan or pay a lot on maintenance and most of all, petrol. With Malaysia’s petrol prices sometimes changing significantly on a weekly basis, you never know when you have to spend a fortune just to keep a fuel-guzzling car moving.
So one of the first things you usually check when buying a car is the fuel consumption. To assist you in making the right buying decision, here are some fuel-efficient cars priced below RM45,000 to consider.
Related: Latest Petrol Price for RON95, RON97 & Diesel in Malaysia
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1. Perodua Bezza 1.0 Standard G A/T
Perodua Bezza has an estimated fuel economy of 4.7L/100km.
Fuel economy: 4.7L/100km (estimated)
Price (without insurance): RM35,391
Monthly instalment: From RM458.82*
According to car trading platform ezAuto.my, Perodua’s compact sedan has a petrol prices of 4.7L/100km. Its on the road price is also just RM35,391! So besides spending less on petrol, you also won’t have to fork out lots of money for the downpayment or take up a big car loan.
2. Perodua Axia 1.0L Style A/T
The reliable Perodua Axia has an estimated fuel efficiency of 4.8L/100km.
Fuel economy: 4.8L/100km (estimated)
Price (without insurance): RM37,515
Monthly instalment: From RM486.36*
The reliable Perodua Axia has an estimated fuel efficiency of 4.8L/100km, according to automotive content portal WapCar. Inexpensive and easy to maintain, this vehicle is ideal for fresh grads and people who are looking for a second family car.
3. Suzuki Alto 1.0 A/T GLX
The Suzuki Alto features a 1.0 litre engine with an estimated fuel economy of 5.2L/100km.
Fuel economy: 5.2L/100km (estimated)
Price (without insurance): RM44,888
Monthly instalment: From RM581.94*
There are non-Perodua and Proton cars that are fuel-efficient and affordable too. The adorable Suzuki Alto features a 1.0 litre engine with an estimated fuel economy of 5.2L/100km. Priced at RM44,888, it costs RM9,497 more than the Perodua Bezza. However, thanks to its petite size, you can always comfortably squeeze into tight parking spaces
In a September 2020 article by car trading site Carlist.my, it was reported that Suzuki had exited the Malaysian car market. However, there have been rumours that the Japanese carmaker is planning to re-enter the local market.
In the meantime, you can still purchase a used Suzuki Alto at a lower price on Carlist.my.
Related: How Much Should You Spend On A Car In Malaysia?
4. Proton Iriz 1.3 MT
The Proton Iriz has an estimated fuel efficiency of 5.8L/100km.
Fuel economy: 5.8L/100km (estimated)
Price (without insurance): RM36,700
Monthly instalment: From RM475.79*
With affordable pricing and great fuel efficiency, the Proton Iriz 1.3 MT is a pretty good buy. At RM36,700, the Proton Iriz is slightly more expensive than the Perodua Bezza (by RM1,309), but it will appeal to car fans who enjoy driving with a manual transmission.
5. Perodua Myvi 1.3 Standard G A/T
With an estimated fuel economy of 6.2L/100km, owning a Myvi will not burn a hole in your wallet.
Fuel economy: 6.2L/100km (estimated)
Price (without insurance): RM43,029
Monthly instalment: From 557.84*
Over 16 years, the Myvi has evolved from its first-generation bubble-like shape into today’s sleeker hatchback design. This model is pretty easy on the eyes and renowned for its fuel efficiency. With an estimated fuel economy of 6.2L/100km, owning a Myvi will not burn a hole in your wallet.
Related: #BreakingItDown – The True Total Cost Of Car Ownership In Malaysia
As a vehicle owner, it’s also mandatory for you to purchase a car insurance policy. A good policy can protect you and your vehicle in case of an accident, fire or theft.
Check out some of the best car insurance options here.
*The monthly instalment for each car is calculated based on 10% downpayment, on a 3% interest rate and a seven-year car loan via Calculator.com.my.
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How To Kick-Start Your Child’s Life Savings
- By CompareHero.my
- March 15, 2021
A parent is also a child’s first teacher, showing them what they need to know about the world. An important part of this is taking them down the road of financial literacy. While some parents are apprehensive about discussing money matters with their kids, you must avoid falling into the same trap of minimal supervision.
As a general rule, it is better to err on the side of being open with your child about important issues. And when it comes to personal finance, it’s better to start them young than to let them carry harmful spending behaviours into their adult years. Here we walk you through the process of schooling your child in one of the cornerstones of personal finance: building their life savings.
Related: Your Child Will Thank You For This – 9 Financial Moves Every Parent Should Make
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1. It starts with a piggy bank
According to Kiplinger.com, your child can start picking up basic money lessons as early as the ages of 3 to 4. The trick is to introduce them to the concept of putting money away now to use for buying things later.
One classic approach you can use is giving your child his or her very own piggy bank. Allow them the freedom to choose one in a colour or design they like, then show them how they can use it to store coins and loose change. Counting coins is also a great activity to engage their budding math skills.
2. Fun and games
Another way to teach your child about money is through playtime. Start by getting your hands on “play money” either online or at your local toy store. Once your child has learned to identify the different denominations, they can incorporate play money into their usual games or role-playing activities.
For example, your child can practice using play money the next time they play House with their siblings or playmates. Kids can also set up a make-believe grocery store, where they can “sell” items, take turns playing shopkeeper, and craft their own pretend cash register out of recycled materials.
Related: 9 Enrichment Classes In Klang Valley: How Much Do They Cost?
3. Practising for the real thing
As your child grows into their school years, they may start receiving real money either as gifts or from their daily allowance. Once they do, show them the merits of saving even a small amount for future use. Do they regularly receive birthday money from their grandparents? Encourage them to set aside as little as 10% of it before they splurge on expensive toys, snacks, clothes or gadgets.
Once they adopt this habit early and consistently, your child can watch as that modest 10% increases steadily over time. Through witnessing the fruits of their patience and discipline, your child can grow more confident in their ability to handle their savings responsibly.
4. Thinking and acting ahead
Of course, it’s not enough for your child to just sit back and watch as the money comes flowing in. He or she must also learn to take responsibility for their spending habits. A key concept here is building associations between their present actions and real-world consequences. If they receive a weekly allowance, they must learn to balance that amount for both school projects and movie dates with friends.
Another way to teach your child financial responsibility is to encourage them to save up for their own future goals. The goal can be something as practical as their college education, or as trendy as the latest iPhone. Recap your child’s lessons from when they kept their first piggy bank, then expand on that knowledge. Show them how to divide their regular allowance between several “piggy banks”: one for school, one for fun, one for that pair of limited-edition Nike sneakers, et cetera.
5. Opening a bank account
Once your child’s savings have increased to a respectable amount, they can graduate to more “adult” methods of money management by signing up for their first bank account. A good place to start would be your own local bank, where you can inquire about opening a savings deposit account for your child. Some banks offer account types designed specifically for kids or young people, though you may also opt for a regular account with a low maintaining balance and a good interest rate.
When choosing a bank alongside your child, you may be confronted with the choice of either a passbook or ATM account. Your best bet may vary depending on the bank’s terms and your own child’s personality. An ATM account wins in terms of convenience, while a passbook account discourages impulse spending. You may also explore other options such as savings bonds and long-term investment instruments.
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Income Tax For Foreigners Working in Malaysia 2022
- By CompareHero.my
The first thing that should be noted is that in Malaysia and most other countries there are different ways that expats are classified based on the time they worked in the country.
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Non-resident working in Malaysia
You are considered as a non-resident under the Malaysian tax law if you stay less than 182 days within Malaysia within a calendar year, regardless of your citizenship or nationality. So, for those that fall under the non-resident tax rate here we have overview of all the tax rates.
| Types Of Income | Rate (%) |
| Business, trade or profession Employment Dividends Rents | 28 (With Effect from Year Assessment 2016) |
| Public Entertainer Interest | 15 |
| Royalty | 10 |
| Payments for services in connection with the use of property or installation, operation of any plant or machinery purchased from a non-resident | |
| Payments for technical advice, assistance or services rendered in connection with technical management or administration of any scientific, industrial or commercial undertaking, venture, project or scheme | |
| Rent or other payments for the use of any movable property |
You will not be taxable if
- Employed in Malaysia for less than 60 days
- Employed on board a Malaysian ship
- Age 55 years old and receiving pension from Malaysian employment
- Receiving interest from banks
- Receiving tax exempt dividends
If taxable, you are required to fill in M Form.
Foreigners with a non-resident status are subjected to a flat taxation rate of 28%, this means that the tax percentage will remain the same no matter the amount of income. As a non-resident you’re are also not eligible for any tax deductions.
Residents
If you are a foreigner that has stayed and worked in Malaysia for more than 182 days during the calendar year, you have a resident status and you will fall under the normal Malaysian tax laws that are also applicable to the native population, check out all information on this taxing system in this article.
While profits sourced elsewhere are not subject to Malaysia personal income tax there are three main exceptions.
- Malaysia has signed numerous Double Taxation Avoidance agreements. When addressing instances of double taxation, this wide bilateral tax treaties network can be an exception to the territoriality taxation principle, as it sometimes allocates the right to other countries to tax domestically earned income of Malaysian tax residents. In such instances, tax residents will be exempted from paying personal income tax in Malaysia.
- Expatriates may benefit from a special tax regime exemption on their income, if the following two conditions are verified:
- First, not being defined as a fiscal resident;
- Second, if the period of employment in Malaysia does not exceed 60 days per calendar year.
- Finally, for income derived from specific industries – including air transport and banking – Malaysia doesn’t apply the territorial basis, but instead employs a worldwide basis for taxation.
Expatriates that have been working in Malaysia for longer than 182 days in a year are considered ‘tax resident’. Expatriates that are seen as ‘residents’ for tax purposes will pay the progressive tax rates and are also eligible for the tax deductions.
Under Part II, Section 7 of the Income Tax Act, 1967, the Malaysian government considers any individual – regardless of their nationality – a tax resident if the individual fulfils any of the underlying conditions.
- The individual has been resident in Malaysia for 182 days of the tax year;
- The individual has been resident in Malaysia for less than 182 days of the tax year, but was resident in the country for a total of 182 consecutive days linked to days from the year immediately preceding or following that tax year;
- The individual has been resident in Malaysia for at least 90 days of the current tax year and was resident in Malaysia for at least 90 days in three of the four preceding years or;
- The individual will be resident in Malaysia in the year following and has been resident in Malaysia in the three years preceding the one being taxed.
To file your income tax, the expatriate will need to obtain a tax number from the Inland Revenue Board of Malaysia (IRB). Normally, companies will obtain the income tax numbers for their foreign workers. However, if the company has failed to obtain one, the worker can register for an income tax number at the nearest IRB office.
If you make an incorrect tax return as an expatriate either by omitting or understating your income, the IRB is fully in their right to fine 100% of the undercharged tax. If the income tax submission is filed late, it may result in a disciplinary fee up to 10% of the tax payable.
What if you Have to Travel OUT of Malaysia within the 182-day period?
If you have to leave Malaysia, it has to be for one of the following reasons;
- To attend any meetings, seminars, conferences or exhibitions that are related to your job.
- To receive medical treatment related to your health or any of your immediate family members.
- Social visits, but no longer than 14 days.
Certificate of Residence (COR)
The Certificate of Residence is issued by the LHDN to confirm your residence status for Malaysian tax purposes. With the COR, you can start claiming tax benefits and avoid being taxed twice on the same income due to the Double Taxation Agreement that Malaysia has with multiple countries.
1. How do you apply for COR?
You can apply manually by going to any of the LHDN branches. There are some documents you will need to bring;
2. Original or copy of your passport
A list showing your movements in/out of Malaysia for the year of assessment.
3. How long will it take to issue COR?
If all documents and information are complete and in order, it should be ready within three working days. If this is not the case please contact the LHDN branch.
4. How much does it cost?
Both application and Issuance of the COR are FREE
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Top 9 Professional Moving Companies In Klang Valley, Penang & All Of Malaysia
- By CompareHero.my
- March 12, 2021
Moving can be a pleasant and painful experience at the same time. From planning your move to the day of moving, it takes a lot of attention to detail, time management, and a bit of luck to get the best movers to help you through the process to move to your new home or city or office space.
To smoothen your upcoming move, we have listed the top 9 professional moving services in Malaysia below, in no particular order. Convenience, cost, and quality offered by these movers are among the best in the country to help you save time and money, regardless if you are in Penang, Petaling Jaya or any other cities.
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Moving service providers that cover most major cities in Malaysia
1. Kaodim
Many Malaysians should be familiar with this helpful application that includes home moving as part of its services. After submitting your request, you will receive quotations from a list of service providers under Kaodim’s partnership.
By selecting the preferred provider after filtering the choices, you are able to find a provider that offers the best price and proceed to arrange an appointment. After the move is complete, you will pay the provider the agreed price.
Kaodim offers budget lorry, pickup truck and premium packages for everyone, depending on their preference.
2. Click Movers
With a team of professional movers across Malaysia, Click Movers offers office relocation, home moving, commercial moving, internal shifting, packing services and storage facilities. With a package worth RM300, Click Movers can help you to move house with a full load of 1-ton canvas lorry within Klang Valley, 2 workers, and one driver, and pick up as well as unloading from the ground floor. For those in other cities, this platform offers the same service too!
Else, you can just rent a lorry from Click Movers from RM200 (1 ton) including 1 driver to save you the trouble. Click here to find out more about their packages and other information.
3. The Mover Malaysia
Started by a couple who wanted to help Malaysians and with a humble operation of one truck and a handful of employees in 2015, The Mover Malaysia is now operating at a larger scale with 10 trucks and 50 employees today. Other than the usual house moving service in Klang Valley, Penang, and Ipoh, the company also helps Malaysians ship cars and relocate internationally. Check this out for more information and ways to contact them.
4. The Lorry
With its simple layout and features, you can receive an instant quotation for your upcoming move after filling in your requirements and information. This is very helpful for customers who want to manage their budget and time.
Despite the name The Lorry, the company offers complete moving services such as lorry transport, professional house moving, furniture disposal and office moving. If you have the budget to spare, you can even try out its premium moving package that offers consultation and leaves everything to the movers to do the hard work.
5. Eazy Mover
Another local house moving and logistic company that has helped thousands of Malaysians to relocate with a wide range of services, including packing, moving, furniture assembly/disassembly and also piano handling service. Check out their tips to learn how to pick the right type of lorry when it comes to house moving.
By filling in your requirements here, you can get a quotation for your request and start planning for your upcoming move.
6. Home Movers
With its branches located in Kuala Lumpur, Kedah, and Negeri Sembilan, almost every Malaysian can reach out to Home Movers for its services ranging from house moving, packaging to storage facilities. For those who are interested to find out the process of relocation carried out by the team of Home Movers, you can check out this link and get a better picture of the team behind the move.
Offered at flexible (hourly) and fixed (package) rates, you can choose the service type based on your budget and get insured in case anything happens to your belonging during the move.
7. Crown Relocations
Whether it is Penang, Ipoh, Johor, Kuala Lumpur or even East Malaysia, Sabah or Sarawak, Crown Relocations offers home relocation, office relocation services, and storage facilities to all Malaysians. You can receive free consultation if you are planning to move anytime soon and this saves you from worrying about unnecessary costs and bad planning. Talk to the company today and get all the information you need here!
House moving service provider in Klang Valley only
8. AKMovers
This Shah Alam based house moving company only offers its service to Malaysians who stay within Klang Valley, providing a wide range of house moving and related services including air-conditioner assembly/disassembly.
Find out the packages they offer here.
House moving service provider in Penang only
9. Penang Movers
Just as good as other house moving service providers in the country, Penang Movers serves Penangites that are relocating their home or offices based on their need and budget. Given its excellent service and increasing demand within the Northern region, the company has expanded its presence to Pulau Langkawi as well.
For those who are looking to move in Penang, check out their website here and get a quotation from the consultant now!
Remember to pack all your stuff carefully and make sure you have prepared everything such as management’s approval for condominium and parking needs before making the move to avoid any unwanted incidents.
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