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Time Business News
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Time Business News
Labubu V2: How to Avoid Getting Scammed
Labubu V2 is one of the most popular releases in the PopMart universe, and for good reason—its outfits, moods, and mischievous expressions make it a standout among designer toys. But with popularity comes a darker side: fakes are everywhere. If you're a new collector, here's how to identify real and fake Labubu V2. Let's be real—Labubu V2 isn't exactly cheap, especially when buying individual figures or limited editions. That's why scammers are taking advantage of eager fans by selling: Counterfeit figures that look eerily real at first glance that look eerily real at first glance Repacked mystery boxes with swapped or opened toys with swapped or opened toys Photoshopped listings using stock images to lure buyers Stick to official Pop Mart stores, licensed retailers, or verified sellers on apps like Shopee, Lazada, or Amazon. If you're buying secondhand, platforms like Carousell or Facebook Marketplace are okay—but check the seller's history and ratings first. Real Labubu V2 boxes have consistent color printing, sealed packaging, and holographic Pop Mart authenticity stickers. If the box looks faded or the seal is already broken, that's a red flag. Collectors sometimes use mini scales to guess what's inside a blind box—because each figure has a slightly different weight. Sellers who 'magically' have every rare figure might be exploiting this and reselling it at inflated prices. Always ask where the figure came from. If someone's offering a super rare Labubu V2 for 70% off market value, pause. That's usually a sign of a fake or bait listing. Always cross-check current prices on collector sites or auction platforms before buying. Labubu fans are everywhere—Reddit, Discord, Telegram groups, even niche Facebook groups. These communities often help newbies verify sellers, compare photos of real vs. fake figures, and share scam alerts. A legit seller won't mind showing close-up photos, receipts, or answering basic questions. If someone gets annoyed or pushes you to 'buy now before someone else grabs it,' walk away. Labubu V2 is an amazing series—don't let scammers ruin it for you. A little bit of caution goes a long way in keeping your collection genuine and your wallet safe. When in doubt, take your time, do your research, and remember: trust your gut more than the price tag. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
New Straits Times
a day ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
FOOTER sets new standards
KUALA LUMPUR: TAIWANESE sock brand FOOTER has stepped into Malaysia's competitive retail landscape with a bold claim that footwear comfort and hygiene can be engineered with science. Distributed exclusively in Southeast Asia by a Malaysian team since 2022, FOOTER is positioning itself as a performance-driven solution provider rather than a simple apparel brand. Using proprietary antibacterial technology, FOOTER socks aim to address issues like foot odour, sweat and support, particularly among active, sports-loving Malaysians. "FOOTER is not a fashion statement, it's a functional solution," said Lee Wan Yang, marketing manager of FOOTER Malaysia. "We're here to solve real problems that Malaysians face every day, especially in a hot and humid climate." FROM ONLINE TO PHYSICAL PRESENCE The brand first entered the market via Shopee and TikTok, building awareness through digital channels. In January 2024, Footer opened its first brick-and-mortar store to provide a tactile retail experience for consumers."Digital platforms are great for brand discovery, but we found that Malaysians still value being able to physically experience our products," said Lee. BACKED BY SCIENCE What distinguishes FOOTER from conventional socks is its embedded antibacterial technology, developed using Japanese innovation. Unlike charcoal or bamboo socks that are chemically treated after production, FOOTER integrates its antibacterial function directly into the fabric yarn. Each pair of FOOTER socks consists 75 per cent antibacterial material and 25 per cent spandex, and remains effective even after 100 washes. "There's a clear difference between us and other so-called 'antibacterial' socks. Ours are built to last," Lee explained. The socks are also designed with airflow-enhancing features, reducing heat and moisture build-up, which are common concerns among sports enthusiasts and professionals who are on their feet for long hours. BRAND COLLABORATIONS AND CONSUMER ENGAGEMENT FOOTER has also been proactive in building brand awareness through strategic intellectual property collaborations with Warner Bros, launching limited-edition collections featuring key elements from the Harry Potter and Tom & Jerry franchises. "These collaborations help us reach new customers and encourage product trials through the lens of nostalgia and fandom," Lee said. The company also runs aggressive sampling campaigns, partnering with affiliates and content creators to distribute socks and gather testimonials. One such customer, a Malaysian working in Brazil, was so impressed that he pledged to bring the product to Latin America. "We've found that real user feedback is more convincing than any advertising. Malaysians want to see results from someone they trust," said Lee. PREMIUM PRICING, VALUE-DRIVEN PROPOSITION Retailing at RM39 per pair, FOOTER socks are priced above typical mass-market options but well below other performance sock brands, some of which retail for over RM100 per pair. To bridge the value perception gap, FOOTER offers a 60-day money-back guarantee. "If you try our socks and they don't resolve your foot odour or comfort issues, we'll refund your money, no questions asked," Lee said. He said consumers, especially those facing recurring issues such as foot odour or ankle strain, are beginning to shift away from low-cost, fast-fashion socks. OPERATIONAL DISCIPLINE AND EXPANSION PLANS FOOTER's operational model includes strict quality checks upon the stock's arrival. All shipments are inspected for defects before reaching the shelves. The Malaysian team works closely with the Taiwan headquarters on product development to cater for locals. For example, Malaysian consumer data revealed strong demand for ankle support and breathable materials, which have since been incorporated into FOOTER's new designs. "Design sells first, but functionality is what builds loyalty," Lee said. DRIVING MARKET EDUCATION Educating Malaysian consumers about the value of functional socks remains one of the brand's biggest challenges, said Lee. "There's still a lack of awareness. Many consumers think it's normal to suffer from sweaty or smelly feet after sports. They don't realise a pair of properly engineered socks can prevent these issues." Lee, an avid badminton player himself, said FOOTER socks have eliminated his post-game discomfort and the need for foot part of its mid-year campaign, FOOTER is ramping up promotions, including a contest with a trip to Bangkok as the grand prize. "We're not just selling socks; we're building a new standard for footcare in Malaysia," Lee added.
The Star
2 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Teo: Empower Pulau Berhala women through digital platforms
SANDAKAN: Just a 15-minute boat ride from Sandakan, Pulau Berhala is home to a close-knit fishing community — where most men head to sea, and the women remain at home. But now, those housewives are learning to sew, build confidence, and earn their own income. Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching said she was encouraged by what she saw during her first visit to the island, where a women's community centre now runs weekly sewing sessions and skills training. Teo said the availability of strong 4G coverage on the island presents a real opportunity to connect these women to the digital economy. 'I will continue engaging with the women here. If this initiative proves sustainable, I'll explore the possibility of bringing in Shopee, Lazada or TikTok Shop to hold training sessions for them,' she said during her visit on Tuesday. 'This would give them a larger platform to market their products beyond this island.' Teo was invited to the island by Sandakan MP Vivian Wong, who founded the women's community centre in 2022 and has been sending volunteer teachers to conduct weekly classes ever since. 'It took two years to earn their trust. Every week, we send a teacher here to run the classes. And now, the women are finally producing their own handmade items and bringing them home,' said Wong. Wong said the centre will soon introduce batik making classes to develop a local identity through 'Batik Pulau Berhala', giving the women a sense of cultural ownership and potential branding for future sales. For Rina Ramio Abdullah, a housewife and mother living on the island, the centre has been more than just a place to learn — it's a space for connection, purpose and growth. 'Most of us rarely leave our homes. Before this, we didn't have much to do, and we depended entirely on our husbands. But now, I have something of my own,' she said. Rina is now learning to sew traditional Bajau garments — a skill she says could one day help her earn an income. 'A full outfit can be completed in a day if you know how. Right now, we're just practising and haven't started selling yet, but I believe that time will come,' she said. She hopes to see more training opportunities at the centre, especially in areas like cooking, baking, and making traditional kuih — skills she believes would benefit other women in the community who are still looking for a place to start. 'This initiative has really lightened the burden for many of us. It gave us something meaningful to do, and now, we look forward to learning more.' Pulau Berhala, located in the eastern waters of Sabah, is not yet gazetted as a formal village and remains off the grid in many ways — but community-driven efforts are slowly opening up new opportunities for its residents.
The Sun
3 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
Communications Ministry ready to help Pulau Berhala women become e-entrepreneurs
SANDAKAN: The Communications Ministry is ready to assist a group of women in Pulau Berhala here to become e-entrepreneurs, leveraging their handmade sewing products and the island's strong internet connectivity. Deputy Minister Teo Nie Ching said the women had acquired sewing skills through classes held at the Kampung Pulau Berhala Women's Community Centre, an initiative by Sandakan Member of Parliament Vivian Wong Shir Yee. 'It is time to create opportunities for these women to venture into e-commerce. With the island's reliable 4G coverage, they can market their products not only locally but also abroad if there is demand. 'If this initiative takes off, I can invite platforms like Shopee, Lazada or TikTok Shop to hold training sessions here to help the women learn how to sell their products online,' she told reporters after visiting the community centre with Vivian today. Teo said the handcrafted products made by the Bajau women, including pillows, hair ribbons and traditional Bajau attire, had strong commercial potential. Meanwhile, Vivian said the two-year effort to establish the community centre had paid off, with local women showing keen interest in the sewing activities offered there. 'We want Pulau Berhala women to become financially independent. Besides sewing classes, we plan to introduce lessons in cooking, traditional pastry making and batik painting. We have already identified instructors willing to teach,' she said. Housewife Rina Rameo Abdullah, 51, said the centre had greatly benefited her by helping her develop sewing skills and earn income while spending her time productively. 'I sew traditional Bajau attire known as 'Sablai'. In the early morning, I sell kuih, and after that, I come to the centre to sew clothes that are worn during festive occasions,' she said. Rina also welcomed the government's readiness to help promote their handmade products. During her visit to Pulau Berhala, Teo also presented 50 food baskets sponsored by YTL Corporation Berhad to local residents.
Rakyat Post
4 days ago
- Business
- Rakyat Post
'It Doesn't Make Sense' – Mydin Boss On Expanded SST On Imported Fruits
Subscribe to our FREE Ameer Ali Mydin, the managing director of Malaysia's foremost halal wholesaler and retailer, has come forward with a comment on the expanded sales and service tax (SST) that is coming into effect on 1 July. He considers the government's decision to tax imported fruits as something that 'does not make sense'. The renowned businessman said that, contrary to what people think, some of the imported fruits are also used by those in the low-income bracket, MalaysiaKini Apples, oranges, bananas are part of a healthy diet According to Ameer, fruits such as apples and oranges, as well as bananas are often associated with a healthy diet. He illustrated how such agricultural products are important to society, giving the example of such fruits being the gift of choice when visiting a patient at a hospital. 'I do not agree and it does not make sense that basic fruits such as apples, oranges, bananas, and others will be subjected to SST. These are all B40 (group) foods,' he said. Image: Shopee Although there are arguments claiming that such fruits are produced locally, Ameer said current production in Malaysia is still insufficient and therefore needs to be imported. 'Bananas, for example, is locally produced but the supply is insufficient. A large portion of it is imported. Just like apples and oranges, bananas are considered as basic foods for the rakyat , particularly those in the B40 group,' he said, adding that even though fruits such as oranges and apples are imported, their prices are not too expensive and are still popular choices of fruit among low-income groups. Ameer: The government needs to make a more careful assessment of the SST Earlier, the government announced the expanded SST on various categories of imported fruits, and the decision was met with mixed reactions among the public, including concerns that it might affect the cost of living The proposal was made during the Budget 2025 tabling on 18 October, 2024, by Prime Minister cum Finance Minster Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. He promised that the new SST scheme willbe progressive and assured that it will not burden Malaysian citizens. Anwar said then, that the SST will be imposed on non-essential and premium imported produce such as avocados and salmon. More recently, he defended the expanded SST by stating the step taken is aimed at taxing the rich, and only affects certain segments. Some users on social media have commented that the government's SST implementation on imported fruits show a clear disconnection with the people. As Ameer mentioned, fruits like apples, bananas, and oranges are actually more commonly consumed by Malaysians than the government thinks. Speechless — khalid karim STEMKITA (@khalidkarim) According to Ameer, the government must make a more thorough assessment before implementing the expanded SST. He gave an example of separating fruits that are categorised as 'the people's fruits' from luxury fruits that are enjoyed by a handful of people. Ameer also warned that the implementation of SST on such fruits will only cause their prices to soar and will ultimately put pressure on consumers. What else is being taxed (and not taxed) in the new SST revision? It seems that non-essential goods such as king crab, salmon, cod, truffle mushrooms, imported fruits (apples, oranges, grapes, berries, avocados etc.), essential oils, silk fabrics, and industrial machinery will get a 5% tax. Meanwhile, premium items like racing bicycles and antique hand-painted artworks will be taxed at 10%. The rest of the items affected by the revised SST can be found The good news is essential daily goods will not be taxed (taxed at 0%). These goods include chicken, beef, mutton, fish, prawns, squid, local vegetables and fruits, rice, barley, oats, wheat, flour, canned sardines, sugar, salt, white bread, pasta, vermicelli, noodles, instant noodles, milk, cooking oil, medicine, medical devices, books, journals, newspapers and pet food. READ MORE: READ MORE: READ MORE: Share your thoughts with us via TRP's . Get more stories like this to your inbox by signing up for our newsletter.
