iPhone 3G for Malaysia

This report is unconfirmed.

Our sources tell us that the iPhone 3G has been spotted at the tech capital of Malaysia – Low Yat plaza!

The source also mentioned that the wonder device is retailing for RM4200! Though we can’t confirm whether its the 8GB or 16GB version or whether the spotting is true at all but we will try to verify this ourselves if possible.

Talk about making the most out of a desperate situation. We think RM4.2k is too extravagant an amount to pay even for a device so alluring like the iPhone 3G.

Some internet searching revealed that the nearest country that’s giving the option to purchase the iPhone 3g outright is Australia.

Optus allows its customers to purchase the iPhone 3G with its prepaid plan. For AUD$729 you can get your hands on the 8GB version or for AUD$849, the 16GB version is yours to cherish and love forever and ever.

The FAQ says you’re locked in for 6 months (prepaid with a lock in period…?) and your iPhone will be locked (that means the device will work only with an Optus SIM card) during that period. But you can “opt out” and get your iPhone unlocked free to use other operator’s SIM card for a measly sum of AUD$80.

It says so here:

Network Locking: Apple iPhone handsets are locked to the Optus network. An $80 fee applies if network locking is removed within the first 6 months from the activation date. Alternatively, if you recharge to the value of $80, no fee applies. – Optus

Now that’s forward thinking on Optus’ part. Why can’t Malaysian telcos be more like them, we wonder.

Back to the iPhone 3G apparently spotted at Low Yat, sources say that it retails for RM4200. If we compare that with what optus is offering and convert it to Malaysian money this is what you get:

8GB AUD$729 + AUD$80 (”opt out” fee) = AUD$809 after exchange rate (current at time of posting) = RM2537.90

16GB AUD$849 + AUD$80 (”opt out” fee) = AUD$929 after exchange rate (current at time of posting) = RM2914.35

Compare that to the RM4200 retail for a grey import at Low Yat and there’s a RM1285.65 difference with the 16GB version sold by Optus.

Like we’ve said before, RM4000 is an audacious amount of money to pay. Technically, if you have a friend or relative living down under, you can get them to purchase the iPhone 3G for you and then have it couriered over and still not break the RM4200 mark.

Alternatively, you could chalk up some orders over here for a smaller profit margin and buy a plane ticket, fly to Australia and go buy the iPhone 3G from Optus yourself!

What we’re trying to say here is that…RM4200 is just too much to pay for the privilege of being one of the first in the country to own the device. Besides, its not official and you’d probably get dodgy after sales support from the seller at best.

So might as well joint us and many others in petitioning for the official unit to be brought in to Malaysia!

click here to be a part of the iPhone3GforMalaysia movement now!

Send in your support now. Together, we will make it happen!

Malaysia Boleh!