Malaysians Shift Online to Obtain their Ramadan Necessities

 

With the lockdowns changing the way we shop in recent years, Shopee’s Ramadan month data between 2019 and 2021 shows that Malaysians have become more intuitive when it comes to online shopping.

With the advancement of technology and how Ramadan shopping is turning to be more digital, Shopee has experienced a spike in searches for items across all segments on the platform throughout the Ramadan period in the last three years.

 The keyword Baju Kurung was searched close to 3.3 million times throughout the Ramadan season in 2021. This was a 433 percent increase from the same period in 2020. In 2020 Ramadan month, the keyword increased in popularity by 265 percent compared to the same period the previous year.

In the health and beauty segment, the keyword foundation was searched more than 90,000 times on Shopee, a significant increase compared to 2019 where it was searched about 28,000 times. In 2021, the keyword search increased to more than 197,000 times. This shows that many who observe Ramadan continue to purchase products that help them look their best, come family photo sessions during Raya.   

Meanwhile, the search for Kuih Raya increased to 253,603 times during Ramadan last year from 58,331 times in 2020 as Kuih Raya is one of the must-haves in the household of Malaysians who celebrate the occasion and hand out as gifts to their family and friends.

Consumers were also looking for automotive items such as helmets, engine oil, wipers, oil filter and car wax online. For instance, the keyword wiper was searched 8,365 times in Ramadan 2020 as hardware and spare part shops were allowed to only operate for limited hours during the Movement Control Order (MCO) period. Last Ramadan, it was searched more than 27,000 times.

 

Kenneth Soh, Head of Marketing Campaigns at Shopee Malaysia said that the lockdowns had trained Malaysians to be accustomed to e-commerce and that Shopee has now become the go-to platform to get their Ramadan essentials which were previously purchased offline.

 

“Take for instance there was a surge in sales for ketupat palas, BB Cream and concealers during Ramadan 2021. These are popular items which users used to purchase them offline. However, last year, these became the most sold items online within their product categories.”

 

On the top-3 selling products from every category for the past three years, Shopee has released the following:

 

Categories	Top 3 most sold items during Ramadan 2021	Top 3 most sold items during Ramadan 2020	Top 3 most sold items during Ramadan 2019
Grocery and Pets	Laundry detergent	Laundry detergent	Sampul Raya (Raya packets in English
	Sampul Raya (Raya packets in English)	Keropok/Kerepek	Cheese powder
	Ketupat Palas	Sampul Raya (Raya packets in English)	Raya cake gift set
Home & Living	Container	Storage box	Storage box
	Pillow	Container	Reusable straw
	Cloth	Mosquito coil	Baking tools
Home Appliances	Food processor	Food processor	Portable juicer
	Air fryer	Portable juicer	Food processor
	Portable juicer	Rice Cooker	Rice cooker
Health & Beauty	Facial Mask	Facial Mask	Facial Mask
	BB Cream and liquid foundation	Shampoo	Shampoo
	Concealer	Eyebrow products	Eyebrow products
Muslim Fashion	Baju Kurung	Hijab	Baju Melayu
	Kain Pelikat	Baju Melayu	Telekung
	Baju Melayu	Women’s Blouse	Hijab
Muslim Accessories	Brooch	Sejadah	Tasbih
	Sejadah	Tasbih	Brooch
	Hijab Tag	Brooch	Sejadah
Automotive	Tire Valve	Sports Rim	Tire Touch Up Paint Marker Pen
	Tire Touch Up Paint Marker Pen	Tire Touch Up Paint Marker Pen	Wheel Hub Centre Cover
	Wheel Nut	Sports Rim Wheel Cap	Wheel Nut

 

With Ramadan just around the corner, Malaysians can look forward to shopping for their Ramadan needs during the Ramadan With Shopee campaign from 4 to 18 April 2022. Shopee users can expect to enjoy free shipping with a minimum spend of RM5, RM10 Ramadan deals and stand a chance to win a Vespa Sprint S 150 with Weekly Motorcycle Giveaway throughout the campaign period.

 

While preparing to welcome the Ramadan month with Shopee, users will also be greeted by Dato’ Sri Siti Nurhaliza, Malaysia's Queen of Pop as the e-commerce platform’s local ambassador during the Ramadan With Shopee campaign. Adding more cheer to the festive season, Dato’ Sri Siti Nurhaliza’s beauty brand, SimplySiti will be surprising users with the launch of a new cosmetic range on its Shopee Mall official store. Get the necessities to glam up with SimplySiti for the upcoming Raya holiday season at https://shopee.com.my/simplysiti.

 

You can also get your Ramadan needs from brands on Shopee Mall such as: Akemi, Celovis, Dessini, Dr. Cardin, Enfagrow, Gaabor, Garnier, Grafen, Honor, Infinix, Kiehl’s, Kitchenz, Levi’s, Logitech, Maserati, McDonald’s, Mydin, MY Mentholatum, OPPO, Perfect Diary, PinkFlash, Polo Hill, Skechers, Tefal and Vinda or search for whatever you need at https://shopee.com.my/m/ramadan-sale.      

Alpro Pharmacy Alerts Malaysians on Flood-Borne Diseases

Photo provided by Alpro Pharmacy

In response to one of the worst floods ever recorded in the nation’s history,  

Malaysia’s largest prescription pharmacy chain, Alpro Pharmacy, 

And the first telemedicine provider, DOC2US, 

Have teamed up to raise awareness on flood-borne diseases 

As well as caution chronic illness patients affected by the flood

On the danger in skipping their long-term medications. 

Photo provided by Alpro Pharmacy

“While the recovery processes are underway, 

Water levels are still high in many places. 

As a community pharmacy, 

Alpro would like to highlight that poor sanitation

And hygiene in flood areas could 

Act as a catalyst for flood-borne diseases 

Such as Leptospirosis, Cholera, and Dengue fever,”

Said Ph. Lim En Ni, Alpro's Chief Pharmacist and Director of Engagement.

Leptospirosis is spread mainly by contact 

With water or soil contaminated by the urine of infected animals. 

Upon infection, 

The incubation period can take 2 to 10 days. 

Fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, vomiting, 

And diarrhoea are common symptoms, 

Especially during the early phase of infection. 

At high-risk areas, 

One can minimize the risk of contracting leptospirosis 

By wearing boots, goggles and gloves 

When conducting post-flood cleaning. 

Cholera is transmitted by eating food 

Or drinking water that has been contaminated 

With the Vibrio Cholerae bacterium. 

It can cause severe watery diarrhoea, 

Leading to dehydration and even death within hours if left untreated. 

To prevent Cholera infection, 

One can consume boiled water and thoroughly cooked food items. 

Dengue is a viral infection caused by the dengue virus, 

Commonly transmitted through the bite of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. 

 Dengue virus can lead to a severe flu-like illness, 

Sometimes causing potentially lethal complications called severe dengue. 

 Due to an increase in water pools around flooded areas, 

Dengue cases might see an upsurge. 

While fogging helps prevent infections, 

It cannot kill the larvae of mosquitoes. 

Hence identification of stagnant water is essential. 

 “Keeping an eye out for general symptoms 

Such as fever, headache, diarrhoea, muscle aches, 

And vomiting will help identify possible infections. 

In the case of any such symptoms, 

Please visit the nearest healthcare centres immediately,” 

Lim urged. 

Understanding that natural disasters leave victims no time 

To collect their belongings, 

Including long-term medications, 

Alpro and DOC2US pledged 

To help flood victims who need chronic medications 

Under their Life-saving Medication Care Programme. 

Alpro Pharmacy will provide a one-time chronic medication supply 

To communities affected by natural disasters for up to 7 days for free. 

Affected consumers can visit any of the 165 outlets of Alpro Pharmacy in Malaysia 

To speak to the pharmacists for more details. 

A police report copy of the flooding is required for verification purposes. 

Those who have lost their prescription can get their free consultation 

And e-prescription with DOC2US on the spot. 

The Life-saving Medication Care Programme initiative

Is part of Alpro and DOC2US' long-standing commitment 

To providing healthcare support to the communities 

Affected by natural disasters. 

Photo provided by Alpro Pharmacy

Dr Raymond Choy, 

DOC2US’ Co-founder and CEO said 

"In times like this, 

It is paramount that flood survivors continue 

With their medications for chronic illnesses 

Such as diabetes and hypertension.

In addition to the flood-borne risk, 

Straying from prescribed medications 

May put them at a higher risk of morbidity. 

Through our partnership with Alpro 

And our expertise in e-prescription 

And online consultation services, 

We are glad to be able to help by providing 

Some relief to these victims for their predicament,”

Added Dr Choy. 

To learn more about the initiative, 

Its terms and condition as well as the nearest Alpro Pharmacy, 

Call Alpro Customer Care Support at 019-6129006. 

Alternatively, 

The public can also chat with a professional pharmacist 

Via the e-pharmacy WhatsApp hotline at 019-7021923. 

'Cerahi Kehidupan Bersama TOP' Returns Bigger and Better to Support 333 Children from Single Mother-Led Families

photo provided by TOP

The daily struggle of single mother-led families in Malaysia 

Has worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic.  

More than 150,000 single mothers 

Have registered for aid with 

The Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development.
 
A survey found that single mothers are the hardest hit group 

During the pandemic as they are the main breadwinner 

And the sole caregiver for their families. 

For financially stretched single mothers, 

The back-to-school season can be highly stressful 

As they need to provide for their children's future on a tight budget.
 
Understanding the need of single mothers, 

The Cerahi Kehidupan Bersama TOP (Brighter Future with TOP) 

Charity fund-raising campaign 

Returns bigger and better in collaboration 

With Jabatan Kebajikan Malaysian (JKM), AEON and Shopee, 

With the goal of equipping students from single-mother led families 

With back-to-school essentials for the 2022 school year. 
 
JKM shortlisted current aid recipients including single mother-led families 

As well as those who are care-givers for bed-ridden 

Or differently-abled family members. 

Priority was given to families with children 

Starting Primary One in 2022. 

Meanwhile, TOP identified families 

Who had experienced reduced or lost income 

During the pandemic through media reports. 

Priority is given to families with children 

Who will start Year One in 2022. 

TOP has contacted these single mothers 

To obtain details on the sizing and other requirement 

For the 333 children involved. 

TOP reached out to these mothers individually 

For sizing details and to personalise 

The back-to-school essentials for 333 children.
 
A portion of sales from selected TOP detergent products 

Across AEON stores and Shopee platform 

(via the official Southern Lion store) 

From November 25 to December 26, 2021 

Will be channeled to equipping these 333 primary school students.
 
The back-to-school essentials include brand new school uniform, 

School shoes, socks, stationery set, pencil case, 

And colour pencils for each child. 

Each family will receive a 2.3kg pack of TOP powder detergent, 

While the children will receive a soft toy, 

And an exclusive illustrated book 

By multi-award winning children's picture book author and illustrator Emila Yusof, 

Who has created more than 40 books for children 

Such as the Dina series that includes My Mother's Garden, 

My Mother's Kitchen, My Father's Farm and the latest, Dina's Art Class.

 
TOP will deliver the personalised back-to-school packs to JKM offices 

In 12 states for distribution to the single mother-led families in 2022, 

Ahead of the new school term.
 
Since its inception in 2015, 

The Cerahi Kehidupan Bersama TOP campaign 

Has benefited 2,880 children from 85 communities nationwide 

With back-to-school essentials, 

While contributing TOP detergent products 

To their families and caregivers.
 
Just in time for the back-to-school campaign, 

The brand has introduced 

TOP Gentle Care Advanced Micro-Clean Tech liquid detergent 

That can remove 99.9% of viruses (COVID-19 and Influenza A) and bacteria.
 
TOP Gentle Care is formulated with Caring Touch Tech 

For an overall skin-nurturing experience. 

Powered by plant-based active ingredients 

Which are free from the five most common allergens that trigger skin sensitivity, 

It is suitable for the wellbeing of the entire family's skin.  

The skin-loving pH formula is dermatologically tested, 

With a lasting citrusy fresh and clean fragrance. 

This gentle, skin-friendly detergent uses 3X Stain Busting Tech 

To effectively remove even the toughest stains 

By penetrating deeply through fabric layers, 

Pulling out stains and keeping dirt from redepositing onto laundry. 

TOP Gentle Care uses Fibre Care Tech to protect clothes 

By conditioning fabric at the fibre level 

To help clothes retain the look and feel of newness for longer.
 
During the pandemic, 

TOP has become a comforting presence for many, 

Helping to ease the burden of Orang Asli students and their families, 

Single mothers, front liners, vaccinators and the homeless 

Through product contributions totaling approximately  RM600,000. 

The brand has also raised spirit 

With the rousing tribute song 'Bebas Melangkah'.
 
"While the pandemic has been difficult for all of us, 

Malaysians are proving resilient and bouncing back 

By lifting up and supporting those who are most in need. 

TOP is proud to play our part as Keluarga Malaysia 

Being here for you in good times, and tough times. 

The Cerahi Kehidupan Bersama TOP campaign 

Is more needful than ever as it reduces the burden on single mother-led families, 

And encourages children to readjust to in-person school again.

We understand that some children will face anxiety 

To return to school after spending a long time at home 

Which is why we are including a soft toy 

And a beautifully illustrated limited edition book 

By famed artist, author and children's book illustrator Emila Yusof 

To help educate them on the correct technique of handwashing 

In preparing them to get back to school," says Ms Ling Ai Li, Marketing Manager of Fabric Care Division at Southern Lion Sdn Bhd. 

  
Commenting on the cooperation, 

JKM commended and lauded the noble efforts of TOP 

In organizing the Brighter Future with TOP initiative 

Which can benefit those affected during the Covid 19 pandemic.
 
For Emila Yusof the collaboration with TOP 

Allows her to provide gentle guidance on health and hygiene to children 

Who are still coping with life changes due to the pandemic 

Through the story of Kiki that follows a young girl 

In a typical pandemic day with her mother's frequent reminders to wash hands, 

And to wash clothes. 

"Children remember the stories their mothers tell them 

At bedtime well into adulthood, 

And the illustrations act as a visual reminder on what they should do. 

I'm delighted that this collaboration with TOP 

Can bring comfort and more closeness 

Between single mothers and their children," says Emila.

The limited edition book 'Kiki Menentang Dunia Kuman' by Emila Yusof 

Will be gifted to all the Cerahi Kehidupan Bersama TOP recipients. 

The public can redeem this beautifully illustrated book 

By purchasing RM45 and above of TOP detergent 

Or Kirei-Kirei hand wash products in a single receipt 

From AEON or Shopee via Southern Lion Official Store, 

Whatsapp 018-6688025 with their details and proof of purchase 

Before answering one simple question. 

For more information, 

Please visit https://www.facebook.com/TOPdetergentMY.
 
"This is the first year that we are working with Shopee 

For the campaign as we notice that 

Consumers are increasingly purchasing our products on this platform. 

We hope that it will result in a higher collection

And the opportunity to help even more children than the 333 

That we have committed to aiding. 

Help us help more single mothers and their school going children 

So they can enjoy a brighter future," 

Adds Ms Ling in closing.
 
To find out more about TOP products and the campaign, 

Please visit http://www.southernlion.com.my 

Or call customer care line at 1800-88-0133. 

Netflix is now on Astro

Photo provided by Astro

Astro unveiled its all-new Astro experience on 9th November 2021,

Enabling customers to stream Netflix on Astro TV 

And enjoy better value and savings with new subscription packs. 

The all-new Astro packs are designed for customers 

Who love the streaming and connected world, 

Enabling them to stream all the shows they love on Ultra Box and soon, Ulti Box. 

Customers can now enjoy their favourite shows all in one place with Astro, 

From global streaming services like Netflix, 

Disney+ Hotstar, HBO GO, iQIYI, TVBAnywhere+ 

To all of Astro’s flagship shows and the best of live sports 

In one place - on the big screen and on personal devices.
 
Euan Smith, Chief Executive Officer of Pay-TV and Group COO, Astro said, 

“Listening closely to our customers, 

We are reimagining the entire Astro experience to suit their needs, 

Providing more choice, more outstanding content, more control & more value. 

We are delighted to be partnering with Netflix 

To bring their great content slate through Astro 

As part of a one-stop entertainment centre. 

Simplicity has become a core pillar for us in recent times, 

Driving us to transform the Astro experience 

Into a holistic easy-to-use, go-to platform, 

Making our customers’ entertainment seamless. 

The exciting new features on the Ultra Box 

Enable our customers to enjoy even more of their favourite local shows 

And live sports from Astro 

And now includes all of Netflix’s Originals, films and documentaries. 

This exciting new addition comes alongside our ongoing collaborations 

With Disney+ Hotstar, HBO GO, iQIYI and TVBAnywhere+, 

With more streaming partners to be announced in the months ahead.”
 

Photo provided by Astro

Tony Zameczkowski, Vice President for Business Development, APAC, Netflix, said, 

“We’re thrilled to bring an elevated multi-device entertainment experience to more Malaysians. 

At Netflix, 

Our goal is to offer the best-in-class entertainment to our members, 

And we’re thrilled that through this partnership with Astro, 

More Malaysians will be able to experience and enjoy our entire catalogue — 

Whether it be Hollywood blockbusters like Red Notice, 

Spanish series like Money Heist, Korean content the likes of Squid Game, 

Which is a huge favourite among fans in Malaysia”.
 
Euan continued, 

“We are accelerating our innovation muscle to provide customers 

With an unparalleled viewing experience across all screens, 

Through our Ultra and Ulti Boxes and Astro GO. 

Customers using these products can immediately enjoy 

The full functionalities of the new Astro viewing experience across linear TV, 

On Demand, Cloud Recording and Continuous Viewing. 

For new customers the Ultra and Ulti Plug & Play Boxes 

We announced recently are gamechangers - 

They can be self-installed by a customer 

And run solely on a broadband connection, 

Meaning it’s no longer compulsory to have a satellite dish. 

We were the first in the region to launch 4K High Dynamic Range 

And Dolby Atmos capability to bring sports fans a premium viewing experience 

In crystal clear 4K UHD. 

Today, we hit another milestone by aggregating the Netflix app

Directly onto Ultra Box so that customers can stream Netflix content seamlessly 

For an unbeatable big screen experience at home. 

More apps including Disney+ Hotstar will quickly follow, 

Making us the Number 1 aggregator of the best streaming services in Malaysia.”

 
Azlin Arshad, Commercial Director of Astro, shared, 

“Astro’s all-new packages are specially curated 

And designed to meet our customers’ diverse entertainment preferences, 

All at amazing value. 

Watch Netflix’s premiering titles Red Notice and Squid Game side by side 

With Disney+ Hotstar’s Shang Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings 

And Jungle Cruise or HBO’s And Just Like That and Succession, 

In addition to a wide variety of Astro’s own Korean, Asian 

And local favourites such as Maharaja Lawak Mega, 

Gegar Vaganza, Dukun Diva and many more. 

Customers have the choice to remain on their current packs, 

But we know that many will want to upgrade to the exciting new packs 

To stream all the amazing content from our streaming partners 

And enjoy a big screen experience. 

Our new packs come with flexible contract terms of 0, 12 or 24 months 

To suit customers’ preferences. 

Furthermore, 

Customers who sign up for our Broadband packages 

Can also enjoy complimentary Netflix subscription for 3 months.*.”

 
Astro’s new packages are Primary pack, 

Entertainment, Sports, Movies, Entertainment Plus, 

Premium 1, 2, 3 and Platinum. 

The Entertainment Plus pack, 

Premium 2, 3, and Platinum includes Netflix 

Alongside the best of Korean & Horror shows, 

Plus a variety of entertainment such as HGTV HD, 

Cartoon Network HD and Asian Favourites. 

The new Astro experience is specifically redesigned 

To empower customers 

So they can now stream all the shows they love in one place, 

With an intuitive interface and a single bill. 

Sign up now at www.astro.com.my.
 
*Limited time offer starting 15 November 2021. 

Terms & conditions apply.