Things Malaysians could get for free (or cheap) in the country

By Natasha Joibi

Whether it's to do with traffic, politics or something else entirely, Malaysians are usually well-informed about things that are happening around the country.

That being said, there are still a lot of things that are happening outside of their circle that Malaysians may not know about. One of them is the free stuff the country has to offer, or close to free anyway.

With the rising cost of living, many may be unaware of their benefits, such as all the products and services that can be obtained for free or at minimal cost.

Here's a look at some of these:

Free education

Schooling is generally free in many countries in the region, including Indonesia, Singapore and Thailand. So, Malaysians having access to free primary and secondary education in public schools, and subsidised tertiary education in public universities isn't out of the ordinary.

Even so, the government has made a lot of effort over the years to ensure that kids (and their parents) benefit from loads more free initiatives.

For example, starting this year, each student, regardless of their parents' income, is being given RM150 under the Early Schooling Assistance scheme.

Additionally, physical textbooks, already free from 2008, have been replaced by downloadable e-textbooks. This is far different from the case in Singapore, where prices have escalated by up to 7 per cent.

Incidentally, the Education Ministry also runs the Supplementary Food Programme (RMT) that is aimed at providing free daily meals to students from low-income households. Yes, RMT's implementation has courted some criticism, mainly for the government's allocation being reportedly inadequate. Nevertheless, increased funds have been promised.

Public healthcare

Healthcare in Malaysia isn't free. But at super low rates of RM1 and RM5 for outpatient and specialist care respectively, it's not to be shrugged off.

Granted, there are legacy issues pertaining to long wait times, healthcare worker welfare and dilapidated facilities. Nevertheless, there's no denying that Malaysia is one of the most affordable places in the region to seek good medical treatment.

Also, did you know that basic treatment for contagious diseases such as dengue and tuberculosis is free of charge?

Yes, that doesn't include additional costs for consultation, blood tests and scans. However, even with all that factored in, charges come up to just a few hundred ringgit. That's a fraction of the exorbitant fees patients need to cough up at private healthcare facilities.

Public transport

Feel like exploring the Klang Valley for next to nothing? Well, just hop on the free Go KL City bus service, which connects Kuala Lumpur's outer residential areas to the city centre.

There's also the Smart Selangor Bus, which covers 43 routes. However, do note that while that service is free for citizens, foreigners will have to pay 90 sen.

If you happen to be in Johor, meanwhile, check out the Bas Muafakat service, which covers 70 routes around the state.

Also, planning to visit Penang? The Central Area Transit (CAT Bus), which goes around the George Town central area and other touristy spots, won't require you to open your wallet.

Separately, school students and persons with disabilities (PwD) can ride the Keretapi Tanah Melayu (KTMB) for free.

This service is available for Standard 1 to Form 6 students, and PwDs travelling on the KTM Shuttle Timuran Gemas-Tumpat-Gemas Sector, KTM Komuter Klang Valley Sector and KTM Komuter North Sector.

If you are simply visiting Penang and want a trip to the island, the ferry service from the mainland is also free until June 2023.

Water supply

Did you know that water supply is free (or almost free) for residents of some states in Malaysia?

Selangor initially provided free water to all households in the state in 2008. However, this exercise has been restructured as a targeted subsidy.

Still, households earning a monthly income of below RM5,000 are eligible for free water supply of up to 20 cubic metres.

Folks living in low-cost apartments, meanwhile, will continue receiving free supply until December 2024.

States like Johor and Penang also offer water rebates or subsidies to households earning within a certain income band.

This is also kind of similar in Kedah and Perak, while in Sarawak, every household enjoys free water for the first RM5 of their monthly domestic water bill.

Election freebies

The 15th general election (GE15) was historic for many reasons; from the highest voter turnout in Malaysian history, to 18, 19 and 20-year-old voters casting their ballots for the first time.

But GE15 also saw many businesses handing out freebies, discounts or vouchers to encourage Malaysians to come out and vote.

To claim these benefits, voters just needed to show the indelible ink marked on their index fingers. Some notable brands that encouraged voting with the aid of deals were Nando's, Taco Bell, A&W, TGI Fridays, Burger King, McDonald's, Tealive, Ikea, Golden Screen Cinemas (GSC) and Resorts World Genting.

Fitness buffs who voted were also entitled to free workouts at Fitness First, Celebrity Fitness and Chi Fitness gyms.

So why is this important when the elections were already done and dusted months ago? Well, only because there are six upcoming state elections.

And if history is any gauge, Malaysians will likely be able to look forward to discounts and freebies again.

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