What is this service all about?
The StarSearch Booking Online system is the latest enhancement to The Star's StarSearch advertisement placement service designed for the convenience of individuals who wish to place StarSearch advertisements in The Star anytime, anywhere. The only requirements are that you have access to an Internet-connected computer and a MasterCard or VISA credit card. For the time being, this is the only acceptable mode of payment. We do not accept payment through Public Bank branches for online booking. In the future or as the market dictates, we will add other payment modes.

How do I place an advertisement via this service?

Just follow the steps:
	Step 1	Register as a StarSearch user. If you have already registered, please login.
	Step 2	Click on the "I want to book a new ad" button.
	Step 3	Select the advertisement type from the drop-down box, e.g. Cars for sale.
	Step 4	Enter the advertisement details.
	Step 5	Choose the number of days you want it to be published.
	Step 6	Choose the edition in which you want it to be published.
	Step 7	Select your preferred publication date(s).
	Step 8	Check your advertisement.
	Step 9	Submit your advertisement and print out the page for reference.
	Step 10	Select "Yes" to continue with credit card payment.
	Step 11	Done! Please allow at least one day for processing.
	Note: Please close your existing browser and open a new one to pay for subsequent new ad(s) created. This is to ensure no errors will occur during payment for the transaction.

Why should I use it over the traditional method?
Unlike the traditional method where you'd have to call in or show up personally at one of our designated booking centres to place your advertisement, the online service allows you to achieve the same thing at your own time and convenience. In addition, booking via this service offers you more control over how your advertisement will appear. You are also kept informed of the status of your transaction each step of the way.

Is it safe to give my credit card information online?
Despite the stories you may have heard, online credit card transactions are far more secure than offline because your credit card information is communicated securely between your computer and the payment gateway (Citibank). That's right, we don't even collect your credit card information: that portion is done by our payment gateway where the connection is secured by 128-bit encryption technology.

I don't have a 128-bit browser. Would my credit card data be safe?
Yes. With non-128-bit browsers, the encryption level automatically drops to the default 40-bit encryption.

If I change my mind can I revoke my booking?
Yes, you can, as long as your advertisement has not been confirmed or verified by our StarSearch staff. You may check this information by logging in to https://ads.thestar.com.my/adbooking/. If your advertisement has already been confirmed or verified, but you need changes made, you are required to email classifieds@thestar.com.my the necessary changes and include the reference number as well. (Note: StarSearch staff reserve the right to accept/decline the changes).

What is the cut-off time if I want my advertisement to appear the following day?
For the initial phase, your advertisement must be submitted by 11am to ensure that it gets published the following day. However, this deadline may change in future.

What type of advertisement may I book?
Currently, you may only book run-on(text only) advertisements. Please note that StarSearch advertisements for the categories of "Marriages", "Births", "Obituaries", "Friendship" and "Business Opportunities" require relevant documents for verification, and may not be booked online.

Where will my advertisement be published?
Your advertisement will be published both in The Star newspaper and StarSearch Online .

When should I pay for my advertisement?
Your advertisement booking is not confirmed until the payment process is completed. You will be required to "pay" when booking the advertisement but your credit card will not be charged until our StarSearch staff have approved and verified your advertisement manually. The system will send you an e-mail concerning the status of your booking so that you will be kept informed at all times.

Why didn't my Metro advertisement appear in the newspaper on Sunday?
It is because Metro is not published on Sunday.

What is StarSearch Membership?
StarSearch is a web community service that enables you to enjoy facilities like chat, clubs, forums and many others with just a single sign-on.

I don't want to sign up as a StarSearch member. Can I still place my ad online?
No, not at the moment. However, we would encourage you to set up a StarSearch account to enjoy the flexibility and full advantages of the service, which includes the ability to re-book ads, receive e-mail alerts, as well as other value-added services offered to StarSearch members.

I've forgotten my StarSearch user ID / password. How do I retrieve this information?
The password and user ID information is sent automatically to a user whenever it is requested. In order for the system to send the information to the correct mailbox, you need to associate your StarSearch account with a valid e-mail account, e.g. your Jaring or TMnet accounts. To retrieve your password now, click here .

If you have additional questions, please call Star Online Booking at 03-79668200 (Mon thru Fri, 9am to 5.30pm), or email us at classifieds@thestar.com.my.