Long-term financial discipline spanning more than a decade has finally paid off for a History teacher after he was announced as the grand prize winner of the Bank Simpanan Nasional (BSN) Premium Savings Certificate (SSP) Jutawan draw worth RM1 million.
M Munisuaran, 56, who currently teaches at a secondary school in Butterworth, Penang, described the win as the most meaningful gift in conjunction with this year’s Teachers’ Day celebrations.
“I feel this is a blessing. I believe God gives to those who give. I educate the younger generation, and perhaps this is a reward for what I have done all this while,” he said when met by reporters on Friday.
The cheque presentation ceremony was officiated by BSN Acting Chief Executive, Mujibburrahman Abd Rashid, in conjunction with the 55th National-Level Teachers’ Day celebration in Ipoh.
The two-day event will be officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on Saturday.
Munisuaran, a native of Parit Buntar, began his BSN SSP savings in 2015 with an initial deposit of RM3,000.
Although he once hoped to win a car prize, he admitted that winning RM1 million far exceeded his expectations.
He said the win symbolises appreciation for the teaching profession as a whole and highlighted the importance of consistent and disciplined saving.
“At the moment, I have no specific plans for the winnings. I may wait until retirement before making future plans,” he said.
With 32 years of teaching experience, Munisuaran shared that he had practised saving since his university days in the early 1990s and never withdrew his savings.
“I save bit by bit, about RM100 to RM200 a month. For me, savings should not be touched unless in emergencies. My goal has always been long-term, around 30 years,” he said.
He added that the habit was also instilled in his four children from a young age as part of their financial preparation for the future.
“I opened accounts and purchased SSP certificates for them. The savings were used for education expenses such as tuition fees and university needs.
“Three of them are now working and continue the habit of saving,” he added.
