Melaka: What began as a simple savings habit turned into a life-changing moment for a retired teacher who was named the winner of the 112th Bank Simpanan Nasional Sijil Simpanan Premium (BSN SSP) Millionaire draw.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Bahari Harun, 60, from Kampung Sungai Putat, began saving in his BSN SSP account at the age of 17. He was initially drawn by the attractive prizes offered through the draw, a habit he continues to this day. “At first, I only saved RM10 as I didn’t earn much, but I was motivated by the prizes offered, such as motorcycles and cars, so I continued saving,” Bahari shared.

Bahari has previously won several prizes, including cash and electrical appliances, which motivated him to continue saving in his BSN SSP account. He expressed hope that he might become a millionaire one day. He shared this sentiment with reporters during an interview session at the 112th BSN SSP Millionaire Prize Presentation Ceremony, presented by Melaka BSN director Mohd Hairul Izam Abu Bakar.

Recalling his journey with BSN SSP, Bahari enjoyed depositing money at various branches, always hoping that luck would one day favor him in the BSN SSP Millionaire draw. As a former senior assistant (administration) at Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Ayer Molek, Bahari noted that his savings had steadily grown over the years without any expectation of earning dividends.

The moment he had long awaited came when his wife, Dalena Mahadi, 42, informed him over the phone last Saturday that he had won. Initially skeptical due to the draw not being held on the usual first Saturday of the month, Bahari only believed it after confirming with BSN. He expressed gratitude for this long-awaited blessing after serving in the teaching profession for 34 years.

Currently, Bahari has no immediate plans on how to spend the prize money and intends to continue saving it in his SSP account to remain eligible for future draws. However, he mentioned a desire to use part of the winnings to take his siblings, who have yet to perform the haj or umrah, to fulfill the pilgrimage.