Manage South China Morning Post

How to cancel South China Morning Post and avoid surprise charges in malaysia

What you're paying for with South China Morning Post

South China Morning Post (SCMP) is a Hong Kong-based news publisher founded in 1903 that sells digital subscriptions to readers across Southeast Asia, including Malaysia. When you subscribe to SCMP, you gain unlimited access to premium news reporting, analysis, opinion pieces, subscriber-exclusive newsletters, and the digital ePaper edition. The service operates on auto-renewal, which means your subscription renews automatically on your billing date unless you cancel or disable renewal beforehand.

For Malaysian readers, this is critical: SCMP charges in US dollars, not Malaysian ringgit. Your bank or payment provider will convert the amount at their exchange rate, which may differ from the official rate. Most subscribers don't realise this until they see the charge appear on their statement.

What subscribers actually receive

Your SCMP subscription unlocks access to the full news archive, premium stories behind the paywall, and subscriber newsletters focused on China coverage, business analysis, and regional commentary. If you chose the SCMP Plus plan, you also receive access to the digital ePaper, a replica of the print edition delivered daily. You can access your subscription on up to five devices simultaneously across web, iOS, and Android platforms.

Most people subscribe for one of three reasons: deep China market coverage, exclusive business reporting, or premium commentary and analysis unavailable in free news outlets. Understanding exactly why you subscribed helps you decide whether cancellation is right for you, or whether you should pause instead.

Current pricing for malaysian subscribers

Exchange rates fluctuate daily. The estimates above use approximately 1 USD to 4.72 MYR, but your actual charge depends on your payment provider's conversion rate at the time of billing. Annual plans appear cheaper per month, but locking in 12 months of charges can be risky if your reading habits change.

Your consumer rights when cancelling in malaysia

Malaysia's Consumer Protection Act 1999 gives you specific rights when dealing with subscription services, especially those with auto-renewal features. SCMP, as a foreign service charging Malaysian residents, must still honour these protections.

What malaysian law says about auto-renewal and cancellation

Under the Consumer Protection Act 1999, a supplier cannot continue charging you without your explicit, informed consent. Auto-renewal subscriptions must include clear cancellation instructions at the point of purchase, a reminder before each renewal, and an easy way to opt out. If SCMP's cancellation process is deliberately hidden or made difficult to find, that is a potential breach of your consumer rights.

Importantly, the law states that suppliers must provide a "simple mechanism" to cancel. If SCMP requires you to call Hong Kong by phone, submit a form via mail, or jump through multiple steps to reach a cancellation request, you have grounds to escalate a complaint to the Malaysian authorities.

The relevant enforcement body is the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (MDTCCL). If SCMP refuses to cancel your subscription or continues charging you after you've requested cancellation, you can lodge a formal complaint with the MDTCCL's Consumer Affairs Division. Keep all email correspondence and screenshots of your cancellation request as evidence.

Refund rights and what SCMP's policy actually says

SCMP's published terms state that "subscription fees are non-refundable" and that "unused time is generally not refunded." However, this does not override your statutory rights under Malaysian consumer law. If you cancel within a reasonable period (typically 14 days for digital services in many jurisdictions, though Malaysia does not specify an exact window), you may have grounds to request a partial refund or credit.

In practice, SCMP rarely offers refunds for annual plans, especially if you've accessed the service for more than 7 days. However, if you cancelled in time to stop the next renewal and SCMP charged you again, that is an error and you should request a reversal immediately.

Methods to cancel South China Morning Post from malaysia

SCMP offers three cancellation routes depending on how you subscribed: direct web cancellation through your account, cancellation via the Apple App Store, or cancellation through Google Play. Each route has different steps and timelines.

How to cancel a direct SCMP web subscription

If you subscribed directly on SCMP's website (scmp.com) using a credit card, debit card, or PayPal, you cancel through your account portal.

1. Visit account.scmp.com and sign in with your email and password.
   • If you've forgotten your password, click "Forgot password" and follow the email reset link.
2. Once logged in, look for a "Subscriptions" or "Manage subscriptions" tab in the left-hand menu or account settings.
   • On some account screens, this appears under "Billing" or "Account details."
3. Find your active SCMP subscription and locate the three-dot menu icon (⋮) or an "Edit" button next to it.
   • This menu may appear on the right side of the subscription row.
4. Click the menu and select "Cancel subscription" or "Turn off auto-renewal."
   • Warning: Do not simply click "Pause." Pause temporarily stops billing but you will be charged again when the pause ends.
5. SCMP will ask you why you're cancelling. Select your reason from the dropdown (optional, but helpful feedback for the company).
   • Common reasons: "Too expensive," "Not reading enough," or "Found alternative source."
6. Read the final confirmation message carefully. SCMP should confirm your cancellation date and whether any refund is available.
   • Take a screenshot of this confirmation screen immediately.
7. Check your email within 5 minutes. SCMP should send a cancellation confirmation email to the address on your account.
   • Pro tip: If no email arrives within 10 minutes, log back in and verify that your subscription still shows as "Active" or "Cancelled" to confirm the action went through.

Timing note: SCMP stops charging you on your next billing date, not immediately. For example, if your renewal date is 15 March and you cancel on 10 March, you retain access until 14 March and no charge occurs on 15 March. However, if you cancel after 15 March, you've already been charged and that renewal is non-refundable under SCMP's policy.

How to cancel an apple app store subscription

If you subscribed to SCMP through the Apple App Store (iOS), you must cancel through Apple's subscription management portal, not through SCMP's website.

1. On your iPhone or iPad, open the Settings app.
   • On iOS 15 and later, tap your profile icon at the top.
2. Tap Subscriptions.
   • If you don't see this, try Settings > Account > Subscriptions.
3. Find South China Morning Post in the list and tap it.
   • Scroll down if SCMP is not visible on the first screen.
4. Tap Cancel subscription or Turn off auto-renewal.
   • Apple will display a final offer (sometimes a discount or free trial) to keep you subscribed.
5. Confirm the cancellation by tapping the final confirmation button.
   • Pro tip: Apple sends a confirmation email immediately. Check your inbox within 2 minutes to verify.

If you're using a Mac, the steps are similar: System Settings > General > Subscriptions > find SCMP > click "Cancel" or "Turn off auto-renewal."

How to cancel a google play subscription

If you subscribed through the Google Play Store (Android), cancellation happens within the Play Store app or on the Google Play website.

1. Open the Google Play Store app on your Android device (or visit play.google.com on a web browser).
   • If using the app, tap the profile icon in the top-right corner.
2. Tap Manage subscriptions (or Subscriptions on the web).
   • You may need to tap "Manage all subscriptions" if this is your first time.
3. Find South China Morning Post in your active subscriptions list.
   • If you see multiple entries, select the one marked "Active."
4. Tap Cancel subscription.
   • Google Play may offer a discount or free extension to retain you.
5. Select your reason for cancellation and confirm.
   • Google sends a cancellation confirmation email within minutes.

Warning: Uninstalling the SCMP app does not cancel your subscription. You must complete the steps above or Google Play will continue charging you.

Cancelling by contacting SCMP directly

If the self-service cancellation methods above don't work, or if you prefer to cancel in writing, you can contact SCMP's Circulation Department directly. This is also the recommended route if you have a print subscription bundled with your digital access.

How to cancel by email or mail

SCMP's official guidance states that you can cancel print and bundled subscriptions by providing "prior written notice (at least five business days)" before your renewal date. This means you must submit your cancellation request at least five working days (Monday to Friday, excluding public holidays) before SCMP is due to charge you again.

1. Draft an email with the following information:
   • Your full name as it appears on your account.
   • Your email address and phone number (SCMP has on file).
   • Your subscription account number (visible in your account portal or billing email).
   • Your current subscription plan and next billing date.
   • Your request to cancel effective immediately or on a specific date.
   • A request for cancellation confirmation in writing.
2. Send your email to [email protected] with the subject line: "Subscription Cancellation Request - [Your Name]"
   • Pro tip: Use "Registered" or tracked email to prove delivery if SCMP later claims they didn't receive your request.
3. Allow 2 to 3 business days for SCMP to respond. They should send a confirmation email stating your cancellation date and whether any refund applies.
   • If you do not hear back within 3 business days, send a follow-up email or call.
4. Alternatively, you can mail a written cancellation notice to:
   • South China Morning Post Limited
     Circulation Department
     GPO Box 47, Hong Kong
     (Include your full details as listed above.)

If you're cancelling by mail, post your letter at least 7 days before your renewal date to account for postal delays between Malaysia and Hong Kong. Email is faster and leaves a digital trail, making it the preferred method for Stopee users.

Phone cancellation (if you need immediate assistance)

SCMP's phone line is +852 2680 8822, based in Hong Kong. Since Malaysia and Hong Kong share UTC+8 time zone, calling during Hong Kong business hours (roughly 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM HKT, Monday to Friday) gives you the best chance of reaching someone. Ask for the Circulation Department and provide your account details as listed above.

Warning: International calls to Hong Kong may incur charges from your Malaysian phone provider. Check your phone plan or use a VoIP app like WhatsApp or Skype to reduce costs.

What happens after you cancel

Cancelling SCMP can feel anticlimactic, but knowing what to expect protects you from unwanted charges and confusion down the line.

Your access timeline and final charges

When you cancel, SCMP does not cut off your access immediately. You retain full subscription access until your next billing date passes. For example, if you cancel on 10 March and your renewal date is 25 March, you can read normally until 24 March. On 25 March, SCMP does not charge you, and your access ends.

If you cancel after your billing date (for instance, you cancel on 26 March after being charged on 25 March), that charge is final. SCMP does not offer refunds for the period you've already paid for, even if you only used it for one day.

Email reminders and verification

After cancellation, monitor your email for two things:

• A cancellation confirmation email from SCMP (within 24 hours). This is your proof of cancellation.
• An absence of renewal reminders. If SCMP normally sends renewal reminder emails and you still receive one after cancellation, your cancellation may not have processed correctly.

Around 7 days after your original renewal date was supposed to occur, log back into your account at account.scmp.com and confirm that your subscription no longer appears in the active subscriptions list. If it still shows as "Active," contact SCMP immediately using the email or phone details above. This is rare, but it happens if your cancellation request was not processed.

What to do if SCMP charges you after cancellation

If you are charged after submitting a cancellation request, this is an error and you have the right to demand a refund. Take these steps:

1. Do not panic. Respond quickly by emailing [email protected] with your cancellation confirmation email and a request for a full refund within 14 days.
   • Cite your cancellation request and the fact that you no longer wish to use the service.
2. If SCMP refuses within 5 business days, contact your bank or credit card company and file a chargeback or dispute.
   • Most Malaysian banks process chargebacks within 30 days if you have proof of cancellation.
3. If the amount is significant or SCMP continues charging, escalate to the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (MDTCCL) Consumer Affairs Division with all email correspondence and cancellation proof.
   • You can file a complaint online at the MDTCCL website or visit your local branch.

Common cancellation mistakes to avoid

Thousands of people cancel subscriptions every day, and the same mistakes surface repeatedly. Knowing these traps in advance means you won't become another frustrated customer hunting for a refund months later.

Mistake 1: confusing "pause" with "cancel"

SCMP's account portal offers both "Pause subscription" and "Cancel subscription" options. Pausing temporarily stops charges but automatically resumes after a set period (usually 30 days). If you pause instead of cancel and forget about it, SCMP will charge you again without warning. Always select "Cancel" if you have no intention of resubscribing.

Mistake 2: cancelling after the billing date

If your renewal date is the 15th and you cancel on the 16th, you have already been charged. That charge is non-refundable under SCMP's policy. To avoid a charge you don't want, cancel at least 1 day before your renewal date. Better still, cancel 3 to 5 days early to give SCMP time to process your request.

Mistake 3: assuming app deletion cancels your subscription

Simply deleting the SCMP app from your phone does nothing. Your subscription remains active and SCMP continues charging you. You must go through Apple Settings, Google Play, or SCMP's account portal to formally cancel. Stopee has tracked many cases where users deleted the app, forgot about the subscription, and were charged 6 months later.

Mistake 4: not taking screenshots of your cancellation

If a dispute arises weeks or months later, you need proof that you cancelled. Take screenshots of your account page before cancellation (showing your plan and renewal date) and your cancellation confirmation screen. Email confirmations can be deleted or lost, but screenshots are harder to dispute.

Mistake 5: ignoring the five-business-day rule for mail or complex cancellations

SCMP's terms state that cancellations by mail or formal notice require "at least five business days" notice. This means you cannot cancel on a Friday and expect SCMP not to charge you on Monday. Count five working days (excluding weekends and public holidays in Hong Kong) before your renewal date and send your request by then. When in doubt, email or call 7 days early.

Should you cancel, pause, or keep your SCMP subscription?

Not every subscription is a bad one, and Stopee recognises that cancellation is sometimes the wrong choice. Before you cancel, consider these alternatives.

Reasons to keep your SCMP subscription

• You actively read premium China coverage, business news, or analysis multiple times per week.
• You work in a field (finance, trade, government, journalism) where SCMP's reporting is professionally valuable.
• You prefer SCMP's tone and editorial standards to free news sources.
• You've just renewed an annual plan and you know you'll use it heavily in the coming months.

Reasons to pause instead of cancel

• You've been too busy to read recently, but expect to resume in 1 to 2 months.
• You want to test a competitor's service (Financial Times, Bloomberg) without fully committing.
• You're temporarily short on money but don't want to lose your subscription history or saved articles.
• SCMP offers a pause option that will remind you before reactivation.

Reasons to cancel outright

• You rarely or never read SCMP articles in a typical week.
• You find equivalent news from free sources (BBC, Reuters, local Malaysian outlets) sufficient.
• The cost no longer fits your budget and pausing won't solve the problem.
• You've switched to a competitor service you prefer.
• SCMP's coverage doesn't match your interests anymore.

Refund policy and how to claim if you're eligible

SCMP's published refund policy is strict, but Malaysian consumer law creates exceptions. Understanding the difference protects you if you need to escalate a complaint.

What SCMP's refund policy actually says

SCMP states: "Subscription fees are non-refundable. Unused time is generally not refunded." In plain terms, this means if you pay for a month and cancel after 3 days, SCMP will not refund the unused 27 days. Similarly, if you cancel an annual plan after 6 months, SCMP will not refund the remaining 6 months.

However, SCMP includes a caveat: "generally not refunded." This language suggests exceptions exist. Those exceptions fall under consumer protection law, not SCMP's terms.

When you might qualify for a refund

1. Within 14 days of first purchase (if SCMP failed to provide clear cancellation instructions). The Consumer Protection Act 1999 implies a right to cancel digital services within a reasonable timeframe if the supplier did not properly disclose cancellation terms. If you can prove SCMP's cancellation information was hidden or unclear at purchase, you may have a 14-day refund claim.
2. If SCMP charged you after you cancelled. If you submitted a valid cancellation request and SCMP charged you anyway, you have the right to recover that charge.
3. If the service was not provided as described. If your access was repeatedly broken, blocked, or unavailable for extended periods due to SCMP's fault, you may claim a partial refund for downtime.
4. If SCMP breached the Consumer Protection Act 1999 by making cancellation deliberately difficult. If SCMP required you to call overseas, navigate a confusing interface, or jump through multiple steps to cancel, you can cite this breach when demanding a refund from the MDTCCL.

Pro tip: Most refund claims fail because the consumer doesn't ask correctly. When requesting a refund, reference the specific breach (for example: "I cancelled on 10 March, you charged me on 15 March, which violates the Consumer Protection Act 1999 Section X"). This gives SCMP legal reason to comply.

How to request a refund from SCMP

1. Email [email protected] with the subject: "Refund Request - [Your Name] - [Account Number]"
2. State your reason (e.g., "I cancelled on [date] and was charged on [date]" or "I request a refund under Consumer Protection Act 1999 Section [X] due to [breach]").
3. Attach or reference your cancellation confirmation and the billing charge that should not have occurred.
4. Request a response within 14 days.
5. If SCMP refuses, escalate to the MDTCCL Consumer Affairs Division with all correspondence.

Checklist before you cancel

Use this checklist before submitting your cancellation to avoid regret or missed steps.

Frequently made cancellation comparison

Not sure whether to switch to a competitor or try a free alternative first? This table compares SCMP to other major news sources used by Malaysian readers.

Contacting SCMP and escalation steps

If you run into trouble during cancellation, Stopee recommends escalating through the correct channels in this order: self-service portal, email, phone, then formal complaint authority.

Contact details for South China Morning Post

Email (Circulation/Subscriptions): [email protected]

Phone (Circulation Department): +852 2680 8822 (Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM HKT)

Mailing address (for formal cancellation notice):

South China Morning Post Limited
Circulation Department
GPO Box 47
Hong Kong

Web account portal: account.scmp.com

Help centre: help.scmp.com

If SCMP refuses or ignores your cancellation request

If SCMP does not respond within 5 business days, or if they refuse to cancel without valid reason, escalate to Malaysia's consumer protection authority:

Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (MDTCCL)
Consumer Affairs Division
Level 1, Block D, Kompleks Putra Perdana
62000 Putrajaya
Malaysia
Phone: 1800-886-800 (toll-free)
Email: [email protected]

File a formal complaint online or in person if SCMP breaches the Consumer Protection Act 1999 by making cancellation difficult, charging you after cancellation, or refusing to honour your cancellation request. Include all email correspondence, cancellation confirmations, and billing records as evidence.

Final thoughts on cancelling responsibly

Cancelling SCMP is straightforward if you follow the steps above and stay organised. The most important moves are: cancel at least 1 day before your renewal date, use the self-service portal if possible, take screenshots for proof, and monitor your email for confirmation. If SCMP charges you incorrectly after cancellation, you have both company and legal remedies available.

Stopee has helped thousands of Malaysian consumers cancel news subscriptions, streaming services, and memberships without losing refunds or facing surprise charges. Our guides are built on real user experience and consumer protection law, not guesswork. Whether you're leaving SCMP temporarily or permanently, cancelling with confidence means you stay in control of your money and your inbox.

If you encounter resistance from SCMP during cancellation, remember that you have rights under Malaysian law. Do not accept vague promises to "check your account" or "look into it." Demand written confirmation of your cancellation date, and follow up in writing every single time. Stopee recognises that persistence is often the key to getting what you're owed, and we encourage you to stand firm until SCMP confirms your cancellation in writing or your next billing date passes without a charge.