Nabil Luqman

0f9d2dd4f71434084e2b6094de1865e23abb37bb9f28ca51feeabee679ec9be2

Money

Singapore

Genting Highlands

struggle

banking

currency

solution

casino

gamble

jackpot

What began as a carefree weekend getaway to Genting Highlands quickly turned into an unforgettable &mdash; and stressful &mdash; experience for 28-year-old Singaporean entrepreneur Sherylynn Kok.
In April, Kok, who runs a frozen food supply company and a social media agency, was on holiday with her parents and boyfriend when she decided to try her luck at the slot machines. After suffering a string of losses, she switched machines and within five minutes triggered a bonus round. The game offered four jackpot tiers &mdash; mini, minor, major and grand &mdash; each increasingly lucrative but harder to win.
To her astonishment, the reels aligned, and a message appeared on the screen: she had landed the grand jackpot &mdash; RM800,000 (about SGD244,000).
Casino staff, accompanied by security guards, swiftly verified the win before escorting her to the cashier&rsquo;s desk. There, Kok was handed her prize: eight bundles of RM100,000 each, comprising RM10,000 notes stuffed into a backpack so heavy she described it as &ldquo;crazy heavy&rdquo;.
Security Worries and Sleepless Night
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/877e3b53594795f46180d197f8cd709cf0740f76c1f4347a67a81569a0ec3665" />
Although casino guards accompanied her back to her hotel room, they reminded her that their protection ended the moment she left the gaming floor. With such a fortune in cash suddenly in her possession, Kok and her family grew anxious about safety. That night, they took turns staying awake to guard the money-filled backpack.
The excitement of winning quickly gave way to the practical problem of what to do next.
Banking Barriers and Airport Shock
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/182e186c6b344fc687e3b99d2fa26ee628583a536439d1438808a55b022af1cc" />
The following morning, the family attempted to return to Singapore with the winnings. At the airport, however, Kok discovered a critical hurdle: carrying large sums of cash out of Malaysia requires prior approval from Bank Negara, the central bank.
As it was the weekend, banks were closed, and wire transfers were not possible. To make matters worse, she was told that remittance of the funds could only be done via a Malaysian bank account, something neither she nor her family had.
With no immediate solution, Kok&rsquo;s parents flew home as planned, while she and her boyfriend stayed behind to resolve the situation.
The next day, Kok opened an account with OCBC Malaysia. The account&rsquo;s dual-currency function allowed her to switch easily between Malaysian ringgit and Singapore dollars. This finally gave her a legitimate means of moving the money home without risking confiscation or breaking regulations.
Though the ordeal delayed her return, Kok said she was relieved to have found a safe and proper channel for her winnings.
A Disciplined Gambler, Not a High Roller
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/a8c1816fe7d3516da156a0e1021cea52b29079d6d4dbe06feb8c40060abbb775" />
Despite her extraordinary luck, Kok insists she is a disciplined gambler. Before playing, she always sets a firm limit on how much she is willing to lose.
&ldquo;I don&rsquo;t gamble because I want to make money,&rdquo; she explained. &ldquo;It&rsquo;s just occasional weekend entertainment when I have nothing else planned.&rdquo;
Friends encouraged her to splurge or invest in big ventures, but Kok has chosen a cautious path. She admitted to being risk-averse and uncomfortable with complex financial products, so the money now sits safely in her bank account.
Her approach is shaped partly by cautionary tales. She recounted how an acquaintance squandered a S$1.4 million Toto jackpot in less than a year on failed business investments and lavish spending. Determined not to make the same mistake, she continues to live what she calls a &ldquo;low-maintenance&rdquo; lifestyle.
A Windfall, But Not a Lifetime Fortune
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/a6ca5c444402830c3db3e7f439c264eea5a014078a1bedc70c279f486e7adcc0" />
While RM800,000 is undeniably life-changing, Kok is pragmatic about its limits. Converted into Singapore dollars, it amounts to roughly S$244,000 &mdash; not nearly enough for early retirement, she says.
&ldquo;I remind myself that S$200,000 will not last a lifetime. For me, it&rsquo;s not about suddenly becoming rich &mdash; it&rsquo;s about having a little breathing space, the chance to slow down my career without feeling the need to hustle constantly.&rdquo;
Her experience underscores not only the exhilaration of a jackpot win but also the real-world hurdles of managing sudden wealth &mdash; from navigating banking regulations to making disciplined financial choices. What appeared at first to be pure luck quickly became a test of patience, foresight and responsibility.
For Kok, the money is less about instant riches and more about the rare opportunity to slow down and live life on her own terms &mdash; a kind of freedom she values above the sum itself.
Her story serves as a reminder that while luck can strike unexpectedly, it is sound judgement and careful money management that determine whether such a windfall becomes a blessing or a burden. 
What do you think &mdash; is the real jackpot in the money itself, or in the lessons it teaches? Share your thoughts with us in the comments. 
&nbsp;
*Sources: Visual and Reference Credits to Social Media &amp; various cross-references for context.
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Winning was pure luck but the hard part was hauling eight heavy bags of cash.

480c8648e320ec6eff26075e4d5c2be3c2557057c720db472ee402f30d006f1f

Singaporean Woman’s RM800,000 Genting Casino Jackpot Turns Into Cross-Border Ordeal

55bcdeba72a510f10ee7d3ee191d14083b79f998fce8c15f7ec2a3c9ef951967

KFC Treats 2

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Cornetto

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AXE MLBB

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BIllie Eilish UMMY

Only 39% of active Employees Provident Fund (EPF) members in Malaysia&rsquo;s formal sector are currently on track to meet the fund&rsquo;s Basic Savings benchmark by the age of 60, highlighting the challenge of ensuring Malaysians have enough money to support themselves throughout retirement.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the proportion of members meeting the age-based Basic Savings benchmark increased from 36% in June 2025 to 39% in June 2026.
While this represents progress, around six in 10 active formal-sector EPF members remain below the benchmark for their age.
The government is targeting for six in 10 EPF members to meet the Basic Savings benchmark by 2030 under the EPF&rsquo;s Retirement Income Adequacy (RIA) framework.
What Is The RM390,000 EPF Savings Target?
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/094d4f6f9a830c467627a3083a59c1631eb6cf3f98094ae48e08266cbe4c034e" />
The RM390,000 figure is the EPF&rsquo;s full Basic Savings level under its three-tier Retirement Income Adequacy framework, which took effect in 2026.
The RIA framework is designed to give members a clearer guide to how much they may need for retirement. It consists of three savings levels:
<ul>
<li>Basic Savings: RM390,000</li>
<li>Adequate Savings: RM650,000</li>
<li>Enhanced Savings: RM1.3 million</li>
</ul>
Basic Savings is intended to cover essential retirement needs, while Adequate Savings aims to support a reasonable standard of living. Enhanced Savings represents a higher level of financial security in retirement.
According to EPF, RM390,000 is designed to support an initial monthly withdrawal of around RM1,625 in the first year of retirement, with the framework projecting withdrawals over 20 years from age 60 to 80.
The RM390,000 Benchmark Is Being Phased In
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/e6cb2d5631158eb97bdc73790e51aedeceee88bc865de1df4b151f201e1121f5" />
Although RM390,000 is the full Basic Savings benchmark at age 60, members are not expected to reach the amount immediately.
EPF is gradually introducing the target over five years to give members time to adjust to the higher savings benchmark.
The schedule is:
<ul>
<li>2026: RM270,000</li>
<li>2027: RM300,000</li>
<li>2028: RM330,000</li>
<li>2029: RM360,000</li>
<li>2030: RM390,000</li>
</ul>
The benchmark is also age-based, meaning members are assessed against the amount appropriate for their age rather than being expected to have RM390,000 at any point before the full target takes effect.
Why Retirement Savings Remain A Concern
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/52182c09071739d833d3baddd6f9a8a7636a9bb4cb4f46c70e3fa92d408bfb79" />
Anwar said the latest figures showed progress, but warned that too many Malaysians remain at risk of running out of savings during retirement.
With retirement potentially lasting 20 to 25 years, the issue is not simply accumulating a large lump sum but ensuring those savings can provide a sustainable income throughout retirement.
Speaking at the EPF International Social Wellbeing Conference 2026, Anwar also highlighted the financial pressures facing households today.
He said retirement planning cannot be viewed purely as a matter of financial literacy when many households are already dealing with immediate expenses such as food, rent and education.
This means the ability to save for retirement is closely linked to having sufficient and stable income. Retirement security therefore also depends on wages, decent employment and the ability to contribute consistently.
Informal And Gig Workers Remain Part Of The Challenge
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/379ead4e522887f28a70b190fe51084bd10ab1c9c743c7f4476279e7a5af34fe" />
Another challenge is extending retirement savings coverage to Malaysians working outside conventional formal employment.
The growth of self-employment, gig work and other non-traditional forms of employment means some workers may not receive regular employer contributions to their EPF accounts.
The government has introduced initiatives to broaden coverage, including i-Saraan, which provides incentives for eligible self-employed and informal workers who contribute to EPF.
There is also i-Saraan Plus, which provides additional support for eligible e-hailing and p-hailing workers, while i-Suri has been expanded to support retirement savings among women involved in unpaid care work.
These programmes aim to encourage more Malaysians outside traditional employment to build retirement savings.
EPF Shifts Focus From Savings To Retirement Income
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/dce895ff83854520641db177e2f062d4bde7a0b11c289be0f00857338c4e3ef9" />
EPF chairman Tan Sri Mohd Zuki Ali said retirement planning should not focus solely on how much money members have accumulated. Instead, members need to consider how their savings can provide a sustainable income throughout retirement.
This approach is reflected in the RIA framework, which connects savings levels with potential retirement income rather than treating EPF savings simply as a lump sum. EPF has also introduced measures to help members manage their savings over a longer retirement period.
One is i-Emas, which provides regular monthly payments under the existing Age 55/60 Withdrawal facility. As of June 2026, more than 25,000 members had opted for monthly withdrawals, including more than 7,000 aged 55 and more than 19,000 aged 60.
Another initiative, i-Legasi, allows eligible members with savings above the RM650,000 Adequate Savings level to transfer eligible excess savings to the EPF accounts of immediate family members.
Government Expands Support For Older Malaysians
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/019711301cc9d428487370e4deba8a076a5d9bb64a1c4be910cb5006b512c012" /> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
Retirement security is also being addressed beyond EPF savings.
Under Budget 2026, the government allocated RM1.26 billion for senior citizen welfare, with the funding expected to benefit around 180,000 older Malaysians through assistance and activity centres.
Anwar also highlighted the need for a more comprehensive care system for Malaysia&rsquo;s ageing population, covering community support, nutritious meals and home assistance, as well as day care, home nursing and residential care for older people who are frail or living with dementia.
He said access to essential care should be based on need rather than solely on an individual&rsquo;s ability to pay.
What The Latest EPF Figures Mean
The increase from 36% to 39% of active formal-sector EPF members meeting their age-based Basic Savings benchmark shows some improvement in retirement preparedness.
However, the figures also underline the scale of the challenge ahead.
The government aims to increase the proportion to 60% by 2030, while the full Basic Savings benchmark gradually reaches RM390,000 at age 60.
For EPF members, the RIA framework provides a clearer reference point for assessing whether their savings are keeping pace with their age and expected retirement needs.
Ultimately, retirement planning is not just about reaching a particular savings figure. It is also about ensuring Malaysians have sufficient income, savings and social support to sustain themselves through what could be decades of retirement.
&nbsp;
*Sources: Visual and Reference Credits to Social Media &amp; various cross-references for context.
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Surviving today while saving for tomorrow isn’t easy. Are Malaysians earning enough to do both?

f11cca6a2b33f1bc76b153ad819bfeeeb2282d7e41fcdf10b1c99f0f59573775

Only 4 In 10 Malaysians On Track For RM390K EPF Savings By 60, Govt Targets 60% By 2030

Tencent has launched TenPayGo, a new mobile payment app designed to make it easier for international visitors to pay for goods, food and transport while travelling in China.
Developed by Tencent&rsquo;s Weixin Pay team, the app allows overseas travellers to link foreign-issued bank cards and selected international digital wallets without needing a Chinese mobile phone number.
The launch comes as China experiences growing inbound tourism, with Tencent looking to make its largely cashless payment ecosystem more accessible to international visitors. The app was unveiled at an international payment services event in Shenzhen, Guangdong, ahead of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders&rsquo; Meeting scheduled to take place in the city in November.
No Chinese Phone Number Required
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/7d0599429863e5bab45a105d5b644fd1af8df8f7ae1b3802bc5541ba89bf6b12" />
One of TenPayGo&rsquo;s main features is its simplified registration process for overseas users.
Instead of requiring a Chinese mobile number, travellers can sign up using an email address and link payment methods issued in their home countries. The app supports bank cards from seven major international card networks, including Visa and Mastercard, as well as Apple Pay and around 60 overseas digital wallets.
Supported wallets include services such as Starryblu, Hipay and Octopus. However, the current list does not include Malaysian e-wallets such as Touch &rsquo;n Go eWallet or Boost.
Once a payment method is connected, users can scan and pay through TenPayGo at tens of millions of shops, restaurants and attractions connected to Tencent&rsquo;s Weixin Pay network.
This gives international travellers another option for making everyday payments in China without having to set up a local payment account.
TenPayGo is Tencent&rsquo;s first mobile payment app specifically designed for international visitors. The company&rsquo;s existing Weixin Pay service is integrated into WeChat, or Weixin as it is known in mainland China, which combines messaging, social media and digital payments in a single platform.
TenPayGo Also Supports Shenzhen Public Transport
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/a282917f8fcf06b25ebf1862406d618bd5e1f2ce925dff22cd0438c612456543" />
Beyond shopping and dining, TenPayGo is also designed to help overseas visitors get around China.
The app currently allows international travellers to activate a ride code for Shenzhen&rsquo;s bus and metro networks directly from their smartphones. Users do not need a local phone number or a physical transport card to access the service.
The transport integration is currently focused on Shenzhen, although Tencent says it plans to gradually introduce more local transportation and lifestyle services through the platform.
The move could make TenPayGo particularly useful for visitors attending major events in the city, including the upcoming APEC summit.
Shenzhen, one of China&rsquo;s major technology hubs, will host the APEC Economic Leaders&rsquo; Meeting in November. It will be the third Chinese city to host the event, following Shanghai in 2001 and Beijing in 2014.
AI Translation And Travel Tools
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/c485c0700b224e7cf6d762fb8422ea08e72b1957f0a023f29d960121b1de6ca5" />
Tencent is also positioning TenPayGo as more than just a payment app by incorporating tools aimed at helping international visitors navigate China.
One of its features provides instant menu translation, allowing travellers to use their smartphones to understand menus and order food more easily.
The app also includes an object-identification function that lets users scan and circle items on their screen to identify them, making it potentially useful when navigating unfamiliar surroundings.
Tencent has also said it is working with local banks on a tax-refund function. The planned feature is intended to support departure tax refunds for eligible overseas visitors, although details on its availability have yet to be announced.
Foreign Spending In China Is Rising
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/36aba044673be1b0f18d0a11dd2b3f5bf007c210edd1142d8124ada66ca7719c" />
The launch of TenPayGo comes as spending by international visitors in China continues to increase.
According to data from Weixin Pay, the value of transactions made by overseas e-wallet users in China rose by 80.6 per cent year-on-year during the first eight months of 2026. The number of transactions also increased by 81.8 per cent over the same period.
China has been seeking to attract more international visitors through measures including expanded visa-free travel arrangements and improvements to its tourism infrastructure.
Official figures cited by Xinhua showed that foreign nationals made nearly 61.29 million border crossings into and out of China between January and August 2026, representing a 19.5 per cent increase from the previous year. Visa-free entries accounted for 23.72 million of those crossings, up 26.8 per cent year-on-year.
The increase in international travel has also encouraged Chinese technology companies to expand support for overseas payment services.
Tencent has previously worked to connect international digital wallets to its payment network, allowing visitors to make purchases in China through payment services they already use at home.
In May, Tencent announced an integration with PayPal that allows eligible US travellers to make payments at Weixin Pay merchants in China through the PayPal app.
Tencent Looks To Make China Travel More Accessible
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/219c0bbebafbd5179522d93ed139cd072350f14cc5b7f9562dbb1a9579d589ea" />
TenPayGo represents another step in Tencent&rsquo;s efforts to bridge the gap between China&rsquo;s cashless payment ecosystem and international travellers.
Rather than requiring visitors to download WeChat or obtain a local Chinese phone number, the app brings payments, public transport and selected travel tools together in a platform specifically designed for overseas users.
Tencent has also said it will work with domestic online payment-clearing house NetsUnion to connect more overseas digital wallets to its payment network.
As international tourism to China continues to grow, TenPayGo could give foreign visitors a simpler way to pay for everyday expenses while also providing access to transport and travel-related services from a single smartphone.
&nbsp;
*Sources: Visual and Reference Credits to Social Media &amp; various cross-references for context.
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China’s cashless ecosystem just got more foreigner-friendly.

401e697b79cfcf8cf771944f182c78dfa582c7c862f93bff8976d3498e882aa2

Tencent Launches TenPayGo Payment App For Overseas Visitors Travelling To China

When financial difficulties pushed his company into a deficit, entrepreneur Ade Azhar Ismail found himself with just RM33 left in his savings account.
Rather than give up, he returned to his roots by selling nasi lemak from the boot of his car in Seksyen 9, Shah Alam.
Ade, who has spent almost 16 years as an entrepreneur and previously earned a five-figure income as the CEO of his own distribution company, admitted that returning to roadside selling was not an easy decision.
However, what started as a way to generate an income during a difficult period eventually grew into a new business venture, earning RM9,000 in profit in its first month.
From A 60-Person Team To Just 14 Employees
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/cf92a83a942ce74a504298cf652ac29d98be7cd1b0834263d46c441f42918413" />
According to Harian Metro, Ade has never worked a salaried job, having started his business journey through direct selling by selling toys.
In 2009, he became the CEO of his own company, which distributed products including air fresheners, storybooks, children's books, educational reading materials and books on the life of the Prophet.
At its peak, the company had around 60 employees. However, its sales team gradually shrank, with Ade saying only 14 employees remain. Many of those who left were Gen Z workers who were no longer interested in direct selling.
The loss of his sales team, along with several business partners leaving, affected the company's operations and contributed to it running at a deficit from the middle of last year.
Despite the difficulties, the company remains operational. Ade decided not to draw a CEO's salary and instead started selling nasi lemak, using the proceeds as his income while putting the remainder towards the company.
He Initially Felt Embarrassed Selling By The Roadside
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/b7ec3f45c98ecc6c42285cd1b169c7d6e8549bc666154f85287c920a1fe20e0e" />
Returning to street trading was not easy for someone who had spent years running a company.
Ade admitted that he initially felt embarrassed about facing his siblings, relatives and employees while selling nasi lemak from his car boot.
However, he eventually put those feelings aside after remembering that his own business journey had started with direct selling. Friends and fellow business owners also supported him by visiting his selling spot and buying nasi lemak.
Ade said his family was initially unaware of the difficulties he was experiencing. His wife only found out about his new venture on the 15th day.
Since he sourced the nasi lemak from a distant relative rather than preparing it himself, she did not realise that he had started selling food by the roadside.
Started With Just 30 Packets
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/68932fc7fbd98fde9bd69359473fda02724b295f6ccf631d152f2de14866efb4" />
Ade's first day began with just 30 packets of nasi lemak.
He recalled feeling discouraged and even like a &ldquo;loser&rdquo; before starting, but his confidence grew once customers began buying. By the end of the day, all 30 packets had been sold.
Encouraged by the response, he continued with the business. A video of him selling nasi lemak later went viral on social media, bringing more attention to his venture.
Ade said his first month's profit reached RM9,000. By his 53rd day of selling, he had started recruiting workers and expanded the car-boot business to five additional locations.
Now Selling Up To 1,200 Packets A Day
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/c5e76c6739f906f07afa74a89acbceb97bb75ff486044155d6b618a30926b2ca" />
By the 81st day, Ade and his team were selling as many as 1,200 packets of nasi lemak a day.
The business operates in two shifts, with the first beginning at 8.30am and the second starting at 5pm and continuing until the nasi lemak is sold out.
Roadside trading comes with challenges, from unpredictable weather to keeping up with growing demand. Despite this, Ade said they had sold out every day from the first day through to his 81st day.
Although the work is tiring, he said he enjoys meeting customers, including those who travel from far away to support his business.
&ldquo;Let Go Of Embarrassment And Ego&rdquo;
Ade sees the experience as an opportunity to reflect on his past mistakes and make improvements.
For others facing financial or business difficulties, he advised them not to let embarrassment or pride stop them from finding a way forward.
&ldquo;Let go of embarrassment and ego. Find a way out of your problems,&rdquo; he said.
Ade also encouraged people to make use of whatever experience and resources they already have instead of being afraid to start again.
&ldquo;Don't be afraid to start and, God willing, we can rise again and rebuild what we once worked for, even if we have to start from the bottom,&rdquo; he said.
&nbsp;
*Sources: Visual and Reference Credits to Social Media &amp; various cross-references for context.
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Rock bottom isn’t the end — sometimes it’s just the start of a better recipe.

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From RM33 In Savings To RM9,000 Profit: Former CEO Turns To Nasi Lemak To Rebuild His Business

A Malaysian tau fu fah seller has donated RM10,000 to former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak&rsquo;s solidarity fund, describing the contribution as a personal way of repaying a favour he says he received more than a decade ago.
Sunnycoco, whose real name is Seow Chau Pen, said he decided to make the donation after seeing Najib seek to serve the remainder of his prison sentence under house arrest. He said the situation reminded him of his own experience of being allowed to return home early from restricted residence in 2012.
Sunnycoco Says Najib Helped Him Return Home In 2012
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In a Facebook statement, Seow recalled that he was placed under restricted residence in Manjung, Perak, in 2009 following what he described as a mistake he had made.
He said the period became one of the lowest points in his life and gave him time to reflect on his future. During that period, he hoped that he would eventually be given an opportunity to return home and care for his two elderly parents.
According to Seow, that opportunity came in 2012 when Najib, who was prime minister at the time, visited Manjung for an event.
With the help of a local penghulu, Seow said he submitted an appeal asking for his restricted residence to be ended early so that he could return home to look after his parents. He later received notification from the Ministry of Home Affairs that his restricted residence had been ended ahead of schedule.
&ldquo;For others, it may have been just a letter or a little assistance, but for me at the time, it was an opportunity to start a new life,&rdquo; he said in his statement.
The account of Najib's involvement is based on Seow's own recollection and has not been independently verified in the sources available.
He Started His Tau Fu Fah Business After Returning Home
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/5c524e523e342b80aebfccf37e3945fff309f900514c0a1cafdf1e067ae2c130" />
After returning home, Seow said he began selling tau fu fah and gradually built up his small business.
He said he never forgot the opportunity to reunite with his family and start over after what he described as one of the most difficult periods of his life. For Seow, the experience shaped his view of what a second chance meant. Years later, seeing Najib seek to return home to serve the remainder of his sentence prompted him to think back to his own experience.
&ldquo;When I needed help in the past, he helped me. Today, within my means, I also want to do something to repay that kindness,&rdquo; Seow said.
RM10,000 Represents 10,000 Bowls Of Tau Fu Fah
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/25f3f419403aa9929cac9ad64345d4b8c413677d52504d7077c803a5c4f68662" />
Seow acknowledged that RM10,000 was a significant amount for him, saying he was not a wealthy person and did not have a large amount of money to spare.
He explained that his business makes around RM1 in profit from each bowl of tau fu fah sold. That means his RM10,000 contribution is equivalent to the profit from approximately 10,000 bowls.
&ldquo;So, I will sell 10,000 bowls. Bowl by bowl, I will sell them and save the money little by little,&rdquo; he said.
The calculation has since become one of the most notable parts of his story, with Seow framing the contribution as something built up gradually through his business rather than as a large sum he could easily afford.
Seow Says The Donation Is Not About Politics
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/46007bc1dd6c784a47ccbfeff47a4216fe32215e6f7a3f5055f3f32881e6a3a3" />
Seow also stressed that his decision to donate was personal and should not be interpreted as a political statement.
He said he was not asking others to follow his decision, describing the RM10,000 as a personal debt of gratitude that he wanted to repay in his own way.
&ldquo;This is not because of politics, nor am I encouraging others to do the same,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;This is simply a debt of gratitude that I want to repay in my own way.&rdquo;
His comments come as donations have been made towards a solidarity fund linked to Najib, following the former prime minister's conditional pardon and the RM50 million fine attached to the conditions of his house arrest arrangement.
The donation has also attracted discussion online, with reactions varying among social media users. Some questioned the decision to contribute, while others viewed Seow's account as a personal story about repaying someone who he believes gave him a second chance.
A Personal Story Behind The RM10,000 Donation
For Seow, however, the focus remains on the personal experience that shaped his decision.
More than a decade after he says he was given the opportunity to return home and rebuild his life, he now wants to return the favour through the means available to him.
What makes the contribution particularly significant to him is not simply the RM10,000 figure, but what it represents: 10,000 bowls of tau fu fah, earned one bowl and one ringgit at a time.
Seow said he had remembered the help he received during a difficult chapter of his life and wanted to show his gratitude after seeing Najib face a situation that reminded him of his own past.
UMNO&rsquo;s Najib Solidarity Fund Surpasses RM1 Million
Meanwhile, UMNO&rsquo;s Najib Razak Solidarity Fund has collected more than RM1 million, according to reports on 20 September. The fund was launched after Najib was granted a conditional pardon, with the RM50 million fine forming part of the conditions for him to serve the remainder of his sentence under house arrest.
The fund initially raised RM634,562 within its first three hours before surpassing the RM1 million mark less than a day after its launch.
&nbsp;
*Sources: Visual and Reference Credits to Social Media &amp; various cross-references for context.
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He says Najib gave him a second chance. Now, he’s giving back RM10,000 to repay that favour.

e144da3260940171393e80a2ac468bf13d1c8db60f5723833ff9cd63bfdfb0d4

Tau Fu Fah Seller Donates RM10,000 To Najib, Says It’s A Debt Of Gratitude

More families in Selangor may now qualify for the Baucar Kita Selangor (BKS) after the state government raised the household income eligibility threshold from RM5,000 to RM8,000 per month.
The latest expansion means households earning between RM5,001 and RM8,000 can now be considered for the financial assistance programme, widening access to support for families dealing with rising living costs and economic uncertainty.
Eligible recipients will receive RM100 per month for six months, giving a total value of RM600. The vouchers can be used for essential household needs, including food, healthcare and education.
Kita Selangor Voucher Eligibility Raised From RM5,000 To RM8,000
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/a629434523d313f67e558c3d577d5a371109f75703104ac2d3c2008042a406fe" />
The Selangor government announced the revised eligibility threshold on 21 September 2026.
State Executive Councillor for Women&rsquo;s Development and Social Welfare Anfaal Saari said the household income limit had been increased from RM5,000 to RM8,000 and below to allow more families to benefit from the programme.
The BKS was introduced as part of the Selangor Resilience Strengthening Package (Pakej Pengukuhan Daya Tahan Selangor), which was established to help residents cope with the impact of rising living costs and economic uncertainty linked to global supply and geopolitical crises.
The programme was initially rolled out in phases, with priority given to more vulnerable groups such as single mothers and heads of hardcore-poor households. Eligibility was subsequently expanded to households earning RM5,000 or less before the latest increase to RM8,000.
With the latest change, more middle- and lower-income households in Selangor can now apply for the assistance.
How Much Is The Kita Selangor Voucher Worth? 
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/ed722c6a9aa13f8a02a5eee2e12ff6a1dcbf72a733288ca0aed1da424083d935" />
Under the current programme, approved recipients receive RM100 each month for six consecutive months, bringing the total value of the assistance to RM600. The distribution is being carried out in phases until December 2026.
The voucher can be used towards several essential categories, including:
<ul>
<li>Food and groceries</li>
<li>Healthcare and medical needs</li>
<li>Education-related expenses</li>
</ul>
The official BKS portal states that unused balances can be carried forward to the following month, although the total assistance must be used by 31 December 2026. The vouchers are redeemed through the Selangkah app at participating merchants.
Who Is Eligible For Baucar Kita Selangor?
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/da871cdc6e3528d6b324a89b7cb503230e820544ef2c419778d29610c5fddc83" />
While the income threshold has been increased, applicants must still meet other eligibility requirements.
According to the latest announcement, applicants must:
<ul>
<li>Be a Malaysian citizen</li>
<li>Be a registered voter in Selangor</li>
<li>Reside in Selangor and have a residential address in the state</li>
<li>Have a monthly household income of RM8,000 or below</li>
<li>Be a married couple or single parent with at least one child aged 18 or below</li>
<li>Have only one recipient per household</li>
<li>Not be an active recipient of the Bantuan Kehidupan Sejahtera Selangor (BINGKAS) programme</li>
</ul>
The single-parent category also covers individuals who are single parents following divorce or the death of their spouse.
The official BKS terms also state that being registered for or actively receiving BINGKAS assistance makes an applicant ineligible for BKS.
Existing Applications Will Be Reassessed
For residents who have already applied, the latest changes could also affect the outcome of their applications.
Anfaal said applicants whose cases are still under review, those who were previously rejected, and those currently appealing will have their applications reassessed based on the new eligibility criteria.
This means households that previously exceeded the RM5,000 income threshold may now have another opportunity to qualify, provided they meet the other requirements.
How To Apply For The Kita Selangor Voucher
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/2d70f4275bd299bfff195a2ccc32d891f77e74361842d9a684a1db77e993bfcb" />
Eligible residents can submit their application through the SELangkah app, while the official Baucar Kita Selangor portal provides information on the programme, eligibility requirements and application status.
The official programme FAQ states that applications are open from 23 June 2026 until 31 December 2026, although applicants should apply as early as possible and ensure all required information and supporting documents are provided.
Official Baucar Kita Selangor portal: <a href="https://baucarkitaselangor.com/?utm_source=chatgpt.com">Baucar Kita Selangor</a>
RM131 Million Allocated For Kita Selangor Voucher
The Kita Selangor Voucher is one of the initiatives introduced under the state's broader resilience package.
The Selangor government has allocated RM355.06 million across the first and second phases of the Selangor Resilience Strengthening Package to address the effects of supply-related crises and economic uncertainty. Of this amount, RM145.8 million was allocated under Phase One, while RM209.26 million was allocated for 15 new initiatives under Phase Two.
A total of RM131 million has been allocated specifically for the Kita Selangor Voucher programme to help households manage the impact of economic uncertainty.
With the household income threshold now increased to RM8,000, the latest expansion is expected to bring the RM600 assistance to a wider group of families across Selangor.
&nbsp;
*Sources: Visual and Reference Credits to Social Media &amp; various cross-references for context.
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Earning RM8,000 or less a month? You may now qualify for the RM600 Kita Selangor Voucher.

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