University students, rejoice! If you haven't known yet, back in September 2012, the budget for 2013 was announced by our Prime Minister. Based on the budget, university students would be given Baucar Buku 1 Malaysia (BB1M) worth RM250 courtesy of the government.
I noticed that bookstores in Malaysia are making promotions for students to spend their vouchers in their outlets and I'm really spoilt for choice. I felt like I'm being seduced to make a decision on where to spend the vouchers. Which to choose?! My friend suggested a brilliant idea - compile the promotions and blog about it. So, here's the list of promotions by the various bookstores in Malaysia that are offering promotion for the BB1M voucher.
1) Borders Malaysia
Source: Borders Malaysia
Goodies:
1. Spend RM250, GET: Borders discount vouchers, radio shack batteries, Chatime beverage, BCard + voucher booklet, Starbucks beverage, Krispy Kreme doughnuts.
2. Spend RM150, GET: Borders discount vouchers, BCard + Voucher booklet + Starbucks beverage
Comment: Based on my experience, BCard + Voucher booklet is not really worth it although they claim it is worth RM300. Most of the vouchers are the kind you don't always use. The deal is quite enticing because of the Starbucks beverage, Krispy Kreme and Chatime. Other than that, not much a good deal for myself.
UPDATE (1/3/13):
Comment: BORDERS up their game again as they throw in a contest!
Prize up for grabs include:
1. Monster iSport Immersion Athlete's Headphone worth RM820
2. Auvio Foldable Headphone worth RM99.90
3. Gigaware USB Stereo Headset worth RM89.90
4. Gigaware USB Notebook Speaker worth RM79.90
5. RadioShack 25-Piece Mini Toolset worth RM56.90
Check here to see how to join the contest.
2) MPH Bookstores
Source: MPH CLICK
Goodies:
1. Spend RM150 - get RM5 MPH book voucher
2. Spend RM250 - get RM10 MPH book voucher
3. Snap a photo of your happiest moment using BB1M at MPH bookstores and stand a chance to win exciting weekly prizes like iRiver Story HD x10 and MPH RM50 book voucher x50 and even HP/Canon printer x2 on bonus weeks.
For more contest details and mechanics, please refer to MPH CLICK
Comment: Not a very attractive deal with MPH. However, the amount of weekly prizes is quite a deal to be made and the contest is not based on lucky draw, higher chance for those who are good in contest.
Source: MPH Click
UPDATE (26/2/2013): MPH CLICK just up their game. They threw in more prizes for their contest. Here's the updated list of goodies:
Main Prize: 1 Pair of Air Ticket to Hong Kong via Cathay Pacific
Weekly 1st Prize: Samsung Galaxy S3 Mini
Weekly 2nd Prize: 10 x iRiver Story HD
Weekly 3rd Prize: 50 x MPH Book Voucher
Bonus Weeks: 2 x HP/Canon Printer
3) Popular Book Co
Source: Popular Malaysia
Goodies: click---> (WIN MACBOOK PRO!)
1. Spend RM250 BB1M voucher, GET RM50 gift voucher + 1 year Popular card
2. Spend RM150 BB1M voucher, GET RM10 gift voucher + 1 year Popular card
3. Spend a minimum of RM150 BB1M voucher and stand a chance to win monthly prizes like Samsung Galaxy Note II x1, Samsung Galaxy SIII x1 and iPad with Retina Display 16GB x3.
4. Spend all RM250 BB1M voucher and stand a chance to win the grand prize: Apple Macbook Pro 15-inch: 2.3 GHz with Retina Display, Apple iPhone5 32GB
Setback: You must spend 80% of your BB1M voucher on books.
Comment: I'd say this is one of the best deals available. The contest prizes are really attractive - however, very limited and the contest is based on lucky draw. What are the chances? :/ But if you never try, never know!
4) Big Bad Wolf Books
Source: Big Bad Wolf Books
Comment: So, Big Bad Wolf Books already made an announcement that BB1M vouchers can be used in the Big Bad Wolf Aftermath Sale from 28th February. We know that books are really very, very, very cheap when you get it from BBW. Based on the BBW Books sales in December, the price of books is really irresistible. I'm just waiting to see if BBW is going to throw some mind-blowing promotion or contest for us.
UPDATE (20/2/2013): BBW just threw in a really gooood deal!
Source: Big Bad Wolf Books
Comment: SO MANY GADGETS TO BE WON! I THINK I'M JUST GONNA SPEND IT WITH BBW or BookXcess :D CHEAP BOOKS AND CHANCE FOR GADGETS :O :O :O!
5) Times Bookstore
UPDATE: 26/2/2013:
Source: Times bookstores Malaysia
Goodies:
1. Instant rebate: 10% off on books and stationery. Terms and condition applies.
Comment: I'd rather spend elsewhere seriously. Lol.
6) BookXcess
Goodies:
1. Spend all RM250 BB1M vouchers, GET free BookXcess membership and RM20 BookXcess voucher.
UPDATE (20/2/2013): BookXcess is offering something very awesome! :D Refer to the poster under Big Bad Wolf Books.
7) Kinokuniya
Goodies:
1. Spend RM200 with BB1M voucher, get RM20 rebate voucher
2. Spend RM250 with BB1M voucher, get RM20 rebate voucher + Kinokuniya Limited Edition Journal
Comment:
Seriously, Kinokuniya? I think you can do better than that : )
74 Comments
You should really comment here on restrictions pose by the bookstores. For example Popular will only accept BB1M if your purchases are 80% books.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your feedback. I didn't want to include that earlier because I didn't want to discuss about the terms and conditions of using the vouchers in the major bookstores but since you've suggested, I'll include that now. : )
DeleteHey.. do u know where got borders 's outlets
Deletein kl area?
Which bookstores that allow students to redeem computer accessories?
ReplyDeleteHye there. Which bookstores that actually allow students to redeem voucher with computer accessories?
ReplyDeleteHey :) I'm not really sure cause I didn't go out to find out but I know you can spend 80% of your vouchers (RM50) on other things (such as computer accessories) with Popular. >< So sorry for the limited info I have!
Delete80% on books. means only 20% for other things. been there just now. bummer
DeleteHi! Does it have to be educational books? As an IT student and being in my last semester, I don't really need any books...at least not the educational ones. I am hoping to buy story books or novels such as Hunger Games series and Alex Rider. Does all bookstores accept this? If possible, can you list out which bookshop that will accept this purchases?
ReplyDeleteHello! No, it don't have to be educational books as far as I'm concerned. All bookstores allow you to buy fiction/non-fiction books. I find that books sold by BookXcess are the cheapest - fiction novels can go as low as RM10 whereas MPH, Popular, Times and Borders would sell it at a much higher price like RM30 or more. I remember BookXcess sells Hunger Games series and maybe Alex Rider too. But I'm not too sure if they still have any in stock.
DeleteYou can write on BookXcess' wall here (https://www.facebook.com/BookXcess?fref=ts) and ask if they have any books you want. They would reply you in 1-2 days. You can even call them at 03-7956 0455 for immediate response to check on book availability. :) The only downside is that there is only ONE BookXcess outlet.
Alternatively, if you really want the books and don't mind paying a higher price, you can always source at MPH, Popular, Times or Borders or any other major bookstores.
Hope this helps! : )
Hi! I would like to ask, whether if we use our BB1M for the computer accessories in the computer shops, are they entitle to discount the voucher worth of 10%? Which means our RM250 worth only RM225. Lots of the computer shops in my area are doing it. I wonder is it legal for them to do so? Where did they get the authority to discount the value of out voucher? Thx! (=
ReplyDeleteHello!
DeleteAccording to the general guideline issued by the government (http://www.mohe.gov.my/portal/images/hebahan/bb1m/Garis%20Panduan%20Pemberian%20BB1M%20Kepada%20Penjual%20Buku.pdf),
Item 5.5:
“Students are only allowed to purchase educational aids such as note books and stationery items from the small remaining balance of RM250 after book purchases. Unused balance will be expired and non-claimable.”
It's pretty clear the government don't allow students to spend on other things than books unless there's "little balance" left.
Popular stated clearly that they practice the 80:20 ratio. You can spend only 20% of your voucher on non-book items. However, my friends told me that you when you buy at least ONE book from Borders/Kinokuniya (the value does not matter), then you can spend the rest of your voucher on other items other than books.
I'm not sure if they have the authorisation from the government to allow to students to spend all on computer accessories but there's one thing I'm quite sure - which is they cannot discount the voucher worth!
However, if you just want to be sure and clear your doubts try to email to b1m@mohe.gov.my or call this number: 03-8870 5339/4361.
Hope this helps :)
Thx! I got the answer dy. I think they partnered with those bookstores and those bookstore charge them 10% for commission fees..Got a feeling is a loophole. All these computer accessories shops here are doing that and lots of student are willing to let their voucher worth be deducted. Willing buyers and willing sellers I guess, since they have no place to spend. Anyway thx! (=
DeleteNo problem! :D Oh, thanks for your info! So actually it's somehow legit? : ) Do you mind sharing where can students spend on computer accessories? I have a few friends who are interested cause they don't read books. Lol :D
DeleteHi i just got my coupons today, did some research and here's what i heard. At borders you can buy one book, and spend the rest on any other things. At mph, 80% on books, 20% on stationaries.
DeleteAdvantages of each bookstore(exluding contest):
MPH: Extra RM50 Coupon after spending RM250.
Popular: Extra RM 50 Coupon after spending Rm250.
Borders: Not sure how much but they do give coupon also, anyone know how much? and got chatime+krispykreme :P
BBW: cheap books but no where to be found atm
I think the best is to spend on borders cause they have radioshack which sell computer stuff for most people who want to buy comp stuff.
but i would ofcourse personally spent all rm250 on books lol, except i need a headset. :)
Thanks anyway its been informative.
Hi Edgar!
DeleteOh, so MPH also practice 80:20. Thanks for the info! So I guess you're gonna spend it at radioshack to get the headset? :P If you want value for money for buying books, I suggest you go to BookXcess if you are from KL/Selangor. The books are still very much cheaper than MPH/Popular/Borders although still can't beat BBW's price. If you are from Penang - good news! There's a BBW sale going on there for the next few days :P
I'm still keeping RM100, waiting to buy something I need. Expiry's a long way anyway, better wait and put them into good use later :P
Hmm well ill just spend everything on books and if the headset is affordable ill just grab it.
Deleteyea im from KL, the only thing bad about borders is that they dont give extra RM50 after spending Rm250 but the other bookstore does, im in dillema haha. cheapskate me ><
I'm from JB. The computer shop that accept the voucher is located in Skudai Perade. Got an amplifier with my RM250. xD
DeleteWow, seems like a good deal :P Thanks for sharing! I'd like to put this information on my blogpost. Do you mind? I'll credit you (if you leave your name please haha, or I'll keep it as anonymous ;D)
DeleteHi, do you have the details of the vouchers offered by Borders? & also the Starbucks beverage, Krispy Kreme and Chatime?
ReplyDeleteHi!
DeleteBased on what I know, Borders is offering:
1. Borders 20% discount vouchers (not sure how many vouchers)
2. Starbucks - 1 beverage
3. Krispy Kreme - Half a dozen Krispy Kreme delicious classic donuts
4. Chatime - 1 beverage
:) :D
Thanks for the info. Just wanna ask, does popular really implement the 80:20 ratio for the usage of book voucher?
DeleteYou're most welcome : ) So far, my friends told me that Popular's been following the 80:20 ratio that they implemented, so.. yeah.
DeleteOh no RM50 voucher? ): this reduces the temptation to spend it on borders. lol
DeleteHahaha yeah only discount 20% voucher unfortunately :(
DeleteWhen and how long does these promotion last? When is the due date?
ReplyDeleteThese promotions should last till the BB1M's expiry date. Around 1st - 31st May 2013.
DeleteHye, which bookstore allows us to buy magazines using the vouchers? ....... Tq
ReplyDeleteHelo! Pretty sure most of the major bookstore like MPH/Popular/Borders will allow you to buy magazines with the vouchers : )
DeleteHi I did see that there are some posts saying that computer shops accept these BB1m vouchers, anyone knows of any in Seremban area...thanks ..
ReplyDeleteI wanna buy a hard disk using this voucher but dunno how can i get it coz of this term n condition.oh bad..
ReplyDeleteHi, where are you from? : ) Maybe you can try looking around those small bookstores which sells HDD. Most major bookstores practice the 80:20 ratio. But if I've not mistaken, I think you can also get HDD from Borders (just need to purchase at least 1 book of any value). :)
DeleteHi, sorry to bother but may i know which bookstore that does not follow the 80:20 ratio on using the BB1M voucher? Popular Bookstore set the 80:20 regulations and i really don wanna spend the voucher on book because i don really like reading books after all... thought of just getting stationary and accessories? any idea which bookstore does not follow?
ReplyDeleteHello,you can try Borders. My friends have purchased other items than books from Borders. The condition is that you must buy at least ONE book of ANY value from Borders, then you can buy anything else using the voucher =). Alternatively, you can search around small bookstores around your area and see if they accept BB1M. Usually small bookstores don't have the 80:20 T&C. =)
Deletehye :) can i get a beg using voucher 1 m'sia? is beg considered as stationery? *confused*
ReplyDeleteThanks :) :)
Don't think bag is considered as stationery. :/ But if the bookstores sell begs, maybe you can try to purchase it.. just need to know if they implement any T&C for it =)
Deleteyes, the bookstore do sell begs but i dont know whether it can be purchased or not.. its Times bookstore at pavilion. anyways, thanks for the info ya :)
ReplyDeleteits very useful for me.. Thanks again :D
Ah okay. : D I'm so glad you find this helpful and you're welcome! : )
Deleteinteresting blog, hope it's not too late to add my two cents worth. anon 22 april should try using ur voucher for bag cos not all bookstores r strict bout the 80:20 rule. fren tried at mph, manage to buy hard disk sumore, but their rule is that book must b part of ur purchase. if kenot, let them tell u only la. nothing to lose.
ReplyDeletenot too late yet, still got about one month before the BB1M expires :D thanks for sharing your two cents :) not bad, i didnt know mph wasn't strict with the 80:20 rule. thanks for sharing again :)
Deletehello everyone! can i know where can i use the student voucher to purchase hard disk? :)
ReplyDeleteHey, I heard you could actually buy it from RadioShack (Borders). Try there maybe? : ) But you need to buy a book (of any value) first. :)
Deletehi there..may i noe is borders selling mp3?like sony mp3 or watever brand..coz ive already in final year, so no need book..dun wan to let d voucher being wasted, so may i noe which shop accept vouchers for IT gadget?dun mind if must buy 1 book, and the rest can buy other things..i still got this 5 vouchers yet not spending them though already close to expiry date..perhaps Ruxyn can help?thanx
ReplyDeleteHello, I don't know if Borders have MP3 players but RadioShack (which is linked to Borders) sells stuffs like headphones, speakers, mouse and memory cards and some other IT stuffs. Perhaps you want to get it from there? : ) Same rules apply - minimum purchase of one book from Borders and you can purchase anything else from Borders or RadioShack. Hope this helps!
Deletegee..thanx a lot..u r a quite active blogger ^_^ respect! umm is the RadioShack inside the Borders or located outside the shop?sorry im not familiar with bookstores..and perhaps can u give me the nearest or easiest branches of Radioshack in K.L and Selangor?want to finish the whole vouchers!haha..thanx again..looking forward to ur replies ^_^
Delete: ) You're welcome :D RadioShack is usually located inside Borders itself. I usually go to The Garden's Borders, there's a RadioShack inside Borders and even a Starbucks :P So can chill after spending the vouchers lol. BTW, you might want to check with the staffs again if you could buy 1 book and buy anything from RadioShack. Just incase. :)
Deleteowhh i see..hehe..well thnx ruxyn for ur very helpful info ^_^.. i might try this coming saturday..hehe..
Deleteyou're most welcome :) let me know how it turns out :)
Deleteahhh..hey there ruxyn..have u heard bout pc fair in midvalley this coming weekends?will they accept the vouchers?just asking if u had any info on that..hehe..thanx btw
DeleteHey, yea I heard about it and also I saw that PC Expo said that some of the booths accepts the voucher but only selected booths and they didn't mention which. Dateline is drawing to a close soon, quick spend it before it expires :x
Deletehey there ruxyn..haha..ive just went to the borders in gardens..and i have successfully used all of the vouchers..thanx to u, the radioshack items can be bought using d vouchers..haha..the rules are simple..buy only 1 book worth rm30 and above, and the rest of the vouchers can be used to buy other stuffs than book, including all stuffs in radioshack, but except hallmark items..ive got my mp3 already, no so fancy as sony, but still it is a mp3..haha..payment need to be made in one bill, then the vouchers are permitted to be used other stuffs than books..
Deletethanx again ruxyn..happy commenting and sharing with you ^_^! keep the blog up! RESPECT ^_^!
DeleteHey! Thanks for sharing the useful piece of information! :) I'll let my friends who haven't spend their vouchers know :D Thanks for commenting and always dropping by to reply my comments too haha :DD I appreciate it! Thank you, I will! : )
DeleteHi, means from Borders, purchase any books RM30 in cash, then can use BB1M in any other stuff?
DeleteHello, from my understanding, you need to use the BB1M voucher to purchase books that is priced at RM30 (minimum), then only you can purchase other stuffs from Borders/RadioShack, using the remaining vouchers. No cash needed :)
Deletenown balu tao~
ReplyDeleteHey there, just wanna double confirm with u. Regarding borders, just spend a min of rm30 n above for any books and use the remaining vouchers for other items (non-books)right? I will b visiting borders next week before the deadline. Too busy with finals at the moment. I hope they dont chg their policy till 31st may.
ReplyDeleteFor popular, if im left with rm50 vouchers n I want to buy stationeries. Since there's a ratio 80:20, does that mean I can only use rm 10 for stationeries? Thanks.
Hope to hear from u soon
Yeap, that' right for Borders. Spend RM30 (minimum) on a book, remaining vouchers can spend on other items (non-books) except items from Hallmark.
DeleteFor Popular, they practice 80:20 ratio so yes, technically if you spend RM50 voucher, RM10 can be used for stationery. : )
Hi~ may i know what is the price for HDD available in Borders? is it 500GB or 1TB? TQ in advance.
ReplyDeleteHello, I heard RadioShack in Borders has run out of stock for HDD. But maybe you could call and check with them again ? =) Phone number listed below. If you are from KL/PJ, maybe you want to check out this bookstore - Harvest Bookstore in Sungei Wang, I saw someone posted that they are selling HDD 1TB at RM279, they accept BB1M vouchers. But I'm not too sure of the T&C. Hope this helps :)
DeleteBorders @ The Gardens
Add: T-216B, 3rd Floor, The Gardens Mid Valley City
Tel: 03.2287.4530
Borders @ The Curve
Add: Lot G16, G16A-C & 114A-D, Ground & 1st Floor, The Curve
Tel: The Curve - 03.7724.2788
Borders @ Berjaya Times Square
Add: No. LG – 11, 12 & 13, Lower Ground Floor,Berjaya Times Square
Tel: 03.2148.6788
Borders @ QueensBay Mall Penang
Add: Lot 1F 93 & 93A, 1st Floor, Queensbay Mall
Tel: 04.645.9600
hye ruxyn..last week i saw a 1TB HDD at Borders The Gardens..the price is quite high, bout 300++..hehe..i think there were 3 left, but some dude picked one of them when i was clearing my bills for the MP3..haha..just for ur info.. ^_^
DeleteHey, it's you again :D thanks for dropping by again haha. Oh, thanks for sharing again! @@ RM300+ is really pricey D: About 1 day left to spend the BB1M >_< Hope everyone has cleared their vouchers :1
DeleteHi. Been searching around. I think your blog is the most complete. About the harvest bookstore, do you have the link where u see their ads? I think I gonna buy a hdd there
ReplyDeleteHello, for the harvest stationery, I actually saw it from a comment on lowyat forum, I can't really find more info for it :( Sorry.
DeleteJust got it at borders. Come with many free gift as well. Just need to buy a book any value. The hdd cost 319 but is worth it
ReplyDeleteOh cool :) Yeah, it's worth it considering you can use the vouchers ^^
DeleteIs the melaka have any bookstore that can use the voucher??I just want to buy the hardisk ...have any idea???
ReplyDeleteHi there! So sorry, I need to ask around first because most places don't accept the vouchers anymore. The dateline to use was around May :/
DeleteThe voucher extended to the end of October. Just got it near the end of September
ReplyDeleteWow. How come so late? Good news then :) I think MPH is having a promotion..they are accepting the vouchers :)
DeleteHey... do u know where got borders 's outlets in kl area?
ReplyDeleteHello, there are a few Borders outlets in KL:
DeleteBorders Berjaya Times Square
Borders The Curve
Borders The Gardens Mall
Borders Tropicana City Mall
Borders Bangsar Village II
Borders 1 Mont Kiara
Do refer to their website below for more details :)
http://www.borders.com.my/html/our_stores.aspx
hi, wanna ask can i use my bb1m to buy tennis racket? where can i buy it using bb1m in penang area?. thanks yaa :]
ReplyDeletehi, wanna ask can i buy tennis racket using bb1m? where can i buy around penang?
ReplyDeleteHi! I'm not so sure about this.. I might need to source for more information as I'm not from Penang.. meanwhile do stay tune for more information by referring to the 2014 version of this post here: http://www.ruxyn.com/2014/02/bb1m-2014-where-should-you-use-it.html? for more updates =)
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