Are you a subscription junkie? Here's how much you may be spending
HURIN EIN
From the most basic aspect of our lives, our drinking water up to working spaces can be found in various subscription plans. The most important aspect of why committing to subscription plans is popular for consumers is its promise of convenience.
With subscription plans, consumers will be able to access better products and services without constantly paying for it every time.
For example, instead of going out and spending money on petrol or popcorn, opting to subscribe to streaming platforms might be a cheaper alternative. Energy, money and time are saved and you can still have a comfortable cinematic experience within the confines of your own home.
Here are some of the common subscription plans that Malaysians often subscribe to, how many do you have checked?
ENTERTAINMENT
One of the most famous subscription plans is for entertainment.
1. NETFLIX
Subscription plans on Netflix vary from the lowest mobile monthly plan of RM17 to the Premium plan of RM55 per month. With a long list of movies, Tv shows and documentaries to choose from, Netflix has been on the top list of subscriptions made by Malaysians.
2. DISNEY + HOTSTAR
Original Disney shows, the Marvel cinematic universe, Malay and Bollywood movies can be accessed through Disney+ Hotstar which makes it another popular streaming platform.
Subscription plans start from RM54.90 for the first three months.
3. HBOGo
Those who love HBO Go original shows like the House of the Dragon will need to subscribe to this platform for RM54.90 per month.
4. VIU
American and western TV shows do not comply with everyone’s point of interest, some may incline toward Asian TV shows like Malay dramas, K-dramas and J-dramas.
At a cheaper rate than other streaming platforms mentioned, a monthly subscription on Viu costs only RM12.90 per month.
5. ASTRO
Not forgetting one of the biggest streaming platforms in Malaysia with hundreds of varying channels, Astro’s subscription plans are divided into the primary, premium and platinum packs.
The Primary pack costs RM59.99 monthly, the Premium pack RM149.99 per month and the Platinum pack RM194.99 per month.
There are many other streaming platforms available in Malaysia but the ones mentioned are some of the most well-known and used among Malaysians.
MUSIC
Another subsection of entertainment streaming sites is the use of music streaming sites such as Spotify and Apple Music.
1. SPOTIFY
Being one of the largest music streaming sites in the world, Malaysians are not strangers to being consumers of Spotify.
Subscription ranges from mini (RM0.75/day), individual (RM15.90/month), student (RM8.50/month), family (RM 24.90/month) and even duo plans (RM21.50/month). Depending on the customer’s financial situation, they may choose any plans that best suit them.
2. APPLE MUSIC
Similar to Spotify, Apple Music also has breakdowns in their plan subscriptions.
Starting from the individual plan of RM19.90/month to the family plan with RM33.90/month and the premier plan of RM69.90/month.
FOOD
Malaysians without doubt are incomplete without their love for food. Thus, there are even various subscription plans to cater to this obsession.
1. GRAB UNLIMITED
Recently, Grab launched a low-cost monthly subscription plan GrabUnlimited where users will be entitled to various benefits for only RM4.90 per month.
Aside from their wide variety of services, among others, GrabUnlimited users can enjoy a discounted Premium delivery fee of just RM2.50 instead of the usual RM3.50. It was said that subscribing to GrabUnlimited can save up to RM300.
2. PANDAPRO
Another important food application that Malaysians cannot live without, foodpanda also came up with a subscription plan of its own. With only RM8.90 per month, PandaPro users can gain 12x free delivery for orders above RM25 and access exclusive foodpanda vouchers.
Users may opt to commit to a month of subscription of RM8.90 or they may choose the long-term plans of RM6.90 per month for six months or RM4.90 per month for 12 months.
3. BOXSOME
As of late, subscription boxes have been a rising phenomenon in our society where people will subscribe to these plans and every month, a box of goods will be arriving on their doorstep. The range of goodies varies from food to beauty products and many others.
Boxsome is a subscription box of imported snacks coming from various parts of the world. Exotic snacks like Hello Kitty-themed snacks from Japan or Reese’s Pieces eggs from the United States (US) can be delivered in their package.
Boxsome’s subscription starts from RM48 per box..
4. BEAN SHIPPER
Coffee connoisseurs are not to be left out of this trend as subscription boxes like Bean Shipper allow personalized coffee beans to be delivered to your doorstep.
Subscribers of Bean Shipper have the luxury to choose from three different types of coffee; Single Origin, Espresso and Blaq Coffee.
Their subscription boxes start from RM17/month for 250 grammes of coffee.
5. BOXGREEN
Searching for a healthy snack box? BoxGreen from Singapore provides low-calorie snacks for Rm59.90 per month.
Their snack box has an assorted choice of 12 snacks to munch on worry-free as all of their snacks contain less than 200 calories per serving.
BEAUTY
Another avenue through which Malaysians often choose to pamper themselves is to subscribe to beauty subscription boxes where they will be delighted with various beauty products and samples for a monthly treat.
1. PANDORABOX
Often we may want to try out certain beauty products but are hesitant to commit to the full-sized bottle. Aside from costing issues, possibilities of those products not being suitable or potentially not working out may also happen.
Therefore, Pandorabox works to provide five samples made-to-measure the user’s skin, hair and style.
Pandorabox is available for men too and can get it for RM49.90 per month.
2. CRATEJOY
Korean skincare enthusiasts can rejoice with Cratejoy’s face mask subscription box as they will bring three premium Korean sheet masks that cater to subscribers' skin types.
With RM43.75 per month, specially tailored skincare needs can be attained.
3. LOOKFANTASTIC
For the latest skincare and makeup products, the Lookfantastic subscription box is here to deliver.
Their beauty box consists of six products ranging from haircare, skincare and cosmetic products that are handpicked.
With a subscription fee of RM120.74 per month, subscribers to Lookfantastic can expect beauty products like eyebrow gel, micellar water, body scrub and so much more upon their doorstep.
4. VEGANCUTS
As the name suggests, Vegancuts will only ship vegan, cruelty-free and paraben-free products to their consumers.
Four deluxe and full-sized cosmetics and skincare products can arrive monthly for a fee of RM176.34.
Although it may seem expensive, Vegancuts’ boxes are on average valued at around RM265.17 to RM486.15.
5. ENYA
A twist from other beauty products, Enya’s boxes contain essentials of menstrual products like pads, liners and heating patches.
User can choose the sizes of Pads and liners based on their preference and their products are made from 100 per cent organic cotton that is hypoallergenic and will only feel soft and breathable to the skin.
Their menstrual care kit costs RM129 per box.
6. SCENTSES + CO
For those who have a deep affiliation with perfumes and fragrances, Scentses Co provides new perfume every month.
With a starting price of RM49.90 per month, subscribers will have unlimited access to more than one hundred designer perfumes to choose from.
The subscription price may go higher depending on the amount of perfumes users choose to receive.
HOME APPLIANCES
The age to boil water to have hot water for your coffee or Maggi has long gone through the years. Now, we want to drink coffee within just seconds upon pressing the dispensing button.
Thus, various home appliance subscription plans particularly on water and air purifiers are very common nowadays.
1. CUCKOO
Cuckoo Electronics from South Korea is commonly known for its home appliances that homemakers often choose to subscribe to. With various choices of their rental plans, Cuckoo water purifier subscription plans range from RM60 per month to RM98 per month depending on the model of the appliances.
Air purifier subscriptions are from RM75.47 per month to RM140 per month.
2. COWAY
Another leading brand in home appliances also originated from South Korea, Coway too has a range of subscription plans.
Customers can subscribe to their lowest plan of RM 65 per month to RM190 depending on the model of the water purifier.
3. WIFI
Wireless connection is also essential to almost every life in Malaysia. With the Covid-19 pandemic, various activities have been shifted online making wifi to be one of the most important subscriptions to the people.
Based on reviews, TM Unifi is a fan favourite with RM89 per month and users can access the web with a speed of 30Mbps and a free voice line for calls.
Other brands are also available to provide Wifi subscription plans like Time Internet, Maxis, Digi and so on but in this case, many factors need to be considered before subscribing like price, speed and coverage.
HEALTH SUBSCRIPTION
As much as Malaysians love their food, they are also not neglectful towards their bodies. This is proven by the many choices of gym subscriptions that one can sign up for.
Some gyms have a fee per entrance while some have the normal monthly subscription fee.
For example, some gyms in Kuala Lumpur like the EZ Blast Gym located at Prima Sri Gombak offer a variety of payments from daily to monthly payments. For weights, clients may access their facilities for RM5 per entry or for the ones who want to have a full commitment can pay the monthly subscription rate of RM 100 per month.
Gyms and health centres are scattered all over Malaysia thus subscription pricing will be different depending on the gym itself and the courses or programmes they offer.
WORKING SPACE SUBSCRIPTIONS
Subscribing to monthly coworking spaces can be a really useful alternative for those who are working from home or freelancers.
Usually, coworking membership options have a range of subscription plans according to their financial capabilities as well as the benefits they are hoping for.
1. HOT DESKS
Hot desk member plans give access to any available spots of the day which means the allocation of space will be changing every day.
Members will usually have the privilege to access other facilities like meeting rooms, community events, discounts and many more.
Coworking spaces are usually found at the heart of city centres like Kuala Lumpur, Subang and other hot spot office areas.
Membership plans for hot desks typically range from RM400 per month to RM700 per month.
2. DEDICATED DESKS
For the ones who prefer to have one specific desk of their own, opting for dedicated desk membership plans will be useful. This way, they can set up their desks according to their personal preferences which may facilitate a better working experience.
WSpace, a modern co-working space located in Mid Valley offers dedicated desks monthly subscription for RM899 per month and also equipped with high-speed internet and free flow of tea and coffee.
3. PRIVATE OFFICES
More privacy can be granted to subscribers of this plan and pricing will usually be based on the size and the number of people who will be joining the membership.
Private office membership plans can cater to both individuals and groups of people.
OTHER MISCELLANEOUS SUBSCRIPTIONS
1. KINTO
A unique car subscription-based programme allows users to use and own a car without the hassle of the traditional hire purchase system.
With Kinto, subscribers can access all-inclusive services including vehicle registration, annual comprehensive insurance, road tax, periodic and preventive maintenance as well.
The subscription and viewing of the car models can be made online.
Subscription price varies from the lowest rate of RM1,248 per month for Toyota Yaris up to RM9,738 per month for a Toyota Alphard.
2. DUALITY BOX
For all the bookworms out there, Duality Box is a bimonthly subscription box containing one young adult fiction per month with five to seven exclusive book merchandise included.
This subscription is valued at RM100 per month with shipping fees included.
3. ATOM AND THE DOT
For a creative and fun time with your kids, parents cant opt for a subscription with Atom & the Dot so the little ones can have their attention away from gadgets and more towards the hands-on activities of the arts and science projects these boxes behold.
Each box will be having three to four fun experiments and they can choose based on ages, themes and topics with a starting subscription price of RM250 per month.
4. HAPPY HOPSCOTCH
Unlike most subscription boxes, Happy Hopscotch does not have a specific theme thus a wide range of products will be arriving in the mail from snacks to scented candles.
Depending on the occasion, they will also include other fun items to suit.
5. BLOOM THIS
Saving the time and energy to travel to famous flower shops at Pasar Seni, you can also have your bouquets delivered timely through Bloom This where the flowers can be delivered weekly, bi-weekly and monthly.
Subscription to Bloom This starts from RM80 per month.
6. BOXBEE
Celebrations are often accompanied by gifts but what if one could not have the luxury of time to shop for gifts? BoxBee can save the day.
Although BoxBee does not provide monthly subscriptions, they do have gift boxes that could fit any given occasion for only RM53 per box.
All these long lists of subscription plans available in Malaysia showed that quite a number of the Malaysian population had been extremely interested in committing to subscription plans.
However, the real question lies within whether Malaysians will be willing to subscribe to platforms that were truly essential for their lives like the news.
In the Study of Journalism report on Malaysia done in 2021 by Reuters Institute, it was found that only 16 per cent of Malaysian were willing to subscribe to news platforms.
Rather than news outlets competing with each other, the situation now he said was more on the issue of what type of content will the people be willing to consume in the first place. Will the news be the ones catching their attention or will it be something else?
