ALLEGATIONS have surfaced claiming that some business awards are paid for rather than earned, sparking controversy. While supporters argue that such fees sustain award organisations, critics highlight concerns over credibility.
An X user alleged that recipients must pay thousands of ringgit to secure an award, raising questions about the integrity of these accolades.
A businesswoman claims that there is a price list for these awards and states that some organisations have called her to be the recipient of such awards. She then states that she is not willing to pay for awards.
Anugerah Superwoman tapi kena bayar 30k 🥹
Most successful people in Malaysia tapi kena bayar 8k.
Best brand award, 20k.
Korang call lah saya kejar suruh beli awards ni bertahun-tahun, my answer is still “no, thanks.”
— Sarini Zainal (@sarinizainal) December 24, 2024
Netizens appear to agree with the businesswoman saying awards can be a hush-hush affair and no one would admit paying for them. Furthermore, some believe that these awards should be given for “free” as it would take up time from the business owner/influencer to collect them.
Kahkahlah, dah lama tau but thanks for being blunt. Biasa yg take the award takkan disclose mendalah ni 👏
Yeah, nak bagi bagi laa. Why on earth should you pay? You would be paying with your TIME which would be precious enough imho.
— 🇧🇪Yohan 🇲🇾 (@pilotHans) December 25, 2024
Others argue that receiving an award does not necessarily mean a company is the best in its field, due to allegations of payment for such recognitions. Some users claim that even international awards require significant payments from recipients, casting doubt on the credibility and integrity of these accolades.
Dlm business mmg mcm ni. Award winning = good reputation and performance katanya. Padahal, semua tu ada RM, terus jd bagus walaupun realitinya jauh drpd keadaan sebenar. Cuma. Mmg ada sesetengah yg mmg okay. Just to win and portray a good image and ‘brand recognition’.
— Kak el (@MuzaSamean) December 25, 2024
Following that, there is talk floating around that CEOs are joking about awards being bought or are asking if the company earned the award naturally.
Baru sembang dengan kawan yg dia kena approach company/individu utk dapatkan awards
— sapikk (@syafieqzubir) December 25, 2024
Regardless, social media users are unhappy seeing companies allegedly purchasing awards. They feel that for consumers to trust them, their products and services should be of quality. — Dec 25, 2024
Main photo credit: iStock
