August 31 is a date that bears a great significance to all Malaysians. The seasonal rise in the nation’s love for its country is attributed to the independence of Malaysia and is fondly referred by Malaysians as Hari Merdeka. At its 58th year, it is only natural for such a significant date to be remembered and celebrated. Hari Merdeka, like any other national holiday or festive season, is a colourful time where the streets are filled with all sorts of seasonal sales and promotions across the country.
Timing is everything, especially for consumers who need to make big purchases. Knowing the best time to buy something – from a car to a TV – goes a long way toward saving big bucks. The best time to shop for a big-ticket item is usually when a newer model is introduced as the older ones will now come with a discount. Or during holiday seasons like Hari Merdeka!
1. Hop into a new ride
Planning for a new ride? Now could be the right time to purchase one as various car companies are offering attractive deals till end of the month in conjunction with the Merdeka celebration.
a. Toyota
Promotion: Shopping vouchers worth RM500, cash rebates and free value-added accessory package for selected models.
Valid till: August 31, 2015.
*The exact value of the cash rebates is not available at the time of writing.
b. Honda
Promotion: Petrol card, Merdeka bonus, free maintenance and up to 50% off selected accessories.
Contest: Stand a chance to win domestic travel vouchers worth RM2,500 and other exclusive gifts when you purchase selected Honda models.
Free service package includes free service (labour and parts) up to 60,000km or 3 years (whichever comes first), petrol card (convertible to cash option) and Merdeka bonus. The cash option package, on the other hand, includes cash, petrol card (convertible to cash option) and Merdeka bonus.
c. Hyundai
Promotion: Cash rebates* of up to RM14,500
Valid till: August 31, 2015.
Contest: Stand a chance to be one of the 58 winners to take home the limited edition of Hyundai pure gold coin.
*The exact value of the cash rebates is not available at the time of writing.
2. Get fit
Been postponing your New Year resolution to get fit? Now more than half the year has passed by and you’ve not budged or done anything. But it is still not too late! And you don’t need to pay hefty monthly gym membership to be fit.
a. Fitlife Gym
Promotion: Gym membership for RM58 only per month and RM50 registration fee waived.
Mega sale nationwide: 10% to 35% and free gifts on a range of branded treadmills, cross trainers, bikes, gym stations, and fitness accessories.
Roadshows: Grab deals as low as RM1!
Valid till August 31, 2015
b. Curves
Hari Raya Special: Sign-up and save 50% at Curves
Sign-up with a friend and save 75%.
Valid till August 31, 2015
c. Fitness Concept
Mega sale nationwide: 10% to 35% and free gifts on a range of branded treadmills, cross trainers, bikes, gym stations, and fitness accessories.
Roadshows: Grab deals as low as RM1!
Valid till August 31, 2015
d. KFit
KFit is in trend for you to access the largest network of gyms, fitness classes, sports facilities, outdoor group exercise for a single affordable monthly fee.
Get started with RM60 off this Merdeka, by signing up with this promo code!
CODE: IMON60
3. Get blinged
Have a thing for bling-bling? This could be just the right time to fill your jewellery box with some sweet ice!
a. De Gem
Lazare’s Ultimate Solitare Promotion:
Exclusive Lazare jewellery box or RM500 dining voucher at Troika Sky Dining with purchases of Lazare Diamonds worth RM5,000 and above.
Complimentary Moet & Chandon Rose Imperial Champagne with purchases of Lazare Diamonds worth RM15,000 and above with Citi Credit Card.
Valid till: August 31, 2015
Citibank Clear Card
Get 1 Reward Point for every RM1 spent!
Minimum income requirement of RM2,000 only.b. Habib Jewels
Merdeka sale:
- No GST for 999.9 gold bars
- Less RM7 – RM15 per gram on all 916 / 999 gold
- Up to 70% discount on gemstone and jewellery
- FREE Ice Watch worth RM699
Valid till: August 31, 2015
4. Fly-away for a vacation
With the Merdeka weekend being a long weekend, you may want to fly out somewhere for a quick get-away from the routine and stress.
a. AirAsia
Fly to any AirAsia destinations (both domestic and international) for an all-in fare as low as RM39.
Booking period ends: August 23, 2015
Travel period: August 18, 2015 to January 31, 2016
b. Malindo Air
Enjoy low fares of between RM59 to RM99 (one-way) for selected domestic flights and between RM99 to RM299 (one-way) for international flights to Bandung, Bangkok, Bali, Vizag and Trivandrum.
Booking period ends: September 3, 2015
Travel period: Now to September 10, 2015
Bookings must be made at least 7 days before travel date.
5. Dine out joyfully
With a longer weekend for Merdeka, this is most probably the best time to savour some sumptuous meals with your family and friends. It will definitely also be a great time to catch-up with friends and family over a meal.
a. Restorante de Italiano Capricciosa, Sunway Pyramid
Capricciosa Merdeka Platter Promotion: Enjoy the Capri’s Merdeka Platter for RM58.00 nett. The platter includes Baked Lobster, Calamari Fritto, Baked Chicken Wings, Spaghetti Aglio Olio and Marscarpone Tiramisu.
You can add on RM12 (NP RM22.90) to get a 1 litre Pitcher Capri Soda with any purchase of Merdeka Platter.
Valid till: August 31, 2015
b. Jogoya at Starhill, Bukit Bintang
Promotion:
Lunch and supper buffet: RM58++ per pax.
Dinner: Member: 58% off for second pax. Non-member: RM58++ per pax
The usual buffet price is between RM82++ or RM92++.
Valid till: September 10, 2015
c. Kitchen Art Brasserie, Empire Hotel, Subang
This August celebrate Merdeka with friends and family at Empire Hotel’s Merdeka High Tea buffet featuring a wide array of local and international delights at just RM78nett.
Valid till: August 31, 2015
6. Pimp your crib
Merdeka is the best time to give your home a makeover.
a. IKEA
Sale from now till 23rd August 2015.
Promotion: Express home delivery service at only rm65 per trip and 0% interest instalment payment plan on all your purchases.
b. Home’s Harmony, Cheras Leisure Mall
Home Furnishing Sale: Many household items such as pillows, designer mugs, bath towel, and cushion collection are on sale.
Valid till: August 16, 2015.
So, what are you waiting for now? Quickly jot down what you need to get this Merdeka and start shopping to save some bucks.
c. MACY
Merdeka Special Promotion: Enjoy 58% off home furnishing products at MACY, and get selected home appliance at only RM58 (if you purchase above RM3,500).
Valid till: September 6, 2015
Have you seen any other great deals? Let us and other readers know by commenting below.
Happy Merdeka!
