Lowyat.NET: Latest topics by MerryGoRound^2

Attending a Chinese wedding tomorrow

MerryGoRound^2 — Sat, 16 May 2026 00:11:19 +0800

To be clear, I'm not trying to avoid giving an angpow because I'm a penny-pincher, or I can't part with my money.

Rather, given the economic uncertainty, and personal family financial struggles, I'm looking at RM200 and thinking that's a lot and I can stretch things out both for the family, and myself financially with that amount.

I'm attending a longtime friend's wedding tomorrow, and while I am incredibly happy and honored to be attending the dinner, I'm feeling a lot of pressure from trying to meet this silly Chinese custom of having to give an angpow of no lesser value than RM150-200.

Personally, if I held a wedding and invited guests, I wouldn't expect angpows from them either.

I've only attended one wedding in my lifetime, that one wedding happening last year where it was incredibly intimate and easygoing. My first friend is incredibly westernized and didn't want any of that silly Chinese custom bs, I asked her what she wanted for her wedding gift, she said "Pokemon TCG," off I went hunting something at a reasonable price.

Meanwhile, this wedding tomorrow is large, grand, and luxurious. I doubt the newlyweds care much for the angpow, they just want the people they cherish to be there. But when you put conventional + rich together, clearly these folks are intent on putting on an extravaganza in the name of "once in a lifetime."

The scariest part is realizing there may be a reception table where people register your name and track the amount of angpows received, who gives X or Y amount.

I am close to both the bride and groom, but I am not involved in any of the other intimate events other than giving a speech.

I've consulted both Chinese and non-Chinese friends, and most non-Chinese friends have urged giving what I can. ~RM50-100 is enough, even if the dinner cost is higher. Some even said there's no need to give given my financial circumstances. Some Chinese friends also feel like the practice is dated and incredibly silly, with someone leaving at "it's your choice."

Can I attend this wedding and not give an angpow, genuinely?

[ISO] Maxis sub line to park under

MerryGoRound^2 — Sun, 25 May 2025 15:18:07 +0800

Not sure if anyone's done this before, or if we have a dedicated thread to line ownership transfer.

Recently broke away from a personal family plan as a family member has indicated their interest to switch lines. Maxis proposed either upgrading my number to the standard RM79 package, or find a subline to park under.

Considering I've been using the subline perk just fine, I'd love to stick with it.

If any "linelord" has a space to rent out, do reach out. Preferably someone in KL/PJ areas.

How many ktards think racial stereotypes are true

MerryGoRound^2 — Mon, 31 Mar 2025 16:47:39 +0800

Have heard many friends say this.

Chinese - Overly emotional and materialistic
Indians - Toxic and dramatic
Malays - So laid back you can't tell if they're committed to the relationship

Applies to both heterosexual and homosexual relationships. They're stereotypes at heart, but how many ktards actually think some of these claims check out.

Wimminz friend getting hitched next month

MerryGoRound^2 — Tue, 18 Feb 2025 00:56:55 +0800

Friend getting hitched on Thean Hou Temple. Works in SG and earns SGD, decided it wasn't worthwhile giving her red packet since MYR < SGD. Also very practical as a person.

Decided to look into house appliances for her, asked a few questions, then realized she doesn't need any of the house appliances I considered.

List of house appliances include - Airfryer, pressure cooker, rice cooker, griller, but she doesn't cook. Looked at a steam mop, but she claims she and her soon-to-be hubby are busy and aren't home a lot even in SG.

No choice but to spoil the surprise, and she tells me I can simply get her a Pokemon TCG pack + Chagee.

Should I? Macam a bit too cheapskate Then again, what if I got a pack of rare Pokemon TCG cards? But why can't I get a wedding gift that her hubby can leverage too?

Anyone got any good wedding gift ideas? Benchmarking budget between RM200 - RM300, standard angpow for wedding meals right?

How many ktards in interracial relationship

MerryGoRound^2 — Mon, 06 Jan 2025 15:21:03 +0800

Been seeing a lot more interracial couples in public these days, personally liking someone who isn't my ethnicity too.

Just wondering, when you dated or are/were with your boyfriend/girlfriend in an interracial relationship, were you guys often worried about how others perceive you? Even for those who are daring and dgaf about other people's opinion about you, were there moments you had a sliver of doubt?

Any budget headsets with mic that is also good?

MerryGoRound^2 — Wed, 04 Dec 2024 03:13:39 +0800

Running Logitech G633S. Bought it 4 years ago, started to show signs of breaking down now.

Paid close to RM500 for the headset, looking to change brands as Logitech's materials seem flimsy.

Are there any other gaming headset brands worth going for? Or do most people recommend regular branded headsets because gaming headsets are simply gimmicks?

/k, why Section 14 PJ so many pretty pipul

MerryGoRound^2 — Sun, 24 Nov 2024 15:26:38 +0800

Few nights ago, went to Millennium Square to makan mamak, notice the crowd there all so photogenic.

X kira bangsa ke gender, or nationality. Even some of the foreigners in the area look photogenic.

Akterli, why are PJ folks all so damn handsome and pretty one.

Izit because QoL in PJ > KL?

Between 11.11 and 12.12 sale

MerryGoRound^2 — Sun, 10 Nov 2024 13:46:56 +0800

Any digital marketing experts or Shopee people care to comment?

Used to think 11.11 is a big deal, but this year's 11.11 feels so underpromoted. Shopee and Lazada all running regular promos for their products, no discounts, only free shipping.

What's going on? Is 12.12 the new 11.11?

Company forcing me to use AL to offset notice

MerryGoRound^2 — Wed, 16 Oct 2024 11:43:21 +0800

Currently serving notice period. 1.5 months into a 3-month notice period.

Requested to encash leaves and management's initial response was will look into this and revert. Dragged for a whole month, gave them the push and was finally informed they can't encash. The short of it is they're forcing me use my ALs to leave earlier.

Need to clarify two things. Annual leaves are paid, right? But also, employers aren't legally obligated to answer to any requests for leave encashment per labor law.

Did the math and realized I'm losing out 4k-ish. Not a lot compared to most job seekers here, but that amount amounts to ~25-35% spending power and hoping to secure it. Question I have in mind is, if the management refuses to encash, can I simply just extend my notice period by the AL count to justify getting paid? Frankly speaking, I have no need to use these ALs to off early nor go anywhere. Yes, I'm aware I'm still doing extra work and losing out on the paid value of my ALs, what else can I do? Or do I really just let the 4k go?

Where to find good ayam gepuks in Klang Valley

MerryGoRound^2 — Tue, 15 Oct 2024 13:05:53 +0800

I know ayam gepuks are a dime in a dozen, but I have not found one that serves good chili, most are just overly spicy or savory.

Are there any that hit the right balance in the spicy and savory department? Also doesn't have to be T20 kind of ayam gepuks, the warung tepi jalan works.

Come come, please recommend.

1-Utama announces parking price hike again :(

MerryGoRound^2 — Sun, 22 Sep 2024 17:29:48 +0800

Bruh, why.

Trying to force people to go OneCard is it?

Parking price hike announcement

Follow PIP duration or resignation notice period?

MerryGoRound^2 — Wed, 24 Jul 2024 12:14:35 +0800

Have reason to believe that my management is placing me under PIP, and even if I did survive the program, it would automatically result in a soured relationship between myself and my manager.

Assuming I get placed on a PIP and said PIP has a 1-month review with a clause stating "Failure to meet the management's outlined expectations of the role will result in a termination or performance review," and I tender my resignation which has a 3-month notice halfway through the PIP, do I follow the time outlined in PIP or my resignation?

Asked several HR practitioner friends, but want to be sure. I understand that in theory, a PIP is not a termination, so a resignation letter and its notice period take priority. Does anyone else think differently?

[Lost a 17-year old friendship over the week

MerryGoRound^2 — Sat, 01 Jun 2024 12:23:10 +0800

Long post ahead.

Knew a friend from high school. We were practically inseparable and sat next to each other throughout 5 years of high school. Since we were ostracized and alienated by the rest of the class for being nerds, we only had one another to depend on and kept each other going. By the end of SPM, I left to pursue a college foundation and subsequently, a university degree. Meanwhile she remained for UEC and eventually left to pursue her tertiary studies in Chinese Literary in China. Over time, we slowly drifted apart due to our commitments, but have always remained in touch and texted one another from time to time. By our mid 20s, she returned to KL and eventually found employment as a Chinese Language teacher in an independent school somewhere in Klang, I became your average corporate folk in KL with a 9-5 routine.

With both of us in our early 30s now, my friend suggested we should meet up yearly to catch up in person. This isn't a strict rule of course, but we make time for see one another whenever we can. Since she's a teacher, holidays are abundant for her, meanwhile, I've had to apply for annual leave just to make time to see her. After much planning and discussion, we eventually agreed on Thursday. So I applied for my leave about 2-3 weeks earlier, got it approved and was genuinely looking forward to seeing her.

Here's the thing about my friend, meeting up with her is always a stressful event. She's impatient, short-fused, and quick to throw tantrums, but I've always put up with her on the account that she doesn't go manic outside meeting up. She doesn't drive, and because she lives in Klang, over the school holidays, she returns to Subang where her parents' home is to spend the holidays. Since she can't drive, the only place she's willing to commute to is Sunway Pyramid. Save for the first two times where I've requested at a more centralized spot, the subsequent times were me needing to drive an hour just to get to Sunway Pyramid. I live in the northern part of Klang Valley, so driving to Sunway Pyramid is always going to be a tedious affair.

I'll be the first to admit that where it concerns meeting up with her, I'm not great with my time management skills. I've planning my journey 2-3 hours ahead of time, and wind up running late every single time. For this, I'm willing to take the blame. The traffic in Sunway Pyramid is horrendous as hell, and finding parking and navigating the mall is harder. The entire ordeal is so stressful for me that the last time I ran late in Feb 2024 (which was our last meetup), I unknowingly ran a red light without realizing it (got pulled over the traffic police too but was let off with a warning). So I can plan as much as I want, and still arrive about 20-30 minutes later. BUT, I've always maintained that I would show up regardless, and the longest I've ever had her wait for me was 45 mins to an hour. Again, I admit I suck at sticking to the time when meeting up with her due to the traveling distance and unfamiliarity with the area. And I've always urged her not to wait for me and carry on with her activities, i.e.: If we're meeting for a meal, and I'm late, she can go ahead. Or feel free to shop around the mall and I'll find her when I get there. She refuses, and often just wants to wait. I also would never stand anyone up and will show up even if the meet-up is only 5 minutes of interaction by that point.

Over time, I've learned to be more pessimistic with my time. I learned to overestimate my ETAs just so she's presented with the worst-case scenario first. Let's take this Thursday's lunch session for example. I suggest 1PM for lunch because I know I needed that long to get there (and I actually was right with my estimation), but my friend makes a fuss about how taking lunch an hour later is going to disrupt her digestion and dinner schedule, and requests for 12PM. I compromised and asked for 12:30PM, she doesn't relent and insisted 12PM. So I manage her expectations and tell her 12:30PM is a good starting time, but be prepared for any potential delays. As always, I preface this by urging her to carry on with lunch without waiting for me and I'll catch up when I get there.

To show her how much I care about our meet-up, this time, I specifically planned my journey ahead by 2 hours and decided to stop by a hair salon in PJ to freshen up. I requested a 10:30AM session, but a day before, my hairstylist called to request a shift to 11AM as he had an emergency to attend to. I allowed that and informed my friend of a possible delay and will keep her posted. On all accounts, she knew about this. The following day, I headed to the salon, and unfortunately the hairstylist was late by an extra 30 minutes. It's life, I don't blame him. Everything went according to time anyway, and we wrapped things up by 12PM. I was in PJ, had 30 minutes to get there. At this point, I knew my friend would probably be fuming, but I attempted to placate her and focused on the fact that it was a reunion for us to actually dine, chat without thinking about work. FYI, this hair appointment came because she complained I wasn't putting in enough effort to present myself during our meet-ups.

I actually got to Sunway Pyramid within my estimated time. I arrived at 12:30PM, of course, the traffic and parking were different factors altogether. I eventually found a spot and started navigating the mall by 12:45PM. At this rate, my friend was practically infuriated and started shouting at me over voice messages. I urged her to go eat, but she tells me the restaurant has a weird policy of only attending to all patrons when they're present (It was WagyuMore Sunway btw). I checked, it doesn't seem like they have one.

By that point, my heart sank after getting shouted at. After all that effort, planning and rushing, and it was upsetting that my friend only focused on how she was made to wait (Again, I'm willing to take the blame for my time management). I got there, she's in line to go in, I stood next to her and could feel her rage. There were some couples ahead and behind us, and we were approximately a customer or two away from being served. She turns to face me, and shouts at me in public. I simply kept quiet, was hurt at this point but stayed.

It was clear the people around us knew she was having a moment. The couple at the back didn't bother calling me for cutting the line, the front desk waiter looked at us and double confirmed if it was a table of two, and repeatedly asked "What was my choice of soup base,"over and over again despite my insistence that I'll order later. Think the waiter knew I was hesitant to proceed. So after all that shouting and tantrum in public, my friend settles down, goes back to her usual self and pretends like nothing happened.

I, on the other hand, felt the need to confront her behavior but couldn't since there were people around and I didn't wanna make a scene. So sitting across her from the table, I merely texted her to explain that I genuinely had no intention of running late. I reasoned that I've always had to oblige her by traveling to her preferred mall, having to put up with her lecturing me. In fact, as she shouted at me earlier, I asked if she wanted me to move away to give her some space and return later when her temper's simmered down, but she went on shouting. I eventually decided I wanted none of this, told her I wasn't having lunch, got up and went to the washroom to take a 5-minute breather. I was really debating if I should go back and make peace and pretend as if nothing happened.

Before I could even reason and respond, I receive a voice message from her on Whatsapp shouting at me again. In her words, verbatim, "If you can't stand me being pissed at you for one or two minutes, let's put an end to our 17-year friendship." I wasn't even thinking about ending the friendship, just needed time to process all that had happened, but clearly this riled me up too and I firmly reminded her to be mindful and respectful of our interaction. Granted, I deserved every bit of criticism, but I draw the lines with being shouted at in public. I went back to the restaurant, asked to pay for her hotpot session as final goodwill gesture and walked away. She texted me few hours later to pay me up, but I couldn't be bothered and blocked her number.

At this point, I've moved on and am still slightly baffled by the incident, owing to the fact that my friend was willing to end a 17-year friendship due to her incessant need to princess-ed in my presence. Thing is, I know my friend is a socially awkward person and doesn't have much in the ways of social interaction. Even as a teacher, you would think despite her lack of popularity, she would at least be liked by some students. No, apparently, she's that "Don't talk to me after class" teacher and based on her past accounts of workplace drama, she doesn't have a lot of colleagues who interact with her either. As far as being her friend goes, I am the one and only male friend in her social circle.

I should also note that I'm gay, and how this ties into the larger picture is such that everytime we meet, she's had this creepy habit of reminding me that we should get into a marriage of convenience if neither of us are dating or attached by our mid 30s because married couples have an easier chance affording homes together. Again, she's never had a relationship and lacks experience in dating. To make things weirder, when we're out, she has this unsolicited habit of holding my wrist in public in the name of "Wanting to experience what it's like to have a boyfriend." I indulge her whims for 10 seconds or so before reminding her that I'm gay and uncomfortable with the interaction. My guess is she probably takes to me as pseudo-boyfriend and projects her desire to be pampered, princessed and coddled like any other girls. That said, I doubt any boyfriend would willingly consent to being shouted at in public by their girlfriends even when they're in the wrong, unless it's absolutely something huge and serious.

Again, not here to garner pity points, just wanted to rant. Still baffled by the events, but fully aware that I don't need a toxic friend in life. In retrospect, now I think she's crazy .

Thanks for listening.

Y KL so hazy today

MerryGoRound^2 — Sun, 07 Apr 2024 13:47:20 +0800

Cb. All the cheng beng burning turned into serious haze izit

Massive traffic at Jalan Duta into Sri Hartamas

MerryGoRound^2 — Sat, 30 Mar 2024 23:58:27 +0800

Context anyone?

Massive line in was both ways. Heard it was something about a MyTag system shutdown? Or is this the MITEC promo going on for 24/7?

Klang Valley's largest marketing agency

MerryGoRound^2 — Wed, 28 Feb 2024 17:23:47 +0800

Don't want to go into specifics here, won't bother entertaining requests for names as well.

Just wondering if anyone who worked in Klang Valley's largest, growing marketing agency has anything to share about them? Is it worth the hype, the name? Been reading that the promised work-life balance is a myth. 9AM-6PM, then 9PM - 12AM due to international clients. Highly toxic environment, which is everywhere, but it seems like every ex-employee there has concentrated on the toxic culture.

No prizes for guessing the name right, no penalties for getting it wrong either lol. Just shoot your shot.

Follow up question, where's a good place to park near the workplace?

If some of you reading aren't comfortable sharing insiders news due to your role, I welcome PMs, still won't response to maintain anonymity.

Best hotpot in Klang Valley according to /k

MerryGoRound^2 — Wed, 21 Feb 2024 20:01:48 +0800

Akterli, the more important question I wanna ask is.

How many of you go to a hotpot chain restaurant and really only tackle the meat because you think that's where you get your money's worth? Or do you prioritize having a balanced diet and incorporate greens into your soup?

Dear /k, Chap Goh Mei go where throw bananas?

MerryGoRound^2 — Mon, 19 Feb 2024 16:09:45 +0800

My friend remembered the joke I made a year ago and held me to my words. This year she die2 wants to drag me to go throw oranges.

Can I not throw oranges? TS may be ghey, but TS no want stand in a sea of wimminz.

Worst case scenario, later throw oren, kena phone call harassment. If say kena cute guy fine, but nanti kena cinabengs and cinamuis. Worse, banglas and pakis.

Actually how does it work ah? Like gacha system, you kutip an oren and try your luck ijit? Or you eye somebody you like, then you try to target their oren when they buang.

Drillz cause you all to horni and can't think without it.

That orange throw ritual on CGM

MerryGoRound^2 — Mon, 12 Feb 2024 16:08:28 +0800

Pushing early 30s, friends of similar age range are all asking me to tag along and throw oranges for the fun of it.

Kinda thought a person showing up there would mean they're all looking to escape singlehood, but it wouldn't be a far-fetched fantasy to think you might just end up finding someone who catches your eyes there.

I'm curious if anyone actually went there to throw oranges for the fun of it, and actually ended up meeting someone long-term? How does it work anyway? Also imagine going there and your jodoh turns out to be a super Cina girl/guy that can't converse in English well.

Which durian stall to recommend from SS2?

MerryGoRound^2 — Tue, 23 Jan 2024 22:16:36 +0800

Bringing a friend around SS2 for durian hunting soon. Personally don't eat durian anymore, and need recommendations from the SS2 square.

There's so many around, which ones do people usually go for?