M’sians spend RM700 to say ‘I Love You’ on Valentine’s Day

PETALING JAYA: Malaysian consumers planned to spend on average close to RM700 (US$157) on their loved ones for Valentine’s Day, according to Mastercard Consumer Purchasing Priorities Survey.
The survey data for Asia Pacific is based on consumer purchasing priorities for the first half of 2017. A total 9,123 people in 18 markets across Asia Pacific aged between 18 and 64, were asked about their spending plans for Valentine’s Day 2017. The markets included Australia, Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Myanmar, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam.
Data collection channels included internet surveys, in-person interviews, as well as telephone interviews, with the questionnaire available in both English and local languages, whenever appropriate or necessary. The index and its accompanying reports do not represent MasterCard’s financial performance.
Across Asia Pacific, half of consumers (48%) plan to purchase gifts for their special ones. People in Greater China lead the pack, with China (US$310) as the most generous, followed by Hong Kong (US$282) and Taiwan (US$271).
The survey revealed that close to two-thirds of Malaysians plan to go out for a special meal (62%) and treat their loved ones to gifts (63%).