Latest news with #RM50
Rakyat Post
15 hours ago
- Business
- Rakyat Post
From RM37K To RM1.8M – Bangsar Uncle's 55-Year Property Investment Pays Off Big Time
Subscribe to our FREE A Malaysian uncle who bought a double-storey terrace house in Bangsar for RM37,000 back in 1970 is now sitting on a property worth RM1.8 million. That's nearly 50 times his original investment over a 55-year period. The story has gone viral on What made this investment so successful wasn't luck. The uncle had a strong emotional goal from the start – he wanted to leave a house for his children. This meant he never considered selling, regardless of how much the property's value increased. Even when prices doubled, tripled, or increased tenfold, he remained steadfast in his original plan. Contrarian Timing and Long-Term Vision Timing also played a crucial role. He bought the property in 1970, during a period when few people dared to purchase a house. While others hesitated due to economic uncertainty, he took the plunge and made his purchase in what would later become one of Kuala Lumpur's most sought-after neighbourhoods. Unlike modern property flippers who typically sell after 3-5 years for 200% returns, this uncle chose a completely different strategy. He held onto his Bangsar property for decades, allowing compound appreciation to work its magic. Location vs. Reality: The Great Property Debate The story has sharply divided public opinion between supporters who argue location is everything and sceptics who question the actual market value. Supporters emphasise that 'it's Bangsar – the land is valuable, not just the house,' highlighting this as prime landed property completely different from apartments in less desirable areas. However, critics argue that RM1.8 million is merely a bank valuation with no guarantee of actual buyers willing to pay that price for a small, old house that needs renovation. They point out that the same money could buy much better, newer properties elsewhere. The debate intensifies when comparing economic conditions – the minimum wage was under RM50 monthly in 1970 versus over RM1,700 today. Critics argue this makes direct price comparisons meaningless. The Ultimate Test: Paper Wealth vs. Real Returns Despite the debates about actual sellability, the uncle's story highlights the power of long-term property investment in prime locations. His patient approach and refusal to sell during various market cycles allowed him to capture decades of appreciation in one of Malaysia's most prestigious neighbourhoods. Whether he can actually find a buyer willing to pay RM1.8 million for his 55-year-old house remains the ultimate test of his investment success. However, on paper at least, his decision to buy and hold has created substantial wealth that he can pass on to his children—exactly as he originally planned. Share your thoughts with us via TRP's . Get more stories like this to your inbox by signing up for our newsletter.
The Sun
17 hours ago
- Automotive
- The Sun
Grab driver vs foreign passenger over change dispute goes viral
A video of a passenger refusing to provide small change for his RM50 note to pay off his Grab driver has gone viral on Reddit. The dispute, led to a shouting match between the passenger and the Grab driver who didn't have any small change to give back to the man. 'What is so hard for you to go down and grab some small change from the shop,' the Grab driver said. 'It is your job to change and give me my change,' said the passenger who is reportedly a foreign national. The Grab driver eventually filed a report to Grab where he was told not to argue with the man further and mentioned a way to settle the dispute. Thankfully, the situation was resolved and the Grab driver told the passenger to get out of his car. The video sparked a conversation about whether Grab drivers should have small change prepared for their passengers or whether passengers should have the courtesy to grab small change to pay off their Grab driver. User @Crazy_Ad_4921 said the driver maybe couldn't stop his car and go down to grab small change. 'Maybe he felt scared his car would be stolen. Maybe he's scared the money is fake. The driver should have prepared loose change and the passenger didn't need to act like a diva,' he said. @PaleontologistThin27 said both should grab small change. 'If I'm the driver, I sure won't be leaving a stranger alone in my car,' he said. @launchuntoi said there isn't a concrete procedure as he feels its a give and take situation. 'There are times where business shop owners request for him to change and there are times when they would go do that. 'In this case, both don't want to give in, so we have to see which party will be more at loss for wasting time,' he said. @HeroVax said 'I took a taxi. I only had big bills. But the driver doesn't have change. So I said, can you keep running the meter while I go to the shop to change it. Then I came back and paid my due. 'There's nothing wrong with making people's lives easier. I don't know why this cameraman guy doesn't just back off.' @solblurgh simply said, 'Online transfer je lah.' @RussoBong gave a mixed opinion and said Grab drivers should be ready in case customers want to pay cash. But for safety reasons, Grab might encourage them to not carry so much cash too. On the flip side, the passenger could be a bit more accommodating to try and see if there is a shop nearby where he can change. He said the world would be a better place if everyone just tried to get along better but suspected the driver to be more at fault as he gave false info to the Grab support. He hoped it wasn't a case of racism against the passenger but said we don't know what happened before the recording started. @SnooOranges6925 said that drivers are not an ATM machine and they might not have small change at times. 'As a passenger it's only right if you carry small notes. As passengers we have to do our part. How many big notes can a driver handle?,' he added.
New Straits Times
19 hours ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
PublicInvest initiates HE Group at 'Neutral', sets target price at 37 Sen
KUALA LUMPUR: PublicInvest Research has initiated coverage on HE Group Bhd, an electrical engineering service provider, with a "Neutral" rating and a target price of 37 sen. The target price is based on 12 times earnings per share for financial year 2026 (FY26), reflecting a 25 per cent discount to industry peers and the Kuala Lumpur Construction Index, given HE Group's smaller market capitalisation and lack of diversification in earnings. Listed on the ACE Market of Bursa Malaysia since Jan 30 last year, the company is currently seeking a transfer to the Main Market, aiming to elevate its corporate profile. The company specialises in power distribution systems for end-user premises and boasts an established client base, particularly among multinational corporations in the semiconductor, medical device and electronics manufacturing sectors. Despite its solid track record, HE Group has yet to secure a significant foothold in the data centre (DC) space, an area it is actively targeting. Leveraging its expertise in substation development and industrial power systems, the company is positioning itself to tap into Malaysia's growing DC industry, which is closely intertwined with the semiconductor sector. "The growing DC industry in Malaysia is expected to drive demand for advanced semiconductor chips, creating a connection between these two critical sectors that are important to HE Group. "Renewable energy (RE) sector also presents an emerging opportunity, as supportive government policies accelerate RE adoption, particularly driving interest in battery energy storage systems. "HE Group is able to leverage its expertise in power distribution system for the RE industry as its strong fundamental knowledge in energy delivery closely aligns with the technical demand for BESS projects," PublicInvest added. The firm expects a three-year net profit compound annual growth rate of six per cent for the period FY24 to FY27, driven by stable contribution from the electrical equipment hook-up and retrofitting and power distribution system segments. It currently holds an outstanding orderbook of RM68.7 million and is eyeing RM50 million in replenishment for FY25, with a tender book valued at RM675 million. PublicInvest, however, flagged several key risks, including the highly fragmented mechanical and electrical industry, intensifying competition and macro challenges stemming from global trade tensions and cyclical downturns in end-user industries. "We like HE Group's proven execution in the semiconductor space and believe its skillsets are transferable to the DC segment. "However, without clear visibility on job wins in new verticals and amid external headwinds, we are cautious in the near term," the firm said.
The Star
20 hours ago
- The Star
Flying with your bike? Here's how to keep it safe from baggage bay bruises
Specially-made hard cases for bicycles offer protection and peace of mind. For cycling enthusiasts, few things are more satisfying than taking their two-wheelers abroad – whether for a race, a scenic leisure ride or simply the thrill of exploring new terrain on familiar wheels. But before the adventure begins, there's one crucial step: getting the bike safely to its destination. The most basic – and budget-friendly – method is packing the bike into a cardboard box. Many bike shops will gladly give these away for free. However, Jeff Siow, manager of USJ Cycles Lifestyle Store, warns that this method comes with considerable risk. It takes about an hour to pack a road bike. 'It costs nothing to pack a bicycle in a cardboard box, but the risk of damage is high,' he said. 'If airline workers stack the boxes flat in the cargo bay, the weight from other luggage could crush the bike frame or damage key components.' This is especially true for lightweight carbon-framed bikes, which are more susceptible to cracking under pressure. A cardboard box can be a cheap storage option. 'It's a gamble many budget-conscious cyclists take, especially when flying with low-cost carriers,' Siow added. 'Cardboard offers little protection from the rough handling that comes with air travel.' Experienced cyclists, meanwhile, prefer to invest in proper bike carriers – specialised luggage designed to protect bicycles from the rigours of airport transit. Semi-rigid bike cases are easy to use and can be stowed in tight spaces. Typically made of impact-resistant plastic, these hard cases are built to withstand bumps, drops and stacking. Many come with designated compartments for wheels, frame, helmet and even water bottles. 'Packing one properly takes anywhere between 30 minutes and an hour,' said Siow. And here's a pro tip: always deflate the tyres. For those seeking a middle ground, semi-rigid bike luggage offers a compromise between protection and portability. 'Aircraft cargo bays are not pressurised,' he said. 'If the tyres aren't deflated, the change in pressure could cause them to burst mid-flight.' A typical hard bike case costs between RM5,000 and RM7,000 – a hefty sum at first glance, but relatively minor when you consider that high-performance road bikes can cost upwards of RM50,000. 'It's really about peace of mind,' Siow said. 'You want to know your bike is safe when you land.' For those seeking a middle ground, semi-rigid bike luggage offers a compromise between protection and portability. These cases have fabric exteriors reinforced with plastic panels, making them lighter and easier to handle than hard shells. 'While the material is different, the packing process remains the same,' Siow said. 'They're popular with cyclists who travel frequently and need something more manageable.' Regardless of luggage type, Siow strongly recommends insuring the bike and its case before travelling. Oversized baggage must also be checked in separately and taken to a designated counter before boarding. 'It's all part of the preparation,' he said. 'If you've spent years riding and tuning your bike, it deserves to arrive safely – wherever your next journey takes you.' When flying with a bicycle, there are several types of bike travel bags or cases available, each offering different levels of protection, portability and cost: Cardboard Bike Box Best for: Budget-conscious travellers and one-off trips. Description: These are basic cardboard boxes, often recycled from new bike packaging. Pros: Cheap or free. Lightweight. Easy to find. Cons: Offers minimal protection. Vulnerable to crushing and water damage. Not durable for repeated use. Soft Bike Bag (Fabric Bike Bag) Best for: Experienced travellers who prioritise portability. Description: Soft bike bags with padded fabric materials (like nylon or polyester) are designed to be folded and stored easily. Some come with internal straps or light reinforcements. Cost: Pros: Lightweight and foldable. Easier to carry and store. Cheaper than hard cases. Cons: Less protective than hard cases. Not ideal for carbon frames or fragile bikes. Vulnerable to crushing impacts. Semi-Rigid Bike Bag Best for: Cyclists seeking a balance between protection and portability. Description: These bags combine padded fabric exteriors with plastic or metal reinforcements inside to protect key bike components. Cost: Pros: More protective than soft bags. Lighter than hard-shell cases. Includes compartments for wheels and accessories. Cons: Not as strong as a complete hard case. Can be bulky to store. This hard case is built with coaster wheels for ease of transportation. Hard-Shell Bike Case Best for: Frequent flyers and high-value bikes. Description: Rugged, impact-resistant plastic cases designed to protect bicycles during air travel. Many come with moulded interiors for wheels and frames. Have built-in rollers and locks. Cost: Pros: Maximum protection from impact,drops and stacking. Durable and long-lasting. Some are Tsa-approved for easier inspections. Cons: Heavier and bulkier. Expensive. May require extra airline fees.
New Straits Times
2 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Corporate Malaysia backs Sejahtera Madani with RM120mil, surpassing target
KUALA LUMPUR: Corporate Malaysia has stepped up in a big way to support the government's mission to eradicate poverty, with 38 companies collectively contributing close to RM120 million to the Sejahtera Madani Fund—a national initiative aimed at uplifting poor and hardcore poor households registered under the eKasih National Poverty Database. The fund, launched by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim last week, exemplifies a whole-of-nation commitment to targeted poverty eradication and sustainable socio-economic upliftment, having already more than doubled its initial RM50 million target. Among the top contributors is the Weststar Group, leading with a RM15 million donation. Other key corporate giants such as YTL Corporation Bhd, Berjaya Corporation Bhd, MMC Corporation Bhd, Genting Bhd, DRB-Hicom Bhd, and Tradewinds Group (M) Sdn Bhd/Yayasan AlBukhary each pledged RM10 million, demonstrating strong private sector commitment to national development goals. Other notable contributors include Sapura Secured Technologies with RM3 million and Yayasan Pembangunan Ekonomi Islam Malaysia with RM2.61 million. A wide range of companies have also pledged between RM1 million and RM500,000, reflecting diverse industry participation across infrastructure, healthcare, logistics, and property sectors. These include Malaysia Resources Corporation Bhd, Yinson Holdings Bhd, WCT Bhd, Westports Malaysia Sdn Bhd, S P Setia Bhd, SD Guthrie Bhd, and ITMAX System Bhd. Smaller but meaningful contributions were also received from FGV Holdings Bhd (RM150,000), Farm Fresh Bhd, Pharmaniaga Bhd, YHA Travel and Tours, and Darul Fikir, each contributing RM100,000—demonstrating that companies of all sizes are participating in this national effort. Beyond financial contributions, several companies have launched parallel programmes to support economic resilience. Telekom Malaysia pledged RM10 million for a Digital Entrepreneurship Programme, Grab Malaysia introduced a RM5 million Economic Empowerment Initiative, while Prudential BSN Takaful committed RM3 million to expand its Microtakaful Jariyah (MTJ) programme. National champions Petronas and Khazanah Nasional Bhd have also been appointed strategic partners of the fund, ensuring sustainability and institutional backing. The Sejahtera Madani Fund reflects a powerful synergy between government policy and private sector commitment, aimed at driving inclusive and sustainable development. Beyond delivering targeted aid to vulnerable communities, the fund supports long-term economic empowerment through initiatives focused on entrepreneurship, micro-insurance, and digital inclusion. The strong response from corporate Malaysia underscores a growing recognition of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) responsibilities—and highlights the evolving role of businesses as key partners in shaping the nation's socioeconomic future.
