Social media facilitates connections between people. The popularity of social networking sites proves that online information sharing has entered a new era that penetrates into all levels of social and personal boundaries. Nowadays, people don’t just use the internet to retrieve information, but do so to contribute and share information, as well as collaborate, and communicate with each other.
In Malaysia, Internet and Social Media usage is skyrocketing. Malaysia is now one of the most active countries in Asia embracing its usage. According to Internet World Stats, as of 2012, Malaysia’s total population was 29,179,952. Of the total population, 60.7% or 17,723,000 are Internet users. Facebook users in Malaysia account for 46.6% or 13,389,520 people.
Top 5 Social Media Channels in Malaysia
Facebook, followed by Yahoo, is the most popular social media in the country, according to the Burson-Marsteller Social Media Infographics H1 2011 report.
How Social Media Have Impacted Our Communities
Keep our country together during hard times
In 2014, many Malaysians turned to Facebook and Twitter with the hashtag #prayforMH370 to offer their thoughts and prayers for the passengers of the missing MH370 Malaysian Airlines aircraft. Later that year, the airline paid tribute on Twitter to those who were affected during the MH17 crash with a tweet, “Tough times do not last, tough people do #staystrong” accompanied by the image of two flight attendants holding hands. In times of crisis, social media has helped uphold the spirit and unity of our country in the most impactful way.
Fast lane to smoother traffic and better productivity
According to the authorities, the country suffers a loss of RM9 billion annually in loss of productivity due to traffic congestion. Time lost in traffic could have been used for more productive activities. Apart from the time cost, panic and stress in rushing for appointments due to bad traffic also creates emotional and health costs. Social media may be the quick answer. For example, those who took a trip back to their hometown during Hari Raya Aidilfitri could download Waze for user generated traffic info and alerts on what was happening on the roads. Aside to the app, Wazers and editors also hang out actively in the Google+ and Facebook platforms to update and share the latest developments on Waze, be it a new version, capabilities or map development.
Booming e-commerce, keeping us more informed and changing the way we shop and spend
Brands such as AirAsia, Starbucks Malaysia and Red Bull Malaysia are the pioneers in taking the benefits of social media in marketing their product and services, followed now by most major international and local brands. According to a recent survey by Adobe, as much as 70% Malaysian turn to brands’ social media platforms to research and find out more about the products before making a purchase.
According to an e-commerce Milo post in March 2015, the top 5 e-commerce retailer sites in Malaysia are:
1. Senheng – Monthly visits: 304,400
2. Tesci – Estimated Monthly visits: 200,000
3. MPH – Estimated Monthly visits: 170,000
4. Watsons – Estimated Monthly visits: 100,000
5. Harvey Norman – Estimated Monthly visits: 75,000
However the biggest change that social media has made to local communities is the possibility of arranging affordable personal accident protection for you and everyone you love.
With the EZTakaful Facebook page you can enrol for cover with EZTakaful’s great collection of Sharia approved personal accident products to protect yourself and your loved ones in light of an accident. Communicate with our customer service directly and get a response within a few hours. Ask questions and keep up to date with our latest offers and promotions here on EZTakaful’s Facebook page.
…And that’s it for technology month on EZTakaful’s Blog! Next week the EZTakaful Blog will be back with an exciting new programme you’re not going to want to miss! Watch this space!
Happy Reading!