Latest list of 70 3G smartphones offered with RM200 rebate

MCMC has updated additional 28 models of smartphones eligible for the RM200 rebate for youths. This is part of the 70 models approved by Ministry of Information, Communication and Culture.

Youth Communication Package

Earlier, in December 2012 there were 23 models of 3G phones priced below RM500 approved under the scheme. This make it 51 models so far and you are encouraged to check MCMC's portal from time to time to find out what's next in the line-up.

The latest list includes top-of-the-line models from Apple, HTC, Samsung and other makes:

1. iPhone 5
2. Samsung Galaxy S3
3. Samsung Galaxy Mini 2
4. Samsung Galaxy Y
5. Samsung Galaxy Note 2
6. Samsung Galaxy Ace Plus
7. Samsung Galaxy S3 Mini
8. Samsung Galaxy Note
9. Samsung Galaxy Nexus
10. LG Optimus LE E400
11. HTC Desire C
12. HTC One X
13. HTC Wildfire S
14. HTC Desire X
15. HTC One S
16. Nokia Asha 311
17. Sony Xperia Tipo Single
18. Sony Xperia SL
19. Sony Xperia Ion
20. Sony Xperia S
21. Huawei Ascend P1
22. Windows Phone 8X By HTC
23. Ninetology Blackpearl 2 i9400
24. Ninetology Stealth 2 i9500
25. Palette i5300 
26. ZTE Acqua
27. Buzz 4G Cloud Phone
28. Insight i9430

In a press release dated Jan 11, 2013 MCMC also announced that telecommunication companies involved in the Pakej Komunikasi Belia (Youth Communication Package) have appointed about 1,000 dealers nationwide and more will be added in time to come.

Also, check here the previous List of 23 3G smartphones offered for RM200 rebate.


TheGreenMechanics' two cents:

Seriously, if you can afford the top-of-the-line iPhone 5 priced at RM2,799 then you really should not be eligible for the RM200 rebate. What is the government thinking? What's next - lifting the age limit of applicant? This decision flip-flop need to stop!

List of smartphones with RM200 rebate for youths - Starting Jan 1, 2013

Recently I posted about the Government getting ready to implement the RM200 rebate to buy 3G enabled smartphone to youths aged 21 to 30 in January 2013. Recently the relevant agency came out with the initial list of 3G phones.

The list of smartphones that will be offered are as follows: (This is as at 26 Dec 2012 and the models list will be updated from time to time in the Service Provider's website) -

1)  Alcatel 993D
2)  Alcatel OneTouch Glory 2
3)  Alcatel OneTouch Inspire 2
4)  The Buzz Phone
5)  HTC Wildfire
6)  Huawei Ideos X3
7)  LG Optimus L3
8)  Ninetology Black Pearl II
9)  Ninetology Palette
10) Nokia 2730
11) Nokia 7230
12) Nokia Asha 305
13) Nokia Asha 308
14) Nokia Asha 311
15) Nokia C2-03
16) Nokia Lumia 610
17) Samsung Galaxy Chat
18) Samsung Galaxy Mini
19) Samsung Galaxy Pocket
20) Samsung Galaxy Y
21) Sony Xperia Tipo
22) ZTE Acqua
23) ZTE V790

UPDATE: Check the List of additional 28 smartphones announced by MCMC on Jan 11, 2013, including iPhone 5 and Samsung Galaxy S3.

Note: The brand, model and quantity offered may differ amongst different Service Providers.


Eligible youths can apply online

Youths aged 21 to 30 will be able to start applying for the RM200 rebate off selected 3G smartphones from celco nominated registered dealers. Applications for the Youth Communication Package (YCP) (or Pakej Komunikasi Belia (PKB)), under the National Broadband Initiative; can be made by registering online at http://nbi.skmm.gov.my/ starting from 1 January 2013.

The scheme is on a first-come-first served basis and will be for the first 1.5 million eligible youths who may claim their smartphones while stocks last.

Youths who qualify for the RM200 rebate will be able to purchase 'selected' 3G smartphones costing up to RM500 from selected dealers and agents appointed by service providers. With the rebate, they are expected to pay no more than RM300 to own a new 3G smartphone.


MCMC in refuting speculations that the RM500 price limit was low:

“The idea is to spread the incentive across to those who do not yet use smartphones. We really want to help those who cannot afford to change phones to upgrade from their old 2G phones to a basic 3G smartphone. Those who can afford phones priced above RM500 are really not in the intended category or target market. Some of those phones can reach prices of over RM2,500 without contract. A RM200 rebate does not even make a dent but if the phone is priced at RM500, a RM200 rebate goes a long way.”

For more information visit http://www.skmm.gov.my

Sorry folks, there'll be no incentive for iPhone 5, Galaxy S3, Galaxy Note 2, or HTC One X. LOL

Rebates for 3G Smartphones in January 2013

The government is ready to implement the granting of a RM200 rebate for the purchase of the 3G smart mobile phones to youths between the ages of 21 and 30 beginning Jan 1, 2013.

Take your pick!

The one-off rebate was announced by Prime Minister, Najib Tun Razak, when tabling the 2013 Budget on September 28th for youths to purchase a 3G smartphone to help them access the information superhighway.

In a recent report by Bernama, Information, Communications and Culture Minister, Rais Yatim said he was confident the programme could be implemented without any problem due to the well-planned preparations made by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC).

However, the ministry was scrutinising the actual meaning of the term 'smartphone' used and the price rate that would qualify the buyer to receive the cash rebate.

"When this has been carried out, I feel there is no problem any more (to implement the rebate). Many people have asked, so we want to give ample space for them to contact the MCMC directly or the shops and agents that have been registered," he said.


Prone to abuse?

It is a noble intention on the part of the government to help the masses - especially the younger generation - better access to information but I can see how people will try to abuse this facility. On a positive note, because of the possible loopholes, the RM200 rebate amount is just nice - not too small and at the same time not much such that it poses significant risk to the government's wallet. 

It is an open secret that the EPF Computer Withdrawal scheme some time ago was riddled with abuses. Contributors tried every means and ways to make the most to get cash rather than laptops. I got mine for RM3,999 and felt it was never worth it. The Compaq Presario was powered by a humble Celeron 600 MHz with many features at minimum specifications. In all honesty, even at that time, for that price you'd expect no less than a Pentium 1.5 GHz processor.

Without clear guidelines from MCMC, this rebate is just another accident waiting to happen. Both retailers and consumers would collaborate to create a 'win-win' situation.

Believe me, with a rebate of RM200, there is a lot to gain from the sale of a RM500/pc smartphone. The sooner you come up with the guidelines the better!