24/03/2025

LYFE MONDAY | MAR 24, 2025

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Top apps in Malaysia as of 2025

o Mix of old giants, new players

Ű BY MARK MATHEN VICTOR

T ODAY, Malaysia’s digital landscape is vibrant and diverse, reflecting both global trends and local preferences. Here are 10 of the most popular apps in Malaysia, along with a look at some highly anticipated upcoming ones. TikTok The reigning short-form video platform, TikTok continues to dominate the Malaysian app market, offering users a platform to create and share short-form videos. Its engaging content and personalised algorithms have solidified its position as a top app in the country. Touch ’n Go eWallet Revolutionising digital payments, Touch ’n Go eWallet has transformed the way Malaysians handle transactions, providing a seamless platform for payments, fund transfers and even investments. Its integration with public transportation and retail outlets underscores its versatility and convenience. Buz Redefining social networking, Buz

Part of Astro’s entertainment arsenal, Sooka offers streaming of live global sporting events as well as high-quality local and original content. experience, emphasising voice interactions and real-time connectivity, resonating with users seeking more personal connections. WhatsApp Messenger A ubiquitous communication tool across the board, WhatsApp remains a staple in Malaysia for instant messaging, voice and video calls, maintaining its top position among communication apps. Facebook Despite stiff competition from rivals, Facebook continues to be a leading social networking platform in Malaysia, particularly for the older offers a unique

Boost has a user base of seven million and acceptance at 140,000 physical locations nationwide. – PICS FROM GOOGLE PLAY generations, connecting millions of users across the nation. DeepSeek A direct competitor to ChatGPT, DeepSeek leverages artificial intelligence to assist users in managing tasks, setting reminders, accessing information and enhancing productivity. X X (formerly Twitter) continues to be a major platform for real-time news, trending discussions and viral content in Malaysia. Whether for political debates, sports updates or entertainment gossip, X remains a key hub for digital conversations. Instagram Visual storytelling at its best, Instagram continues to captivate Malaysian users with its photo and video-sharing capabilities. Features such as Stories, Reels and Shopping have kept the platform fresh and engaging, catering to both personal expression and business marketing. Boost A Malaysian favourite, Boost is a digital wallet that allows users to make instant payments for purchases, utility bills and mobile top-ups. It has a user base of seven million and acceptance at 140,000 physical locations nationwide. Sooka A local app, Sooka is sports, drama and movie streaming at its best. It offers a comprehensive streaming

TikTok is still the reigning short-form video platform, thanks in part to its personalised algorithms. – FREEPIKPIC

service, providing access to sports, dramas and movies, catering to diverse entertainment preferences. Though lagging behind some affluent countries, Malaysia’s current app ecosystem reflects a dynamic blend of global influences

and local innovations that is slowly but surely growing, catering to the diverse needs and preferences of its users. As technology continues to evolve, Malaysians can look forward to an even more interconnected and enriched digital experience.

Instagram features such as Stories, Reels and Shopping have kept the platform fresh and engaging for users. – PEXELSPIC

Protect yourself from phishing scams RECENTLY, Microsoft published a blog post detailing a phishing scam targeting hotel and accommodation owners with listings on Booking.com. This is not the first time cybercriminals have targeted or contact the guest. Victims would then be asked to verify their login, even complete a Captcha, which would give them confidence that it is an authentic request.

contact the service provider using the official contact forms on their website. 0 Be cautious of urgent requests Be wary of emails urging you to click, call or open attachments immediately. Scams often create a false sense of urgency to trick you. 0 Hover over links Check the full URL by hovering over links. Malicious links can download malware onto your device. It is safer to search for the company website directly in your browser. 0 Look for typos Phishing emails often contain typos or subtle misspellings of legitimate domains (e.g., micros0ft[.]com or rnicrosoft[.]com). These can indicate a scam.

After a series of steps, the victim’s system is compromised and the cybercriminal gains access to logins and financial information. Microsoft recommends several protective steps for accommodation providers (and consumers): 0 Verify sender’s email Check if the email address is legitimate by hovering over it. Legitimate organisations do not ask for personal or financial information via unsolicited emails or calls. 0 Contact service provider If you receive a suspicious email,

Booking.com. In Malaysia alone, people have shared experiences of being tricked into making a reservation for a property that does not even exist. This time, it appears the cybercriminals are targeting accommodation operators. Victims would receive an email seemingly from Booking.com about a guest leaving a bad review – among a number of scenarios. The email would urge them to take action – for example, to challenge the bad review

A tell-tale clue is phishing emails often contain typos or subtle misspellings of legitimate domains. – PEXELSPIC